Charlie and Us.

A glimpse of our summer.

2012-01-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

Time for a catch up..

2012-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Well married life is just wonderful and yes we are still doing the really cheesy thing of referring to each other as ''my wife'' and ''my husband'', well I'm hoping we feel like this forever.
I thought I'd post a few pictures of our little 'honeymoon' in Stratford upon Avon, we had a lovely time and visited the amazing Warwick Castle.

Our Wedding

2011-10-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Ahh, our wedding was just as we had dreamed it would be....perfect.

Our special day

2011-09-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd pop over for a tiny post about how my love and I are finally going to get married. We are having the smallest, very intimate wedding ever, just me, Warren and the children. Kirsty and Jake are going to be our witnesses, Lucy is in charge of taking photographs Charlie is going to be the 'smiley' chap he always is and Ben (who is miles away in Canada) will be in my heart :)
I know I am a terrible Blog keeper and I am probably going to be away from here for a couple of weeks now but I really wanted to share our happy news with you :)
Back soon with lots of pics of 'our special day'

A visit to Dunham Massey

2011-08-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

We spent the day at Dunham Massey, a National Trust country estate, with beautiful gardens,lakes and the most gorgeous quite tame deer. Oh and warren took this pic of me and to be honest I dont normally like any photo's of myself but I quite like this one mainly as it shoews of one of my beloved tattoos and I like my braid in my hair (I REALLY) want dreads but Warren is so not keen!

Our budding little photographer.

A Day at the seaside.

2011-08-10T02:51:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed building sandcastles, while Charlie played in the sea!

We didnt think Charlie would dare to go so far into the water but daddy paddled too and then there was no stopping our brave surfer dude, he actually fell in and went right under and after a bit of coughing and spluttering, he went right back in :)

This boy was born in water and loves to be in there whenever he gets chance.

Our little beach boy.

These two boys make my heart go all wobbly :)

Sharing secrets with daddy.

Making reed boats to sail on the little lake.

Outdoors life .....

2011-06-20T01:09:00.000-07:00

My Boddhi Tree

2011-06-17T04:07:00.000-07:00

My latest addition....The Boddhi Tree, this was taken just after I had it done so it was a liitle red but it has settled in nicely now :)

Grounding myself....

2011-06-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

I've been staying away from my blog for a while because my life hasn't been all sunshine and smiles and walking in forests, although there has been some of that too.
I kind of really wanted this blog to be somewhere special where I can come back and remember all those peaceful mama days but to be honest being a mum isn't at all just being peaceful, its being worried, stressed, angry and disappointed in myself and yes disappointed in how our children chose to live their lives.
My 17 yr old daughter and I have clashed, argued, said hurtful things, she left home, came back, tried to understand each other, make peace but we are still going through a ''17 yr old, parenting thing not working at the moment, there's an argument brewing all the time'' kind of life.
I've been sad, my stomach has been churning and I've felt like hiding away. I've wanted not to be a mum.
But I have accepted this is my life at this moment and it will pass, probably all quite quickly and then I'll turn round and no longer have a teenage daughter, struggling with her emotions but a very loved and self assured young woman will take her place.
Being a mother is ever changing but loving your children is constant!
Anyway, this mama needed time out from this blog, I have grounded myself, reminded myself I am a good enough parent and told myself that even when 'right now' isn't too great, all will be well.

St Ives country park, Keighly.

The woods at St Ives.

Forest pixie.

Just playing...

2011-04-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

No words, just a boy playing :)

Spring is here!

Outdoors boy.

2011-03-31T01:10:00.000-07:00

The wind farm or more commonly known as 'Charlies windmills'.

Kite flying on the hill near where we live, very aptly named 'windy hill'.

Forest pixie :)

Thankful for.....

2011-03-12T04:33:00.000-08:00

Please bear with me while I soak up this boys radiance and energy. Right now I am thankful for having the joy of being mama to our Charlie.

A wonderful adventure in Delamere Forest......beautiful.

Where better to imerse yourself in play than in nature.

Nature Connections

2011-02-28T03:53:00.000-08:00

Nature connections is a collaborative link collection posted at the end of each month on Living and learning.
Its purpose is to showcase photos of children enjoying nature to inspire all of us to get outdoors more.

Still here :)

2011-02-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

I thought I would be very brave and post a picture of myself here, this was taken on a steam train on the East Lancs Railway. I never particularly like photo's of myself but I have just recently celebrated my 43rd birthday and I have decided that although I'm not as young as I once was I don't feel old either, just wiser and perhaps a little more chilled out about things :).
As always our house has been busy with the hustle and bustle of family life and I don't always get the time or energy to post but I'm still here.

