Are you on the wagon?

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Hope this is ok?

Tink - I like the green one, coz its not pink , but I think the pink one is probably more practical through being warmer, however, I have to agree that I like can'ts choices too.

We bought DS1 a new coat (despite not really needing too, just because it was cool ) it came in loads of colours, and DS1 and I chose green where DH wanted brown or black - we got green

DS2 is asleep and DS1 is descending into whingy hell. DH will be home soon and I'm still in my pj's

ho hum

at still being in PJ's- i had to get dressed with the safestyle man coming...

not the way i wanted to spend the last day of half-term!!

have a looooooong evening ahead- DH is at work till 8ish, then wont even be back till 9ish I can't be bothered to cook again so want something like take-away... can't decide what though...

Well, I managed to 'cook dinner' - if you can cook 5 minute pasta and ready made sauce with a few vegetables cooking.

The banana cake has turned out fab - wicked sliced and served with a smear of butter . Not sure its what's recommended after a squiffy tummy, but its very yummy.

Kids are in bed, eastenders on the telly, DH has disappeared somewhere so its all very peaceful here.

evening, i had to miss eastenders, as i put my tea in the oven to cook, and the gas went so had to get DS out of bed and in his pram to go to the shop. so need to watch it at 10.
not sure wat i want to do tbh. but got a few jobs im going to apply for, just shop work. part time.
as for courses there wasnt much info / help at hand so im gunna spend a night reading through a prospectus.

LaTour, it's so lovely to 'see' you!! I'm sure DS1 will pick up potty training soon. DS1 is still potty training. He has days where he is really good and then has days where he doesn't use it at all.

I was at work this evening and stupidly managed to cut my thumb. It's bloody killing me.

Hello La Tour!! Can you share the recipe for your banana bread?!

MMM - good luck with job applications. What will you do with M if you're at work?

Kay - ouch!

Gruff - I've done one day at work last week but start properly from this Friday (funny day to start but I've holiday to use up). I'm doing Mon, Tues am, Thurs, Fri and Sat am.

Cant - did you get take away?

Feeling really tired so I may head off to bed. How will I cope with work too?!

SES if i end up back in work part time, M will be put in a nursery for the time im working i think. not too certain yet in what i want to do tho so bit of trial and error i think.

Good to 'see' you all too.

Ses - embarassingly, I used the Cbeebies I Can Cook Recipe here . I forgot about left out the raisins, and as i have a normal sized loaf tin, I doubled the quantity of everything and it was just right. I dropped the oven temp a bit, because my oven's very hot, and I've no idea how long I cooked it for, I'm guessing about 40 mins. I did it for 25 mins, then checked it every ten mins. It smelt too good though, so I checked it before the final timer went hence guessing at 40 mins. I tested it with a cocktail stick to make sure it was cooked. Its come out really light and fluffy.

In my defence, their recipes are really quick so they hold DS1's attention, otherwise he just gets bored and wanders off. As it is, he says, 'you do it' to most bits anyway, and that's after he's asked if we can make something, its not like I'm forcing him into it!

I also find I seem to have most of the ingredients in, but that's only a recent thing - 12 months ago you wouldn't have found flour, eggs, butter and vanilla extract in my cupboards, nevermind baking powder and bicarb!

I'm in a right old quandarry (sp?) about what to wrt going to work - don't know whether to go back to a similar role as I was doing before, or look for something part time, or something entirely different, or try to start my own business....

Morning

LaTour, Hello stranger! How are you? How old is H now? Is J loving being a big brother? Banana bread sound's ace

MMM, hope you see something from the job apps.

Kay, how's your thumb?

Ses, did nursery go OK?

Can't, did you get a take away? Am almost dribbling at the thought of prawn toast, haven't had any since we moved (oh except crappy ones from shop that you cook yourself that never taste the same, and 1 huge bag of it from proper chinese we had at mum's!)

