Our Family Life 2021 (24/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (24/52)

Monday

Freddie started his new toddler group today. It was only a small group of around nine children but it was lovely. They had a huge range of wooden toys. The little kitchen area was absolutely adorable. The washing machine even had a little working drum!

The children made bread, sang songs, listened to a story, and even made felt treetops. I’ve never done felting before, but we made balls which we dipped in washing up liquid and rolled before adding the coloured felt wool. Freddie loved the washing-up liquid part, but then a little boy threw a wooden ball into the water which of course was much more fun so Freddie joined in.

He also became more than a bit obsessed with the toilets. They had tiny toilets with little sinks, all Freddie height so he kept telling me that he needed a wee so he could mess around in there.

I didn’t take the pram as were slowly fading it out and he was well and truly knackered by the time we got home. He had such a lovely time though.

This made us a gorgeous steak dinner which could beat any steak restaurant hands down. Freddie took himself off to the sofa and fell asleep which he never does!

Tuesday 

I worked from home. Freddie has been really quiet today and he’s got a temperature so he’s had lots of snuggles with Daddy, and I’ve been popping in and out to see him. Towards the end of the day, we knew that he was coming down with something so we dosed him up on Calpol and crossed everything that it wasn’t going to be too rough.

Wednesday 

Hmm, the day started at about 3.30 am for me this morning when Freddie covered our entire bed in sick. I had to strip him off, strip all the bedding and sheets off as well as cuddle him whilst his little body heaved with yet more sick. This is the first time he’s been properly poorly which I suppose is because he’s been shielded from all the usual germs that he would have likely picked up. At 6 am I did a job swap with Daddy so that I could get a couple of hours sleep before he went off to work. 

He managed to eat a bit of toast which I think he really enjoyed. He was clingy for most of the day, but no more sickness until near bedtime when he started up again. This time we managed to get it all in the sick. In usual Freddie form, he wanted to know where the sick had come from. I told him it was from his tummy and was the food that he’d been eating to which he looked disgusted and told me ‘No, I not eaten any of that’. 

I went to bed early tonight anticipating that we were going to have another rough night. 

We got our first Hello Fresh Delivery today which Freddie helped me unpack. I’ve been wanting to order one of these food subscription services for ages. I love that it’s as easy as picking from a takeaway menu, and then it arrives all ready for you to cook with no more thought needed. I ordered the three meal options which we’re saving for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday which will be perfect since Freddie is ill. I’ll let you know how we get on with that.

Thursday 

I wasn’t wrong, and I was also supposed to be working from the office. Now, this is where working from home is literally the best thing ever! I could stay at home and work whilst being able to pop down for cuddles when Freddie needed me. Now that’s a work/life balance that all of us mums need. 

Saturday 

The day started off okay. We have a patch at the bottom of the garden where brambles keep growing. with all the rain lately, the brambles took hold pretty quickly and there was one long one at the back which you could easily have mistaken for a prickly beanstalk. We took to the brambles with shears, and after making sure the kids were being careful, I chopped the massive one down. Only I didn’t really think about where it was going to fall and it literally landed on me AND got stuck in my hair. Belle, bless her did try to help but it was too prickly for her so I did a sort of weird jiggy dance until it fell off. 

After that little blip, we smashed it and got it all cut down pretty quickly. Then we raked it into a pile where it was going to be bagged up for the tip. Halfway through raking, we discovered that we’d uncovered an area that was heaving with newts. There were all in little piles and started running around. Belle declared that they must be rehomed, so we spent the next however long using a bucket and spade to carefully collect the newts and rehome them in a different part of the garden. 

That’s where the arguing started between Belle and Freddie. They both wanted to rehome all the Nigel’s (a mutually chosen name for the newts) and they were literally playing tug of war with the bucket. 

We eventually got it all done and installed our old sandpit which we’re going to use as a planter. Now we just have to fill it with soil and get planting. 

