We have decided to do what all good parents do when their child is afraid of dogs. That's right, get a dog.
We have been to look at dogs at dog shelters but they seem to be mainly Staffordshire Bull terriers. Not my kind of dog. Alternatively the dogs available are Rottweilers - too big for our house and also not my kind of thing.
We have looked at books about dogs. The youngest is pretty certain she knows what she wants. We are going to go to Discover Dogs to meet some breeds. I have been in touch with a breeder, so fingers crossed we will soon have the patter of 4 little feet.
04 October 2011
03 October 2011
talking of chocolate
Recently read this post. I like dark chocolate. Husband brought this back from Switzerland last week. It's just like eating cacao powder. Not sure what I'll do with it. Chocolate cake anyone?
01 October 2011
Settling back into school
The girls seem to be enjoying school so far.
The eldest now has violin lessons and school choir and so far she likes it. The teacher did decide to teach them French. She was not impressed. "Well I speak English and Dutch and I can ask for apple juice and ice cream in German and Italian. Why do I need learn French?" Hmm because it's part of the curriculum?
The second daughter is not sure that her new teacher is giving her enough work though. She has had to ask for homework. She wants homework. Her teacher is happy to provide it but as he is newly qualified he doesn't always have time to provide with extra work.
Luckily the mac turned up. It was in the PE kit.
The eldest now has violin lessons and school choir and so far she likes it. The teacher did decide to teach them French. She was not impressed. "Well I speak English and Dutch and I can ask for apple juice and ice cream in German and Italian. Why do I need learn French?" Hmm because it's part of the curriculum?
The second daughter is not sure that her new teacher is giving her enough work though. She has had to ask for homework. She wants homework. Her teacher is happy to provide it but as he is newly qualified he doesn't always have time to provide with extra work.
Luckily the mac turned up. It was in the PE kit.
26 September 2011
Eight years old
She is eight years old. I have been a mother for eight years and husband has been a father for eight years.
16 September 2011
First week of school.
Well so far so good. We have the first week of school behind us. The tally so far:
One cardigan lost - but returned later that week
One bright pink pack a mac - still MIA
One new school polo shirt with paint that doesn't wash out.
One knee with scab with matching hole in tights.
About the knee. Dear Daughter 2 wanted to keep the plaster. "I like the pattern the blood has made". Oh dear. I may have a budding "modern" artist.
One cardigan lost - but returned later that week
One bright pink pack a mac - still MIA
One new school polo shirt with paint that doesn't wash out.
One knee with scab with matching hole in tights.
About the knee. Dear Daughter 2 wanted to keep the plaster. "I like the pattern the blood has made". Oh dear. I may have a budding "modern" artist.
02 September 2011
15 August 2011
24 March 2009
14 March 2009
Small indulgence
Today we acquired a Douwe Egberts Senseo machine. Not the one I really really want just the bog standard one. But hey this one was free the Latte I would have to pay 150 Euro, so that's on hold for now.
My Aunt S one our Senseo in a staff raffle. She does not drink coffee, so passed it on to my Dad. Dad has a serious coffee habit. For him it worked out only slightly cheaper than going to Starbucks, so he went back to using the old filter machine.
My Sister-in-law has the Senseo Latte. I want to point out that I am not someone who is covetous but baby I want that machine. I am in love with the lattes, the cappuccinos, the frothy milk and the chocolate powder to go on top.
I mentioned my current lust object to my Mum today. And she pulls the Senseo out the cupboard. Mine free of charge.
Now for a lovely cup of coffee and some Green & Blacks dark chocolate.
My Aunt S one our Senseo in a staff raffle. She does not drink coffee, so passed it on to my Dad. Dad has a serious coffee habit. For him it worked out only slightly cheaper than going to Starbucks, so he went back to using the old filter machine.
My Sister-in-law has the Senseo Latte. I want to point out that I am not someone who is covetous but baby I want that machine. I am in love with the lattes, the cappuccinos, the frothy milk and the chocolate powder to go on top.
I mentioned my current lust object to my Mum today. And she pulls the Senseo out the cupboard. Mine free of charge.
Now for a lovely cup of coffee and some Green & Blacks dark chocolate.
09 March 2009
Infectious
In our little town there is a group of very strict Christian. No TV, no internet, girls wear long skirts or dresses and cover their hair. Boys and girls do not mix after a certain age. (presumably there is an age at which they are allowed to mix again, otherwise there would be no new children ;-) )
At pre-school we have three children who belong to this group. One of their rules is that they must not eat with members outside their church. We have snack time. Most under 5's can't go more than a couple of hours without food. So we have milk, bread and fruit (provided they are not allergic of course).
