1. Christmas Eve
We put up the stockings. We set out a plate with biscuits, a carrot and a glass of sherry.
We looked on the internet to check Santa's progress.
They were so excited. It was just lovely to see the anticipation on their faces.
And the innocence that believes Santa actually comes down the chimney into our sitting room!
2. Ben-10
McGrew getting a Ben-10 watch from Santa - we're now safe from aliens, as they've all been annihilated in at least a 50 mile radius! He's hardly had it off his wrist.
3. Bugga Bugga
Dibble going to the front at church on Christmas Day to tell the pastor what he'd got for Christmas - he was clutching his new Iggle Piggle (which he calls Bugga Bugga)... we were all praying very hard he wouldn't say anything into the microphone when the pastor said 'and what is this, Dibble?'!!
4. Cuthbert at church on Christmas Day...
Cuthbert got a pair of fairy wings from Santa (a compromise with Mrs DHG, who was up for getting him the thing he'd put at number one in his letter to Santa - a Cuthbert-sized purple Barbie dress! - I vetoed this). He also got a dragon mask and hat. And a flashing rudolph nose. Put them all together.... what do you get? A fairy dragon, of course! I haven't laughed quite so much in church as I did during 'O come, all ye faithful' - which was accompanied by Cuthbert dancing a fairy dragon dance on the stage! Oh, yes!
5. Pride in my boys
Sitting so patiently at the table at their grandparents' house on Christmas day waiting for pudding. Behaving so well at the DHG annual extended family gathering on Sunday - so many new people to meet (2 great uncles, 2 great aunts, and 3 cousins once removed, plus some others too, as well as all the family they already knew). My littlest cousin was a particular hit - we've even had tears from McGrew because she's so lovely and he misses her so much!
6. Flashing red noses
Cuthbert came through wearing two of them - round his waist. It was very very funny, but I guess you had to be there!
7. Picking up leaves in the garden
McGrew and Cuthbert helped me pick up leaves from the garden. 'Helped' is perhaps the wrong verb, but they did try... they also threw them in the air and pretended it was snowing... they kicked them, stamped on them, stuffed them down each others' coats, and generally had a fantastic time...
8. Talky walkies
McGrew and Cuthbert's name for one of their presents.
9. Tale of Despereaux
A daddy treat with McGrew and Cuthbert at the cinema - though they were more interested in the popcorn than the little mouse saving the day!
10. Dibble's inability to say mummy
He can say 'daddy' (even at 4.30 in the morning!)
He can say 'McGrew', 'Cuthbert' and 'Dibble' (or very good attempts at them)
He can say 'doglet'
But point at Mrs DHG, and say 'who is this, Dibble?', and he laughs and says 'daddy'!
Mrs DHG is actually relishing the fact that Dibble calls for me in the middle of the night - though I maintain that he really means mummy!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
'Twas the twenty-third day of advent...
An angel for the top of the Christmas tree - made by Cuthbert using a paper plate and glitter!
'Twas the eighteenth day of advent...
Mrs D and the boys made a huge iced mince pie for pudding - mmmmmm!
'Twas the seventeenth day of advent...
Card hand-made by McGrew (using his hand and foot as a template for Rudolph!), for all his class at school.
Monday, December 15, 2008
'Twas the fifteenth day of advent...
We've had a veritable forest of Christmas cards puporting to be from McGrew and Cuthbert's friends at school... in actual fact a good 90% are written by parents of friends, with the friends having what would appear to be zero input to the card writing activities.
Mrs DHG felt that a more personal approach was warranted (and it also served as another advent craft activity!)
And so we have the beautiful card pictured above, which Cuthbert is going to present to his class tomorrow morning.
McGrew is making his tomorrow! Watch this space...
Putting the record straight
Mrs DHG seems to have gained access to my blog.
I'll have to change the password so it won't happen again!
To put the record straight...
I was 'told' to sit with McGrew and be creative, having a pack of craft products thrown in my general direction. I think the outcome isn't too bad actually... though I did wonder at one point whether McGrew would have to walk round with his hands stuck together for the rest of advent!
Regarding Lent, I would like to make it known now that I intend to give up children for 40 days!!
I'll have to change the password so it won't happen again!
To put the record straight...
I was 'told' to sit with McGrew and be creative, having a pack of craft products thrown in my general direction. I think the outcome isn't too bad actually... though I did wonder at one point whether McGrew would have to walk round with his hands stuck together for the rest of advent!
Regarding Lent, I would like to make it known now that I intend to give up children for 40 days!!
'Twas the fourteenth day of advent...
Mrs DHG here...
It has taken 14 days but DHG has finally succumbed. He sat with McGrew this afternoon and made this 'beautiful' (so says Cuthbert) garland.
He has now fully grasped the delight, excitement, wonder and pure pleasure it is counting down to Christmas with small children. He is now very keen to be home early from work to join in our glittery activities... well, for the next 10 days at least.
Shall we tell him that Lent has 40 days, and it is coming up soon?
'Twas the thirteenth day of advent...
Today it was Cuthbert's turn to design Christmas wrapping paper.
As expected, he chose to draw a pink angel!
You should see what he's asked Santa for... the words purple, barbie and dress appear in the number one slot. I feel he is going to be sorely disappointed!
'Twas the twelfth day of advent...
McGrew designed some Christmas wrapping paper today!
He's going to wrap all his presents in this, so if you're lucky enough to receive a parcel wrapped in this, you'll know it's from him.
'Twas the eleventh day of advent...
Colourful paper snowflakes adorn our kitchen cupboards!
Has Mrs DHG run out of ideas?
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
'Twas the ninth day of advent...
A string of glittery hanging things...
...and bright stockings!
The kitchen's covered in glitter as well!!
'Twas the eighth day of advent...
Home-made baubles greeted my return from work yesterday...
Methinks Rudolph has had too much of Santa's sherry!
Methinks Rudolph has had too much of Santa's sherry!
And Santa's had a bit too much as well!!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Chocolate angel delight
Warning!
Learning to use a spoon all by yourself is not compatible with angel delight!
Learning to use a spoon all by yourself is not compatible with angel delight!
Saturday, December 06, 2008
'Twas the sixth day of advent...
The finished tree...
It's only been pulled over four times today by Dibble!
We all went to choose the real tree for the other room this afternoon as well. Two weeks ahead of our usual Christmas tree buying schedule... but Mrs DHG insisted. And the boys did get to meet Santa -they were so excited!
Decoration of the real tree is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
'Twas the fifth day of advent...
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...
well - stickers on the patio doors (just as well Mrs DHG stopped short of the snow and stencils as she'd first promised!)
Thursday, December 04, 2008
'Twas the fourth day of advent...
Today's contribution?
A mini Christmas tree with a single piece of tinsel and a few decorations.
Oh, and I musn't forget the assortment of Christmassy cuddly toys which has appeared on top of the TV - a definite fire hazard if you ask me!
Mrs DHG maintains the tree is not yet finished. And that it looked much better before McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble stripped the tinsel off and proceeded to run round the house with it trailing behind!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
'Twas the third day in advent...
That's right. Paper chains today.
Shiny red, green and gold.
In our sitting room.
Lovely!
'Twas the second day of advent...
Apologies to all of you who were waiting patiently yesterday for the next installment in the transformation of our home. Unfortunately Dibble has a bad cold and chest infection, and decided that he didn't need any sleep the night before last, hence Mrs DHG and I didn't get any sleep either. Bed beckoned last night more loudly than the PC I'm afraid.
But Mrs DHG was hard at work again with the boys yesterday - and this is what greeted me when I came home!
hmmmm!
But Mrs DHG was hard at work again with the boys yesterday - and this is what greeted me when I came home!
hmmmm!
Monday, December 01, 2008
'Twas the first day of advent...
Mrs DHG seems to have had too much time on her hands today.
She has, together with my three boys, hatched a plan to transform our house into a magical Christmas wonderland.
Phase 1 of the plan now appears to have been successfully completed.
This is what greeted me as I returned home this evening from work...
A double-sided, coloured-in, surreal addition to our hall light fitting!
It even has wind chimes attached to the bottom, which jingle every time I walk past.
I shudder to think what Phases 2 - 24 of the plan involve!
She has, together with my three boys, hatched a plan to transform our house into a magical Christmas wonderland.
Phase 1 of the plan now appears to have been successfully completed.
This is what greeted me as I returned home this evening from work...
A double-sided, coloured-in, surreal addition to our hall light fitting!
It even has wind chimes attached to the bottom, which jingle every time I walk past.
