A wedding, a garden party and two communions, that’s what we have been through over the last two months. That’s a lot of suit-wearing for little boys. Luckily they seem to love the novelty of being dressed up like their Papa – the white shirts, ties and dickie bows, pocket handkerchiefs and waistcoats were a… Continue reading What’s Rare is Wonderful – Families and Formal Wear
The wedding is over but normality has not resumed. I mean that in the best possible way. We are lucky to have been treated to our own little honeymoon in County Kerry, Ireland, as guests of The Kenmare Bay Hotel. After the busy time we’ve had so far this year – the lice, the hen… Continue reading A Luxury Lodge Stay at The Kenmare Bay Hotel
With my sister’s wedding just days away, I am getting *slightly* panicky about how ready we are. There are bags to pack, a present to wrap, loose ends to tie up at work and a dog to be handed over to her minder, not to mention the bridesmaid duties. Rather than get myself into a… Continue reading Wedding Prep – The Children’s Suits Are Sorted
Birds tweet delightedly and it’s nearing nine o’clock. The loudly ticking clock set between clover flowers painted on the wall reminds me that I’m supposed to be somewhere else, celebrating, milling about a garden full of friends, with the smell of a barbecue in the air and a Valpolicella in my hand. The light even… Continue reading Birdsong and Breaths
When I was small we had a book called Frog and Toad are Friends, written by Arnold Lobel. It was one of my favourites. I remember well being read it by my dad and so it is one of the books I bought for my own children. I ordered it in English from our local… Continue reading Books – My Children’s Favourites
Points of view on home decor when you have a young family differ greatly. There’s the “why bother” camp, firmly rooted in reality, assuming that vases will get smashed, sofas soiled and walls vandalied by the little ones. And there are the parents who lay down rules, are strict about shoes in the house and… Continue reading Pretty & Practical Home Decor For Families
As a child I had no problem with school. I was bright and did what I was told. After having my children and seeing how bright and eager to learn they were, I assumed they would be like me when it came to school. They’re not. Not much anyway. Week after week there are struggles… Continue reading After School Home Schooling, Unofficially
It is no secret that we go to County Mayo in Ireland on holidays almost every year. Since Number One and Number Two have arrived at an age where we can go to a museum and not have to listen to “I’m sooooo boooorrred!” for the duration of the visit, we try to get to… Continue reading Easter Events at Ballycroy National Park
Easter ist almost upon us and I haven’t anything much done. Last year I was all about the Easter decorations. Now, with a job, a dog and a bunch of chickens to deal with as well as three children and the housework, there just isn’t as much time for faffing about with eggs, bunnies and… Continue reading Making Papercraft Bunnies with Toddlers
There’s been a mixup. Wires are crossed somewhere. I’m sure they are because it just isn’t right, the way things are. Someone else’s karma has popped into my life and is laughing in my face. Last week I wrote about how I keep our home organised. This week I wrote about the wonderful weekend I… Continue reading Very Much A Mother
