My little boy seems to be entering a new phase for the new year, a rather rebellious one.
We have been struggling with him at night-time, with getting out of bed, refusing to sleep in his own bed, and not falling asleep until late on in the evening, which has repercussions for school. This has reared its head before; we already had a standard night-time routine including getting into pyjamas, having supper, brushing teeth and having a wash, making a last toilet visit then going to bed. We have already tried reward charts for going to sleep without any silliness, and sleeping in his own bed - which work short-term, then he really goes off them when he realises what we're trying to get him to do is for keeps.
This latest manifestation of night-time shenanigans has included using the bed as a trampoline, scattering my CDs all over the floor when allowed to sleep in my bed, and chatting and singing to himself in bed. We have had to adjust his bed-time routine again to incorporate a bed-time story (we have been struggling to get him to have one for years, but he has finally conceded because he wants us with him for as long as possible), for which he has to lie down, in the hope that by the end of the story he'll feel sleepy. Some days he does go straight to sleep, and other days he's still awake for a good hour, but it seems to be working fairly well.
So, that problem solved, last week he decided to present us with another one. Refusing to do his work at school - telling his learning support assistant "I won't do my work. I will not do it!"
At least this one was quick to address. He loves to go out on a Sunday - anywhere - the park, the duck pond, the garden centre, the playhouse, visiting family. I told him I would be asking for a report every day and if I got another report last week that he'd been refusing to try any work, he wouldn't be going anywhere.
He's clearly in a rebel state of mind, though, and I'm braced for more challenges.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Thursday, 8 December 2011
The Christmas Frenzy Has Started!
Daniel can't understand why he's not already on his Christmas holidays, as everything seems to have started.
We chose our tree at the weekend - a Norway Spruce (for that authentic pine smell) which is sadly terrible for dropping needles. We decorated it on Tuesday after it had settled a little - I did the lights and tinsel and Daniel said he was going to help with the baubles and ornaments when he got home. In reality he put on about five. But he is fascinated with the tree this year, keeps feeling it and sitting by the tree staring transfixed at the lights. He was also really happy to see our tinsels, garlands and greenery go up around the room today. It certainly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.
My mum and I went to see his Nativity play this afternoon. Daniel had been given a special job, which was to thank all the parents at the end of the play. Apparently he's been doing it beautifully in rehearsal. This afternoon I think it phased him a bit to see Mummy and Nanna on the front row, and when he left his seat he stood and stared at us for a tense few seconds before facing the front and delivering his line beautifully. He was dressed smartly in what he calls his "wedding clothes" since my cousin's wedding this summer. I'm amazed at him overcoming his fears and speaking in front of all those people. There couldn't have been a prouder Mummy in the room.
I'm definitely already in the Christmas spirit this year, and it came in the nick of time considering I sadly didn't get the job I interviewed for this week, although I was told I was one of the strongest candidates so should take heart from that. Next job, Christmas cards. A job I feel like I've already done after getting Daniel to do all of his, but heigh ho!
I hope you're all feeling festive, too!
We chose our tree at the weekend - a Norway Spruce (for that authentic pine smell) which is sadly terrible for dropping needles. We decorated it on Tuesday after it had settled a little - I did the lights and tinsel and Daniel said he was going to help with the baubles and ornaments when he got home. In reality he put on about five. But he is fascinated with the tree this year, keeps feeling it and sitting by the tree staring transfixed at the lights. He was also really happy to see our tinsels, garlands and greenery go up around the room today. It certainly is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here.
My mum and I went to see his Nativity play this afternoon. Daniel had been given a special job, which was to thank all the parents at the end of the play. Apparently he's been doing it beautifully in rehearsal. This afternoon I think it phased him a bit to see Mummy and Nanna on the front row, and when he left his seat he stood and stared at us for a tense few seconds before facing the front and delivering his line beautifully. He was dressed smartly in what he calls his "wedding clothes" since my cousin's wedding this summer. I'm amazed at him overcoming his fears and speaking in front of all those people. There couldn't have been a prouder Mummy in the room.
