Diary of Stressed-Out Mum!! tag:www.realyouth.net,2007-10-09:/larablog/5 2010-02-22T19:54:45Z Movable Type Pro 4.21-en book review two tag:www.realyouth.net,2010:/larablog//5.1011 2010-02-22T19:46:51Z 2010-02-22T19:54:45Z Lara I read this book because a friend had recommended it on her blog. Its called 'Facing up' by Bear Grylls. Bear is a TV 'presenter', adventurer and is now the cheif scout as well!!! This book is all about his trip to Everest - which he completed and is the youngest Britain to have reached the top. (Apparantely - its harder to climb when you are younger as your body is less likely to cope with the altitude problems). It was a fab book, I love this kind of book anyway- but it was really like you were with him in his rucksac taking every step, every high and every set back with him. So all in all a fantastic book.

A quote from near the end "One of the questions I repeatedly get asked since returning is 'Did you find God on the mountain?' The answer is no, YOu don't have to climb a mountain to find a faith. I actually began my faith whilst sitting up a tree as a 16 year old. It is the wonderful thing about God; He is always there, wherever you are, That's what best friends are for. If you asked me did He help me up there, then the answer would be yes. In the words of great John Wesley when asked by some cynic whether God was his crutch, he gently replied, 'No my God is my backbone.' He was right"

]]> Book review tag:www.realyouth.net,2010:/larablog//5.1007 2010-01-28T10:00:53Z 2010-01-28T10:09:27Z My friend reviews monthly on her blog all the books she has read - (how she manages to read so many in a month I don't know!!!). I have loved reading her reviews and it helps me choose books. So... Lara My friend reviews monthly on her blog all the books she has read - (how she manages to read so many in a month I don't know!!!). I have loved reading her reviews and it helps me choose books. So I thought I would do the same this year.

So here goes the first one is http://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Farm-Year-Life-Smallholding/dp/074758897X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264672679&sr=1-3 - I don't know how to put images or photos on this blog yet!!! The book is called 'Our Farm, a year in the life of a smallholding' by Rosie Boycott.

Rosie used to be an editor for the Daily Express and decided to leave it all behind and with her partner go and run a farm. This book is all about how they set it up. They had money to invest in the farm so when for most of the first year they did not make any profit they could make up the money with savings that they had. It was a lovely read. It reminded me how good village life is - and if we can shop locally then we really should as it benefits the local community so much. This was much easier to do when we were living in Rugby, at the moment I do all my shopping at either Sainsburys or Tesco. I loved the tales she gave of the animals on the farm, and became quite fond of a few of the pigs!! One thing in the book that amazed me was when she outlined the chemicals that went on potatoes that we buy in our supermarkets. It was amazing the number and frequency of different chemicals that are sprayed just on potatoes!!! It was scary infact!!! This year I will start my veggie patch off again, but how nice it would be to have an allotment and the time to do it so that all the veg we eat we had grown ourselves without chemicals. No wonder more and more people are getting cancer, Im sure it has something to do with the amount of stuff that is sprayed onto the food we eat.

So all in all a good book, that if you like this kind of read it is worth getting out of the library! (Most of my books come from the library - don't see the point in buying all the books you want to read)

]]> quote from school hall display tag:www.realyouth.net,2010:/larablog//5.1006 2010-01-15T12:47:59Z 2010-01-15T12:48:57Z yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift - that is why it is called the present. (well something like that)... Lara yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift - that is why it is called the present. (well something like that) snow tag:www.realyouth.net,2010:/larablog//5.1005 2010-01-13T17:57:29Z 2010-01-13T18:01:49Z well it has snowed!!!!!!!!! Zak had last Wed and Thurs off school and again today because the school was shut!! Today his seemed to be one of the only primary schools shut - hmmmm!!! Hoping all the snow dissapears before... Lara well it has snowed!!!!!!!!! Zak had last Wed and Thurs off school and again today because the school was shut!! Today his seemed to be one of the only primary schools shut - hmmmm!!! Hoping all the snow dissapears before I start work as the school I will be working in does not seem to ever be shut!!!! Still waiting for my CRB form to arrive - could be up to another 3 weeks - crazy!!! Schools tend to shut now as it doesn't then affect their attendance rates - if they open and people cant get in, or decide not to come in then their attendance rates are down which ofsted don't like!!!

Went to the doctors last week for a routine smear test and found out that I have a polyp on my cervix, a (nearly always) benign lump thing. Been refered to gyne to take it off. Not really that worried about it, but it's always at the back of my mind.

Can't think of any other very exciting news! Will try and blog when things come up.

