303, 304, 305/365 - Halloween

The Halloween spirit has raised out of me. So the little lady and I have been doing some crafting.

It feels like ages since I've had my own idea and made something unique. OK so it's just a trick and treat bag that ended up looking more tiger than Halloweenish. But we still had fun and it felt good :)

303/365

So proud of Amelie! As we know she has been at her sports camp this week learning and playing sports. She has loved it everyday and for her achievements she got a trophy for 'most improved player of the week'!! SO chuffed! So now I have to find a foot ball club for her to join :) 

304/365

YEY. Halloween is here and we've gone all out decorating our front window! By we I mean me and Amelie of course! Amelie wanted a happy smiley pumpkin and I was going for some cheeky fear can you tell which is which? All this effort made and no one has come a calling :( Our house isn't on the main bit of road so I think people just skip us out :(

We had such a good time trick and treating Arthur thought it was fantastic knocking on everyones doors! I imagine he will carry on the same tomorrow :/ It was lovely to see so many kids out this year as the last was wet and cold. There was pretty much our gang and another trailing around. 

Seeing all these children dressed up in bought costumes makes me think of when I was younger. Seriously EVERYONE had a bin bag or toilet roll wrapped round them? We don't seem to have the time or even think to do that. I'm just as guilty for this. I don't think Amelie would even allow me to take her out in a bin bag! Maybe next year we'll go a bit crazy and see what we can create. But then again I'll of forgotten all about this by then so probably not :/ 

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

 305/365

xxxxxx

299, 300!, 301, 302/365

The coolest guy in town? Yeah that's right!

299/365

Don't try buy me! Stick 'em up!

Cutest teddy going, but of course his heart belongs to his mummy so sorry everyone else you LOSE!!

300/365

Woah, 300 guys! Only 65 more days to go until it's finished :( Little bit sad, a little bit happy :) 

I'm going to carry on blogging but maybe only when I have time.

301/365

This was so cute because Arthur has always been throwing out the kisses, apart from lately he's decided he doesn't want to be that kinda chap. So no one can get one! 

Unless of course you have your nose and lips pressed up against a window. Irresistible! 

At least he got loads of kisses and great giggles. Wish I could put videos on sometimes.

302/365

Their at such different stages right now. Amelie is all precise and painting an actual flower that actually turns out to look like a flower. Arthur is just damn cute how he bends down on his little, tiny, squishy legs! He was as precise as he could and was actually really good at understanding poke the pot and more paint comes on and then go to the paper and dab it on there. I was impressed I thought he would just try and climb in the bowl…usual Arthur shenanigans! 

(he did end up painting himself with a little help off Amelie and tried to paint the fridge)

Any hoot…

Amelie went to a sports half term camp today. She was going knowing she wouldn't know anyone and not knowing what she was really doing. She was a little scared yesterday and this morning. Not really showing it but saying she didn't want to go. When we got there I felt a bit panicky too. But the teacher was lovely and she went right in with 3 older boys that had already arrived. They were kicking balls all over the place and she just grabbed a ball and joined in. I was so proud I could have just cried there and then (don't worry I didn't). I would never have been so bold or brave to even want to go to something like that. She's so confident, yes slightly over confident sometimes, but I want her to try everything and stand up for herself. She's a great example to Arthur (most of the time!!) I hope he learns you should be brave and throw yourself at everything. 

I suppose she's an example to us all.

Be brave!!

xxxx

296, 297, 298/365

Firstly thank you to everyone who has viewed, liked and shared Lisa's story. We are both totally overwhelmed with it all. We hoped to reach a few hundred so now we've hit the 2000 mark it really has made an impact. 

Now back to usual life stuff :/ Namely me boring you about my kids, sorry about that!

Yum! I love these 2! I could just eat them all up.

They're so good with each other. Arthur climbed up first and then shouted for Amelie to come sit next to him which she happily obliged to.

296/365

What a face?! He's a nutter. He cried because he wanted to get back in. The picture I was going to take of him was him tipped over trying to get back in but by the time I got my camera he was just stood shouting at me.

297/365

 

He is a stubborn little man, just like his not so little Daddy.