That evening we did something we haven’t done for ages. I cooked the kids tea early and we ate when they were in bed. We used to eat this way every night when Ryan was little and we both worked full-time. He would eat when he got back from school and we would eat at around 7.30. I got to eat my food without anyone trying to eat it or anyone trying to sit on my lap. Bliss.

Sunday 

Another day still at home as Freddie is still full of a cold. It is my Nephews birthday today and we were going to visit him with his present, but we don’t want to spread Freddie’s germs about. 

Ryan popped in for a visit before going back to base so the kids had a water fight in the garden with Ryan and Belle going to battle against each other. Belle got soaked, but then Freddie was the wildcard who soaked Ryan from behind when he was dodging Belle. 

 

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Our Family Life 2021 (23/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (23/52)

Monday

It’s the first day of the holidays and Freddie’s birthday week. Daddy has to work today so we had to entertain ourselves. Of all the places to be going, we off to B&M and Matalan. Belle wants to pick a present for Freddie from B&M and get some new clothes from Matalan. This wasn’t as bad as I expected – Belle usually turns into a total diva when it comes to clothes shopping. I even managed to get myself a couple of tops. As well as picking some stuff up for Freddie. Freddie spotted a shopping trolly – the shopping trolly came with us. I’ve got no more to say on that matter!!

We grabbed some McDonald’s on the way out as it’s in the same shopping bit and sat in some nearby gardens to eat it. They have a wisteria tunnel in the gardens which the kids enjoyed running through. All in all it was a very pleasant experience.

Tuesday

We booked to go to Crealy. The weather was absolutely gorgeous and we had a great day. The kids took it in turns to pick what they wanted to go on. We went on a pirate ship that went up and down making your stomach flip over, we went in several of the play areas and loads of other rides. The ride that belle was most looking forward to was the log flume. It was also the ride we waited the longest for (45 minutes). We’ve been on it before without any problems.

However, this time, Isabelle screamed blue murder right from the get-go. She screamed for it to stop, for someone to help her, she pleaded and screamed the whole time. I couldn’t stop laughing, even more so when we got off and saw the photograph that they took. She’s not going to live this down for a very long time and even she found it funny afterwards. We even got included in Crealy’s socials which was quite funny.

Wednesday 

We had a day at home getting all sorted for Freddies birthday on Saturday. The kids we’re both happy with this as we’ve had a busy few days. 

Thursday 

We went down to Plymouth for the day today to visit our niece who we’ve only seen a couple of times since she was born thanks to the pandemic. Freddie enjoyed playing with her toys and Belle’s silly dances had her laughing and smiling. 

Friday 

We went to our local beach. We weren’t sure what to expect, but it was clear when we got there that it was jammed with little if any social distancing going on. We walked further along the beach until we found a spot that wasn’t super busy. We forgot how a day at the beach is not relaxing as a parent. Freddie was up and down to the water which meant that we had to take it in turns to chase after him. He found a little girl to play with and sat digging holes and filling them with water. We then did what we haven’t done for a long while. We did have a little go in the arcade but it was short lived as we had to wear masks which made it completely unenjoyable. We got chips followed by hot doughnuts. It’s practically the rules of beach going as far as we’re concerned. 

Saturday 

It’s Freddie’s 3rd Birthday. We had hoped to have a family picnic, but the forecast for the weather was pretty rubbish so we decided to plan a day out instead to Woodlands theme park. It was such a good day and the kids had a really good time. We went on rides, played in the park areas dotted around as well as going in the soft play which felt safe enough. I think that everyone appreciates a day out much more than we did pre-pandemic. Freddie had the best birthday followed by cake on our return. 

Sunday 

Family visits in shifts! It feels ridiculous, but it’s the only way that we can do it at the moment. Fingers crossed that next year we’ll be all back to normal. 

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Our Family Life 2021 (22/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (22/52)

Monday

We still don’t really do much on a Monday. I do try and do a bit of work before Chris goes back to work, but we’re still waiting to get back into toddler groups and activities which is proving to be a bit of a nightmare. We’re starting a toddler group on the 7th June, but until then it’s still just me entertaining Freddie with games, messing around and make-up tutorials.

