PLAYDATES

I love being a Mumprenuer, I really do have the best of both worlds. Luke gets to spend time at nursery with other children and learns such a lot (he learnt to count to 10 in French and German without my knowledge!) and we also get to spend more time together than if I was in a regular job.

Thursday afternoon was spent playing with Dawn & Harry who has just turned 3, Dawn is also a Mumpreneur running 'Faerie Godmothers' a wedding planner business. Dawn and I had never met before we had our boys but my Mother In Law and Dawn's mum are old friends so it is nice that we have now formed a friendship and our boys too. We compared and discussed our 'spirited and defiant' little boys and it was nice to know we are going through the same experiences.

We went to the new play area in Willaston, it was our first time and we were very impressed. It was nice to make the most of the sunshine and give the kids plenty of fresh air.

THE PARK PRE-SCHOOL, WHITCHURCH

Wednesdays used to be my admin day as I have childcare for Luke all day. However, I was invited to run Tippy Toes classes at The Park Pre-school near Whitchurch. It was very different to how my other classes run as the children are the older end of pre-school and the parents are not supervising them.

It took around 3 weeks for the children to get used to me and my class but now they all address me as 'Miss Sharon' (which I find most adorable) and they look forward to seeing what comes next.

The Pre-school is set in the most beautiful surroundings and the outdoor area is fabulous. They provide children with a safe and stimulating environment in which they can gain and develop the necessary skills for their future through a full, well balanced curriculum, including the best aspects from Montessori and Mainstream Education.

I'm very proud to be part of their curriculum for this term.

For more details go to http://www.theparkpreschool.co.uk/

POLISH GROUP

Last year I was given the opportunity to run 'Tippy Toes' at Underwood West Children's centre in Crewe, in conjunction with the Polish Group. Now I don't speak a word of Polish and they speak very little English, there is an interpreter who translates but the first few sessions were a real challenge to say the least. I expected them to at least know the Hokey Cokey or Ring a Ring a roses but I was very wrong.

I have visited the group over 10 times now and as soon as the children see me they tidy all the toys away and make a big circle ready to dance. They know which props are for which dance and they all have a ball. They even know what to do for the Hokey Cokey!

After today, I have one more session with the group but I hope they will be booking me again in the future. Fingers crossed.

OUCH!

On Thursday, I met a friend for a play and then took Luke for a swim. So dinner was going to be an 'easy' option......Corned beef hash, which now looking back wasn't so easy!

I peeled the potatoes, put them on the boil and opened the tin of corned beef. I was getting the contents out and accidently sliced my thumb. It was a good job Luke wasn't in the kitchen as a few choice words did come out of my mouth!

I resisted going to A&E as I didn't actually think it was too bad, I was looking forward to my weekly Boxercise class and would have gone if I could've got my boxing glove over the plaster. It was only the following day, when I got a second opinion that I decided to take myself off to Leighton. I was given 3 butterfly stitches which wasn't too bad and bandaged up nicely.

No washing up for a week for me!

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

The Backdrop at the Palms Tropical, Stapeley Water Gardens

I've really enjoyed the Easter Holidays but it has gone way too fast. Most of my friends have school age children so it is the time when I get to catch up with them all. Every day of the school holidays is filled with playdates.

We have been to the Palms at Stapeley, Playworld in Shavington, visiting friends at home and been visited. Its been hectic, costly but most of all enjoyable.

Luke never gets much time to chill at home but after some good advice I make sure I get home around 5pm for him to have his tea then a sit down and cuddle in front of the tv before bed. At one time, I was filling his days with all different activities and dragging him along to all my classes, when sometimes he just needed to relax. Now that Luke can voice his own opinion (at 2 years and 11 months!) I do give him choices and if he is insistent he doesn't want to go somewhere or do something I listen to him.
It is something I had to learn the hard way with some very difficult times but we seem to be a lot more contented. I'm hoping we've managed to find a happy medium now.

I LOVE YOU MUMMY

Anyone who knows me, knows that my Text message alert on my phone is Luke saying 'I love you Mummy' It melts my heart everytime I hear it.

From the moment he was born we have always told him that we love him and felt it was important for him to hear every day. He now says it back when we say it first.
This weekend he actually told me without me having to prompt him. I am such a proud, happy Mummy.

HAPPY EASTER!

Apart from it being a religious festival, Easter when I was growing up was all about receiving Easter eggs and it was the only time of the year my brother, sister and I were allowed to eat chocolate in the morning. Many children nowadays are being treated to Easter gifts like it is another Christmas receiving gifts as large as a Nintendo DS!

When Luke was weaning, I only ever allowed him to him naturally sweetened foods but he was introduced to chocolate by his Grandparents (my Dad!!) He instantly took an interest in it so we are careful not to have it in the house as much nowadays. This year I gave up chocolate and crisps for Lent so I have my own stash hidden away, I will be sneakily tucking in when Luke isn't in close proximity. We will probably be making rice crispie and cornflake cakes out of his Easter eggs which is still chocolate but mixed with cereal just doesn't seem as bad.
Happy Easter everyone and hope you have a good break.