MUSIC

Like so many people at this time of year, life gets scarily busy but rather than the usual round of panic, disillusionment and shear exhaustion that affects so many this time of year, my thoughts turned elsewhere.

Saturday afternoon, the daughter had her nursery Christmas party, which all the family were invited to. The tradition is that everyone brings some food and so I found myself in the kitchen making eggie sandwiches.

The installation of a new kitchen has awakened a long dormant enthusiasm for matters culinary, particularly baking. Number 2 son (chief dish washer) has put his CD player in there so with daughter asleep and sons all doing their own thing, I put on a long forgotten disc and got going.

As I spend most of my summers making sandwiches for the cricket club, this isn’t exactly an onerous task and took under an hour but as I listened (and spread), I mused to myself what an effect music has had on me and my life.

We listen to the radio at work and colleagues often look at me in amazement when I chirp up with the artist, title and often the year it was a hit. I don’t know why I retain this information so readily but I have always loved my music with a passion. Milestones in my life are inextricably linked to the music of that time:-

1978 - Grease. Second year at high school. Spent acting out scenes from the film with friends on the tennis courts surrounding our classroom. On my god, what an admission. I was Rizzo – bet that came as a surprise – NOT!

1982 – ABC and their debit album The Lexicon of Love. Details are far too embarrassing to reveal – even on here but suffice to say it was a significant event in my life!

1987 – Evangeline – The Icicle Works. Dancing to this with pure joy. I waited a long time for a daughter so I could call her after my favourite song. I still play this as loud as the neighbours will tolerate whenever I need to put a smile back on my face.

1991 –,Everything I do - Bryan Adams. Bittersweet memories – the end of my first marriage.

1994 Love Is All Around – Wet, Wet, Wet. The birth of my second son. “you know I love you I always will” what else is there to say………

I could go on and on, describing events and the songs that are inextricably linked to them.

Music can make me laugh, cry, dance like a lunatic or relax after the most stressful of days……………..

My sons and I had a lovely time watching Miss Evie-D have a total ball dancing in the middle of the dance floor, hands in the air "giving it large". Can't for the life of me think where she gets it from!!

The lovely Suzy over at Identiy Crisis has challenged me with a MEME.

Apparently the rules of the game are:

A). Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog...

B). Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself...

C). Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs...

D). Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So seven facts about me:-

1 Random statistics - I am 42 years old, have been married 3 times and have 5 children by 3 different fathers. I have had 3 miscarriages and 1 termination. I have been on television 3 times and have had 2 newspaper articles published. I am 3 stone overweight.
2 I am vain – I dye my hair (and there’s you all thinking I am a natural blonde!) , have regular manicures, wax – everywhere(!), I wash, blow dry and straighten my hair every day. I wear make up everyday I am at work. I like luxury fabrics like cashmere and silk.
3 I am totally quixotic. Sometimes my house is a show house, other times it’s a complete tip. At work sometimes I work like a demon and other times I coast, just getting by. Sometimes I post to my blog a couple of times a week, then not for ages (think the longest is a month).
4 I am generally easy going and being a balanced Libran, see all sides of an argument. That said, if you get me on one of my pet subjects – breast feeding or abortion, I become the most opinionated person out.
5 I cry at films, books, listening to other people’s troubles, songs, children’s play etc, etc. Basically I cry at the drop of a hat. My mum says it’s because I have the strong empathy gene from her family that makes all the women brilliant nurturers. And if my mum says that’s why, it’s good enough for me.
6 Generally I prefer to eat my pudding/sweet/dessert with a fork. Have no idea why but cake, pie and the like seem to taste better that way.
7 I am a life-long vegetarian and never eat meat, poultry or fish. That said, all my children love meat, poultry and fish – makes for some interesting meal times in our house! I can confess here that last week when my daughter was eating some pork, I really bit my tongue to stop myself from telling her she was eating Peppa Pig!!!!

Now, I have recently passed on one of these and I am reluctant to “make” people take part. Therefore, if you happen on my blog and fancy having a go, please do and let me know so I can have a nosy……

SIMPLE PLEASURES

I had another very domestic day on Satuday. Being as scarily broke as we are my retail therapy hasn't just been curtailed, its been banned................. Sigh................ Anyway, the house is benefitting from my efforts and much clutter has been recycled/sent to the charity shop etc, etc.