I shudder to think what Phases 2 - 24 of the plan involve!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Kissing gate
We have a bit of a tradition here at famille DHG...
Whenever we encounter a kissing gate when out and about on a walk, the first person goes through, then kisses the person behind, who goes through, then kisses the person behind... and so on and so on until the last person is through.
We were out on such a walk on Saturday - clear blue skies, crisp frosty ground with a dusting of snow - a beautiful day. We came across a kissing gate.
Young McGrew sped to the gate and climbed up onto the bottom bar, his arms over the top bar, hanging on. He then proclaimed, 'I am the kissing gate!'
Under normal circumstances, this would be fine. He would get to kiss the entire famille DHG, and everyone would be happy.
But we didn't have normal circumstances. Oh no. As McGrew rushed to the kissing gate, he overtook a group of 5 other random people (random in the sense that we had no idea who they were, and still don't!).
Thus, group of random people is now between McGrew and the rest of famille DHG.
McGrew is the kissing gate.
Random people now need to pass through the kissing gate.
You can see where this is going, can't you!
McGrew exclaims again, to first random person, 'I am the kissing gate!' and offers his lips for a kiss!
First random person looks behind to Mrs DHG with look of some confusion / concern / bemusement. Mrs DHG just smiles and nods.
First random person is kissed by kissing gate McGrew.
As is the second.
As is the third, fourth and fifth.
We may have to ensure we are alone before negotiating another kissing gate!
Whenever we encounter a kissing gate when out and about on a walk, the first person goes through, then kisses the person behind, who goes through, then kisses the person behind... and so on and so on until the last person is through.
We were out on such a walk on Saturday - clear blue skies, crisp frosty ground with a dusting of snow - a beautiful day. We came across a kissing gate.
Young McGrew sped to the gate and climbed up onto the bottom bar, his arms over the top bar, hanging on. He then proclaimed, 'I am the kissing gate!'
Under normal circumstances, this would be fine. He would get to kiss the entire famille DHG, and everyone would be happy.
But we didn't have normal circumstances. Oh no. As McGrew rushed to the kissing gate, he overtook a group of 5 other random people (random in the sense that we had no idea who they were, and still don't!).
Thus, group of random people is now between McGrew and the rest of famille DHG.
McGrew is the kissing gate.
Random people now need to pass through the kissing gate.
You can see where this is going, can't you!
McGrew exclaims again, to first random person, 'I am the kissing gate!' and offers his lips for a kiss!
First random person looks behind to Mrs DHG with look of some confusion / concern / bemusement. Mrs DHG just smiles and nods.
First random person is kissed by kissing gate McGrew.
As is the second.
As is the third, fourth and fifth.
We may have to ensure we are alone before negotiating another kissing gate!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Quarantined!
Dibble is quarantined for 5 days, thanks to the varicella virus.
Thankfully he's not as bad as this...
Thankfully he's not as bad as this...
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Uncle Mitch
Peacefully, at Stirling Royal Infirmary, on Friday 7th November, 2008, James Mitchell Currie (Mitch), aged 87 years, originally from Gretna, dearly beloved husband of Elspeth, devoted father of Jim, dear father-in-law of Laura and a much loved grandad of Melissa and Lucy.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
I spy
Playing I spy in the car on the way back from the bonfire and fireworks this evening (which was a great success - all the boys loved it)...
Mummy: I spy with my little eye, something beginning with 'r'
Boys: silence
Mummy: what begins with 'r' that we're just about to drive round?
Boys: silence
Daddy: Is it a roundabout, mummy?
Cuthbert: No, daddy. A roundabout begins with 'a'
Mummy (while driving): doubled over laughing, trying hard to keep the car going in a straight line!
Mummy: I spy with my little eye, something beginning with 'r'
Boys: silence
Mummy: what begins with 'r' that we're just about to drive round?
Boys: silence
Daddy: Is it a roundabout, mummy?
Cuthbert: No, daddy. A roundabout begins with 'a'
Mummy (while driving): doubled over laughing, trying hard to keep the car going in a straight line!
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A week in Argyll
Sunset over Loch Melfort - view from our window
McGrew on the Easdale ferry looking out towards Mull
McGrew leading the way
Mummy and her three boys...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Where is God?
After praying with Cuthbert this evening, the conversation went something like this...
Cuthbert: If God can see what we're doing now, where is he?
Me: Well, God is special because he is everywhere at the same time.
Cuthbert: Is he in my bedroom?
Me: Yes, he is - but you can't see him.
Cuthbert: Is mummy God?
Me: No, mummy isn't God.
Cuthbert: Are you God, daddy?
Me: No, I'm not God.
Cuthbert (looking behind the curtains): Is God behind here? I can't see him. Is he outside the window?
Me: Well, he's everywhere all at once. And he loves you very much. And so do I. Night Night!
I'm sure there's a better explanation for a 4 year old...
Would anybody like to suggest one?
Cuthbert: If God can see what we're doing now, where is he?
Me: Well, God is special because he is everywhere at the same time.
Cuthbert: Is he in my bedroom?
Me: Yes, he is - but you can't see him.
Cuthbert: Is mummy God?
Me: No, mummy isn't God.
Cuthbert: Are you God, daddy?
Me: No, I'm not God.
Cuthbert (looking behind the curtains): Is God behind here? I can't see him. Is he outside the window?
Me: Well, he's everywhere all at once. And he loves you very much. And so do I. Night Night!
I'm sure there's a better explanation for a 4 year old...
Would anybody like to suggest one?
Monday, October 20, 2008
Thanks
Today I thank God for...
...the sound of Cuthbert singing his version of the Lord's prayer at bed-time, getting words muddled up and missing a few out - just so lovely!
...Dibble's new shoes, his first solo steps, and the new words every day - favourites at the moment are 'noo shoos, noo shoos' and 'kok-lok' (new shoes and chocolate!)
...McGrew's certificate of achievement from school - for trying hard to learn his letter sounds - we're so proud of him
...the thrill and sheer excitement on all 3 boys' faces as we sat at the front of the metro and went through the long tunnel underneath Newcastle ('look, daddy - a station inside the tunnel!')
...the joy of trying to catch leaves with the boys as they blew off the trees in Jesmond Dene yesterday
For these, and many others, I thank God.
...the sound of Cuthbert singing his version of the Lord's prayer at bed-time, getting words muddled up and missing a few out - just so lovely!
...Dibble's new shoes, his first solo steps, and the new words every day - favourites at the moment are 'noo shoos, noo shoos' and 'kok-lok' (new shoes and chocolate!)
...McGrew's certificate of achievement from school - for trying hard to learn his letter sounds - we're so proud of him
...the thrill and sheer excitement on all 3 boys' faces as we sat at the front of the metro and went through the long tunnel underneath Newcastle ('look, daddy - a station inside the tunnel!')
...the joy of trying to catch leaves with the boys as they blew off the trees in Jesmond Dene yesterday
For these, and many others, I thank God.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Struggles
I've not posted on here for a while.
The days just seem to fly by and there just doesn't seem to be the time to get on here much at all...
The last couple of weeks seem to have been a bit of a struggle.
Don't get me wrong - there have been some fantastic bits too - but those seem to be out-numbered by ever more frequent episodes of struggle.
Lots of little things which mass together.
Doing the opposite of what we ask.
Refusing to do what we ask.
Ignoring us when we ask.
Tears when we ask.
Telling lies.
I'm sure it will get better.
Just a wee bit difficult to see things objectively at times.
Needless to say, the 'thinking step' is getting a lot of use at the moment!
And we're not dishing up as many portions of pudding as we might.
The days just seem to fly by and there just doesn't seem to be the time to get on here much at all...
The last couple of weeks seem to have been a bit of a struggle.
Don't get me wrong - there have been some fantastic bits too - but those seem to be out-numbered by ever more frequent episodes of struggle.
Lots of little things which mass together.
Doing the opposite of what we ask.
Refusing to do what we ask.
Ignoring us when we ask.
Tears when we ask.
Telling lies.
I'm sure it will get better.
Just a wee bit difficult to see things objectively at times.
Needless to say, the 'thinking step' is getting a lot of use at the moment!
And we're not dishing up as many portions of pudding as we might.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Muddy walks
I went back to work today.
Mrs D picked McGrew and Cuthbert up from school, and then decided to go for a muddy walk with doglet and Dibble.
Here are the results...
They had loads of fun... but you should have seen the bottom of the bath once they were finished! I hate to think what the inside of the car is like!
Mrs D picked McGrew and Cuthbert up from school, and then decided to go for a muddy walk with doglet and Dibble.
Here are the results...
