If you have a photo that makes you happy please post the link to it in the comments box below as I'd love to take a look.
Blogging about life with my three mischevious little monkeys!
Monday, 28 February 2011
Muddy boots...
To everyone else this photo is just a photo of some muddy boots and means nothing, but to me it symbolises the result of a brilliant trip out with my 2 eldest children (and what turned out to be a fabulous day) after a really tough week. The light at the end of a long tunnel. Of all the photos I have taken over the years this is probably one of my favourites.
If you have a photo that makes you happy please post the link to it in the comments box below as I'd love to take a look.
If you have a photo that makes you happy please post the link to it in the comments box below as I'd love to take a look.
Sunday, 27 February 2011
My Super Sunday
Today has been SO different from the previous few days. My son's behaviour was horrendous for 3 days and to be honest, I really didn't expect any different today. I think that's half my problem, expecting the worst from him so before we even start the day I'm ready to react to any bad behaviour in a negative way than just accept that children aren't perfectly behaved 24/7.
My started off with a rare lie-in. You can't get much better than that for a great start to the day! Then I woke to find Molly had put a note on my pillow:
I decided yesterday that we needed to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise of some kind so my husband dropped me & the eldest two off at Jimmy's Farm while he took the baby grocery shopping.
After a full day of rain yesterday we knew it would be muddy so were suitably attired but I never thought it would be as muddy as it was. We were sliding all over the place but the children loved it. They were allowed to get as muddy as they wanted to and Charlie did just that within 2 minutes of walking through the gates!
We walked around to see the animals and Molly fell in love with the cute piglets.
Their favourite enclosure was the Guinea Pig Village as they have guinea pigs of their own (well they did until Charlie's Iggle Piggle died a few weeks ago) They then moved onto the play area, which is always the highlight of their trip. It was really mucky but it didn't bother the children.
After 15 minutes or so we went onto the woodland walk and then Molly wanted to see the butterfly house. She was left disappointed by the lack of butterflies (had we seen the notice on the hut at the gates we would have realised they'd been moved for the winter) but they were happy to see a frog in the pond. Easily pleased!!
After a few more minutes on the play area we walked through the car park to the lambing barn and saw a few lambs with lots of "awww, they're SO cute Mum" from the children. Back to the main area of the farm and we came across some day old chicks and more cries of, yes you've guessed it, " awww, so cute!" By this time the boys were back form the shopping and it was time to go and get some lunch.
Our visit to Jimmy's Farm was a success. No tantrums, no arguments, just a great time for all. We would have struggled to get the buggy around the farm in the mud as it was quite thick in places but we'll definitely be going back. Molly wants to see the butterflies and Charlie just wants to get muddy again!!
After lunch we headed home and I wanted to keep Charlie busy so I said that I'd be going out to deliver the rest of the local magazines. It would only take us about 20 minutes but I knew that as soon as I sat down he'd get bored and the fights would start. While we were waiting for the children to finish a snack I had a look at the Woodbridge Treasure Trail that I won in a competition recently. I'd been really keen to do it but we'd been hindered by the weather/poorly children/lack of time. It was ideal for this afternoon. We needed something to do, the sun was shining and the children love treasure hunts.
Once we'd delivered the magazines we drove to Woodbridge and parked up by the rail station, the start of the trail. It was a 2.5 hour trail so I thought we'd only get half done before the children became tired but we managed to do all but 2 roads. We drove down those roads later. They really enjoyed the task of having to look out for something in particular and were more observant than us adults at times! I know Woodbridge fairly well but the trail took us to places we'd not walked around before and got us looking at places with more interest. The trail sheet is interspersed with interesting facts about areas on the trail and most clues were really easy to solve. We got stuck on a couple but there is a really handy text line for up to 3 answers.
All around the trail both children kept saying how much fun they were having and they're really keen to do a different trail next time. Me too!
There are Treasure Trails for many places in the UK of various lengths and you can purchase and download a trail online so you can be out within a short time of buying a trail. If you'd like the chance of winning a trail of your choice visit my blog post Competition Time before it ends on 12th March and follow the instructions.
My started off with a rare lie-in. You can't get much better than that for a great start to the day! Then I woke to find Molly had put a note on my pillow:
Bless!!
I decided yesterday that we needed to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise of some kind so my husband dropped me & the eldest two off at Jimmy's Farm while he took the baby grocery shopping.
After a full day of rain yesterday we knew it would be muddy so were suitably attired but I never thought it would be as muddy as it was. We were sliding all over the place but the children loved it. They were allowed to get as muddy as they wanted to and Charlie did just that within 2 minutes of walking through the gates!
We walked around to see the animals and Molly fell in love with the cute piglets.
Their favourite enclosure was the Guinea Pig Village as they have guinea pigs of their own (well they did until Charlie's Iggle Piggle died a few weeks ago) They then moved onto the play area, which is always the highlight of their trip. It was really mucky but it didn't bother the children.
After 15 minutes or so we went onto the woodland walk and then Molly wanted to see the butterfly house. She was left disappointed by the lack of butterflies (had we seen the notice on the hut at the gates we would have realised they'd been moved for the winter) but they were happy to see a frog in the pond. Easily pleased!!
