I think we did a little better this year...

Happy mother's day Mrs Hammond. Last year was a bit of disaster   and the girls and I 'pinkie promised' with each other that this was the year we would do much better and spoil her rotten. Last year it was Anna poorly that deflected attention from the yummy mummy of the house and this year it was me with tonsillitis and an ear infection. I have done my best not to moan in typical male fashion and ensure that Amy felt loved, appreciated and gets the recognition for all she does for the girls week in week out whilst I am away with work. The way to Amy's heart has always been much swag and today I can confidently say we excelled ourselves with a collection of bought, home made and utilisation of vouchers (with much guilt). On behalf of our two highly demanding, grumpy and sometimes delightful children - 'Thank you Amy, you are the best mum in the world and we all love you' xx

I am slightly worried what may be said if I leave my eulogy in the hands of my family....

Not that I am planning on going anywhere just yet but I am concerned about what the girls might say about me should the worse happen and I leave this mortal coil. On Friday I went to a memorial service (Libby's dad) and heard the most wonderful eulogy that contained so much love and genuine quirks and stories about him and I made the stupid mistake of coming home and talking to the girls about this. How naïve could I have been! Having explained what a eulogy was, the best the girls could come up with to describe me was hard working, grumpy, a good dad (sometimes!) and a bit chunky like a sumo wrestler! I really should not have asked. Lucy did, after much pushing, come up with the fact that I give a good cuddle, so there was some consolation. I suppose I was hoping they would come up with handsome, kind, caring, generous and intelligent - one can live in hope!

Simply Premier League....

Sporting her 'Vinnie Jones' hard man grin and snarl, Anna just can't get enough of her new football kit, in fact she loves it so much she has gone to bed in it tonight! She has worked so hard at football club that this was her reward to proudly wear the greatest club colours in the land. There is nothing like living your dreams vicariously through your children! We had a great kick about in the park today whilst she was wearing her outfit, she looked the part and scored a cracking couple of goals against her inept father. On the ball city sweetheart - next stop, let's make sure we get to that game together, it would make my day...

Rest in peace Newty....

After fifteen years as a very important part of our family, Newt one of our cats, was put down on Wednesday having been poorly for some time. She was a gentle, chatty and lovely soul and we will all miss her. The girls adored her and she was very patient and tolerant of them when they picked her up, if sometimes quite rightly reluctant! Not the most tactile of cats, but she only really had eyes for Amy. A timid, and at times frightened little cat, it is remarkable how much she did indeed trust Amy and spent much time on her lap. We rescued her many years ago and she was in a bad way then having had a very difficult start to life, so she has done exceptionally well. I am very proud we gave her a good home and she was much loved, not that she really cared for me! Secretly, although I do not much care for cats, I will always have a soft spot for Newt. Rest in peace and thank you for being a lovely part of our family....

Surely not a hormonal surge already!

Despite the fact she is only eight years old Amy and I firmly believe that at present Lucy is suffering (as are we!) from a hormonal surge. We have spots, her body is clearly changing and developing, mood swings, tears and not understanding why. All this combined means that we are constantly treading on egg shells and trying to gauge her reaction which sadly is not good at the moment. Lucy clearly feels the world is against her and what is going on around her like school contradicts this. She is doing so well and loves it for example.She is not that positive and very sensitive indeed. She only wants to talk to her Mummy and that is fine with me, but sadly it does not give me many options as we do have to converse to just get through a day! All this seems a bit too early to me, but I am sure it could be possible. Parentally, I do feel out of my depth with these kind of things. Great school report Lucy this week showing hard work and commitment - well done darling!