2018 it's fair to say was a totally rubbish year. Did good things happen? Of course they did. But if 2018 was a person I'd also want to punch it in the face.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Geekfest 3:0 at Heartlands Cornwall
On July 1st myself, the mini cupcakes and Mr K headed to Heartlands for Geekfest 3.0, the third Geekfest to be held at Heartlands in Cornwall. This event celebrates everything geeky from Star Wars, Doctor Who, comics, merchandise, gaming, cosplay and so much more.
Next year I'm definitely going to go in cosplay because it looked so much fun and so natural. Little A dressed up as Captain America and Midge went with a Harlequin theme she put together herself. Sadly her bought outfit didn't fit her properly but ever the creative she tried her best with what she could find!
Captain America
Midge excited for Geekfest!
We explored the play area first which both the children loved and gave Mr K and I the chance to look at the map of all the events.
Burning rubber!
We saw some fantastic prosthetic work from Gorton Studios. The characters below are all from Doctor Who, you will probably recognise them if you're a fan! We got to see some evil spirit make up being done by Morgan Kimber which was amazing.
Little A loved the Ood and Midge loved the Madme Vestra mask.
Madam Vestra
Morgan Kimber from Gorton Studios doing an evil spirit make over
We then went on to the Nerf area where Mr k, Midge and I watched A run wild with a Nerf gun for about 20 minutes diving behind hide outs and shooting random people with foam bullets. After this we walked to the main courtyard which had some large army vehicles and a replica DeLorean time machine car from Back to the Future. Little A found a Creeper from Minecraft, a game he enjoys playing on his tablet.
We then went on to the Nerf area where Mr k, Midge and I watched A run wild with a Nerf gun for about 20 minutes diving behind hide outs and shooting random people with foam bullets. After this we walked to the main courtyard which had some large army vehicles and a replica DeLorean time machine car from Back to the Future. Little A found a Creeper from Minecraft, a game he enjoys playing on his tablet.
Little A ready to do Nerf battle
Little A and a Creeper!
I bumped into an Edea cosplay which totally made my day. I adored Final Fantasy VIII as a kid and loved all the characters, Edea was a favourite sorceress of mine but I also loved Ultimacia and Adel but I'm thinking that as a cosplay wouldn't be easy to do!
The fabulous Edea from Final Fantasy VIII
There was plenty of Star Wars cosplay with Stormtroopers keeping things on check and a huge Chewbacca posing for photos with fellow geeks (much to Mr K's delight!)
Mr K with Chewbacca and a Stormtrooper
We ventured over to the tent which held some stalls but sadly it was this part that was a bit of a let down for me; the reason being that Mr K, who was using his wheelchair could only get around half the stalls (and with great difficulty given everyone was moving in a clockwise motion) so there were several stalls he missed out on not to mention in order to take the children to the face paints and comic stall I had to leave him alone near the entrance!
Other than that, there were some fabulous stalls. We bought key rings from Jimagination Creations, next time I'll be buying a Harry Potter bookmark which looked fantastic (photo below is from the facebook page where you can also purchase items!) We checked out Superhero Stash where I picked up badges (Captain America of course.) but they sold mugs, key rings, canvas prints and Funko Pops too. The children got some glitter tattoos while I browsed through the comics and graphic novels from Truro based comic store Bazbo Comics. I picked up 2 Wonder Woman comics and 2 Captain America ones for Mr K. I'm thinking of framing mine, I love the art work on the old comics. I want to go back and get some more plus there were plenty which my brother would like.
One of my awesome Wonder Woman comic books
Harry Potter bookmark on my wishlist!
Little A and Midge getting their photo taken by a Stormtrooper! Lucky little man got to wear his helmet!
Thanks Geekfest, we'll see you next year!
Thanks Geekfest, we'll see you next year!
Cupcake Mumma
Time for Myself
On Thursday I ventured out with 2 of my close friends to Truro for time on my own, well time on my own with good company!
I'm not hugely fond of places with lots of people but equally I can cope and I always love coming to see the Cathedral. I usually go in whenever I'm visiting but I didn't on this occasion. I still made my friends wait while I took photos of bunting and the beautiful building.
We visited Pennyworths Sweet Shop which is next to the Cathedral and full of goodies. I didn't purchase anything because I only had my card on me but next time I know I can take the little ones there and bring some pennies with me! We went to collect a parcel and I picked up some awesome pink headphones.
We stopped at a place called Vanilla where we had a bite to eat. I enjoyed a strawberry and raspberry with cracked black pepper drink which was nice but not really my thing so next time I'll try something else. I had a huge Cornish smoked mackerel salad which was really, really delicious and very good. There isn't much option for free from eaters but I was happy with this. After paying the bill we headed home.