After a few more minutes on the play area we walked through the car park to the lambing barn and saw a few lambs with lots of "awww, they're SO cute Mum" from the children. Back to the main area of the farm and we came across some day old chicks and more cries of, yes you've guessed it, " awww, so cute!" By this time the boys were back form the shopping and it was time to go and get some lunch.
Our visit to Jimmy's Farm was a success. No tantrums, no arguments, just a great time for all. We would have struggled to get the buggy around the farm in the mud as it was quite thick in places but we'll definitely be going back. Molly wants to see the butterflies and Charlie just wants to get muddy again!!
After lunch we headed home and I wanted to keep Charlie busy so I said that I'd be going out to deliver the rest of the local magazines. It would only take us about 20 minutes but I knew that as soon as I sat down he'd get bored and the fights would start. While we were waiting for the children to finish a snack I had a look at the Woodbridge Treasure Trail that I won in a competition recently. I'd been really keen to do it but we'd been hindered by the weather/poorly children/lack of time. It was ideal for this afternoon. We needed something to do, the sun was shining and the children love treasure hunts.
Once we'd delivered the magazines we drove to Woodbridge and parked up by the rail station, the start of the trail. It was a 2.5 hour trail so I thought we'd only get half done before the children became tired but we managed to do all but 2 roads. We drove down those roads later. They really enjoyed the task of having to look out for something in particular and were more observant than us adults at times! I know Woodbridge fairly well but the trail took us to places we'd not walked around before and got us looking at places with more interest. The trail sheet is interspersed with interesting facts about areas on the trail and most clues were really easy to solve. We got stuck on a couple but there is a really handy text line for up to 3 answers.
All around the trail both children kept saying how much fun they were having and they're really keen to do a different trail next time. Me too!
There are Treasure Trails for many places in the UK of various lengths and you can purchase and download a trail online so you can be out within a short time of buying a trail. If you'd like the chance of winning a trail of your choice visit my blog post Competition Time before it ends on 12th March and follow the instructions.
Friday, 25 February 2011
My little aspiring poet
This was written by my daughter this afternoon. She wanted me to show everyone!
I'm not mad...honest!!!
The Hungrumptious Blumpfh
This book arrived with great timing. My usually energetic (read hyperactive) 4 year old was confined to the sofa with a virus and it looked like he'd be there for most of the half term break. We had been looking for something to do other than having our minds numbed by CBeebies so the arrival of The Hungrumptious Blumpfh solved our problem.
I scanned through the book with as much excitement as the children and one of the first poems I stopped at was Sick. After spending a few days clearing up after Charlie’s vomiting I didn’t really fancy reading about ‘Lumps and bumps and sour chunks…’ as the poem starts so we skipped that one!
My children love rhyming and loved this book. We have been working our way through the poems over the last week they have some favourites, although these are being added to daily. Conrad’s poems are fantastic fun and the children loved looking at Lilian Fitchet’s illustrations that accompany the poems.
My 3 favourites are Poetry is Wow, Books and What Can I Write About? I chose these because they inspire the readers to write their own poems and stories and Books encourages children to put down the controllers to their x-box or wii and pick up a book. I’m all for that. I always want to encourage my children to do something other than sitting in front of the tv all day and thankfully they’re at an age where they’d rather be doing something with Mum and Dad. Crafts, games, reading…they’re all things that can be done together as a family. I like to read to my children at any time of day and get them engaged in the stories or poems and they love storytime and love to join in. Books aren't just for bed time.
We’ve been having great fun trying to pronounce The Hungrumptious Blumpfh and my daughter nailed the pronunciation long before myself. The poem of the Hungrumptious Blumpfh is a right tongue-twister and the children were in fits of giggles over me trying to recite it without messing up! I’m still trying….
Having this book has encouraged Molly and Charlie to rhyme more often and they have a laugh trying to come up with the most ridiculous poem. The latest one they like to quote repeatedly mentions ‘poo’ a lot!
While the boys were napping this afternoon Molly and I sat on the sofa having some much needed quiet time and she wrote a poem of her own:
While the boys were napping this afternoon Molly and I sat on the sofa having some much needed quiet time and she wrote a poem of her own:
This book is perfect for any age. All children love being read to and my 6 year old has been taking it to bed every night to read to herself.
Please don't judge me....
I know that I am going to come across as terribly selfish in this post but I am really struggling this week and I need to get a few things off my chest.
I was really looking forward to this week. I miss my daughter so much when she's at school and she's always feeling left out of whatever me & the boys do during the week so I thought it would be lovely for us all to be together for the week. We wouldn't have gone far but we would have baked some cakes, played in the garden, gone to the park, perhaps had a trip to the museum and had a craft session or two at home. Quality time together as a family, not counting Dad being at work.
Nothing has gone to plan this week. My middle son fell ill last Thursday afternoon and spent 5 days on the sofa mostly asleep and I had to spend most of that time with him. It was quite nice to sit down and watch a bit of tv with him, not having to worry about the housework etc but after a couple of days I started to get 'cabin fever'. I hate being stuck indoors when it's not my choice. My daughter felt the same so on Sunday we got the in-laws to take her out for the day as it wasn't fair on her to be stuck at home all day, every day. We knew that my son was likely to be ill for a week or so.
