Day 334

Work in the morning, when I got home Rebecca had called me about 5 times, I decided to have lunch before I called her back. But she beat me to it! She needed bits changed to the picture and the only time we could do anything was right then and there. So she came straight around, and we worked on the picture for her! And now it is with "the prince" for printing! Good luck with that!

After she left I headed for sport, it was fun and as always I giggled my way through it. After that I had to go shopping, we were all out of cheese and with Florian coming home tomorrow, not a good idea! I also got a couple of missing ingredients to bake a cake. And when the boys came home from school, we baked the cake together. Taking pictures and baking a cake is not a good idea when the boys are helping, so we concentrated on the baking and I took a picture of the finished product this evening. This is our banana cake. I tried the missing corner and it is yummy.

CU tomorrow!

Day 333

And another busy day - this morning it was another doctor visit. I had an appointment at the gynecologist, really it was just the annual MOT (as Mum and I say) but I was a bit worried, cause I thought I could feel a lump, as it turned out, losing weight makes everything feel different, and there was nothing to worry about! Phew!
My visit to the doctor actually only took 20minutes. And that is from getting out of the car to getting back in. I only saw the waiting room to hang my coat up! That is good planning on the side of the doctor!

After being there, I went to the toyshop which is close by and picked up a couple of games of trumps for the boys from Mum for Nikolaus, and then I went to look at the boys clothes in another shop nearby - again for the boys from Mum. I got two nice jumpers for them. Then I had to hurry myself home to be there in time for Richard coming home from school.

Today we had leftovers. The boys had Nanna's spaghetti, and I had yesterdays brokkoli. the poor chickens didn't think it was a good idea, but they got their corn so they didn't go hungry!

In the afternoon the carnival princess came round to give her veridict on the medal that Dad has made for them, we changed the colour and background and decided on this one.

Dad has since then tucked in the dress a bit, but this is more or less it!

Whilst Rebecca was here the boys were supposed to be doing their homework. Richard got his done, Robert came in and said that he didn't know what to do with one question. I told him to do something that he did know how to do and I would help later. Bad move, Mummy! I should have said "leave your maths homework and start with German", but I didn't so, Robert just sat in the kitchen staring into space as he didn't know how to do the second maths question either, and didn't think that he could start German! AGH!!!
This meant that when it was time to leave for art school, he hadn't finished his homework - KIDS!

They enjoyed art school, but I don't know what they did, apparently it is a secret! Roll on Christmas!!!

Off to bed now!
CU tomorrow!

Day 332

I certainly had a busy day today. First up was another trip to the doctor to get Richard's blood tested. He was really scared about having his blood taken, but was really really brave about it. The nurse put some cream on both arms to numb the area really well, and then we had to wait a good 20 minutes for it to work. Then the doctor came in to actually take the blood, and he was really really good with Richard, he talked him through it, and then when it seemed to take forever for the little tube to fill up, he talked to Richard. It all went so much better than the last time. This time we didn't frighten anyone in the waiting room or downstairs on the street with the screaming! Now we have to wait til Friday for the results.

After the doctor Richard went back to school, and whilst I was there, I went to Robert's class and took a group photo. Here is a little bit of the picture, Robert and his teacher!

From there I went to Kindergarden to teach "my kids". They had missed me and were pleased that I finally made it! Nice to know that I was missed!

Back home again, I made us some lunch, it was broccoli and potatoe bake again, but it was delicious, and there is enough left for tomorrow, if I get back late from the doctors!

After the boys finished their homework, Robert went to his friend's to play and I took Richard, the camera and some Xmas hats to Richard's friend, and took some really cute pictures of his friend and sister! I took pictures for them last year before Xmas, and they loved the Xmas card I made for them so much, that they want a repeat for this year! That put a big smile on my face!

Told you it was a busy day!
And now it is time for bed
CU tomorrow!

Day 331

I've been a bit out of sorts all day today. I went to the doctor in the morning to get a prescription to see a nutrionist about Richard. So nothing new really, but somehow it got me right off track. All back on again now, but it took all day!

Well I have the prescription, and more importantly I have an appointment. We go to see her on Dec. 11 - still a long wait, but we are getting there. And tomorrow we go for the blood test to see if he is perhaps also allergic to gluten. Really hoping that is NOT the case...

The weather was really horrible today, and no chance of getting out really. So we all (yes, me too) played on the Wii - we played "Just Dance" and had a really good workout for about 30 minutes. Wore me out, and I will probably have muscle ache in the morning, but it was fun!

And that really was our day, and again, no photo, but this time I will get up and take one!

