Dec 08 Mums - Onwards and bloody well upwards!

[Beans36]

How's this? Thought I'd just press on with it!

[Honsandrevels]

Mmm I'm torn re barbie. I had Sindy, her house, horses and various other bits and loved it. It was by far the most played with toy of my childhood. I can clearly remember my gram buying me my first ever one. She was a ballerina with dark hair.

Sindy seemed more refined than barbie though! I've seen a tinkerbell doll in the Disney shop that I think dd1 would love so might get her that and leave barbie for now.

Indith I'd say thanks but no thanks for the calendars for the reasons you mention. Point him towards a lego set and suggest it presents better value for money.

[LadyThompson]

Hello me dears

I too had Sindy, Hons. Loved her. My sister and I had a stack of them and they were all pristine. I also had a Barbie, and she had the edge for me as she was slightly more glamorous. I have to say, the girls already have a few of these dolls (not bought by me as it happens, I would have waited until they were older). They love them the best. Perhaps they aren't the greatest role models but hey, they have me in the flesh I like dolls.

I say, Vag, Austria will be very festive. Do you still need yummy central London restaurants? I haven't been to Hawksmoor (DP goes with his pals, ditto Rules - very trad) - what's the criteria again? The Cinnamon Club is indeed lovely, very swanky. I need to narrow it down a bit - otherwise I can think of too many lovely ones!

How was your trip to London, Kayz?

I agree with Hons, Indith. I have looked longingly at them in the past but as you say they don't seem v practical, plus the kids might be a bit baffled re: the whole Christmas present thing.

I bet your sister's wedding will be a blast, Jam (if a pocket ripping one), but phewf, the pressure on all and sundry for these events is mindboggling. I am going to a fairly upscale number next month which will be chocker with thin celebrities I am not even going to worry about that and will just try to have a lovely time. It's the one WG will be at. And no, I am not going to wear a white dress I have a green silk one from my thin days, which I can just about slither in to but unless I shift another stone it ain't going to look like it used to. Also, I am fretting about what colour shoes/bag for a pale green dress.

More in a sec.

[VagolaJahooli]

Lady get your spanx on. Thanks but I think he is sorted, I'm not sure if he is going for Hawksmoor or Hestor's joint. He is a friend who works for law firm here in the Hague but he is wanting to schmooze with a couple of guys who have a firm in Melbourne that he wants to keep sweet so he can join them one day. They are in London for a couple of days so he is going over to meet with them. I'm you get all that lawyer faff with DP.

Rubes did you mean a tablet type thing for the kids?

[LadyThompson]

Urrrrgh, how can it be this late in the day? Groan. I think I am going to offer up my life to science - cos it is a mystery how I get less and less done and yet appear to be busier and busier.

Beans, I hope today went ok I think a private cremation followed by a memorial lunch is a very sensible way to do it. Forgive my burbling on, but I know that when my father died it was nice to read about other stuff. His anniversary is coming up - 4th Nov - DH's is the 7th Nov. Both are bound up a bit with fireworks/Guy Fawkes' night and I could happily avoid all such events but both my Dad and DH absolutely loved that time of year so I am going to force myself to try to think of Bonfire Night as a lovely memorial instead of a depressing reminder of bad times. Well, that at least is the plan.

And by Jove, Beans, that guy you used to date is such a hunk. Cor. I have had the odd vague dalliance with the odd faintly famous fella. And DH was sort of famous! But I was once asked on a night out with someone very, very famous indeed. A relative of his was trying to fix us up. And I didn't go!!! (The guy was nearly twice my age, had a lot of baggage and I had just started seeing DP). We still laugh about it

Christmas presents - I am planning to get the girls lovely hobby horses. We have found posh ones, with a proper wheel on the bottom and everything. They get so many gifts from rellies etc that we don't go mad - they get books, things to make, bits and bobs. I am going to be getting DD2 some bits from Yellow Moon, for sure.

