CATHY has been to: Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom. Get your own travel map from Matador Network.

Must Try Harder!

I love the idea of blogging, I'm just not very good at doing it. Can't believe my last post was November 2013. I must try harder. I'll be 40 soon!

Clark's First Shoes .... a moment to remember

Clark's First Shoes .... a moment to remember

My son has been cruising for a while, the first time we got his feet measured they were too small for shoes. Now he was on his feet more we felt now was the time to get him his first shoes.  I chose Clark's because they have a good reputation for good quality, they also have staff trained in measuring children's feet. When feet are growing it is important they are wearing correctly fitted shoes.  Also for free, they take a photo of your child when purchasing your first shoes. I was also offered 20% off anything else in the store, when purchased at the same time. Unfortunately, lack of money stopped me having a shoe spending spree! 

And here is the result, my son and his first shoes!

Book Folding ....

Book Folding ....

It's been some time since I last wrote my blog post. Best get writing!

I made my first book folding sculpture.  The picture below is my first (and to date only) attempt.  It's hard trying to find a book that you know is no longer going to be read.

Basically, you fan the pages, mark your design and away you fold. Alternating each edge of the block. I can't find the link with how to do it, perhaps I'll try and do my own tutorial to share!

Watch this space for more info!

Injections

My son had his first year injections today, and it was the first time I wasn't there to give him the much needed cuddles afterwards. Luckily he had lots of Daddy cuddles instead.

The injections he had were:

• Hib/Men C booster
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine

NHS have a great Injection schedule which I use to remind myself when his injections are due, as well as my iPhone calendar and paper diary!

I know in the past there has been much controversy over the MMR vaccine years gone by, but following the severe measles outbreak in Swansea earlier in the year, parents have been urged to rethink and there has now been an all time high following the MMR catch up programme.

Poor ...

Rich is when you have too much money left at the end of the month 

Therefore poor is when you have too much month left at the end of the money!

This month I am the latter. I am forever the optimist and know that things will get better, it's just a matter of time, but unfortunately some tough decisions have had to be made today to make it through. I've still not done the action that needs doing as I'm hoping I'll wake up to a pot of gold sitting at the end of my bed. Here's hoping!

Sorry this post is a short one, it's been a busy day!

CCx

The Big Read for small people at Painshill Park

Today my family attended the Big Read for small people held at Painshill Park and organised by Surrey County Council.  This was a really fun and well organised event.

The BIG read for small children

Surrey County Council has a new Early Years Reading Strategy and The Big Read is an initiative to get more children under 5 growing up with a love of reading. Reading is not only essential to get ready for school, it's also a great way to build up other skills such as learning to express yourself and make friends.









Painshill Park

Painshill Park is a beautiful 18th century landscaped garden. In total it's 158 acres and within its ground are bridges, follies, water and wildlife.  It was created by the Honorable Charles Hamilton between 1738 and 1773 - quite some time ago! The gardens are well kept and some of the landmark follies are have been recently restored, such as the Grotto, the ruined Abbey and the Gothic Tower. It's really worth a visit. 

Check out their website http://www.painshill.co.uk/come-to-painshill/ for more details.

Our Day

We met at our local Sure Start Centre, and travelled to the venue by coach! It was J's first time on a coach and he loved being able to see everything out of the window while sitting on Daddy's lap (strapped in of course!) He soon fell asleep after 10 mins or so which was ideal as he really needed the energy when we got there.

Once we arrived at Painshill Park, we were given a map of the park and the purpose was to walk around the park collecting as many stickers as possible. To get each sticker you had to undertake an activity (such as listening to a story, making a mask, catching a plastic duck).  J was a little bit young for this so we made a point of watching someone perform their task in order to get one!

J had fun using the binoculars Daddy made, and he also loved getting his face painted as a tiger.


















At the end we were all given a goody bag which included a handful of books including Dear Zoo, one of the activities featured. This is a really popular book with the under 5's, written in 1982 by Rod Campbell.  It features lots of flaps to live which really keeps the attention of the young readers.

All in all, a lovely day and I'm really looking forward to taking J again next year when he's walking!

CCx