Reasons to be Cheerful- End of October Joy

Better late than never, here are my reasons to be cheerful for this week.

Last weekend Mr B and I had a wonderful break in Plymouth. I won a stay at The Jury Inn back in August I think and booked to stay the weekend after my birthday so I could be with the children and not compromise Mr B's football (reluctantly I might add) We had such a nice evening on Sunday simply spending time together walking around Plymouth. I love these breaks. No matter how short it is it feels so nice to be with each other. We have decided next year the children can come with us because they'd love the hotel.

I had a wonderful meeting with a homeless man in Plymouth and in all honesty I haven't forgotten about him since. It all started when he asked if I could buy a Big Issue from him. All I had on me was £2 but he said that was fine, all he wanted was to buy a sandwich anyway. Mr B and I went for our walk and got some chips and we ended up back where we started. As Mr B went into the shop and bought a drink I ended up talking him again. I gave him my chips; they were a huge portion, more than I could manage and we spoke about how he got there, about The Big Issue, where he sleeps, what help he had tried, he was a lovely man. We parted on a smile and a tight hug. I wanted to go back to him in the morning but we got held up when an elderly man collapsed in front of us in the town center. After we sat with him it was time to catch the train home. I felt bad but since then I have decided that my purpose was not to be with the homeless gentleman that day but to be there for the older gentleman who would've had a much nastier fall had we not seen him and been there first. 

One thing is for sure, I will be buying The Big Issue more often when I have the change and I will continue to remember my encounter. 

Finally, the children had a lovely Halloween and I had a lovely end to my favourite month. My birthday was great, I had a visit from my friend, our half term was good and didn't cost me a fortune either and we are all settled in the new home.

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Reasons to be Cheerful

October has overall been a good month and this week has been a good week. I have a few reasons to be cheerful this week the first being yesterday. I turned 27 and had a wonderful day. I saw a friend who treated me to lunch and a Costa plus brought along balloons and her little ones gave me some lovely cards. I saw family who popped in and my Mum came over who made a wonderful chocolate cake for me and which the children decorated beautifully. I've had some lovely gifts and surprise mail, I'll blog about my birthday properly next week but I had such a nice day it is most definitely a reason to smile!

Morning birthday Costa!

We've had a really good half even though we haven't done much. At the beginning of half term I felt awful for not being able to treat the kids to any days out because our purse strings are simply pulled too tight. I know you don't need day trips or holidays to make a good half term but sometimes it gets you down. We've taken pleasure in the simple things like enjoying friends, going to the park, playing football, seeing family and Midge even slept over her Aunties house with all her cousins which is a huge step for her, I was very proud. We've had movie day at home, celebrated my birthday, bought toys from the pound shop and taken pleasure in each others company.

Mr B is finally getting a holiday from work; he is off until next Friday and I'm looking forward to spending some time with him. Although we have the back to school routine, he'll enjoy getting to see the children properly and I'm sure he has some plans of his own!

I hope you've all had some reasons to be cheerful this week too.

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to Smile ~ June and July

I'm combining the months once again *shakes fist at laptop stealing children* I like a nice big cheerful post though so I guess it's not so bad. It may be a little long but i'll be keeping the writing to a minimum! I hope you've all had a good couple of months despite the weather and can also pick out some good things from June and July. 

JUNE

We had Sports day which A got into more than I thought he would. Both tried really hard and I thought the school made it the best sports day in a long time! I got a new bike in June for an absolute bargain and couldn't be happier! I've been on some family bike rides and have been out once on my own. Mr B and I enjoyed some quality time having a breakfast, shopping and going to Costa.

I had some lovely girl time with Midge chatting and doing some nail painting and earlier in the month we took A to his ENT appointment which went really well but I have a feeling he'll be getting an appointment soon for some grommets! Midge won a prize which she was over the moon with and I won some money betting on the footie! Finally in June, I booked a CBT appointment and I have that this month plus I got to catch up with my brother on his birthday, it was nice to hear from him,

JULY

July has been a good month actually. I got some new glasses after an eye test at the end of June, they're much nicer and I feel happier in them. We were all happy with the end of school, despite the crying Midge was okay after a while and ready for the long break. Part of the saying goodbye was giving teacher gifts which I made this year and was really happy with. I'm also really pleased that both children have wonderful teachers for next year- phew!

Also in July I took part in the Race for Life with my Mum and we raised just under £200 which we are so pleased with. Doing it 3 legged wasn't the best idea but we were the only ones doing it and were proud to do it all the way. I won a hotel stay in a twitter competition and we started the summer holidays with a great day out at the cinema and a big sleepover with the cousins. Speaking of cousins, I saw one of my cousins, Steph, at my parents house which was great because it has been a very long time! I'm hoping that the whole family can come together next year for a big family birthday party.