When snack time came round today I had to place our three Christian children at a separate table. Two other boys wanted to sit with them. They are friends and there was space at the table. I had to tell them to sit somewhere else. "Why? Why can't I sit with them? Have they been naughty?" asked J. "Are they infectious? Mummy is a nurse and she says you shouldn't sit with infectious people. Are they ill?" asked B.
Very good questions I thought. And explaining to them that is was due to their religion did not work. "What like S. not eating meat because she is Mussels? But she sits with us." Quick think - mussles?? oh Muslim. I had to admit that I didn't know the ins and outs of it. "Well I hope it isn't catching, this religious." stated B clearly not wanting to let go of the illness theory.
It's a shame that sometimes religion can isolate people.
At pre-school we have three children who belong to this group. One of their rules is that they must not eat with members outside their church. We have snack time. Most under 5's can't go more than a couple of hours without food. So we have milk, bread and fruit (provided they are not allergic of course).
When snack time came round today I had to place our three Christian children at a separate table. Two other boys wanted to sit with them. They are friends and there was space at the table. I had to tell them to sit somewhere else. "Why? Why can't I sit with them? Have they been naughty?" asked J. "Are they infectious? Mummy is a nurse and she says you shouldn't sit with infectious people. Are they ill?" asked B.
Very good questions I thought. And explaining to them that is was due to their religion did not work. "What like S. not eating meat because she is Mussels? But she sits with us." Quick think - mussles?? oh Muslim. I had to admit that I didn't know the ins and outs of it. "Well I hope it isn't catching, this religious." stated B clearly not wanting to let go of the illness theory.
It's a shame that sometimes religion can isolate people.
03 March 2009
Washing powder
I used to watch Charlie Brown and the Peanuts. One of the gang is a little boy who is covered in dirt and walks around in a cloud of dust. I can't remember his name but if you watched Peanuts you'll know the one I mean.
At pre-school we have a little boy who reminds me of that character. He comes in grubby in the mornings. The next day he is grubbier still. We normally clean his breakfast of his face first thing we do. Little peanut is potty trained but he needs reminding a lot of the time. My colleague had changed him once already after an accident. The clothes in peanut's bag were just as grubby as the ones he came in with. Just before lunch he wet himself again. It was my turn to change him as his spare things had been used already I got some clothes out of the emergency box. "Ah!" sighs peanut "washing powder." as he sniffs the clothes. After some questioning it turns out he wets himself so that he can wear our spares because they are clean.
Apparently this has been raised with his mother before. The older brother used to come in so dirty that my supervisor had a word with the mother. My supervisor was saddened to hear that standards were slipping again. I hope for little peanut that his clothes will be washed more often as he clearly does not like being dirty.
At pre-school we have a little boy who reminds me of that character. He comes in grubby in the mornings. The next day he is grubbier still. We normally clean his breakfast of his face first thing we do. Little peanut is potty trained but he needs reminding a lot of the time. My colleague had changed him once already after an accident. The clothes in peanut's bag were just as grubby as the ones he came in with. Just before lunch he wet himself again. It was my turn to change him as his spare things had been used already I got some clothes out of the emergency box. "Ah!" sighs peanut "washing powder." as he sniffs the clothes. After some questioning it turns out he wets himself so that he can wear our spares because they are clean.
Apparently this has been raised with his mother before. The older brother used to come in so dirty that my supervisor had a word with the mother. My supervisor was saddened to hear that standards were slipping again. I hope for little peanut that his clothes will be washed more often as he clearly does not like being dirty.
26 February 2009
Expedit
I have done some online shopping. I ordered an Epedit from Ikea. It will be delivered on 6 March.
I think Mr Y is a feeling a bit cheated. No 1.5 hour drive there or 1.5 hours back. No meatballs, no lugging heavy stuff or buying things in the market hall.
Sometimes unpopular decisions have to be made. But hey storage space in the house is needed.
I think Mr Y is a feeling a bit cheated. No 1.5 hour drive there or 1.5 hours back. No meatballs, no lugging heavy stuff or buying things in the market hall.
Sometimes unpopular decisions have to be made. But hey storage space in the house is needed.
24 February 2009
I never knew
I was a geek at school. Let me be honest I was a nerd. I was good at science I wore glasses and was somewhat lax about my personal appearance - hair was a mess most of the time. I had spots for goodness sake. I was teased but not much. Either because my brother beat them up for me or because I gave them a sharp set down.
I grew up. The acne cleared, the puppy fat disappeared due to lots of rowing. I was however still a nerd. I did not drink at parties and did not seek out the dark corners of the sport's field in male company.
One of the girls I went to school with is now an author and writes a column in a national newspaper. She was popular at school, pretty, slim and wasn't acne riddled. She was also not above a bit of heavy petting. In her column she talks about her struggles with bulimia and depression. Apparently this was all going on at the age of 15 and carried on till in her 20's.