So, I sat down to my Saturday early evening telly fest of Strictly Come Dancing, to be followed by Robin Hood feeling highly virtuous. Husband was making pizza in the kitchen with the younger three offspring and they were having a high old time...... Just listening to their banter and giggles made me feel soooooooo contented and lucky. I got the camera and managed to snap a few images...............

First we have Sam, mister conscientious, diligently sorting toppings out. Then Husband disproving the myth that men never read instructions. Then the fair Miss Evie-D in full flow - or should that be full roll. Never mind any of the other processes required, this girl just wanted to get that heavy wooden rolling pin and go for it. As she is but 2 and a half, I wonder what the future holds!

It was a lovely family evening and cost us not a penny..................

BBC BREAKFAST TECHNOLOGY FAMILY

Whilst on a quest for upbeat topics to discuss/observe/generally opine about I realised I hadn't shared my other claim to fame (besides the writing for the local paper)............



Wait for it...................



Honestly, stick with me, it's worth the wait.....................................


We are, as in my and the tribe, the current BBC Breakfast Technology Family!!!!!!!


As such, we have appeared on LIVE tv twice and also done three recorded pieces too!!!!


As ever, it was one of my bright ideas - Maggie Philbin was on in January this year asking for families to apply and being the bright things that they are, the beeb chose US!!!!

Its been interesting to say the least - felt a complete burk doing the pre-recorded meet the family blurb. Sound really BROAD Norfolk! As in Bernard Matthews "bootiful". Ouch!!

Mind you, I was very popular with the boys and yes, husband is included in that collective, when we were given a Sony PS3 and all singing all dancing TV to play with. Have to say shooting people in HD proved very addictive and surprisingly relaxing!

We are waiting our next mission (should we choose to accept it of course).

See I am full of surprises aren't I!!!

Glad

Today I am glad. Glad I am alive, glad I am healthy and those I love are too. And I mean healthy emotionally and well as physically.................

A few things have contributed to this introspection and reflection. Even had a sleepless night last night churning life over. Some of my cyber friends have been talking about their pasts and events that have damaged them. I have cried reading them and felt utterly helpless, unable to offer any salve for their pain other than some words of sympathy. Self Employed Mother, who is retracing her past to unlock deep-rooted pain, Menopausal Old Bag, who broke my heart telling of the miscarriage of an unknown pregnancy and the devastatingly insensitive reaction of the GP who attended her. Then finally Suzy, over at Midlife Crisis who with a few simple, searing words laid bare the awful effect the lack of her mother's love and warmth has had on her.

Then last night I made the mistake of watching a documentary on tv about a Bulgarian home for handicapped children. I knew it would upset me and despite this I watched it all the way through, ending up sobbing at the neglect and disinterest that these poor children endured day after wretched day. Everyone was in bed, husband fast asleep beside me and the house was silent except for my sobs.

I have no answers to the world's ills, all I know is that for every child I read about who is mistreated, I kiss mine an extra time and hug them a little bit tighter and hold them just a few seconds longer.

I have no strong religious convictions and I struggle to rationalise it all, so have taken my existance to its simplest form and I am GLAD, GLAD, GLAD.

I hope this doesn't sound too Pollyanna-like but today I am just grateful I have a family who love me, a cosy home, healthy happy children and enough money to feed them. What the fuck else matters?

Eight Things.........

I was challenged by the lovely Kaycie over at "Lost In the Bible Belt" to complete this. Have a go - it certainly got me thinking..........