I'm definitely already in the Christmas spirit this year, and it came in the nick of time considering I sadly didn't get the job I interviewed for this week, although I was told I was one of the strongest candidates so should take heart from that. Next job, Christmas cards. A job I feel like I've already done after getting Daniel to do all of his, but heigh ho!
I hope you're all feeling festive, too!
Friday, 2 December 2011
Progress
Daniel has been very busy this last week or so doing some of his Christmas jobs. Last year he didn't do anything himself - I wrote out his cards after a long and unfruitful attempt at getting him to help, and I purchased and wrapped presents "from Daniel".
This year, he took £15 of his own savings from odd bits of pocket money to get presents for his Nanna, Daddy and me. He decided where he wanted to go (Asda) and chose a calendar for his Nanna and a tin of chocolates for his Daddy from the selection available in store. I had to choose my own chocolates in the end since he'd lost interest by then!
He then "helped" with wrapping those along with his present for my partner (which I gave to him to wrap from my January sales collection) by choosing the paper, tags, and star for each person and writing his name on the tags himself.
I was even more impressed this Wednesday when he wrote out his Christmas cards to all the children in his class. OK, I wrote THEIR names, and I wrote out the envelopes, but Daniel put his name and a kiss and did a Christmas stamp in every single card - for 29 children and 5 teachers. Usually his concentration, especially with writing, is pretty poor, so this is a major breakthrough for him!
He's really looking forward to his own presents and cards now having put time and energy into the ones he is sending. I'm feeling he's going to understand and enjoy Christmas more this year than ever before.
It's been a week of progress in more than one way, too! Reading requests are taking off to the point that I had enough money to treat myself to a couple of albums I've wanted forever and not had the money to buy (ironically, including "Progressed" by Take That).
Even better, I have a lesson observation and interview for a long-term teaching assignment next week! I am so happy to be shortlisted. The job market is so competitive these days and it's so easy to feel like you're on the career scrap-heap. No matter what the outcome, I am well-prepared and know I will have tried my best; and I know I was good enough to get an interview out of a large field. It's given me a real boost.
I guess the moral of all this is perseverance. Perseverance makes progress!
This year, he took £15 of his own savings from odd bits of pocket money to get presents for his Nanna, Daddy and me. He decided where he wanted to go (Asda) and chose a calendar for his Nanna and a tin of chocolates for his Daddy from the selection available in store. I had to choose my own chocolates in the end since he'd lost interest by then!
He then "helped" with wrapping those along with his present for my partner (which I gave to him to wrap from my January sales collection) by choosing the paper, tags, and star for each person and writing his name on the tags himself.
I was even more impressed this Wednesday when he wrote out his Christmas cards to all the children in his class. OK, I wrote THEIR names, and I wrote out the envelopes, but Daniel put his name and a kiss and did a Christmas stamp in every single card - for 29 children and 5 teachers. Usually his concentration, especially with writing, is pretty poor, so this is a major breakthrough for him!
He's really looking forward to his own presents and cards now having put time and energy into the ones he is sending. I'm feeling he's going to understand and enjoy Christmas more this year than ever before.
It's been a week of progress in more than one way, too! Reading requests are taking off to the point that I had enough money to treat myself to a couple of albums I've wanted forever and not had the money to buy (ironically, including "Progressed" by Take That).
Even better, I have a lesson observation and interview for a long-term teaching assignment next week! I am so happy to be shortlisted. The job market is so competitive these days and it's so easy to feel like you're on the career scrap-heap. No matter what the outcome, I am well-prepared and know I will have tried my best; and I know I was good enough to get an interview out of a large field. It's given me a real boost.
I guess the moral of all this is perseverance. Perseverance makes progress!
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Keeping the dream alive
I'm speaking, of course, about the magical fantasy that is on every child's mind at this time of the year - Santa Claus - and what parents have to do to keep that dream alive.
