The Extra Day

Another cold night was followed by a cold day, but it wasn't cold in other ways, because today was a bonus, an extra day with Lucy. All because of the snow the day before and the fact that a lot of the roads were covered in ice. 

For once Emily and Catherine were first up and by the time Lucy had got out of bed they were busy getting ready for school. As soon as I heard Lucy chatting to them, I got up too and head downstairs with Lucy and her things and we snuggled up to watch the television before everyone had breakfast and the older girls headed off for school. It was sweet they way she gave them both a kiss and a cuddle before they left, but then again at that point we didn't think she would see them again until she came again.

That was all to change when I noticed a text telling me to drop her off later than expected. This was because her mummy had some kind of important appointment she couldn't miss. The time change would mean a later dinner for everyone but I was more than happy to accommodate the change. I'm willing to do what I can to help as I have in the past as long, as long it doesn't take the limited time we have with her now away from us. We all have things that crop up in our lives and it had the added advantage that she would see Emily and Catherine before she head back to the city.

The morning was spent doing a mixture of things. Most of them revolved around playing and generally having fun. It was as the morning wore on that I noticed once again that Lucy was getting rather clingy when I went to empty the bin and she wanted to come with me and ended up having a tantrum because I said no. As normal I said I wasn't going any where and explained about the cold and the snow, but in the end she had to come with me. I do worry and I hope she will grow out of it. I can't remember having the same sort of attachment issues with Emily and Catherine. 

Anyway, as we got to the end of the morning we head out to the supermarket to get some lunch and dinner for later in the day. I never keep much food in the house and we never have much waste. It works well in that way and by normally combining trips it reduces petrol costs too. Lucy had great fun in the supermarket and I did too. I'm tying to teach her abut food and getting to test the fresh vegetables and stuff. I still love the way she charms people and then goes all shy. She has always done it, it is those lovely big blue eyes. 

When we got home I got on with making lunch and after we ate we got on with having fun. This took us up the start of the rush. In the morning I had washed all her clothes and the things she brought with her. All that was left to do was get her ready for going back to the city. This process started earlier than normal, it normally starts in the last hour, but that hour was reserved given the time change to play with her sisters. Soon she was all clean, hair brushed and dried and dressed ready to go back, and all just in time for her sisters return.

They played for the hour they had together in the family room. It was all too short, but that is life, and soon I was in the car with Lucy heading for the city. It was a quiet drive. We just listened to music and we chatted now and again, although for once she said something that made me smile. Just before we arrived I promised her she could have extra sleeps next time she came because of the holidays and her face beamed. It was lovely. All too soon we arrived she was gone and I drove back to the countryside with an empty car seat in the back. 

As soon as I got back I got on with making everyone dinner. We were all hungry, so I cooked the food as quickly as I could and soon we were all sitting down reflecting on the day and the weekend we all had together. We had a lovely time and the extra day with Lucy was a big hit with her sisters.

As we moved into the later part of the evening Emily and Catherine did what they normally do. They started catching up on the programmes they missed and with friends on Facebook. And when they weren't doing that you could hear the sound of music coming from their computers as they listened to the singers and bands they love so much. It's funny that Catherine now seems to be entering that practicing teenage phase but she hasn't quite got it yet, the child is still winning. Anyway soon they head to bed with another early start in the morning.

The fact that Lucy had enjoyed staying an extra night was summed up in what she told Catherine before she left and what she told me in the car when she was going back to the city. She said to both of us that she was going to her mummy's for dinner to she her mummy and she was going to come back in the morning with her wellington boots in the tomorrow to stay for more sleeps. I thought it was rather sweet and it made me smile and with half term coming up the next time she comes she will have a few extra sleeps that she so desires. I hope we can make them just fun for her and like her I can't wait for them to come along.

A White Sunday

After the excitement of the snow falling last night came the excitement of getting to play in it today. Seven to eight centimetres had fallen over a five hour period and it looks just right for having fun in.

The first thing that Lucy did when I went into see her in the morning was to look out of the window at the snow that had fallen. You could tell she from what she said tat she just wanted to get out and play in the snow, but that was going to have to wait until her sisters got out of bed. In the meantime she came down with me and we snuggled up in the warm and watched television and played while we waited for them to appear.

It was while were waiting that I noticed the mobile phone had a text message on it. It was from Lucy's mummy saying given the snow that she didn't expect me to drive her back to the city. When I told Lucy she had an extra sleep and didn't have to leave today she gave a massive cheer and started running around. It warmed my heart that she wanted to stay here and be with her sisters.

Emily and Catherine got up at around ten when Charlie, her bother George and her friend came to find them and take them to the park. Of course Lucy wanted to go with them too to play in the snow. Soon I had Lucy all wrapped up warm and wearing Emily's woolly hat that she had fallen in love with. She looked so cute in it and Emily was happy to let her wear it. With a cuddle from Lucy and a promise from the girls to bring her back if she got cold they all headed out together to have fun in the fresh snow in the park.