Eight things I am passionate about:

1 My children
2 My husband
3 Baby whispering
4 Common sense (oh we so need more of this in the world)
5 My work
6 Writing
7 Ironing – I passionately HATE having to do it!
8 Social responsibility

Eight things I want to do before I die:

1 Hold my daughter’s baby
2 See Paris
3 Be debt free
4 Go to my children’s weddings
5 Look after my mum rather than her look after me
6 Feel I have achieved my potential
7 Lose three stone
8 Move

Eight things I say often:

1 I love you
2 Fuck
3 Stop………….
3 Fuck off
4 Please
5 Thank you
6 Bedtime
7 Fancy a shag
8 That can’t be the time

Eight books I have read recently:

1 The Snail and the Whale, Julia Donaldson
2 Guess How Much I Love You, Sam Bratney
3 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling
4 Secrets of the Baby Whisperer for Toddlers
5 Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
6 I Like it When, Mary Murphy
7 Don’t Tell Mummy, Toni Maguire
8 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis De Bernieres

Eight songs I could listen to over and over:

1 Evangeline – Icicle Works
2 This is the one - Stone Roses
3 I am the resurrection – Stone Roses
4 One – U2
5 Bad – U2
6 Love is all around – Wet Wet Wet
7 I’ll Sail This Ship Alone – Beautiful South
8 You Do Something To Me, Paul Weller

Eight things that attract me to friends:

1 Passion
2 Zest for life
3 Loyalty
4 Funny
5 Like minded
6 Bold
7 Opinionated
8 Adventurous

PHEW!

Another manic weekend................... I'll start with the Awards Friday night........... Having had a fab new haircut at lunchtime, all I had to do was stick my body under the shower to freshen up and get the slap on. Plain black dress looked fab with some bling bling jewellery and I felt ready to face my fate........... Hotel was um ok, food was perfectly adequate. Compare was Karl Minns (part of the Nimmo Twins) and he was just side-splittingly funny - I cried with laughter and blessed whoever invented waterproof mascara. Then the award ceremony...............We entered for six awards, won two and came second in two. I didn't win the award I was nominated for and I AM GUTTED! We (me and my MD) spent hours putting them together so am chuffed to bits that we were the most successful company there but couldn't help wondering WHY I personally hadn't been successful. In the grand scheme of life its only a small, insignificant thing I know. The sun still came up Saturday morning - yes despite feeling distinctly groggy I was out of the house by 9 walking number 4 son to football. I walked because I didn't dare drive!

Number 4 son was his manager's man of the match(es) so he had a better start to the weekend than his mum!

Had a nap with the fair Miss Evie D in the afternoon and watched Strictly Come Dancing and Robin Hood with the tribe,then husband and I ventured up to the City for another night out - almost unheard of these days!

Helped the lovely Nikki celebrate her 40th birthday. She looked amazing - had shoes on that defied gravity and a silver dress that just looked knock out. I decided to drive to give my poor liver a rest after the previous nights battering. (Me drown my sorrows, NEVER!) It was a really lovely night with some great company, lively conversation and a good deal of people watching. We ended up in Chicago's and it was DIRE. Full of desperate people looking to pull. It did have one unexpected plus point in that I know have something suitably terrible to threaten husband with should he step out of line. I opined that he would have to come to places like that if we weren't together and the look of shear dread and terror was very telling!

Sunday was number 4's 9th birthday so was spent receiving visitors, cooking and generally enjoying being with my fab children. For part of his birthday present his dad took him to his first local derby - NCFC -v- Ipswich (the scum) - a gripping 2-2 draw, which apparently he LOVED.

So back to work on Monday and the publication of my second article in the local paper - will have another attempt to load it here.

Today we buried husband's maternal grandad. He died peacefully 11 days before his 85 birthday some 18 months after his wife of almost 60 years. I am not a religious person and have no strong beliefs but I like to think they are together again, content in each other's company once more. And so to tomorrow ......................................

THE END IS NIGH

Ok, I have had a very hectic week - managed to fit in leg and under arm wax, had the roots re-touched (sorry to disappoint those of you who were convinced I was a natural blonde), spoiled myself with a couple of sunbeds and bought a new frock following mother's negative comments regarding my original purchase. All this whilst fulfilling the usual maternal duties - I do try fobbing my children off by telling them they just don't need to eat EVERY day but they remain resolutely unconvinced and, of course, working. Well I shown up every day and gone through the motions. Have been seriously distracted though.

Why I hear you chorus.

Well, dear friends, tonight is the Recruitment Awards and I am nominated for an award as is the company I work for. Moreover, I WANT TO WIN.