TTFN

]]> A House!!! tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.1002 2009-12-26T19:01:07Z 2009-12-26T19:06:38Z At last on the 9th (I think) of December, we moved into our very own house - its only been 18 months of waiting!!!! But through it all I have been reminded again and again of how faithful God is... Lara
We had a lovely Christmas with just the four of us yesterday. We had roast Duck for lunch, chillled, slept, watched films and played games and it was lovely, We also made some yummy ice cream (ice cream maker pressie from my lovley husband). Decided that if we had people come to us for Christmas lunch next year we would need to have done the kitchen to create some more workspace!!

We have no internet for a couple of weeks so hopefully the blog will be updated more often then! Take care and happy christmas.

Lara
]]> Tea Bag Quotes tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.1001 2009-12-26T18:58:05Z 2009-12-26T19:00:21Z My Father in Law found these amazing quotes on the tea bag packet:"If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you down. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you... Lara
"If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you down. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you" Gladstone 1865

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea" Bernard-Paul Herc
]]> Two events from a Thursday afternoon tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.991 2009-11-07T16:38:25Z 2009-11-07T16:45:15Z Two events I thought I would document on here!!! 1) Took Zak and Maisey to the library after school on Thursday. I said that they could take out one story CD. Zak wanted Thomas and Maisey wanted Postman Pat -... Lara Two events I thought I would document on here!!!

1) Took Zak and Maisey to the library after school on Thursday. I said that they could take out one story CD. Zak wanted Thomas and Maisey wanted Postman Pat - so I put them behind my back and Zak chose a hand - and in the hand was the Postman Pat. Zak cried and cried so the whole library could hear. My parenting skills were tested!!! I said they could only take one CD out - so if I let Zak take out Thomas as well I am going against all that I said. But then Zak is crying at the top of his voice (?) and he has been a bit tearful due to all the move and stuff, so do I give in? Im thinking what to do, but thinking I need to stick to my plan of one CD home. Maisey comes over and says to Zak "Zak put the postmas pat one back and we can take the Thomas one home" - what a lovely lovely little sister Maisey was to Zak - they had big cuddles and it was very cute!!!

2) We popped into asda after the library. As we got in Maisey starts saying "I want something new, I want something Mummy please" Zak told me that Maisey had been the same when she had gone into a shop with Jon the day before - so I explained that you don't always get new things - especially sometimes if you ask for them. She then was quiet and decided that she really did need a new handbag. So after a while she chirps up "Mummy I have a deal for you, either you buy me a new handbag or I will get in the buggy (I had said she could go in the buggy to pick Zak up from school but had to walk home) - you choose Mummy" I tried to explain that I made the 'deals' not her but she just said "So shall I get in the buggy then Mummy" - little monkey!!! We came out of the shop with no handbag and Maisey walking!!!!!!

]]> off again tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.990 2009-10-29T08:46:22Z 2009-10-29T08:50:56Z Tomorrow we are moving into Uncle Robs. We lived with Rob last summer when we moved to Rugby before someone offered us the house we have been living in for the last year. People are waiting to move into this... Lara Tomorrow we are moving into Uncle Robs. We lived with Rob last summer when we moved to Rugby before someone offered us the house we have been living in for the last year. People are waiting to move into this house - so tomorrow off we go back to Robs, we will then take the next week moving all of our stuff out of this house either into Robs or into storage. I hate the hassle - all our stuff in boxes, in different places - will be amazed if the kids go to school with all the right 'bits' on Monday!!!

Taking kids to soft play this morning then into the office to finish off my work bits and tidy my room. Its been a lovely lovely place to work over the past year and has been a fantastic introduction back into the working world. I have made the office two lovely cakes to eat today.

Was reminded again in Church on Sunday that 'time is in his hands' ie God does know what he is doing - just wish he would get a move on and sort out this house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Right time to get dressed!!! Yesterday I bought a lovely top in the Charity shop for £3 - trouble is it looks like a giraffe so Zak and Maisey pointed out!!! And yes it does - brown with yellow pattens!! So today I might go out dressed as a giraffee!!!

 

 

]]> It's hard work being a super hero tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.989 2009-10-27T19:30:01Z 2009-10-27T19:36:15Z were Zak's words as he was playing today!!! Well - life never seems to go to plan!! The house that we were ment to complete within 28 days on (request from the seller) will definately NOT be completed within 28... Lara were Zak's words as he was playing today!!!

Well - life never seems to go to plan!! The house that we were ment to complete within 28 days on (request from the seller) will definately NOT be completed within 28 days. Goodness knows when we will now move. The 28 days should have taken us to the Tuesday after half term. The latest from our solicitor is that it might take up to 6 weeks - 6 WEEKS! I just want to be in my own house with my own stuff around me. Also we have to move out of the house we are in, so we will be living with Uncle Rob again until we can get in our house. Zak bless him doesn't know if he is coming or going - he thought he might be starting his new school after half term - but no!! My job finishes on Saturday so I will be job-less. Im going to volunteer in Zak and Maisey's school whilst Maisey is in Nursery though every morning - means I can get my school experience up to date and seems silly to walk home to spend an hour and a half at home before I go and get Maisey.