Here is something I am working on - I bought some of that weird wool the other day and am knitting a scarf, it is really strange knitting, not something I can do without concentrating, but the effect is cool and I am sure it will look great when it is on!

CU tomorrow!

Day 329 and Day 330

Day 329 - Saturday
We did have quite a lot planned for Saturday, Florian was going to go to his sports in the morning and in the afternoon we were going to visit my friend who lives quite a way away and surprise her on her birthday. But that all changed! First I spotted on Facebook, that the sports place was closed, as they were having their floor resurfaced. So when I asked Florian about it, he then remembered that he didn't actually have an appointment after all - the wonders of facebook!
And after phoning and singing to my friend, we found out that for the first time since I have known her, she wasn't going to be having an open house on her birthday! She was spending the day out and about. So that fell through too, and we had a lovely stress free day!

At three o'clock we took the boys to my sister-in-laws, as they were going to be spending the night. We stayed for a while for a chat and then we headed to Frankfurt to see Jason Mraz in concert. It was AMAZING! We had such a great time. When I got the tickets, I was quite brave seeing as we only actually knew three of his songs. But the gamble paid off, it was a really entertaining show! of course we didn't have a proper camera with me, but Florian's blackberry got a couple of shots, mine are just blurred lights! So here is our view of the stage (well Florian's I'm a bit lower down than that!)

And he got a video too, so if - like most of my friends and family - you don't know who he is, you will recognise him from this song. "I'm yours"

Day 330 - Sunday
We had breakfast at my sister-in-laws this morning. We picked up the rolls on the way there, when we got there though she had also picked up rolls on her way back from taking her daughter to church. So once again, we had way too many rolls! But we did have a delicious breakfast.
We stayed there until about 2.30pm and then headed home. When we got in, I quickly checked what time the Formula One racing was on - 5pm. So Florian and the boys headed straight back out again to go swimming.

I went into the village to the annual advent market at the village hall. It was nothing that special, really just an opportunity for the villagers all to meet up, it was good fun. And I got to have a waffle! Yummy!

I got back home just in time to turn the racing on, and Florian and the boys got there just after me. I started making a soup for tea then - seeing as we had so many rolls still to eat up. This week I made cream of mushroom soup. It was delicious and yet so simple to prepare. I'll be making this one again!

So just realised I didn't get the camera out again, so I'll have to go and see what I can take a picture of! Or just leave a blank space until tomorrow!
CU then!

Day 327 and Day 328

Well, by the time I remembered I should be blogging it was already past my bedtime, so I skipped it yesterday, which means its now time to catch up.

Day 327 - Thursday
Work in the morning, it was the same as usual, so nothing to report. Lunch was yesterdays leftovers and it was just as delicious the second time around! Then it was off to sport. I don't know why but I always seem to giggle my way through it, so I must be having fun! And last night I decided to get on the scales again, after someone told me she thought I had lost even more weight. And yes I have. There is now 10kg less of me than there was in June! Put a big smile on my face!

Robert couldn't go to football training this week, cause of a test he is writing on Friday. When he got home, he first finished his homework, and then we practiced for the test. All the while Richard was busy making a code breaker! He got another craft book out from the library on Wednesday and this was the only thing in it, he wanted to make!

Now all he needs to do is learn to read and write and he can use it!!

I spent the evening scrapping and watching TV.

Day 328 - Friday
This morning I took the boys guitars to school for them, whilst going my lenses started to cloud over again, so rather than go to work and suffer there, I came home and put my glasses on before setting off to work. After work, I rushed home to prepare some potatoe salad for lunch. I think it was the first potatoe salad I have made. Robert and I enjoyed it, Richard didn't really even want to try. But lucky for him I had saved some of the cooked potatoes and fried him some to go with his fish instead!

In the afternoon they both had plenty of homework, and when they finished they wanted to play with their friends, but neither friends were in, so instead we watched "Alvin and the Chipmunks - Shipwrecked". they have annoying little voices, but it was fun!

Florian got home, just after we finished tea, but in time to see the boys and say goodnight!

And for my picture today, here is Lucky again. He is "hanging" off of my lap and seems to find it really comfy. Funny cat!

CU tomorrow (or maybe not, we are going to a concert! We'll see!)

Day 326

Today was library duty for me. The boys were pleased to see me at school, I wonder how long that will last sometimes. I know from other Mum's that their boys ignore them when they have library duty. So far so good though!

After the library I popped to Aldi, to get the missing minced meat for our chunky meatballs. When I got home it was time to get started on making them. It was worth the work, they were delicious, and the best bit, the boys left enough over for me for lunch tomorrow!

