My Christmas Sunday Photo

My Sunday Photo, Merry Christmas From Toby x

        

Tricks For Mums

This week on Striking Mums the lovely Kate has set the topic Tricks for Mums. A great topic; us Mums have to be resourceful, don't we? We have to be able to rustle up a costume at a moments notice, be experts in all sorts of homework subjects.

Make grumpy kids smile, nurse our poorly children, and shape them into human beings to be proud of and everything else that comes with it.

Its weird, although I come from a huge family with lots of aunts and cousins that have between us all, produced a new baby every year since the 70s, which is wonderful to be part of. I was never prepared for being a Mum, even though I had always babysat, so knew my way around a nappy and changing box. 

I could never, however have prepared myself for parenthood, for feeling that love, despair, stress, tiredness, pride and joy that you feel as a Mum. I remember feeling utterly out of my depth when we brought Jack home. Who turned our organised calm home upside down. Now I have evolved into a resourceful Mum. Who within reason can solve, repair, mend, and even bake Burnley Football cup cakes. 

So here are Kate's questions

1. How do you outwit people or circumstances who prevent you getting the life you want?

I don't always get this right, I am a passionate person so tent to speak out rather than play the long game. However if someone does try to make things hard for me, the stubborn side of me is always determined to not allow them to beat me.

Labels, How Do They Define Us?

This week on striking Mums the lovely Kate has set the subject of Mums and Labels, a provocative subject that can be the making of breaking of a person. 

I am writing this on a Friday night, and today a label devastated and humiliated me. It was an honest label, one that meant I and others have work to do, but one that reduced me to tears, you see I care so much about that label,  so when I sat and saw it on the wall I can't describe the despair and devastation I felt. I can't say more than that without being unprofessional. But I do care, so do the people around me, maybe a little too much. 

That’s my problem I wear my heart on my sleeve, so on occasions like today I can't hide my feelings. I am not a negative person in life at all, but I do take my responsibilities very seriously. 

By responsibilities I mean my family, friends, home, Toby and my students.  Kick them, or my judgment around them I most certainly limp. 

Its like Kate has a sixth sense when choosing these topics? So here are her questions.

1. If I gave you a label and pinned it to you and you were allowed to put just 3 words on it, which would you choose?

Wife and Mum, Yes there is more to me than these labels but I am who I am because of these labels, happy, passionate, have great friends, content. You see my relationship with Chris and the Boys is the foundation of a life we have built family, friends and experiences around.

Blogger, My new passion in my life, the thing that keeps me up at night happily tapping away on keys, and the only thing that could get me up at 6am on a Sunday. I honestly feel that writing is something I wish I had done all my life. But thank goodness I have found it at last.

Don't get me wrong, I have no regrets I have loved every minute of my hairdressing career. I feel proud of what I have achieved, and hope I will continue to inspire future creative and theatrical stylists. I love the fact that one day they will hopefully remember me as an inspiration. I know how my students feel about me, and that is something I am incredibly proud of. 

2. What labels that others have used about you do you think are spot on?

Fiery, I am passionate and honest. I can't hide from that. 

Traveller, I love travel and all my friends and family laugh at me, as it does border on an obsession. I want to show the Boys the world; it has so many lessons to teach them.

3. Has having a particular label ever got you into trouble or held you back?

No I don't think so, but maybe that is something I don't know about?

4. Does or did one of your labels mark you out as very different from others in your circles?

Yes people call me cockney Sarah up here; ha ha I have never lived in London and have never claimed too. But that how people define, remember me so that’s fine.

5. Which label are you particularly proud of?

Mum, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Granddaughter, God Mother, Niece, Daughter-in-law Cousin, Sister-in-law, Friend, Teacher. Blogger, Hairdresser. These are the things that matter.

So there is it labels, they might only be a tiny word or number but it can have a colossal effect on a person’s life, labels can define us or hold us back. 

Happy 14th Birthday Jack

Happy 14th  Birthday

 Jack 

Have A Wonderful Day 

We Love You Very Much

Love 

Mum. Dad, Joe & Toby

xxxxx

My Favourite Christmas Experience, The Year the Snow Came

I treasure every Christmas with my family. Life is so different before your children arrive isn't it? Having a meal out Christmas Eve and sleeping in Christmas morning, visiting relatives, going out with friends. And then your children come along and you realise what magic you have been missing out on. And life changes forever.

I do not know a parent that does not embrace the pure joy of writing letters to Santa, baking cookies and building ginger bread houses. Every year I eagerly anticipate watching Christmas movies, opening advent calendars, and hanging Christmas stockings it’s just all so magical.  

The one thing we all wish for is snow isn't it; there is nothing as festive as snow falling on Christmas Eve and that is why the year the snow came is such a precious memory. 