Maisey had her pre school boosters today. She didn't even cry - she was amazing!!!! She did have a sore arm though when she got home and has gone to bed dosed up with pain killers and a very very tired lady.

Im just hoping and praying that this house does not fall through. I have to trust its all in Gods timing though although I don't have a clue why!!!

TTFN

]]> Why no blog. . . . tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.984 2009-10-11T17:11:28Z 2009-10-11T17:20:05Z Lara Yep it has been ages and ages and ages since I last blogged. Part of the reason being that our future has been all up in the air and it was hard to write on here as some people knew some things and other people knew other things and some things some people couldn't know. All confusing I know.

Our Audley house completed about 2 weeks ago. Lots of crying as we said goodbye to our wonderful next door neighbours. Our house search for a new house has been a long one!!! we decided to move to Coventry - that was always the plan once our house had sold. But we have been so happy in Rugby that it is hard to say goodbye and move on. I have had a wonderful job here and the kids have enjoyed school and nursery and are now both in the same school. Our house search started in Binley, then moved to Canley where we put in an offer on a house that got accepted, but after the survey had come through we decided it just wasn't the house for us. So we have looked at loads of houses - but have found a lovely one just into Tile Hill. It has three double bedrooms, a nice garden, two rooms downstairs and is lovely. On Friday we vistied the two schools near to the house and found a very lovely school to which Zak is booked into go after half term. So its all go, but at last our own house. Looking back this year in Rugby has been amazing, Ive managed to work and get us some money and its been lovely living around close friends. I've learnt to give thanks whatever situation I am in, and to remember the most important things in life such as family and fun. If all goes according to plan we will be in just after half term.

Kids are good, growing up fast and continuing to provide Jon and I such pleasure and giggles. Zak has just been nominated by his class to be a school counciller which he is very proud to have taken up! Maisey has started swimming lessons - she loves being in the water but is normally in her own little world!!! Zak can nearly swim 25meters (so i guess he can swim about 20meters!!! - just the badges go 10m then 25m) Will now try and blog more often now that things are not so complecated!!!!

Take care xxxx

]]> 23 Vernon Avenue tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.970 2009-07-30T14:20:20Z 2009-07-30T14:22:57Z Our lovely house in Audley has sold - well we have accepted an offer and all is going ahead!! I feel happy as we need to sell it, but all my other emotions are everywhere. It was the first house... Lara Our lovely house in Audley has sold - well we have accepted an offer and all is going ahead!! I feel happy as we need to sell it, but all my other emotions are everywhere. It was the first house that we have owned and it was a lovely house with a fab garden with lots of fond memories and the best ever neighbours in the whole world!!

We went on holiday in Cornwall last week with some friends, had a fab week, weather was mixed but okay on the whole. Then its Jon's brothers wedding on Saturday and New Wine next week. Zak and Maisey have been talking about the wedding for a very long time - I wonder if it lives up to their expectations!!!!!

Will blog more on my return!!!

]]> Two Asian ladies tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.960 2009-06-30T18:37:53Z 2009-06-30T18:42:21Z Lara not bogged for a while tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.955 2009-06-16T18:08:58Z 2009-06-16T18:17:17Z Every so often I think "oh I must blog about that" and then I forget to!!! Will try and blog when I think of something rather than leave it and then forget! Zak is doing really well with his swimming.... Lara Every so often I think "oh I must blog about that" and then I forget to!!! Will try and blog when I think of something rather than leave it and then forget!

Zak is doing really well with his swimming. He has now got his Octopus 3 badge and his 10 meters. All thanks to Zaks swimming teacher who has been amazing.

Our house has still not sold, but we know at the right time it will. Our future is so uncertain still, can't write much of the details here and its very confusing!!! It annoys me as I would like to know what is going to happen and feel settled, but then I can't dwell on it as that would not be good!

Zak seems to be doing really well at school and all of a sudden seems to have really 'flown'. He now has spellings and two weeks running he has got them all right, his reading seems to have improved loads as well. Really can't believe that he is going to be in year one in September.

Im still missing having our garden in Stoke. I have managed to grow some salad leaves in our old recycling box. I had the first 'picking' in my lunch today and wow did they taste good!! So much flavour!! (and there seems to be hardly any slugs or snails in this garden- fantastic!!!)

Well sorry for the boring entry will try and get my inspiring thoughts on here!!!  Jon and I are out for dinner tonight at some friends so that will be nice.