He had a Halloween party at Nursery and they had to dress up. He loves his pumpkin costume and once it's on he does not want it to be coming off!! They got to stroke centipedes and snakes. Arthur loved it and even had a snake wrapped round both his little arms at one point loving it. He is a natural animal lover :) So he might be the type of child to constantly ask for another pet but also, let's hope, will look after them. 

298/365 

xxxx

295 - Cancer Awareness

Here is one amazing women. Someone who anyone would be proud to know. Strong, kind and gorgeous all in one lovely little package. 

Sometimes bad things do happen to good people.

She is living proof you can fight cancer!

Lisas' story.

March 2007, Mammogram, followed by ultra sound scan and deep core biopsy, all on the same day, told on that day that I had cancer. Three weeks later I had a radical mastectomy to remove a 10cm tumour.

 

June 2007 - 4 weeks of radiotherapy, going to James Cook everyday for treatment, which was successful.

 

April 2008 - Second Mastectomy (prophylactic) this was a skin and nipple sparing mastectomy, During the same operation I have a double latimus Dorsi reconstruction, taking the skin and muscle from my back to 'build' a new breast shape. 7 days in hospital, 6 fluid drains in situ, and lots of morphine, recovery time was 6 weeks.

 

February 2012 - Replacement of left implant, due to capsular contraction, scar tissue had formed around the implant and strangled the implant - recovery time was 4 weeks.

 

January 2013 - Nipple reconstruction, lyposculpting fat grafting carried out, to fill out my boobs and soften the look of the implants, Fat was removed from my stomach, love handles, hips and thighs, it is then processed and injecting into the breasts. Wore a body cast for 10 days, and recovery time was about a month, Results were excellent but a very painful procedure with very bad bruising. 

I had no idea, until we had finished shooting, that Lisa was scared for me to see her scars in case I was horrified by them. 

The only thing I thought was wow! Her boobs look amazing. Her body tells you an amazing story of survival and courage. I've always thought Lisa was a gorgeous women. Remarkably she has wonderfulness inside and out! Impressive. 

Now I know that carries on to the rest of her. 

Lisa - 

 Mollie was only one year old and I was only 36, and instead of being able to enjoy my new baby, I was having to face the hardest battle of all. It was unfair and it mad me so angry, but being told that I might not make it to Christmas focused my mind on just dealing with the treatment. The hardest thing I have ever had to do was to make the phone call to my mum to tell her that I had cancer, she too had breast cancer when she was in  her early 50's. I know that she blamed herself for what was happening to me.

 

Having a mastectomy is such a double edge sword, you know it is saving your life, but it makes you feel less of a woman, it took me months to stop crying every time I had a shower! Radiotherapy was scary but the treatment itself was OK, it just makes you really tired and feel a bit sick, but you know its for the best. It was difficult six months later though, when my hair started snapping off at the roots, and I ended up looking like David Walliams, with a very lopsided haircut!

 

The reconstruction was a long operation, 10 hours in total, and afterwards I felt like I had been hit by a train! but it did make me start to feel like a woman again. The scars on your mind are often worse than the ones on your body.

 

When I met tony, I had to tell him what had happened to me and warn him about how I look, its an awful conversation to have to have, and its the fact that cancer keeps on defining who you are - its just unfair.

 

My friends and family were amazing and helped me so much, especially following all my operations and allowing me to recover fully. It really is at times like this that you realise just how important true friends are.

 

Tony has been my rock since meeting him and has given me confidence that I didn't know I would ever have again, without him I wouldn't have had the strength to be able to do today.

  

An incredible women. 

Thank you so much for having faith in me and trusting me to take part in your story to tell. 

In the words of Lisa, 'Good on ya girl'.

It's an honour. Thank you 

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

293, 294/365

When the hubby put's his mind to it (with help from his nagging wife) he gets the job done!

It's a little confusing for Martin to realise Amelie wants to help with all the jobs whether he thinks it's a boy thing or not. She loves it when all the tools are out and he's measuring things up.

She will quite happily help out in a tutu :)

293/365

Arthur was desperate to go out when all Amelie and I wanted to do was be lazy! 

Quickly Mummy!!!!

Oh and he likes his pumpkin outfit Mammar. In fact I thought he would hate it but I couldn't get it off him :/ At least he likes it though!

