Reddy Made

31

Have you forgotten how unbelievably good home-made lasagne is?

I had.

30

We had a very lazy weekend. I left the house once and that was to walk yards to the village square to see if any interesting books had turned up in the charity shop. I know I shouldn't, but habits are hard to break.

I spent Sunday on my bed, marking books, writing lesson plans, eating minstrels, writing evaluations. Blah blah blah.

My bedroom prison had its share of visitors, including kids, cats and husbands bearing tea. I watched (or should that be endured) large chunks of cbbc, cbeebies and Pixar movies.

But for 2 glorious hours, noone bothered me. And I had a joyful trip down memory lane, watching one of my favourite films, Withnail & I. Its truly brilliant, and everytime I see it, I notice something I hadn't before. Bliss.

And of course, my number 1 teenage girl crush. Mr Mcgann. In all his Lennon loveliness.

So, just me, my minstrels and Mcgann.

A perfect Sunday

29

I'll never forget the moment when Dylan, reading a book, turned to me and said,

"Mum, I can hear the words in my head! I'm not saying them but I can hear them!"

I'm desperate for my kids to want to read. I know they'll be able to read, they'll be taught that skill. But I want them to want to read. I want them to have the will.

I want them to hide under their duvets with a torch because they have to get to the end of the story.

I want them to nag me to take them to the library or the bookshop because the new sequel is out.

I may even consider a kindle for them. Maybe. But not for a very very long time.

According to statistics, 1 in 3 children in the UK does not own a single book. No, I didn't believe it at first either.

I'm hoping that every time I see Dylan reading, that he's getting the will. That he has the desire to read more.

And for now, and now only, I'm happy he's hearing those voices in his head.

28 (+27)

I didn't post yesterday. I missed my yearly target for the year in January which is a bit rubbish. But I was poorly, monster of a migraine, which left me sleeping for 13 hours.

Feeling better today though, so thought I'd introduce you to George and Mildred, our African Land snails. Before you go "ewww" let me tell you that they are lovely pets, friendly and so easy to look after. Yep they are slimy, but they have the cutest faces, very expressive, even for a mollusc!

They were given to me by the science department at uni as ideal school pets. But we've grown so attached to them. I may take them into school, or I may not.

But for now, they are enjoying life with us and the occasional bath. Oh and lots and lots of cucumber!

26

I hit some sort of brick wall this week. My brain got scrambled. I couldn't sit still and I couldn't think straight. I was tetchy. I was weepy. A little bit "unstructured" on the emotional front. Do you know that feeling?

Well, it could be because whilst I'm trying so hard to educate and nurture my class, my own children seem to be missing out. Homework lost, packed lunch uneaten, books unchanged. I'm suffering from serious mum guilt.
We played a game together tonight, and suddenly they came alive again. I'm sure I wasn't imagining it. They literally lit up!

My kids. And me.

So this weekend, I'm shutting the door on the world, staying in my jammies, and spending time with the kids.
Playing games.
Eating cake.
Sleeping in.
Reading the paper.
Listening to the radio.
Watching films.
Washing hair.
Answering endless questions.
Picking up toys.
Being mum.

Wish me luck x

25

Because every now and then I just have to focus on the bigger picture.

24

Everywhere I look there are piles of books. Piles of files. Piles of paperwork.

Unread, unfinished, untidy.

This particular stack has found its way right by my head when i'm asleep - it's as if I've convinced myself that the words will enter my head by literary osmosis!

In fact my bed has become a lifeboat in a sea of printed words. The entire area around my side of the bed is full of files and books. Very soon I shall no longer be able to leave the bedroom!

I'd like to tell you that this is a recent development, brought on by the stress of full time study but alas it would be a lie. Ive always been like it. I am like an obsessive compulsive in reverse.

I'm hoping that one day I'll achieve something miraculous. No, not becoming tidy and organised. That would be ridiculously out of the question!

No, something simple.

I just might,

Finish reading a book x

23

Do you remember when you first realised you were old enough to make your own supper? When you could open the fridge and reach the top shelf for the butter, and you could rest your arms on the work top without a step.

I was so proud of my little big boy. And I really didn't fuss that much (well I did have to tell him to use a clean knife for the jam!) and I only hovered over him a little. Well a lot.

Next job. Learning to make mum a cup of tea. I think we've got a while to worry about that yet!

22

WARNING!
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other peoples' gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickles for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

by Jenny Joseph

Happy 70th dad xx

21

For my Dad. 70 on the 22nd. Can't quite believe it. He looks 60 by the way.

Oh and yes I know this is a child's cake, but it's a family tradition. I swear the company who makes them have stayed in business from our family alone! Everyone has one regardless of age and taste, and there has to be at least 5 goes at blowing out the candles; each grandpup has to have their turn, even though it's not their birthday. For years, my now 13 year old niece thought everyone's birthday was hers!

But it's not just a caterpillar cake. It's a tradition; and these moments are special. And I'm so grateful that we can all share them together.

Happy 70th dad xx