After lunch it was homework time and then Robert and I practiced for his German test on Friday. It really is a shame that it is Friday, cause that means that tomorrow he is going to miss out on football training, so that we can have another practice for his test. Although I have to say, so far he has been doing really really well. Let's hope that he does on Friday!

Then it was time for art school, and they were allowed to bring home their pictures today. Have a look at these!

You can even recognise them from it, well done boys. I think they did the cutting out and one of the teachers drew around their shadows on the wall. Cool!

Whilst they were at art school, I went to the craft shop. I do wish the days had more hours and we had more money when I am in there. I was good I only got what I went in for. And that was the stuff to make my slippers non-slippy! I started working on them once the boys were in bed. So far it is still very wet, hopefully by the morning it will be a bit dry, so I can move them off of the table!

(And yes I know I did them both different, I decided no one is really going to see the soles of my feet, so I can test see which gives the better hold, or if it doesn't really matter!)

Off to bed now
CU tomorrow!

Day 325

Before I went to Kindergarden for the English lesson this morning, I had to finish a"job" for them. They asked me to make a sort of gift voucher for the kids. They will be getting a trip to the puppet theatre soon, Photoshop wasn't playing nicely so it took me longer than usual, but I got it done in time!

After English I baked some more biscuits for the weekend. I kept half for us though, too yummy not too!

For lunch I had to change our menue, cause yesterday I forgot one of the three items on my shopping list! Oops! Can't make meatballs without the meat! So instead we had chicken frikassee. Richard thought it was that lovely that he had two WHOLE portions - next week he'll have grown 10cm!

In the afternoon Richard's friend came around to play. Not really sure what to think of him, but when he started using English swear words whilst playing on the Wii, I told him that if he used that word again in our house, I would take him straight home. It worked for the rest of the afternoon, we'll see if it works for good. Richard says he will never ever ever use it, even when he is a Nanna or Pop! Too cute!

Robert was a bit disappointed as his friend didn't come round, but when he got to play on the Wii too, he was happy again.

I didn't get around to taking a picture today, but Lucky was very obliging!

CU tomorrow!

Day 324

I had a busy morning, washing, ironing, shopping and cooking, but I actually enjoyed it all, as I had no one here whining, shouting or needing me. A bit selfish maybe but lovely.
The ploy from the supermarket with the stickers worked. I went shopping there this morning so that the boys could have some more stickers for their book. Very clever (and in my case successful) marketing. But so worth the smiles on their faces after school.

I texted all my friends this morning offering coffee and cakes this afternoon and we had a full house. I think at one point we had 9 kids here, and there wasn't one moment of fighting, moaning or complaining! Well done kids! I still have some pumpkin pie left though, how did that happen!

One of my friends took my leftovers from lunch home for her husbands tea - apparently she never cooks broccoli but he loves it, so he was more than happy to have our broccoli and potatoe bake leftovers!

This evening I did some more baking

These are supposed to be for the bazar at the weekend, but I think I will give most of them to Robert for his school crafting morning tomorrow. They are supposed to be bringing biscuits if they have any!
They look pretty good don't they, but I admit I cheated - I bought the ready made dough and these were finished in 15 minutes from opening the packet to getting them out of the oven! Can't beat that!

CU tomorrow!

Day 323

We all had breakfast together this morning, by the time I came down Florian had been and got rolls, so all I had to do was sit and enjoy! Thank you Florian. After breakfast Florian took the boys swimming and I got busy tidying up, just in case we had guests for lunch (Richard's crafting things were all over the kitchen table!), I also did the washing, unblocked the kitchen sink and prepared 2.5 kg of pumpkin. 1kg went into the soup I was making and I froze the other in practical 500g bags! So that is one pumpkin all sorted, but our neighbour gave us another one, but I will prepare that for the freezer when my fingers no longer hurt!

Richard showed himself from his not so good side at lunch, refusing to have soup - which isn't a problem really its just the way he put up the fight!

After lunch, we had fun taking family pictures - yep its that time of year again, be warned if you are on our Xmas card list! It was all good fun, until Richard decided he didn't want to join in with our experiments and kept disappearing from the photo! Monster! Here is one of the fun ones we took! Just before he disappeared from sight!

When Florian sat down in the kitchen with the boys to play Qwirkle, I had to leave the room, Richard's paddys were too much to handle, and I have a week on my own to cope with, so I left Florian to it - unfortunately I could still hear him in the lounge!
When he carried on at teatime, he lost them both the right to watch TV before bedtime, and we sent them to their room - the peace we had - heavenly. At 6.40pm Richard came down in his pyjamas to let us know that they had got themselves ready for bed, so I did soften up and I read them the first two chapters of the fourth Famous Five book!

