I need to take stock!
I have spent a fair amount of time sick in the last 12 months. There's been ups and downs, a few hospital trips and a lot of soul searching. I have neglected my friends, online and real life. I've not gone to my groups or meetings, avoided social situations too. It's been tough. I have been trying to get better I think I am almost there now, I think. Physically I still have a few issues, like but I'm feeling a lot better emotionally.
Since my last post on my blog there's heaps that's happened, oh and I forgot to mention we have a holiday abroad a few months ago too. I need to share photos, it was pretty good, I guess better late than never.
We had a heap of work done on our house too. My house is 100 years old and constructed with solid walls. Of course nice as that is the walls were cold and attracted condensation. This lead to dampness which was not fun to live with. We had the whole house dry walled! This is like an extra wall and cavity added to take away the cold walls. I have to say its made an amazing difference already, we turned the thermostat down too and I am looking forward to lower fuel bills. We swapped the kids bedrooms around while we had the rooms empty, I think we've made better use of the rooms.
Another big thing that happened is that Sol was ill. She was admitted to hospital with bleeding from her bowels. She had three weeks of being under the weather and suffering from tummy bug symptoms. Her diagnosis - camplyobacter! Where she got it from we have no idea, all we know she was sick and lucky for us we didn't catch it so I could stay with her.
Christmas was okay, we'll actually it was painfully ordinary and boring. The kids all got bicycles so they had a lot of fun, other than that nothing happened.
Okay I shall catch up with everything else when I can.
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, 25 January 2013
Friday, 4 December 2009
Cranberry Sauce Recipe
With Christmas looming I have done most of the preparations, including making some proper cranberry sauce. Keeping up with traditions I am going to share some of my recipes as the month goes by. We wont eat Christmas dinner on the day itself but will enjoy it on boxing day.
I cant really take the credit for this recipe as it is actually one Nigella Lawson shared in her Christmas book and also in her Christmas show which seems to be on every year without fail.
Recipe
340g fresh cranberries
200g caster sugar
45ml of proper cherry brandy (this is the best bit LOL)
75ml of water
Method
Put all of the above ingredients in your favourite pan and give them a good stir.
Heat the pan over a medium heat for about ten minutes, when the berries are popping then they are done. Stir the mix now and again to make sure they all pop and none get stuck to the bottom. Give the berries another good stir and leave to cool. That's about all there is too it - so easy, quick, and why would you bother ever eating supermarket cranberry sauce ever again?
I transferred all my sauce into tubs (I made double) and put them in the freezer. Take the sauce out to defrost at room temperature the day before you need to use it. When its defrosted give it a good hard stir to mix all the berries in and then just eat!
Getting ready
Well it’s the 4th of December! Don’t roll your eyes thinking I am stating the obvious will you!
I haven’t updated my blog site for so long people are beginning to think I have fallen off the face of the Earth. So here I am with a summery update for everyone, especially those who asked.
Anyway, there was a series of mini catastrophes happening such as the car breaking down while I was travelling at speed (we were ok), and the roof leaking in, and the car breaking down again, and needing repairs done at our other house and, and, and …oh there is a list.
My eldest child has been working incredibly hard lately, he has finished all his GCSE maths work and is finally ready to do his exam. That exam itself pretty much organised though forms still have to go in but the school who have accepted him are dealing with that. Mag’s first GCSE paper is in February so he has two months to revise and get everything up to scratch, if you take away time at Christmas it really isn’t that long. We have started the practise papers with him, he got an A this week, it was a low A but its still and A and shows that there is room for improvement. He is confident that come February he will be getting an A*, and of course I am really proud of him. The following academic year he will do his sciences exams and contemplate doing the advanced maths exam but we will see how it’s all going in a couple of months as there is no real rush for all this. Anyone who knows Mag will understand why he is doing these exams, he is a bright boy who has always excelled at everything he has done.