Have desperately been trying to be all laid back about it but its no good, I know I will be desperately disappointed if I don't.

Its all my mother's fault - she's extremely competitive and successful and along with vetoing my choice of dress she then started to opine that why do people celebrate coming second and there's no point celebrating that. No pressure then mum!

I am trying to keep it all in perspective and looking upon it as a work night out rather than anything else and we always have a good time together when we go out en masse.

Wish me luck!

PARENT RAGE

Had a very peculiar experience today whilst shopping with husband and the three youngest offspring.

Now shopping "en famile" is fraught with its own dangers - husband isn't known for his tolerance when I am umming and ahhhhing about what to buy and the boys are definitely following in his footsteps in that regard. However, we had carefully negotiated our itinerary and objectives and had spent a couple of very productive hours re-shoeing the boys and getting a dress for me to wear for these blessed Awards on Friday. All good stuff.

So as a reward, husband was to be treated to a fresh, warm pasty from a well known high street retailer.......... As I was pushing the buggy, I brought up the rear whilst husband went ahead and ordered....... I looked up to see number 4 son picking himself up off the tiled floor in some obvious distress. It was a pretty unpleasant autumn day - very damp and he simply slipped on the tiles. What I was completely unprepared for was the sight of a grown man sitting at a nearby table laughing at my poor boy's distress. Maternal instinct prevailed and I gave my boy a cuddle and rubbed him better. He was ok - bit shaken up but no major injuries.

I glanced again at the table where the "offender" was still chuckling away. I just couldn't believe it and not in some comic Victor Meldrew way either.

What a PIG.

I stood and stared and I think he realised I wasn't overly impressed with his behaviour. I didn't say anything though goodness I had some choice phrases running through my mind. So to the gentleman in the Traditional Pasty Shop in Norwich City Centre at about 1pm today I would offer the following. "May your ear holes turn to arseholes and shit upon your shoulders".

Sorry to be so crude and base to those of a sensitive disposition but this person had obviously had an empathy bypass and subtlety would be lost.

Rant over. It was a lovely day other than that!

90 Plus Things You Never Knew About Me (and didn't really want to!!)

Found this over at Self Employed Mum - made me giggle so thought I'd give it a go...