Nature Connections

2011-02-01T12:51:00.001-08:00

Erm....blogger doesn't seem to be letting me do links to other blogs and things at the moment grrrr!

Anyway, nature connections can be found over on Sherry's gorgeous blog, Living and Learning.

quiet and change......

2011-01-28T02:59:00.000-08:00

I have been a little quiet lately as we have been so busy organising and preparing for my first born to leave for Vancouver, Canada. Ben has flown our nest after 23 years and I am the proudest mum in the world right now but......shhhh, bit of a secret I am also just that tiny bit heartbroken. I hope he has a wonderful time out there but erm...think he might have a shock when he runs out of clean clothes and towels!!!!! Bon Voyage Ben :)

Little House on the Praire :)

2011-01-20T08:40:00.000-08:00

A little treat for myself arrived today and guess what I will be snuggling up watching tonight :)

Out and about.

2011-01-12T01:56:00.000-08:00

Clitheroe Castle.

If there's something to climb then we have a happy boy.

Lots of smiley fun was had :)

Who's that 'trip trapping over my bridge'.

Swing fun with daddy.

After a fun but very cold play in the park we enjoyed a much needed warm drink in the cafe set in the grounds of the castle but Charlie's favourite bit was the scrumptious carrot cake, that boy really does LOVE his 'bestest cake' .

Hoping the new year is full of this.......

2011-01-03T02:38:00.000-08:00

A 'Hipstomatic' kinda Christmas.

2011-01-02T02:44:00.000-08:00

Holy Island

Barters Bookshop, Alnwick, Northumberland.

2011-01-02T02:34:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas fireplace.

Charlie exploring the church on Holy Island.

The bay on Holy Island.

Making pizza.

Happy New Year.

2011-01-02T02:25:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to you all may this year bring lots of peace and happiness to you and your families.

Christmas at our house was wonderful and we celebrated with a traditional meal with our family and then on boxing day we did something a little different for us, we packed our bags and went of on an adventure.

I thought I would post a few pictures of our Christmas, from gifts recieved to places visited.

Christmas Eve Love,

2010-12-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and peaceful Christmas. x

Advent spiral.

2010-12-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

Charlie lighting his candle.

Advent,advent a candle burns

Advent, advent a candle burns,

First one then two then three then four,

Then comes the Christ child at the door.

Peace and joy and light at this solstice time.

Snowy fun.

2010-12-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

No need for words really, just lots of lovely snow, fun and sledging.

Christmas 'Quackers'

2010-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Warren took this photo and I just couldn't resist posting it :)

I took His Hand And Followed.

2010-11-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

My dishes went unwashed today. I did'nt make the bed. I took his hand and followed. Where his eager footsteps led.

Oh yes, we went adventuring my little son and I.

Exploring all the great outdoors. Beneath the winter sky.

We wandered past a crystal stream, we wondered through a wood. My kitchen was'nt swept today, but life was sweet and good.

That my house was neglected, that I did'nt sweep the stair. In twenty years no one on earth, will know or even care.

But that I've helped a little boy, to noble manhood grow.

In twenty years the whole wide world, may look and see and know.

Our boy is 4.

2010-11-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Quite allot has been going on since I last posted here, one of the more lovely things is, our boy had his 4Th birthday. No longer the toddler but the very inquisitive, energetic, confidant beautiful little boy who fills us with love every day.

Hurray....birthday tea. (oh and if anyone reading my blog isn't to happy about me posting pics here just let me know :).

Charlie and his big sisters waiting for birthday pizza :)

The birthday cake at home with Charlie aka spiderman blowing out his candles on his racing car cake.

The birthday boy blowing out his candles on my home made vegan cake (oh and I was very worried how it would taste but went down very well!).

Witton Country Park.

2010-10-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Finding treasures in the Autumn leaves.

Daddy made boats.

The very beautiful Witton Country Park nr Blackburn...a wonderful find from this brilliant book, ''All Terrain Pushchair Walks, Lancashire, By Kathryn Wood. Our day in nature was made all the better as we actually met the author of the book as we were coming out of the cafe. I was holding the book ready to follow the route and Kathryn was sat with her family, when her husband spotted we had a copy of her book and stopped us for a chat. We now have our very own signed copy and were thrilled to meet Kathryn!

Adventure boys having fun.

My two adventure boys.....oh how I love moments like this :)

Never mind the likes of Bill Oddie, we have our very own little birdwatcher!

This boy just loves being out and about in nature.....yaay for Autumn :)

Warren's photo's.

2010-09-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

Hollingworth Lake.

A view across the lake.

2010-09-24T04:54:00.000-07:00

blackberry picking (maybe you've noticed my 'blackberry' coloured hair too!)

