Actively going about our business...

I often say it, but life can be quite uneventful and a routine can sometimes kick in. School, work, clubs, mealtimes, walk the dog and go again. This is our family cycle at the moment. Then you take step back and think about things that have happened in recent weeks and actually some stuff has happened that deserves a bit of a round of applause. Achievements,  that truly demonstrates the Hammonds going above and beyond the confines of our routine. Mrs Hammond started the last year of her masters, both girls had cracking parents evenings (still we get feedback about them being slightly distracted and over enthusiast though!), Anna represented her school at the Norfolk schools swimming gala, Lucy got moved up to the 'elite' group at her swimming on Wednesday and I am mastering regular visits to London and back in a day! Maybe these achievements  are  not eye popping or jaw dropping in the grand scheme of things, but set in amongst everything that we have to get through in any given day as a family, to me are pretty special. Well done my girls and great to see the fruits of your hard work coming of fruition. We may not ever invent anything ground breaking or cure an illness, but we get through much. In describing us, you would probably not use the words 'trendy, cool or a model family' for example, but I would definitely go as far as saying we are an 'active' 'hard working' and 'busy' family. Amy and I, both have busy and demanding jobs that help others and that makes me really proud too. I would be quite happy for my girls to go under the radar a bit, achieve much in an understated way in what ever they choose to do in their working lives. No need to strive for fame girls (unless you fancy scoring the winning goal at Wembley Anna!), it is a world and life without morals or backbone. I would much rather see you contribute to society and quietly go about your business in both a remarkable and unremarkable way. P.S - not many pictures of Anna recently as she has become extremely camera shy unless it is a slightly vain selfie on her mothers IPad. Don't worry Wiggle I will catch you unaware soon! You do not escape me....

What can we say to dissaude her..

We love Mrs Hammond. Period. We love her for her strengths, her kindness, her generosity,  her weaknesses, and despite her flaws and fragility.  She's an amazing mum, a slightly high maintenance wife and a fabulous teacher. I love her for different reasons to the children, but these cannot be published or elaborated on a family website! Occasionally, Amy suffers from a lack of confidence, I might think she is being silly but for her it is real and gives her a heavy heart. Even if we talk, I can often struggle to dissuade her in thinking anything other than she has failed or not achieved something. I have pondered for a couple of days what I could say to change this. So here goes; Amy you are fantastic, you are greatly loved, you are my best friend, you are an intelligent and articulate couch potato, a messy slob and the love of my life. You need to look no further than our beautiful children to see your infinite success, no legacy can compare. I hope my words cheer you up, never think you have failed, never think anything other than positive things about yourself. Keep smiling your beautiful (and slightly annoyingly photogenic) smile xx

Our ranks are swelling...

After many years in the footballing wilderness Lucy finally agreed to accompany Anna and myself to a competitive football match at Carrow Road and experience the magic of the FA cup. I can confidently say that she loved every minute of it and at times got quite vocal and competitive! I am pleased to welcome her into the official and exclusive club of 'Hammond canary' fans. Based on her chanting, levels of enthusiasm and excitement, high fiving a complete stranger when the equalising goal went in minutes from the end and her passion throughout the afternoon, she is in the club and welcomed with open arms. Lucy was full of questions about the players the game and football in general. I was really quite flattered, as although I am far from an expert, she seemed to view me as one, which I quietly revelled in. You never know my regular trips to the footy may even become a family affair?!? Anna, was her usual bullish self at the game. As we sat in the Jarrold stand, which is not known for its noise levels, she made it her mission to raise the roof and get the atmosphere going. Allied to another young lady sitting behind her, they could account for fifty percent of the chants in the ground! Another proud father moment. What I really enjoyed was that I shared it with both the girls and would love to repeat the experience again...

I love you to the moon and back...