They had loads of fun... but you should have seen the bottom of the bath once they were finished! I hate to think what the inside of the car is like!
Monday, September 08, 2008
Morpeth
One of my ongoing projects at work is designing improvements to the flood defences in Morpeth.
This weekend saw the worst floods in more than 50 years in the town.
Hundreds of people have been directly affected. Homes, possessions and businesses ruined.
Even more reason to press on at work and make sure that this kind of thing happens less frequently.
Thursday, September 04, 2008
First day at school
All seemed to go well today.
McGrew and Cuthbert were both really excited to be going. Mrs D was a bit wobbly in the playground as first McGrew and then Cuthbert went in to their classrooms... they both seemed so little in their new uniforms and expensive shoes! Too young to be starting school, surely...
Cuthbert finishes at 2 for a few weeks, but even with the early finish, he was shattered this evening. We asked both of them how today went, but we haven't managed to glean much comprehensible information... other than they've both made some friends, though they can't remember the names. Oh, and McGrew had hedgehog and playgrounds for lunch!?
Mrs D and I had big plans for getting stuff done round the house today, but 2 o'clock arrived before we had time to blink...! There's always tomorrow!
McGrew and Cuthbert were both really excited to be going. Mrs D was a bit wobbly in the playground as first McGrew and then Cuthbert went in to their classrooms... they both seemed so little in their new uniforms and expensive shoes! Too young to be starting school, surely...
Cuthbert finishes at 2 for a few weeks, but even with the early finish, he was shattered this evening. We asked both of them how today went, but we haven't managed to glean much comprehensible information... other than they've both made some friends, though they can't remember the names. Oh, and McGrew had hedgehog and playgrounds for lunch!?
Mrs D and I had big plans for getting stuff done round the house today, but 2 o'clock arrived before we had time to blink...! There's always tomorrow!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Daylight robbery?
We went shopping today with McGrew and Cuthbert for school shoes.
We found some.
We're now £60 worse off than we were!
I'd be grateful if anybody could explain to me how a wee pair of school shoes for a 4 / 5 year old can cost £30! Could it be the toy incorporated in the sole? Or perhaps the lights in the heel and the wee button to turn them on or off?
Is there anywhere you can get just a pair of black school shoes without gimmicks?
When I was young.... (no, I won't go on any more!!)
We found some.
We're now £60 worse off than we were!
I'd be grateful if anybody could explain to me how a wee pair of school shoes for a 4 / 5 year old can cost £30! Could it be the toy incorporated in the sole? Or perhaps the lights in the heel and the wee button to turn them on or off?
Is there anywhere you can get just a pair of black school shoes without gimmicks?
When I was young.... (no, I won't go on any more!!)
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Happy birthday Cuthbert
A great weekend has been had by all - first time meetings with Auntie J, Uncle M, Granny and Grandpa G - a trip to the local soft play - a fabulous Mr Tickle birthday cake made for us by good friends J & L - and everyone singing 'Happy Birthday' to Cuthbert at church (while he stood on the stage, arms folder, grin on face, all by himself - 'no daddy, I want to go up by myself'), and it was the first time we'd been to church together!
He's had loads of lovely presents which he's been playing with all day (thank you to all of you very generous people...). The biggest hit was a keyboard from Uncle M and Auntie C (thanks for that - but you forgot to include ear plugs!) which he plays while dancing in his seat - so cute! The bubble machine from Granny and Grandpa G has also been a great success in the garden - he runs round among the bubbles shrieking and dancing!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Seeing in your sleep?
Me: 'Cuthbert, would you like your night light on tonight?'
Cuthbert: 'Yes, please, daddy. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to see when I'm asleep!'
Cuthbert: 'Yes, please, daddy. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to see when I'm asleep!'
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Home together
Just a quick update - we all got back safely yesterday late afternoon. It was an emotional goodbye for the boys, but the journey improved quite quickly with the distraction of Roald Dahl's 'The Enormous Crocodile' and 'The Giraffe, the Pelli and Me' on CD!
The boys settled really well last night, with all asleep before 8.30 (Dibble was last to close his eyes). Cuthbert was quite upset and wanted to speak to his foster carer on the phone to say night night - but after that, Mrs D sung him to sleep quite quickly.
Mrs D got up once in the night to untangle Dibble from his blanket, but an uneventful night otherwise. McGrew had a dry night, which is absolutely fantastic! Small heads popped round our door at 6 this morning, and we had a mummy, daddy, doglet, McGrew and Cuthbert bed cuddle for half an hour.
We're off to Nana and Grandpa's for lunch later, and perhaps a walk in the park with doglet too.
It's only 9.30, but seems more like lunchtime already!
The boys settled really well last night, with all asleep before 8.30 (Dibble was last to close his eyes). Cuthbert was quite upset and wanted to speak to his foster carer on the phone to say night night - but after that, Mrs D sung him to sleep quite quickly.
Mrs D got up once in the night to untangle Dibble from his blanket, but an uneventful night otherwise. McGrew had a dry night, which is absolutely fantastic! Small heads popped round our door at 6 this morning, and we had a mummy, daddy, doglet, McGrew and Cuthbert bed cuddle for half an hour.
We're off to Nana and Grandpa's for lunch later, and perhaps a walk in the park with doglet too.
It's only 9.30, but seems more like lunchtime already!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Shoes
A photo from our hall today...
We've had a great weekend - the boys have been with us most of each day, returning to a local hotel to sleep... we've played football in the garden ('mummy, try and save this'), run around the house playing hide and seek ('daddy, you come and find us now'), been to local parks to walk doglet and visit the playparks ('look how high I am, daddy!'), watched Peter Pan on DVD and eaten lots of yummy food. And McGrew and Cuthbert have earned lots and lots of stars for their star charts!
Back down to their foster carer's house tomorrow and then home on Tuesday forever!
Friday, August 22, 2008
First day at our house
The boys visited us today for a few hours. McGrew and Cuthbert were so excited to see their new bedrooms, they ran round and round shrieking... normal house rules were suspended for a while!
Dibble was in his element, speed crawling from room to room and looking longingly up the stairs through the bars of the gate! He was intent on investigating every corner of every room, and seemed exceptionally happy!
McGrew spent quite a bit of time testing the boundaries, as we thought he would. But he was almost inconsolable when it was time for him to go, with real tears of distress at having to leave. It must be so confusing for them all. Having seen their bedrooms and their beds, but not be allowed to stay and sleep in them. But McGrew loves doglet - he gave her a huge cuddle and a kiss before he left, and told her that he loves her.
Cuthbert was his usual happy self, with only the occasional grumpy face when Dibble did a good impression of demolition man with the wooden railway track.
They're back tomorrow for the day - hopefully the rain will stop long enough to get out for a walk in the park with doglet.
Dibble was in his element, speed crawling from room to room and looking longingly up the stairs through the bars of the gate! He was intent on investigating every corner of every room, and seemed exceptionally happy!
McGrew spent quite a bit of time testing the boundaries, as we thought he would. But he was almost inconsolable when it was time for him to go, with real tears of distress at having to leave. It must be so confusing for them all. Having seen their bedrooms and their beds, but not be allowed to stay and sleep in them. But McGrew loves doglet - he gave her a huge cuddle and a kiss before he left, and told her that he loves her.
Cuthbert was his usual happy self, with only the occasional grumpy face when Dibble did a good impression of demolition man with the wooden railway track.
They're back tomorrow for the day - hopefully the rain will stop long enough to get out for a walk in the park with doglet.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Back home
Mrs D and I got back home this afternoon - it's nice to be back, though a bit strange to be without our boys...
They come up tomorrow with their foster carer, and we get to see them for a couple of hours as they explore their new house and garden! Then we have them all day Saturday and Sunday (but not overnight), before they go back to their foster carer's on Monday.
Then we bring them home on Tuesday.
I can't wait!
They come up tomorrow with their foster carer, and we get to see them for a couple of hours as they explore their new house and garden! Then we have them all day Saturday and Sunday (but not overnight), before they go back to their foster carer's on Monday.
Then we bring them home on Tuesday.
I can't wait!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Happiness is...
1. your son running up to you in the park, throwing his arms around you for a huge hug, just because you're daddy
2. the expressions of sheer excitement and delight on your sons' faces as the train goes through a tunnel
3. your youngest son falling asleep in your arms
4. your eldest son calling Mrs D 'mummy, darling'
5. catching headlice from your children (!)
6. realising that star charts will get your children to behave impeccably in the car (so far!)