By Wednesday my son had started to improve so we went out for a short walk but that exhausted him so we weren't out of the woods. Yesterday he awoke looking much better and by his admission, feeling a lot better but before we'd got out of bed he was arguing with his sister. This degenerated over the morning so I tried baking banana bread with them and doing some crafts to keep him occupied but still he was arguing, moaning and whinging about everything. No matter what I said or did it just wasn't good enough for him. His behaviour worsened over the day and I'd really had enough.
My husband came home and organised a babysitter so we could go out for a couple of hours. It was lovely to get away from the house and the children, even if it was just a meal and a quick nose around Tesco!
I had hoped today would be better as we had both sat him down and lectured him on his behaviour. We were out for just 15 minutes before he kicked off again, arguing with his sister over the most ridiculous thing and screaming that he wanted to go home. There wasn't anyone around but I was so embarrassed to have him behave like that in public that I wanted to go home too. So we did just that.
He was sent straight to his room and he stayed there for a couple of hours, napping for a while.
I know that he has been ill, is building his strength back up, is bored, has excess energy to burn off but he has spells like this every so often and just when I think he has calmed down and we've cracked the tantrums it comes back with a vengeance. My husband thinks I'm not dealing with it as well as usual because I've been cooped up indoors for over a week but I don't think it's as black & white as that.
I'm at my wit's end. I don't want my son around. I don't want to be with him. My poor daughter is suffering because of it. She's had to pick up the pieces when I've been sobbing over his behaviour. My youngest is too young to realise what is going on thankfully but he must pick up on something.
I really don't know what to do. My husband thinks that we need to put him into preschool 5 mornings a week instead of 4 and nursery every afternoon so that I don't have to be with him but I know deep down that that isn't the answer. We need to tackle his behaviour rather than pushing him out of the way, no matter how much I feel that way right now. I also know that when he starts school in September I will eventually look back at this time and see that I needed to have spent time with him rather than do everything in my power to not be with him.
I am scared to be with him when he's like that because I am so close to just walking out on them. I love my children dearly but I can no longer cope. I feel like a terrible mother for admitting this but I cannot go on.
I was really looking forward to this week. I miss my daughter so much when she's at school and she's always feeling left out of whatever me & the boys do during the week so I thought it would be lovely for us all to be together for the week. We wouldn't have gone far but we would have baked some cakes, played in the garden, gone to the park, perhaps had a trip to the museum and had a craft session or two at home. Quality time together as a family, not counting Dad being at work.
Nothing has gone to plan this week. My middle son fell ill last Thursday afternoon and spent 5 days on the sofa mostly asleep and I had to spend most of that time with him. It was quite nice to sit down and watch a bit of tv with him, not having to worry about the housework etc but after a couple of days I started to get 'cabin fever'. I hate being stuck indoors when it's not my choice. My daughter felt the same so on Sunday we got the in-laws to take her out for the day as it wasn't fair on her to be stuck at home all day, every day. We knew that my son was likely to be ill for a week or so.
By Wednesday my son had started to improve so we went out for a short walk but that exhausted him so we weren't out of the woods. Yesterday he awoke looking much better and by his admission, feeling a lot better but before we'd got out of bed he was arguing with his sister. This degenerated over the morning so I tried baking banana bread with them and doing some crafts to keep him occupied but still he was arguing, moaning and whinging about everything. No matter what I said or did it just wasn't good enough for him. His behaviour worsened over the day and I'd really had enough.
My husband came home and organised a babysitter so we could go out for a couple of hours. It was lovely to get away from the house and the children, even if it was just a meal and a quick nose around Tesco!
I had hoped today would be better as we had both sat him down and lectured him on his behaviour. We were out for just 15 minutes before he kicked off again, arguing with his sister over the most ridiculous thing and screaming that he wanted to go home. There wasn't anyone around but I was so embarrassed to have him behave like that in public that I wanted to go home too. So we did just that.
He was sent straight to his room and he stayed there for a couple of hours, napping for a while.
I know that he has been ill, is building his strength back up, is bored, has excess energy to burn off but he has spells like this every so often and just when I think he has calmed down and we've cracked the tantrums it comes back with a vengeance. My husband thinks I'm not dealing with it as well as usual because I've been cooped up indoors for over a week but I don't think it's as black & white as that.
I'm at my wit's end. I don't want my son around. I don't want to be with him. My poor daughter is suffering because of it. She's had to pick up the pieces when I've been sobbing over his behaviour. My youngest is too young to realise what is going on thankfully but he must pick up on something.
I really don't know what to do. My husband thinks that we need to put him into preschool 5 mornings a week instead of 4 and nursery every afternoon so that I don't have to be with him but I know deep down that that isn't the answer. We need to tackle his behaviour rather than pushing him out of the way, no matter how much I feel that way right now. I also know that when he starts school in September I will eventually look back at this time and see that I needed to have spent time with him rather than do everything in my power to not be with him.
I am scared to be with him when he's like that because I am so close to just walking out on them. I love my children dearly but I can no longer cope. I feel like a terrible mother for admitting this but I cannot go on.
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Soundtrack of my life
Looking through my spotify playlist the other night I realised that I have quite an eclectic taste in music but it’s a range of music that defines me. It literally is the soundtrack of my life.
I have music from the 60s (thanks to my Dad’s influence), music I listened to when I was a young child, music that got me through the angst of teenage years, tunes from the early 90s when I left home thinking at 19 I knew it all and could take on the world and more recent tracks that I love to listen to with my children with us all singing along.