I'm really looking forward to taking them both trick and treating. Hoping it doesn't pour down with rain again this year. 

294/365

xxxx

289, 290, 291, 292/365

Arthur loves dogs so much! He loves our dogs, he loves little dogs, he loves big dogs and even more so barking dogs. He loves to give them great big kisses and cuddles and say, 'Yak,' when he gets hair in his mouth. I'm glad I have raised another child not afraid of animals. 

I don't like to see children being scared of animals. Yes, you need to be careful because they have their own natural instincts but both of our black beauties have been raised to not open their mouths near the children as have my children to not be cruel to animals.

And for this they get lots of loves from each other. Their unique special bond.

289/365

Gorgeous Arthur waiting for Daddy and Amelie to come home. Putting his arms up in an 'all gone' gesture. They soon arrived home to clapping and shouting, cuddles and kisses.

 290/365

Amelie's and Daddy's thing is baking. Martin never bakes unless it's with Amelie. They managed to make chocolate crispy cakes, cupcakes and cookies! 

I reckon the cookies were my favourite. Especially straight from the oven Yum Yum!!

They even tidied up all this mess when they finished!

 291/365

My little Princess. 

When she first got this dress it was HUGE on her. The arms were past her elbows and the skirt touched the floor. She really is shooting up. I'm scared I'll forget those days when she was Arthur's age and how she used to squat down with her little legs. When she would wrap her small arms round my neck and give me open mouth wet kisses.

I hope that she kisses me goodnight every day. Even when she comes to stay with her own children. 

I vow to always tell her I love her and to remind her she's so important to me. 

To know that I am here for her whenever and she can tell me anything. 

If she's upset and just needs a cup of tea, a cuddle and of course a moan!

And happy times when she first falls in love.

When she gets her dream job.

She has her first child.

I'll be there.

 291/365

Ugh annoying painful lump in my throat now!

xxxxx

286, 287, 288/365

Who doesn't like a bit of hat shopping. It's nice to get out, just me and Amelie, having girly time. Trying on silly things in shops really is top of the list on our fun-o-meter!

Amelie is rocking the Russian :)

286/365

287/365

Arthur and I had lots of fun playing a bit of lady and the tramp. He thought it was hilarious. 

I especially loved we got a lil smooch after it :)

My children are so AWESOME!!!!

Poor Rocky in his big ole collar. He had his baby making tools robbed off him last week. I think the face tells you how he feels about having to have this on his little head!

Other than the sad face he is recovering nicely. 

Oh and did you know how painful it is when one of these collars comes charging into the back of your calves?!

288/365

xxxx

283, 284, 285/365

Naww isn't it lovely to see them all loving each other :)

They may get annoyed with each other and argue sometimes but most of the time it's just Love!

And of course Arthur likes that he gets most cuddles in the middle!

283/365

 Deja vu anyone?

He's a pest when I'm trying to have a quick hoover round and he takes over. Didn't stop him though did I? Why...cause he's damn cute doing it that's why!

284/365

We haven't decided what we want to do for Halloween yet but we're sure we have practised our faces enough to scare the whole street! If only pictures had noise! 

Wouldn't you just love to hear what she sounded like?

285/365

xxxx

282/365 - 4 Year Wedding Anniversary :)

It's been 4 years since our wedding. 

It did all seem like one big blurry mess. I'm not a bride that looks back fondly of the day. But it made me Martins wife. A place I wanted to be. 

It brought my dear sister all the way from France to walk me down the isle. And to make my whole wedding party cry with her very emotional speech. 

We had a gorgeous sunny day in October! 

We got fabulous pictures in the wonderful Autumn leaves.

We saw Martins...dance moves...

It's been the first wedding anniversary we spent together, so we extra celebrated it!

I love my husband. 

It's not natural for him to show his feelings but he tries.

He loves me with flaws and all. 

He makes me laugh (even if it's at him and he doesn't realise)

He's faithful. 

He's a whole lot of pain in the bum but I love him still. Surely that's true love?

We've done so much in so little time.

Now it is time to enjoy what we have.

Love. Live. Family.

xxxxxx

279, 280, 281/365

HA ha ha ha I LOVE this!