1. How old will you be in five years? 47 - have no idea how THAT happened.....
2. Who did you spend at least two hours with today? The tribe, husband and James, my manager.
3. How tall are you? 5’7 - not tall enough!
4. What do you look forward to most in the next six weeks? Any day with the brood is a good one.
5. What's the last movie you saw? Can't remember at the minute
6. Who was the last person you called? Home to see how my baby is doing - she has an ear infection.
7. Who was the last person to call you? My friend Jo trying to find me at lunch time.
8. What was the last text message you received? Boring - work related
9. Who was the last person to leave you a voicemail? Again can't remember
10. Do you prefer to call or text? Call - I always forget something if I text
11. What were you doing at 12am last night? Nursing my baby, Evie.=
12. Are your parents married/separated/divorced? Divorced years ago - both really happily remarried for over 20 years.
13. When is the last time you saw your mom? Last night - took her some mending. Thanks Mum!
14. What color are your eyes? Never been able to work this one out. Greenish
15. What time did you wake up today? 7 but ignored the alarm
16. What are you wearing right now? Looking hot in my pj bottoms and gap fleece. Ensemble is completed by my to die for sheepskin mewels - the most comfortable footwear there is.
17. What is your favorite Christmas song? A tie between Away in a Manger and Silent Night - or would they be classed as carols? For cheese value it has to be Wham "Last Christmas"
18. Where is your favorite place to be? Anywhere with my family
19. Where is your least favourite place to be? God how amenable am I - can't think of anywhere!
20. Where would you go if you could go anywhere? Undecided between Hawaii and Oz
21. Where do you think you'll be in 10 years? Still living in the same town, hopefully still as happily married with some strapping sons and an adolescent daughter - deep joy!
22. Do you tan or burn? Tan so long as I don't go silly
23. What did you fear was going to get you at night as a child?A monster from Dr Who
24. What was the last thing that REALLY made you laugh? Mass bundle with the tribe and husband - always has us in fits.
25. How many TVs do you have in your house? Three - I got really strict a couple of years ago and took them out of the kids bedrooms.
26. How big is your bed? King size - we need the space for cuddles
27. Do you have a laptop or desktop computer? Desktop - brand spankin new Dell - cheers hubby
28. Do you sleep with or without clothes on? Really depends - prefer nothing but do wear pj's if its really chilly
29. What color are your sheets? Lilac
30. How many pillows do you sleep with? 3 - 1 to cuddle, the others for my head
31. What is your favorite season? Unquestionably summer
32. What do you like about fall? Bugger all - it means winter is on the way and the cricket season is over.
33. What do you like about winter? Again bugger all - its cold and dark.
34. What do you like about the summer? Everything - long evenings, spending hours at the cricket club
35. What do you like about spring? It means the summer is on its way. Not wearing layers of cashmere - do you get the idea I don't do cold!
36. How many states/provinces have you lived in? Um, gets fingers out - 4
37. What cities/towns have you lived in? Norfolk, Northern Ireland, Manchester, London
38. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Bare feet everytime - bit of an aging hippy at heart.
39. Are you a social person? Definitely - couldn't keep me in when I was a kid.
40. What was the last thing you ate? Orange lolly
41. What is your favorite restaurant? Morston Hall
42. What is your favorite ice cream? Good quality vanilla
43. What is your favorite dessert?
44. What is your favorite kind of soup? Lentil
45. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Not American! Don't do PB & J sandwiches. Do like Marmite though!
46. Do you like Chinese food? Yes
47. Do you like coffee? Yuk no - I am a tea girl everytime
48. How many glasses of water a day? Depends - from 0 to 6/8
49. What do you drink in the morning? Tea - decaff though
50. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? Right - we even work it out when we go away!
51. Do you know how to play poker? Not a clue!
52. Do you like to cuddle? Absolutely
53. Have you ever been to Canada? Never - got family there though so I should
54. Do you have an addictive personality? Yes - reformed smoker..... can manifest itself in some mad ways
55. Do you eat out or at home more often? Home - not enough disposable income to do otherwise
56. Do you know anyone with the same birthday as you? No - close but not the same day
57. Do you want kids? Bit late for that one - I've got 5!
58. Do you speak any other languages? Schoolgirl French
59. Have you ever gotten stitches? Only in my lady bits when I had number 1 son
60. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yep - husband got rushed to A&E in 2005. It wass blues & twos all the way and I was really car sick when we got there. He made a full recovery though!
61. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Pool - too many poo's in the sea around here!
62. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seats? Window - fascinates me
63. Do you know how to drive stick? Is this a leading question?? Yes I can drive stick.
64. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Pink dresses
65. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? Wedding ring, Tiffany bracelet, watch, 3 ear-rings
66. What is your favorite TV show? ER - Goran Visnic is just lush
67. Can you roll your tongue? Think so.............
68. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? No - I'm over 40 not 4
69. What is the main ring tone on your phone? Crazy - Gnarls Berkley
70. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? Just one dress I couldn't bear to part with.
71. What red object is closest to you right now? A predominantly red picture by Evie
72. Do you turn off the water while you brush your teeth? Sometimes
73. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? No doors on them
74. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? Bees I guess - less chance of it being fatal I suppose. Can't I just hide until they've all gone away?
75. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Yuk - been veggie all my life
76. What is your favorite food? Depends. If all else fails give me a bag of Quavers
77. Can you change the oil on a car? Not a chance!
78. Have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? No - husband got 2 in a week - boy did I give him a hard time!
79. Have you ever run out of gas? Diesel once - nightmare
80. What is your usual bedtime? 10.30pm
81. What was the last book you read? Some lightweight chick lit
82. Do you read the newspaper? the local one
83. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Yes - In Style - god how shallow am I
84. Do you watch soap operas? Yes Eastenders
85. Do you dance in the car? Absolutely - and sing really loudly. My children love it - not!
86. What radio station did you last listen to? Radio 1
87. Who is in the picture frame closest to you? The tribe of course.
88. What was the last note you scribbled on a piece of paper? To do lists at work
89. What is your favorite candle scent? Don't tend to burn candles - don't trust my kids around them
90. What is your favorite board game? Cannot for the life of me remember the last time I played a board game.
91. Who was your favorite teacher in high school? Mrs Drury - History. Great teacher and totally straight.
92. What is the longest you have ever camped out in a tent? Have never camped as an adult - nowhere to plug my hairdryer in!

