A week at Pontins...

We've just had a week away at Pontins, Camber Sands. It was Sun holiday and to be honest it wasn't our first choice (or even our third) but as it was our first time in doing this we didn't get a huge amount of choice.

I looked up some reviews and I must admit a lot of them weren't that encouraging and I started to get a teeny bit anxious about the place. But, overall, our week was good.

I won't say that it was relaxing:-
damp grey weather - although not Pontins fault;
screechy seagulls (they are REALLY loud and REALLY big - didn't realise quite how big they are) - again not Pontins fault;
paper thin walls in the chalets;
uncomfortable bed (I love my own bed but a bit too big to pack);
bluecoats have the loudest voices I have EVER heard (great for kids, not so much for adults)....

But,

All the people who worked there were lovely and cheery;
the bluecoats kept the kids amused and happy;
brilliant swimming pool and slide;
chalets were basic but clean;
the food was tasty and they didn't skimp on the helpings;
there was loads to do (mainly for kids but that's what we went for);
places to visit weren't too far away.

There were things that the grownups could see but the entertainment was late evening and by that time the kids (and us) were feeling a bit tired.

Yes the buildings look a bit tired but they are old and from what I read there is a huge refurbishment going on and that won't be finished anytime soon.

If anyone is thinking of going that hasn't been before can I just add that we didn't have a shower in our chalet, just a bath, so pack a jug or tap adapter if you want to wash hair. Also we took along some big cups/mugs after someone mentioned that they only had little cups (they do) in the chalets. I'm also glad we took along some extra blankets as the nights got cold.

Can I also recommend going half board. It seemed an expense at the time of paying but it made our life a lot easier not worrying about where we were going to eat and, as I said before, the food was tasty.

Would we go again? Yes we would.

Funny moment that I just had to mention....the double bed sleeper was a folding one that was also used as the seating so the legs ratcheted down when you wanted it as a bed. On the first night Bucket jnr fell out of his bed, it was about 1-2am so I wasn't too awake and as I walked back to our bed I noticed that it was slowly tipping up. Being half asleep my brain didn't quite recognise this fact so Ijust stood there as Mr Bucket's side slowly went downwards towards the floor. It was only when he stuck his arm out to stop himself that I realised I need to put my weight on to counter-balance it. I couldn't stop giggling for quite a while after that. Sam xx

a bit of common sense...

Ever since Bucket jnr was little he has always had a really, REALLY good gag reflex (this could get yucky so if you want to look away, now is a good time).

We've been caught short a few times in restaurants (funnily enough mainly in France) where he's wanted to try something and then all you can see is all of us diving for the napkins and shoving them in front of him to lessen the damage.

Now, we've brought up our children saying "don't eat with your mouth open" and Bucket jnr does this very well and we didn't foresee a problem but....

A few weeks ago I had a phone call saying that Bucket jnr had been sick at school so I went to pick him up and was mortified for him that it had happened in the lunch hall. But when I questioned him, he wasn't sick or suffering from an illness - he gagged at all his friends showing him their mushed up food in their mouths whilst eating (can't say I blame him).

Well, as all mums know, once a child is sick they have to stay off school 48 hours after the last sign.

So he stayed off school. Perfectly all right. No problems at all.

I had a little chat with him about what to do if this happened again and nothing happened, for about a week.

Well, there I was Christmas food shopping when I get the dreaded call again. I raced home, as safely as I could of course, and picked him up.

Yep, he gagged...AGAIN.

But hope shone through and common sense prevailed - I had a phone call from his teacher later in the day who let me know that as he isn't sick he could go back into school again and we will try and manage this.

YEAH!!! I am soooo glad, I was really dreading all the schooling he would miss until this was sorted out. But it does mean, for the moment at mealtimes, I have to show him my open mouth full of food so he can learn to look away and ignore it.

It does seem a little step backwards in teaching manners but it's a hell of a lot easier than trying to teach all the other kids to close their mouths whilst eating. Sam xx

A bit of this and a bit of that...

It's been that sort of time where lots of little things have been done so I thought I'd gather them all up and put them all into one post.

