Fortunate Son

Ben: 'Mum, I had a weird dream last night about all of our family.  We were rocking out onstage at Woodstock.'

Me: 'How does someone your age know about Woodstock?'

Ben: 'I just know these things.  Jimi Hendrix and Creedence Clearwater Revival played there.'

A Memory For Jay

Dear Jay,

Never travel in a car for six hours beside dad if you want to keep your ribs in tact, and be very thankful you didn’t have to listen to the Glee soundtrack.

Nana’s funeral was held at the little chapel in the cemetery we used to walk through when we would visit Uncle James and Auntie Rosalyn’s:

It was a Church of England service and felt so impersonal to me. I looked out of the stained glass window during the set prayers and said my own, and enjoyed some memories of Nana. We sang one hymn, All Things Bright and Beautiful. We drove to the other end of the cemetery to bury Nana, passing the big trees we used to hide behind:

The view from her grave overlooks Carlisle with the Peak District in the background. I thought it was very fitting:

We had a proper English tea for lunch with sandwiches, scones and cake. Nana would thoroughly approve!

We visited with family for a while before we snuck back to the cemetery to dedicate the grave. Uncle James, Auntie Rosalyn and Andrew came with us and really appreciated it; they felt more comfort from Jason’s brief prayer than the vicar was able to give during the whole of the service.

We left for home after our quick visit to Auntie Betty’s. She hasn’t changed much in all these years, and neither has her home I’m pleased to say! She sends you all her love.

I spent the return journey in the back seats with Leah… I didn’t fancy more bruises from Dad! I wish you could have seen mum singing along to Muse and totally rocking out, it was hilarious!  I also discovered I can go without sleep for over 24 hours.  We all missed you; it felt weird for me to go back to Carlisle without you.  I said goodbye to Nana for you.

Love Naomi x

Danger Lurks

At least all four children were playing together for once!

There Goes My Baby!

Noah lost a tooth today at school.  I didn't even know it was wobbly. I may have felt a little emotional when I picked him up and saw he was toothless.  Five really is too old to be a baby!

Olga Olive 01/10/1919 - 23/03/2010

• Rosy cheeks and weathered face.

• Toast for supper.

• Crochet blanket on the sofa.

• Floral dresses and cardigans.

• Murray mints and Bulls Eye sweets.

• Lavender lotion.

• Head scarves and rain caps.

• ‘Our Ollie’.

• Train rides.

• Thin hair and Kirby grips.

• Hand washing clothes.

• Knitting Aran jumpers.

• Shopping bag.

• Bosoms that rest on the dining table.

• Smell of soap in the bathroom.

• Cup of tea.

• Sensible brown shoes.

• ‘Men!’ (Followed by a sigh.)

• Ironing knickers.

• Chats at the table.

• Puzzles.

• Castles.

• Gardening.

• Box of buttons.

• Summer.
• 'Eee by gum!'
• Lemon Curd.

• Love.

Mothers

I've been thinking a lot about mothers this last week with the run up to Mothering Sunday.  I know everyone thinks their mum is the best, but my mum (or mam, as she calls herself) really is! (Mum has also mastered the art of avoiding photos, I had to go back to 2004 to find one of her!): 

She is the most selfless person I know.  She thinks of others before herself, always serving and giving willingly of her time.  She will find a positive in any negative situation or person and is absolutely loyal and forgiving.  She is a hard worker and self sufficient.  She made us children feel safe when we were young and having to cope with our father's mental illness... she made up for his flaws through her patience and example.  She still brings me medicine when I'm ill and looks after me.  She's a strong lady, sure in her faith and love of God.  She is an angel in disguise.

Nana is of the same ilk.  Nana is made of tough stuff.  She is 91 and battling pneumonia at the moment.  The happiest childhood memories I have are of our day long train rides to stay with Nana in Carlisle for a couple of weeks in the summer holidays and half terms.  We would spend our time walking, going to parks and playing with our cousin Andrew.  Nana calls mum 'Our Ollie'.  I love that.  This is the last time I saw her, when Rosie was a baby:

It was a wonderful but sad visit. Nana's Alzheimer's disease was very noticeable and she had to go into residential care soon after she returned home.  I'm hoping Nana will be with us long enough for me take my children to visit her one more time.  I know she won't remember them, but they will remember meeting their Great Nanna who raised their Nanny Holland.  And what a fine job she did.

So You Want To Be A Boxer, In The Golden Ring

Currently three out of four children look like they've done a couple of rounds in the ring.  Noah has conjunctivitis and is sporting pink puffy eyes.  He had to raise his eyebrows to see out properly on Tuesday when this photo was taken (excuse the bad phone pictures!):

Our next exhibit is Ben, who was hit in the face with a football... which bizzarely left him with a graze on his nose and lip instead of a bruise:

Then we have Rosie.  She ran fast down a slope at school.  She landed on her face.  You'd think with three boys I would regularly need to nurse injuries but no, it's Rosie who more often than not arrives home with war wounds.

This one's for you Jay: Is Rosie worse than me when I was younger?  And how did she manage to get grazes above, on and below her knees?

Update: Rosie fell over again on Thursday.  She now has more scabs on her knees.  I give up!!

A Trip To The Doctor

Doctor: 'Is Noah allergic to anything?'
Me: 'No.'
Noah: 'I am actually.'
Me: 'What are you allergic to?'
Noah: (Sigh) 'Sharks!'

He's Got More Letters After His Name Than A Doctor!

This morning a letter arrived addressed to Mr J Miles CAE MIMI.  James has recently added a couple more certificates to his growing collection; he is now a Certified Automotive Engineer and a Member of the Institite of the Motor Industry.  We're very proud!

February Frivolity

This month started with a trip to Wales for another baby blessing, this time for our latest niece Lillian.  Our journey was lengthened thanks to a flat tyre which meant we could only do 50mph on our spare.  TORTURE!  As all of James' family live in Wales it's a rare treat for the cousins to all meet up and play together, they had so much fun!  (And I got lots of cuddles with the new babies!)


James was called as Young Men's president... for the sixth time! He'll be released soon from the High Council, now we get to have him in our ward every Sunday again!


I've finally framed my tea towel.  I love the artist Rob Ryan but my budget doesn't stretch enough for me to buy one of his pieces.  I can however afford this tea towel designed by him!  It looks great in my kitchen:

I tried to distract myself from the hole still in my carpet by stringing up some hearts for Valentines:

And of course we enjoyed Shrove Tuesday in the only way one should, with copious amounts of pancakes (flipped, not turned!):

And who doesn't love unexpected flowers from a friend?