This particular year we were ready for Christmas, all the shopping had been bought and we were looking forward to a quite family Christmas. We had been out for a lovely lunch and a long winters walk when the snow started fluttering down, how exciting. We snuggled down to enjoy a festive film whilst the snowflakes flurried outside our window. Christmas day was much the same it was so beautiful listening to Christmas carols sipping champagne as we cooked Christmas dinner. The view was breathtaking as the town lights twinkled in the snow, although it had snowed on and off for 20 hours the snow had covered but was not deep.

Striking Mums , Style For Mums

This week the lovely Kate has set the topic Style for Mums

This is a great subject, and a very individual one. For me it was never an option to not wear make-up of do my hair purely down to my profession. 

As a hairdresser you are expected to have your hair nicely styled, wear make-up and dress well, its part of the job description. 

I am a bit of a jeans girl; I just dress them up with nice tops and jackets. But I absolutely love dressing up. I love cruising for this reason. I love the glamour of it.

1. Would you describe yourself as stylish? Has your answer to that question changed since becoming a mum?

I think I have my own individual style, I am not sure whether that is stylish or not it is just me. Its funny though one of my friends was shopping last year with her son and he picked up a top and said thats a Sarah top. My Mother and sister in law do that too. So I must have a certain look.

2. Describe a stylish  outfit you wear/wore and loved.

I bought a beautiful tangerine coloured lace skirt and top from Coast this summer, I loved it, but never got my photo in it. Think I need a trip to the races to wear it again.

3. How important is it to have an individual sense of style as mum?

I think its whatever makes you happy and comfortable, we all have such different priorities. Some Mums just don't have the time, some have no confidence in themselves, I have a friend that is so unique and dresses so differently but always looks fabulous. Some days she wears a cowboy hat, but do you know what she totally rocks it. 

Striking Mums, Tough Honesty, Inspired by Linda Bellingham

This week the lovely Kate wrote about the very brave Lynda Bellingham and her courageous flight with cancer. The bravery she has demonstrated is just phenomenal. It puts life and silly worries and moans into perspective. Life is for living, live for today, embrace every sunset and sunrise and appreciate the little things.

1. Tell us about a mum who inspires you. What are her special qualities?

Well that has to be my Mum; we are so different and have totally different outlooks on life. I know she doesn't always agree with my opinions, or me yet she still loves me for who I am. She taught me to be a Mum, I think I would compare my Mum to a lioness, very proud of us all, she would kill anyone who hurts her kids and would defend us to the hilt.

2. Are you happy? If not, what is stopping you?

Yes I am totally happy, there are things I would like to change in my life but they are minor things and I am working on them. My family and home life is mad but very happy, and I have wonderful friends who I trust. 

I also feel I have opened up a whole new can of happy with my blog, I have met some wonderful friends on line who I would never have linked up with if it wasn't for Extraordinary Chaos, I can't wait to meet them all.  

I am living a dream by writing, I feel so passionate about it, when I write I feel like I have come home. I also love the fact that I am in a position to help other parents deal with diagnosis of diabetes.

 Jacks diagnosis was the single worse piece of news I have ever received in my life, I will never forget June 4th 2011. Yes we are now on the better side of it, and if I can help other families get through that difficult time and help them to see that with good management diabetes is not as bad as it initially seems, then I will be so happy.

Time lapse Video IOS 8

I wanted to share the time-lapse video that Jack made on Sunday, he only updated the Apple IOS 8 update on Saturday, and in true form Jack spent ages looking at all the new features. It baffles me how within an hour teens can fully understand features of new IOS updates.  Where it can take me a week or two to fully get to grips with new features.

The video below was filmed over 3 hours and shows day turn to dusk, I must say it is beautiful to watch all the lights appear as day turns to night. What a great feature and one that has given us some great vlog ideas.

Some of the Time Lapse Videos we intend to Video in the future,

The day in the life of a Puppy, we can't wait to film Toby whilst we are all out, to see exactly what he gets up to when alone.

Manchester on an afternoon, we plan to set up and have lunch whilst we video the coming and goings in Manchester.

London, oh and Jack plans to film New York! I like your style Jack we just need to get Dad to agree.

Downtown Disney on an afternoon.

The Royal Promenade on a Royal Caribbean Ship.

And a day at sea on a Royal Caribbean Ship.

A Sunset, and Sunrise

A Thunderstorm

Snow building up on our road, which can get pretty deep.

I don't think he has been that ambitious ha ha but that’s my boy, aim high. And all very exciting, watch this space Jack will be sharing his time lapse videos as a when he makes then. 

Striking Mums, Laughter Therapy

The Lovely Kate has set the topic of Laughter Therapy this week. I do believe the ability to laugh is such a great quality in a person. I have met many people in my lifetime that have been such great fun to be around.  Before Jack was born I worked for quite a high profile hair group in Essex, I remember my time there as being mad, some days my face used to hurt for laughing, we used to laugh till we cried. 

