Bye 2020

New year, new blog post.  I have so much I could write about that has happened over the last few months but I'm not sure this is the best place to put it all, especially as my boys will have access to it and I don't think they need to know everything but if they read this and want to know more, then they can ask me.

COVID still rages on worldwide and we are in a new tier system, currently tier 3, which means we can meet up outside with up to 6 people from different households and non essential shops are open.  I think in a couple of weeks though that could potentially go to tier 4 after the Christmas/New year break where everyone got together like a chicken pox party! (Just found out about new announcement tonight)

As a family we are still being very cautious and really trying hard to stick by all the rules.  I know a lot of friends don't quite understand or try and push the boundaries a bit, saying it will be alright etc but I need to get through this knowing that I did as I was asked and didn't put myself or others at any unnecessary risk, especially as I regularly go to Rob's parents house and they are very vulnerable.  I also think if you haven't been directly affected by it that you can become a bit blasé.

I haven't really been taking too many photographs or videos and obviously haven't been doing any blog entires until now, so there isn't too much to share.  I haven't even been doing my usual Snapchat filter pictures.

I did try and do something a bit different this year to make things feel a little bit Christmassy as it just didn't feel right.  I booked for us to go to a car park panto.  We took lots of snacks and all sat snuggled in my new car watching the show.  It was quite good fun with everyone honking their horns and flashing their lights.  I think it appealed to Oscar the most but it was nice to be out actually doing something.

Christmas Eve was nice and chilled this year. We went for a long walk around the docks and then got cosy at home.  We played games and opened our Christmas Eve box, which is just matching pyjamas, fluffy socks and some chocolate and I always include a new game.  This year was really simple, a robin cracker.  You basically pass it around and take off a layer each time where you win a hat or a bit of tat.  It was quite good fun though.

Christmas day was nice and relaxed this year.  I cooked lunch for everyone and it took about half an hour and all came together at the right time and just seemed to work really well, not sure how I managed to pull it off to be honest.

I went out for a lovely walk in the afternoon to my field.  It was so peaceful and beautiful and I'll never get bored of being there.

Mum and Dad came over late afternoon and we sat chilled around the table, eating more food, chatting and playing some cards which I love to do.  I'm sure the boys would have loved to have seen their cousins but it just wasn't worth the added risk.

The boys should be going back to school soon.  Their return has already been delayed by a week as the government want to roll out testing of the pupils and teachers to try and stop things from escalating, so we will have 4 days of home learning for the older 2 currently and Oscar is due to return tomorrow.  I've literally just realised that and I'm not ready for him to go back.  Didn't even occur to me how our new lazy routine will change tomorrow and he needs a hair cut!

Rob is back to work today and is at home in his office, with his new desk.   We really need to sort that room out but there is so much stuff in there I don't know where it would all go!  Do kids need books these days?  They don't ever seem to read anymore, even though I keep buying them books.  I need to sort that out really as the Christmas holidays has all been about the screens.  I don't think we are alone with that but it doesn't make it any easier.

I have thrown the boys out a few times and they've gone to the park, out on their bikes, scooters and played badminton which has been great.  The back garden is currently blocked by Oscar's new basketball net which we need to sort so he can get back out there again as he was doing that a lot at one point.

The boys all seem okay.  Ellis doesn't want to go back to school and would be happy to online learning in the comfort of his own room but I know he needs to get back and soon before he's even more institutionalised.  Leo, I think is looking forward to getting back to school and I'm not looking forward to home schooling him as he really doesn't like being online, Teams chats etc, so that will be difficult, but hopefully it will only be for 4 days and I have Ellis here to help me with the technology and where to find everything he will need.  Oscar is pretty happy on screens all day but does get very restless.  We've been playing Cluedo a lot recently which has been great fun.  Leo has even joined in but for Ellis he finds it torturous.  His brain just can't process all the information and he really doesn't enjoy it, but it's fun to watch him implode! 

This is how old I feel, the recycling was finally collected today and I'm so excited about that! What a ridiculous thing to be happy about but I was just fed up of seeing it all and there was so much and loads keep coming so I was feeling swamped by recycling.  You're mental Mush, but we all know this already.

Went and bought some new dining chairs yesterday which was exciting too and everyone likes them which is great.  We just need to get a few sofas now but we can't just decide.  I've seen a couple of corner sofas I like but think they may be too big and I think Rob can't cope with looking for sofas for different rooms at the same time.  Think we need to do it one at a time but he's back to work now so we will be limited on how often we can go and look.  I think I'll look online first and then go and try them out.

