Happy Birthday James!

Penny and James came to visit on Wednesday which was great. The kiddies had lots of fun on the Wii and we went for a wet walk along the sea front. Jame's is 9 on the 4th of june (he is privalidged enough to share a birthday with my big little sister!). As a treat we made a birthday cake (any excuse for cake eh?). Here is a picture of him making his wish :o)
Happy Birthday for Wednesday Paula (21) and James (9) xxxxxxxxxxx

Actually, I've a confession...
The candles were already out - James posed it, my camera didn't click :o(

Fun times!

Well the half term is here and our family is complete!
We have the Matty-man for TWO WHOLE WEEKS!!
Weather started off great and managed to have lots of fun in the garden and at the park

So to celebrate we bought this...

A genuine edwardian fireplace - cheap as chips - off Ebay...
I can easily be bought :o))

Ode to a Career

What passing bells for those who quit when mothers;
Only the lolly-pop lady's relentless drivel...

I'm sure that is really bad taste but I will finish it. It has potential. (I think)

So. I'm about to write my resignation letter. Wish me luck.
It will have been 20 years less 1 week and no one has battered an eyelid. Except for me...
20 years, half my life. Apart from a few dreadful lows, probably the best part.

I gained my Independence, my degree. My Katie-pie, My husband, Benjamin Bunny and Charlie Bear.
Became a chartered Engineer and managed to get my foot well and truly on the property ladder.

Almost as importantly though, I've thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been ME. Primarily Nicola Lawty, (spent my Houghton years on Maternity leave, though you have to start again when you get married. Any reputation you have disappears as no one make the connection.)

I know that I am doing the right thing, and I know that I will enjoy it. I can't imagine packing the youngest off to nursery like I was forced to do with Katie. That was devastating. Paying someone else to do what I wanted to do most in the world. It's awful trying to balance a young family and work. Constantly clock watching. Knowing that you are a failure at both, never being able to attend the assemblies OR work late, dreading every cough or sneeze, guiltly sending your child in to nursery unwell as you can't miss that important meeting yet not being able to concentrate for worry. Trying to pack the house work, shopping and all your weeks love in to two short days.

I know it's the right thing, I know I'm lucky to be ABLE to do it, I suppose I just want someone to acknowledge how hard it is to give up half your life...

Bubble Walk

Lovely evening, though slightly cooler than of late, so we went for an evening trot down the beach. PJ's for the little ones ( my expectation being that they would fall asleep and I'd place them, still sleeping soundly in bed when we returned at 7. (Ha blooming Ha Ha ))
Anyway. we had a lovely time, took along some dried strawberrys to munch near the villiage centre and didn't have too many tears over spilt bubble mix.

Yesterday at the Park

Thought you might enjoy these quick video clips taken at out local park yesterday.
Not sure if you'll be able to view them or not so I thought I'd just "post and see".

Actually, as you can see below. I made a mistake when filming. I'd forgotten that you can't rotate the video clips on my camera and took the clip with the camera at an angle. I'll attach it for fun anyway. Enjoy.

One for Dad...

Our first Red Hot Poker :o)

Flying Fish.

Did you know that skate (or perhaps rays) could fly?
Well neither did I, until this morning however.
I was busy admiring my lovely foxgloves and pondering over how it was that the flowers all point away from those on adjacent fronds (?) when it hit me. The stench was UNBELIEVABLE!
I looked own, and there it was. An enormous head. Obviously the fish, skate or most likely Giant Manta Ray given the size, had crash landed on its 100m journey from the sea and landed in the garden.
There is simply no other explanation. A seagull couldn't carry it. Badgers and foxes can't swim (well not deep sea anyway as far as I'm aware...) I suppose it could have been dropped by a giant Roc flying over our house, but, I'm informed, they are only mythical creatures.
The mystery remains. Oh, unless our neighbours just hate us... :o)
Who knows?
I think I'll save it for Al when he gets home from work. xxx

The Godfather (and Bride)

We were fortunate enough to attend Jon & Claire's wedding in Norwich recently.
It was a great day, although rain threatened it stayed dry (and sunny!) until the evening.
I've attached some photos for your enjoyment.