Talking to the animals...

Tractor fun, of course!

Climbing boy!

2010-09-22T01:20:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a while since I last came here to my own little space in 'blogland' but our life and rhythm has changed quite dramatically over the past couple of weeks and to be really honest I am 'exhausted' (but I think maybe in a good way!). Charlie has now started at kindergarten and goes Tues, wed, Thurs from 9.45 till 1.45, it may not sound much but after being at home together every day all day it's a bit of a shock to our systems. The other thing we are having to adjust to is the 14 mile journey to get there and then of course what do I do when I have dropped charlie off, I have come back home and cleaned and tidied, done the weekly shop, sat in cafe's with a book, walked round the very Eco friendly and beautiful little town and we have only being doing this for 3 weeks lol. I know lots of other lovely blogs I read are also saying they need to find a 'rhythm' to their day and I certainly need to find ours. I had planned to do walks and park etc when I picked charlie up but its not working as he's tired and just wants to go home! I know charlie LOVES kindergarten and is so happy there but I miss him so much and I;m in shock with my boy not being with me for so many hours.

OK, so friends keep telling me just to relax and enjoy a little time to myself after all these wonderful but weary years of parenting but I can only say I feel like I've lost my 'mojo' our life may have only changed a little but wow, what a knock on effect it has.

Yaay.......

2010-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Kirstys 21st birthday

2010-09-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't had chance to post lately as we've been a little busy at our house. We've been celebrating 21st birthdays, GCSE results (Lucy did really well), getting ready for starting kindergarten next Tuesday and enjoying Jake doing so well.

Charlie enjoyed playing with the table confetti :)

Kirsty and her boyfriend Mikey :)

Me and my tribe, but no Charlie as he had to be taken home with a tummy ache.

yoga pendant :)

2010-08-26T00:26:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the fuzzy photo, but this gorgeous pendant arrived the other day, beautifully and so lovingly made by the very talented Stacey at www.bellawish on etsy. It's the yoga pendant and I have to admit when I wear it it does remind me to be calm and still in the most stressful and hectic of days and there have been a few of those just lately.

t shirts from Amsterdam.

2010-08-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Warren was working in Holland recently and on his way home he went to a hippie market in Amsterdam and bought these gorgeous and very original t shirts. They also make skirts/dresses etc all using designs from famous artists. I love the klimt one as I really love his work. I wish I could remember the name of the company who made them. I'l try and find out and post it.

The boy who keeps us smiling.

2010-08-17T14:15:00.000-07:00

No need for words, just our boy who keeps us smiling.

Diggerland!

2010-08-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great day out at Diggerland and Charlie and daddy had fun.....digging! Charlie was also a wonderful driver and drove a small landrover perfectly round the track.

We had a lovely day, although some of the diggers and things were a little to big for Charlie.

To be honest, I've not really been in the right frame of mind for blogging lately as Jake is back in hospital quite poorly again and I am struggling to focus on anything. We have had a couple of days out for charlie and his happy face does keep me going.

A bit of this and that.

2010-08-04T08:04:00.000-07:00

Helping daddy put up the gazeebo for a celebration bbq for Kirsty's graduation.

A photo of my fav shoes......just because.

Days spent drawing while it rains yet again.

Our 13 year old black lab, Toby seems to spend most of his days snoozing amongst the toys.

Haircut.

2010-08-02T01:51:00.000-07:00

Just a quick little post to show of our boy's new haircut. Charlie has been asking for it cut for a while and was asking to look like daddy so we went ahead and took him to the hairdressers! Although he does look cute and I think a bit older, I'm regretting it really and so is daddy, we miss the long haired charlie boo and charlie seems oblivious to the change anyway lol.
Anyawy, it's only hair and will grow backand he's still our cute boy whatever the trend.

Kirsty's Graduation!

2010-07-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

My beautiful, clever daughter Kirsty who graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University on Wednesday. She is know a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology! We are so proud of her and are excited for what the future will hold for Kirsty on her new journey. Well done, we love you lots x

Bit of a waffle.

2010-07-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

I supose I felt I should kind of explain a little of the reasons why this blog is called 'charlie and us' even though I have 5 wonderful children. It's because my older children are mostly adults and Lucy who is 16 going on 21 lol certainly would be mortified if I went rambling on about her life on here. Like any family (and step family) we go through our ups and downs but on the whole life is quite grand :)
I'm so very proud of all my babies, big and small and only wish I had a blog/keepsake for all of them but as our everyday life and routines seem to evolve round Charlie and every now and then I catch a quick glimpse, give a lift, hand out money, etc to my older offspring, then I'l continue to share our life as it is.
Oh and just wanted to say, thank you so very much for reading our humble blog enties, it's so nice to share with other like minded folk.