The devilish little look he gave me was priceless! He was trying his best to get into the wardrobe and shut the door. Honestly He is forever trying to get himself into some sort of mischief. 

He is completely gorgeous this boy!

279/365

Working with my children has always been better than paying a fortune for childcare. But the time has come where Arthur doesn't have much patience and I don't have time on working days to give him the attention he deserves and needs. He went for his first day of Nursery today. It was heartbreaking dropping him off and him looking confused at me as to why I was walking away without him. He didn't cry...I did. I didn't want him to cry but then all I could think was I was leaving him with strangers, he doesn't know who they are, does he think I'm not coming back, does he think bad of me. It was so hard to try to console myself. Keeping thoughts in my mind that it was better for him to play all day and socialise than being dragged around to peoples houses with me. Some houses not being child friendly. 

So of course I was there early to pick him up. Peeped through the window to see him playing with a nursery lady. I creeped up behind him kissed his cheek and said hello gorgeous. And it was all worth it his face lit up and he reached round gave me the biggest cuddle and kiss. Love!

I'm not a Mother that ever goes away and gets the 'Welcome Home' treatment. So it was new and lovely.

Then of course I wonder why is he so happy to see me is he not happy here...typical Mummy thought?

Apart from that though he enjoyed his popadoms and dips :)

 280/365

Having the day off from both children did mean I caught up on a lot of work and got to spend the next day just having fun. My happy little beautiful children love each other so much and are so loving towards each other. They really do melt my heart...another typical Mummy thing to say :/

281/365

xxxx

278/365 - CHILD FREE!

Ahhh nice walk in the woods taking in the peace and quiet :)

Whilst we were mooching about I though it would be a good idea to practise some poses. We started with the hubby with the serious sexy look, obviously! He did very well.

276/365

Strike a pose! I said lean your hand up near your face and point into the distance thinking it would be funny him looking like that. But then he took it upon himself to strike his own pose! Ha ha!

My serious pose would have been better if I'd bothered to do my hair and make up that day :/ But it was a bit of a last minute thing. 

I reckon I pulled this pose off though, no?!

It's lovely walking with the kids. Amelie running with the dogs and finding secret paths the fairies take. Arthur loves watching the dogs running about and finding all the new things he's never experienced before. 

But sometimes we just need us time. 

xxxx

273, 274, 275, 276, 277/365

We have finally experienced Makro. Taking advantage of owning my own business. 

We ended up with a whole lot of toilet roll.

(And fun rides on huge trolleys!)

273/365

Whats that? Me and my little lady grabbing a Costa hot chocolate all on our lonesome :) Yes please!

274/365

Oh no Amelie has been struck down with my man flu. She went to school in the morning and came back just after lunch. She complained of a bad head and being tired. So I left her cuddled up on the sofa  for a little nap. I had to take Arthur upstairs though as he wanted to be involved with lots of kissing and cuddling. She doesn't normally mind but she was feeling a little delicate.

 275/365

I tried my best to keep her off the next day to recover and chill out but after a call off Mammar she figured out everyone else is at school and she isn't! So she quickly got dressed and off we went back to school. It's great she loves school so much. 

Look at that cheesy grin! She has the craziest little photo smile. 

Like Chandler from Friends?!

276/365

What a crazy shopping time we had looking for shoes for Arthur. He wasn't impressed with taking off shoes he wanted, whether they fit him or not. We finally agreed on a pair and the lady took the tags off for him. Can't help but think he looks like he's getting too big in his big boy shoes :( 

 277/365

Letting your children grow up is hard. Lots to look forward too though.

xxx

272/365

 This was Rocky's first ever time on the beach!

He really does love it as much as Poppy, which is great :) 

Of course he spent a lot of time running after her and splashing in the sea.

There was so many pictures from today that I loved I just had to put loads on!

I'm always going on about free family days being fabulous. You might be sick of it but...

THEY REALLY ARE! 

The dogs ran all over the place. Amelie buried her feet in the soggy sand. Arthur thought the wet sand was funny and the wind in his face was hilarious. Even Daddy was stressless ;)

I really loved the sun behind them today. They're almost silhouetted. Arthurs face is priceless. Amelie just looks pure and simply happy.

Best days xxx