I got my son to write a letter to Santa Claus with me. Well...I wrote, and he dictated. We wrote about what his interests are and how hard he has tried at school this year, and he asked Santa Claus in particular for a big aeroplane, a big rocket, a big monkey, a big helicopter, and an In The Night Garden toy. He posted it in the letter box himself.
Incidentally, up to now we've always had a reply from Lapland, free of charge - all you have to write on the envelope is "Santa Claus. North Pole." And if you want a response guaranteed, a friend of mine offers a solution for that - Santa's Letter Box.
I went to finish off buying his main presents yesterday - my aunt and I had already obtained a few, fortunately including a big aeroplane and a big rocket. Being out of work at the moment, things are tight and I have had to juggle money left, right and centre. But I know if I don't continue our tradition and deliver what he's asked Santa for, he won't believe any more.
I slogged around various stores trying to get the best deal, and trying to find stores where they had what I wanted in stock. It took me the whole time Daniel was at school yesterday. But I know if I don't deliver, he won't believe in Santa any more.
Why is it so important to me? I always believed in Santa as a child. I still half-believed when I hit the teenage years, and then as an adult, I have reached the conclusion that Santa does indeed exist. As a spirit, an energy, a value, an archetype, and an inspiration. Us parents and carers may do his dirty work, but I do still believe in Christmas miracles. Christmas is a magical time and long may that be so...whatever it takes to keep the dream alive.
If you've never read the beautiful article, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus", from which I take my cue, make this year the year you do it, and allow yourself to see Christmas through a child's eyes once more. Christmas magic is more important than ever in the chaos of economic crisis we all face today.
I got my son to write a letter to Santa Claus with me. Well...I wrote, and he dictated. We wrote about what his interests are and how hard he has tried at school this year, and he asked Santa Claus in particular for a big aeroplane, a big rocket, a big monkey, a big helicopter, and an In The Night Garden toy. He posted it in the letter box himself.
Incidentally, up to now we've always had a reply from Lapland, free of charge - all you have to write on the envelope is "Santa Claus. North Pole." And if you want a response guaranteed, a friend of mine offers a solution for that - Santa's Letter Box.
I went to finish off buying his main presents yesterday - my aunt and I had already obtained a few, fortunately including a big aeroplane and a big rocket. Being out of work at the moment, things are tight and I have had to juggle money left, right and centre. But I know if I don't continue our tradition and deliver what he's asked Santa for, he won't believe any more.
I slogged around various stores trying to get the best deal, and trying to find stores where they had what I wanted in stock. It took me the whole time Daniel was at school yesterday. But I know if I don't deliver, he won't believe in Santa any more.
Why is it so important to me? I always believed in Santa as a child. I still half-believed when I hit the teenage years, and then as an adult, I have reached the conclusion that Santa does indeed exist. As a spirit, an energy, a value, an archetype, and an inspiration. Us parents and carers may do his dirty work, but I do still believe in Christmas miracles. Christmas is a magical time and long may that be so...whatever it takes to keep the dream alive.
If you've never read the beautiful article, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus", from which I take my cue, make this year the year you do it, and allow yourself to see Christmas through a child's eyes once more. Christmas magic is more important than ever in the chaos of economic crisis we all face today.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Finally flying high...
I had a phone call first thing this morning from Daniel's teacher, as she hadn't had chance to speak to me after school yesterday. Now any mother would probably dread picking up the phone to school not knowing what news awaits, and that's definitely the case with me, as Daniel has been refusing to do some of his tasks and screaming in frustration in class recently.
But this was good news. This was news worth sharing. Daniel is doing so well with his reading he's been moved into a higher group, "Eagle Owls". She was calling me to inform that "Eagle Owls" visit the library on a Thursday morning so he needed to bring his library book to school and be pre-warned that it would be his first activity of the day, to avoid any stress for him.