Miss Bucket had lots of clothes that she had grown out of and when I was sorting them out for a 'bags for school' day I found some really lovely jumpers hidden in Miss Bucket's drawers. They were so nice I didn't want to give them away.

The picture doesn't do them justice, they are incredibly soft and look sparkly. I sat and had a thought about what I could make them into...wrist warmers,cushion covers - it's an ongoing project.

Bucket jnr was sent home during school for being sick (not really sick-sick, he had some sandwich stuck in his mouth) and we had a talk about what he'd like to do so he didn't get bored.  Crafts was the answer - with glitter - great (already visualising the mess). The thing is as I was talking to Bucket jnr about being careful with glitter I dropped about a teaspoon of the stuff all over the carpet and it goes a LONG way. It's not the kids I have to keep an eye on - it's me!

My neighbour was kind enough to look after Bucket jnr whilst I saw Miss Bucket at her class assembly and when I got back they'd decorated some spirals (one for the neighbour to take with her). We then made some angel cards that we stuck up in the kids rooms.

 We also had a power cut recently which lasted about an hour - I loved it.. All the neighbours rallied round, checking on each other and making sure that everyone had candles which was nice, you don't realise how dark it is without the street lamps. Brought back memories of power cuts when I was a lot younger, also made me glad that we chose a gas cooker.

I finally started on the snowmen. I know, I know, I was meant to do them ages ago but something always got in the way (thanks kids!) and I really have to concentrate when crocheting and count the stitches otherwise I completely forget what I'm doing and whereabouts I am in the pattern - my brain is a complete sieve.

I also sent for a pattern from Annaboo's House - it's an elf. I always keep meaning to get one of those 'elf on the shelf' but I either don't have the money available or I can't justify spending that amount of money on it. So this is better!!!

What else.....sorting stuff for the school bazaar (amazingly managed to get rid of some stuff but must make sure that it doesn't somehow get bought and brought back); watched some 'made for tv' Christmas films (absolutely love 'em); made cheap and easy meals to get us through this last week of the month (I love mince - sooooo versatile); wrapped up some Christmas presents early - WOW!! I'm usually panicking and swearing a lot on Christmas Eve, asking myself WHY did I not do this earlier; helping a friend Christmas shop; sorting out cars, cards and the like; watching a sweet nativity play...

Think that's about it but that should be enough for the moment. Sam xx

Pearls of Wisdom 1...

I've numbered this post just in case there are any more.....and I'm sure there will be:

It's 6.45am on a Monday morning...

 Source: Google Images

Bucket jnr: Mummy do you know where polar bears live?

Me: No, where?

Bucket jnr: In the antique.


Cue lots of sniggering from me. Sam x

The tooth and nothing but the tooth....

Source: Google Images

Well I did it....this morning I admitted to Miss Bucket (9 years old) that I was her tooth fairy and that it was ME that had, for the last soooo many years, been putting money beneath her pillow.

It was me that crept into her room, trying not to let the door squeak too loudly.

It was me that rummaged under her pillow, trying to find the bag with the small tooth in (she like to try to hide it).

It was me that answered her notes to the 'tooth fairy' - making sure my handwriting was completely different.

It was me that ran full pelt out the door when it looked like she was about to wake up.

It has been fun joining in with her excitement and wonderment, keeping a straight face as she got older and had her suspicions. Only last night saying "it can't be me, I'm broke and what on earth would I want your old manky tooth for?".

There have been a couple of times when I went to bed and completely forgot to put any money under her pillow. My excuses of "the tooth fairy must have had a really busy night" never questioned and then when she went off to the bathroom/sitting room, racing into her room to grab the tooth and stash the money for her to find 10 minutes later.

It has been fun and she thought it was really funny when the truth came out (thank goodness) and she realised all the subterfuge that had gone on. I don't think she realised before how sneaky both her parents really are. But, then again, it's a little bit sad that she's growing up and the magic fades a little.  

One good thing is that there is still Bucket jnr, he still has a mouthful of baby teeth so the fun can continue and this time we have a willing helper in Miss Bucket.

The magic goes on. Sam x

Santa wish list...

I don't know how everyone else handles Christmas but my kids get a stocking from Santa (everything else is from us).

Every Christmas morning they wake up to find that Santa has placed a gift in their stockings and I let them open them first (wouldn't dare to try and stop them).

