my DARE toddler

I was tidying Joel's room while Phil was getting the little man out of the bath when I heard Joel say "don't do drugs". Phil was surprised and said "what". Joel confidently replied "Uncle Justin say that".

So thank you Uncle Justin for teaching Joel early on not to use drugs. I hope he always remembers your wise words!

* I also wish that he knew Calgon tablets (water softeners) were just as dangerous as drugs and not to eat them=) but hey what's life without a few adventures!! (Please don't worry - all is fine!  He just gave me a little scare!)

My little Romeo

Joel has made his first move. I wouldn't say he has his first girl friend but he is well on his way. I can see years of trouble ahead of me. Joel was admiring my flowers in the garden yesterday. I told him not to touch the flowers so he asked "Joely smell it?". I thought this was a sweet idea so  I said yes he could smell the flowers and the little money plucked the flower up and brought it to his nose.  

Realizing he had won he gave a smug smile, but then decided he wanted to give it to Eve, the six year old girl next door. He ran to the fence and shouted "Evie, Evie" until she came to their spot and then he presented her with the flower gave her a little smile and ran off to play. I will keep you posted on any further developments...

Life these days...

So this isn't the most exciting blog but I feel  I should write something just to get me back into blogging mood. Phil and I have had some crazy weeks. We went on a fabulous trip to Phoenix and Denver. Then just a couple days after we returned we moved from Bristol to Leicester (about two hours away).  Joel turned 2!!!  Poor little guy. His birthday was on the day the movers came to pack up the house so we waited till the weekend to properly celebrate.  We somehow managed to buy a house!! So we have spent every waking moment trying to get it sorted.  I only have 9 weeks to go in this pregnancy so we want to do as much as we can before the little one arrives.  

I never really moved growing up. We lived in the same city for all of my memorable life. Moving is a strange thing. It takes a while to get your routine figured out. We are so lucky to be a part of an amazing church and they have made us feel so welcome. Plus we have the best neighbors!! We really couldn't be any luckier. Moving gets you out of your comfort zone and sometimes that's just what you need. Little Joel is starting to settle in. He has made a few friends and so have I.  So far so good. 

Life is pretty good these days!

When in Rome...

So Joel and I started our day with a little McDonalds, we had a bit of time to kill while Phil was in a meeting. I had a coffee and was hoping to let Joel burn off some energy in the play place.  He wasn't really interested so I was debating what to do next when I spotted a pet shop. Joel LOVES animals and we often make trips to see the fish so I thought it would be our next move.  Here is where my debate begins... In England I wouldn't think twice about walking a few stores down, but in America people tend to drive anything more than a stones throw.  

Do I walk or do I drive?

Am I more English or American?

Me time...

So I've got the house to myself (we are staying with some friends in Denver right now) and I am just debating what to do. I always crave "me time", but I often find I don't know what to do with it. Should I get some jobs done, pamper myself, read, catch up on East Enders, pray, sleep?? Or now write in my blog. Why is it that I always have all these things I want or feel I need to do?

As you can see I've chosen blog for some reason. We had a couple over for dinner before went on holiday and they asked why I started a blog. We all have our reasons, but I kinda said, "well.. I guess I've always written a blog in my head."  They all laughed. Their reaction made me think why I love it so much and even why I chose to use my few spare minutes to write in it now. 

I spend a lot of time thinking/ reflecting and I think a blog lets me do just that and at the end I have some sort of product. I really miss having products.  It sounds silly, but when you work a "normal" job you usually have finished products. Being a wife and mother NEVER end.  I love what I do, but sometimes I just like to see some sort of product.  And as sad as it is, this one seems to work for me.

Also I need to do something to help my mind remember it has a job to do. We played a game last night and I was shocked at how slow I am these days.  It was a word game so not going to be one of my strengths, but fortunately my fun loving side is much more dominate than my competitive and I was able to just laugh at my sweet little self! 

* I need to play more games!!  Maybe this is a good reason to get a Wii?? I could get Brain Training to help the mind, Wii Fit for the body and Mario Party for some social development!!!! Phil are you reading this....

Baby Joel

 

Sam- "Baby Joel's totally out of control."

Joel- "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..."

Sick day

I've been a stay at home mum now for almost two years and I'm proud to say that I've been pretty healthy. I've had bad days but could always cope. Phil has had a few bugs and has taken a handful of days off work to stay home and recover. I have always been jealous of this. I didn't think it was possible for me to just take a day off...

Last week, the day before we were planning to leave for our US trip, I got food poisoning or a serious case of D and V. Saying I was sick doesn't in any way describe how I felt.  There was no way I could have taken care of Joel.  And I am so pleased to say that I got to take a sick day. Phil took the morning off and called a few of our friends who came rushing over.  They played with Joel, gave him is meals, CLEANED MY HOUSE and so much more!!! It was amazing. I still can't believe it. I spent the entire day recovering.  

Thank you so much to all my amazing friends. I can't believe how lucky I am.

Mums can have sick days!!!