This made me smile for two reasons. One, my little superstar is finally flying high and showing his amazing potential. Two, his teacher is really coming to understand him and his needs, to know that he needs to be prepared in advance for anything different, and given chance to think about it first to avoid becoming distressed. And understanding is half the battle.
My little "Eagle Owl" beamed all over his face when I told him. What a positive start to the day. Thank goodness for the amazing people at Daniel's school. They make all the difference.
But this was good news. This was news worth sharing. Daniel is doing so well with his reading he's been moved into a higher group, "Eagle Owls". She was calling me to inform that "Eagle Owls" visit the library on a Thursday morning so he needed to bring his library book to school and be pre-warned that it would be his first activity of the day, to avoid any stress for him.
This made me smile for two reasons. One, my little superstar is finally flying high and showing his amazing potential. Two, his teacher is really coming to understand him and his needs, to know that he needs to be prepared in advance for anything different, and given chance to think about it first to avoid becoming distressed. And understanding is half the battle.
My little "Eagle Owl" beamed all over his face when I told him. What a positive start to the day. Thank goodness for the amazing people at Daniel's school. They make all the difference.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Isn't it wonderful when...
...you find a new interest you can share with your child?
I had no idea Daniel would love to bake! Last time I attempted it, he showed no interest whatsoever. He generally finds it quite hard to concentrate on anything much for any period of time.
Since discovering the Pagan path several years ago, I have been trying to establish family traditions around the Pagan "Wheel of the Year" holidays, none more so than Hallowe'en, or in Pagan terms, Samhain. We do pumpkin carving and accommodate trick-or-treaters - Daniel even went trick-or-treating for the first time himself this year albeit briefly - but I really liked the idea of baking something special for each holiday, and as synchronicity would have it, an article on Justmommies.com inspired me to bake chocolate cupcakes decorated as spiders. The original article is still available here.
I adapted this somewhat and you can find our recipe at the bottom. I asked Daniel to help with the mixing of the cake, which he did with some fervour! In fact, he liked doing it so much we struggled to get the mixture off him to bake it in the oven...
One of the great things is that Daniel has a fear of mess, which makes it difficult to do any sort of craft with him, and he really didn't seem to mind on this occasion, as you can see! Once the cakes were baked, I asked Daniel to help with the decorating. My mum (pictured above) and I had made white chocolate buttons into spider eyes by dripping melted Galaxy chocolate on them, and Daniel stuck on most of the eyes himself, and also liberally applied chocolate "sparkles" (chocolate sprinkles of course!) to the melted chocolate on top of the cakes.
He had so much fun! I really didn't expect that, and will definitely be doing more baking with Daniel in future. It's not only something creative we can share together, it's helping with his motor control and to get over some of the funny fears his autism brings, and it's allowing him to share in traditions I want to teach him about, though he is of course free to choose his own spiritual path when he is older. Here is the finished product!
When we went out trick-or-treating, just to the people we know in our street, Daniel proudly took a container of chocolate spider cakes as a Hallowe'en gift, and everyone concurs that they were rather delicious!
Here is our adapted recipe for these very yummy but very naughty cakes.
For 18 cakes you need:
300g self-raising flour
300g caster sugar
300g margarine, melted
4 eggs, beaten
2.5ml vinegar
150g cocoa powder
300g milk chocolate
Milk as needed
Cake cases
Chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli
White chocolate drops/buttons (about 3 standard packets)
Matchmakers, or chocolate sticks of some sort (1 box)
Preheat oven to 150C / Gas mark 2.
Mix margarine and sugar together in a large bowl. Stir in eggs and vinegar. Sift in flour and cocoa and fold. Stir in a few drops of milk.
Pour into cases and bake for 20-25 minutes. They are ready when a skewer can be inserted and emerge clean.
Melt the chocolate and allow to cool slightly before spooning on top of cakes to decorate.