7. listening to your youngest son singing ‘Frere Jacques’ at the top of his voice on a swing in the play park
8. showing your middle son how to climb up the cargo net in the playpark, and then watching him do it all by himself
9. kissing your sons good night and telling them that you love them
10. being a daddy (this should perhaps be number 1)
2. the expressions of sheer excitement and delight on your sons' faces as the train goes through a tunnel
3. your youngest son falling asleep in your arms
4. your eldest son calling Mrs D 'mummy, darling'
5. catching headlice from your children (!)
6. realising that star charts will get your children to behave impeccably in the car (so far!)
7. listening to your youngest son singing ‘Frere Jacques’ at the top of his voice on a swing in the play park
8. showing your middle son how to climb up the cargo net in the playpark, and then watching him do it all by himself
9. kissing your sons good night and telling them that you love them
10. being a daddy (this should perhaps be number 1)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Mummy and Daddy
Things still going really well...
We took the boys to the farm on Friday with their foster carer - they loved the calves, particularly when one of them licked McGrew's tummy! McGrew and Cuthbert both climbed to the top of a wooden fort in the playpark at the farm, and then shouted at the top of their voices ' mummy, look at me!' - Luckily Mrs D had her sunglasses on, to hide the tears of joy!
Yesterday we went to the local park by ourselves and spent ages playing football, going down the slide (and reminding McGrew that you go up the ladder and down the slide, rather than up the slide!) and generally having fun. Then to the duck pond to feed the ducks and pick brambles on the way back to the foster carer's - though I've never know ducks to have been fed cherry scones before! One of the highlights of yesterday was both McGrew and Cuthbert shouting to me 'daddy, can I go on your shoulders?' - which of course they did, though one at a time!!
We ended yesterday by bathing the boys and then putting them to bed after reading them a story.... It's great!
Today, we were up at the crack to make sure we were with the boys for breakfast... then we took them out in the car ourselves to a maize maze! Despite losing McGrew for a few minutes, we did get them all back in one piece... And then lunch, which went better than we had thought it would - so well, in fact, that McGrew and Cuthbert were both allowed pudding for behaving so well!
We've three days left now before we go home, and the boys come up to see our house and get to know where we live next weekend.... The plan is they'll then be at home with us for ever from the 26th....
We can't wait!
We took the boys to the farm on Friday with their foster carer - they loved the calves, particularly when one of them licked McGrew's tummy! McGrew and Cuthbert both climbed to the top of a wooden fort in the playpark at the farm, and then shouted at the top of their voices ' mummy, look at me!' - Luckily Mrs D had her sunglasses on, to hide the tears of joy!
Yesterday we went to the local park by ourselves and spent ages playing football, going down the slide (and reminding McGrew that you go up the ladder and down the slide, rather than up the slide!) and generally having fun. Then to the duck pond to feed the ducks and pick brambles on the way back to the foster carer's - though I've never know ducks to have been fed cherry scones before! One of the highlights of yesterday was both McGrew and Cuthbert shouting to me 'daddy, can I go on your shoulders?' - which of course they did, though one at a time!!
We ended yesterday by bathing the boys and then putting them to bed after reading them a story.... It's great!
Today, we were up at the crack to make sure we were with the boys for breakfast... then we took them out in the car ourselves to a maize maze! Despite losing McGrew for a few minutes, we did get them all back in one piece... And then lunch, which went better than we had thought it would - so well, in fact, that McGrew and Cuthbert were both allowed pudding for behaving so well!
We've three days left now before we go home, and the boys come up to see our house and get to know where we live next weekend.... The plan is they'll then be at home with us for ever from the 26th....
We can't wait!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
First meeting
We met McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble yesterday morning.
Words just can't describe how we felt.
They were so excited to see us - well, Dibble had been up all night being unwell, so he slept for most of the first half hour... but McGrew, Cuthbert, Mrs D, the SW, the boys’ foster carer and I all sat round on the living room floor playing snakes and ladders.
Cuthbert was the first to move towards Mrs D, sidling up and then ending up on her knee. McGrew then went round the back of Mrs D and stroked her hair for a bit!
The two older boys were really keen to show me their bedrooms, books and toys, and then we had to go out the back to be shown their bikes (I had to put their shoes on for them, as they seemed to have forgotten how to do it themselves!). Despite foster carer’s protestations, McGrew was adamant to show us he could ride without stabilisers!
Then we had some more time playing on the floor – both older boys becoming more sure of us, and wanting to sit on our knees. Cuthbert is very tickly!
Then Dibble woke up a bit, and started investigating. If there was an Olympic sport of speed crawling, Dibble would win gold in Beijing – guaranteed! He’s pulling himself up on furniture and using that to walk round the room – it won’t be long before he’s walking by himself!
Our time with them seemed so short – and after an hour and a bit we left – but we’re seeing them again this afternoon…
We also met the boys’ birth mum yesterday – it was a really helpful meeting – she gave us permission to be the boys’ mummy and daddy and said that she wanted the boys to be loved, and hoped they would fulfil their full potential. That is more meaningful then any court order. It was emotional, but I’m so glad we did it – and have a photo of us with her which we can show our boys in years to come.
We then met McGrew and Cuthbert’s teachers – it was really good to hear their thoughts on the boys – what they’re good at (McGrew loves investigations, and has excellent coordination, particularly in football!), and how they are with class mates and friends.
So – the planning meeting today (setting out the timetable for the next fortnight), then a couple of hours with the boys this afternoon, and the whole morning with them on Friday.
Let’s hope we get a wee bit of dry weather so we can go to the park!
Words just can't describe how we felt.
They were so excited to see us - well, Dibble had been up all night being unwell, so he slept for most of the first half hour... but McGrew, Cuthbert, Mrs D, the SW, the boys’ foster carer and I all sat round on the living room floor playing snakes and ladders.
Cuthbert was the first to move towards Mrs D, sidling up and then ending up on her knee. McGrew then went round the back of Mrs D and stroked her hair for a bit!
The two older boys were really keen to show me their bedrooms, books and toys, and then we had to go out the back to be shown their bikes (I had to put their shoes on for them, as they seemed to have forgotten how to do it themselves!). Despite foster carer’s protestations, McGrew was adamant to show us he could ride without stabilisers!
Then we had some more time playing on the floor – both older boys becoming more sure of us, and wanting to sit on our knees. Cuthbert is very tickly!
Then Dibble woke up a bit, and started investigating. If there was an Olympic sport of speed crawling, Dibble would win gold in Beijing – guaranteed! He’s pulling himself up on furniture and using that to walk round the room – it won’t be long before he’s walking by himself!
Our time with them seemed so short – and after an hour and a bit we left – but we’re seeing them again this afternoon…
We also met the boys’ birth mum yesterday – it was a really helpful meeting – she gave us permission to be the boys’ mummy and daddy and said that she wanted the boys to be loved, and hoped they would fulfil their full potential. That is more meaningful then any court order. It was emotional, but I’m so glad we did it – and have a photo of us with her which we can show our boys in years to come.
We then met McGrew and Cuthbert’s teachers – it was really good to hear their thoughts on the boys – what they’re good at (McGrew loves investigations, and has excellent coordination, particularly in football!), and how they are with class mates and friends.
So – the planning meeting today (setting out the timetable for the next fortnight), then a couple of hours with the boys this afternoon, and the whole morning with them on Friday.
Let’s hope we get a wee bit of dry weather so we can go to the park!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Matching Panel says yes!
The last hurdle has been cleared...
After what has been reported to us as a 'gruelling' panel - with our social worker and the boys' social worker being given a 'grilling' - the panel has recommended the match between us and our three boys: McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble.
So full steam ahead!
We meet them in two weeks.
But before that, a well-earned holiday!
And some champagne tonight!
After what has been reported to us as a 'gruelling' panel - with our social worker and the boys' social worker being given a 'grilling' - the panel has recommended the match between us and our three boys: McGrew, Cuthbert and Dibble.
So full steam ahead!
We meet them in two weeks.
But before that, a well-earned holiday!
And some champagne tonight!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Rooms are ready
Dibble's room
McGrew's room
Cuthbert's room
* not their real names, in case you were wondering!!
To protect their identity online, I thought I'd name them after three of the firemen in one of my favourite TV programmes... Can you guess which one?!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Washing machine crisis
Our washing machine has just died. Not slowly or gracefully, but in a cocophany of bangs and shakes, culminating in a shower of burnt plastic from its gut being dumped onto the nearly clean washing within.
Better now than in a month's time, mind you... and it's served us well for 11 years.
off to Comet I go...