Heres to a better mood tomorrow!
CU then!

Day 322

Shopping was first on my to do list this morning, and whilst I was out, I dropped off the extra guitar I take home on Fridays (we used to pass it on at football training on Friday afternoons, but Richard hasn't got training at the moment - not sure why!), from there I popped in to one supermarket and got some dough for Xmas biscuits. I somehow got roped in to baking biscuits for next weekend. I offered to bake a cake and was told "no, biscuits", well I am cheating, all I now have to do, is cut these to size and bake! Then I went and posted yesterday's parcel off! And then on to Aldi!

When I got back my men were all ready for the rolls I had bought for their breakfast. I didn't have any as there is no way I should shop on an empty stomach!! After breakfast it wasn't long before Florian went off to sport. Of course the boys chose then to start fighting with one another. I split them up, one had to stay upstairs and the other had to practice guitar. It worked well! And then they got to swap. I got started on the washing and some tidying up.

After lunch, the boys and Florian went out in the garden to repair the wall of the chicken house. Florian got some pics of that.

And I baked pumpkin pie!

As soon as it came out of the oven, I had to go and take pictures of the carnival prince and princess! And as they will be all over the newspapers soon, I can show you one of them.

Dad, I will be sending one soon for some touching up!

We had pizza for tea, and our boys must be the only kids around who complain when we have pizza! but they did eat it all!

CU tomorrow!

Day 321

Poor Richard is having it hard, and I say poor Richard now that he is in bed, throughout the day I was close to moving him or me out!! Mum thinks he might be suffering withdrawal symptoms from having less sugar since last week, and that is perhaps putting him in these bad moods. I having googled a little tonight I do believe she is right. Maybe knowing that will help us all through the next week or so. But it is difficult. So far though his bad moods have only come out at home, and that is good news for him, and I will cope better tomorrow, promise.
So this morning started with the boys arguing about whether or not to turn on the light in the bathroom whilst spending a penny! KIDS!
Then it was off to school by bus for them and car for me, I took their guitars to school for them. Then off I went to work. I had a bit to do, but not enough for the whole morning, but I had taken some of my own translating with me, so the morning passed quite quickly. I also wrote a "real" letter. Just a shame that, when I went to post it before picking up the boys and their guitars from school, the post office was closed. Still tomorrow morning I'll send it on its way!

After a very hurried lunch I took the boys to the hairdressers. They now look very smart. They both had a flash of lightening sprayed on their hair. On Robert it stayed nicely as his hair is nice and short, but by the time I got round to taking pictures, Richard's couldn't really be seen. (more tears that meant)

The next part of the afternoon was spent arguing with Richard about his homework, I think he just didn't want to do it, because he wanted to go and play with his friends and it was a huge fight to get it done. But he did it and he did get to go to his friends house to play. That gave me a bit of a break. Whilst Richard was gone Robert's friend came here to play, and as I couldn't face another argument, I let them play on the Wii! They couldn't believe it 2 hours later, that I had let them play all the while!

Here's to a better tomorrow
CU then!

Day 320

Work this morning and after that straight home. The most exciting thing about this morning, was the message from Mum, she is home now! Now 6 weeks of not using her leg and then they can see if the bone is beginning to take - fingers xed!

This afternoon I went to sport, I can already feel all of the muscles in my back, I'm sure I have grown some new ones! After I went to the supermarket and got some bread for tea and some teabags that Richard had asked for. I was his most favourite person when he got home and found out. I got a HUGE cuddle for both the teabags and the bread - the bread is the one Nanna had last time we went and he LOVES it (potatoe bread).

I picked the boys up at the busstop and was expecting to be taking both of them to football training. But when I got there, the others hadn't yet left, so he got off the bus and into someone elses car. I saw him again at 6.45pm!
He had tea, a shower and then bed. Poor boy, such a long day and full of sport, he won't be able to move tomorrow either!

When Richard and I got back, we did some reading practice, then I remembered that he should practice guitar, so we did that too.

CU tomorrow!

Day 319

This morning I had another morning at school, selling books - well, writing down which ones the kids would like so their parents can decide just how much they would like them. Today was Robert's turn to look around. Of course he chose a dinosaur book, but I sent him right back with that one, we do not need another dinosaur book. But he did pick out two nice ones with stories, so he is allowed those two!

Richard got home just after I did and he was in a funny mood, when we sat down to do his homework, which was reading today he burst into tears after the first two words. It was too difficult, he was never going to learn and everyone is so much better than him! He was inconsolable. I managed to get him to calm down, when I told him I would talk to the teacher about it all, and find out if he could go to the extra German lesson on a Tuesday. So I phoned her up and first asked if anything had happened at school, as he was in such a state, but no one had teased him about his reading or anything like that. And as she said, they have all only just started reading and it takes at least the first school year to get there... poor Richard seems to be putting too much pressure on himself!