I was shocked. I never knew. As far as I knew she had a great life. Her big brother didn't beat up boys who asked his sister to the school disco. She was popular. Apparently she had a great fear of failing and of disappointing others.
I never thought of myself as a happy teenager but looking back maybe I was. I knew who I wanted to be and that whatever happened my parents and brother loved me. I really hope my daughters will grow up to know who they are and that we love them. And that they do not have to go through such insecurity to find themselves.
I grew up. The acne cleared, the puppy fat disappeared due to lots of rowing. I was however still a nerd. I did not drink at parties and did not seek out the dark corners of the sport's field in male company.
One of the girls I went to school with is now an author and writes a column in a national newspaper. She was popular at school, pretty, slim and wasn't acne riddled. She was also not above a bit of heavy petting. In her column she talks about her struggles with bulimia and depression. Apparently this was all going on at the age of 15 and carried on till in her 20's.
I was shocked. I never knew. As far as I knew she had a great life. Her big brother didn't beat up boys who asked his sister to the school disco. She was popular. Apparently she had a great fear of failing and of disappointing others.
I never thought of myself as a happy teenager but looking back maybe I was. I knew who I wanted to be and that whatever happened my parents and brother loved me. I really hope my daughters will grow up to know who they are and that we love them. And that they do not have to go through such insecurity to find themselves.
08 February 2009
Daktacort
Just a quick update. The prescribed cream, Daktacort, seems to be working on the ringworm/eczema. The only problem is it needs to be kept in the fridge. I manage to remember to apply it in the mornings but in the evening I normally forget it. This means one cold walk downstairs to get it out the fridge and then another one to return it. And no, I could not just apply it in the kitchen. Somehow that feels so wrong.
06 February 2009
Ringworm
I have managed to get ringworm. Well, that is to say the GP is not sure it could be eczema. Luckily the pharmaceutical industry has realised that GP's can't always tell the difference. I have therefore been prescribed a cream that should treat both ringworm and eczema.
This is not the first time I have had ringworm. I caught it of a horse when I was younger. Our Tervuren caught it of me. On his nose - his rosette winning best in breed nose. The dog was taken to the vet to see what could be done. The poor thing did not like the gel stuff for his nose. He even tried nip my father as he applied the cream. Most unlike our dog. He was devoted to my dad and never tried this before. So, as the source of infection was my leg, I had to try the gel on my leg - the vet prescribed dog friendly gel, which did not mention if it was child friendly. It stung, it really hurt. Cleared up the ringworm a treat though.
The dog was taken back to the vet's. He was prescribed a new treatment. My parents were asked to please not try out any other dog treatments on their children.
This is not the first time I have had ringworm. I caught it of a horse when I was younger. Our Tervuren caught it of me. On his nose - his rosette winning best in breed nose. The dog was taken to the vet to see what could be done. The poor thing did not like the gel stuff for his nose. He even tried nip my father as he applied the cream. Most unlike our dog. He was devoted to my dad and never tried this before. So, as the source of infection was my leg, I had to try the gel on my leg - the vet prescribed dog friendly gel, which did not mention if it was child friendly. It stung, it really hurt. Cleared up the ringworm a treat though.
The dog was taken back to the vet's. He was prescribed a new treatment. My parents were asked to please not try out any other dog treatments on their children.
05 February 2009
Snow
It snowed. In fact it snowed snowed so much that the primary school and all other schools in our town were shut.
The children didn't mind one bit. They spent the morning building snow cats.
20 January 2009
Inspiration
I am afraid I lacking inspiration. Well that's not quite true. I could write lots about my job at the pre-school. I don't do this as I worry about confidentiality.
Could write about the fact that my brother and his family are emigrating. But I get a little upset thinking about that and my feelings about it are complicated.
I could write about my grandmother and that I feel she is unfair. But she is 95, so what the point be? She isn't going to change now.
I am also guessing that no one wants to know about my flu. The oldest daughter's sickness (and the fact that she gets all colds and illness).
I will try harder.
Could write about the fact that my brother and his family are emigrating. But I get a little upset thinking about that and my feelings about it are complicated.
I could write about my grandmother and that I feel she is unfair. But she is 95, so what the point be? She isn't going to change now.
I am also guessing that no one wants to know about my flu. The oldest daughter's sickness (and the fact that she gets all colds and illness).
I will try harder.
15 December 2008
Teaching
Britain has a shortage of secondary school teachers. Especially science teachers, maths, IT, RE and modern languages. So, basically most subjects except PE and drama.
