Spuds

On Saturday we dug this seasons potatoes at the allotment. As the high twenties degree sun beat down on us I was reminded of how as a child of 8/9/10 years old I would help my cousins to pick potatoes. They were potato farmers so it didn't just take an hour or so, it was long days of picking potatoes out of the muddy ground and throwing them into large wooden crates.

It is funny the specifics that stick out in my mind...
Temperature- Instead of baking in the sun I remember being wrapped up like an onion and wearing gloves as the potatoes which were caked in mud were so cold to touch.
Food- The best part of the day was lunchtime...walking back to the farmhouse for a steaming hot bowl of Irish stew.
Payment- I was always miffed that at the end of the day I was given £5 while my older brother received £20.

Despite my annoyance at being paid less (I don't even remember spending the money...knowing me, I probably put it straight into my bank account!!!) I always wanted to help out. I think it was being part of the gang, having fun and spending time with my older male cousins (I was a bit of a tom boy!).

Ohhh the memories :)

Now, I'm going to get started on dinner...a Spanish omelette with our freshly dug potatoes.

Jer 29 v 11

^'"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."'
Jeremiah 29 v 11, The Bible.

Talking to a friend yesterday we were discussing how uncertain the future is...'who knows where we will be in 5 years time', was one remark. She thought perhaps she should get her tarot cards read which reminded me of a saying I was told when I was younger, 'why look to the stars when you can look to the one who made the stars!'.

My friend Laura is starting uni soon. She is uncertain of how she will feel leaving her family behind to embark on a world unknown. I wanted to make her a gift to take with her and decided on a cushion with the reference to the Bible verse, Jer 29 v 11.

This verse reminds us that although we do not know what the future holds, if we believe that God is in control of the universe and our lives then we can trust his promises to protect us and give us hope in the months and years to come.

A new routine

After a distressing (raised voices, tantrums and tears) morning for both myself and MJ, leaving MJ tired before his school day had even begun, I decided it was time to look at our morning and evening routines.

So here is the plan. While MJ is at home I am not allowed to check my emails/facebook or simply browse the Internet. In the morning (before school) I will do my daily chores while MJ and Lj are engaged peacefully in play but if a riot breaks out then I will intervene and try to set each on a different path so I can return to chores! When MJ comes home from school (normally very tired but hyped up!) I will have all the chores done so that we can play together and hopefully have a calm and peaceful end to the day.

This afternoon was a success.

 

We went to the park.

 

Did some puzzles.

Read our currently favourite stories.

Tonight I have tidied out the downstairs toy box and am ready for more calming activities...fingers crossed we will have a little more peace reigning.

Heather Louise

A new blanket for baby Heather. I'm tempted to crochet a large one for snuggling under in the winter months ahead.

A new life stage...

 Today MJ started full time school. Thankfully he didn't seem bothered either way and the highlight was packing his new lunch box.

Now the house is quiet as Lj takes a nap. I am enjoying the peace, catching up with long over due jobs and planning our journey into Autumn.

shhh

Today we had a 'quiet' day...well as quiet as it can be with a busy 3 year old and a chatty 1 year old! The last two weeks have been busy. My parents were visiting so we were day tripping for two weeks. We did sandcastles at the beach, boating at Lee Valley nature reserve, shopping at all the craft shops we could find, walking in the woods and country lanes, foraging for blackberries, combine harvester spotting from the car, a baby shower for my sister, picnicking in every outdoor location... the list is endless.

So after saying goodbye to them, I lay in bed last night and decided we needed a day at home, just me and the kids doing the every day tasks with lots of play and stories. No driving, no packing the picnic bag and car, no meeting times and places. And that's what we did. A day of washing, ironing, cooking but also boat making, story reading, singing, football, snap, puzzles and a walk to the park and charity shop where we purchased a hard back, barely used junior atlas for 25p...which in turn led to flag spotting and drawing.

Sometimes the simple days are as good as the days out...but I might require some adult company tomorrow...we will see.

Jessie Maud

 

At only 3 weeks old we got a cuddle with Jessie Maud and a quick catch up with the rest of the family as they passed through our town on their long journey home. May God bless you little Jessie and I hope we get to see you and your cute, curly haired, plum loving brother again soon. Thanks for popping in!