If you have an ipod, mp3 player, spotify playlist that you think says a lot about you I’d like you to join me in putting your playlist on shuffle and listing your first 5 tracks. You can add a note about why you have that particular track on your playlist if you’d like to. We all have a track or two we wouldn’t like to admit to having on a playlist so no cheating by skipping a track!!
My five tracks are:
1. Saylon Dola Russell Watson I love anything of Russell’s so have everything of his that is on spotify on my playlist. I’m going to see him in concert again on May 7th and I just cannot wait to hear that wonderful voice of his live.
2. Bat Out Of Hell-Meatloaf My 1st proper boyfriend introduced me to Meatloaf’s music on my 1st holiday abroad with the school away when I was 15. As soon as I got home I went out to buy Bat Out Of Hell on cassette and drove my Dad crazy by playing it at full volume repeatedly for months. It’s one of few cassettes that I still have, but sadly I have nothing to play it on.
3. The Locomotion-Little Eva I love 60s pop, and everything else about the 1960’s. It’s pretty much all that my Dad would listen to, when he had control of the stereo at home, which wasn’t very often. I used to love listening to him telling me about his life in the 60s.
4. Sleep-Texas This is probably my all time Texas favourite, predominantly because of Paul Buchanan’s vocals. I can’t put my finger on why exactly.
5. Sweat (alalalalalong)-Inner Circle This track from 1992 was played a lot at the bar & nightclub where I spent a lot of my time after work. They held Reggae Nights most weeks and it was such a fun, carefree time for me even though I’d just started my first job and left home to live on my own meaning that I had a lot of responsibilities for the first time in my life.
So there’s my five shuffled tracks from my playlist. I’d love to hear what yours are. If you join in please post a link in the comments box below. For those that are tagged, I won't be offended if you choose not to take part.
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Tuesday, 22 February 2011
In the minds of children
After reading a prophetic note by the 7 year old daughter of Rosie Scribbles I thought I'd post my 6 year old daughter's note from October. She is always walking around with notepad and pencil in her hand and writing stuff down. Usually a class register, menu, shopping list or the beginnings of a story. This note though was quite thoughtful and philosophical for her and it made me wonder just what goes on in her mind sometimes. Sadly I cannot find the note itself but I did type it up on my computer to keep.
'I think the world has been made by God because he put the trees and the butterflys [sic] on earth or it has been made by God he moove [sic] us about like toys'
In the minds of children
After reading a prophetic note by the 7 year old daughter of Rosie Scribbles I thought I'd post my 6 year old daughter's note from October. She is always walking around with notepad and pencil in her hand and writing stuff down. Usually a class register, menu, shopping list or the beginnings of a story. This note though was quite thoughtful and philosophical for her and it made me wonder just what goes on in her mind sometimes. Sadly I cannot find the note itself but I did type it up on my computer to keep.
'I think the world has been made by God because he put the trees and the butterflys [sic] on earth or it has been made by God he moove [sic] us about like toys'
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Fill in the blanks from @IpswichRantMan
I am ................... a hard working husband and daddy, who believes you get out of life what you put into it. I have a glass that is half full however, i have no intention of sharing even 1 sip of the contents of my glass with anyone who's main focus in life is to find out what they are 'owed' and 'entitled to'. In fact i dislike people like that so much, that i hope they get a puncture on their way back from their appearance on Jeremy Kyle!
The bravest thing i have ever done.......... is killed the many spiders in our house, to protect my wife and children. I am as scared of them, as the rest of the family, but as the man of the house, it's my duty to play the knight in shining armour. It's worth it to see their faces as i walk back into the room, and see them looking up at me with a look of pride in their eyes......... I'm not just their dad....... i'm their hero !!!
Something that keeps me awake at night...... My wife. She reckons she can't sleep because of my snoring....... so being the loving husband, i decide to let her go to sleep before me, so she is asleep before i start my snoring....................... except she then stays awake til the middle of the night playing Angry Birds on her phone !
My favourite meal....is Sausages, anything with Sausages.... Toad in the Hole, Sausage Casserole, Sausage and Mash, Sausages and Jacket Potato, Sausage Sandwich..... you get the picture!
The way to my heart is ............ permanently closed due to overcrowding. If you're not my wife or children you need to turn left and follow the diversion signs until you reach someone who can make you as happy as they make me.
I would like to be.............Prime Minister. For a start, i would stop lorries from overtaking, secondly i would stop 'Family Allowance', thirdly i would give every citizen the right to 'Bludgeon to Death' anyone who breaks into their home, next i would bring back compulsory national service for anyone without a job for 3 months or more, then i would scrap employment law....if i own a company, nobody should be able to tell me who i can hire or fire, how much i have to pay them, and how many months off they can have if they get 'up the duff'. And finally, last but not least, anyone found spitting at another human being will be publicly stoned live on BBC1 just before Eastenders.
Fill in the blanks
After reading a lovely post on the blog ‘In The Wendy House’ I thought I’d join in and do the same. It’s a simple premise. You have the beginning of seven sentences and you just have to fill in the blanks. It’s easy peasy but the answers can reveal a lot and give a fascinating insight into the person filling in the blanks.