Tuesday

Another work at home day for me. Do you prefer to work in silence or with a bit of background noise? I’ve started listening to podcasts so these are my go to at the moment. My favourite are business ones but as well as my naughty one which is Shagged, Married, Annoyed with Chris and Rosie Ramsey. Only listen if you don’t have the kids around as the contents is very child unfriendly. It’s hilarious though!

Wednesday

So it looks as though the weather for Freddie’s birthday is going to be crap so we’re going to have to scrap the picnic party and have a rethink. Do we invite people around in shifts, and then kick them out when their time slots done so that we’re following the COVID guidelines. If the weathers crap then we can’t sit in the garden. Oh crappity crap, I’m fed up of all these rules. We need a back up plan. Maybe we’ll go out for the actual day and then do the family shifts on Sunday. Ok, I need to book something. Maybe the zoo.

Sorry that was just literally a brain dump.

Thursday

Today is a work day, but I’m on a project management training course via zoom. I’m not a massive fan of zoom and this is going to be a 9 – 5 jobby. I thought it was an in-house course but it was an outside company so it was a really unlicensed mix of people from the local police, NHS staff like me and charity based workers.

Although I felt quite drained by 5 o’clock, it was really good and gave me a lot to think about.

Friday

We had to nip out for a few bits and bobs so Freddie and I did a bit of shopping and then walked slowly home along the river. We’re still in limbo with the pram. I don’t thing we’re quite ready to ditch the pram but he doesn’t really want to sit in it either. It’s kind of like a glorified bag and shopping hanger and I’m itching for it to be gone.

Isabelle is staying at her friends for a sleepover tonight. I wasn’t sure at first but then they spend all day at school together so we let her go. She was so excited. She came down with an enormous sports bag which I had to unpack and repack taking out all the extra fidget toys, make-up and severely changes of clothes!

Saturday

As Isabelle was on her sleepover Freddie and I had a quiet day playing in the garden and doing bits and bobs around the house. We did nip out to walk the dog. Freddie wears a backpack with a child lead which is a total godsend. He’s always obsessed with wanting to jump in the river – I do wonder if he would actually do it but I’m not willing to take the risk. We’re still keeping an eye on the weather app for updates to next week for Freddie’s birthday, but it’s still saying a 70% chance of rain starting on Wednesday and lasting through the weekend. Chris is adamant that the picnic can’t go ahead whereas I’m clinging on to the hope that we can still pull it off.

Sunday

We had a chill day as next week is school holidays and we’ve got lots planned which will be fun.

Our Family Life 2021 (21/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (21/52)

Monday

Today was just a catch up from the weekend on washing and cleaning/tidying etc. I was also gearing up for some social media training as this is something that really interests me in my Virtual Assistant capacity.

Tuesday

Just a usual work at home day for me today and then back to social media training this evening. I haven’t taken any photos at all over the last couple of days which is unusual for me. I also found a house, that I love. It’s not where we live currently, but on the outskirts BUT it ticks literally all the boxes AND it has a purpose built garden office. Tick tick tick tick! How practical would it be to buy a house when its not withing walking distance from school and I don’t drive? Ok so not practical at all, but his house has decent sized rooms, wouldn’t need a bathroom or kitchen upgrade for now and has a huge garden. And the office garden is just the cherry on the top. So we’re not quite ready to be making offers on houses, we need to have an appointment with a mortgage broker or bank but I’m an eager beaver.

Wednesday

Birthday preparation was top of the agenda today. Freddie turns three at the beginning of June and we’re having a picnic party at Dartmoor so lots of things to organise. I’ve had a lot of fun on Pinterest today looking for yummy picnic food that is tasty but doesn’t take ages to prepare or make. I’m thinking big french sticks with various fillings which we can make before we go and cut as and when we eat them. I’ve also been looking at the grazing platters which look amazing – maybe I could make in foil trays. Then there’s all the drinks, cutlery and extra snacky bits. Looks like the car is going to be loaded up.