I ended up picking Little A up from the train station and we headed home to chill out together. He's really come a long way with his reading and I really love it when he gets excited about stories at bedtime.
So I've taken some time out, just a short space of time which was nice. This weekend I'm off to see family and my boyfriend which is really exciting and has been something to look forward to for ages. I'm hoping I come back with a clearer mind, a lighter soul, some positivity and a bit of healing.
Cupcake Mumma
Now We're Three ~ A Letter to my Children
My beautiful children,
I could write this and pop it into a box or find some place safe but you know me, it'll end up lost under all sorts of other bits. So I'm writing it here, where all our other memories are and all my other thoughts are for you to one day read and look back on.
I'm sorry things didn't go the way we planned. I loved your Daddy very much, and for a long time he loved me too. But for a few months we drifted, then life, money and work got into the way and we lost ourselves. Sadly we drifted apart and one day Daddy left. For a long time we worked well but we are so very, very different and as we grew older we noticed this more and more. Daddy leaving was a shock, I never thought it would happen to me, to us. There's a lesson there my little ones, none of us are invincible to anything in this life.
I will never forgot your faces on the morning we told you Daddy didn't love Mummy anymore. Especially yours Midge, I know it hurt you a lot my sensitive, beautiful little girl. You both have come so far in just a few months and you must know I am incredibly proud of you.
As a new family of 3 it's been tough at times hey?! Mummy has dropped a few balls but you know why? It's because I'm not perfect. It's because I was hurt and upset and I had to stay strong, face things that scared the hell out of me but I'd do those things again and again and again and I'd try not to drop those balls but sometimes juggling is hard! You'll understand one day.
I'm not going to say I hope you're happy because I know you are. You have both carried on doing well as usual in school, we've had lost teeth, more gym badges, new clubs, residential school trips, days out, and we totally conquered our first Easter holiday as a single parent family *yey!*
Yesterday you met your Dads' new girl-friend for the first time. You seem to like her, I'm glad she's nice and I hope in time you'll have some fun together. Just remember, she's going to be cool, nice and fun and I'm Mumma. I have to be all those things but I also have to tell you off and run our house, sort all your things and keep you in check and I won't always be as cool as her. I want you to know that you never have to hide anything from me, that I'm always here and I love you so very much. If there's anyone in this world that wants to help you, be there for you and love you in a way no other person can it's me. I am always here for you my babies and I know I won't always be fun, I won't be able to drive you to days out or holidays but I can and will always try to do and give you my best.
I'm happy for your Daddy. I don't always feel friendly or happy but one day you'll understand this. I'm also happy too. In a couple of months you'll meet someone who is special to Mummy and I hope you like him as much as Mummy does. Your Daddy will feel the same as me and he will always be there for you. You have so many people looking out for you. So many people who love you guys and I hope you never forget that.
I love you, I am proud of you and I thank you for being the two most amazing children I have ever known. How lucky I am that you call me 'Mumma.'
Cupcake Mumma
My Sunday Photo ~ Back from London
Midge had a wonderful London trip with her school friends but she was very much missed by A and I. I took this adorable photo at half eleven at night, he couldn't sleep for excitement. It's now my absolute favourite photo.
I'M WRECKED, THIS IS MY JOURNAL ~ An Alternative Baby Record Book Review
Hello all, I've got a great book for you all today. Have a peek at this alternative baby record book by Shannon Cullen which I was kindly sent to review by Michael O'Mara Books, thanks guys!
About the book:
Entertaining, honest and occasionally messy, I’m Wrecked, This Is My Journal is packed full of lists, quotations, doodles and more. Ideal for all frazzled new parents, this is the perfect companion for all those odd thoughts, bizarre expectations and the real-life experiences of being a parent during the roller-coaster first year with your baby. Whether you’re looking for gin in the word search or playing parenting bingo, this frank, witty book will raise a smile as you embark on the extraordinary – and often chaotic – journey into parenthood.
What Did I Think?
If you're a fan of Wreck This Journal then this book will be right up your street. You'll also enjoy it if you enjoy doodling, colouring and have a sense of humor! You honestly don't need to be a new parent either! Obviously it helps with some bits of the book but mostly it's humorous record keeping of being a parent to your little...erm cherubs! I have a 9 and 6 year old and have had GREAT fun looking through the book and have filled in most of it already!
My take on a welcome to parenting card!