The boys were supposed to start back at rugby yesterday but the club made the right decision at the last minute to cancel it all.  Numbers in this area are shooting up and we could really do without going into Tier 4.  I suppose it wouldn't change too much for me to be honest other than sofa shopping as we do everything else online and I don't meet up with loads of people.

Last night I finally sat down and read a book.  I hadn't intended to but I opened my bedside table and I just looked at a couple that I had and made a start on one.  I got into it pretty quickly and sat uncomfortably on the bed reading it.  I just assumed I'd put it down like I have been doing for months now but I didn't.  Quite pleased with that and I'm actually looking forward to getting back to it later on.

I haven't been exercising as much lately.  I recently had a short stay in hospital as they were concerned about my pulse rate but found it to be that I was just uber fit!  Maybe.  Anyway, with the colder weather it's come at a good time to ease off a bit as I was doing too much.  I did run this morning though and was pleased with my distance and pace which was a relief as thought with all the time off my fitness would be greatly reduced.  I think with the kids going back to school and old routines coming back I will probably up my exercise a little again, but will probably do more longer walks than running.  Lot's of probably Mush, you sure?

I've actually enjoyed the slower pace over the last 2 weeks and haven't wished any of it away.  I'm not rushing back to anything in particular anyway, nothing is happening, nothing to look forward to in regards to events etc, just more staying in, staying away, staying safe.  Think it won't be until the end of this year before things start to really change and that's if everyone can stay sensible.

Still no netball for me although there was chat of it starting tonight but I haven't read anything recently so assume it isn't but I will check.

Met Mum for a walk today.  We popped into Sainsbury's for a couple of bits and I realised the shelves looked a bit empty.  I joked to Mum about if there was a lockdown coming up that I wasn't aware of and she said yeh possibly as Boris doing an announcement tonight.  I have no idea of these things, every time I've found out at the last minute.  Not sure it would make much difference to me anyway as I don't go shopping or see lots of people and netball hasn't been on since before the last lockdown so I won't be missing out on anything new.  It's all just really, really shit, but totally out of my control.  I just follow the rules and hope that others do too so it will go away.

Going to leave it there as I'm sure I could waffle on about tons of stuff.  Might try and do another entry soon and I'll look back through my pictures to see if anything interesting happened.

BBFN x

Day 198 - Monarchy

And just like that, another week is done.  I don't mean done as in thankfully ticked that one off, but just, completed.  I quite like doing the blog on a Friday as the end of the school week always feels quite satisfying.

I've been really enjoying my weekends recently too.  I think not having a netball match on has eased the nervous pressure and trying to organise Ellis getting to sports fixtures has gone too so that's made our Saturdays pretty free.   I don't mind the boys gaming and chilling either as they've been busy all week at school.

I tend to spend Saturday pottering around the house, watching a bit of Netflix, bit more pottering, might see someone for a cuppa and just generally chilling out, which is nice.  Sunday seems easier too.  The boys have rugby at different times but they are all local and it doesn't drag on for hours and hours anymore as they are only training so that makes it nicer too as I usually grab a McDonalds on the way home and we spend the afternoon chilling.  I do try and get out for a walk and a sit down in my field with a view.

Every Monday morning I've been going to see Mother-in-Law so that I can help her with her physio appointment.  This week, when I arrived she was already sitting in the living room ready to go!  Very keen and it was nice to see pink cheeks before we'd even started.  She's doing really well, just needs lots more practice to build up some more strength and then hopefully some confidence.

Had a lovely visit from Mum and Dad during the week.  They brought with them some boxes of my favourite noodles from Costco.  Going to live off them for the next couple of weeks.  They were very sociable as you can see.  I did manage to get my ironing done though.👍

Oscar had to dress up on Friday for Monarchy across the ages.  I was mean and bought him a pharaoh outfit.  He didn't mind though and I thought he looked super cute.