Better now than in a month's time, mind you... and it's served us well for 11 years.
off to Comet I go...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
What I learnt at the weekend
I have learned that:
Mothercare staff are very helpful
There are hundreds of different types of push-chairs
Stair gates come in different colours, sizes and styles
Stair gates have extension pieces so they'll fit wide stairs
Mothercare store cards are called Mothercards
Mothercards are pink
Mothercards get you money off :o)
No matter how many different combinations are tried, it is impossible to get three car seats in the back of a Skoda Octavia...
Mothercare staff are very patient!
Having three boys means having to buy a people carrier
When compared to the cost of a people carrier, car seats aren't actually that expensive
The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso comes in some very suspect colours, like 'anodised gold'
The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso has a panoramic roof so you can watch the sky (not while driving, of course!)
Our new car will be a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso... in anodised gold...
Mothercare staff are very helpful
There are hundreds of different types of push-chairs
Stair gates come in different colours, sizes and styles
Stair gates have extension pieces so they'll fit wide stairs
Mothercare store cards are called Mothercards
Mothercards are pink
Mothercards get you money off :o)
No matter how many different combinations are tried, it is impossible to get three car seats in the back of a Skoda Octavia...
Mothercare staff are very patient!
Having three boys means having to buy a people carrier
When compared to the cost of a people carrier, car seats aren't actually that expensive
The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso comes in some very suspect colours, like 'anodised gold'
The Citroen C4 Grand Picasso has a panoramic roof so you can watch the sky (not while driving, of course!)
Our new car will be a Citroen C4 Grand Picasso... in anodised gold...
Thursday, July 10, 2008
The panel - they say yes!
Just back from the adoption panel - so excited!
We went in early, and were introduced to the 12 people round the table - a mix of legal advisors, medical advisors, adoptive parents, social workers from other agencies...
They made us feel really at ease, and then some of the panel members asked us questions they'd prepared in advance, having read our report.
There were questions on church and our busy-ness, about why we were thinking of up to three children, about how we and our church would value diversity, and about our resilience as a couple.
We left for them to deliberate, and within a couple of minutes, the chair person had come out to tell us that they'd said yes.
So we'll be approved to adopt up to three children - which is just as well, considering!
Next stop is the matching panel on 30th July... and before that, loads to do, loads to buy, and lots of effort needed to stop Mrs D spending all our money in Mothercare and ELC!
We went in early, and were introduced to the 12 people round the table - a mix of legal advisors, medical advisors, adoptive parents, social workers from other agencies...
They made us feel really at ease, and then some of the panel members asked us questions they'd prepared in advance, having read our report.
There were questions on church and our busy-ness, about why we were thinking of up to three children, about how we and our church would value diversity, and about our resilience as a couple.
We left for them to deliberate, and within a couple of minutes, the chair person had come out to tell us that they'd said yes.
So we'll be approved to adopt up to three children - which is just as well, considering!
Next stop is the matching panel on 30th July... and before that, loads to do, loads to buy, and lots of effort needed to stop Mrs D spending all our money in Mothercare and ELC!
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Panel tomorrow
It's all done.
Nothing more we can do.
Interviews held.
Answers given.
Reports written.
Signatures signed.
Tomorrow we face the panel.
Excited. A wee bit apprehensive. Mostly calm.
Sure in the knowledge that God has gone before us.
Nothing more we can do.
Interviews held.
Answers given.
Reports written.
Signatures signed.
Tomorrow we face the panel.
Excited. A wee bit apprehensive. Mostly calm.
Sure in the knowledge that God has gone before us.
Friday, July 04, 2008
School places available
Just a wee update - we heard yesterday from the head teacher of the school we'd like the two eldest to go to, that although she didn't strictly have spaces, she'd phoned the local authority and explained the situation - they've told her to give us places! How fantastic is that! God is so good!
We're still unsure which years the boys will go into. The eldest should be starting year 1 in September, but he may benefit from going into reception, given all the change he's going to be facing - and he has a late summer birthday making him one of the youngest in his class at the moment (the cut-off for school years is the end of August). The middle one will then either go into reception (full-time) or nursery (part-time), depending on what we decide (with their social worker) for the eldest. We don't want them both in the same year.
But the head teacher has said she doesn't need to know what we're going to do until the end of August - which again is fantastic, and gives us a bit of time to consider properly.
Jobs this weekend include completing the matching report for the boys' social worker (questions like 'why do you think these children are a good match for you' - this will form the basis of the information available to the matching panel when they meet to decide on the match at the end of this month. We also need to think of questions we want to ask the boys' foster carers, as we hope to be able to speak to them next week.
There's so much going on - lots of phone calls, emails, forms to complete, lists of things to do, lists of things to buy... but through it all, we have peace. A peace that it's right. A peace that God is completely in the driving seat.
We're still unsure which years the boys will go into. The eldest should be starting year 1 in September, but he may benefit from going into reception, given all the change he's going to be facing - and he has a late summer birthday making him one of the youngest in his class at the moment (the cut-off for school years is the end of August). The middle one will then either go into reception (full-time) or nursery (part-time), depending on what we decide (with their social worker) for the eldest. We don't want them both in the same year.
But the head teacher has said she doesn't need to know what we're going to do until the end of August - which again is fantastic, and gives us a bit of time to consider properly.
Jobs this weekend include completing the matching report for the boys' social worker (questions like 'why do you think these children are a good match for you' - this will form the basis of the information available to the matching panel when they meet to decide on the match at the end of this month. We also need to think of questions we want to ask the boys' foster carers, as we hope to be able to speak to them next week.
There's so much going on - lots of phone calls, emails, forms to complete, lists of things to do, lists of things to buy... but through it all, we have peace. A peace that it's right. A peace that God is completely in the driving seat.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Our new family
We had a great meeting with the social workers yesterday.
We had loads of questions.
They didn't!
We saw photos taken on Friday, as well as a video of the boys feeding the ducks at a local pond!
We're as sure as we can be that they're the ones for us! Wow!
Words can't really describe how we're feeling - but 'excited, overwhelmed, apprehensive, anxious, can't wait' go some way...
We've been to see the headteacher at the school we think is the right one for the two older boys - but there may not be spaces - we're praying hard that spaces would appear!
We've lots to do over the next few weeks - not least the purchase of 3 beds, 3 wardrobes, 3 car seats, a high chair, stair guards... you can imagine!
If everything goes well, we'll be approved by the matching panel on 30 July, go on holiday for a week or so at the beginning of August, start introductions with the boys mid-August, and have them at home with us in time for the older two to start school at the beginning of September. That's only about 8 weeks away!
8 weeks till we're mummy and daddy.
We had loads of questions.
They didn't!
We saw photos taken on Friday, as well as a video of the boys feeding the ducks at a local pond!
We're as sure as we can be that they're the ones for us! Wow!
Words can't really describe how we're feeling - but 'excited, overwhelmed, apprehensive, anxious, can't wait' go some way...
We've been to see the headteacher at the school we think is the right one for the two older boys - but there may not be spaces - we're praying hard that spaces would appear!
We've lots to do over the next few weeks - not least the purchase of 3 beds, 3 wardrobes, 3 car seats, a high chair, stair guards... you can imagine!
If everything goes well, we'll be approved by the matching panel on 30 July, go on holiday for a week or so at the beginning of August, start introductions with the boys mid-August, and have them at home with us in time for the older two to start school at the beginning of September. That's only about 8 weeks away!
8 weeks till we're mummy and daddy.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
24 hours
What a lot can happen in 24 hours.
It feels a bit like we've been through a full spin cycle in the washing machine!
A few weeks ago, our social worker sent us details of three boys who need to be adopted. They're aged nearly 5, nearly 4, and 14 months. We expressed an interest, and their SW said she'd speak to our SW when he got back from holiday. They spoke to each other on Tuesday afternoon. Our SW sent the boys' SW the report about us. Which she read. And then got excited.
Yesterday, the boys' SW sent our SW the reports about the boys. Our SW came round and gave us copies of the reports last night. I've been away in Sussex, and didn't get back till tonight. So Mrs D spent 2 hours last night on the phone to me reading the reports down the phone! Not easy reading. Lots of difficult stuff to come to terms with about their past.
The boys' SW wants to come and meet us. She's coming on Monday afternoon. She's postponed some of her holiday so she can come.
Our SW is coming round tomorrow to go through the boys' reports with us. To discuss the issues / points he is unsure of. To discuss what the boys' SW may ask us on Monday.
We have questions about what we've read in the boys' reports. She most likely has questions about what she's read in our report. Monday will be for getting some answers.
As I see it there are two outcomes from Monday...