This morning Bucket jnr came in to speak to me, all serious:

Bucket jnr: Mummy, I want a bumblebee and an optimus prime for Christmas.

Me: Ok.

Bucket jnr: Can you put it on your Christmas list.

Me: Ok.

Bucket jnr: I don't know how big they'll be but Santa can make them for me that way they won't cost you anything (aaahhhh).

Me: Ok but that's a lot for Santa.

Bucket jnr: I think that as I'm getting bigger then the toys should get bigger and more.

Me: Ok, you're going to have to be a REALLY good boy for them.

Bucket jnr: I know, I'm going to try to be good for the rest of my life (he's into big timescales at the moment).


What a sweetie, I tried not to smile too much as he was only standing in front of me in his pants and I was trying to take his seriousness seriously (hope that makes sense).

My lack of words was due to this being a three cups of coffee morning and I was currently on number two so not totally awake.


Ok, a sweetie no longer. He has come back and is now shooting his nerf gun at me with the phrase "I've got me a mummy kebab" - I have no idea where that is from and I probably never will.  Sam xx

Weirdness...

 Source: Google Images

We're off on holiday soon.

Yippee.

But I always find that there is sooo much to do, packing wise, before you go. That might be why I'm experiencing weird dreams...

...dreams of swimsuits and lots of people and clock watching and indecision and embarrassing moments (in my dream I left my knickers on underneath my swimsuit and just KNEW that everyone could see them).

Think I'd better lay off the coffee for a little bit and go onto the camomile.

And, I had my very own mobile phone scam happen....

We've always said to Miss Bucket that she could have a mobile phone when she started secondary school - for safety reasons you know and when she runs off with her friends without telling us. I can then track her down (just call me Nancy Drew - I'm old, look it up).

So there I was looking through a drawer (yep, one of those that has loads of useless stuff in it) and I pulled out an old mobile phone.

"ooh what's that?"
"my old phone but it's not working"
"how does it work then?"
So I went on to explain about sims and networks.
"can I have it?"
"it doesn't work"
"but if we got a sim it would work"
"yes, but I'm not going into town today"
"well, if we go tomorrow we can get one then"
"ok"

Did you see that??? I was easily outsmarted by a 9 year old.

Now she's got a mobile with new number and I even put £5 on it. WHAT???!!! I'm still in a bit of shock but she has been warned that if anything happens to it she will not get another until she is 12.

For all of you who may think she is a bit young - I agree in part. But at 9 getting things like that are exciting (even though it's a very basic model) and she gets warned EVERY DAY (yes I am that kind of mother) what she can/can't do with it.

Plus the battery is rubbish and doesn't last that long - muahahahaha. Sam xx

small talk...

Two little 4 year old friends having a chat...

Bucket jnr: I'm going to see my sister.

friend: I'm going to see my brother.

Bucket jnr: My sister is big, she's 9.

friend: My brother is big, he's 9 too.

Bucket jnr: Wow! 9-2, that's really big.

You just have to laugh. Sam xx

Sports Day fun...

Yesterday was a scorcher, which was definitely a good thing as it was Bucket jnr's Sports Day.

I went up to his school lugging a bag of picnic goodies, camera and his spotted dog which he'd asked me to bring and sat down in the sunshine chatting to another mum.When I looked across to Bucket jnr he looked really miserable so after a quick run across to give him a hug, sat back down to watch all the kids.

The kids did brilliantly and had a great time but Bucket jnr sat and looked like it was the worst day ever. I waved and grinned at him across the running track and he eventually cracked a smile when I stuck his dog on my head and bobbed it up and down as though it was waving at him.

Just another typically sane mum then.

He lined up for his first running race and I got up and walked a little way forward to take a picture but as I was aiming the camera I saw that he was looking for me. Cue the arm waving and shouting his name, he eventually saw me but missed his cue to go. Luckily he's a fast runner and came second but I knew that I'd pay for that one later - I put him off - bad mummy!!!

His second race involved beanbags and he shot off, Speedy Gonzales I swear - he was determined that he was going to win this one. I kept sitting during this race.

Afterwards we munched and chatted with other mums and kids and generally just enjoyed the day.