I hope everyone has had a good couple of months and that you're all enjoying the summer holidays! It's been a bit hit and miss with some bad weather and bickering but we have had some really nice days where we've had some good fun!

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to be Cheerful: Goodbyes and Quality Time

I'm going to start with something that probably doesn't sound particularly cheerful. I went with my Aunt and Mum to say goodbye to her little Jack Russel Terrior Poppy. She's been with us all for 18 years and I have some wonderful memories of her as do a lot of our family. The reason im including it this week is because saying goodbye to her was a lovely day. Despite the rain we took the dogs to the Woodland where both people and animals are buried, words were said and we all had a toast in her honor. My Aunt never had children; she has felt content with so many nieces (and a few nephews!) but her dogs have always been a huge part of her life, so much so I call them her 'fur babies.' We said goodbye to one of her little fur babies in a wonderful way.

Mr B has had his supervision week at work and has settled in really well. He's now meds trained, unsupervised and fitting in well. Another bonus is he's happier and was even more so on when his redundancy came through!

I've had some quality time with both my Little Ones recently. Midge had a day off a week ago because of her ear infection so we had cake in a cafe together and a hot drink then a few days later A had his hearing test, so before we went to the hospital we had the same treat and it was lovely for me to get that time with my little ones on separate occasions. I've also had a breakfast out with Mr B on his day off before collecting A for his dental trip. 

I think we would agree it's been a pretty tough couple of weeks news wise. The weather has been miserable (although nice today at last!) and I have been missing Mr B as I adjust to his longer hours and random nights he stays over night at his sisters which is easier for work on a Sunday. It just shows that even in the hard times, in the dark times, we can find happiness if we look hard enough.

What have you been cheerful about this week?

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to Smile ~ March and April

As both March and April were quite difficult months for me in terms of low mood and some stressful goings on, I didn't feel I could pick out 10 things for each month but I didn't want to ignore the wonderful things that did happen so I've combined March and April together for this happy post.

March

1) Seeing my sister! Issy came down to celebrate her birthday and I put on a spread for her and some of the family. I baked a cake which wasn't great but tasted fine so that's the main thing!

2) Parents evening this year was really encouraging. Midge is doing well and I got to hear so many wonderful things about my number one girl, she makes me so proud. I wish they knew how they were getting on at swimming though because I have no clue! She just says "Well, I didn't drown today," so I'm guessing it's not going all that well but she's trying!! Little A is being referred to a educational psychologist to come in and see him and his teachers so we can get some ideas on how he learns best. He's doing well but does struggle to settle down and focus on his reading and writing.

3) Reading lots! I got to read at least 4 books and I was so happy to be enjoying my books again. I dip in and out of my reading, when I do read though I read a lot and I love it.

The Unmumsy Mum, I enjoyed reading this book

4) I've been discovering some new free from goodies at Tesco! I've found some delicious ice cream which reminds me of mini magnums! They've brought back chocolate ice cream tubs too and garlic bread is new! I enjoyed some chicken nuggets and since Midge has been free from wheat for a few months now she was over the moon to have them on her plate.

New soya yogurts, ice cream, ginger biscuits and garlic bread

5) Making candy bunnies and cones for Easter which people loved. I had great fun making these, I made them for a few of the children's friends and for their teachers and helpers then I sent some off to a Facebook friend who wanted some for her children. I loved getting a smiley photo on Twitter from one of her children holding his bunny packets!

Bunny bags and candy cones

April

1)  Seeing Kat and the kids. Kat visited fleetingly at the beginning of April which was lovely and I made my way up to see her on April 15th for her birthday. I stayed for 3 days and had a lovely time with her and the children, it was all pretty relaxed (well, as it can be with 3 little ones and a teenager!) I think we all had fun celebrating Kats birthday with cake and gifts.

2) My new dentist. He is so wonderful and although I'm still a very anxious patient, I am able to go through with the treatment I need and I now feel positive about my future treatments.

3) Trevithick Day was once again a brilliant success. Last year I only took Midge with me as we were still struggling with Little A's sensory processing difficulties, but this year we were more prepared and we all had a fantastic time. The children understood it was one ride each, they both happily spent 10 minutes on a huge bouncy castle while I watched, wishing adults could have a go too. We listened to some live music, saw lots of school friends, shared a blue Slushie and both children bought something from a stall. We all enjoyed looking at the miniature railways, Meccano and the boats too.