After both boys had finished their homework, Richard went to play with his friends at the playground. I would have sent Richard along too, but apparently it was their first "club meeting" and Robert isn't part of the club, so he wasn't allowed to join them! He was so upset and jealous. His friend hadn't got time today, so even more tears this time from Robert. But he has to learn that Richard has his own friends!

Whilst Richard was gone, Robert and I went to get some more Weetabix. We can only get them at this one shop, which we don't normally go to. Shame that this one shop has a new sticker book out, it was Disney and I am a softy so the boys now have a new sticker book. Not sure how many stickers they will actually get, seeing as I don't shop there, but they were happy today!

Richard got back from the playground and still wasn't in a better mood, he argued with me about everything and anything. By bedtime I was exhausted, he was too though he was nearly asleep before I even left the room.

At some point the kids went to art school, and I had a wander around the new Media Markt, it was lovely and big, but no different really to the old one!

And now for my picture.

These are my new slippers, which I knitted. I used "felting wool" is that what it is called in England? Well you knit with it, and when you are finished you wash it in the washing machine and it shrinks and looks like felt. It was fun making them and they certainly keep your feet lovely and warm.

OK, time for bed now!
CU tomorrow!

Day 318

I got lost on Pinterest, when I should have been blogging, so I am really late! Oops!

Another one of my busy days today, but part of it, was very relaxing so I am not complaining. First off the ironing and one part of Glee, then it was time for English at Kindergarden. We learnt the numbers 1-6 today, it will be interesting to see if they remember them next week! Straight from Kindergarden I went to the hairdressers (the relaxing bit of my day) and I am now all young again - not a grey bit of hair in sight! Robert was cute when he got home from school, the first thing he said to me was "You look beautiful, Mummy!" it got him a cuddle!

In the afternoon (after the last bit of apple cake) Richard and I went out in the garden. Richard played ball and I got on with tidying up the front garden. At 3ish Robert's mate popped round and off the two of them went to play around his house. Richard was a bit upset about that so I phoned around his friends and the twins came to play at 4pm. And I kept myself busy until my feet got too cold in my wellies. I am half way there, so maybe the weather will play nice tomorrow and I can finish off!

Whilst out there, I had a good look at our tree for some reason and look the poor thing is all confused. It's blossoming!

After the twins had been picked up again, we popped to the bank to collect Richard's new drinking bottle (he got it for starting school) and I also had to give the paper back, that said I had €80.000 - well dreaming was fun whilst it lasted!

Off to bed now
CU tomorrow!

Day 317

So this morning I planned to just "pop in" to school and make sure all was OK for the book exhibition there, mmh, 4 lessons later and I was tidying up after working all morning. All was OK, but with only two people manning the exhibition it was a bit understaffed. Saying that, though I had a great time, I love seeing kids around books and today was no different. Plus I was there when Richard got to look around too, and that was cute to see! He got so excited when he found lots of Famous Five books, and we will now be ordering two books (with 5 stories in all!) That will keep us busy!

After that I went shopping for the week, and I couldn't believe how much planning this week is saving me - for the whole weeks food, I spent 15 Euros! Not bad! And today we had broccoli-potato bake, very yummy!

In the afternoon the boys did their homework, worked on their Xmas lists for Santa, and then Richard wanted to write his own Famous Five story. So he dictated and I wrote, his first chapter is finished and tomorrow he tells me we'll be working on chapter two. Robert didn't want to be left out, so him and I have been writing a Lego hero story.

At 5pm we set off for the St. Martin procession. This year they didn't want their lanterns but took torches, that was fine by me, cause it is usually me that ends up carrying lanterns! It was fun to see everyone, somehow we have been so busy lately that I haven't seen any of my friends, so it was lovely to catch up! And of course the procession and play in the church is always fun. Here is Richard watching the play in the church

CU tomorrow!

Day 315 and Day 316

Day 315 - Saturday
I got up and went shopping for the weekend (my menu at the moment only goes from Monday to Friday and I have to plan again for the weekend! It didn't take me long as I only went to Aldi and I could do my Aldi shopping blindfolded and don't waste time looking for things!
When I got back home Florian went out, he had sport (the one I do too), this week everything was working there and he really felt the electricity and the hard work!

After lunch Florian went in the garden and got me some apples to bake with. I was going to try a new recipe I have for apple muffins, but they only take TWO apples. Florian bought me a huge bucket full of apples, so I made the same cake as last week, to make the most of the last apples!