There was a wonderful children's book that Amy used to read to the girls when they were very small called 'I love you to the moon and back'. The short version of the story is a child asking his parent how much they love him, the final answer finishes with the emotionally descriptive and famous tag line that is now used by many parents when asked this question or simply stating their love for their offspring. As we see a new and unchartered year in, not knowing what to expect, how much my girls will change and grow and what adventures and challenges await them. I thought I would borrow this line, as in a quiet moment the other evening and thinking about the joy of another year experiencing, living, facing difficult times and trials together, being loved and with my family, I could not find the words in my head  to describe how to welcome another year simply being part of this family. In those darker moments at night when I can't sleep, I find myself breathless, anxious and sometimes sad, that one day, this journey will end and I won't see another year in with my girls. So, my New Year's resolution this year, is to build on the already amazing life I have, make a real attempt to focus on what matters and get less distracted by all the fuss and rubbish of modern life around me and appreciate that I am truly loved. That is quite a experience and Lucy in answer to your pictorial question - 'I love you, your sister and your mother a whole lot more than that. In fact I love you to the moon and back..' Happy New Year. It will be a privilege to share this year with you all xx

The curious case of 'Wiggins' and 'Wacko!'

Christmas day was like a slow motion eating fest and I never thought I would say this, I am not sure I want to eat anymore for a few days. In truth, we were all a bit tired as the girls excitement peaked and they woke up around 2am and opened their stockings from Santa. I have to confess to flagging around tea time. Amy cooked the fry up to finish all fry ups for brunch, followed by high tea at Libby's. All delicious. The girls loved their presents and there are simply too many to list. Anna declared her best swag was a crocheted Dobby and Lucy's 'I came in like a Pineapple' tribute jumper made her purr with delight. The best present was Grandma's, where she adopted a donkey for both the girls at a local sanctuary and the look of joy on their faces was delightful. As the keepers of these two donkeys on loan for a year, we best be paying them a visit soon. 'Wiggins' and 'Wacko' will not know what has hit them once they have met the Hammonds!  Today has been more measured and less tiring as we have spent the morning in the bracing wind and brilliant winter sunshine on Wells beach with Auntie Kate and family. Great to see them and glad Christmas did not go by without us catching up. I am enjoying quiet time in my new man space/office area in the dining room, listening to the football whilst all other Hammonds doze and chill. Next stop cold roast turkey and all the trimmings this evening with Libby and co. Company great as ever, nutritional intake, probably not necessary. Merry Christmas x

It's all in the anticipation...

I am really excited, Amy is a bit tired and building towards finding her Christmas mojo and the girls have moved to 'defcon five' levels of excitement. They have just taken themselves off to bed, quite early in fact, perhaps in a bid to almost blast themselves across the finish line into Christmas day and the hope of much swag and gifts. Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones and friends. I can barley move (or even type I have eaten that much) after a delicious and sumptuous feast next door of roast chicken, fourteen types of vegetables and a pineapple 'upside-down-cake' to die for. Whilst the food was wonderful, the company even better and time with my family, Libby and her crew has catapulted me into the Christmas spirit and beyond.  Singing, dodgy jokes and party hats and time with people I love. For me this is the spirit of Christmas and really and truthfully the gifts don't really matter that much. The girls would definitely argue with that theory though! The best gift I receive is watching them open their presents in the morning and one I am truly looking forward to unwrapping. On another note Christmas Eve is a special day in my life and I celebrate my 'foster' birthday and the day I arrived all those years ago at Berry Hall into the care of a new family. I suppose you could describe that as one of the most pivotal and important days in my life as it set me down the path and the journey towards Amy and the girls and one for which I am eternally grateful. Sleep well my bonkers girls xx

Arriving at a crossroads....

I can only say that we have all stumbled across the finish line at the end of term, marginally intact with energy levels low and having completed a very long term, now to look forward to the festive period and a well earned break for all of us. I just need to finish up work by the end of the week, Anna to get over the stinking cold she currently has and Lucy and Amy just need quiet time and to relax. Move this all into position, with Christmas around the corner and we will be just fine. The house is still in chaos as we now have started work on the hallway and we have taken the decision not to have a Christmas tree as there is quite simply no room, so we are lacking a bit of festive spirit at present. I must add that both girls covered themselves in glory with a good behaviour award and badge from school before they finished - the only weary comment that Amy and I could come up with was a sarcastic one in that 'shame they can't be so well behaved at home!' Only kidding - we did shower them with praise and congratulations. Amidst all this chaos and busy lifestyle, I have noticed a new element of Lucy's character developing, her conversation and stature is growing and at times it is like speaking with a grown up with sophisticated wit and analysis. We sat at tea this evening exchanging banter and talking, at one point, she definitely had the better of me in terms of comical insults until I pulled it back from the brink! She will be quite the adult sparing partner in the future. Until then I will enjoy my victories!