The Article

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/manic-mothers-tribe/files?hl=en&upload=1

This link should, I hope, take you to the article in today's EDP.........

Me!

Want to get a photo on here of me and apparently I have to get a URL first so here goes!!!

And I didn't Feel a Thing

Been tagged by Self Employed Mum at http://selfemployedmum.blogspot.com/ to do a MEME, which apparently has to be about why I blog.

In all truthfulness, I had been reading a friend of a friend's blog for a couple of months and, after a particularly "challenging" week, decided to vent some of my frustrations on the computer....... And Manic Mother of Five was born.

Have thoroughly enjoyed putting some thoughts "out there"........ Met some really interesting people too.

Also quite liked the anonymity too but that is going to be blown out of the water this week when my first article is published in our local newspaper. Sorry, how funny does that sound - am chuckling as I type that.......

Am generally a very happy, upbeat person but do find being able to moan to an unknown audience very cathartic.......

I now tag "swearing mother" to tell us all.....................

"Be careful what you dream of it may come up and surprise you"

Lyrics from an Icicle Works song. I dreamed for years and years of having a daughter, finally got one and what a minx she is! Got the tribe all scrubbed and gorgeous ready for a photo session at Evie's nursery. Got there, the boys all assumed their various poses as instructed by the photographer...... Daughter refused point blank to leave my side - indeed clung to me like a baby monkey. Consequently I will be sending a christmas picture out this year with my ugly mug right in the middle of my babes. Great! Got home in a definite snot and decided to snap a few at home. Managed to persuade Evie to give her brother a cuddle and snapped away. Am pleasantly pleased with this one. You can tell by the expression that she wasn't in the mood for posing. Bloody women!

SEPTEMBER

Well September has been and gone, taking with it the last games of cricket and my birthday....... Its usually an industrious month in our house. As I have husband and older sons about, lots of jobs that have been neglected over the summer finally get done. We have started to clear out the loft (I was getting seriously worried that the ceilings may come down!) and had a change about of bedrooms for the boys.

Everybody seems to have got back into the swing of school or college and I have resigned myself to flying around like some possessed harpy in the morning rather than the leisurely preparations of the summer when I only had to get me and the daughter out of the door.

Number one son is getting enjoying learning to drive, though admits he doesn't find it easy -much to my relief. I didn't want him to be over-confident and breeze through learning........ Two 19 year old lads from ourtown have recently died in a car crash, which was a very sobering experience........

The football season is upon us and husband has decided to come out of retirement - yet again. I watch occasionally but its no good, its not the same as sitting watching a game of cricket on a hot summer's day with something cool in hand............

Was lucky enough to be invited to see Erasure - on the guest list no less. Felt v glam waltzing past the hoi polloi. It was at out local venue and my goodness the put on a real "show". Have seen loads of bands over the years but for shear entertainment, they certainly are up there with the best. Cheers Mark!

Birthday came and went, 42 isn't exactly v inspiring is it. Had lunch with a couple of lovely ladies, which was a real pleasure. Number one son bought me a Flake and a glossy magazine - that boy so knows his mother.............

Have been nominated for a work-related award and had the interview the day after my birthday................ Think it went ok but will find out on November 2nd. Keep your fingers crossed - I am embarrassingly keen to win!! Yet more evidence that I need to get out more!

The last day of the month I had promised our collective services to my mum and dad to help with the pruning....... It was a glorious day and we all set to with mum acting as foreman. It was so enjoyable just being outside with my kids and doing something productive. Our reward was a roast lunch with chicken for the boys and every conceivable vegetable for their non-meat eating mum. Just goes to show that the simple things in life can be so good for you.

OK, that's September. Will update you as to October's goings on soon. I promise and sorry for being so neglectful.