I have a science degree. I have been looking into teacher training. I would like to take up work again now that the little ones are older. I don't think accountancy is for me anymore. The five year break means lots of re-learning and also retaking of exams. Month end is unsociable and there is no 6 week break in the summer.
Problem is: Getting qualified will mean working long hours. Now this does not worry me unduly. However Mr Y.'s new job entails lost of long days and lots of working away from. Where is the difference with the old job I hear you ask. Well it's not international travel. Makes all the difference- apparently.
I can't commit the time at present. I want the girls to be settled into their school. I could ask my mum and dad to help out but somehow that feels wrong. They are in their 60's they don't have the puff to look after two lively girls.
The Teaching Development Agency are clearly desperate though. They have sent me on a three day taster course, organised school visits and are now trying to find a flexible course for me. I never knew chemistry was that much in demand. Hopefully I have managed to let them down gently. I told them that I would be unable to start before September 2010. "Don't worry Mrs Y." he said with a not unappealing Welsh lilt "I'll call you in six months time." "Why?" "Well now, you'll be needing to get your references in order and your application form. Don't worry though. I'll be there to help you through the process."
I think I had better dig up the old Chemistry text book.
I have a science degree. I have been looking into teacher training. I would like to take up work again now that the little ones are older. I don't think accountancy is for me anymore. The five year break means lots of re-learning and also retaking of exams. Month end is unsociable and there is no 6 week break in the summer.
Problem is: Getting qualified will mean working long hours. Now this does not worry me unduly. However Mr Y.'s new job entails lost of long days and lots of working away from. Where is the difference with the old job I hear you ask. Well it's not international travel. Makes all the difference- apparently.
I can't commit the time at present. I want the girls to be settled into their school. I could ask my mum and dad to help out but somehow that feels wrong. They are in their 60's they don't have the puff to look after two lively girls.
The Teaching Development Agency are clearly desperate though. They have sent me on a three day taster course, organised school visits and are now trying to find a flexible course for me. I never knew chemistry was that much in demand. Hopefully I have managed to let them down gently. I told them that I would be unable to start before September 2010. "Don't worry Mrs Y." he said with a not unappealing Welsh lilt "I'll call you in six months time." "Why?" "Well now, you'll be needing to get your references in order and your application form. Don't worry though. I'll be there to help you through the process."
I think I had better dig up the old Chemistry text book.
12 December 2008
Christmas Tree 2008
The tree is up. BC (or before children) we had classy trees. They were themed silver or blue or silver and blue. Now our trees are colourful and garish.
I think I like the after children trees better.
Top picture was taken by the 4 year old daughter.
02 December 2008
Christmas Prep
Advent has begun and we have put up the Advent's calendars. We have four this year. Auntie H. decided not to check with us and sent them calendars. Nice thought but I had already bought them one each. I don't think the girls mind. The more Playmobil the merrier.
It is difficult to celebrate Sinter Klaas with just us. It seems a bit flat. No one else gets it. There is a Dutch society in Oxford. Mr Yoastie looked into joining but felt he had nothing in common with the people who went there other than his passport. Normally we have pepernoten etc. but my father-in-law is in hospital. Understandably sending Sinter Klaas stuff to grandchildren isn't really foremost on my mother-in-law's to do list.
But on a more cheerful note CS is one of the angels in the Christmas production. Apparently during rehearsals Mary was worried about the lack of hospital facilities in Bethlehem. The angels at least stick to the script. Mummies and Daddies are allowed to come and watch. We are a little worried that younger sisters are excluded, well CE is worried. Mr Y. will do his best to work from home on the opening night (lunch hour), so that he can see our eldest perform.
Luckily the school provides the costumes. I am not sure I could have mastered angel wings.
I will get on with some baking later. We have new biscuit cutters in the shape of reindeer and they need to be used.
It is difficult to celebrate Sinter Klaas with just us. It seems a bit flat. No one else gets it. There is a Dutch society in Oxford. Mr Yoastie looked into joining but felt he had nothing in common with the people who went there other than his passport. Normally we have pepernoten etc. but my father-in-law is in hospital. Understandably sending Sinter Klaas stuff to grandchildren isn't really foremost on my mother-in-law's to do list.
But on a more cheerful note CS is one of the angels in the Christmas production. Apparently during rehearsals Mary was worried about the lack of hospital facilities in Bethlehem. The angels at least stick to the script. Mummies and Daddies are allowed to come and watch. We are a little worried that younger sisters are excluded, well CE is worried. Mr Y. will do his best to work from home on the opening night (lunch hour), so that he can see our eldest perform.
Luckily the school provides the costumes. I am not sure I could have mastered angel wings.
I will get on with some baking later. We have new biscuit cutters in the shape of reindeer and they need to be used.
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