Good thing it was yesterday, the weather today would have been awful.

Jubilee Celebrations...

We had a brilliant day yesterday. The Grandparents' road had a street party - a week later than most but I'm so glad it was yesterday as the day was absolutely gorgeous....sunny and warm with poofy clouds in a blue sky.

 

There was a bouncy castle which Bucket jnr hardly ever left; loads of food; miles of bunting and lots of competitions for everyone to have a go at.

I grabbed a load of food (it was lunchtime) and then Grandma said "don't forget that we've got food too". My aching stomach, but it was my own fault - I had that stuffed feeling that you generally only get at Christmas.

Bucket jnr and Miss Bucket entered the scooter races. Bucket jnr raced off and won his - he has a great gold medal that he likes to show off. Miss Bucket came second (she was robbed by a younger scooter who didn't go round the cone properly - a protective mum, who me???) and she loves her silver medal as she thinks the gold and bronze look too much alike and hers looks better.

 

Bucket jnr's medal

There were plank races as well, I didn't do this but had a great laugh at those that did enter.

 There was also egg throwing. Miss Bucket and I did this at a previous street party and we didn't do too badly but I thought that I'd watch this time instead, mainly because I didn't take a change of clothing with me.

Oh and I can't forget about the welly wanging. For those that haven't a clue what this is.....you throw a welly as far as you can and the one who throws furthest wins. The kids heat was fun and really sweet, both my two went in for this. Bucket jnr wound his arm up so many times that people started to count - he did eventually let go.

But it was the adult one that is always the funniest as people try to throw as hard as they can and it gets into a really big competition, especially between the men and those wellies are very unpredictable. I had to run out the way once or twice, a gutter was hit, a table full of glasses went flying and a few people were bopped when they got in the way.

More food was eaten, there was a kids and adult quiz (didn't do too badly at either) and then the bbq's came out.

I had to leave about 9.30pm as Bucket jnr said his feet hurt and he looked really tired all of a sudden so we left everyone to their dancing and went home.

On a side note, I've got to say that Bucket jnr is the most sociable person I know. He was in and out of gardens and houses and this is a street that we only visit, hardly see anyone most of the time and don't really know anyone's name. But he was everywhere and after talking to some nice ladies on the street, we came home with a rocking chair and footstool. I wasn't really looking for one but that is what I came home with, it's a good job I have a big car (old people carrier type that sounds like a tank). I don't think many people can say they went to a party and came home with furniture.

Now I've just got to find somewhere to put it....did I ever mention that the rooms in my house are small and my family has a tendency to collect things (lots and lots of things), I'm forever clearing clutter and stuff out. Sam xx

Cakes for Charity...

A few weeks ago Miss Bucket helped two sisters, who live a couple of doors away and who she goes to school with, sell toys and teddies to raise some money for Cancer.

I thought this was brilliant and tried to encourage her in this new enterprise.  They went from door to door distributing handmade leaflets and I think they raised approx £50.

Last weekend they sold cakes to raise even more money and I helped a little (more were in the oven).

 The other girls' mum made a load too and other mums donated some more.

It's a good cause, one close to my heart as the disease took my mum when I was 20, so I think we were all happy to help them any way we could.

Update

The sun was shining and the girls spent all morning getting things ready. The stall looked lovely and the cakes went quickly, loads of people came to the stall and donated generously - an overall success.

I think the total came to £340. I couldn't have been more pleased, well done girls. Sam xx

Fun Day...

There was a 'Fun Day' at Bucket jnr's nursery class today. All the kids went in their home clothes and we had a picnic (in the classroom as too cold outside); farm animals were loose in the playground (need to watch where you step) and then ice pops for snack.

The kids (and the adults too) loved it. Wasn't that restful for the animals but overall the kids behaved brilliantly.

At the end of it the little pony took a shine to me and waited with me until it was time to be loaded onto the truck. It was such a sweet moment until I got home and found a load of flea bites on my arm - ouch.

But now I'm feeling really snotty and sneezy, don't know if allergies have finally kicked in or I'm coming down with a stinker of a cold.