Thursday

An uneventful day at the office. I’m working within a new team who I didn’t know before and they’ve been so nice and making me feel welcome. They’ve even invited me out for an all you can drink Prosecco brunch. Unfortunately I can’t go but it sounds amazing!

Friday

As we’re looking for houses on the outskirts of Exeter, it’s time that I got my driving license. It’s not something that I’ve always wanted to do but it would make life a lot easier, especially as I spend every weekend in my own with the kids. So before I faltered I got online and sorted that. It should be here within a couple of weeks so I just need to find a driving instructor.

Saturday

It’s a Luka weekend this weekend so the house is hectic with both boys running around getting every single toy out and playing with about two of them. It’s noisy and messy, but we love having him over.

Sunday

A lovely garden and chill day today with a bit of houses stuff thrown in.

 

Our Family Life 2021 (19/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (19/52)

Monday

Bank holiday Monday and nowhere to go. I’m not really fussed about going out for drinks or food as yet, but it would have been nice to do something with the kids. As it was, it was raining so another day at home. I made the first lasagne in ages. Chris is really good so it was a test to see if mine was better. I missed out on the crown for best lasagne, and literally only scraped through with being better than school lasagne. We made a cheeky reel if you want to see what my daughter thinks.

 

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Tuesday

Tuesday was a work from home day. We were also waiting for the plumber to come and fix the kitchen sink. He finally arrived at around 4pm so we had fish and chips for tea, by the time he was finished and gone.

Wednesday

Wednesday was my Step-Dads funeral. The day started off really grey and rainy, but by the time we were at the crematorium it had brightened up. It was cold, but we had blue skies. The funeral was as sad as expected. The worse bit is seeing how upset your kids are. They’ve only seen him for well over a year to wave at from their balcony which is so awful. We were taking Freddie with us but at last minute decided to ask my in-laws to look after him. I’m sure a funeral comes under essential childcare so I don’t think we broke any COVID rules as a one-off. We went to a local pub to toast his memory and ended up staying for food. It was nice being out, but still a bit of a strange experience

Thursday

Thursday I was back in the office. There was lots of chat about going out and the fact that the weather is killing any enjoyment. Everyone’s on countdown to June when hopefully the COVID shackles will be removed. It was also polling day so the school was closed as it’s used  as a polling station.

Friday

Freddie and I took it easy on Friday. I felt absolutely exhausted after the funeral and all the thoughts that come with that. I put my phone to one side and we did jigsaws, read books, played with playdoh and crawled around the floor as cats. Freddie loves to pretend he’s a cat, quite a lot or sometimes a puffy (puppy).

Saturday and Sunday

What the hell is wrong with the weather at the moment! We’re craving being outdoors, but the weather has been so rubbish. Hats off to all the people braving the weather to sit under umbrellas whilst fending off the wind and the rain. We stayed home as is the norm these days.

We did make homemade pizzas on Sunday for dinner which both kids enjoyed. Dinner times are not very pleasant at the moment. Isabelle complains about every single meal we give her and  Freddie just doesn’t like sitting at the table at all. Thankfully as they made the pizza’s themselves, Belle couldn’t complain as she’d made the food and Freddie was keen to get Daddy to eat his ‘Best pizza’.

Our Family Life 2021 (13/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (13/52)

Our Family Life started off with such sad news. A missed call from my Mum in the middle of the night and I knew that my Step-dad was gone. It wasn’t a surprise. When I said goodbye to him in the hospice yesterday I had a feeling that it was the last time. You think that you’re prepared when you know that it’s happening, but it still takes your breath away when it actually happens. Today was a sad day, made sadder when I had to ring our son to tell him that he was gone, and more so when I told Isabelle that her Grandad that she’d only been able to see from their balcony. Knowing that your kids are hurting hurts more than anything.

Tuesday I was grateful that I was on annual leave from work. I spent the day wiping my nose (thanks for the cold Freddie) and having lots of cuddles to get me through the day. Belle wanted to go to school to see her friends so I let her teacher know what had happened so that she could keep an eye on her.