While the chocolate is still sticky, break Matchmakers (or chocolate sticks) into pieces of suitable size and insert 2 each side representing spider legs. Stick two white chocolate buttons to the chocolate at the front of the cake for spider eyes, and make a brown chocolate dot on each one with spare melted chocolate. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles (or vermicelli) on top to give a hairy effect. Place in fridge for around 15 minutes to avoid the chocolate decorations melting into one another before setting, then store in tins.
I had no idea Daniel would love to bake! Last time I attempted it, he showed no interest whatsoever. He generally finds it quite hard to concentrate on anything much for any period of time.
Since discovering the Pagan path several years ago, I have been trying to establish family traditions around the Pagan "Wheel of the Year" holidays, none more so than Hallowe'en, or in Pagan terms, Samhain. We do pumpkin carving and accommodate trick-or-treaters - Daniel even went trick-or-treating for the first time himself this year albeit briefly - but I really liked the idea of baking something special for each holiday, and as synchronicity would have it, an article on Justmommies.com inspired me to bake chocolate cupcakes decorated as spiders. The original article is still available here.
I adapted this somewhat and you can find our recipe at the bottom. I asked Daniel to help with the mixing of the cake, which he did with some fervour! In fact, he liked doing it so much we struggled to get the mixture off him to bake it in the oven...
One of the great things is that Daniel has a fear of mess, which makes it difficult to do any sort of craft with him, and he really didn't seem to mind on this occasion, as you can see! Once the cakes were baked, I asked Daniel to help with the decorating. My mum (pictured above) and I had made white chocolate buttons into spider eyes by dripping melted Galaxy chocolate on them, and Daniel stuck on most of the eyes himself, and also liberally applied chocolate "sparkles" (chocolate sprinkles of course!) to the melted chocolate on top of the cakes.
He had so much fun! I really didn't expect that, and will definitely be doing more baking with Daniel in future. It's not only something creative we can share together, it's helping with his motor control and to get over some of the funny fears his autism brings, and it's allowing him to share in traditions I want to teach him about, though he is of course free to choose his own spiritual path when he is older. Here is the finished product!
When we went out trick-or-treating, just to the people we know in our street, Daniel proudly took a container of chocolate spider cakes as a Hallowe'en gift, and everyone concurs that they were rather delicious!
Here is our adapted recipe for these very yummy but very naughty cakes.
For 18 cakes you need:
300g self-raising flour
300g caster sugar
300g margarine, melted
4 eggs, beaten
2.5ml vinegar
150g cocoa powder
300g milk chocolate
Milk as needed
Cake cases
Chocolate sprinkles or vermicelli
White chocolate drops/buttons (about 3 standard packets)
Matchmakers, or chocolate sticks of some sort (1 box)
Preheat oven to 150C / Gas mark 2.
Mix margarine and sugar together in a large bowl. Stir in eggs and vinegar. Sift in flour and cocoa and fold. Stir in a few drops of milk.
Pour into cases and bake for 20-25 minutes. They are ready when a skewer can be inserted and emerge clean.
Melt the chocolate and allow to cool slightly before spooning on top of cakes to decorate.
While the chocolate is still sticky, break Matchmakers (or chocolate sticks) into pieces of suitable size and insert 2 each side representing spider legs. Stick two white chocolate buttons to the chocolate at the front of the cake for spider eyes, and make a brown chocolate dot on each one with spare melted chocolate. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles (or vermicelli) on top to give a hairy effect. Place in fridge for around 15 minutes to avoid the chocolate decorations melting into one another before setting, then store in tins.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Zoo Days
A miracle happens when we go to the zoo. My anxious little boy loses his fears and anxieties, becomes totally relaxed, and fearless around the animals. I don't know whether it's because he's always had a love of animals and they're such a familiar sight, or whether it's because he's surrounded by the powerful ions of greenery in the zoological gardens, or whether it's because he's been visiting since he was a baby. But it's a kind of magic that works for him.
Recently, our zoo has had animatronic dinosaurs visiting which he saw early in the summer. He loved them, but was a little unsure, so I promised him I'd take him back before they left the zoo (they're leaving on Sunday 9th October) - and the time came on Sunday to go. His dinosaur adventure took precedence, and I was so glad we did that first because later in the afternoon the queue for the exhibit was huge!