Chris the Boys and I laugh together all the time, our home is like a mad house sometimes. We have great friends, and tend to mainly socialise with the children tagging along. Now I am really thinking about it all of our friends have great sense of humours, I can't think of one single friend that we don't laugh in their company.

I must surround myself with fun or mad people.  I am so glad they are all around; I look forward to spending time with them, as they never disappoint. I never leave one of my friends thinking, god that was boring.

I defy anyone to not laugh at this video I found on u-tube

Depths of Perception: Ocean Waves Photoblog Competition. View from the Aft of the Liberty of the Seas.

When I saw this competition on Cruise.co.uk I just knew I had to enter, I just love the Sea it is so beautiful and peaceful. I could spend hours watching it, listening to the surf. I have a friend who is terrified of the sea; I just don't think she is seeing it for its real beauty. 

This photo was taken at Sea in-between Rome and Naples from our aft balcony onboard the amazing Liberty of the Sea's. It was a beautiful hot June day, but was windy on deck. The beauty of an aft balcony is getting to sit with a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the ocean. There really is nothing like it. Watching the colours, listening to the sound of the ocean and catching sight of the odd School of Dolphins. 

This is my entry to Depths of Perception: Ocean Waves Photoblog Competition,with cruise.co.uk. 

Memfy Tracking Life's Journey

Can you remember the exact day one of your children took their first step, or ate solids for the first time? If you are anything like me you will have pictures and lots of these memories. But I don't have exact dates. 

I have always collected memories, from the boys being born I have consistently taken lots of photos, made scrapbooks and built memory boxes, thus leading me to start a blog, a way of documenting family life. I have also created a picture wall that we have built from photos we have taken on our travels. I love the fact that every picture can take us back to a certain moment in time, and is able to recall exactly how we felt at that special moment. 

But something happened to a colleague of Chris's 2 years ago, something you wouldn't wish on anybody. A house fire; the fire completely gutted the house and took with it every memory that family had ever built. Yes, of course they were upset about the whole situation, but were utterly devastated to lose every single childhood photo and memory box of their now grown up children. As their P.C had also perished in the fire even photos they thought were safe by backing up to hard drive, were lost. 

When I heard this news I started backing everything up to I cloud and external sites, so if the worst ever happened my precious photos would never be lost. But still my photos and memories are gathered all over, I cloud, external sites and boxes of photos, albums and scrap books from before digital times. 

I remember when Chris lost his beloved Grandma it took months to sort her photos and more importantly put faces, places and dates to all those precious memories.  

Striking Mums, Am I Different Or Unique.

For this week in Striking Mums the lovely Kate has set the subject of being different. At first I though well am I different then once I started realising differences I couldn't stop, what a great subject.

I became different at 14 when my Mum and Dad decided to move from Lancashire. I grew up in Essex and loved my life; I worked in my Dads video shop, was always out and about had lovely friends and a boyfriend. Then one day like a bolt out of the blue they announced we were moving to Lancashire. 

They had been several times on Holiday, but I had stayed at my Nan and Granddads, I had no interest in visiting the country. I remember looking at them as they were telling me thinking "you are ruining my life" devastated is an understatement. The house went on the market and we took a trip to Lancashire to house hunt, they had completely fallen in love with it!  Me? I hated the sheep, hills,  smell, the accent was soooo annoying. I just did not want to live there. 

My next memory is being sat in the car listening to the soundtrack of dirty dancing, sobbing as we travelled towards our new life. From that day forwards my brothers and I became different.  

Striking Mums, Keeping Mum

This week for Striking Mums the lovely Kate has set the topic, Its time to stop keeping Mum. I have thought long and hard about this post, how to respond to Kate's question. You see I have no problem at all using my voice in day-to-day life, at times it is more of a hindrance, and I would happily gag myself. I think I live in a bubble where I expect everyone to be honest and fair and when I find that some people aren't I find it so hard to keep my big mouth shut. I wish I could just smile and walk away. 

So onto Kate's questions but please don’t fall out with me, I am so soft at heart just at times a little too honest. But there is no point taking part in these posts and being dishonest, it’s just not me I can't be something I am not.

1. Have you lost your voice? When and how did that happen?

No but at times I really wish I would, it gets me in trouble all the time. I hate to see people treating others unfairly, or people that have an agenda it makes me so cross. Although I am getting better and stepping back and thinking before I speak, sometimes!

2. How do you use your voice? Are you using it for yourself, your family and/or a good cause?

I tend to use it to object to injustice, and dishonesty. I care deeply about the people around me. I would never hurt any one but if someone tries to hurt someone I love, or does something I feel is unfair I speak out. On the plus side if I think a something is great I sing it from the rooftops, this I have found is a huge bonus when blogging.

 I also try to write about type 1 diabetes as often as I can, I want to share our positive experience of managing this condition, I just hope it helps others in some way.

My Sunday Photo, The Hoover Dam, A Birds Eye View