1. We or the boys' SW (or both of us) don't feel there's a match - so nothing more happens and we go on looking for our children.
2. We and the boys' SW feel there is a match - assuming we're approved on 10 July, we'd go to the boys' agency's matching panel at the end of July, with introductions to the children soon after.
It's not really supposed to happen like this. We're supposed to go to our panel and get approved. Then we start to look at details of children. Then a SW might want to come and visit us to talk about a child / children. A few rounds of this - then we come across the 'right' ones. Then matching panel. Then introductions. A more leisurely time-frame. Time to take stock. Time to get used to things.
I'm not sure that we really know how we feel.
Terrified? yes.
Excited? yes.
Apprehensive? Anxious? probably.
And how do we know if these are the ones for us? How do we know?
Unfortunately God doesn't send emails!
Looks like the weekend will be spent praying / tidying / praying / cleaning / praying / gardening...
All help gratefully received!
It feels a bit like we've been through a full spin cycle in the washing machine!
A few weeks ago, our social worker sent us details of three boys who need to be adopted. They're aged nearly 5, nearly 4, and 14 months. We expressed an interest, and their SW said she'd speak to our SW when he got back from holiday. They spoke to each other on Tuesday afternoon. Our SW sent the boys' SW the report about us. Which she read. And then got excited.
Yesterday, the boys' SW sent our SW the reports about the boys. Our SW came round and gave us copies of the reports last night. I've been away in Sussex, and didn't get back till tonight. So Mrs D spent 2 hours last night on the phone to me reading the reports down the phone! Not easy reading. Lots of difficult stuff to come to terms with about their past.
The boys' SW wants to come and meet us. She's coming on Monday afternoon. She's postponed some of her holiday so she can come.
Our SW is coming round tomorrow to go through the boys' reports with us. To discuss the issues / points he is unsure of. To discuss what the boys' SW may ask us on Monday.
We have questions about what we've read in the boys' reports. She most likely has questions about what she's read in our report. Monday will be for getting some answers.
As I see it there are two outcomes from Monday...
1. We or the boys' SW (or both of us) don't feel there's a match - so nothing more happens and we go on looking for our children.
2. We and the boys' SW feel there is a match - assuming we're approved on 10 July, we'd go to the boys' agency's matching panel at the end of July, with introductions to the children soon after.
It's not really supposed to happen like this. We're supposed to go to our panel and get approved. Then we start to look at details of children. Then a SW might want to come and visit us to talk about a child / children. A few rounds of this - then we come across the 'right' ones. Then matching panel. Then introductions. A more leisurely time-frame. Time to take stock. Time to get used to things.
I'm not sure that we really know how we feel.
Terrified? yes.
Excited? yes.
Apprehensive? Anxious? probably.
And how do we know if these are the ones for us? How do we know?
Unfortunately God doesn't send emails!
Looks like the weekend will be spent praying / tidying / praying / cleaning / praying / gardening...
All help gratefully received!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Three boys on the beach
We had a fantastic time yesterday at Druridge Bay.
The sun shone despite the weather forecast, and the three boys loved it.
Paddling.
Big waves.
Bigger waves.
Wellies overtopped.
Wet now.
Might as well sit down in the water.
Much wetter now!
Much giggling.
Stones were thrown into the waves.
Doglet ran like a thing possessed.
Castles were constructed.
Castles were demolished.
Castles were reconstructed with bigger and better moats.
Picnic lunch.
Cherry tomatoes. Cucumber. Ham. Bread.
Grapes.
Half grapes for doglet.
Chocolate muffins.
Waves getting bigger.
Closer to the castle.
Water in the moat.
Castle destroyed.
Happy days!
The sun shone despite the weather forecast, and the three boys loved it.
Paddling.
Big waves.
Bigger waves.
Wellies overtopped.
Wet now.
Might as well sit down in the water.
Much wetter now!
Much giggling.
Stones were thrown into the waves.
Doglet ran like a thing possessed.
Castles were constructed.
Castles were demolished.
Castles were reconstructed with bigger and better moats.
Picnic lunch.
Cherry tomatoes. Cucumber. Ham. Bread.
Grapes.
Half grapes for doglet.
Chocolate muffins.
Waves getting bigger.
Closer to the castle.
Water in the moat.
Castle destroyed.
Happy days!
Three boys and me
I survived.
More importantly, the three boys survived.
No lasting adverse effects, as far as I know!
It was with some reservation and a certain amount of arm-twisting that I agreed, some months ago, to look after our three god-sons for a day all by myself. My dear wife, Mrs D, would go off to work, I would take a day's leave, and all would be well. Or so she assured me.
The three boys arrived on Thursday evening, their parents bathing them and putting them to bed, before disappearing back home to pack before their trip to Madrid for a wedding.
We woke on Friday morning to singing and chatting from the middle boy... Mrs D helped get the boys dressed and ensure the appropriate cereals were consumed before heading off to work.
I was alone.
By myself.
Nobody else but me. And the three boys of course!
First task - get the oldest one to school and the middle one to nursery.
We left plenty of time.
We all got into the car.
We arrived at the school.
Far too early. The lollipop lady hadn't even turned up yet!
Better early than late I thought.
It started to rain.
We had to park 5 minutes walk from the school.
We had no coats.
We got a bit wet.
Lesson number one - remember the coats even if there aren't any clouds in the sky!
Back to the car with the youngest. Home.
We played train track and cars.
Then back in the car - parents and tots at church.
Played with cars and play-dough.
Then back in the car to get the middle one from nursery.
I took all the coats. It didn't rain.
Middle one collected.
Back to the car. Home.
Lunch.
Youngest's nappy changed - not poopy - hurrah!
C-Beebies...
OK, OK, I gave in - but only for 30 minutes - Iggle piggle is very strange!
More train track and cars.
Then back in the car to get the oldest one from school.
I took all the coats. It didn't rain.
Oldest one collected.
Back to the car. Home.
More train track and cars.
Lego.
Mrs D arrives home.
I survived!
Then KidzKlub, for a rest.
(Now I never thought I'd find myself saying that!)
More importantly, the three boys survived.
No lasting adverse effects, as far as I know!
It was with some reservation and a certain amount of arm-twisting that I agreed, some months ago, to look after our three god-sons for a day all by myself. My dear wife, Mrs D, would go off to work, I would take a day's leave, and all would be well. Or so she assured me.
The three boys arrived on Thursday evening, their parents bathing them and putting them to bed, before disappearing back home to pack before their trip to Madrid for a wedding.
We woke on Friday morning to singing and chatting from the middle boy... Mrs D helped get the boys dressed and ensure the appropriate cereals were consumed before heading off to work.
I was alone.
By myself.
Nobody else but me. And the three boys of course!
First task - get the oldest one to school and the middle one to nursery.
We left plenty of time.
We all got into the car.
We arrived at the school.
Far too early. The lollipop lady hadn't even turned up yet!
Better early than late I thought.
It started to rain.
We had to park 5 minutes walk from the school.
We had no coats.
We got a bit wet.
Lesson number one - remember the coats even if there aren't any clouds in the sky!
Back to the car with the youngest. Home.
We played train track and cars.
Then back in the car - parents and tots at church.
Played with cars and play-dough.
Then back in the car to get the middle one from nursery.
I took all the coats. It didn't rain.
Middle one collected.
Back to the car. Home.
Lunch.
Youngest's nappy changed - not poopy - hurrah!
C-Beebies...
OK, OK, I gave in - but only for 30 minutes - Iggle piggle is very strange!
More train track and cars.
Then back in the car to get the oldest one from school.
I took all the coats. It didn't rain.
Oldest one collected.
Back to the car. Home.
More train track and cars.
Lego.
Mrs D arrives home.
I survived!
Then KidzKlub, for a rest.
(Now I never thought I'd find myself saying that!)
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Adoption - the journey continues
This is the text of an email Mrs D and I recently sent to many of our friends and family - as an update on where we've got to, and where we might be going over the next few months...
Apologies for another group email, but we thought it was about time we updated you on where we've got to so far. It was last May when we emailed you to let you know of the journey we were embarking on - so much has happened, and yet we're still not there... but we're heading in the right direction!
If we had to describe the past year in one word, it would be - waiting!
But we know that God is directing all of this - however frustrated we have got with the speed of things (and we have been very frustrated!), we know that His timing is perfect!
July 07
In July we visited our GP for a medical examination - this is standard for people applying for adoption.
No problems there, as far as we know!
August 07
We had a fantastic 4 week trip to western Canada to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary - we found ourselves saying 'wow' just about every day - scenery, open spaces, wildlife, and the oh-so friendly people!