Talking to Triceratops
Dilophasaurus wet me!
Laughing at Rugops' silly noises
Daniel on Apatosaurus: "They look like worms!"
What makes Dimetrodon tick?
He's behind you! Toothy T-Rex stalks Daniel
The cheetahs also have beautiful babies at the moment. We sat for a good 15 minutes watching those in the cheetah viewing hut. Babies in general fascinate Daniel, so he loved to see them all curled up together sleeping. However this does mean you can barely see them on the photo unfortunately! (Purposely posted large in the hope you'll see at least a tiny pair of ears!)
However we did get some nice shots of Mummy Cheetah on patrol duty. Daniel was enchanted with her and marvelled at her watching the birdies intently. She is majestic and graceful. The cheetahs are my favourite, so it was a real sense of spiritual awesomeness seeing the circle of life in full force in the cheetah enclosure.
So thank goodness for the zoo. A day out that's always guaranteed to go down a storm with both Daniel and myself, and something we can always share no matter how else we may grow apart.
Recently, our zoo has had animatronic dinosaurs visiting which he saw early in the summer. He loved them, but was a little unsure, so I promised him I'd take him back before they left the zoo (they're leaving on Sunday 9th October) - and the time came on Sunday to go. His dinosaur adventure took precedence, and I was so glad we did that first because later in the afternoon the queue for the exhibit was huge!
The cheetahs also have beautiful babies at the moment. We sat for a good 15 minutes watching those in the cheetah viewing hut. Babies in general fascinate Daniel, so he loved to see them all curled up together sleeping. However this does mean you can barely see them on the photo unfortunately! (Purposely posted large in the hope you'll see at least a tiny pair of ears!)
However we did get some nice shots of Mummy Cheetah on patrol duty. Daniel was enchanted with her and marvelled at her watching the birdies intently. She is majestic and graceful. The cheetahs are my favourite, so it was a real sense of spiritual awesomeness seeing the circle of life in full force in the cheetah enclosure.
So thank goodness for the zoo. A day out that's always guaranteed to go down a storm with both Daniel and myself, and something we can always share no matter how else we may grow apart.
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
The final hurdle
I'm currently writing my final assignment for my university Diploma in Music, and reflecting on what a journey it's been to get there. When I went to university for the first time I gained a degree in English, but Music was also always in my heart, and when I was teaching, Music fast became my favourite subject to teach. Part of my career break journey has been taking the opportunity to study it with The Open University for personal fulfilment and to strengthen my CV, and I am so pleased I've done it.
The first 60-credit chunk was done while I was working full-time in an office job and living alone in a flat with my then two-year-old; I didn't know he was autistic at the time but I knew about the challenging behaviour and developmental delay. It was a decision I made because I was single and sworn off men for a while as a bit of a quest to "find myself". Juggling the study withe everything else took a lot of commitment - I had to study every Saturday after a full working week while my son was with his dad, and ask my mum for extra childcare occasionally while I worked on assignments.
The second 60-credit chunk has begun and ended with more luxury, which I have really appreciated: I was working part-time when I began, and am currently not working and decided to put supply teaching on hold until the assignment is complete to make sure I'm making a good job of it. However there was a mad spell in between when I was simultaneously studying a full-time Return to Teaching course, complete with school placement!
I'm a little tired of being a whirlwind, and now looking forward to spending more time with my son until I secure a new teaching post, but doing this has really shown me how capable, well-organised and motivated I can be, and for the first time, having always been a 2:1 student but receiving firsts on several assignments throughout the course, I have excelled at something. It's been part of my road back to confidence after the redundancy, difficult labour, failed relationship, illness and disastrous teaching post I went through several years ago.
I now have the opportunity to do an MA in Education with another university, and I'm wavering a little - will have to see how I feel after a good rest on the back of this assignment!