I am...a wife, mother, daughter, niece, granddaughter, stay at home mum, blogger, twitter addict, lover of chocolate and strawberry cheesecake Haagen Dazs, Netmums Chairmum for Ipswich, reader (when I get the time) and music lover
The bravest thing I've ever done...was to finally leave an abusive, controlling husband. He’d spent 8 years telling me that I couldn’t live without him and it took me 5 years leave him and longer to realise that I could cope alone.
I feel prettiest when...my children compliment me. It doesn’t happen often. This week I’ve been told: ‘Mum, I really don’t like your new glasses’ and ‘You’re fat Mum and I know it’s rude but, just how fat are you?!’
Something that keeps me awake at night is...my husband’s snoring and until last week my son. He’s 4 (my son, not my husband obviously!) and he has finally started to sleep in his own bed all night. THANK YOU Toy Story Bedtime Trainer/Clock! I recommend these to everyone with a littlie struggling to stay in bed.
My favourite meal is...something I’ll never get to eat again, sadly. My favourite meal was one of my Nanna’s roast dinners. Her roast dinners were perfect every time and no-one comes close to cooking like my Nanna.
The way to my heart is...make me laugh & love my children. Not much to ask!
I would like to be…someone my children can look up to, thinner, more content with what I have in life, less of a perfectionist, fitter/healthier, and someone to make a mark on the world.
I hope you enjoyed reading this. If you’d like to do your own please post a link as I’d love to read it!
Friday, 18 February 2011
More half term crafts: Cute Cupcakes
Well, these certainly are cute! I have never seen anything like this in the shops before and the children were really keen to get started. They love mini cupcakes as we bake them regularly so having the opportunity to make ones to keep forever was exciting!
The cupcakes are moulded from plaster of paris and I did this when my youngest two went to bed as I wasn’t sure how easy or messy it would be to mix but it really couldn’t have been easier. I found an old plastic pot and spoon (I’m a hoarder of things to keep-just in case) and followed the clear instructions. I was amazed at how easily it mixed. I expected it to be really difficult to get to a smooth consistency and I was prepared to be sitting there for a while stirring, adding a tiny bit more water, stirring and on and on but it mixed really well and didn’t take long at all.
I put the plaster into the moulds and was pleased to see there was more than enough mix. Often when you buy craft packs you can find yourself short but this wasn’t the case. I was about to smooth the plaster out but was interrupted by my ill son meaning that our cupcakes were a little on the uneven side. It’s very important to make sure everything is even so that it sticks together well once dry and painted. I gently filed the bumpy bits once dry.
The instructions tell you to wait 24 hours for the plaster to dry but ours was dry quite quickly. We still ended up waiting 24 hours as we were unable to paint the items before then.
The children were really impressed with the moulded cupcakes and loved painting them. They each chose 2 cakes and painted them quite happily by themselves. There was plenty of paint and a nice selection of colours. We had pastel paints so the cupcakes pictured on the boxes look a lot brighter but we preferred pastel. They’ve decorated some with spots for Mr Tumble form Something Special and want me to send a photo to him. Bless.
The paint has dried quite quickly so I have glued the pieces together ready for the children to add glitter glue (supplied) tomorrow. Because they weren’t as even as they could have been (my fault) they don’t sit flush but they still look fabulous!
I expected my children to be quite impatient as they like their results instantly but they’ve been quite happy waiting for each process to dry. It has given them something to look forward to.
I would definitely get these again and think they are a perfect gift for little girls, although my son was quite happy making them. Ideal for when your children have been invited to birthday parties and you're looking to buy something different.
Like other Galt craft packs that we've had all the materials are in the box. Such a bargain for an RRP of £4.99 In the case of this pack we needed an old pot & spoon and an extra paintbrush but it's stuff you're bound to have at home.
A massive thumbs up from us!
You can find Cute Cupcakes and other fab craft sets and much more at James Galt.com
Getting crafty at half term: Fantastic Foil Art
This craft activity looked really impressive and I was intrigued to find out how you could make a foil picture by simply peeling a section off a pre-printed picture and rubbing foil on to it.
In the pack there are 12 pictures , 40 stickers and 40 sheets of foil in various colours. The children, of course, were attracted to the foil instantly. Which child doesn’t like sparkly things?!
This activity is aimed at 5 years plus but my 4 year old wanted to join in as he likes to copy his sister. They each chose a picture and we laid out a selection of foil colours along with the clear, concise instructions.
You literally peel off a section that you want to colour, put the silver side of the foil you’ve chosen onto the section and rub it until it has stuck to the card. Once that is done you peel off the foil and you get your coloured section. You continue until you’ve covered your picture and get a rather vibrant, sparkly picture.
You have to take care and not rush what you’re doing. A few times we struggled to get the pieces off, particularly the smaller ones so I ended up helping both the 4 year old and 6 year old with this. I also found it best to hold the foil on firmly between thumb and forefinger for the children because it occasionally slipped when rubbing but the 6 year old soon got the hang of this and made sure she had rubbed over the entire section before she peeled the foil off.
We attempted to make some of the stickers from the 3 sheets provided. Again, the instructions were clear and concise but it was a little difficult to get the stickers to detach from the sheets. I ended up having to cut around them, but they still had the desired effect.
Overall we were very pleased with the final result and the effect was stunning. Unfortunately my photo doesn't really do them justice as they are much more sparkly. I would definitely buy this, perhaps for a child that had patience and was a little older or would have parental help.