I am trying to get organised for Christmas (who isn’t?), and I am going to officially give myself a week off from cooking apart from the main event. We don’t have Christmas dinner on Christmas day usually, it’s just too much as I like to spend time with the kids and not slave over the proverbial hot stove. So I have spent several days cooking, baking, freezing, then cooking some more, vacuum sealing and freezing some more. I now have two weeks worth of prepared food in the freezers, everything from sausage rolls ready to go in the oven to lasagna that just needs finishing off and I am not going to let anyone near it till Christmas week. It feels good, and I have to say I do feel slightly smug about that fact too. Then I decided to get all of the presents done, which they are almost. The cards have yet to be written; I have written a few envelopes and will slip the cards in later. Now back to that week off ……… if only the laundry fairy could come in and do that for me then I would be all sorted.
I haven’t updated my blog site for so long people are beginning to think I have fallen off the face of the Earth. So here I am with a summery update for everyone, especially those who asked.
Anyway, there was a series of mini catastrophes happening such as the car breaking down while I was travelling at speed (we were ok), and the roof leaking in, and the car breaking down again, and needing repairs done at our other house and, and, and …oh there is a list.
My eldest child has been working incredibly hard lately, he has finished all his GCSE maths work and is finally ready to do his exam. That exam itself pretty much organised though forms still have to go in but the school who have accepted him are dealing with that. Mag’s first GCSE paper is in February so he has two months to revise and get everything up to scratch, if you take away time at Christmas it really isn’t that long. We have started the practise papers with him, he got an A this week, it was a low A but its still and A and shows that there is room for improvement. He is confident that come February he will be getting an A*, and of course I am really proud of him. The following academic year he will do his sciences exams and contemplate doing the advanced maths exam but we will see how it’s all going in a couple of months as there is no real rush for all this. Anyone who knows Mag will understand why he is doing these exams, he is a bright boy who has always excelled at everything he has done.
I am trying to get organised for Christmas (who isn’t?), and I am going to officially give myself a week off from cooking apart from the main event. We don’t have Christmas dinner on Christmas day usually, it’s just too much as I like to spend time with the kids and not slave over the proverbial hot stove. So I have spent several days cooking, baking, freezing, then cooking some more, vacuum sealing and freezing some more. I now have two weeks worth of prepared food in the freezers, everything from sausage rolls ready to go in the oven to lasagna that just needs finishing off and I am not going to let anyone near it till Christmas week. It feels good, and I have to say I do feel slightly smug about that fact too. Then I decided to get all of the presents done, which they are almost. The cards have yet to be written; I have written a few envelopes and will slip the cards in later. Now back to that week off ……… if only the laundry fairy could come in and do that for me then I would be all sorted.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
A Week In Photos - From Spider Woman To A Chef
Dressing up - Seb got a chef's outfit for Christmas and the children also all got aprons. The vet costume and the bee outfit were from previous events.
The tooth fairy also visited out house. As you can see the tooth that fell out was a top one, that top tooth was hanging by a thread for a couple of weeks (until I got sick of listening to the tears every time we ate). Underneath it was a quite well grown tooth so it is so no wonder it hurt.
she is lovely. (Do you think I am biased?)
Sol had her eye test at the hospital last week, as a result she got two new prescriptions. We went to Specsavers to order her glasses this time, and they turned out okay. Usually we go to our own optician but I did not have time to go there after doing a huge list of errands that particular day. Specsavers was in the shopping centre so it was hand to get to. The downside to Specsavers is that the only offer one free repair for each pair of glasses, our usual optician offers unlimited. I am sure it is the same NHS/government fund that pays for them so it does make you wonder why this service is not available there. For a three year old who wears lasses all of the time this is an essential part of the service. Anyways Sol was thrilled with her Mr Tickle, and Little Miss Naughty specs.
Toni has also been sick for the last couple of days, last night and this morning her temperature hit 39.5 C, it is coming down now at last. I think her tonsils are a bit red looking and she was sick, but I think she will be alright after a day or too in bed.