One thing's for sure, studying and motherhood are not a natural combination, but having said that, perhaps there have been times it's kept me sane and stopped me focusing on the negatives of other situations, and I certainly wouldn't change it for the world.
The first 60-credit chunk was done while I was working full-time in an office job and living alone in a flat with my then two-year-old; I didn't know he was autistic at the time but I knew about the challenging behaviour and developmental delay. It was a decision I made because I was single and sworn off men for a while as a bit of a quest to "find myself". Juggling the study withe everything else took a lot of commitment - I had to study every Saturday after a full working week while my son was with his dad, and ask my mum for extra childcare occasionally while I worked on assignments.
The second 60-credit chunk has begun and ended with more luxury, which I have really appreciated: I was working part-time when I began, and am currently not working and decided to put supply teaching on hold until the assignment is complete to make sure I'm making a good job of it. However there was a mad spell in between when I was simultaneously studying a full-time Return to Teaching course, complete with school placement!
I'm a little tired of being a whirlwind, and now looking forward to spending more time with my son until I secure a new teaching post, but doing this has really shown me how capable, well-organised and motivated I can be, and for the first time, having always been a 2:1 student but receiving firsts on several assignments throughout the course, I have excelled at something. It's been part of my road back to confidence after the redundancy, difficult labour, failed relationship, illness and disastrous teaching post I went through several years ago.
I now have the opportunity to do an MA in Education with another university, and I'm wavering a little - will have to see how I feel after a good rest on the back of this assignment!
One thing's for sure, studying and motherhood are not a natural combination, but having said that, perhaps there have been times it's kept me sane and stopped me focusing on the negatives of other situations, and I certainly wouldn't change it for the world.
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
Every little - literally - helps!
I just wanted to say - big up to Tesco!
We have a brand new store open this week in our nearest neighbouring town, and we decided to try it today. We shop monthly, then top up at the corner shop on fresh fixtures like bread and veg, because we find it works out cheaper, and on our current benefit-based budget every saving matters.
OK, we are being a bit more money-conscious these days for obvious reasons, but we still had to fill our trolley and we still did a pretty standard shop. It came in at no less than £30 CHEAPER than a standard shop at the store we have been using for some time. Yes, we went for items that were on offer or Tesco's own brand on a few things...but we have always been quite good about doing that anyway. £30 is no mean saving!
On top of that, the extremely pleasant cashier (I imagine local people are really happy about the jobs this store has created) gave us a "golden ticket" for a £500 prize and coupons for money off petrol - I proceeded then to fill my car with petrol, because supermarket pumps are cheaper than garage train pumps, and saved a further £3 from handing in my coupons.
Tesco rocks! Their motto is "every little helps"...and they do make sure they do lots of little things to help that add right up. This is going right on my list for my consumer reviews.
Along with making a good start on the actual writing for my final Music Diploma assignment, and Daniel having a superstar day at school - he is thriving with his reading and becoming more relaxed each day with measures now put in place to support him at lunchtime and via the school nurture group - this has been a GREAT day! I hope the vibe rubs off on you if you're reading!
We have a brand new store open this week in our nearest neighbouring town, and we decided to try it today. We shop monthly, then top up at the corner shop on fresh fixtures like bread and veg, because we find it works out cheaper, and on our current benefit-based budget every saving matters.
OK, we are being a bit more money-conscious these days for obvious reasons, but we still had to fill our trolley and we still did a pretty standard shop. It came in at no less than £30 CHEAPER than a standard shop at the store we have been using for some time. Yes, we went for items that were on offer or Tesco's own brand on a few things...but we have always been quite good about doing that anyway. £30 is no mean saving!
On top of that, the extremely pleasant cashier (I imagine local people are really happy about the jobs this store has created) gave us a "golden ticket" for a £500 prize and coupons for money off petrol - I proceeded then to fill my car with petrol, because supermarket pumps are cheaper than garage train pumps, and saved a further £3 from handing in my coupons.