A taster of what you'll find in the book from Amazon
I'm Wrecked, This Is My Journal is now available to buy from Amazon priced currently at £6.99, a fantastic book to buy for new parents or keep for yourself. I personally think I could fill mine and pass it on so a friend or relative knows what they're in for! Move over Gina Ford, here's how it really goes down!
Cupcake Mumma
Little Man ~ Now You're Six
Sometimes it feels like only yesterday when I think about the day you were born. How you were brought to the surface of the water, my own hands gently guiding you to air. My little boy.
Newborn Baby A
You've grown so much in this last year my Little Man. Your speech has just come from no where (actually it's taken the school and your lovely speech therapist a while but you've done so well) I find you as feisty and stubborn as ever. Sometimes I wonder if there's something else to you. I can't quite explain it but sometimes, Little Man you persist where many give up. You question things over and over, I am always afraid to upset you. You remember things that hurt you, upset you or made you sad long after they've happened and we have the same conversations over and over again. You are oblivious to how annoying this can be! I don't know if that's what every other boy does. I know how different we all are.
I enjoy your energy and your curiosity. Your love of animals and babies is wonderful and you make so many people laugh. At school the teachers fall for you, you have nice friends but you let others get away with far too much; all because you are afraid of getting told off (which you hate.)
On the red tractor at Paradise Park
Now you're six, little man. I can't lie, I'm glad you're a little older because now we can talk to each other. Now I understand you, what you want, need and feel and there was a long time when you were distressed, sad and very angry and I was lost, stressed and frustrated but now mostly that is gone. You frustrate me in many ways but still I wouldn't trade it for the early days.
Right now, you are getting into football, you are a Mums boy very much. You love penguins and Lego, The Avengers are your favourite toys. You enjoy books but love your tablet with all its silly games. It's difficult to get you off that thing sometimes! You are a kind boy, but very much a little lad too with a wicked sense of humor. Your Dads' humor I would say. Oh and you hate bedtime...It's 9.45pm, you are wide awake messing about, asking questions, up and down the stairs getting a yogurt, a drink, complaining about school, playing with your toy and demanding kisses and hugs..This is you, at six.
I love you my Little A.
Mummy xx
Midges Birthday Sleepover!
Midge in her new onesie
We had birthday pancakes before school and let her open all her cards and gifts before getting her uniform on. We bought her a pug onesie, lots of nail polish related gifts, boxes of Malteasers (her favourite chocolate) and a few other bits. It was odd not having anyone home when I knew there was a birthday but I got all her bits sorted for dinner and tidied up.
Mr B and I collected the children from school. Midge had a surprise visit from her cousins and we celebrated with a chip shop dinner (last minute change of plan!) and Malteaser covered chocolate birthday cake. It's the first birthday cake I've ever made that I couldn't eat!
Chocolate covered chocolate cake as requested
The cousins stayed until way too late and we all went to bed way earlier than we would usually but we'd all had such a good day and as the next day was another school day we all needed some kip!
I'm glad Midge had another great birthday. At the weekend we celebrated a second time with her 2 friends and 2 cousins. Mr B and A went to stay with his sister so it was just us girls. We had a junk dinner, cupcakes, a nail painting session, pillow fighting, we watched 2 movies with lots of popcorn before collapsing into bed gone midnight. I shared my bed with my 4 year old niece who was first to drop off, then the girls slowly went one by one until at 1am everyone was asleep and I could finally shut my eyes!
We had such a lovely evening (I still won't be rushing to host any more sleepovers though!) There were some tears, some bickering, black nail varnish spilled on the floor, bedrooms were trashed, popcorn was everywhere, screaming was most definitely done and I must have been shattered still by Sunday but it was all good! I'm still finding friends belongings down the side of the beds and under things, honestly, girls must pack for a week!
Nieces!
Midges birthday summed up in one word by Midge: Awesome!!
Cupcake Mumma
When Kids Just Won't Share a Room
We've had a problem. A rather frustrating, exhausting, irritating and stupid problem: my kids won't share a bedroom. Reason that's an issue? We only have 2 bedrooms!!
In our old house we had 3 bedrooms and everyone was happy. Mr B and I had more room than we needed and enjoyed it, Midge had her pink stickers and single pink bed in her own sanctuary and A had his bed and room which overflowed with his cars, trains and other random bits. We were happy! Now we've moved and one room is a good size for sharing (ish, we couldn't get their original beds in so had to get a bunk bed) and then we have the single room which is mine and Mr B's...
Or rather it was...
Because my children kept coming down the stairs eleven billion times* after bedtime, because they wound each other up, hit one another, bickered, got giggle fits, had tantrums and all the rest and nothing else has worked (shouting, crying, begging, bribing, confiscating, staggered bedtimes, reward charts, me sat outside on a stool and so on...) I decided enough was enough!