MANIC WEEKEND

Phew, here we are another Monday almost over and boy did I need to get back to work for a rest.

Husband and number 1 son departed 7am Friday for a cricket tour encompassing Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

So faced with the prospect of a weekend of housework and keeping the remaining 4 offspring occupied, I decided we would have an adventure of our own. So Saturday we took ourselves North to see some friends and family. Even managed to fit in some retail therapy at one of those outlet villages. Now I know why husband chooses to remain in Norfolk - its to keep me a healthy distance away from such sources of temptation.

Late Sunday afternoon we travelled to the lovely Bakewell to meet up with the intrepid cricketers, who were, by now looking decidedly tired and emotional. Husband is a postie so needed to be at work at 5am so I drove him home, leaving my biggest boy to roll in at gone 2am....

So with all this travelling and a potty training 2 year old, I am shattered.

Daughter decided on Thursday that she'd had enough of nappies and that she was using her potty now. Consequently I find myself saying "do you want your pot" in my sleep, at work to unsuspecting temps and whilst walking down the street to complete strangers. Well, I am sure you will get my drift. Its hard not to become a little obsessed. Totally biased I may be but the daughter is an endearing little thing and when she leaps off her pot, so proud of doing a wee that she gives herself a round of applause, it does make you smile somewhat. I guess its a hazzard of having 4 adoring big brothers that she is used to unquestioning approvable....... Oh dear, I pity the fellow who, in years to come, decides to take her on..........................

Too tired to talk more. Talk soon....................

MIXED FORTUNES

Am sitting here on a Sunday evening after another manic weekend devoted entirely to cricket.

Friday evening was Presentation Night - a few games for the kids, a few beers for the grown ups. All very convivial. Number 4 son got a player of the year award for his age group. Have to admit husband and I looked at each other in shear amazement. We know he's keen but in all honesty with work, other commitments and coaching the older lads, we haven't seen him play. Was chuffed to bits for him.

Saturday morning was more games for the kids, lunch was laid on by all the parents so copious amounts of eggy sandwiches had to be provided. The afternoon was a Presidents eleven against the home side. Wasn't the most competitive of games and when husband shouted "drinks" to me, I don't think the reply of "southern comfort" was the one he expected! Again a pleasant time was had by all.

The evening brought Race Night. Now horse racing leaves me cold, just don't get it. Perhaps it is further proof of my pleb background that the sport of kings just isn't my bag. However, having bet 50p on some random nag my competitive streak emerged with avengence. Lost every bloody race - even my 13 year old son was more successful. (Note to self, ensure all online gambling sites are blocked!)

So to Sunday morning and an under 9's soft ball competion between some local sides. Our first opportunity to witness number 4 son displaying his prowess..... Well the boy done good. Bowling is a bit dodgy (lollipops was the verdict of those in the know), fielding was definitely enthusiastic (lots of green stains to be "Ace'd") but it was the batting that really caught the eye. My little chunk really looks the part. Has that childish desire to hit every ball into the middle of next week, or rather the cow field next to the ground but hey, the bare bones are there. Was so proud.

Onto the afternoon when the side that number one son plays in were in the under 17's final. Now even with my maternal rose tinted glasses on I know that he's no Freddie Flintoff but, having had a "stroke" at the age of 18 months, to see him play any sport at any level is enough to reduce me to a sobbing wreck so today was fairly momentous. Of course, they lost...... As a team they played pretty well apart from one brainless oik who decided to run three of his team mates out and destroy any chance of chasing a total that, thanks to the batsmen higher up the order, was imminently achievable. Bitter me, no!!!! Did I forget to mention that number 1 son was one of the oik's victims. Cricket is a bloody silly game and I can never see it catching on!!

PROMOTION!

Big sighs of relief in our household. Saturday brought promotion for the cricket team husband plays for. They certainly had to work for it after being bowled out frighteningly cheaply but stuck together and won convincingly. Perhaps I don't need to say add that this victory was well celebrated!

Sunday also brought more success to the cricket club with the under 17's winning through to the final of our county cup. Number 1 son plays for this side, so again, much celebrating.

Yesterday, back to work for a detox!