A real blessing and an opportunity to leave the waiting behind for a while...
November 07
We waited until the end of November before anything else much happened - we attended a series of four preparation days with 4 other couples, and were taken through the process of adoption, what kinds of things children who need adoption may have gone through, and the special parenting required to help these children deal with their past and enable them to flourish as adults.
Having successfully completed these four days, we then waited some more!
February
The formal assessment started at the beginning of February, when our social worker (let's call him SW) came to visit.
February to May
SW then visited us about once every 10 days until the middle of May - in between we've had homework to do, writing about our house, the things we like doing and how we get on with each other. At each of the meetings, SW has probed and prodded into just about every area of our lives - to the extent that at times we've felt as if we've been turned inside out and shaken until everything has fallen out. SW has also met with my sister, two of our friends, and Mrs D's parents. He's spoken to Mrs D's deputy head teacher, and has even visited us at Kidz Klub (SW explained afterwards that it was the most surreal experience of his life - but in a good way!). SW has also visited us when we had our three wonderful god-sons to stay - to see how we interacted with children... thankfully that visit went well!
Right now
The assessment is now complete, and SW is in the process of writing it all up. He's coming to meet us again on Thursday this week to go through the draft report with us - we'll then have the opportunity to correct all the mistakes and make sure we're happy with what it says - it'll be a bit strange to read a 40 page report all about us!
Thursday 10th July 08
Our application to be adoptive parents will be presented to the adoption panel on 10 July. This panel is a group of up to 12 people, with various experiences of adoption - some social workers, a medical advisor, a legal advisor, and some people who have themselves adopted children. They'll have all read our report before the day, and will be meeting to discuss us and hopefully approve us as adoptive parents. We'll be going along too, and they'll probably want to ask us some questions - but SW will be there to support us and help us answer!
July onwards
Assuming we're approved on 10th July, we'll then proceed into what they call the 'matching' stage.
Our thinking at this stage is that we will consider adopting two brothers or a brother and a sister, with the oldest being under 6, but hopefully younger.
SW will be on the look-out for children awaiting adoption, and will be speaking to other adoption agencies about us - in fact he's already started to do this, and has shown us details of some groups of brothers and sisters - although for various reasons, we don't think they're the ones for us.
When we think we've found a possible match, SW will contact the children's social worker and request the children's report - describing the chidren's background and current situation, including medical reports and evaluations - pretty much everything known about the children, written down in black and white. Once we've read that, and still want to proceed, the children's social worker will probably visit us at home to see where we live and what we're like - and to ascertain whether or not we'd be suitable to adopt those children. The children's social worker may be visiting a number of potential adopters at this stage, to find the best ones for those children.
If the children's social worker decides that we're right for those children, then we would go forward to a 'matching panel' at the children's adoption agency. Again, we'd probably be asked to attend that, and it could be anywhere in the country, depending on where the children are from. An approval from that panel would mean we were matched with those children. A programme of introductions would then be planned, probably over a period of a few weeks - this would involve us meeting the children for a few hours to start with, slowly increasing the length of time until we were getting them up in the morning and putting them to bed at night. Once everybody is happy with how things are going, we'd take the children home to live with us...!
If everything proceeded well, we'd then look to apply for an adoption order about 6 months after that - but that's a way off yet!
And so...
We're really thankful that the assessment has gone well, with many positive comments about us from SW.
We'd value your prayers and support over the next few weeks - as we wait and prepare for Panel on 10th July, and as we start to consider possible matches with children.
One of the most difficult things for us is reading the short profiles of children who are awaiting adoption - and then trying to decide if we want to request more details. Please pray that it would be abundantly clear which children we should enquire about.
If you want to keep up-to-date with how things are going, please have a look at my blog (that's here!) which I update from time to time with our latest news about adoption and other random things!
Thanks for reading this far - and for your support, love and prayers for us.
x
Apologies for another group email, but we thought it was about time we updated you on where we've got to so far. It was last May when we emailed you to let you know of the journey we were embarking on - so much has happened, and yet we're still not there... but we're heading in the right direction!
If we had to describe the past year in one word, it would be - waiting!
But we know that God is directing all of this - however frustrated we have got with the speed of things (and we have been very frustrated!), we know that His timing is perfect!
July 07
In July we visited our GP for a medical examination - this is standard for people applying for adoption.
No problems there, as far as we know!
August 07
We had a fantastic 4 week trip to western Canada to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary - we found ourselves saying 'wow' just about every day - scenery, open spaces, wildlife, and the oh-so friendly people!
A real blessing and an opportunity to leave the waiting behind for a while...
November 07
We waited until the end of November before anything else much happened - we attended a series of four preparation days with 4 other couples, and were taken through the process of adoption, what kinds of things children who need adoption may have gone through, and the special parenting required to help these children deal with their past and enable them to flourish as adults.
Having successfully completed these four days, we then waited some more!
February
The formal assessment started at the beginning of February, when our social worker (let's call him SW) came to visit.
February to May
SW then visited us about once every 10 days until the middle of May - in between we've had homework to do, writing about our house, the things we like doing and how we get on with each other. At each of the meetings, SW has probed and prodded into just about every area of our lives - to the extent that at times we've felt as if we've been turned inside out and shaken until everything has fallen out. SW has also met with my sister, two of our friends, and Mrs D's parents. He's spoken to Mrs D's deputy head teacher, and has even visited us at Kidz Klub (SW explained afterwards that it was the most surreal experience of his life - but in a good way!). SW has also visited us when we had our three wonderful god-sons to stay - to see how we interacted with children... thankfully that visit went well!
Right now
The assessment is now complete, and SW is in the process of writing it all up. He's coming to meet us again on Thursday this week to go through the draft report with us - we'll then have the opportunity to correct all the mistakes and make sure we're happy with what it says - it'll be a bit strange to read a 40 page report all about us!
Thursday 10th July 08
Our application to be adoptive parents will be presented to the adoption panel on 10 July. This panel is a group of up to 12 people, with various experiences of adoption - some social workers, a medical advisor, a legal advisor, and some people who have themselves adopted children. They'll have all read our report before the day, and will be meeting to discuss us and hopefully approve us as adoptive parents. We'll be going along too, and they'll probably want to ask us some questions - but SW will be there to support us and help us answer!
July onwards
Assuming we're approved on 10th July, we'll then proceed into what they call the 'matching' stage.
Our thinking at this stage is that we will consider adopting two brothers or a brother and a sister, with the oldest being under 6, but hopefully younger.
SW will be on the look-out for children awaiting adoption, and will be speaking to other adoption agencies about us - in fact he's already started to do this, and has shown us details of some groups of brothers and sisters - although for various reasons, we don't think they're the ones for us.
When we think we've found a possible match, SW will contact the children's social worker and request the children's report - describing the chidren's background and current situation, including medical reports and evaluations - pretty much everything known about the children, written down in black and white. Once we've read that, and still want to proceed, the children's social worker will probably visit us at home to see where we live and what we're like - and to ascertain whether or not we'd be suitable to adopt those children. The children's social worker may be visiting a number of potential adopters at this stage, to find the best ones for those children.
If the children's social worker decides that we're right for those children, then we would go forward to a 'matching panel' at the children's adoption agency. Again, we'd probably be asked to attend that, and it could be anywhere in the country, depending on where the children are from. An approval from that panel would mean we were matched with those children. A programme of introductions would then be planned, probably over a period of a few weeks - this would involve us meeting the children for a few hours to start with, slowly increasing the length of time until we were getting them up in the morning and putting them to bed at night. Once everybody is happy with how things are going, we'd take the children home to live with us...!
If everything proceeded well, we'd then look to apply for an adoption order about 6 months after that - but that's a way off yet!
And so...
We're really thankful that the assessment has gone well, with many positive comments about us from SW.
We'd value your prayers and support over the next few weeks - as we wait and prepare for Panel on 10th July, and as we start to consider possible matches with children.
One of the most difficult things for us is reading the short profiles of children who are awaiting adoption - and then trying to decide if we want to request more details. Please pray that it would be abundantly clear which children we should enquire about.
If you want to keep up-to-date with how things are going, please have a look at my blog (that's here!) which I update from time to time with our latest news about adoption and other random things!
Thanks for reading this far - and for your support, love and prayers for us.
x
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Just10 - week 5
One of our Kidz Klub mums made the front page of the Just10 news sheet this week.
Click on the image to read Karin's story...
Click on the image to read Karin's story...
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Before adopting kids - 15 quick training sessions - Part 1
On our last assessment visit, our social worker left us with 15 quick training sessions to undertake....