We've received school reports for both Leo and Ellis and to say we are proud is an understatement.  They are both doing really well and trying hard and we can't ask for more than that.  Leo has done amazing at facing the new challenges of big boy school and we love his enthusiasm for the new subjects, especially languages.  I love listening to him practice with Rob who is really good too.  We were really pleasantly surprised by how well Leo is doing, long may it continue. 🤞 And as for Ellis, he really has done great too.  All his teachers seem pleased with his progress which considering the trouble we had over lockdown, I'm really happy about.  Well done my lovely boys x 💙💙

Oscar is doing well too.  He's enjoying being back playing sport and excels in his Maths lessons.  We still need to get him to slow down a bit so that he doesn't miss questions etc but he'll get there.  He's happy and his teachers are happy.  This then makes us happy. 😁

Right I'm in bed watching Des and will soon be turning off to get some sleep, hopefully. 🤞

Day 191 - CCF

Another week has gone and still nothing really to report here.  Boris put in some new restrictions for the next 6 months, pubs have to shut at 10pm, need to work from home if you can,  can't meet up with more than 6 people at any time and that includes children and indoor sports.  Thankfully it hasn't really affected us that much other than as a family we can't go and see Mum and Dad, or meet up with any other family for that matter.  Not sure what we are going to do for Christmas!  Sad for the boys to not see their cousins.

I managed my long run last weekend and got Ellis some boots so that he could go and do his Combined Cadet Force.  He was a bit worried about it, didn't like the trousers and the boots felt weird.  I thought he looked ace.

I dropped him off and went to see my friend Lou for a couple of hours, took something back to Sainsbury's and then went to pick him up.  He was buzzing! He came out so happy and said how much fun it all was.  They built dens, learned how to stand, march and hide.  He's looking forward to the next one. 👍

So Covid feels a little bit closer to home as a pupil at Ellis and Leo's school has just tested positive. Luckily they weren't in the same bubble so they can still go to school, although Ellis was sent home today because he has a cold.  He still finished off his lessons at home and he seems to know what he's doing.  We've been here before though so I need to try and keep an eye on him and make sure he really does know what he's doing and that he's doing it!

Mother-in-laws physio appointment went well this week although she wasn't as confident and I think that's going to take time to build up again.  It's so tricky seeing someone's potential if only they did the work.  Fingers crossed she will practice and get stronger.

I'm thinking about booking some things up for in the future, something to look forward to.  I've just booked a theatre trip, which isn't until October next year but still, I'm looking forward to it.  We also have Jimmy Carr which was moved and Billionaire Boy next year. 🤞 Also planning on an adult only weekend maybe, a small holiday in the half term and just some stuff like that.

Don't know why I can't finish my bucket list.  Maybe because if I finish it then I have to start it and I'm putting it off for whatever reason. 🤷

On Sunday, Ellis and Rob managed to have their first Nandos! I was so happy for them as it's been a long time coming.  I suspect that will become a regular thing for them on a Sunday after rugby.  I could take the other two with me after theirs this week 👏

The Hello Fresh meals are still going well, even though it's only me doing them now.  I've been trying to get the boys to eat a little bit healthier too.  It's easier with Oscar, Leo is very tricky and is just very stuck in his ways.  As for me, I'm eating baby poo.  It looks gross I know but I love it.  Thick carrot and coriander soup.

Planning on a long run in the morning but my leg is a little sore.  I should go and see a physio really.  I think it's the ITB which runs down the side of your leg.  I will try and do some exercises to help ease the pain and maybe drug myself up a bit.

Shauna is doing really well at settling into her new home.  I'm so pleased it is working out, so far.  You never quite know with Shauna what the day will bring.  Lucy had an update today filling her in on all the lovely things that she is getting to do/make.  Lucy and Craig have even had a Skype call with her which worked out much better than they thought it would. 😍 The college certainly still has a lot of learning to do but it's still early days.

 Still struggling to get Leo up and ready for school.  He is trying so hard and doing quite well but this week he forgot his rugby boots and jumper which were actually on top of his bag!  I'm going to do a laminated list this weekend and see if that helps him to stay focused.  He's happy at school though and enjoying all his lessons so far.  He particularly likes French and Spanish and is practicing with us all the time.  I say us, I mean Rob.  He wants to be fluent at Spanish by this time next year.

I still haven't found a car yet but I'm going to go on a mission over the next couple of days and see if I can pick one.  Will be such a relief to get that sorted out.  I've really enjoyed having my Mum's AMG SLK where the roof comes down too.  We've been lucky to have the right weather to use it and me and the kids have enjoyed the novelty.

Still having trouble with sleep, although I slept through last night which was great.  I think it helps to get an early night, which I intend to do tonight.  Rob is watching the rugby and the boys are all chilling currently.  I'm going to go and watch a film with Oscar for a bit before getting the others to bed.

Hope everyone is well and keeping safe.  It's hard sometimes to remember that it is all still going on all around the globe.  It's not until I see someone with a mask on that I'm jolted by the memory of what we are currently living through, and we are the lucky ones.

Day 184 - Grandma

So it's been a while, even though it only feels like a couple of days.  The week has just flown by and I find myself on a Friday evening again looking forward to the weekend.