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

Ok everyone, crucial weekend in our household - the cricket team husband plays for are praying for decent weather tomorrow so they can play their final game of the season and, hopefully, gain promotion. Its been pretty tense round here for the last couple of weeks on Saturdays......... You try telling husband and my boys that its "only a game"!!

Given that its a Bank Holiday Weekend, we are not particularly optimistic that the gods will smile on us and grant some sunshine but hey, you never know. That said, if it pours with rain and no cricket is played anywhere, they are guaranteed promotion......... Perhaps I should be doing a rain dance after all - would save what I am certain is going to be a highly stressful afternoon. Wish us luck!

I CAN DO TECHNOLOGY!

Yippee!!!! Have uploaded my first picture. Its of me and husband at a friend's wedding this Easter - yes that was when we had our summer and the weather was lovely.... Now I know what to do, I will add some of the five offspring who have inspired this blog. Watch this space!

ILLICIT POSTNG!!

Its no good, I can't resist temptation any more, I am typing this at WORK!! Have so far disciplined myself to rant from home but today has got the better of me.

It has rained all bloody day and my four sons are on the verge of commiting fratricide and I just don't know what to do with them! Generally when they are like that and I am around, I get them doing "jobs" and they moan about that rather than about each other. Tried that approach via the telephone - stern words over speakerphone but they resumed pummelling each other as soon as I had hung up.

Bloody, bloody hooligans...... Being an only child, I have no idea if this behaviour is "normal". Can anyone out there shed any light?????

What a difference a day makes................

Well husband decided to remove his head from the orifice in which it had been lodged, so peace reigns, well temporarily anyway.

Have a ridiculously manic weekend ahead......... Today is number 1 son's 17th birthday, so beware drivers in Norfolk. He is chomping at the bit to get behind a wheel. This evening husband and number 2 son will be at cricket coaching. Tomorrow morning number 4 son will be at cricket coaching and husband playing in the afternoon (promotion is looming - more on that as and when). Whilst husband is playing cricket, I will be at NCFC with work clients (that sounds sooooo dodgy but isn't I promise), which means I will be needing help with the youngest of the tribe. Sorry mum for whatever havoc she reeks.....

Saturday evening we have an engagement party to go to - a triumph of optimism over good sense if ever there was one. Plus, a friend's band is playing locally so would like to see them too at some point.

Sunday we are filming with the BBC................... More on that another time.

Monday, back to work for a rest!

What's everyone else up to?

Men!!

Whilst watching BBC Breakfast this morning, it was announced that men between 35 and 43 are at their most miserable between those ages. That explains ALOT! Husband is being a real pain in the arse at the moment and I am finding it really hard going.

Like to consider myself a glass half full kind of person. Am fortunate to have a job I really enjoy and five fab children who can send me totally insane but who, for the most part are a complete joy.

Why can't men enjoy the moment????? I seem to spend so much of my time urging husband to look on the bright side and that things could be so much worse...... Yes, others may have more materialistic success - good on 'em but whilst we may be pound poor, we are rich in so many other ways. Sorry if that sounds totally sick-making but I honestly do believe that life should be embraced and enjoyed.

God this blog writing is a cathartic process........ I have been inspired by Knifepainter and Swearing Mother to start one and goodness, its like having a modern day secret diary.....

Time to go - one of the brood is demanding my attention - number 2 son can't find something...... another issue I have with men!

Post Holiday Blues

Hmmmm. Have just come back from a week in sunny Spain with 3 of my 5 children. Stayed with my first ex mother in law. Now that's got to be a modern day phenomenon! Was my first foreign holiday for 19 years and very nice it was too. Husband insisted I came back with white bits rather than the all over roasting I intended, so did as I was told and have white marks in some extremely strange places. I guess I have gravity to thank for that.

Can't complain about the travel - both flights were on time and security was tight but efficient.

Rode a camel for the first time. That's one more think ticked off the "must do before I die" list.

Daughter tolerated the factor 50 sun cream but wouldn't entertain the all enclosing sun suit so paraded along the Med in her birthday suit. Oh well, I have plenty of blackmail pictures for when the first boyfriend comes round!