Competition time
I am pleased to announce a competition for readers of Him, Me & Three.
For my first blog competition I am offering one lucky person a Treasure Trail of their choice.
In this day and age of computers, consoles and everything else that technology brings I am a great believer in getting the family outside in the fresh air. Treasure Trails add some fun to that quality time together. You don't need to have children to enjoy the trails though. Anyone can take part.
From Treasure Trails:
Treasure Trails are Treasure Hunt, Murder Mystery and Spy Mission themed walks which get the whole family outside exploring together in the fresh air and having fun. The easy to follow routes take you to some beautiful and interesting places and the answers to the clues are located on existing monuments and buildings, teaching you a little history along the way. Children become so engrossed with being the first one to find answers to the intriguing clues, they barely notice the fact they are doing something healthy and as the routes are only around two miles long, even the little ones can get involved. Gary Lineker is just one of the growing host of fans, having had lots of fun with his fiancée Danielle on a Treasure Trail around Armagh last year.
There are over 500 Trails in villages, towns and cities all over the UK and, at just £5 per Trail, are perfect as an inexpensive day out.
Treasure Trails website
There are over 500 Trails in villages, towns and cities all over the UK and, at just £5 per Trail, are perfect as an inexpensive day out.
Treasure Trails website
To enter you need to:
1. Take a look at the website and choose which trail you would like and let me know by leaving a comment in the box below along with your twitter name
2.
Follow me on twitter and tweet the following: I want to go on a Treasure Trail with @IpswichMummy http://bit.ly/fEI2XI
A winner will be chosen at random on Saturday 12th March.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Half term in Suffolk and a little further afield Part 2
BeWILDerwood, Hoveton, Near Norwich
BeWILDerwood is a fantastic outdoor adventure not just for the children but Mum & Dad too. There are treehouses, zip wires and boat trips, not to mention Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles!
This half term they have The Boggle Wish Bonfire (February 19th-27th)
Guess the wishes of your favourite BeWILDerwood characters, warm yourself around the big BeWILDerwood bonfire and make your wish for the coming year, the secret Boggle way. Can you work out which wish belongs to which Boggle or Twiggle? What have Mildred, Swampy and Snagglefang wished for? Find the wishes around BeWILDerwood and match them to your favourite BeWILDerwood characters to win your prize
Framlingham Castle
When we went here last there was a Highwayman trail and other activites and my children loved hunting around the castle grounds for the clues. There were a couple of men in character and they regaled us with tales of life as Highwaymen. The highlight of my visit was the wall-walk and the views of the Mere and surrounding area.
This half term at the castle there is a family fun trail. See if you can find all the clues to solve the Royal riddle. More info here: English Heritage website
Sutton Hoo
We took the open top tour bus from Woodbridge to Sutton Hoo in the summer and had a great time. Obviously the bus isn't running at this time of year but Sutton Hoo is still definitely worth a visit. For those of you who don't know the story of Sutton Hoo in 1937 three mounds were excavated and found to be Anglo-Saxon burial mounds. A ship was discovered along with treasures and weapons and symbolic objects. There's an informative museum on site with fabulous displays and they have lots on over the half term.
Gruesome Graves Tour: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 12 noon and 2pm
A special tour of the burial mounds for youngsters – don’t forget to bring an adult! Book on the day.
Normal admission.
Get Crafty! Tuesdays and Thursdays 11-1pm and 2-4pm
Drop in and make an Anglo-Saxon shield fit for a warrior.
Normal admission.
Make and Take Anglo-Saxon Crafty Day: Sun 27 Feb 11-1pm and 2-4pm
Learn ancient crafts and make your very own Anglo-Saxon Pot or jewellery.
£10 adult £5 child, materials included.
Swimming
Swimming is always a big hit with the children and we like taking the children to Felixstowe Pool where there is a fun pool with a slide for the older two and a baby pool that is really warm for our youngest. There's also Crown Pools in Ipswich and they have a wave machine which the children think is great fun! Crown Pools Stage 1 refurbishment has recently finished with better changing facilities and Phase 2 (pool refurbishment) is due to start at some point this year. Please check out timetables before you go.
Christchurch Park, Ipswich
When it's dry and the children need to burn off some energy there's no better place to go than the park, particularly as it's free! We love Christchurch Park for it's location-in the centre of Ipswich, for it's size-you never feel overcrowded & for the great enclosed play area. There is also the beautiful Christchurch Mansion in the park, another great free museum. We spend many a summer day there with a picnic.
Hollow Trees Farm Trail, Semer
Hollow Trees is a 140 acre mixed farm in Suffolk with a fabulous farm trail, lovely coffee shop and farm shop with a delicious selection of local foods. The trail is open all year round and suitable for all ages. You can choose the short or long walk and see a variety of animals. There's a new addition Porgals Pit, a small wooded area with rope swings, a den and climbing pole. It's a bargain £1.50 each to get in (2 years plus). There aren't many activities you can do for that little.