I am almost too excited to sit still enough to type. Sat down with DH last night to work out the long term cost of this course, right up to the Honours Degree, all the equipment, text books, mag subs, going to exhibitions, going to some of the workshops actually at the NDA, and we made some fairly hefty decisions, it is still going to be April before I start, well I might enrol next month but we can't afford all of the stuff I need to get started till April, but it would give me a bit of time to look through the course material etc. it is going to be tough going some months I think, because of the way DH's sallery is paid, if he doesn't do a lot of overtime his pay is severely down, and there are going to be times when I need him here for the kids, so kind of a catch 22, if he works less = we get less money = less able to move on to the next bit of my course/get that book/piece of kit/etc. so it isn't going to be an easy ride at times, but I am so determined to do this, and almost as good as that, DH is so determined to help me do this, don't think I can ever remember him being so 100% behind me on anything. He's got an answer for everything, I said about the workshops, they are in Nottingham, I was a bit worried it's too far for me to drive on my own, and he says "it's OK, we'll work it so that's the week we'll go to your mum's" I say about spending extra money here there and everywhere and he shines through again, I love that man!!

I don't think I have ever in my whole life had someone right there as excited and aprehensive as I am, and still willing to chuck £1000's at it, DH tend's to take things in his stride, nothing phases or over excites him, absolutely nothing, but this, I think he can see how much I need this, especially after what went on last month with the MC/DC4 or not, think he realised just how stuck I am, which is a bit sad in it's own way.

Sorry have rambled on and on, as per,

M's awake, he's started kissing everything all you can hear is mwah mwah mwah mwah mwah, bless him, better go and get the rest of them up.

Oooooh, forgot to tell you, had a reply from an ID's I emailed, really nice and friendly, said I was going about it all the right way, and when the time comes, the idea about offering my services (oo er missus ) to someone for free, so long as they let me take photo's for a portfolio is an excellent idea to show any potential employers what I can do I would have to look into whether there are any comeback etc. from a legal POV, not really sure about it all yet but it is a way off, would probably do it in the last 6 months of the degree so no need to worry just yet methinks...

Right, must get them up, well at least DS1 and 3, think DS2 is still zzzzz-ing. Oooooh I am so excited!!!

morning- yes, did get take-away. DH wanted a curry- but i shared what he normally has and it's 'repeating' on me this morning which isn't very nice at all!!

Got DS's clothes on here last night to see if i could sell anything... might have interest in some bits already!! Wuhoo!!

nat- x-posted. Good that DH is so with you on the ID course!! Bit like me atm with my BF course, i wanna take it all the way and eventually get a job within the NHS/surestart with it. DH is very excited and 100% behind me as he knows just how much i want & need it... only difference is we're not spending money on my training.... however, i'm sure if it meant having to i would!!

morning everyone,
got a relatively busy day again today. need to make sure the living room is half decent ( ie not looking like a toy shop ) need to hoover rooms, and make sure that there tidy as i have a woman coming round from the housing place this afternoon.
also got a friend coming round this morning with her mum and little brother
tommorro is a busy day too. off to a sure start group in the morning, then M has his jabs around 2.30, then off to my mums as got my dads cousin coming down so going to see them. first week in a while that i only have 1 day where i havent planned to do anything.
right best get off before i get too comfy and dont get the last bits of tidying done.
hope everyone has a great day. and ill be back on later i hope.

Was it Marie Antoinette that said 'let them eat cake' because there was no bread? Coz I've just had loads of banana cake bread for breakfast as there's no bread .

DS1 seems better this morning, in that he has no temperature, but he's being quite grumpy, very whingy etc. Happy days.

I find it hard to be at home with him because he's not very good at playing by himself, which I guess is partly because he's always been at nursery and therefore had plenty of people to play with. He's always asking me to play with him and I'm not very good at it, he often gets fed up with me and retreats to the sofa

Tesco are delivering today and I've stupidly booked it for between 12 and 2, which cuts my day right in two...

I have to go somewhere to buy a chip baking tray - you know, one with holes in? Don't really want to trek about for just a tray but if I don't get one DH will have a pink fit as I've thrown our other one in the bin before buying the new one... .

Things are a bit crap in that department. Am thinking about taking a break, just don't want to make any decisions too soon.

morning

fab news nat sounds like you and dh have had a gr8 chat about course

hi latour gr8 to have you back

mum stayed over
off to sing and sign soon
dd1 finally back @ school
dd2 coming on so far with waling she can do 9 steps by herself and did a 360 degree circle yesterday

Latour- i'm sure banana bread is as good as anything else for breakfast!! better than nowt- which is what i always have!! :D

Your talking of cooking made me remember to get our tea out of the freezer to defrost.... otherwise it'd be fish fingers for tea!!