Little A looking at all the boats

4) I took the children to Pothleven to see Pops and Grandma which as usual they really enjoyed. It was a very relaxing weekend and to be honest, none of us wanted to go home but we couldn't stay becasue we had school the next day! We enjoyed a roast dinner and some cake baking but what we all most enjoyed was being by the sea, playing in the waves and burying our feet in the sand.

Siblings on the sand

Beautiful seaside

5) I caught up on some pen pal letters in April and after clearing up the clutter in my bedroom I have found my room to be my favourite space in the house. It is calm and peaceful which I love and it's been so nice to write while having the window open and the fresh air flowing through.

The dog likes to keep me company when I'm upstairs

As always I'd love to hear what made you happy in March or April, do share in the comments below!

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to Smile September

Can you believe it's that time already? Time to write what has made me happy and thankful over the month.

Winning a Harry Potter book set by dressing up as Luna Lovegood was a definite highlight! Granted there was no competition in the end but I guess that just proves what a fan I am! My books arrived yesterday and I am so, so, so happy!

The children started school and are loving it (thankfully.) It makes me so happy that I can kiss them goodbye and wave them off into their classroom. I find that it's me hanging around outside Roo Bear's class rather than him!

I have made some delicious homemade puddings this month. My favourites have been a chocolate pastry roll and a chocolate cake.

I had a wisdom tooth removed that was causing me grief. It's fair to say the whole process isn't fun but I am glad it's over with and I'm now pain free!

I have two new pen pals! One is from Germany and one is from America! I now have two in America which is great! I love writing my letters.

I have made real headway with Christmas planning. It may be too soon for some but with no savings due to financial hiccups before summer I have had to start planning and purchasing early this year. Luckily I love Christmas so this is not a chore for me and just something to feel pleased about!

My blog turned 4! I told everyone it was 5, I've never been very good at math! I can't believe I've been at this for 4 years now, if anyone knows me they know I don't stick to any idea for long so I am very surprised at myself! I love writing on Cupcake Mumma and am grateful to all my readers and for all the opportunities I've had so far.

The beginning of Autumn arrived this month and I'm so pleased as it's easily my favourite season. I'm enjoying the crunch of the leaves under my boots as I do the school run and the intake of warm drinks has also increased; yey for warm drinks! Although this week has actually been quite hot in Cornwall, what's that about? Or am I just wearing too many layers too soon? Answers on a postcard please!

I'd love to know what's made you smile this month and if you feel like sharing with more than just my comment box,hop over to A Cornish Mum and join her linky by clicking the badge below.

Cupcake Mumma

Reasons to Smile ~ July/August

I completely forgot to write July's Reasons to Smile, so like last time I'm going to be writing July and Augusts in one post. I'm also linking up with several lovely blogs to share some happiness.

July

Little A did so well at nursery and had the most amazing teachers, I am so grateful to them.

Nursery graduation went so well and I was incredibly proud of my little man.

-Both Mini Cupcakes did great at sports day having fun and enjoying the day.

-Meeting lovely ladies at a blogger event and trying on some gorgeous lingerie.

-The paramedic who was very kind to me despite realising I was having a panic attack and nothing worse. I felt awful for wasting his time, he told me off for apologising so much in the end and made me feel a lot better.

-The last pre nursery run hot chocolate date with my little A who will be going to reception next week! No more pre nursery Costa dates!

-Staying at my Mums place for 2 nights alone gave me some great thinking time and I returned home feeling less stressed and pro active at the end of July.

-An email I received about reviewing something cheered me up. I'll be able to share with you soon but I'm just thankful for my blog, you lovely readers and those people who obviously must think I do good work because otherwise they wouldn't work with me again!

August

-Our week away in Cambridge seeing lovely things and spending time with family. Two of the things that mean so much to me.

-The Bake Off coming back on the television. It always inspires me to bake and I do love to bake when I'm in the right frame of mind.

-A summer holiday that has passed a lot quicker than last year and been full of so much more fun.

-Recovering from my tonsillitis and rather nasty UTI which wrote me off for three weeks. Thankful for a lovely GP and medicine that very much helped me recover!

-For my wonderful parents.

-My mother in law taking our dog for a week so we could go away. It was such a relief when our Peppa got on with her dog so we could just enjoy our holiday. So the dog got a holiday too!

-Our 3 night stay with my parents and the Mini Cupcakes. It was fairly relaxing, nice to spend time at home and go into the seaside village to look at the views, boats and the little market stalls.

-The children are looking forward to school which is a relief. Midge is a little nervous but Little A doesn't seem too phased

-Spending time with family at Lands End and Trevaskis farm where we ate delicious strawberries by the bucket load. Yum.

-With the lack of sun it's still been ok to have hot chocolate with tonnes of marshmallows!

Cupcake Mumma