The tooth fairy also visited out house. As you can see the tooth that fell out was a top one, that top tooth was hanging by a thread for a couple of weeks (until I got sick of listening to the tears every time we ate). Underneath it was a quite well grown tooth so it is so no wonder it hurt.
she is lovely. (Do you think I am biased?)
Yesterday the children were playing with various games.
This is 'our' family: Roy on the left, followed by me dressed as spider woman, Toni, Mag, Seb in the builder hat, and lastly Sol on the right.
Sol had her eye test at the hospital last week, as a result she got two new prescriptions. We went to Specsavers to order her glasses this time, and they turned out okay. Usually we go to our own optician but I did not have time to go there after doing a huge list of errands that particular day. Specsavers was in the shopping centre so it was hand to get to. The downside to Specsavers is that the only offer one free repair for each pair of glasses, our usual optician offers unlimited. I am sure it is the same NHS/government fund that pays for them so it does make you wonder why this service is not available there. For a three year old who wears lasses all of the time this is an essential part of the service. Anyways Sol was thrilled with her Mr Tickle, and Little Miss Naughty specs.
Toni has also been sick for the last couple of days, last night and this morning her temperature hit 39.5 C, it is coming down now at last. I think her tonsils are a bit red looking and she was sick, but I think she will be alright after a day or too in bed.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Let this be a warning - To all parents everywhere.
I am fully aware of the fact it is now the 9th of January and I still have not posted any Christmas photos or stories ...
Well here is a warning for all parents out there.
Back in November Argos and Tesco were competing with each other and had a massive sale on many toys. We took advantage of that and managed to get three of the children new bikes and they all got scooters too! For six weeks those bikes nestled in the garage, for six weeks they were cosy under blankets and other boxes. They lay undiscovered until Christmas eve ...
On Christmas eve night Roy went out to the garage and started building those bikes, each one a master-piece in its own right. Roy was so proud, never before had he made up so many bikes in such a short space of time. Come midnight with tools and cardboard discarded he wheeled the bikes and scooters into the house.
Christmas morning was started when Sol 'discovered' three shiny new bicycles in the dining room, from there on in the place was alive with screeches of excitement.
Weeks go by and the children are well trained at putting the bikes away when they have finished playing with them.
Yesterday whilst Seb, Mag & Toni were sat at the table doing a project we had a visitor. Out of the blue during this visit Hollie said she saw boxes for the bikes and helmets in the garage. Wide eyed I just stared at my visitor, "got out of that one!" she was saying to me whilst trying to stifle laughter.
Well ... I had to think quick and I explained that there were so many bicycles on Santa's sleigh that he had to put them in boxes, that Santa was worried the pedals of each bike would get caught in the next bike's wheels.
"But mummy, I thought Santa was Magic, and why would he leave the empty boxes in the garage?" Hollie puzzled further.
Well that Santa guy is a scruffy old man - he left those boxes on the driveway and daddy could not believe the mess he had left behind. Daddy put the boxes in the garage so that he could recycle them, but I am telling you that we will have to ask him next Christmas to to take his rubbish with him when he leaves.
So just let this be a warning to you all.
Well here is a warning for all parents out there.
Back in November Argos and Tesco were competing with each other and had a massive sale on many toys. We took advantage of that and managed to get three of the children new bikes and they all got scooters too! For six weeks those bikes nestled in the garage, for six weeks they were cosy under blankets and other boxes. They lay undiscovered until Christmas eve ...
On Christmas eve night Roy went out to the garage and started building those bikes, each one a master-piece in its own right. Roy was so proud, never before had he made up so many bikes in such a short space of time. Come midnight with tools and cardboard discarded he wheeled the bikes and scooters into the house.
Christmas morning was started when Sol 'discovered' three shiny new bicycles in the dining room, from there on in the place was alive with screeches of excitement.
Weeks go by and the children are well trained at putting the bikes away when they have finished playing with them.
Yesterday whilst Seb, Mag & Toni were sat at the table doing a project we had a visitor. Out of the blue during this visit Hollie said she saw boxes for the bikes and helmets in the garage. Wide eyed I just stared at my visitor, "got out of that one!" she was saying to me whilst trying to stifle laughter.