For another sweet moment, during one of my nose-blows, Bucket jnr went to the bathroom and came down with a handful of toilet paper for me "just in case". Altogether now.... aaaahhhhhh. Sam xx

Photographs...

When I was younger I didn't mind my photo being taken but as I got older I tended to avoid them - I'm NOT photogenic. I don't think I look too bad it's just that I don't photograph well.

Over the years I've come to accept that I can't avoid the camera altogether and there are a few photos with me in them.

Last weekend Miss Bucket turned 9 and we organised a disco for her and some school friends. It went really well but I should have been a bit more worried when I noticed my MIL taking photos. Normally I take the photos (mainly so I can stay out of them).

I've now had a look at some of the pictures and..... yep, you guessed it.... NOT very flattering.

Most mums know that after having kids the stomach muscles aren't that 'good' anymore and if you don't make a big effort to suck it in you look like you're still pregnant. Well, I wasn't making an effort and there is a lovely side-on shot of me...EEEUUURRGHH!

And there's a lovely bum shot of me..... and another stunning shot of me mid-dance (with relaxing stomach muscles)...

I can't even delete them as I keep all birthday photos.

Next time, I'm taking the camera and I might have to look into some heavy-duty, don't let anything move underwear.
Sam xx

The rain...

Bucket jnr: (looking out of the window) It's p**ing it down out there.

Me: (trying not to laugh) you don't say that, you say it's raining.

Bucket jnr: Why not? What does it mean?

Me: (giving up trying to convince him not to say it) Maybe the Angels up in the clouds are having a p**.

Bucket jnr: (giggling) It's good for Daddies seeds.

Me: And the ducks.

Miss Bucket enters,

Bucket jnr: (very serious) It's p**ing down but that's good for ducks and Daddies seeds. You know why?

Miss Bucket: (giggling) no why?

Bucket jnr: Because it's wet!


It's nearly 8am, I've only had one cup of coffee and it's the start of a school day.

I love my kids - they are soooo funny.

Sam xx

I've had to amend some of my wording on here as I noticed that the traffic on my blog had shot up and I didn't understand why until I looked at the traffic sources and a certain 'p' word was being looked up. Absolutely hilarious!!!!

Toys...

My kids have waaaaayy too many.

I only realise this when it's time to sort them out and get rid of the rubbish. Usually I have a battle on my hands, but NOT today.

A couple of days ago I did my usual nagging request for Miss Bucket to sort her room out and she nicely asked for me to help her.

I was a bit in shock, mainly by two things:

1. She NEVER wants to tidy her room - loves it being a tip.

2. She's 8 going on 15 so I don't get nice requests very often. Don't get me wrong, she's a lovely, lovely girl but when she makes her mind up about something it can get a bit loud at times.

But today we tidied her room, it may still look a bit of a tip full to others but we know that it's a lot tidier.

Although to be honest, not a lot of her stuff has been thrown away as she has a little brother who, at this moment, is really enjoying his new toys - toys that he has been coveting for quite a while.

So now I'm off to tidy Bucket jnr's room and try to find a space for all the new toys he now has. Sam xx

Fog & Books...

What is going on with this weather???

Look at this, my garden is out there somewhere, on a clear day we have houses at the back of us but not today - it is almost a complete pea-souper.

Now yesterday was another matter altogether, it was the first time that I'd put the washing out this year - IT WAS GLORIOUS.

Although, I left it out a little too late so it got cold and felt damp again BUT that's not the point. It was actually sunny enough and felt warm enough for me to want to put my washing on the line.

Also it was World Book Day and I managed to pick up these goodies for the kids.

Yes I know that I've only got two children and you get two book vouchers - the Skulduggery Pleasant book was for me as I love the stories and I'm going through a teen-read at the moment. I can't recommend this series of books enough if your kids have grown up with Harry Potter, are now a bit older and want another supernatural (in an easy going way) series of stories.

Well anyway, back to World Book Day and it was another day at school where you are encouraged to dress your kids up. Now I generally love this, it's fun watching the kids dress up in their costumes but why do I always seem to leave it to the last minute. It's the same with Comic Relief Day (spots) and Red Nose Day (anything red). Oh well...

I got a great idea from Freya at Tutorial Adventures and made Bucket jnr a brilliant dinosaur costume that went with his book "That's not my dinosaur".

