Day 6 - Shauna Pops

9:15pm, just sitting down now from putting boys to bed, showering and washing my hair.  Been so busy I can't remember when I last washed it!  I actually don't want to wash it too much as it will rinse the dye out quicker 😁  Ooh I've just found the emoji insert tool.  Expect a lot more as I usually use them instead of words 😂

I wasn't planning on blogging every day but I love a routine and it has become my thing to do in the evening.  I hope it doesn't get too tedious but I'll try not to blog the same stuff in a different way.

We had a bit of an up and down day, which is to say it didn't run as smoothly as the previous two days.  I had to take a couple of phone calls, one from Leo's SENCO teacher and a couple of medical ones for Rob's mum.  This meant that the boys were left unattended for short periods of time, but clearly means they run riot.

I had a lovely chat with the SENCO teacher.  She is obviously finding the whole situation as unsettling as the rest of us and I really appreciated her checking in to see if there was anything she could do to help us out.  We are coping quite well for now and Leo has taken to home schooling quite quickly.  I think the routine has helped.  He definitely struggles but having me to help him along every other second has meant that he is getting lots done and then enjoying his free time in the garden.

This leads me on to my Shauna Pops.  My friend Lucy, who I have known my whole life, has 2 gorgeous girls, Ashlee and Shauna.  Shauna is autistic and with her school closed, her routine out the window, is really, really struggling to cope.  This then obviously has a knock on effect to the rest of the family. 😥

Yesterday morning Shauna was upset (sometimes she smashes things) and shouting and going over and over her schedule, eventually losing her voice.  The end result from a shouting episode is tears.  It breaks my heart every time I see her like this.  You just want to wrap her up and tell her that it is all okay and that she is safe.  Unfortunately she will never understand that.

Today I got a phone call from Lucy.  Shauna had put me down on her schedule and they were sitting in the car waiting to leave.  She was hoping that by the time they set off, Shauna would have changed her mind.  Unfortunately she didn't.  Lucy told me to lock the side gate, front door and close the curtains to pretend we were out.  Shauna got out the car happy, rang the bell and waited.  When we didn't answer she quickly escalated and got more and more distressed.  Lucy, as always, stayed calm and tried to soothe her and explain that we were on holiday, but she was having none of it!  First of all she wanted to sit and wait.

Then she broke a key to try and get in. 😞

The boys were amazing and so understanding.  They hid in the kitchen and were silent for the whole time.  I so wanted to open the door and give my mate a huge hug and let Shauna do her thing to get it out of her system.

Shauna has a routine when she comes to our house, it lasts a good 30 mins or so.  It involves food, drink and pacing around the kitchen island.  She has to have a certain number and type of drink (we try to change that each time), she has to pull all the cheesestrings apart and eat one, has to have at least one ice lolly but sometimes two, I'm pretty sure she's added a few more now but I can't remember at the moment, and she always walks the same way around the island.

I think they must of been outside for about 20 minutes, maybe longer,  but eventually Shauna got back in the car and they drove off.  I let the boys back outside and messaged Lucy.

A little while later I received a much happier picture of my Shauna Pops 😊

Once they were home, Shauna still wasn't settled and the decision was made for them to come up, Rob to take the boys out and to let her in to do her routine.  This didn't end up happening, today anyway, and she managed to spend a good bit of time enjoying the beautiful weather.  I think we are on the schedule for Friday.

Even though Lucy is going through all this, she is one of the most thoughtful people I know, when about an hour later I received a knock on the door from a delivery guy.  He had a massive box of flowers, tulips, one of my favourites and a little note from Lucy. 💕

I love them! Thank you x

I tell you what I'm also loving, the weather!  It's not too hot but the sky is clear, the sun is out and somehow it just makes everything feel not so bad.  Flowers are starting to come out and the magnolia is looking pretty.  I also love our little squirrel who regularly comes to the garden to steal the bird feed.  She, (I always call it a she) was at one point hanging completely upside down.  I wasn't able to get a picture quick enough so that was the best I could do.  I posted it on Insta saying "hang in there peeps!"  Ooh I'm so witty 😉

So with the distractions we didn't quite get as much work done as we have on previous days but ah well.  🤷 Tomorrow is another day.