Well ... I had to think quick and I explained that there were so many bicycles on Santa's sleigh that he had to put them in boxes, that Santa was worried the pedals of each bike would get caught in the next bike's wheels.
"But mummy, I thought Santa was Magic, and why would he leave the empty boxes in the garage?" Hollie puzzled further.
Well that Santa guy is a scruffy old man - he left those boxes on the driveway and daddy could not believe the mess he had left behind. Daddy put the boxes in the garage so that he could recycle them, but I am telling you that we will have to ask him next Christmas to to take his rubbish with him when he leaves.
So just let this be a warning to you all.
Monday, 22 December 2008
The completed job (almost)
It has only taken since last Wednesday for this 'bug' that we have to get round our family. I think we must be almost over it,Seb this morning was ill but he seems to be okay now. After changing his bed yet again we live in hope that tomorrow I might get that mountain of washing down a bit so it is not holding me to ransom any more.
I want to share something - a friend in the USA sent me an ornament. We do an ornament exchange every year, it makes it special to have something different, especially one sent by a good friend. This is what I got ...
Thankyou Kim XOXO
Today was a long one - I am trying (like everyone else) to get things ready for the big day.
We made some buns, the children decorated them .....
My kitchen - the longest drawn out decorating project in the history of mankind.
This has been going on since October, we had various things happen in between like a lovely big leak in the pipes under our sink.
S0 we have taken various shots from around the kitchen, all except the sink wall ... two reasons we have a gaping big hole where the cupboard should be,I am hoping we will get it put back tomorrow. Secondly we haven't finished that bit of tiles and it is not so pretty - I will slot those photos in as we get done.
anyway - so far ... The kids computer corner, this is where the kids play if I am cooking or what ever.
The breakfast bar.
I want to share something - a friend in the USA sent me an ornament. We do an ornament exchange every year, it makes it special to have something different, especially one sent by a good friend. This is what I got ...
Thankyou Kim XOXO
Today was a long one - I am trying (like everyone else) to get things ready for the big day.
We made some buns, the children decorated them .....
My kitchen - the longest drawn out decorating project in the history of mankind.
This has been going on since October, we had various things happen in between like a lovely big leak in the pipes under our sink.
S0 we have taken various shots from around the kitchen, all except the sink wall ... two reasons we have a gaping big hole where the cupboard should be,I am hoping we will get it put back tomorrow. Secondly we haven't finished that bit of tiles and it is not so pretty - I will slot those photos in as we get done.
anyway - so far ... The kids computer corner, this is where the kids play if I am cooking or what ever.
The breakfast bar.
Wednesday, 17 December 2008
Star of the Show
Sol was the star of her playgroup Nativity show - along with 30 other stars that is. the children were brilliant! I wasn't able to take photos of the show - child protection and all that but I am hoping to get a copy of the DVD film in the new year.
As you can see Sol was (and still is sometimes) and angel. Oh and she LOVED Santa in a big way. When Toni and Seb were her age they cried their lamps out when Santa appeared so Sol is obviously the brave one of the family.
The lights - I cannot leave these out. This house is in the paper every year, they collect money for charity and as you can see put on a proud display. I wonder if they collect more money than the electric costs to run the lights - maybe they should donate the money saved in energy hhhmmm - BAH HUMBUG.
As you can see Sol was (and still is sometimes) and angel. Oh and she LOVED Santa in a big way. When Toni and Seb were her age they cried their lamps out when Santa appeared so Sol is obviously the brave one of the family.