They got back after playing outside for about an hour. Emily carried Lucy back part of the way because her feet were cold. As soon as they got in they were all full of tales of what they had been doing. Lucy didn't stop talking as I changed her into some warm dry clothes and warmed her little feet in my hands. It sounded like they had a great time making snow houses and and snow balls of all sizes. As well as having a snowball fight which sounded great fun.

They all settled down to watch television and snuggle for a while while I got on with Lunch. I think they all need a little rest and to warm up, but as soon as lunch was over play started again and Lucy took it in turns with playing with her sisters, and when Lucy wasn't playing with them she played on her own and sometimes came included me in her play.

As we got to the middle of the afternoon they all headed out into the snow together again, for round two of fun in the snow. Once again they all set off wrapped up warm against the cold and head off to the park. Their they carried on with the fun of the morning, making giant snow balls, building more snow buildings and having a mini snow ball fight. All great fun. I wish I had gone out with them but I had the start of a cold coming on and I had a killer headache. It wasn't what I wanted but what I was given. All the same, I was so pleased they were all enjoying the snow together.

When they got back it was very much the same story as last time. Lucy couldn't keep quite as I got her changed in her warm clothes and they all told me their stories of fun in the snow. It wasn't long before they all snuggled down and got warm while they awaited their dinner.

After dinner they all got on with playing in the family room, until it was time for Lucy to go to bed. She really had a lovely day in the snow and I was glad she was here with us for the whole day. After her stories and a little chat about the day before it was time for her kisses and cuddles from the people she loves. With a good night and a sweet dreams her little head hit the pillow and she she fell sound asleep.

Emily and Catherine got on with catching up with friends telling there stories of the day on Facebook and chatting to their friends. This kept them busy until their bedtime arrived and two tired older girls head to bed and an early start in the morning that would see them going to school.

It was strange that Lucy was totally different today from a normal Sunday and I wasn't the only person to notice this. Gone was the clingy little girl that won't let me out of her sight, the one that comes to sit on my lap and that can be very demanding, and in her place a normal four year old doing her own thing and playing with her sisters and coming for the odd cuddle. I have noticed it before when she had more than a couple of sleeps, she was much more relaxed and at home. Less anxious. I wonder what tomorrow will bring when she has to go back to the city.

Snowy End

Today was my Birthday and , if I am honest, I really didn't know what to expect of it. I was looking forward to having the girls for my Birthday but all the same never feel how a day will go at the moment. I just have to go with the flow. As it turned out I had a lovely day.

As normal Lucy was first up with a bright smile and her happy disposition. Soon we were downstairs in the chair together and she got my birthday card off the side and watched me open it. I loved it and the drawing she did inside. She said she picked it herself in a very proud way. I just gave her the biggest of hugs and a kiss and we settled down together and watch some television.

It wasn't to just after we had breakfast that Catherine appeared from her bed and made her way downstairs. As soon as Lucy saw her she ran off to give her a good morning hug before following into the family room to play. Every so oftern she would appear in the living room either hunting a cuddle or something to eat. She is a hungry sole at times. What is really lovely is if she dose ask for something she always asks if Catherine and Emily can have the same too. She loves sharing, which is lovely.

Instead of doing a Sunday Lunch on Sunday we had it today. It just speeds things up as far as Sunday goes and means I get to spend less of that day cooking when time seems to go so fast. Today we had a roast chicken dinner with all the trimmings and everyone seemed to enjoy it. But best of all we had fun at the table eating our food. It was a shame Emily wasn't with us but that couldn't be helped. She is at that age where she is learning to be independent.

With lunch out of the way the two girls headed back to the family room after helping with the dish washer. There they carried on the games of the morning and watched some television together. They seemed to be having a lovely time together. This carried on until mid afternoon when we set off to the nearby town to drop Catherine off with her friends.

Having just Lucy left and being in Oakham it seemed that the place to go was Mini Monsters. A soft play area that she just loves. She feels so at home there and was soon climbing, sliding and generally having a good time. I could watch her play for hours and that is what I did. She was having so much fun. It wasn't until we noticed the snow starting to fall that we decided that it would be a good time to head home. After a quick text to Catherine saying we were on our way and we would pick her up, we left, hopefully to return again soon.

It wasn't long after we got home that Emily returned. You can imagine how pleased Lucy was to see Emily. She really does love her big sister to bits and in return Emily loves her too. Soon they both disappeared off to play in Lucy's bedroom, leaving Catherine to watch television, while I  got on with making everyone a quick dinner.