Thanks to all the new Facebook group, we found out about this great thing on Google.  You search for an animal and then you can put a 3d picture of it in your house!  We're going to try and find some more tomorrow and I need practice on how to get them on the screen right.

The boys played tons in the garden and are getting on so well.  They are putting together routines on the trampoline and trying to bounce each other as high as possible.  I'm just waiting for an A&E trip!  I actually think Leo has already busted his finger but he isn't complaining too much and can bend it.

Dinner tonight was again wholesome and nutritious pizza.  Leo rolls his up, which I think is actually a great way to eat it.

It was Leo's turn tonight to have his music lesson over Facetime.  I was a bit concerned about this one but his lovely piano teacher said he did amazing and she was really pleased with how well he responded to what she was asking.  I've said I'm more than happy to continue this way if she thinks it is working.   The novelty might wear off for Leo but it's worth a try.  Anything to still be a little bit normal!

So after a long day, I sit and reflect.  I have so much to be grateful for.  My boys are healthy and happy, I have a home, a warm soft bed to go to tonight, food in the fridge, a husband who can still work and earn for us, that I'm able to be home to school the boys, that I have so many supportive friends, the list goes on.   I really am very lucky.

I've decided today, haven't told Rob yet, that I would like to use Sunday afternoon as a bit of look after me time.  Maybe go for a walk, drive, listen to a Brene Brown podcast (you should check it out, she's awesome) paint my toe nails, Rob to feed and put the boys to bed, maybe shave my legs, mess about with make-up, or anything else I fancy doing that day.  I'll probably change my mind when it comes to it.

I'm going to try and post something I've learnt during the day, something I'm looking forward to and something I'm grateful for.  I actually have a few from today but will save them up.  One important thing I've learned today is that I must wear a sports bra for the Jo Wicks workout!  I'm looking forward to hugs and I'm grateful for all the close friends I have in my life.   💕

Stay safe and well people!

Miss seeing everyone

x

Day 5 - Having a laugh

Well I don't want to be too smug yet as literally it's only been 2 days but we had another good day today!

Boys were great at getting up, making beds and getting ready for "school".

We did our Joe PE lesson and this time Ellis joined in which was nice.  I'm already feeling the effects of the exercising and can hardly walk or get up and down from the loo! :D

I was more prepared today for what we were going to do which made it all a lot easier.  I had the boys doing opposite tasks, Oscar did a Maths work sheet so I could sit with Leo to help with his Literacy.  It worked really well and I'll try and do that again tomorrow.

We had some lovely emails from the boys teachers and it's great to be in touch with them.  We send them regular updates, ask how they're doing and send them pictures.

Leo really struggles at various points in the day and I'm already working him out.  He just says he's tired or bored.  I tried to have a little chat with him about feelings and that sometimes we don't really know how we feel so we just say something like we're tired, bored or don't know.  I know I do!  I was basically just trying to get him to think about what else it might be.  He struggles to verbalise his feelings and we usually have to work out what is wrong by how he is behaving.  It was still a positive day overall for him though.

I can see how this blog is going to be pretty monotonous.  Literally every "school" day will be just the same thing and weekends will just be housework and chilling out.

On a day to day basis I just try to not think too much and just get through the day in the calmest and happiest way possible.  I haven't been checking the news and keeping social media to a minimum and when I do go on it, finding the positive happy stuff to look at.  I am regularly checking in with friends and making sure I stay busy.

I've told the boys that I will have to trim their hair soon.  I used to cut Rob's hair all the time and I don't think I would do that bad a job but none of them trust me.   Leo is adamant that he is growing it until we can get to the barber.  I wonder how long he'll last?

At lunch time today the lovely Scummy Mummies did a live Instagram feed, which we listened to.  They are so funny and everyone needs a laugh right now.  Luckily they kept it reasonably clean.