Camping is fun.

2010-07-06T12:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, this photo makes my heart skip a beat!!

Charlies first ever pony ride, he was so brave and went for a little walk around the paddock without me or daddy but you can see he was a little nervous.

Me and my boy.

My beautiful smiley adventure boys.

Lots of room for our camping party of 3. For some strange reason the older children gladly stay at home and wave us off.....wonder why lol.

Our tent in all its lovely glory.

Very happy campers.

A little bit of ordinaryness.

2010-06-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Fun in the 'hot' sun!

Cool dude in the playground.

Our summer solstice fire.

Playing in the garden in pyjamas....very early in the morning.

Making pictures with painted pebbles.

Painting pebbles and rocks.

Our array of wonderful masterpieces. We had such a peaceful, relaxing morning just painting and chatting....Bliss!

He's the one.

2010-06-21T14:45:00.000-07:00

He's my lover, my best friend, my soul mate, the amazing daddy of our beautiful boy. Every day is fathers day in our house.

Fun on the farm.

2010-06-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

Lots and lots of fun was had on the tractors!

Feeding a lamb, but charlie did keep asking where its mama was. I have to admit though that there was only a few lambs that were fed this way and not like some farms we have visited where its obvious the lambs are fed with bottles purely for visitors amusement.

A very friendly and patient sheep :)

The farmer pulled a little train of barrels filled with very happy excited little people.

The Endless Knot.

2010-06-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share my new tattoo with you as I am so happy with it and Love it so much. It is the buddhist symbol The Endless knot, I also have another buddhist symbol on the bottom of my back of The Parasol. These tattoo's mean so much more to me than just a 'pretty picture' I feel empowered by them and they are a part of my soul!

Appreciating the ordinary.

2010-06-10T13:07:00.000-07:00

To fully appreciate ''the ordinary''is an extraordinary gift.

A very happy boy.

Charlie's drawing of a prairie dog, I have to say I'm so excited as it really did look like one and he spent ages very carefully drawing it :)

Spring Wood.

2010-06-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Admiring the gorgeous lambs and their mamas.

Sring wood at Whalley.

phew, map reading is such hard work.

ok...I just love this pic x

Sunny days by the river.

2010-06-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

We've been spending as much time as possible outdoors in the gorgeous sunshine and what a beautiful place to spend an hour or two skimming stones than here at the River Ribble just 20 miles away. Apparently it was here in this very area that Tolkien had his inspiration for 'The Shire' in the Lord of The Rings books. I think I've found a new favourite place to be.

Beautiful pictures by a lovely mama.

2010-06-06T03:17:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post a photo of these very gorgeous pictures by the totally talented mama at: http://pixiepolly.blogspot.com/ , thank you for being so clever polly :)

Lovliness...

2010-05-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Our lovely little pirate.

Charlie trying to tempt a woodlouse to enjoy a little grass feast :)

Eeeeek....our very scary cat, Eeyore!!!

I'm so happy with my gorgeous purple walls I just had to take a photo :)

I had to post this pic of my very yummy collection of delicious Pukka tea's.

Our 'green man' windchime, hopefully bringing happy growing vibes to our garden.

We've been busy planting purple sprouting broccoli, spinach and cucumber.

quietly still here.....

2010-05-18T10:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, just a quickie to say we are still here and every now and then I try and catch up with my favourite blogs but like so many others we have been spending less and less time on the computer and more time playing, planting, and being a family. A while ago I spent a very long time writing out a post that went on about things that I was worried about or pondered on at the time but then just as I was about to post it something happened to our family that literally rocked our world and still now I am struggling to come to terms with how cruel and insensitive some people can be. I really can't go into all the pain and heartache right now but needless to say I haven't spoken to my mum or sister since and I have to say I do feel a sense of relief from them not being in my life. I think sometimes people/ family bring negativity and chaos into your life and its hard to keep being polite. Anyway, on a more positive and happy note, we've been busy enjoying the lovely spring sunshine and planting lots of veg and fruit bushes...mmm.

Wise words.

2010-04-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have just read this and I had to share......

I am struck by the fact that the more slowly trees grow at first,

the sounder they are at the core, and I think that the same is

true of human beings. We do not wish to see children

precocious, making great strides in their early years like

sprouts, producing a soft and perishable timber, but better if

they expand slowly at first, as if contending with difficulties,

and so solidified and perfected. Such trees continue to

expand with nearly equal rapidity to extreme old age.

Henry David Thoreau.

A threeyear old boy is sitting quietly in the backseat of his

father's car eating an apple. He looks down at the fruit in his

hand and asks, 'Daddy, why is my apple turning brown?'