Whilst I was baking my men were with me in the kitchen playing the "Game of Life" (the Spongebob edition), and if you check the photo carefully, even the cat was with us!

After their game Florian took the boys out with him to change something at the DIY store, and they were allowed to go to the toy shop and get their Xmas catalogue. We have to make Santa's shopping spree a little easier by know exactly what to get!

In the evening we watched two films on TV. First we watched Rush Hour 3 with Jackie Chan (that was on German TV) and then we watched Knight and Day with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz. It was a good movie night, which is why I forgot to blog yesterday and am now playing catch up!

Day 316 - Sunday
I was lucky again today, Florian took the boys swimming in the morning, and I had a couple of hours peace, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
After lunch we went to visit Mum in hospital. Richard took a picture of Nanna, and she approved it, so here is Mum in hospital with a smile on her face.

 But then again, they finally realised that they hadn't been giving her the right amout of painkillers, and she got the extra and it really really helped.
Silly that, she was supposed to be having some painkilling drops 4x a day, and they had forgotten to write it on her notes, and only noticed today as when she asked for extra, the doctor said, well you have a really strong one and the drops. And Mum told him "what drops? I don't get any drops!" BIG OOPS!

Mum enjoyed a bit of our cake - we all did actually! Florian then took the boys to see Pop and watch the Famous Five film on his Apple TV. They thoroughly enjoyed that, and I thoroughly enjoyed girly chatter with Mum whilst they were all gone! Shame I am so far away and can't just pop in! Love you Mum!

We left around 6pm and went to McDonalds for tea (I bet Richard will draw that as his picture for the weekend at school again! But I might try and influence him before he leaves in the morning and mention the swimming again!)

CU tomorrow!

Day 314

Work this morning, and I was busy all the time. My colleague asked how Richard got on, which I thought was really nice, but my boss couldn't even be bother to say good morning. I have got to stop expecting more from them, and then I can't get my knickers in a twist!

Richard went to a puppet show with school today, the whole first year went and they had the theatre to themselves. Richard enjoyed it, but that is all I know, he didn't fancy telling me about it, maybe I'll hear some more tomorrow! When he got back from the theatre he still had to stay at school for his guitar lesson with Robert.
I picked them and 4 guitars up from there, and I was quite surprised when I actually got all four guitars in the boot. However there was no way I was getting the school bags in too - they travelled on the passenger seat!

In the afternoon I read the boys some more of the story we started reading at the doctors yesterday, it was nice cuddling on the couch together!

Florian got home in time for tea, that was great too. Although the boys were a bit disappointed that we didn't have a picnic in front of the TV.  At tea Richard complained that his tummy hurt after eating some bread. I have started a food diary for him again - maybe it will help the doctor when I go and see her in 2 weeks time.

Mum is not feeling too brilliant, everything hurts, her blood pressure is below low, but after what they did not really surprising. Here's hoping she is feeling a little (or of course a lot) better in the morning!

CU tomorrow!

Day 313

Big day today, Mum was operated on. They took bone from both  of her hips and put it in her leg to strengthen the bone down there. They didn't have get quite enough bone from the hips, so they had to put some synthetic stuff in there too. Now all it has to do is heal properly, fingers xed!

And whilst Mum was having her operation Richard and I were at the doctors too. Richard had his test to see if he is allergic to fructose. It was like being breathalysed every 30 minutes. Unfortunately it was for 3 hours! I don't really know what outcome I was waiting for, but the outcome is - he IS allergic to fructose and that is what is causing his tummy ache. Too bad, that fructose seems to be in all his favourite things. The first thing I have taken away from him is his beloved grape juice. And I am hoping that is the main culprit in his problems, especially as when we were on holiday in England he didn't have tummy ache.
I would have liked to have left the doctor with some sort of food plan or plan of what to do, but nothing. The doctor told me that he has it and said to leave out the obvious, keep a food diary and after a few weeks get in touch with a nutritionist. NOT WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR. I tried to get a prescription to see the nutritionist from our doctor, but she can't give me one until she gets the report from the other doctor and that can take up to 2 weeks!
So after fretting about it all afternoon I have now decided to cut out the grape juice and leave the rest as is, and wait for my appointment with our doctor in two weeks. We'll see what happens in that time (oh and I will keep that diary again, although Richard is not that good at describing his tummy ache, but I might notice when it is worse than normal)

Other than that, after the doctors we went shopping I got the boys a thermos flask each to take tea to school with them in the winter (they both asked for that), and then we went to Lidl and got a heater for the utility room to keep the temperature just above zero in the winter.

