I don't know about you lot, but seeing Emile standing there in his little school uniform really made me feel old. It seems like only yesterday that I was stood next to Sam in front of our old front door in Manchester on his first day at school.
I can't believe how excited he's been about starting his new school too. I never remember feeling that excited. What about you?
Sorry if this is becoming an annual thing, but I can't help but put something on the blog about 9/11. Every year, the anniversary creeps around with the inevitably of an unwanted season and it doesn't seem to fade into memory as time goes by.
Seeing those images again shakes me to my very core and upsets me like nothing else in this world. Even without considering the motivations and ideologies behind such an attack and, with hindsight, the brutal and unjustified reaction the attack provoked, I find it emotionally and physically difficult to even comprehend the scale and horror of what went down that day. Seriously, it really knocks me for six for a good couple of days each year.
Not happy with starting big school this week, Emile was on fire at the weekend and, with a little prompting (well, I just removed his stabilizers without consulting him, so he didn't have much choice!), decided he was going to ride his bike unassisted for the first time. Given that his previous experience of bike riding consisted of a couple of little jaunts on his bike complete with stabilizers, this was quite a dramatic jump.
I thought he'd just get bored of falling off all the time and had no idea that it could be learned so quickly, but no. He took to it with such enthusiasm that he just wouldn't stop. When we finally got him off his bike, the adrenalin must've been pumping through him, as he just ran around like a headless chicken.
Every time I see the footage, I can't help feeling a deep, fatherly pride.
P.S. I'll try and sort out the lop-sided filming thing when I get a mo. Til then, either turn your head sideways or turn your computer screen on its side - whichever's easiest.
Happy Birthday Muvvaaa!
Please join me in wishing The Mother of all Mothers a very Happy 62nd Birthday!
Mum, what can I say? You're my best mate and I love you beyond words! By far and away the most amazing person I know! And you just keep on getting better! And your skin....that of a 40 year old!!! And those jowles...Mwah! Perfecto! No seriously, I promise not to kick you out of bed ever again and I promise not to punch you in the face! Mwah!
Love ya, y'old tart! xxx
Thought I'd just put up some photos of Sam's gig at the Bristol Harbour Festival for all those not lucky enough to make it. Sorry there's no sound. Photos courtesy of Uncle Chris.
Unfortunately the only rain to fall on the festival all weekend started about an hour before Sam was due to go on stage. However, the crowd stayed to brave the elements and were treated to a delectable slice of Braithwaite pizza - this time with extra Braithwaites, as Bex and I joined forces singing backing vocals as part of a 7-strong gospel stylee choir for a couple of rockin' numbers. It was noisy (Emile's words), but boy did we rock.
It was worth it all to see little Noah, perched upon his mum's shoulders in the middle of the crowd making rock signs with both hands. It must've made quite an impression on the little tykes, as Emile would not go to bed that evening until he had his guitar in bed with him. Not only that, but we were peacefully sleeping until, at 6.55am, Emile and Noah woke us by counting in 1,2,3,4... before unleashing a storm of out-of-tune guitar strumming and out-of-time drumming, accompanied by a cacophonous rendition of Sam's Standing In The Place ('Uncle Sammy standing in the place...'). What a wake up call.
Sam's now promised them guitar lessons. Heaven help us.
Viewers with satellite or cable will this week be able to watch an extraordinarilly interesting programme covering the opening of a new Welsh National Centre for Welsh Folk Music. This amazingly gripping documentary can be seen on S4C digital on Tuesday, July 17 at 10pm and again on Wednesday, July18 at 2.30pm.
The undoubted highlight of the show is a brief performance and interview with the stellar cast of the latest music sensation to burst upon the international stage - "Sesh" ("... the greatest thing to come out of Wales since laverbread." Fishguard Nearly Dead Club Easter Newsletter,April 2007). The fact that a family member is on the box is not relevant to this posting.
Click here for more information, and even a little piccy.
PARENTAL WARNING: this programme does not contain any scenes of violence, peril, drug or sheep abuse (shame on S4C).