Tesco rocks! Their motto is "every little helps"...and they do make sure they do lots of little things to help that add right up. This is going right on my list for my consumer reviews.
Along with making a good start on the actual writing for my final Music Diploma assignment, and Daniel having a superstar day at school - he is thriving with his reading and becoming more relaxed each day with measures now put in place to support him at lunchtime and via the school nurture group - this has been a GREAT day! I hope the vibe rubs off on you if you're reading!
Sunday, 18 September 2011
A date with disaster!
Yesterday was the first day Daniel stayed over on Shaun's boat. We figure that now he is living away this is one way we can spend a bit longer together at weekends. And there had to be a first time. But what a day for it! It was grey, cloudy, miserable and throwing down huge amounts of rain on and off all day long.
My day started with Daniel and I exiting the boat because (as per his current major obsession - toilets) he wanted to visit the British Waterways toilet block. The grass by the boat was extremely wet and slippery. Unfortunately, I didn't realise how slippery. The floor just went from under me and we both went smack down on the grass getting muddy, wet bottoms and having to change clothes before we even started. I've done something to my ankle, it's very sore, and will probably need to visit the doctor about it this week. Just what I need for school runs!
After hobbling to the toilet block and back, Daniel was getting very fractious. A 60ft barge is not really big enough for a lively 5-year-old to play in! So we waited for a gap in the rain and went out to feed the ducks. Daniel enjoyed watching the ducks swip, flap, dive and fight over his bread - but we did end up getting wet again. By now I was low on clothes for Dan so we had to dry smelly socks over the boat stove and put on his last pair of spare shorts.
Shaun was poorly all afternoon so I ended up setting off for Daniel's dads earlier than intended as he just wouldn't get that Shaun was ill and wanted to lie quietly. Daniel's idea of lying quietly involved having toy aeroplanes and elastic bands thrown at your head or a little boy bouncing on the bed saying he wants to play with you, cuddle you or kiss you. Bless.
Just to round the day off, Dan slipped and fell in more mud on the way to the car so turned up at his daddy's with damp stinky socks and a wet muddy patch on his last pair of shorts. Luckily his daddy is very understanding and knows that is not the normal way of things!
Trying for a baby officially started that evening...so I'm not sure whether the preceding less-than-auspicious day is a terrible omen for the whole thing, or whether it was just "one of those days"!
My day started with Daniel and I exiting the boat because (as per his current major obsession - toilets) he wanted to visit the British Waterways toilet block. The grass by the boat was extremely wet and slippery. Unfortunately, I didn't realise how slippery. The floor just went from under me and we both went smack down on the grass getting muddy, wet bottoms and having to change clothes before we even started. I've done something to my ankle, it's very sore, and will probably need to visit the doctor about it this week. Just what I need for school runs!
After hobbling to the toilet block and back, Daniel was getting very fractious. A 60ft barge is not really big enough for a lively 5-year-old to play in! So we waited for a gap in the rain and went out to feed the ducks. Daniel enjoyed watching the ducks swip, flap, dive and fight over his bread - but we did end up getting wet again. By now I was low on clothes for Dan so we had to dry smelly socks over the boat stove and put on his last pair of spare shorts.
Shaun was poorly all afternoon so I ended up setting off for Daniel's dads earlier than intended as he just wouldn't get that Shaun was ill and wanted to lie quietly. Daniel's idea of lying quietly involved having toy aeroplanes and elastic bands thrown at your head or a little boy bouncing on the bed saying he wants to play with you, cuddle you or kiss you. Bless.
Just to round the day off, Dan slipped and fell in more mud on the way to the car so turned up at his daddy's with damp stinky socks and a wet muddy patch on his last pair of shorts. Luckily his daddy is very understanding and knows that is not the normal way of things!
Trying for a baby officially started that evening...so I'm not sure whether the preceding less-than-auspicious day is a terrible omen for the whole thing, or whether it was just "one of those days"!
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