Garden Play

Wednesday Freddie and I spent the morning in the garden. Our garden isn’t ready for playing in for ages yet. It doesn’t have very good drainage so the grass stays really wet, but that didn’t stop up getting the tuff tray out on the patio with some water in it. probably not the best option given that we’re both recovering from colds, but the fresh air was helping me stay awake and Freddie had a lovely time.

Thursday I think I’m finally over my cold so I went to see my Mum to help with the funeral arrangements and other bits and bobs. We still can’t decide which songs to choose. He was a huge fan of Mama Mia, but none of the songs feel appropriate. It made us laugh thinking of the last song being Dancing Queen or Money Money Money!

Friday was a quiet day at home. Freddie keeps me distracted by playing Playdoh, Paw Patrol and we also did some Easter Painting which he really enjoyed. Belle hates it when we do fun stuff whilst she’s at school so we have to try and play it down to save ourselves a drama.

Setting up an Indoor Camp

Saturday we had a really fun day setting up an indoor camp as a dry run in preparation for The Big Little Tent Festival. It’s amazing what you can create with blankets, cushions, pillows, and your dining table. I wasn’t really in the mood for it, but the kids had a lot of fun and it passed the day away so all in all was a good day.

Moldy Bread!

Yesterday we had a bit of an abrupt start. We actually forgot about the clocks changing so we got up with very little time for Chris to get up and out to work. On weekends we like to have a bit of a leisurely breakfast. Isabelle opted for poached egg on toast and Freddie chose to have coconut yoghurt and granola. As we were almost finished eating, Isabelle noticed a spot of mold on the edge of her toast. Yep, total Mum fail, we were eating moldy bread. After reassuring her that she wouldn’t get ill from eating moldy bread she was fine, but she totally milked it for the rest of the day.

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Our Family Life 2021 (5/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (5/52)

Monday

Another week and today is another work day but I can’t concentrate one little bit. I have a funeral to go to tomorrow and it’s the only thing I can think of. Losing someone, particularly now whilst we aren’t able to see people is so hard. Working was a welcome distraction.

Tuesday

It was the funeral of my brother-in-law today. Taken far too soon. It was a shock and will be for some time.

The funeral was very different from the usual setup, but I’m glad that we were given the chance to say goodbye. It was very strange wearing a mask throughout. It was hot and your face underneath literally gets covered in snot. There was no wake, no drink to toast his life, but it’s something we can do when the time is right.

Wednesday

It was our lovely Charlie’s 7th birthday, and not a year goes by without cake and presents for him.

Making a cake and wrapping presents for him was a welcome distraction after yesterday.

We love how he knows when presents are for him. He throws himself into shredding the wrapping paper making so much mess, but it’s all part of the fun.

Much like children, I can’t believe that our fur baby is seven already (49 in dog years). As a labradoodle, he’s a bit of a nutter by nature, but he has slowed down over the last year or so. He too is craving the attention of people other than us.

Thursday

Let’s just say. Homeschooling, work, and a toddler – Day written off!

Friday

Our son comes home with his son which is always a lovely distraction. Freddie loves having his nephew here to play. Ryan’s currently working towards his A level in maths which he needs for his engineering course. I’ve no doubt that he’ll smash this if he puts his mind to it.

Saturday

was just a day of playing. I had intended for us to go for a walk but the weather is absolutely shocking at the moment.

Sunday

Was the first day of a week off for Chris. He works really long hours and so we don’t really get much time together so we spent the day chilling, playing, and being silly on the switch. We even roped him into a Just Dance session. Shame that I couldn’t sneak a video of him absolutely killing the dad dancing.

Like Christmas, everybody is looking forward to the back of January. It’s been a tough, long month……..

Our Family Life 2021 (4/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (4/52)

Monday

Monday’s I would usually be at home with the kids, but I’ve had to temporarily change my workdays to Monday and Friday to fit in with Chris’ job.

We also had a delivery of rock cakes and chocolate cakes from Nanny which was a welcome treat.

