Frustration

I gave DS1 his Home Ed ideas book today. He was thrilled and immediately got to work on writing down some ideas. The main one was to do a project on Lego history. So we all came upstairs into our bedroom (where the computer with internet access is) so that he could do some research. I brought card, glue, sequins and pens for DS2, planning to make an Easter garland to hang up as part of our Easter decorations. That was about an hour ago. And where are they now. Off,... playing. To be fair, DS1 is building something to do with the Easter story in Lego for the season table. DS2 is making a mess. I have made eggs, crosses and flowers for our garland which I really enjoyed. WHY can't they join in????? It is sooooo difficult. I know boys don't like doing crafts so much as girls, but I wish they would last longer than 10 minutes. As for the internet research, he printed out one picture and then watched this, which is very funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVrIyEu6h_E
Hoping for a better afternoon.
Jo

Palm Sunday

I love Palm Sunday and the build up to Easter. Almost as much as I love Christmas, in fact. Maybe more, actually. Anyway, last night we made a fab Palm cross from The Children's Year book, although with paper cockerel and sun due to time and energy constraints. We managed not to eat all the sweets and raisins and strung some of them on to the branches. There were even a few left in a basket to hand out as treats at church, along with some paper palm branches ds2 and I made this morning. It was wonderful. Of course, the response at church is that people think we're completely bonkers but never mind.

Tonight we went to a Palm Sunday celebration service in Worcester and heard Robin Oake speak about the death of his son and the need for forgiveness. It was awesome; I totally admire that family. It makes me feel terrible that earlier in the day I got upset about someone being a little derisive about our Palm Sunday treats. He told a brilliant joke which brings it home wonderfully:

What is a custard Christian?

One that gets upset about little trifles.

Lol. Definitely me. Something to pray about and work on with the Lord's help methinks.

Recent Stuff

Historic Dockyard at Chatham

Spring at Sissinghurst on our recent trip to Kent.

Growing stuff.

Lyme Park.

Jodrell Bank.

Knitted legwarmers by Mummy.

Stuff

Feeling a bit downhearted at the moment. Can't put my finger on anything specific; I think it's just tiredness and hormones. One thing that did upset me, however, was that someone pointed me towards some comments regarding Deborah Drapper on the Richard Dawkins blog and they were heinous about Deborah, her family and Christianity in general. Call me naive but I really didn't realise just how much we were hated in some sections of society. I know Jesus said to expect it but I still found it shocking.

The last few days have been lovely here. We have been in the garden mostly; we even had a picnic out there today. Wills loved sitting on the picnic blanket with his toys and playing; he was so content. I am getting a lot of washing dry too, that is when the big boys aren't squirting it with their water pistols. Ds1 made us a treasure hunt today. The treasure was some green buns left over from St Patrick's day yesterday. Speaking of which, St Paddy's day marked 15 years since me and dh got together, under a table in a jazz cafe in Innsbruck (we were wild back then).

Tomorrow we meet with Graham Badman at our local HE group; deep joy!!!

Jo x

Around and about

We have just returned from Warrington where we stayed with dh whilst he was training some clients. The boys have decided they prefer hotels to home because they're tidier,... hmm, I wonder why guys?! I must admit not having to do any washing up, fabulously powerful showers and a cooked breakfast every morning does appeal, but tbh I do like my home comforts. We had a lovely time whilst Daddy was working; on the first day we visited the Jodrell Bank radio telescope which was very interesting and quite captivated the boys' imaginations. Today we went to Lyme Park so that I could prance about pretending to be Elizabeth Bennet. Unfortunately (although the boys cheered) the house and gardens were not open, but we did have a lovely time walking in the parkland and playing in the play area.
Tomorrow I am trying to raise some much needed cash by having a table at a second hand toy and baby equipment sale. I have smuggled lots of toys into the boot of the car this very night. Or dh did to be more precise. They've ignored them for months, but if they knew the said toys were being sold all hell would break loose. I feel kind of guilty but I do need the money and they have far more toys than they need anyway. How much money we raise remains to be seen.
Enjoy your weekends folks.
Jo

First night in wool and a failed treasure hunt.

Well we had our first night in a wool soaker last night and no leaks which is amazing because we always get leaks on a night, even in lovely Motherease wraps. I am very happy and will definitely be ordering more lovely soakers from Carley at http://bibsnbots.co.uk . Last night I finished knitting the lovely wool rabbit for our Seasonal table, so I made a trail for the boys with eight clues leading them around the house. They were very excited about doing the trail this morning but their response to the rabbit was 'is this it?!?!?' I am more than a little deflated. Apparently they thought it would be buns. Hmmm, so Anne of Green Gables is bang on when she reflects, in Avril's Atonement, that the culinary arts are the way to a man's heart. I like my rabbit, though, he is lovely. Simple things eh.....
Jo

A grand spring day

This morning we went to FairClaire's fairtrade coffee morning.

This afternoon much Knex was built.

Nappies were hung on the line to dry.

Blown eggs were batiked.

And put on the season table; the boys thought they looked like dinosaur eggs.

The seasonal table is now very springlike.

We twisted some branches and added ribbons to make streamers.

Everyone was very excited when our veg box came.

Mummy might not be eating cakes this Lent but she made quick work of this homemade toffee.

William is enjoying his food too.