'Because after you ate the skin off, the meat of the apple came in

contact with the air which caused it to oxidize thus changing its

molecular structure and turning it into a different colour.'There

was a long silence. Then the boy asked softly, 'Daddy, are you

talking to me?'.

Still here.

2010-04-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say, I'm still here but ever so very busy at our house. Amongst the many trips to the park, walking in woods and picking and eating raw wild garlic (yummy, and we found a wonderful wood so abundant in the lovely, pungent smelling wild garlic, it was quite amazing!). Jake has decided to get his very own first place (please send happy vibes his way, he so deserves to be at peace and happy:). So apart from helping Jake set up his first home, celebrating warrens birthday and having a change of mind about wedding plans (still getting married, just a different plan) all is well at our house. Oh and I think we have been a little hasty planting a few plants outside as after all the glorious weather, its now turned quite cold!!. Anyway, I am going to post about things in more detail when I get chance.

Bigger and Braver every day.

2010-04-04T02:46:00.000-07:00

We went to a country park yesterday, not aware that there was a fair on at the time, my heart sank when we arrived and saw the fairground sign. I just couldn't cope with noise, mess and the screams, I wanted peace and the sounds of nature! Well as luck would have it, the fair was tiny, a bouncy castle, giant slide, merry go round and hook a duck stall !! Anyway what I want to know is.....when did this boy get so big and brave. Charlie climbed the wobbly steps right to the top of the giant slide with no fear and loved sliding down in various ways. I really thought he would never do it, but alas my boy is certainly getting bigger and braver by the day.

just pics of our days.

2010-03-30T03:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know why but this boy loves to climb on the table and lie down to draw.

Of course on a rainy day what better thing to do than make stuff.

And draw.

And have fun.

Worrying comments?

2010-03-23T09:38:00.001-07:00

I was reading some of my favourite blogs and just had a little look on mine as I noticed there was a comment made by a blogger who didn't speak English and when I translated it I began to feel a bit uneasy about our life and pictures being out there on the net for basically anyone to see. The comment wasn't really awful or anything but talked about children going missing and I wondered why someone thought this was a relevant thing to post on my blog!
Anyway, I'm going to have a little time to think about things and see how I feel. I love doing our blog and sharing our life with other like minded families but it has made me cautious.

Whalley Abbey

2010-03-22T02:11:00.000-07:00

The ruins of Whalley Abbey nr Clitheroe.

We found a nest hidden away in a quiet corner of the Abbey ruins. We didn't want to scare away the parents so quickly took these pictures and as we left we saw a beautiful white dove fly on to the nest, back to her babies.

2010-03-22T01:59:00.000-07:00

Charlie was so thrilled to have a black fleece jacket just like daddy :)

This boy loves cars.

2010-03-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

We went to the Eureka Museum in Halifax and spent most of our visit in the garage/car repair section as Charlie's love of the moment is cars! We have been to the museum before and seemed to spend much of the visit doing the same things and after maybe an hour Charlie gets all upset and bewildered as there are always loads of school children running around like crazy and making lots of noise (I suppose the children act like this as there not used to being out and about in such large groups and its that theory of being let loose instead of being sat behind a desk!). Anyway, it always ends up in tears, so as much as Charlie enjoys certain parts of the museum we have decided to wait a while before we visit again.

A mechanics work is never done :)

Clitheroe Castle

2010-03-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

A picture taken from the top of Clitheroe Castle.

Photo's from the weekend.

2010-03-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

We had a really nice day out at the very tiny but intersesting Clitheroe Castle.

Aaargh!!!!

2010-03-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

Can anyone help...I dont know if I've done something I shouldnt have to the settings on my blog but basically when I try to put a photo on, it will upload the pic but displays a great long code instead of the photo??? Oh dear :(

Another beautiful photo...

2010-03-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

A HDR photo taken by the very talented warren :). I wish I'd called this blog Charlie and Us really as it is about our family life but I'm not sure how to change the title without starting all over again. Anyway, I don't think the title matters, its the contents that are whats important.

Us...

2010-03-08T05:09:00.000-08:00

Well ok, so what have we been up to this last week. We've been on trains to visit museums and cities, we've walked in parks and nature reserves, we've celebrated birthdays (lots!) and just generally been busy and not so busy being a family. The only problem I have now is that I'm completely and utterly exhausted, I wish I had energy and that kind of spring in my step but alas, I dont know weather its to do with my ME which is only mild but definately still there never the less, but I need to rest and SLEEP more! Oh and charlie has a sinus infection that just so happens to get really bad at night and therefore keeps us all awake as he cries with headache and sinus pain, poor little fella.

