A Step Forward

And two steps back...

Well that's how it feels at the moment! We are frantically clearing out garages and getting rid of as much clutter as we can in preparation for the builders to start in a few weeks. We have cleared one garage and made a good start on the second. Whilst lifting items I turned my ankle and have been hobbling ever since. Then , on the coldest day of the year so far our boiler decides to break. My eldest boy also developed a nasty cold and extreme asthma so we are huddled in the lounge by the log burner, actually rather toasty, waiting to see if the boiler can be mended. I just don't have the inclination to tackle jobs outside in this weather or inside away from the warmth of the fire!  Not big problems in the scale of things I know , but......

I feel like I have run out of steam before the work has even started.

We have a few days off to look forward to though. Each year we can have a company weekend away funded by the business. Although we can't get childcare for a whole weekend, this year we are having a couple of meals out and a day without children on Saturday. 

This always recharges my batteries.

Much as I adore my three kids they can run me ragged and as winter seems to be dragging it's heels this year I am feeling like I need a bit of breathing space.

We are going to have a mooch around a few shops child free and look at a oven I have my eye on for the new kitchen. It will be nice to see it in the flesh. This will cheer me up no end :) 

Small things I know, but that's what makes all the difference!

Here are some great quotes on small things for your amusement:

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together."  Vincent Van Gogh

"If you cannot do great things do small things in a great way."  Napoleon Hill

"For the person whom small things do not exist , the great is not great." Jose Ortega Y Gassett

"Be faithful in the small things because it is in them your strength lies."  Mother Teresa

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www.takingachanceinlife.blogspot.uk 2012 - 2013

All personal images are owned by Another New Day

unless stated otherwise.

Images may not be downloaded,manipulated or reproduced without prior written permission. All rights are reserved.

Commercial or Private use without explicit written consent is prohibited and action will be taken through UK and worldwide copyright laws.

Out of The Mouths Of Babes

Comes The Merciless Truth.......

I have been really unwell over the weekend with a throat infection. I have antibiotics now and am beginning to feel a bit more human, but for a few days didn't even put a dash of mascara on, which I realised for me had become something of a rarity...........

 Eldest Son   "Mum , you can tell you are sick cus your eyes look funny"

Me   " No,that's not because I'm sick that's because I've got no make up on."

Eldest Son   " Oh"

Short pause.

Eldest Son   "You should always wear make up - you are prettier with it."

Point Taken.

Design ©2012 Another New Day

www.takingachanceinlife.blogspot.uk 2012 - 2013

All personal images are owned by Another New Day

unless stated otherwise.

Images may not be downloaded,manipulated or reproduced without prior written permission. All rights are reserved.

Commercial or Private use without explicit written consent is prohibited and action will be taken through UK and worldwide copyright laws.

The Good Things in Life

 I am thankful this week for many things......


That my children get on....

most of the time.

That my husband and my mum understand my obsession and surprised me over Christmas...

That, although I have a tendency to want to be careful with my money I also know when I see a good deal.....

That I can look at this view every day if I wish...

That this is the week.... ( sorry kids)

SPRING TERM 2013

First Day                Tuesday 8th January

What are you thankful for this week?

Summer Fun

Tips for surviving the summer break - 20 things I have tried !

I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination and anyone who says they find 6 weeks at home with 3 children easy, needs to come and tell me their secrets! My husband works most of the summer too which means it is down to me to keep them occupied, enjoy their company and fit in what work I have to do as well. My eldest two are lively boys and I learnt that the rule "get them out by 10am" was  good from very early on. For those parents out there, heres my top 20 from my experience over the past 10 years..........please add yours in comments - all suggestions gratefully received!

1. Plan, plan, plan.

2. Have some days for the kids to do nothing....they need down time too.

3. Organise help....local teenagers to give you an hour or two to catch up with housework or to have a couple of hours to yourself can be a life saver! Or try childcare.co.uk

4. Arrange play dates.

5. Get the kids to write a list of things they would like to do. Add guidelines like '6 on the list must not cost any money'.

6. Check out local places of interest through the National Trust. 'Kids go free' voucher here

7. Try out Treasure Trails - days out in local areas across the UK.

8. Get them to choose a good cause and raise some money for it . Charity Directory here. ( e.g sponsored bike ride , baking and selling cakes)

9. Look out for free local sports sessions or book into local sports clubs for regular sessions - tired kids sleep better.

10. Check out your local museum .

11. Take your camera, go on a walk and let the children take some photos . If you don't trust them with your camera get some disposable cameras  - display/mount best photos.

12.Teach them a recipe a week - allow the older ones to cook the dinner.

13. Create a raised vegetable garden that they have to manage. Use the produce in their cooking.

14. Go to the library.

15. Let THEM camp in the garden and cook bacon and eggs for breakfast over the camp stove.

16. Enter a competition - here is a story writing competition .

17. Plan a day out somewhere special in advance, so they look forward to it! Days out with the Kids.

18. Have a cinema evening at home with dvds, popcorn,duvets and pillows.

19. Sponsor a child with your children - get them involved in the letter writing etc . Compassion is a good company to use. We have sponsored a child through them.

20. The Woodland Trust have some great ideas for this summer - this is a new one for us.

Digging up potatoes we had planted earlier in the year.

My 10 rules to try and keep the chaos at bay:

1. Put a load of washing on every day.

2. Do one more job than you think you need to do.

3. Everybody has jobs to do. ( Even the 5 year old)

4. I have a night off cooking.

5. If it isn't done before 9pm - it doesn't get done.

6. Everybody puts their own washing,toys,books,shoes,clothes,towels away - penalties if you don't!

7. Have a rota.

8. Have a reward chart.

9. Don't stress about the mess.

10. Sunday night tidy up - everybody mucks in.

What little gems do you have up your sleeve for surviving the long summer holiday with a smile still on your face?