Ipswich & Colchester Museums
Following on from my post yesterday about things to do during the half term Ipswich & Colchester Museums have sent me some more information about upcoming events at their museums;
Spring into a world of stories and creativity at your local Museums this half-term February half-term activities at Colchester Museums
There will be no excuses for being bored this half term, your amazing museums are putting on a fun-packed programme to entertain and inspire all down at your local museums. Come along to Colchester Castle between Monday 21st and Friday 25th February to Medieval Crime and Punishment Trials. Forget ASBOs and orderly court rooms as you are welcomed to the world of medieval crime and punishment.
Join in as we put people up for trial, medieval-style ˆ maybe you will be collared for something! You will find out not only how the court system ran back then, but also discover the punishments to certain crimes.
The Medieval Crime and Punishment shows are FREE (after normal Castle admission) and take place at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. One of the first things you see as you enter Hollytrees Museum, Colchester is the sedan chair, an early version of a modern taxi. Come along between Monday 21st ˆ Friday 25th February for your chance to Make Your Own Toy Miniature Sedan Chair to take home. Not only will your toys be cable to travel around in style but it will be a great souvenir of your visit to Hollytrees.
It costs just £1.50 per person and the sessions are at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01206 282940 or by dropping into Hollytrees Museum. Visit the Natural History Museum, Colchester between Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 23rd February to be creative and make your own Natural Wind Chime.
Create the sound of the sea and add atmosphere to your garden, patio or kitchen. Be inspired by the exhibitions around you and get creative using natural seaside objects.
It costs just £1.50 per person to make a wind chime. Sessions will take place at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01206 282940 or by dropping into Hollytrees Museum, Colchester.
Fight your boredom this half-term by taking part in a fun activity at your local museum February half-term activities at Ipswich Museums
Want to do something different this half term? Come along to your local free museums and get involved, have a huge amount of fun and learn something amazing at the same time.
Take part in a 2½hr Animation Station workshop at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich between Monday 21st – Thursday 24th February.
You will work with professional animators to make your own models. You will animate your own scenes and create a film that tells the story of Christchurch Mansion.
At the end of the session everyone’s work will be edited onto a finished DVD for you to take home and keep. These creative sessions cost just £8 per child, plus £1 on the day for your own copy of the finished film.
The day is split into two sessions: 10am - 12.30pm (5-7 years) and 2pm - 4.30pm (8+). These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01473 433691 or by dropping into Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich.
Or why not join our friendly artist for a Spray-paint Stencils workshop at Ipswich Art School on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd February Come along and create your own stencil, then mix paints and use spray techniques to produce your own unique artwork.
You can attend this session for just £1.50 per child. The workshops will be at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm and are suitable for ages 6+. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01473 433691 or by dropping into Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich. While you are at Ipswich Art School why not take part in the School Report Quiz Trail which is running from Tuesday 22nd until Saturday 26th February and is absolutely FREE. You can have a go at this fun free quiz trail and discover more about the current exhibition ‘The Class Of…’ and the artists who studied and taught at Ipswich Art School. You could also take inspiration from the enchanting Egyptian gallery and take part in an Egyptian Pottery Workshop at Ipswich Museum on Tuesday 22nd – Friday 25th February. You will be working with an artist to create your own Egyptian style pot or mini canopic jar. What will you end up keeping in yours?
Take part in this creative workshop for just £2.00 per child. The workshops will take place at Ipswich Museum at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm and is suitable for ages 6+. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01473 433691 or by dropping into Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich.
This event is FREE and there is no need to book, just come drop-in to Ipswich Museum between 10am – 5pm.
Spring into a world of stories and creativity at your local Museums this half-term February half-term activities at Colchester Museums
There will be no excuses for being bored this half term, your amazing museums are putting on a fun-packed programme to entertain and inspire all down at your local museums. Come along to Colchester Castle between Monday 21st and Friday 25th February to Medieval Crime and Punishment Trials. Forget ASBOs and orderly court rooms as you are welcomed to the world of medieval crime and punishment.
Join in as we put people up for trial, medieval-style ˆ maybe you will be collared for something! You will find out not only how the court system ran back then, but also discover the punishments to certain crimes.
The Medieval Crime and Punishment shows are FREE (after normal Castle admission) and take place at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. One of the first things you see as you enter Hollytrees Museum, Colchester is the sedan chair, an early version of a modern taxi. Come along between Monday 21st ˆ Friday 25th February for your chance to Make Your Own Toy Miniature Sedan Chair to take home. Not only will your toys be cable to travel around in style but it will be a great souvenir of your visit to Hollytrees.
It costs just £1.50 per person and the sessions are at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01206 282940 or by dropping into Hollytrees Museum. Visit the Natural History Museum, Colchester between Tuesday 22nd - Wednesday 23rd February to be creative and make your own Natural Wind Chime.
Create the sound of the sea and add atmosphere to your garden, patio or kitchen. Be inspired by the exhibitions around you and get creative using natural seaside objects.
It costs just £1.50 per person to make a wind chime. Sessions will take place at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01206 282940 or by dropping into Hollytrees Museum, Colchester.
Fight your boredom this half-term by taking part in a fun activity at your local museum February half-term activities at Ipswich Museums
Want to do something different this half term? Come along to your local free museums and get involved, have a huge amount of fun and learn something amazing at the same time.
Take part in a 2½hr Animation Station workshop at Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich between Monday 21st – Thursday 24th February.
You will work with professional animators to make your own models. You will animate your own scenes and create a film that tells the story of Christchurch Mansion.