My 2 handsome boys :)

Doing what this boy does best.....smiling :)

My youngest daughter turned 16 this weekend and so we did what most 16 year old girls love to do......went shopping (ok, Lu had a fab time and I had a fab time watching Lu enjoy herself!). We then had a gorgeous Italian meal at a super posh resteraunt in the city centre, the food was divine and Lu thought the waiters were too lol :). Happy 16th my not so baby girl :) x

Warren's photo's

2010-03-01T07:02:00.000-08:00

Just a few beautiful photo's warren took on a visit to a tropical park on sunday.

Happiness is......

2010-03-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

Celebrating Jake's 19th birthday. This photo gets to me every time....just look at that smile :)

This is what happens to our babies....they grow up into these gorgeous folk!!

Me and some of my children :)

Look what came today :)

2010-02-26T05:08:00.000-08:00

No time for words, I'm going to find a comfy spot and read :)

A catch up.

2010-02-25T07:10:00.000-08:00

Well I thought it was time to reconnect to my blog and write something down, just for the sake of trying to get back into doing just this....writing :)
I have been around, as in reading up on some of my favourite blogs who inspire me sooo much and keep me focused on being the mummy I still truly aspire to be. It's so hard here sometimes to remain calm and gentle when chaos reigns all around, physically and mentally (mostly lovely but tiring family chaos lol).
Anyway, Jake is home from hospital and seems so much better and certainly very much brighter, but I am a little worried as I know he may come tumbling back down anytime but I am enjoying having my happy son home. My eldest daughter Kirsty is in her final year at uni and she is stressed out trying to get those last essays written and the final push to the end is nigh so I'm here just to listen and support her in her ''god I hate uni'' moments. Lucy is in her last year of compulsory education and is too trying to finish of all those bits and bobs ready for the dreaded GCSE trauma. My eldest son Ben has gone of to London this morning for trails to represent the company he works for at football in a European competition, hope he does well as it would be a dream come true for him. Well that's my lot busy anyway and there's so much more going on behind the scenes too. Warren and I have decided to get married, yes after 11 years we thought, hey lets celebrate how much we're still in love by promising to love each other as husband and wife and involve all the kids too. Ben is going to 'give me away', Jake is being Warrens best man, my girls are my bridesmaids and charlie will be our little page boy. We are having a tiny wedding with only very close family but alas it doesn't matter how simple or small we try and make it, there's always issues (I'll go into those another time!).

I think that's as much of an update time and charlie will allow for now but I am going to keep more up to date as I can as I think just the process of typing things on here is good for me.

2010-02-12T14:27:00.000-08:00

A sunny boy at a very cold but beautiful park.

Making music!

Sliding fun, whatever the weather.

Our beautiful park, where we escape to be with nature within minutes of our house.

This is Charlie asking me ''who is trip trapping across his bridge?''.

This is one of Charlies favourite things to play on, he spends ages on the wheel thingy making up his own little stories.

Our park has an outdoor gym area and Charlie loves having a go at keeping fit.

We did try and feed the very hungry geese and ducks but they were obviously ravenous and frightened Charlie to death as they literally helped themselves to the bread we brought them, I mean these beautiful creatures are twice the size of my little boy.....yikes!!

A really tasty homemade vegan lasagna to warm us up after our very cold adventures in the park. The recipe is from a fab book 'Cook Vegan' By Richard Youngs.

A little time...

2010-02-10T05:41:00.000-08:00

Just to say I'm still here but taking a little time out to gather some rest and strength. Love and blessings to all mama's.
Back soon :) sue x

Inspiring Books.

2010-02-02T04:33:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a lovely mama's blog: htttp://mummyslearning2.blogspot.com/
Sorry if this link doesn't work but I'm having trouble with blogger at the moment, it wont upload a few photo's and it also wont copy and paste links :(
The book ''for the sake of our children'' I spotted on Natural Life Magazine's website.

Smiles in a parcel :)

2010-01-30T03:48:00.000-08:00

The postman brought gifts to our house today and he also dleivered very big smiles and happiness too :). Thank you so very much to Gina and her lovely family, you truly sent a parcel of joy. Charlie loves the books and of course like all new books they must be read lots and lots of times each day :)

weekend walk.

2010-01-26T04:47:00.000-08:00

A wintery walk to blow away those cobwebs :)

This is the boy.....

2010-01-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

This is the boy who taught me to love unconditionally.
This is the boy who taught me how strong I really am.
This is the boy who taught me to never give up trying.
This is the boy who taught me love is everything.

This boy is my son Jake who is 18 years old and has had the courage and strength to be admitted on a psychiatric unit to try and get better from the awful mental illness that has plagued him for so long. Please think of my boy if you possibly could and send healing vibes.