I have some stupid questions - if anyone would care to oblige:

1. When you look at a bus timetable, and it tells you the name of the road it stops on, and its a really long road, how are you supposed to know where the bus stop is?

2. What is a four month old supposed to 'do' all day - coz DS2 seems bored, but can't do anything

3. How do I say 'no' to a 3.3yr old, without him having a meltdown, when he's requesting impractical things, like; can we go ice skating now please? Coz the meltdowns are driving me potty.

Morning! Sounds like there's a real wagon buzz what with course/job plans etc etc! Great news NAT - sounds like a new chapter in your life is beginning - very exciting! And did I see you can start in April? (all Sept starts round here) It really does sound like things are coming together for you, and great that dh is totally supportive too .
MMM you sound busy too this week! Know what you mean about front rooms and toy shops . Are you thinking of moving ?
CANT, are you selling on MN or e-bay? Used to sell loads on the for sale boards, but then it went all strange so I diverted to e-bay!
Hi SES! Work will be fine (as you know) and O sounds settled too which is half the battle. Good that you like his key worker too - makes a massive difference!
Hello LaATOUR!!!!! Really good to have you back, and glad things are going so well. B bread does sound yummy!
Hi KAYZ - sorry for sore thumb! TINKS, like the pink coat - we have same type for dds from last year and they're great, esp on windy days. Can layer up with a cardi if very cool. Not sure of the green coat - I think they look a bit 'grown up' as they do the same in the women's ones (rainy day coats or something like that). Dd3's prairie dress arrived yesterday- got the red check and it's lovely on
I have the joy of another (attempted) smear this afternoon, at the new dr's this time. Worried that she won't be able to do it like last time (though nurse was incompetent). Bad enough having one anyway, but extra worried too! Have also finished marking!!!! Last papers to drop off in the post, then I am freeeee!!!!!

Hi Latour! In response to your questions, are you concerned about where the bus will drop you off, or where to get to to get it? (or if it's anywhere near where you're wanting the bus stop to be?). With our bus service, they have an online 'planning your trip' page and you can click on the map to see where the stops are - gives you a rough idea, though not a grid ref or anything). Alternatively, I'd ring up the bus company and see if the stop you want is near any side roads/landmarks etc, and maybe check a-z?
Re: 4 mth olds, yes, that is the question! With ds at that age I tended to alternate between playgym, tummy time, c-beebies in bouncy chair, and wall-frame bouncer. Now that he's older it's the same, but from a sitting up perspective. Also (at 4 mths) put him in a sling and did the beds/jobs etc talking all the time telling him what we were doing etc. When the other 3 are at home it all changes (though older dds are a great help)
Re: meltdowns, I think it's unfortuantley just a case of firmly stating why they can't do something (give a reason) then stick to you guns and if needed, let them get on with tantrum while you try your best to ignore it so they don't get a reward of attention. Think the distraction thing doesn;t work at that age - not with mine anyway!
Right, must check work e-mails - back later x

Latour-

1. not sure- can you not ask the bus driver when you're getting on? thats what i'd do... surely if the road is that long there'd be more than 1 stop anyway? (there are round here anyway)

2. Same as Diege here... tv in bouncer, tummy time, playmat surrounded by colourful toys... bit tricky when it's just you and the baby... i find it much easier when DD2 is entertained by watching the other 2 playing!!

3. again same as Diege- you just have to be firm, dont use bribes etc to make them comply either!!

Diege- selling on here atm... but what i dont sell i'll be putting on ebay. need the money fairly soon so i can get DS some more jeans in the right size.

Morning!

LaTour - Advice from Cant and Diege seems pretty sound. Sorry things are difficult with DH.

Diege - I remember the fiasco around your smear last time so hope today goes well for you.

Nat - well done for you and DH for sitting down and getting things planned out. All sounds great!

tink - well done DD2!!! Enjoy sing & sign

MMM - you do sound busy! Hope M's jabs go ok

Nursery - really it's going quite well. I'm having all sorts of mixed thoughts and emotions though which I guess is normal. For example, thinking on the one hand that I didn't have a baby just to send him to nursery half his week but on the flipside looking forward to doing something that involves being something other than O's mum.
On a practical side, I'd not realised that the journey would take so long to get to nursery each morning. It took 30mins this morning and 40mins yesterday and most days I'll then have at least another hour's drive to work!