For Leo's DT lesson this afternoon he had to write about rationing in the war.  I tried to turn it around and make him the teacher and he seemed to like that.  He watched the video, made some great notes and then told me all about it.  He struggled to write down what he was talking about but he did some great work and then asked for me to send pictures of it to his teacher.  I will have to use that tactic more often.

Oscar did well today too.  They really are trying hard for me and I am surprised at how well it is going.  I like the fact that we have had two good days in a row, so if tomorrow goes tits up I won't care so much.

Oscar especially likes our half hour of quiet time, which I was going to use to have half hour of reading a book or colouring etc but I've used it to get ready for the following day instead.  Oscar uses it for colouring one of his favourite things, unicorns.

Lots more playing outside which is so nice for them.  They are getting lots of exercise and fresh air which is great.  I'm also hoping it will help them to sleep better too.

Well with all this healthy learning, exercise and fresh air, I thought it was only right that they have a wholesome and nutritious dinner of hotdogs, biscuits and yogurt all whilst sitting with their faces in screens.  You have to have some balance, right?!

Tonight the Mummy Lot (minus Sarah in Dubai) had agreed to meet up for an evening in with a glass of wine.  Well it didn't go according to plan.  Sally our retail hero needs to be up at 2am so she'd already gone to bed, Naomi didn't have wine or a webcam, Sharon has ran out of wine and could only see one person at a time on her screen, and I was trying to get 2 out of 3 kids to bed whilst still trying to have a conversation.  I clearly didn't do too badly and I must be hilarious based on this picture.

We did all manage to have a quick catch up and to lift each others spirits a bit.  I've actually had a rather positive day and felt a bit more like old Mush.  I'm not going to over think it for a change and just enjoy it while it lasts.  Long may it continue.

Having a laugh is very therapeutic and I've started following a few new people on Instagram, one of them being Knee Deep In Life.  She posted a hilarious story this morning and had me crying with laughter.  This is the stuff that will get me through and out the other side.

Right, it's late.  Husband thinks I'm putting off going to bed as I don't want to wake up tomorrow and do it all again, but to be honest, if it was like today then it's all good!  I'm actually up late waiting for the video of the boys on the trampoline to upload.  Night all x It won't be forever x

Day 4 - Home schooling and lockdown

So, day one of home schooling.  Boys all got up, dressed, ate their breakfast, done their teeth and Leo even made his bed!  A great start and I was really pleased seeing as my head wasn't in the best place from too much down time the night before.

The weather is great again today so they all played outside while I finished off packed lunches and tidied up from brekkie.

To start the day we did PE with Joe https://www.thebodycoach.com/blog/pe-with-joe-1254.html

I joined in too as I won't be doing any netball or netball training for a while but I really want to keep up some fitness for when we eventually go back, and we will go back, it's not forever!  This is my new mantra.

The boys did great with their learning, Ellis is having some teething problems with opening certain links etc and Oscar finished really quickly in the morning so we had to find other things to do in the afternoon.  We did end up doing Maths in the morning and English after as I couldn't quite work out what we had to do for the English lesson.  This is going to be a steep learning curve, but I have plenty of time I guess.

In between his lessons Ellis came to help me out.  He understands it all a lot more than me so I really appreciated it and the boys were happy for him to help.  He kept Leo motivated too which was needed before lunch as Leo was flagging badly.

Leo's lovely SENCO teacher and TA popped round to give him is new Busylegz foot rest which will hopefully help him.  It was also so nice to see another human face and not just a screen.  They stayed well away and I told them I would place another order in a couple of days so that I can get another visit. :)

My big brother Mark video called too.  Haven't seen him since Christmas so it was really nice to have a quick catch up when the boys were on their break.

My Mum phones me regularly with updates on how, and what she is doing.  The new thing today is starting a daily schedule of stuff she would like to achieve and also wants to learn Spanish!  Think it's a great idea.