Taken from a stool I sat on until they fell asleep..which they didn't!
Now Midge has her own room again and is happier. Well, she has our double bed, her bedding, she likes my cupcake theme and isn't bothered about collecting her clothes from the other room (there is no room for drawers in the her bedroom) A is happier in a way. He has Mummy and Daddy on the double bed below him and if he has a bad night he's easier to settle.
It's a little odd I'll admit but I'm tired. Mr B needs sleep for his 12 hour shifts as a carer, I need it for my mental health, my role at school and to be a decent human being (read mother) and my children need sleep for obvious reasons!
Now we're all sleeping better I'm looking into getting the rooms done up and moved about. My dad bought the bed from Amazon and it's ace. I'd like to get my book shelf into my room and give Midge some of her possessions back if they'll fit in some how. I still want a reading corner for the children, plus some blinds: VELUX do so many styles of blinds. I think we need some more photos on the walls too.I like my photo wall in the lounge so I can't see why I can't do one in the bedrooms!
Have you ever had to change around this dramatically before? Perhaps I'm being a pushover but I guess they've worn down my patience and I'm desperate for sleep and quality time with my husband!
* May be an exaggeration (but it doesn’t feel like it!)
Cupcake Mumma
How am I Supposed to Feel?
Grief is unique. There is no one size fits all. No 'this is how it's going to feel and here's how to deal with it,' book and if there is I'm not sure I'd be picking it up. I know there are stages of grief though: shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. That's what Google tells me anyway *laughs*
I've been shocked. That came before, where we had to accept that Uncle M was ill and never going to get better. No one expected to hear the news; at least as far as I'm aware no one did. One moment he had an illness he could recover from and the next he has an illness that he can not and will not recover from. I went briefly to not believing this could be true that once more cancer had invaded my family but this time it was taking someone with it. Then that made me understandably angry.
I have to say guilt was a big feeling for me over the first few days. But that's more private. I was lifted when I heard him speak on Wednesday evening. He was tired and weak but I heard him and heard everyone with him, all my family there by his side. I'm so, so happy I told him I loved him. Wednesday appeared to be a good day for him, one of his best. My parents came home on Thursday, he passed away in the early hours of Friday morning. I chose to deal with it later, after my first session at school with reception. I came home and I started to deal with it.
Now I'm just sad. Or I'm okay. I didn't know my uncle well. I wrote to him a number of times, I sent photos of his growing great niece and nephew. I called the hospitals whenever he was admitted with an illness to find out how he was. I now know it doesn't matter that I wasn't able to or never got around to meeting him again and more often. I cared about him and loved him just like we all did and I hope he knows that. In fact, I have no doubts that he knew that.
So I am okay. But I'm also sad. Really sad. Then I'm okay again. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel but I know that whatever it is, it's okay.
Cupcake Mumma
Reasons to be Cheerful
I haven't been feeling very inclined to blog at the moment so I missed last weeks link up. We've had some upsetting news in the family but we're all coming together as you do in these times and I suppose that in itself is a reason to be cheerful.
Other reasons to be cheerful:
This photo of my beautiful little girl. She will be 9 next Tuesday and I can't believe it. This was a quick snap before school. She does her own hair in the morning now and is starting to take pride in her appearance which is always nice to see.
We have implemented some new rules in our house this week and I made some homemade reward charts for both Midge and Little A. I enjoyed getting crafty and using what I could find instead of buying a chart (even though I later found some in Poundland mine are prettier!) they are working..still no stickers for bedtime though...
I called my mum yesterday to find out how everyone was up on Portsmouth. They are all good and my uncle though very week is still happy to see everyone and I think he's enjoying their company. He's very unwell now and isn't going to get better. I haven't spoken to him in many years because of various reasons; mostly his health has always been poor and he's moved about a bit. I was put on loud speaker last night and I told him I loved him. He tried to say it, everyone was saying 'he's saying it back, he is!' And just writing it now my heart aches yet I'm so happy. I never want to forget this so I am putting it down here, on my lovely blog full of my most wonderful memories.
Finally, I've read one book and have started another (an as yet unpublished book which I'm reviewing in a way I suppose.) I've written some letters, received some lovely ones back and I'm happy with my budgeting too.
What are your reasons to be cheerful?
Cupcake Mumma
2016 at The Cupcakes
2016 has come to an end and like many other's I'm feeling reflective. I've been writing this blog for 5 years now and every year I enjoy looking back on the year just gone. It would be more than fair to say that there has been so much tragedy this year, almost more than other years it feels; none of it personal for which I am so grateful for but I do know people who have lost close family and my heart hurt for those friends.