   Although, he was a bit put out when one of the other kids thought he looked like a chicken. I don't know, kids today.... if I saw a chicken that looked anything like that, I'd run a mile. Sam xx

Give me caffeine...

 source: Google Images

Aaahhh coffee, today coffee is my best friend.

We've had a very rough night, Bucket jnr is sick. A nasty little bug has taken hold and literally showered my sitting room in a rainbow hue.

Sorry for being graphic - blame it on not much sleep and not enough caffeine. Sam xx

Busy, busy morning...

I've been a bit of a speed demon today. Lately I've felt a bit slugglish and haven't done too much but now I'm TOTALLY fed up with the mess (we're a bunch of collectors and clutterers).

So I wrote a list and I've only got 2 more things to do (there were more than 2 to start with, just in case you were wondering).

I've been whizzing round tidying, cleaning, even adding a couple of extra things to the list - one of them was tidying up Miss Bucket's bedroom (only tidying, we have a big day of chucking coming up soon I think). After all my nagging to tidy her room, she finally asked if I could help.

Although in the middle of this I had to do something else...

Has anyone heard of Hama beads? If you haven't, they are little beads (come in several sizes but ours are quite small) that you put on a board template which could be in the shape of a flower, dragon, frog. This is then ironed and it all sticks together.

Well, in the course of tidying I knudged the board with the beads on and I hadn't yet ironed them.......yes, a load of them went flying and I had to spend a long little time putting them back.

Miss Bucket's beads are small and my hands are big - not a good combination and I had to resort to the tweezers to try and pick them up, one by one. I very carefully took them downstairs and ironed them, although I think my iron was a bit hot and some look a little crazy.

I'm hoping she'll accept my idea that it makes him look a little more scaly.

A cup of tea is now called for before my next job, which I'll be doing this afternoon - PIZZA, homemade of course. Sam xx

Say what????

Kids are funny. And surprising. And enjoyable.

And they are hilariously rude at times without realising it and it takes a lot of willpower to stop myself from laughing out loud so I can tell them why that word is 'bad'.

Picture the scene, a loving mother doing the ironing (which really needed doing) whilst her small son is watching a childrens cartoon. He laughs, then dances along and sings out,

"She's an alien whore, she's an alien whore".

WHOA!! Iron down, look of shock on my face. WHAT WAS THAT???!!!

"It's the song, she's an alien whore".

Before we go any further, the cartoon was Phineus and Ferb which is fairly harmless about two boys who invent things to make the summer holidays pass by. There is an annoying sister who tries to catch them out and a side story of an evil inventor and a spy platypus (I know, I know).

This episode was about making the dad seem cool and hip, singing an 80's inspired techno song about an alien girl.

I listened very closely to the song and then explained to him that the line should have been
"she's got an alien HEART".

He did start singing the right words and we had a bit of a giggle. Luckily he's not at that age when he starts asking what the 'bad' word means. Sam xx

Reindeer-itis...

I'm channelling my inner Rudolph today.... that is to say, I have a glowing red nose that keeps itching and running. I think it's going to be the only athletic thing about me today.

I've also been reading some of the lovely blog entries that I follow and feel that I really must get my crafty vibe on soon. My fingers are itching to make something, it's just time that's against me. I keep thinking that 'today is the day' and before I know it the day is over and getting ready for bed.

But I've decided that, for me, 2012 is the year of the Crochet.

I tried at the weekend to make a magic circle and let me tell you, it's NOT that easy. It's probably because I'm a bit out of practice with holding the wool so I'm going to practice a little bit first on my stitches so I get comfortable again then I'll give it another go.

I will be doing a little sewing today, Miss Bucket has shot up in height so I had to chase down some new school trousers. Usually the stock of girls uniforms is bigger than the boys but this time all I could find were loads and loads of boys trousers (she hates skirts). I did ask her if I could buy those instead (noone would notice) but got a big NO. So finally tracked some down on the M&S website which are lovely but a little bit too long, so I'm going to be hemming today.

So it's going to be a little tea and sewing today and except for the occasional HONK as I blow my nose, it should be fairly peaceful. Lovely.

Sam xx