''Om Mani Padme Hum''

Feeling blessed :)

2010-01-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

On a wet, cold day something popped through my letterbox that makes me feel truly blessed to be a member of the inspirational and encouraging family that is The Mother. I cant wait to savour every page and welcome the calm mama that comes out in me.

A very big smile was brought to our faces when we realised that our family is in this issue :)

Days like this...

2010-01-07T09:45:00.001-08:00

We've stayed in our pyjamas, played and kind of hibernated a little.

Making car ramps from tree blocks.

We have played....lots.

To remind me of where I want to be, calm, peaceful and respectful of my gift of being a parent when the hustle and bustle of our house gets to much.

Oh, think I mentioned before.....I love stripes!!

Charlie really loves his 'late' stocking filler of a little wooden boat from Myriad. I have to say that I was a bit disappointed with myriad as I order from them lots and my Christmas order which I made at the beginning of December only arrived a couple of days ago. Oh well I suppose it was worth the wait, and charlie can decorate the wooden tree ornaments next Christmas lol.

After endless days of mainly being indoors ,only going out for brief walks or a little sledging, a wonderful parcel arrived today.....a lovely treat for a tired mama. A Nomads skirt (in the sale!), a fairtrade sandal + cedar candle and a wonderful book I cant wait to read, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.

2010-01-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

We had a peaceful, quiet christmas at our house with lots of lovely delicious food, wonderful presents and just spending time together. Although we had no idea that charlie would be so ill at the moment. He did seem a little under the weather during christmas but we put it down to a tummy bug or a cold but unfortunately he is quite poorly with flu (he has been diagnosed with the swine flu, but to be honest we're just giving him lots of rest, hugs and juice). I want to wish you all a wondeful and very peaceful happy new year.

A lovely wintery walk.

Mr mischief :)

New Year Blessings to everyone.

2010-01-01T04:41:00.001-08:00

Grandad, me n charlie x

Me, Cheska, Ben and Mum on boxing day.

A pale and starting to get a little bit poorly charlie with daddy x

As you can probably tell Charlie really wasn't keen to wear his christmas hat :)

snowy, wintery fun.

2009-12-20T14:01:00.001-08:00

The wintery view from our front door.

Charlie and daddy's 'slinky' snowman.

A beautiful photo taken by warren on our walk today.

The long snowy road home.

My strong boy pulling his mama, actually he was a bit scared of riding on the sledge lol.

What a wonderful way to do the grocery shopping. We went to the local co-op via sledge today.....perfect for travelling in the lovely snow.

A few random photos.

2009-12-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

Charlies favourite trick :)

Our winter nature table.

This photo was taken by Charlie and you may have noticed the change in hair colour....this is the more 'natural me'.

Woody, our beautiful, big ginger tom.

Eeyore, our very weird and wonderful moggy.

Our not so little tree wich seems to have really grown over the summer.

Healing and change.

2009-12-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect, whole and complete. I see any resistance patterns within me only as something else to release. They have no power over me. I am the power in my own world. I flow with the changes taking place in my life as best I can. I aprove of myself and the way I am changing. I am doing the best I can. Each day gets easier. I rejoice that I am in the rhythm and flow of my ever changing life. Today is a wonderful day. I choose to make it so. All is well in my world. Louise L Hay.

A blogging break!

2009-11-23T08:52:00.000-08:00

As you have probably already guessed I am in the process of taking a small blogging break. I don't think I have the strength to go into things right now but just to say we've been going through some very heartbreaking times within the family. Things are very slowly starting to turn in the right direction now. I have to say a very big and special thank you to the wonderful TM readers who sent their loving vibes, lit candles and held my family in their thoughts :)

Hope to be back with happy stories to tell soon but for now I'll post a few pics of our smiley boy :)

To be a mother...

2009-11-05T01:06:00.000-08:00

I've been feeling a little exhausted and very emotionally drained just lately. There is so much going on in my life right now, that I just cant focus on the positive and I'm struggling to hear the healing words I'm trying to tell myself. But then I hold the thought of what it is to be a mama and hold my children close to my heart and slowly I realise that nothing else matters and I am smiling again.

Sahmain

2009-11-01T03:34:00.001-08:00

Even Toby joined in the fun.

Our fab pumpkins, carved by the very artistic warren :)

enjoying our sahmain fire :)

We had a fire and lots of fun with sparklers.

Charlie loved his first sparkler!

Birthday pics....