The lights - I cannot leave these out. This house is in the paper every year, they collect money for charity and as you can see put on a proud display. I wonder if they collect more money than the electric costs to run the lights - maybe they should donate the money saved in energy hhhmmm - BAH HUMBUG.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Belfast Wheel And Continental Market
With Roy going away in the morning for a few days (work related) we decided to have a family day out. We had failed to visit the continental market in Belfast a few weeks ago when we were in the city so we decided to have another go. The day was pleasant and there were no crowds to speak of, remembering last year's visit I am only too glad. We set off around lunch time, well after lunch by the time we got all the children in the car. You think we had 100 kids the length of time it takes us to get out the door. The melee caused by three mini children and one full size child is plenty for anyone, one of those children was the same child that managed to knock over a kitchen roll display in our local shop yesterday. I think we might be barred now - perhaps you might see us on one of those cop shows next month. Oh and my husband just happened to point out to us that we weren't going to Belfast to go into any shops DOH I thought that was the whole point, stupid!
I have a few photographs of the day, I wont apologise for the quality of the photos - it is me the photo taker who has failed today. I failed to operate my son's shirt pocket size mini point and shoot camera - it is so simple to use I couldn't work it DUH.
The children in the car
The wheel from afar
and close (yes I did this shot before, and yes I do like the wheel)
Belfast from the top of the wheel - it was raining and the photos were took from inside the pod obviously so the views are through glass
The Continental market was quite expensive, well it was not the usual stuff you get in Tesco I guess. We bought a pick and mix with 12 sweets in it and that came to £3.65!
Oh yes ..... I almost forgot
Us up high!
Sol is the cutest little girl I know ( I am biased I know but find me a cuter girl?)
I have a few photographs of the day, I wont apologise for the quality of the photos - it is me the photo taker who has failed today. I failed to operate my son's shirt pocket size mini point and shoot camera - it is so simple to use I couldn't work it DUH.
The children in the car
The wheel from afar
and close (yes I did this shot before, and yes I do like the wheel)
Belfast from the top of the wheel - it was raining and the photos were took from inside the pod obviously so the views are through glass
The Continental market was quite expensive, well it was not the usual stuff you get in Tesco I guess. We bought a pick and mix with 12 sweets in it and that came to £3.65!
Oh yes ..... I almost forgot
Us up high!
Sol is the cutest little girl I know ( I am biased I know but find me a cuter girl?)
Sunday, 14 December 2008
Visit To Santa
Saturday was a bit different from usual. Started off we were dead lazy and had a lie in. We should be working on some painting but there you go.
The afternoon was spent running the children to chess club, and going to Harveys to get some shelves for Ashley's wardrobes. The shelves - which I eventually got (only through powers of persuasion) for a more respectable price of £28 wen they were marked at £71 - yes £71 for three pieces of covered chipboard!
On the way back I drove through the town which was relatively busy, but I did notice Woolworths wasn't so bad. I decided to take the kids on an impromptu shopping trip. This attempt at having a look at the Woolworths sale was definitely more fruitful than the last. The other day we went and the people were queued down the whole length of the shop and there were 'bouncers' on the door. This time I managed to get a few bargains including some smart new everyday cutlery which we were in desperate need of, glasses, socks, Christmas decorations, glittery things, a couple of watches and some clothes for the children.
We also stopped off to see Santa Claus in the Flagship Centre, Bangor.
He was a nice Santa and spent quite a few minutes with the children.
These are photos of the photos so they are not high quality, I think they came out okay all the same.
In the evening Roy and I managed to sneak off to the cinema. We were owed quite a number of babysitting hours from our neighbours so we took advantage of that and went to see Quantom Of Solace. It was good but I much preferred Casino Royale. Oh and Bangor Multiplex has been done out it is worth a visit, we much enjoyed the very comfortable VIP seats which were leather reclining sofas.
The afternoon was spent running the children to chess club, and going to Harveys to get some shelves for Ashley's wardrobes. The shelves - which I eventually got (only through powers of persuasion) for a more respectable price of £28 wen they were marked at £71 - yes £71 for three pieces of covered chipboard!
On the way back I drove through the town which was relatively busy, but I did notice Woolworths wasn't so bad. I decided to take the kids on an impromptu shopping trip. This attempt at having a look at the Woolworths sale was definitely more fruitful than the last. The other day we went and the people were queued down the whole length of the shop and there were 'bouncers' on the door. This time I managed to get a few bargains including some smart new everyday cutlery which we were in desperate need of, glasses, socks, Christmas decorations, glittery things, a couple of watches and some clothes for the children.