I share the first of the sessions here with you...
Session 1
Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
Go home.
Pick up a newspaper.
Read it for the last time.
Session 2
Before you adopt your children, find a couple who already are parents and advise them how to improve:
1. their methods of discipline
2. their lack of patience
3. their appalling low tolerance levels
4 their practice of allowing their children to run wild
5. their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour
Enjoy it.
It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.
Session 3
To discover how nights will feel...
1. Walk around the living room from 5pm to 10pm carrying a wet bag of old lentil soup weighing 6kg, with a radio tuned to static playing loudly
2. At 10pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep
3. Get up at midnight and walk the bag of lentil soup round the living room until 1am
4. Set the alarm for 3am.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a cup of tea
6. Go to bed at 2.45am.
7. Sing songs in the dark until 4am.
8. Get up. Make breakfast.
Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
Session 4
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy a live octopus and a small bag made of loose mesh.
2 Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.
Time allowed for this - all morning.
Session 5
Forget the BMW and buy a practical 5-door saloon or people carrier. And don't think you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a coin. Insert it in the CD player.
3. Take a family-sized packet of chocolate biscuits and mash them into the back seat.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There. Perfect!
Session 6
Get ready to go out.
1. Wait outside the bathroom for half an hour
2. Go out the front door
3. Come in again
4. Go out
5. Come back in
6. Go out again
7. Walk down the front driveway
8. Walk back up it
9. Walk down it again
10. Walk very slowly down the road for 5 minutes
11. Stop, inspect minutely, and ask at least 6 questions about, every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way
12. Retrace your steps
13. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbours come out and stare at you
14. Give up and go back into the house
You are just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.
Session 7
Repeat everything at least 100 times.
I share the first of the sessions here with you...
Session 1
Go to the supermarket. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
Go home.
Pick up a newspaper.
Read it for the last time.
Session 2
Before you adopt your children, find a couple who already are parents and advise them how to improve:
1. their methods of discipline
2. their lack of patience
3. their appalling low tolerance levels
4 their practice of allowing their children to run wild
5. their child's sleeping habits, toilet training, table manners and overall behaviour
Enjoy it.
It will be the last time in your life that you will have all the answers.
Session 3
To discover how nights will feel...
1. Walk around the living room from 5pm to 10pm carrying a wet bag of old lentil soup weighing 6kg, with a radio tuned to static playing loudly
2. At 10pm, put the bag down, set the alarm for midnight and go to sleep
3. Get up at midnight and walk the bag of lentil soup round the living room until 1am
4. Set the alarm for 3am.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2am and make a cup of tea
6. Go to bed at 2.45am.
7. Sing songs in the dark until 4am.
8. Get up. Make breakfast.
Keep this up for 5 years. Look cheerful.
Session 4
Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy a live octopus and a small bag made of loose mesh.
2 Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.
Time allowed for this - all morning.
Session 5
Forget the BMW and buy a practical 5-door saloon or people carrier. And don't think you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment. Leave it there.
2. Get a coin. Insert it in the CD player.
3. Take a family-sized packet of chocolate biscuits and mash them into the back seat.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car. There. Perfect!
Session 6
Get ready to go out.
1. Wait outside the bathroom for half an hour
2. Go out the front door
3. Come in again
4. Go out
5. Come back in
6. Go out again
7. Walk down the front driveway
8. Walk back up it
9. Walk down it again
10. Walk very slowly down the road for 5 minutes
11. Stop, inspect minutely, and ask at least 6 questions about, every piece of used chewing gum, dirty tissue and dead insect along the way
12. Retrace your steps
13. Scream that you have had as much as you can stand until the neighbours come out and stare at you
14. Give up and go back into the house
You are just about ready to try taking a small child for a walk.
Session 7
Repeat everything at least 100 times.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Walk the path I've paved for you
My good friend, TheWeeScottie, has penned a poem...
‘Walk the path’, my saviour said,
‘The one I’ve paved for you
And you will see the wonderous things
I’ve laid in store for you’
You can read the rest here.
Inspired words, I feel, in these uncertain times.
‘Walk the path’, my saviour said,
‘The one I’ve paved for you
And you will see the wonderous things
I’ve laid in store for you’
You can read the rest here.
Inspired words, I feel, in these uncertain times.
Garry's coming to Just10
Garry Brotherston is coming to tell his story next week at Just10 in Gateshead and Stockton......a journey from imprisonment and condemnation to grace and freedom in Christ!
It should be another fantastic night - with J John explaining the 5th commandment - and talking about controlling our anger.
Let's pray that the many thousands attending would hear God speak to them in a new and powerful way through Garry's and J John's words...
Here's one of Garry's songs - powerful words.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Roll on 10 July
Hurrah!
Whooopee!
Woo-hoooo!
Much jumping up and down, waving of arms and shouting!
Our home assessment is complete!
We saw our social worker this evening for the last time (well, last time for a few weeks!). He's visited and spoken to all our referees. He's seen us on at least 12 occasions. Hours and hours. He's completed our assessment and just needs to write it all up now.
And he's so positive. He talks about there being no 'contra-indications' and of us having a very strong application... Mrs D thinks he means we're marvellous!
Our application will go to the adoption panel on 10 July, all being well.
We'll go too.
By 5pm on 10 July, we should be approved as adopters!
Then the matching begins. The social worker's already keeping his eye out and ear to the ground (sounds a bit painful to do both at the same time!), and he's even mentioned a family in the north-east that may be a possible match...
It's all starting to get very real and very scary!
We know that God knows our children, even though we don't - he knows who they are, where they are and how they are... he knows what they like and don't like... and he's looking after them, preparing them to come and live with us...
Amazing, perplexing, intriguing, and truly awesome, come to think about it!
Whooopee!
Woo-hoooo!
Much jumping up and down, waving of arms and shouting!
Our home assessment is complete!
We saw our social worker this evening for the last time (well, last time for a few weeks!). He's visited and spoken to all our referees. He's seen us on at least 12 occasions. Hours and hours. He's completed our assessment and just needs to write it all up now.
And he's so positive. He talks about there being no 'contra-indications' and of us having a very strong application... Mrs D thinks he means we're marvellous!
Our application will go to the adoption panel on 10 July, all being well.
We'll go too.
By 5pm on 10 July, we should be approved as adopters!
Then the matching begins. The social worker's already keeping his eye out and ear to the ground (sounds a bit painful to do both at the same time!), and he's even mentioned a family in the north-east that may be a possible match...
It's all starting to get very real and very scary!
We know that God knows our children, even though we don't - he knows who they are, where they are and how they are... he knows what they like and don't like... and he's looking after them, preparing them to come and live with us...
Amazing, perplexing, intriguing, and truly awesome, come to think about it!
I'm still here!
Apologies to all of you who thought I'd perhaps dropped off the face of the planet...
No, I'm still very much here, alive and well - there just doesn't seem to be enough time in each day for everything that needs to be done!
We had a fantastic week away in Derbyshire in the middle of April with a great friend of old, and his new wife (great friend of not-so-old!). The sun shone and then the hailstones came and then the sunshine again, followed by snow, then sun, then rain... you get the picture! But lots of good walks with the doglet, and lots of fun by the fire in the evenings with a glass of wine and some silly games!
Just10 has started now -taking up another of our evenings each week - but so worthwhile - J John is such an inspirational speaker - presenting the 10 commandments in such relevant ways for today... Along with the 5000 other people in the canvas cathedral each week, two of our KidzKlub mums have been coming along and both have made commitments - and we're only 3 weeks in!
Along with all of that, we've been meeting with our social worker once or twice a week to complete our home assessment...
I hope that things will calm down a bit for the next few weeks, so a more normal blogging service should be restored!
No, I'm still very much here, alive and well - there just doesn't seem to be enough time in each day for everything that needs to be done!
We had a fantastic week away in Derbyshire in the middle of April with a great friend of old, and his new wife (great friend of not-so-old!). The sun shone and then the hailstones came and then the sunshine again, followed by snow, then sun, then rain... you get the picture! But lots of good walks with the doglet, and lots of fun by the fire in the evenings with a glass of wine and some silly games!
Just10 has started now -taking up another of our evenings each week - but so worthwhile - J John is such an inspirational speaker - presenting the 10 commandments in such relevant ways for today... Along with the 5000 other people in the canvas cathedral each week, two of our KidzKlub mums have been coming along and both have made commitments - and we're only 3 weeks in!
Along with all of that, we've been meeting with our social worker once or twice a week to complete our home assessment...
I hope that things will calm down a bit for the next few weeks, so a more normal blogging service should be restored!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
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