My lovely friend Jodie popped by too with a bottle of wine for me and some chocolate for the boys.  Everyone should have a Jodie in their life.

The boys spent lots of time outside today, on the trampoline or shooting hoops.  Generally they are getting on well together so that makes it easier, although I lost my temper a couple of times, but it wasn't ever about school work, just them fighting or not doing as they were asked.

A new thing in this house is the boys helping with chores!  Leo and Oscar brought the washing down, separated it and put a load on.  Hoping with practice they will be able to do it on their own soon.  Next I need to teach them all to make me a nice cup of tea, followed by foot rubs, back massage and the ironing :)

Speaking of tea, Rob broke our kettle yesterday by cleaning it too much with descale stuff, but luckily he ordered a new one from Amazon Prime which arrived late afternoon.  It was okay boiling water on the hob though.

Obviously we are having to make lots of changes and the kids are definitely dealing with it better than me, but I'm trying to not show it in front of them.  One of the changes is Ellis now has to do his guitar lessons over Facetime and he had his first lesson tonight.  It seemed to work really well but it will be better when Henry can come back.  Leo will attempt his piano lesson over Facetime on Wednesday.  I hope that goes well too as it will be good to keep as much going as possible.

It feels like so much happened today.  I'm sitting here at half 9 at night, zonked, but feeling ok.  Boris announced lock down which we were all expecting and I think I feel okay about it because I'm hoping that means things will get better quicker and then this nightmare will be over.

I've spoken to a few friends and we are all trying to lift each others spirits and keep each other going.  Seems to be working for the most part.  Everyone seems up and down from minute to minute, not even day to day.

I'm so tired I just want to sleep, but I know as soon as I close my eyes, I'll be waking up to do it all again.  This day went so slow.

Shower and bed for me. I so hope we have another good day.

Day 3 - Too much downtime?

Another lovely sunny day which I am very grateful for.   I managed to get 5 minutes quiet time in the sun and I love having the washing out on the line.  It's the simple things.

Been talking loads to friends which I hope helps them as much as it helps me.

The whole home schooling thing has been freaking me out.  The schools have been great with getting lots of information out to everyone but I'm finding it all a bit confusing and overwhelming.  Just need to get on with it!  So I did.  I set up some rough schedules that I agreed with the boys so that we could hopefully avoid any arguments, I got lots of resources together and set up for the morning.

The boys have been really good and playing nicely together for the most part in the garden.  I'm going to have to get them out somewhere else pretty soon though as they will run out of patience with each other.

Sunday night bed times were their usual school time, which meant I could have a bit of downtime before it kicks off :D  I watched Gogglebox which makes me laugh out loud, very good therapy.

I had a little bit too much downtime though and ended up falling asleep on the sofa.  I haven't done that for years!  Woke up at 3:30am and went to bed.  I know I will regret this tomorrow.

Day 2 - The waiting place

Sitting at the end of day two.  My anxiety was rather high for most of the day and I just tried to keep myself busy doing housework.  I rearranged drawers for no reason other than finding some mundane task to keep me occupied.

We had lovely sunshine today which made a massive difference as the boys could get out in the garden, I even joined them at one point which was lots of fun and certainly helped me.

The day has mostly been spent on screens or playing outside.  I am staying in touch with friends and my Mum calls me 3 times a day at the moment.  She really wants to come and see me but it's a hard no.  If everyone took it seriously and didn't go out unless they had to, it would all be over so much sooner!

I still want to hibernate and wake up when it is all done, and I'm dreading schooling the kids but I will do my best.

Been sent lots of grounding tips which I will try to do.  No, not try, I will do! :D  This will help me, which will help the whole house.

I've said we'll try and get out on the bikes tomorrow and maybe play some basketball at the park depending on if there are other there or not.  I just hope the weather is like it was today.

Nearly bed time, nearly another day gone.  Don't really want to wish the time away but I do too.  I'm sure that makes sense to some.

If you need me, I'll be in the waiting place :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U60jboHHFs

Day 1 - Is this the end?