At the end of the session everyone’s work will be edited onto a finished DVD for you to take home and keep. These creative sessions cost just £8 per child, plus £1 on the day for your own copy of the finished film.
The day is split into two sessions: 10am - 12.30pm (5-7 years) and 2pm - 4.30pm (8+). These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01473 433691 or by dropping into Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich.
Or why not join our friendly artist for a Spray-paint Stencils workshop at Ipswich Art School on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd February Come along and create your own stencil, then mix paints and use spray techniques to produce your own unique artwork.
You can attend this session for just £1.50 per child. The workshops will be at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm and are suitable for ages 6+. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01473 433691 or by dropping into Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich. While you are at Ipswich Art School why not take part in the School Report Quiz Trail which is running from Tuesday 22nd until Saturday 26th February and is absolutely FREE. You can have a go at this fun free quiz trail and discover more about the current exhibition ‘The Class Of…’ and the artists who studied and taught at Ipswich Art School. You could also take inspiration from the enchanting Egyptian gallery and take part in an Egyptian Pottery Workshop at Ipswich Museum on Tuesday 22nd – Friday 25th February. You will be working with an artist to create your own Egyptian style pot or mini canopic jar. What will you end up keeping in yours?
Take part in this creative workshop for just £2.00 per child. The workshops will take place at Ipswich Museum at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm and is suitable for ages 6+. These events are very popular so booking is essential, book in advance by calling 01473 433691 or by dropping into Christchurch Mansion, Ipswich.
This event is FREE and there is no need to book, just come drop-in to Ipswich Museum between 10am – 5pm.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Half-term in Suffolk (Part one)
Half-term can often be a fraught time for parents wondering what to do with their little darlings before the boredom sets in and they start demolishing the house so I thought I’d let you know of a few of the places we love going to with our children.
*Please make sure you check the websites and/or ring for opening times & events before you set off. I would hate for you to be disappointed for any reason.
Here are the first few, in no particular order;
Ipswich Museum
We love it here. C attends a monthly Mini Mammoths group for children aged 2-4years. Each month has a different topic and there are craft activities, stories and songs based upon that topic. It’s great fun and educational too.
The museum is for all ages and entry is free. There are 5 ‘Activity Sacks’, for young children to borrow and take on their own ‘Museum expedition’. The sacks are filled with simple activities - like games, objects, and story books, magnifying glasses, torches and drawing materials - open ended activities which encourage active looking and talking. Each bag focuses on a different theme. They include an explorers, underwater, flying things, treasure hunt, patterns and matching games.
Events over half-term include;
At the High Street Museum – Egyptian pottery workshops. A chance to work with an artist to make an Egyptian style pot. £2 Tuesday – Friday , sessions 11, 12, 2 and 3pm
Ipswich Art School – Spray-paint stencils. Create your own stencil, mix paints and use spray techniques to produce your own unique art work. £1.50, Tues and Wed, sessions 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 2, and 3pm
Christchurch Mansion – Animation stations. A 21/2 hour workshop with professional animators. You’ll make models, animate scenes and create a film that tells the story of Christchurch mansion. Everyone’s work will be edited on to a DVD to keep. £8 per + £1 for DVD. 5-8 year olds – 10-12.30pm 8+ 2 – 4.30pm Mon - Thurs
To book any of the sessions ring: 01473 433691 or visit the events page at www.colchester.gov.uk
Ipswich Art School – Spray-paint stencils. Create your own stencil, mix paints and use spray techniques to produce your own unique art work. £1.50, Tues and Wed, sessions 10.30, 11.30, 12.30, 2, and 3pm
Christchurch Mansion – Animation stations. A 21/2 hour workshop with professional animators. You’ll make models, animate scenes and create a film that tells the story of Christchurch mansion. Everyone’s work will be edited on to a DVD to keep. £8 per + £1 for DVD. 5-8 year olds – 10-12.30pm 8+ 2 – 4.30pm Mon - Thurs
To book any of the sessions ring: 01473 433691 or visit the events page at www.colchester.gov.uk
Jimmy’s Farm
There is always lots going on at Jimmy’s Farm and this half-term as well as the nature trail, woodland walk, adventure play area, gardens, restaurant & farm shop there will be lots of new born lambs, piglets, chicks and goats and a children’s cookery class on Wednesday 23rd February. For more details check out Jimmy’s website http://www.jimmysfarm.com/
Treasure Trails
If you’re looking for something to get the family away from the TV, games consoles and internet and outside getting some fresh air and exploring your local surroundings look no further than that fabulous Treasure Trails for Suffolk. There are trails for Woodbridge, Aldeburgh, Southwold, Thorpeness, Framlingham and Ipswich. New trails are being added all the time. They will get you exercising, discovering things about places you think you know and really getting your mind working to solve those clues. Treasure Trails can be ordered from here: http://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/suffolk/things-to-do.html
All Fired Up, Ipswich
Unleash your creativity at a ceramic cafĂ©. I won’t repeat myself but you can read my thoughts on All Fired Up here: http://thequietlife-heidi.blogspot.com/2011/02/birthday-keepsakes.html
We collected our items this afternoon and we were very impressed with how they looked. While we were waiting for them both children found at least half a dozen things each that they want to paint so we’ll be visiting again many times!
I'll be adding more attractions and places to visit over the next few days.
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