After lunch Richard and I went to my sports hour, I had a different trainer today and he found muscles that I didn't know I had and oh dear it was hard work. But so worth it, I am sure!

Back home I let Richard do what he wanted, he was struggling enough, not being allowed to drink what he wanted. And he watched a film and then when Robert got home they watched the last part of the Famous Five DVD set.

I wasn't in the right frame of mind for pictures today, but I pinched one off the internet to show you what I did at the doctors this morning. I read "A Street Cat named Bob", a true story about a homeless guy and the cat that adopted him. It is so touching, and here is Bob!

CU tomorrow!

Day 312

Library this morning, I still love going. I got to chat to the teachers again, and there will be no photos for Robert's year this term, so I think I will do them myself, and I might offer the others in his class the opportunity too and see what sort of feedback I get. And Richard's teacher wants to organise a bake and make day for the kids in the run up to Xmas, so I will have to organised some Mums to help out there, all good fun really!

After the library I rushed home so I could get started on another new recipe. I made my first ever pie today - chicken pie a la Hairy Dieters. Ooh it was sooooo good. Robert liked it too, but Richard decided before I had even cooked it, that he wasn't going to like it, so that didn't help much! So he only had mash for lunch!

After lunch the boys and I made some salt dough and they then made various bits and pieces with it! I took a couple of photos.

We finished baking them when we got back from art school. Today they painted a tree (or a very large branch) - they painted it and themselves black. I haven't managed to get the last black mark off of Richard's neck so they may well ask tomorrow at the doctors what he has been up to!

I'm really nervous about tomorrow, for one, how grumpy will Richard be, without anything in his tummy when we go to the doctors. How long will we really be there for? And what will they find out? Keep your fingers crossed for us. And whilst you are at it, cross them for Mum too, she has another operation on her leg tomorrow morning.

CU then!

Day 311

English lesson in the morning, the kids were their usual selves and I still love them! They had a problem with sitting still and that is OK normally, but some of them start school next term, so I had the urge to try and teach them, didn't work, but I have a few months yet! ;o)

When I got home, I started on making my roast dinner (a wish from the kids) we had roast chicken with roast potatoes and broccoli, and a home made gravy, it was DELICIOUS even if I do say so myself.
After lunch the boys finished their homework, and then they really wanted to watch TV, these dull days do that to them I think. But today I didn't take the easy way out and told them we were going out. They didn't want to go for a walk, but they were OK with going to play baseball again.
But today they just weren't getting along, they fought all the time we were out. Here they are discussing something or other

At one point, they just stared at oneanother both refusing to go and get the ball! Kids! in the end I turned my back on the fighting and took a few pictures of the pretty sights around.

We didn't stay too long, but when we got back they weren't allowed to watch TV, and they managed to play nicely upstairs with the Lego nicely for at least 30 minutes, considering their moods that is REALLY good!

Needless to say bedtime was nice for everyone today!

CU tomorrow!

Day 310

Blogging early today! But then I do have a lot to report, and plenty of pictures too today! This morning I was busy with the housework, I got the washing machine going then went shopping. That was after I planned this weeks menus. Doing that has saved a lot of unnecessary buying, so I will be keeping it up! (helps that it is fun too!)
Back home again it was more washing and the ironing. I watched Glee whilst ironing, I love a good sing-a-long! I did take my eyes off the TV at one point and look what I saw in the garden! A lesser-spotted woodpecker! I was so excited that it stayed long enough for me to get a picture!

Richard and I both helped Robert with his homework this afternoon.

He had to make a water strider (some sort of insect that can be found on ponds). Richard even gave Robert some of his googly eyes for it. The first try had small pieces of bark for feet and it sunk when we tried it out.

But the second attempt walked on the water

and look how excited Robert was!

Then with all the homework out of the way it was time to go and play baseball! Lee bought the gear for the boys and they couldn't wait to try it out. We went over to a field and they had a super time. And both actually managed to hit the ball, Richard nearly managed to hit me with the ball, I got a picture of it!

And here is Robert in action!

We had to cut the fun short though, when it started to rain. Back home the boys convinced me that watching Famous Five was the only option for this weather!

And this evening I booked our next holiday, only 140 days until we go..... to Center Parcs with everyone!

CU tomorrow!

Day 308 and Day 309

Oh dear, I was so worn out last night, that I just didn't get around to blogging, and I didn't get around to taking pictures all weekend either, so I'll have to improvise!