Rubes, I want to hear every detail of your Christmas table plans I am slowly accumulating Christmas gifts, paper, wrappings and so on. I do love it. I don't mind the commercial aspects, I love every element of it. How is work? Any further ideas about moving/staying put next year? DS is good to dress himself and fix his own breakfast - DD1 can help herself to chocolate biscuits if I don't put them on a high enough shelf but that's it. She likes to try to dress herself but can't manage tights, or certain tops. I also bought Primark pjs for the girls, first time ever, after I saw you in Reading! How weird! They seem very good.

Didn't you used to post on a Christmas prep thread, Syb?

How are you feeling, RT? Any sign of the nausea being on the wane?

I must do DD1's school application online, everyone I know seems to have done it. If she doesn't get in over the road, we are going to be screwed.

I am helping to organise the kids' Halloween party, it's on Friday. It's a massive fag and I don't even like Halloween, but it's a big fundraiser for the pre-school. I have a meeting about the new parish hall that's being built (I need to wriggle out of all that asap, I haven't the time). Thanks heavens Italian is cancelled tomorrow night! I haven't done my homework for a fortnight!

I was going to make a celeriac gratin tonight but I am not sure I can be arsed. It is lovely but grating the celeriac is no fun. Also, it's a v rich recipe and we always end up eating too much. I got it from my much used recipe book, The Low Carb Vegetarian But by heck, it's full of fat. Probably why it tastes so darn nice.

Must go because I have got to collect a load of logs from the shed and haul in a bag of coal. DP won't be home until 9.30 at the earliest. So I will be doing the job of about five servants, as usual....

[LadyThompson]

I don't think Spanx will cut it, Vag, they'd show through the silk. Dunno what I am going to do, actually. I used to wear it without underwear. Er, I won't be doing that now but I need to locate a strapless, backless bra.

Or 900 rolls of tit tape.

[Rubena]

Hi! Oops back in a min...

[JamInMyWellies]

VAg I knew someone was asking after dinner places. DH and I have been to Goodmans a few times really amazing steaks. Actually I think the best steaks I have ever eaten. Proper yummy cocktails too, prob why the steaks taste so good. Also John Torodes beef place is rather scrum you can go normal fare or go top floor which again is fab.

Got to dash again, bath bed, babysitter, abandon children for the gym pick up DH on the way come home eat loads of choccie.

[McKayz]

Beans I hope today has gone as well as possible. I've been thinking of you.

Lady, London was great. Exhausting but great. I did manage a few cheesey shots of DD in the sling near various landmarks

[Rubena]

Didn't realise the time and dh not home until 9 again... Anywho dc's opted for a shower tonight so that was easier, Indith that whole bil thing rather odd. I would tell him you already have bought them for the kids and that it's probably a good thing as they will forget it was their present by a month later!
After Jam saying about Primarni, it rings a bell now and I think I've seen that documentary too shame, I may well have to show dh and then show him the Monsoon pyjamas DD I saw but can't really justify But Deids, yes they do wash well and are very soft! Wow that bil behaviour over the curry was annoying. Think I'd just go and then blatantly order a starter and desert Why bother going at all if they are going to be like that. My mum and also mil are similar, They look at the prices to order rather than the dish - nothing annoys me more, but thing is, it's not that they are poor, but rather spend major money on things that most people think is not worth it, then go and be tight over a family meal. Pisses me off as you aren't only buying the meal, it's the ambiance, the service, and the ability to spend quality time together over a meal without anyone having to cook or wash up!
Vag, yeah, but more a game console. DH wants another ipad but ds ain't having the old one. For now they just share it. They've truly learn't so much on it but dh wants to get ds more of a game only portable one ie Nintendo etc that we can limit, but I know there will be frowning at that.
Lady, LOL my table decoration will be not so intense this year only as I am also planning on having more control over the dinner rather than mil since my family will be here etc. I want to see if she can manage just being a guest! You're cooking quite a bit it sounds despite saying once you can barely boil an egg! Sounds yum. I haven't done school application yet either, but I'm assuming it's not a first in best dressed arrangement and doesn't close until the 15th January. Work - haven't worked since that training mid Sept as I ditched my trip on the 2nd. Spose to go on a quick one to Boston at the w'end though.
DS not exactly fixing his own b'fast!!! he poured some cereal into a bowl once and hasn't done it since! As far as the dressing, he's only doing it if he wants to go somewhere out and I'm busy doing something but is often getting me to dress him since it's easier. Re the house, we are staying put - phew and have until at least this time next year to make an offer so that's a relief as dh will be past exams and in a much better position.
What's the dress like?
Feel the same as Jam and Vag + extra about a third!
Beans, was it today? I thought it was tomorrow? Thinking of you all anyway

[Rubena]

I have ds in training reading bedtime story to dd when I'm late cooking dinner - is that bad?