2009-11-01T02:23:00.001-08:00

The birthday boy opening his presents. He got books, a wooden castle, wooden pirate ship, dressing up clothes, cars, bulldozers and lots and lots of birthday hugs :)

Here is 'knight charlie', he loves his dressing up outfit and we enjoyed playing knights and dragons for hours. We put a big purple blanket over us and then knight charlie rides of through the forests on his dragon. I supose this could be seen as a 'war' toy but not in our house it isnt, because charlie uses so much wonderful imagination and the whole family plays together in charlies fantastic world.....

This was the highlight of charlies birthday....blowing out his candles, all he has talked excitedly for weeks was how he couldnt wait to blow his candles!

Happy Birthday Charlie :)

2009-10-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd birthday Charles Adam, we love you so much our happy, smiley, beautiful boy. Thank you for bringing us all so much joy :)

our beautiful boy.

Lovely daddy hugs :)

Our first cuddle.

Still snuggly in mummy :)

Book Sharing Monday.

2009-10-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

This week Charlie and I have chosen ''The Trouble With Dragons'' by Debi Gliori. This is a fab book about dragons who dont have a care in the world and make a terrible mess of their environment (sound familiar lol).
The illustrations are just lovely and the story tells us an important message too.

The Trouble with Dragons, a funny story with lots of lovely illustrations and of course Dragons who learn a very important ''green'' message!

Eat food that is grown much closer to home.

And LEAVE the wild places and ice caps Alone.

Stop blowing all that hot air but instead choose to walk.

And put less of our world on the end of your fork.

So if you know a dragon (and most of us do) ask if it thinks this story is true.

For if we can't see that our stories are linked then sadly, like Dargons we'll soon be extinct.

Sunday smiles....

2009-10-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

Big boys and little boys playing with trains :)

New additions to the family!

My latest book parcel came the other day and I cant wait to get reading these wonderful books :)

A rainy day at home.

2009-10-25T04:09:00.001-07:00

We cleaned the house.

Drawing pumpkins.

We made a den.

Green smoothie, spinach, strawberry and banana!

A little tour of our home...

2009-10-25T03:44:00.000-07:00

Masks.

our 'homely' kitchen sink :)

Our big comfy reading chair :)

Oh and have I mentioned that we love books!

our very busy and erm, sometimes not so autumny nature table!

Our cozy front room with comfy 'purple' cushions.

My lovely new fairtrade purple stripey throw, as I LOVE purple and stripes lol!

my firstborn's birthday.

2009-10-19T04:46:00.000-07:00

A happy baby Ben.

Today I'm busy preparing a tea party for my firstborn, Ben is 22! Hmm 22 years of being a mama.....lucky me :)

weekend wanderings.....

2009-10-13T01:06:00.000-07:00

Well we had a really lovely weekend walking in the woods and spending time together but as happy and joyful as it looks to be honest I'm struggling to deal with charlies unwillingness to go anywhere. At the moment all he wants to do is play with his cars and trains, he totally loses himself in his own world making up his little stories and its wonderful to see him using such a brilliant imagination but when it comes to getting shoes on and going out he has a crying fit and runs off. I dread trying to go anywhere because he just gets so upset and even when we set of and are on our way he can remain upset the whole time. I'm managing to stay reasonably calm but I really do have to make a conscious effort to remind myself to do so.

This is quite possibly my favourite place ever, Hardcastle Craggs, as soon as I get here I feel so peaceful.

2009-10-13T00:59:00.000-07:00

Charlie's favourite game at the moment is 'hide and seek' and there's no better place to play it than the woods.

The journey.

2009-10-13T00:46:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder if the journey to our steiner parent and child group is really just a little to far to be travelling. I love going and sometimes its the only place that charlie gets to 'play' with other little ones, the mama's there are just so lovely and inspiring and when I think of how beautiful our journey actually is, I have no doubts at all......

Thankful for...

2009-10-08T01:10:00.000-07:00

I havent actually joined the ''thankful thursday'' post as I'm quite useless as copying, posting etc but just wanted to say I'm so thankful for ....being lucky enough to spend every single day with Charlie and to have the choice not to send him to pre school and for him to have such brilliant big brothers and sisters who love him so much.
I'm thankful we get to spend lots of time outdoors together playing hide and seek and going for adventures yet when we come home we can snuggle up and enjoy breastfeeding (even though charlie constantly reminds me he's a big boy :). I'm thankful I have lovely friends who are so good at making me laugh and smile!
But I'm so very thankful for the love, patience, happiness shared with my very wonderful fiance warren :).

fun at the fair.

2009-09-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Having fun.

2009-09-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

Being a train driver.

enjoying last of the summer sun.

Autumn adventures

2009-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Horsey horsey dont you stop....

Fun in the park with daddy.

Happy :)

My two smiley boys :)

Helping bake chocolate cake!