My mobile number is 07825 447683 and the address us 69 (what a laugh!) Portchester Close, Park Farm, Stanground, PE2 8UP. See you all soon. x
If you go to this magic formula you will be able to hear Chris's band.
Nick's big day's getting nearer and I though it was high time I tried to find out a little more about what the plan was for the weekend in Peterborough.
No, I'm not still going on about my birthday last week! It's (not so) little Noah's birthday today. It doesn't seem like 3 years ago that I watched the little fella pop out of Steph's downstairs cupboard, but, by the hair on Matt Damon's head, it is! And he even had the decency to wait until the England v France Euro 2004 match had finished. You can't ask for more consideration than that. For that gesture, he can get away with anything. And does. Regularly. His mum is absolutely besotted with him and let's him get away with murder. Don't be fooled by the cute little smile and the never ending professions of love - inside, he's a cunning little dude.
But we love him loads. He's very excited about being 'Mr. 3'. Happy birthday Noah!
A very Happy 36th Birthday to the eldest cousin today!
Reasons why Barn is so ace:
1. He's all kinds of lovely, ALL the time!
2. He's always encouraging when you've had enough ("not much longer now...")
3. He's THE most annoying man in the world at the WORST moments and has even made some of us cry!
4. He farts like an expert...
Well, you get the gist! Basically the nicest guy I've ever had the pleasure to meet and I'm so glad you're my big bro!
So have a great day and I look forward to the next time any of us have the pleasure of seeing you in this state!!!
You know how I know you're gay? Cos it's your Birthday!!!
So join me in telling Barn exactly why we all think think he's ace!
P.S. Noah says Happy Birthday day Daddy! I luf you Daddy!
P.S.S. Emile says Bagga Yo yo and can I have a blue and a red one and then I want.....
What with the start of this year's Big Brother, the ongoing search for little Maddie and the recent spell of bad weather we've been having, everyone's been so occupied that we went and forgot little Chris' birthday last Monday. He's 93, but I'm sure you'll agree, he looks bloody good for his age. It's amazing what can happen to a man once he gets signed up by a record company - new clothes, new haircut, clean pants, bit of a facelift... He's certainly made a huge impact in Germany, the land of the Mighty Hoff. Say no more.
Happy birthday, fella.
I know, long time no hear but I and my daughters have been enjoying a very new kind of life and we are just about starting to settle into some routines!!!!!
We are all very very well, I really hope i can say the same for you lot.
I am pleased to say that I am holding the annual 'GRACE MAD BASH' after Nicola and James are married in the morning.....ALL are welcome from whenever till whenever, ( I have been asked very nicely by Larry if i could avoid allowing my guests to become paraletic before the evening do!!!) He having a larf????
I do need to speak to Barney at some point but I dont have a phone number...any offers??
If anyone needs anything, like pillows etc...just ask Larry.....Im sure he could cope!!!!!
Much love to all
Little Deb xxx
In honour of Steph working at Aardman, I thought we'd have a little bit of animation (literally and figuratively) on the site. Nothing like a ridiculous bit of stop frame animation to break the silence.
Try to imagine what these geeks said to passers-by who asked them what they were up to... And the cuddly toys they've chosen are so expressive, especially the one playing Spacey.
My old brain is forgeting important stuff; I need the gaps filled in. I must know...
Sunday is roast beef
Saturday is - - - - -
Friday is fish & chips
Thursday is shepherds pie
Wednesday is - - - - - - -
Tuesday is soo-oup
Monday is washing day
Is ev'rybody 'appy?
You bet ya life we are!
Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but I've been around for 4 years now. Think about it. That's even longer than this blog!
It was a typical day of hunting for Easter eggs, bursting balloons, opening presents, eating cake, fighting with my brother and generally getting really hyper on all the fantastic sugary food that Mum and Dad bought for the occasion.
Anyway, screw this computer stuff, there's some serious four-year-old arsing about to be done. I'm off to get dressed up as Nacho Libre again. Laters, dudes...
Emile