As we ate the snow really started falling and by the time we finished the garden had turned white.You could feel the excitement in Lucy as she looked out the window. George was loving it outside in the snow. He has always loved the snow since he was a puppy. The only problem is with his thick white fur he tends to get icicles forming on his legs so he can't stay out long. It was just a shame that Lucy could go out in the snow to join him, but with the snow still falling and bedtime approaching it was best not to let her get cold and wet.

Soon we had Lucy tucked up in bed, after many a longing look out the window. After her kisses and cuddles from those she loves so much she fell to sleep and we didn't hear another peak for the rest of the night. Catherine and Emily mean while caught up with each other and watched some of there favourite programmes before they finally turned in for the night. I know they were looking forward to playing in the snow tomorrow as much as Lucy.

I have had a smashing day, although it hasn't been without it's thoughtful moments which everyday seems to come with now. It has been lovely to have all the girls here and have them around me. I so love my children and there aren't words to describe that sort of love. It was worth not having a Birthday dinner just to see Lucy's little face when we got to Mini Monsters. I can't wait until the morning and the time they have together having fun in the snow.

Friday Flurries

The cold spell continues and with it came the a light dusting of snow that covered the ground making the village look lovely this morning after the sun came up. There wasn't very much snow but enough to make a few snow balls if collected together, although there is more on the way for the weekend.

I woke early again and before the sun was in the sky and waited for the girls to get up before I got out of bed. Soon they left for school and I got ready to go and get Lucy from the city. Given the snow I wasn't sure which route was best so I took the safer route and stuck to the main roads, although I did think being bus routes the country roads would have been clear. In the end this took longer than expected with major road works along the road between Melton and Leicester.

This made me late which I was trying to avoid. I really do hate it. Soon I had Lucy with me and we traveled back towards home chatting and listening to music. She even gave me a birthday card for tomorrow, which was lovely of her Of course she wanted me to open it straight away, but I said we should wait until tomorrow. Anyway, this time to avoid the congestion we took the normal route back through the villages, driving carefully as we did. As we got out into the countryside Lucy spotted the snow, which got thicker as we approached Rutland.

Our frist port of call was the supermarket to pick up the food for the next few days. Once Lucy got out the car you could almost feel her excitement at seeing the snow. She just warned to touch it and play with, slide in it and have fun. Unfortunately for Lucy, but fortunately for the customers the supermarket had gritted the path to the shop, but this didn't stop Lucy from finding the one bit of fresh snow to play with. It didn't take long to do the shopping and soon we were heading home.

As soon as we got in the garden Lucy was in her element. Part of the garden this time of year is always in the shade and it was covered in snow. She headed straight for it and was collecting it together, scraping things clean and generally having fun. Although there wasn't very much of it there was still enough to raise a smile until her hands got cold and it was time to come inside.

Once in the house I got on with making some nice warming bacon and mushroom rolls while Lucy went to look for George and let him out to play with her. Soon we were all filling our tummies and before we got into the serious business of playing for the rest of the afternoon. As usual we played all kinds of games and a once tidy family room became untidy again, but I guess that is half the fun or playing.

Lucy really wanted to pick up Catherine and Emily so we headed out just before school finished for the day to get Catherine and see Emily even if it was only quick kiss and a cuddle, as she was off for a sleep over with her friend Millie. Lucy was pleased to see them and her little cuddle with Emily enough to keep her going until they met again. Catherine on the other hand had the rest of the afternoon and the evening to enjoy her company. As soon as they got home they started to play until it was time for dinner.

After a quick dinner there was an hour or so before bedtime for Lucy. Both girls made the best use of the time they could. I can't say how much I just love to listen to them playing and being part of there games. Eventually it became tome for Lucy to go to bed and after her stories, cuddles and kisses Lucy went off to sleep and Catherine went off to watch television on the computer and chat to her friends until her bedtime arrived and she went off to sleep and the house fell quiet.

It has been a good day if a quiet one. Lucy had great fun when she saw the snow. She was walking through it, touching it, throwing it about. It was lovely to see. I just hope we have some more snow tomorrow that she can really enjoy with her sisters. There was something unusual that cropped up but didn't spoil the day. Who knows what tomorrow might bring other than my Birthday. I love being with my family.

New BBC Football Homepage

It wasn't a very nice surprise coming across the new BBC sport page. After they redesigned a lot of the site I guess it was bound to happen but the new page really doesn't work as well as the old one. The football page being a massive disappointment to anyone that follows the lower league clubs, like myself.

Of course on the BBC Television and Radio they are all saying how good it is. The problem is it is harder to navigate and find your football team if they aren't in the premier league and the same is true in other sports, for example, finding county cricket scores will be harder with you having to search the menu system. There is an old adage "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and that is the case here. The old site worked well and it was easy to find what you were looking for. The menu system was intuitive and fast. The whole site worked well on machines with limited processor power like netbooks and tablets, so why improve what didn't need improving? It is no better than it was before, in fact it is in my opinion worse.