[DeidreBarlow]

I've not school application either! Although I have registered...must doit this week.

Ladyt your dress sounds lovely. I do love a nice swanky wedding, though not so much with skinny slebs everywhere

Jam your sis's wedding sounds lovely (even if a tad expensive)

Forgot to add this morning about BIL/FIL meal situ...twas also suggested that we all pay separately for what we order . There will be 14 of us could you imagine the mayhem not to mention the sheer embarrassment of it all! Bloody ridiculous, DH doesn't want to go but as I pointed out he can't really miss his own Dad's 70th.

This is what we have bought DS for his birthday <a class="break-all" href="//www.amazon.co.uk/VTech-136803-Vtech-Innotab-Blue/dp/B00763PQ8A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350413920&sr=8-2&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">here

[Honsandrevels]

Not at all Rubes, you are teaching ds the art of delegation

Beans Hope today wasn't too awful.

LadyT It sounds like you need a slip/underskirt thing. Not sure if you can still buy them! I'm intrigued by your potential date. Any clues?

[DeidreBarlow]

Oh and another successful day at pre school for DS. Got to love those guinea pigs they have huge bribery value!!!

[Indith]

LadyT would one of those full body things work in a flesh tone? Mind you I saw a thread on here about those a while ago and the joys of attempting to wee thtough the designated flap . I guess it will always be tinged with sadness but I can't imagine a more wonderful time for remembrance than bonfire night as you send all those brightly coloured stars into the sky :)

Beans many hugs for tomorrow.

Children all in bed. Woohoo! Fingers crossed for a decent night. Dd has been really unsettled again lately and ds2 is, well, a baby . Dh is down in London tonight the lucky buggar.

[Rubena]

Deids, that meal out related thing actually bothers me more than the ordering by price!! I bloody hate that split the bill a million time malarky! Split in half is ok I suppose if it's simple, but nothing annoys me more, and it is why my brother always nicks out to 'go to the toilet' and pays it as well as we have grown up with my parent's and their "attempt" to pay and or suggest splitting (10 ways) it when it's a large group Different if you all put in cash, but not right for a family do I reckon!

[Indith]

I did school application as soon as it opened

I did it then because otherwise I'd forget and there would be much swearing after closing date! Course this time around I just stuck ds1's school on the form and nothing else, rather easier to do it early without needing to visit anywhere.

We are very tech free in the house so far. No smart phones or anything the dcs can play on. They do some at school/nursery. I do wonder about getting something though. Neither dh nor I had games consoles growing up but then, tech is so much more rife now. When we were kids it felt like everyone had them but us but it wasn't true, these days it kind of it. Ds1 has mentioned wanting a DS for his birthday or Christmas but that is way, way out of pricerange for us plus I don't want to get portable stuff like that. I don't want them playing on tech in their rooms I'm afraid, that just doesn't sit well with me. I suggested to dh getting a second hand wii as a family but he isn't keen. Maybe next year.

Oh no poor James and his soggy bottom! I love James. I want to mother him and marry him off to my very lovely friend.

[Indith]

DB the meal thing sounds mental.

[McKayz]

What do you all give the DCs for breakfast? DS2 refuses to eat breakfast and demands his lunch at half 9 as he's so hungry.

I have recently tried toast, bagels, porridge, weetabix, cornflakes and rice crispies. All are left uneaten. I bought coco pops today in the hope he eats those tomorrow.