We also stopped off to see Santa Claus in the Flagship Centre, Bangor.
He was a nice Santa and spent quite a few minutes with the children.
These are photos of the photos so they are not high quality, I think they came out okay all the same.
In the evening Roy and I managed to sneak off to the cinema. We were owed quite a number of babysitting hours from our neighbours so we took advantage of that and went to see Quantom Of Solace. It was good but I much preferred Casino Royale. Oh and Bangor Multiplex has been done out it is worth a visit, we much enjoyed the very comfortable VIP seats which were leather reclining sofas.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Please Look Away
If you are liable to get a Christmas gift from us then please look away now!
We decided to try something different for our gifts this year - neighbours and friends are getting hand made gifts instead of bought ones.
Snowman Soup thanks to http://www.organizedchristmas.com/.
These simple gifts were made by putting a bag or marshmallows, some wrapped chocolates, and a couple of sachets of hot chocolate in a lovely snowman mug.
The tag has the poem
Snowman Soup
Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick!
The jars below were also simple to make.
The whiter jars need to be made two weeks before you are going to give or use them. Simply split a vanilla pod length ways and cut it into three. Put the vanilla pod and caster sugar in a sterilised jar and give a little shake. After two or three weeks the sugar will smell devine - mmmm. You can use the vanilla sugar in coffee, hot chocolate, baking or anything else you fancy. This is an everlasting gift too, because when your sugar goes down you can refill it a number of times before the vanilla pod fades.
The other jars are maldon sea salt, with some dried chillies, peppercorns and a couple of star anise. The spiced salt is great for putting on your steaks or rubbing onto roast chicken for a bit of extra kick!
We decided to try something different for our gifts this year - neighbours and friends are getting hand made gifts instead of bought ones.
Snowman Soup thanks to http://www.organizedchristmas.com/.
These simple gifts were made by putting a bag or marshmallows, some wrapped chocolates, and a couple of sachets of hot chocolate in a lovely snowman mug.
The tag has the poem
Snowman Soup
Was told you've been real good this year.
Always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
You'll need to warm the spirit.
So here's a little Snowman Soup
Complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick!
The jars below were also simple to make.
The whiter jars need to be made two weeks before you are going to give or use them. Simply split a vanilla pod length ways and cut it into three. Put the vanilla pod and caster sugar in a sterilised jar and give a little shake. After two or three weeks the sugar will smell devine - mmmm. You can use the vanilla sugar in coffee, hot chocolate, baking or anything else you fancy. This is an everlasting gift too, because when your sugar goes down you can refill it a number of times before the vanilla pod fades.
The other jars are maldon sea salt, with some dried chillies, peppercorns and a couple of star anise. The spiced salt is great for putting on your steaks or rubbing onto roast chicken for a bit of extra kick!
Seasonal Photos
Another busy week gone by. I have spent most of the week just getting things prepared for the big day. I pre made a lot of the food that we will need over the Christmas week so that I wont have to miss out on the children enjoying their gifts.
There is a fair bit to update on so I will start with the photos from last Friday evening (5th Dec). The village where I live had the ceremonial tree light switching on. The children from the playgroup had the honour of doing the switch on, they were really sweet and sang a few carols beforehand.
Afterwards everyone headed over to the church hall where there was a visit from Santa! Sadly I didn't get any decent photos of Santa as I had handed my camera over to Mag to look after and he vanished at the crucial moment.
We did get a snowman photo!
Or two!
There is a fair bit to update on so I will start with the photos from last Friday evening (5th Dec). The village where I live had the ceremonial tree light switching on. The children from the playgroup had the honour of doing the switch on, they were really sweet and sang a few carols beforehand.
Afterwards everyone headed over to the church hall where there was a visit from Santa! Sadly I didn't get any decent photos of Santa as I had handed my camera over to Mag to look after and he vanished at the crucial moment.
We did get a snowman photo!
Or two!
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