Day 308 - Saturday
We all got up really early for a weekend, Robert had a football tournament and everyone except me was going to watch. (As in their cousins, Richard and Florian). Robert played four games and although they lost all but one game, which they drew, he played really well. We just don't seem to have any goalgetters in the team.
Whilst they were gone I enjoyed the peace and quiet and played in the kitchen. I first made a pumpkin soup and then I made an apple cake. That I think took the longest, because I was using the fallen apples I had to cut up over a kilo to get the 700g that I needed for it. But it was worth it.
I did take some pictures but I won't be posting them on here. One of the Kindergarden teachers came around so that I could take her picture, which she wants to use for her birthday invitations. I only took 5, as she was really happy with the first one I took. Now she just has to print them for her passepartouts.

Everyone got back about 11.30 and we then had our pumpkin soup lunch. Both Florian and I had got rolls to go with the soup, so we ended up with 28 rolls for 6 people, oops! But the soup was delicious!

In the afternoon we let the kids watch a film and they chose The Smurfs again, and after that they played playmobil and lego all afternoon. The girls make our life so easy!
Florian went to sport after lunch, they had problems there with the electricity and the vest, good job it wasn't his or my first time there otherwise we would never have gone back!

In the evening we went to the Chinese with Florian's sister, delicious as usual! And great fun! And then when we got home it was time for Wetten daß? (THE German saturday evening show) - Robbie Williams was on so it was even better this week!

Day 309 - Sunday
Again we were up quite early - Florian took the boys swimming. They met up there with friends and his brother in law. I think they all enjoyed themselves, cause they got there for 9.30 and didn't get home until 12.45!
I did washing and ironing in that time and it was lovely and peaceful! I also got to watch Glee, so I was happy!

After lunch we drove down to see Mum and Dad. Only for the afternoon as Mum's poorly leg and my boys don't really mix. But for an afternoon we can keep the boys away from it!

Richard took a couple of pictures whilst there, so I am going to use them for my blog pics today! Told you I would improvise! Not sure how he gets these pictures like this, but this is how they came off of his camera!

 Nanna has a money box full of pennies and I think Richard may well have been impressed with these shiny ones!

He also got a shot of Robert taking a nap in the car! hihi!

CU tomorrow, with some pics I take, promise!

Day 307

I took the boys guitars to school this morning and whilst there put in a complaint about yesterdays bus driver! One of the Mum's rang and said that he had again let the kids out on the main road instead of driving to the bus stop. Letting them out on the main road also means they have to cross the busy road too. I don't know what the guy is thinking, I don't think school was too happy either when I told them. We'll see what happens next time that guy is the driver!

After that I headed to work. My lenses weren't working this morning at all, in fact they were so clouded over that at 10am I made my way home to take the lenses out put glasses on and finish my work from home. My eyes have been feeling weird all day though so I hope it is nothing to do with my eyes and that it is just dirty lenses!

Florian was busy today too. He took all the apples to the juice place - another 150kg! And this afternoon he mowed the lawns and in doing so cleared the leaves! Whilst I supervised 5 boys!!! What was I thinking! I was babysitting one little chap for a friend, and when Richards friends phoned could they come and play I thought it would be a good idea! It got a bit noisy at times! And that even though we made a cinema for them all in the lounge. They watched the Smurfs and had popcorn.

After tea, our nieces came to stay the night, so the boys were late to bed, and before they went, they had a disco in the lounge. Here they are dancing and playing air guitar!

Once the boys were in bed, the girls and us watched the Hunger Games again. And I now know NOT to offer to take the girls to the cinema, one of them talked the whole way through the film. Too funny! But it wouldn't have been if I had not seen the film before!!!

Oh and my photobooks got here today! I took a couple of pics!

CU tomorrow!

Day 306

Oh dear another no picture day, but I have been meaning to show this one for a while now, so today is the day. These are some toadstools we saw in Center Parcs and they are now my autumn background picture!

But now about today. Florian got up in time to wave bye to the boys, who were pleased he was going to be home, when they get home. Then I left him to his own devices and went to work. Same old, same old there, so I won't bore you!
I got home at just after 12 and found Florian in the garden collecting all the apples up. We have another 4 sacks ready to go to the juice place tomorrow. After a delicious lunch (still had some curry leftovers for us both) I got ready to go to sport. Florian joined me and is now enrolled there too for weekends only! It was fun doing it together, although Florian didn't giggle all the way through the workout, like I do each week, must be just me, who thinks its hilarious!

After that, we stopped by at home picked up our empty bottles and then went to surprise the boys at school, by picking them up! They were surprised, but I'm not sure they were overjoyed. Richard told me that he wanted to go by bus! Mmh, never easy to please my boys!

After getting rid of all the bottles it was back home, and the boys got comfy on Daddy's lap to watch some more Famous Five!

CU tomorrow!