2016 may be a year a lot would prefer to forget and although we've struggled through a good part of this year due to many things, mostly it was good and I have some memories from each month (I think!)
January
I always look forward to January. I like the energy it brings to me. It's Midges birthday first on the 17th and last year she turned 8. She had a party, my friends visited, she got a new bike and had a Frozen cake. Mr B also has his birthday in January but both of our birthdays are low key. We went to Plymouth as a treat for Midges birthday but tied it in with Mr B's too!
Birthday tea
Family Selfie
Frozen birthday cake
February
Little A turned 5 in February. He had just started to get really into all the superheroes so his cake was a mix of his favourite heroes plus The Joker.
Birthday boy
Topper of Little Mans cake
March
It was probably March that was my worst month because it was consumed by my teeth and the pain they caused! I ended up having a tooth extraction and then finding a new dentist. There was good in March of course. I had a lovely Mothers Day with homemade gifts, I spent time with Midge, read a lot, had a good parents evening and saw my sister who visited for her birthday.
April
Again April was dominated by tooth ache but was so much better and my mood lifted this month. I traveled to Bath for 3 days to see my friend and her children, we pretty much just chilled out. Trevithick day was a good day again last year, we actually got into it more than previous years and a trip to my parents house was just what I needed at the beginning of the month with my little ones.
A at the beach
May
We had fun discovering a few walks in May and one walk in particular must've taken us over 2 hours where we picked flowers, paddled in a stream, squelched in mud and made friends with horses. We really embraced getting outdoors even just in the garden doing messy play and taking nature photos. Half term was spent bike riding and visiting the Sea Life Sanctuary.
A met some horses on our walk
Peppa dog went for a paddle
Pops, A, Grandma and Midge at the Seal Sanctuary
June
I started my counselling for my anxiety which has gone really well. Mr B and I had some quality time together when the children were at school but not much else happened this month.
July
Before the holidays there was a very fun and successful sports day and Mum and I did the race for life in memory of my friends mum who lost her battle just weeks before. We took in a homemade cake to say goodbye to reception before the holidays.
Me and Race for Life
Goodbye for the final year of reception
August
There was a trip to my Mums to celebrate her birthday, we visited Marazion with the family, had some back garden picnics and BBQs plus we saw the amazing Man Engine which toured Cornwall to honor our mining heritage which was just amazing.
Me with the T-Rex at Paradise Park
BBq at home with the cousins
The Man Engine
Midge and A at The Man Engine event
A and Auntie Issy at the beach
Grandma with the mini cupcakes
Little Man at Marazion beach
Midge after a summer party
Little A enjoying his pasty in town
September
My little ones returned to school as a year 4 and a year 1! It was quite emotional actually but I always love watching them start another chapter of their school year. It was a quiet blogging month after getting news that we needed to move house.
October
We moved into our new place early October and settled in fairly quick, although we still miss the space and the road we lived. Halloween was good fun as always with school discos, trick or treating and decorating the house. I had a lovely birthday at the end of the month too and great fun at the hotel with Mr B for a night on the 30th.
First cake made in the new house by Midge!
November
We celebrated dads birthday at his house by having a roast dinner, cake and board games. The beginning of the month was mostly dominated by tonsillitis for me, then a bug and lots of antibiotics! I thought I'd never be back to normal! Thankfully I was after a couple of weeks and I started Christmas shopping.
December
We had a lovely Christmas. We did all our traditional things on Christmas Eve, opened our stockings then gifts together on Christmas morning then travelled to mums where we had a delicious dinner cooked by my sister and her boyfriend. A was poorly overnight but we all managed Boxing Day at my Gran and Aunts for more food and gift giving. A was unwell again and then Midge came down with sickness so Mr B and I were tired. Luckily, everyone was better after a chill out day so we headed for a buffet with Mr B's mum and sisters as well as seeing the little ones. Breakfast with my father in law the next morning was so nice. The children loved seeing their Grandad and we all waved him off on his train to Plymouth to catch his ferry.
A in his new onesie//Midge looking pretty for Christmas//Midge and A//Peppa waiting for her gifts//Me and A//A at dinner//Pops and Mr B//Mum and Dad at dinner
Midge helped decorate Grandma's tree
So that's our 2016 rounded up very nicely. There are many smaller moments I've missed out but they are all on the blog for us all to look back on. To all my family, my friends, fellow bloggers and lovely followers, may you have a wonderful 2017. Happy new year.
Hannah
Aka
Cupcake Mumma x
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