[Rubena]

Indith, that's the beauty of portable - you can take it away veeery easily! And you're right, it actually is the reality of today and in the future will only increase. I think if parents avoid technology too much, kids risk getting left behind, but I do understand there is a balance.

[Rubena]

DD mainly has either toast, ready brek or sometimes scrambled eggs. DS the same, as well as the odd bowl of dry cereal he pours himself but sometimes if I'm having poached eggs he wants the same as me, but only do him poached eggs on toast if I'm not heading out the door!

[Rubena]

if they have a big breakfast they have a rather minimal lunch though. Well ds mainly has a cheese sandwich or fruit but dd will pick then eat properly again before bed. Right, dinner ready. Rambled enough.

[Indith]

Mine eat cereals mostly. Wheetabix, no added sugar museli or porridge on school days, corn flakes and rice crispies allowed at weekends. Have you tried pancakes? Little american style ones take no time at all to cook. You can make enough mix for 2 or 3 days and keep it in the fridge.

Does he eat breakfast type stuff at 9/9.30 or does he jsut not like it? If he'll eat breakfast later I'd just let him wait until after the school run. Some people jsut don't want to eat as soon as they get up.

Re technology I know. I don't want them to be left behind but then on the other hand neither dh nor I is particularly interested. We don't really have computer games (dh plays civilisation but that's it), neither of us has a smart phone, we don't have ipods, I got a kindle for my birthday but that is just books! Ds1 likes it though, I have lots of free books for him on it that he likes to read.....so I'm not going to spend large amounts of money just for the sake of it. I guess they get computer stuff at school and as they get a bit older they will learn to do stuff on the family computer for school work and the like. I should perhaps get a mouse though for this laptop as when they have tried to do games on the cbeebies website they have struggled with the touchpad. Maybe I'll get a mouse and encourage ds1 to do mini projects/posters and stuff messing around on here a bit.

[McKayz]

Indith, no he wants a cheese sandwich and some crisps. Or beans on toast. Lunch type stuff usually. I might ask him in the morning if he's rather wait until we get home.

[RTchoke]

Bleurgh, hi all, feeling sick as ever. Being a grumpy cow. I f*@£ing hate the first trimester. Trouble is I'm not sure I liked the next two much either.

I hope it all goes well tomorrow Beans.

Re technology and kids: I'malso searching for the right balance. I want the DCs to have enough exposure that they feel comfortable and familiar with computers, but I worry that gaming will damage their concentration spans and stunt imaginary play. So far DD1 gets to use my Mac and my iPhone but usually only to look at websites I choose related to subjects she's interested in/learning about. Some have little games (she is studying the Great Fire of London at school and I found some great interactive stuff on the Museum of London website, it's amazing the resources available nowadays). So far she hasn't realised there are consoles and really fun games, she is Year 2 though so it can only be moments away. DD2 has learnt all her letters using a phonics game I have on my iPhone.

Kayz - I have never been able to eat much in the first hour or so of being awake. Some people just aren't breakfast people, I'm not sure there is much to do about it.

No sharing the GBBO result, I'm recording it so DD1 and I can watch it together tomorrow. I love watching it with her.

[Indith]

But you get a squishy baby at the end of it RT :)

I think you've hit the nail on the head for my feelings regarding technology. I think it offers great things for learning and I look forward to looking stuff up on websites with them, in fact we looked up stuff about the Queen for homeowrk for ds1 around the jubilee, but I'm not keen on games when there is so much else to do like Lego or the park!

I've actually shown dd stuff for letter sounds and over the summer used a free offer for reading eggs but it washes over her, she learns better with real things. I think she just sees computer stuff as like the TV so fun to watch but she doesn't remember it.

Kayz do you give him it? Does he jsut know he will get away with having something he prefers because of course you don't want him to go hungry so you give in? I wonder if a spot of "this is breakfast time you eat now or there is nothing until lunch" would work? You don't have to make that breakfast time first thing, it could still be after school run so he doesn't feel rushed but just be a bit strict about eating at meal times and not just whenever he wants. That approach works for dd when she has a meal refusal phase. Hers is more usually lunch she refuses but tough luck girly she refuses to eat it she gets nothing til dinner.