Homeschooling will probably feature in these diaries quite a bit since it’s taking up most of our time.

To break up the day a bit Belle made us lunch today. We had a picky lunch which is a favourite of ours. It’s just loads of randoms like crackers, cheese, pickles, cucumber, etc.

As the days are long and stressful for all of us, we have to take the wind where we can and pick our fights and know when to just let things go. We finished up the day with a bedroom disco which the kids love and it gives me a minute to regain my sanity.

Thursday

Thursday was a workday for me, and I should confess that it’s one of the days that I wake up with a smile on my face knowing that I’m not the one homeschooling today. There’s definitely a spring in my step on the way upstairs for a day of hard graft. I think Chris appreciates that staying home with the kids isn’t the day off that he once thought!

I even took the opportunity to nip out to the shop ON MY OWN! It was lovely to be outside without the constant kid whinging noises or somebody wanting something. I’m not ashamed to say that I took my sweet time walking there and back!

Friday

Friday…..looking forward to the weekend and therefore the end of the school week. I don’t know if it was because Belle knew it was Friday, but she plowed on with her work so we finished off the day watching a couple of episodes of the Jurassic World cartoon series on Netflix which was really nice for all of us.

We also had a huge duplo session and made robots.

Saturday 

We seem to be working on incentives at the moment. Using treats and activities as a way of getting through each day. Most of the time it works so for now we’ll keep doing this. It’s totally exhausting but we take each day as it comes.

Belle wanted to do some baking this weekend so fairy cakes were the simple thing to do. We made a batch of 12 and split them up so that they both had six each to decorate.

Isabelle spent ages decorating hers whilst Freddie was done in around seven minutes, but he enjoyed it all the same.

Sunday

Was just a day of staying in pyjamas until near lunchtime, playing and chilling. We need to get outside but the weather is shocking at the moment with so much rain.

Another week down…..another week closer to the end of the pandemic!!

Family Life 2021 - An insight into the daily life of a family of five

Our Family Life 2021 (3/52)

Our Family Life 2021 (3/52)

Monday

Another week of homeschooling to get through, but so far so good. We’re managing with a little bit of bribery, and lots of encouragement from Belles teacher who sends a video every morning just to say hello and outline what the kids are doing that day.

We had a bit of upset with Belle getting annoyed with the activities that I’m doing with Freddie. I guess a lot of mums and Dads must be in this position. I do activities with both of them when the school work is finished but she can’t help getting FOMO about anything we do whilst she’s doing schoolwork.

We did manage a bit of painting for my niece’s birthday which Freddie really enjoyed.

Tuesday

It was my niece’s 12th birthday today. Another birthday during a lockdown. We used our daily exercise to walk to her house for a doorstep visit since she’s so close to us. It was lovely to see her and my sister.

It was also a workday for me, and I’m not going to lie, I literally skipped up the stairs. No homeschooling for me today – over to you Chris!!

Wednesday

All the days seem to blur into one at the moment so I have to check my phone just to see what day it is. It’s hard to get pictures of Freddie these days since he never stays still. If lockdown goes on much longer maybe we should do away with our regular furniture and set up a soft play so he can burn off all that excess energy.

Thursday

HOMESCHOOLING

Friday

Friday was my Mum’s birthday. We ordered her and my dad a sweet and savoury afternoon tea from a local company that delivers. We also used our dog walk just to pop by and wish her Happy Birthday on the doorstep.

Saturday

The weekend our son was back with our grandson so it was hectic but nice that Freddie had somebody to play with.

Isabelle received a certificate which was hand-delivered through the door from school. it was such a nice thing for somebody to take their time to do it m, and at the weekend as well. It was for showing outstanding values throughout the school with a little well-done note.

Sunday

That’s another week done. Another week where not a lot has been happening. I keep thinking we’ll do some baking and then I remember that thing that’s taking over – Homeschooling!

Is anybody else feeling so so tired at the moment?

Our family life 2021 - a diary of everyday life as a family of five