 

 

]]> camping tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.950 2009-05-27T19:37:12Z 2009-05-27T19:52:34Z We have been away for four 'ish' days camping in Cambridge. Dad and his girlfriend joined us for some of it. We have had a lovel time, so good to get away and not have to worry about work and... Lara We have been away for four 'ish' days camping in Cambridge. Dad and his girlfriend joined us for some of it. We have had a lovel time, so good to get away and not have to worry about work and jobs and housework!! The weather was amazing. On Saturday we went into Cambridge on the bus and pottered around, then had an amazing chinease take away in the evening. Sunday we went to a falconry center (http://www.raptorfoundation.org.uk/). It was a little place but just amazing. Zak went round filling in a quiz and we watched an hour display of the birds flying (they have three shows a day, all an hour long and each one different). Zak held a barn owl which he loved. Monday we went for a Burger King lunch then into Newmarket where we got some bargains at a car boot sale!!! Tuesday we woke up to loads of rain!!! When it had stopped a bit, we drove to near Cambridge and cycled into the city and pottled around a bit. We got back to camp on Tuesday night and although we were not due to leave till Wednesday we packed up camp as the tent was lovely and dry and got home about 10.30pm.

One funny from Zak over the weekend - we have a wind up torch that Zak calls the 'emergency torch'. I asked Zak if I could borrow it one night. After a while he said "Mummy have you finished with the emergency torch" to which I replied "not yet, Im using it to read" to which he then replied "well Mummy that is not an emergency is it!"

We have now camped on three camping and caravaning sites with Dad, and we are camping at one in the summer with our friends. I like them because they are generally flat, the facilities are fantastic, they are clean and you know what you get. But part of me misses the little campsites that you just 'come across' that have individual character. Guess you cant have the best of both worlds!!!

Today we wanted our holiday to continue so we cycled round draycot water. Zak fell off right at the beginning and really hurt and grazed his hand, elbow, knee and leg (and ripped his new waterproof jacket - grrr), so his confidence was knocked a bit. But he carried on and managed to cycle round all 5 miles. He even cycled up all the hills that Jon and I struggled with!!! Maisey was on the back of Jons bike and she fell asleep 3/4 the way round!!

Another thing is that I have a car!!!!!!!!!!!! Her name is Bessie! It was an amazingly kind gift from a friend, we managed to get cheapish car insurance and put it in for an MOT which it passed, so for the time being Im mobile!!! Its amazing!!! Im still going to walk when I can, but it gives me so much more freedom and also means some days when walking here there and everywhere and exhausting myself I no longer have to do!!!

Cant think of anything else to report!!!  

]]> Peacock Jam tag:www.realyouth.net,2009:/larablog//5.949 2009-05-06T18:23:58Z 2009-05-06T18:35:52Z Its been a while again and Im sorry to all my blog readers. Life seems to just always be so busy. Will try and get back into the blogging!! Zak went to 'conkers' (before School Club) this morning as I... Lara Its been a while again and Im sorry to all my blog readers. Life seems to just always be so busy. Will try and get back into the blogging!!

Zak went to 'conkers' (before School Club) this morning as I had assemblies. When chatting about it this evening Zak said that they had two types of jam at conkers - blackcurrant or Peacock. Peacock jam - "yes Mummy, peacock jam" - I then realised it was 'apricot' jam!! So cute!!

Zak seems a bit out of sorts at the moment. It takes him a while to get to sleep and seems to be more sensitive than his normal sensitive self. Tried all my tactics to get him to talk but not sure what is going on in his head - he is such a 'thinker'. I don't think school is the problem as he goes in quite happy in the mornings and has a smile when he comes out. Just not sure what it is.

Maisey has started her new Nursery regime now she has her free funding. She has been tired but really enjoys it and says to me "I like it when I go to Nursery all day" - phew!!! It has been good for me too as I am much more productive at work now without her being around for some of the time.

Im reading 'The Shack' by William P Young at the moment. A novel (a NOVEL) which has had mixed responses from Christians and non-Christians alike. The thing that it has reminded  me (Im only half way through) is that God is huge and we can't fully get a grasp of him because he is just so so big!!! We will never understand all there is to know about him. But on the other hand, I know that he loves me and knows me - so even though he is so huge, he deeply cares for little Lara!!! (Theology lesson over!!)

Jon's away at the moment, on 'retreat' - how nice would that be!!! He's away for 'two sleeps'. The one bonus of him being away is that me and the kids had salmon for tea (Jon doesnt like it!!!) we love it!!! Jon normally leaves me the car when he goes away but this time he just couldnt - so feels a bit odd being here alone with no car!!! Not that I would use the car if he was at home!!!!

One more thing - we took the stablisiers off Zak's bike on Monday, and off he went - could ride it straight away no problems!!! He had told us that he had taught himself at school to ride a two wheeler - he must have been right!!

Take care  

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