So today at 3:20pm I will be picking up the 2 youngest from their school and they won't be going back until, we don't know when, so I took their last day pictures just in case.

Home schooling is to commence on Monday and I have to admit that I am bricking it!  I am trying very hard to stay calm, positive and all the good stuff but I am really struggling.  I am sure once we have some sort of routine going and more information becomes available, things will settle down.

I think most of us are thinking we will be in lock down pretty soon, and I hope to look back on this post when it is all over, hoping I'm not being too optimistic that things will be back to a new normal by September at the latest.

We are living in such a strange time.  It feels very much like life is on hold, although I know I should be using the time wisely and enjoying it with the boys.  It just doesn't feel real and I doubt it ever will.

I'm going to try and post on here when I feel like it.  Something to look back on, a moment in history.  I might try and get some videos of the boys reactions to it all too.  We'll see.  Like I said, feels like only day one.

China had it for 3 months and seem to be coming out the other side.  I just hope we can do the same.  I just hope it doesn't come back again this winter, or that we just keep getting cycles of it for years to come and staying home becomes all we can do! I know my mind is running away with me but I just can't help it.  Must do some 4,6 breathing before I have a heart attack.  Be back soon, hopefully.

Back to School 2016

So it was back to school day today for all 3 of my boys.  I was pretty organised and had everything out ready to go on Thursday.   There was so much to sort out!  3 sets of uniform, labelled, 2 have bags and pencil cases now, with drinks bottles, coats, lunch boxes, book bag, reading books, literacy books, PE kits, shoes, all labelled! Phew!

I thought they would all sleep in, but nope, they were all up by 6:30am.  They were pretty good at getting ready and I even did their hair in time to take pictures too!  Leo was particularly excited because he now has a rucksack and was starting Junior school.

They all went in fine without a second glance back. :(

I came straight home, pottered a little and then went to play netball for an hour which is always a good run around and it gets rather hot in the hall.

I zoomed straight home for a very quick shower, chucked some washing on and then went to meet my Lucy for some lunch.  It was lush! I had an omelette, with chunky chips and salad and 2 cups of tea.

I didn't stay too long as I was parked in a one hour zone only, which worked out well as traffic was bad getting home so I didn't have too long to do some more jobs before going to pick up the boys.

Oscar was out first.  He said he didn't get any warnings and he had a good day but doesn't want to go tomorrow.  Next was Leo who ran up to me and gave me a massive hug saying he got a raffle ticket!  They give out raffle tickets for anything good and in assembly the pick a winner from a jar and they win a small prize.  He as so happy!  Think he had a great day and I hope it continues.

We got to have a quick look around Leo's classroom and he showed me where he is sitting and where his peg and drawer are.  It was lush to see how excited and happy he was.

Next stop was Ellis' classroom, which is now upstairs! That makes him more important obviously.  The classroom was smaller than I was expecting but he likes it and he gets to sit on a stool at a higher table.

His teacher said he had a really good day and that he was helpful and full of ideas.  He likes her which is the main thing and I hope he continues to have a good year.  Time will tell.

I totally forgot that I had to get Oscar to his dance class, so we immediately zoomed off for that, but because I was so quick, Leo didn't have trousers or shoes on and Ellis hadn't bothered putting his shoes on either, so the 2 of them had to sit in the car while I did a little food shop.

We popped home to put the food away and get Leo changed ready for Beavers and then we were back off in the car to get Oscar.

I tried to feed everyone as much as possible before my friend picked Leo up for his club.

The rest of the evening went rather smoothly.  Oscar did amazing reading and I wrote in his book and got everything out ready for tomorrow.  I determined to stay organised but I think it may only last a week, at most!

I picked Leo up from Beavers and he showered and went to bed after a bowl of cereal and Ellis played a game of chess with Rob until nearly 8:30pm which is an hour past when he should have been in bed.

My plan for the evening is to watch Cold Feet which is back on TV and get to bed at a reasonable hour.

This back to school business is hard work!