Back to DHs, I have to say that there have been times in the last 9mo when I have momentarily questioned our relationship but as O is getting older, things do seem to be getting better and I'm learning to think more about how I say things so that it doesn't sound like everything I say is negative. DH in return is being much more supportive atm. I'm frustrated though that it's automatically assumed that I sort out O's morning and bedtime routine and get him to and fro nursery every day. I know though that DH is working hard and does longer hours and so it's not so practical for him to help always. I havge to make sure my frustrations don't sound critical of him when he's trying to do well at work to gain as much income as poss.

You lot are great....

1. no idea where to get the bus from...its not important, just one of those silly questions that seems to crop up over and over

2. well that's ok then, although i hadn't tried him in the door bouncer yet, will go and grab that from the attic when my friend comes round this pm (DS1 will follow me up the ladder)

3. will just keep going then - man its exhausting though, i swear he just sits trying to work out impossible things

NJ, what course are you doing? Sounds exciting and am very jealous of your supportive DH

I want to sell some stuff, but have no idea where to start...ebay seems complicated [thick emoticon]. I've freecycled loads just to get rid of stuff but could probably have made some good pennies on ebay

Just had a knock on the door, two very well dressed older gents, big happy smiles at ds2 (in my arms), said goodness you look busy, handed me a brochure and headed off...i guessed jehovah's, smiled and returned inside. The booklet is called "is divorce the answer?" I don't know whether to laugh, cry, or chase them down the street as reading the book hasn't answered the question...

Can't, hope the selling goes well, I need to sort a load of our stuff out, the garage is full of boxes that we purposefully didn't unpack, and I don't think we've missed any of it, so now not quite remembering what's out there seems to me none of it is needed, though of course have to sort each box out because there are at least 5 boxes of toys out there, and there will be things that aren't needed but are nice to keep etc.

LaTour, I did the shopping thing yesterday, booked it for between 12 and 1, spent all morning waiting for it, and then all afternoon eating it because I was bored - bang goes my diet! Are things really that bad between you and DH? Don't forget you've had a lot to deal with these last couple of years, it has bound to have effected your relationship, but surely you can bounce back? I think you're right not to make any rushed decisions, and put that booklet in the bin, where it belongs. The course... Interior Design, starts with a diploma leading to masters degree, leading to ba honours, all v. exciting.

Diege, hope the smear goes a lot smoother today. And yes April, you start it whenever with it being distance, will probably enrol next month, but won't be able to actually start it till April because all of the equipment/text books/etc. are loadsamoney and it's DS1's bday and party next month so we can't do it all. But it will give me chance to have a good look through the course before I start it. And yes it is all coming together, I have a thread running and everything so far is looking very positive, and I've spoken to some ID's around here and am getting good feedback, timing wise it should work out that I'll be 'employable' around the same time DS3 starts school, so it's all looking great

Ses, it is really good that O is settling in nursery. The first 6m-1y with your first child can be the make or break stage in a relationship, we made it through, but especially the first month or two... don't know how we kept it together!

Am about to go and buy the first magazine sub, how daft is it that it makes it all so real, and it's like the first step, although it isn't really, the first step will obviously be enrolling, but I am all excited and a bit nervous... feel like a 5 year old let loose in Toys R Us And am obviously waffling now... but it is so bloody well exciting!!!

Go on all you like NAT, your excitement is infectious I'm currently 'designing' dd3's bedroom, and hadn't realised how much wallpaper/made to measure curtains cost. I have gone the 'posh' route and got some expensive stuff in mind though - I fell in love with Designer's Guild stuff, but as a friend says, it's not like you buy curtains etc everyday! Shame you're not next door you could give me some design tips!
SES, same here with dh. Only this morning he just stood there while I was brushing dd2's hair asking me why ds wasn't in his coat yet for nursery . I just told him to get on with it (ie. putting the coat on), but it is a constant battle and I sympathise greatly. Not worked out myself what the best 'tactic' to take is, though doing it all myself def isn't the way to go (or possible).
Wonder who those men were LATOUR - could it be some religious group after all?
CANT, good luck with the selling. I have some of ds's stuff to put on myself, though technically winter stuff so not sure how that will go.
Right, lunch ready before heading off for smear