We have all settled into the new routines now although nothing has really changed for Rob.  He's still doing the same days in the office and working from home on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Monday was Grandma's birthday.  Think she was 92!  I had arranged for a card and a bottle of champagne to be delivered to her, at her request I might add, and I was sent this picture of her enjoying a glass of bubbles.

She lives with her youngest son and daughter but was lucky enough to have a visit from her 2 other sons too!  Her eldest son Virgil sadly died a few years ago.

Uncle Roger, Auntie Kris, Uncle Robin, Grandma and Dad.  I love pictures like this. 💙

Monday morning I went to see the in-laws with my laptop in tow as MIL was supposed to have an online physio appointment.  I waited and waited and nothing happened.  I eventually received a phone call from the medical centre saying they would send me a link on my phone.  The video call was very small and quiet on my phone unfortunately so I had to tell MIL everything the lady was saying as she couldn't hear her.

She did really well and managed to do all the exercises and it was great to see some colour in her cheeks and a smile on her face.  She needs lots of encouragement but think she was pleased with herself by the end.

It was agreed that we would do the same thing every week and I said I would be there to help with the camera and the relaying of information as I could see it would be a nightmare with just the two of them doing it.  Also MIL needs to be kept safe when doing the exercises, which unfortunately we learnt the hard way this week, as on trying to get up from her chair she grabbed the wrong support frame which moved and she ended up falling onto the floor quite badly.  She hurt her arm and knee.  I managed to get her back on the chair and supported her until she felt calmer and safe to move.  It was quite a shock for all of us but obviously harder for her to deal with.  I just hope it doesn't put her off for next week. 🤞

Ah this time last year I was in Marbella with the Mummy Lot celebrating mine and Sally's 40th.  It was one of the best times in my life!  I'm going to have to do a separate blog entry for it as there are so many photos and videos I would love to share.  To mark the occasion we actually managed to meet up in the local park.  The first time seeing each other face to face since the day before lockdown back in March.  I can't believe it took us that long to get together.  Unfortunately Naomi couldn't make it as she was working and Sarah lives overseas, and is currently stuck there due to bloody Covid.

This photo makes me smile so much 😄

A little bit different but still nice.

 

Leo is a nightmare to get out of the house on time to get his bus.  If I didn't get up with him and nag him he would definitely miss it.  He just wanders off and loses track of time, well actually he doesn't even look at the time.  I quite often find him lying on his beanbag looking at his phone, or sitting on the toilet with his iPad or flopped on the sofa watching TV! I wouldn't mind if he was actually ready to walk out the door, but he's usually not even fully dressed!  It's going to be a while before I can leave him to do it alone, maybe never.😐

Met up with Lucy for a lovely walk this week.  We've been so lucky with the weather.  It's really nice and sunny but the wind is cool.  I love it.  Clear, bright skies but it isn't too hot.  We went for a walk around Kelston and stopped for cuppa on the way back to the car.  It was lovely to hear how Shauna is doing and how it has impacted on all of them.  There is still lost of adjusting to do and I'm sure it still hasn't really sunk in but I really am happy for all of them. 💕

As for bloody Covid it's really kicking off again and we're heading for a second wave.  Our area is very low in comparison to others but still it is worrying.  The virus is now being transmitted within the community and not just hospitals and frontline workers and is spreading fast, especially among the younger age groups.  Thankfully there hasn't been a high rate of deaths and I hope it stays that way.  There are local lockdowns and restrictions but nothing for us yet, but there is lots in the news about some sort of nationwide changes about to happen.  Sounds like schools will still be open 👍 Although if they get a cold they get sent home!  It's going to be a long, long winter.

Oscar is out for a sleepover with his friend Jake.  He was so excited to be going, but also nervous too and I love that he can tell me all about it.  We worked through all the different things that he thought might happen and I did my best to put him at ease.  I hope he doesn't sleep walk with them although it is quite funny, also a bit scary sometimes.

We've just turned Ellis and Leo's lights off and it's gone 11:30pm so late nights for them and a very late night for me too.  I've been going to bed well early recently as I'm having terrible trouble going to sleep, staying asleep and waking up early.  Last night was the first night I slept through and woke up to Leo's alarm.  I also struggled to get up.  I'm not setting an alarm for tomorrow but do plan to get up and go for a long run before taking Ellis to the army surplus shop for some boots.  He's starting his cadet training tomorrow.  Poor love, he has so much on!  Good to keep him busy I suppose.