Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

As  the title suggests, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! This is going to be a catch up post, prompted by photos.  I don't really have the inclination this year to do a big post on how 2016 has been for us.  A lot has happened in the last year, and most of it is documented here.  So for now, lets go on some photos from December.

I did a craft fair every weekend through december.  The photo below is from the one I did in Worthing town centre.

We used to live in Worthing, when Oliver was born.  We know the town.  This was billed as a big event with at least 30 craft stalls over 2 days.  I chose to only do the Sunday, as I could not do both.  It was a flop..... The pitch fee was expensive, the amount of people coming by was good, but there were hardly and handmade / craft stalls, more local produce.  And I had to share that gazebo with 2 other people. I wrote a strongly worded email to the organiser afterwards. Funnily enough, I haven't heard back form her.  I made more money at Sebastians school Christmas fair, than I made in Worthing.  The other fairs have done really well, particularly the Christmas items.  I am already booked in for about 12 craft fairs next year, but am always on the look out for more.  If you know of any good ones, let me know.  I am more than willing to travel.  (shameless plug for my etsy store here)

The Zumba classes attendance have tailed off a little towards  the end of the year.  It is to be expected I think.  Hoping January is going to be busier.  I have all my paperwork and forms ready to go, my new routines sorted.  I even have a new Zumba Gold class to teach out of a gym in Havant.  BodyWorx360 has been there since July, but is starting to offer classes in January.  I will be there on a Monday morning, 9.30-10.30am. Super excited.

Almost as exciting as my Christmas week at Zumba, where pretty much everyone who came dressed festive, one way or another! 

The final week of school was a busy one. Paul was away, so it was hard work.  Isaac had  a brass band concert on the Monday afternoon.  Every term, the school bring in an outside music teacher.  Isaacs year got to learn a brass instrument this term.  Isaac played the trumpet.  He didn't cry, have a paddy or get upset about having to perform.  Not sure how much actually playing he did, but the boy done good

Thursday afternoon of that week was Sebastians whole school Carol Concert in one of the local churches.  It is so good they are able to walk there.  It is a beautiful church, just about big enough to hold the whole school, and the parents.  He did sing, I think, but he also got very distracted, a lot.  Funny how my younger 2 always seem to end up sitting with the teachers..... I so love the boys schools, both of them.  They are really benefiting from being in smaller schools....

Friday morning was my last Zumba Gold for the year.  I absolutely LOVE all my classes.  These ladies below have been with me since day 1.  They are such a good bunch, and we ALWAYS have a laugh.  They certainly get my weekends started right! 

Before my Gold class, I have to attend a special assembly at Isaacs  school.  He had been nominated for an award, but I didn't know which one.  Turns out, every term they give 3 awards per year, as well as the reading challenge (special homework), attendance ( most of the school had a sickness bug at some point).  Isaacs award was last. He was nominated for the most Successful Learner in his year.  This is someone who keeps going, keeps trying, is achieving, and doesn't let adversity hold them back. As soon as his teacher started describing the winner I knew  it was him.  And yes I cried (I am welling up as I write this).  His face was a picture.  He is so proud of himself.  We are so proud of how far he has come. When I think back to where he was this time last year, he has done so well.  He won a selection box as his prize, and received 2 certificates.  One for his nomination, and one for his win.

And then school was over.  We had a full week between school finishing and Christmas.  It was a long, long week, but we all survived. We have seen friends, done some walks etc.  And now Christmas is done.  It was a low key affair for us. We saw my step dad and stepsisters on Christmas eve, which was really nice. A lovely thing to do.  Christmas day was spent at home relaxing, opening presents and eating and drinking too much. Boxing Day, Pauls parents came down, with the gifts from his brother and sister.  We spent the day chatting and eating.  Since then we have been swimming, bowling and had haircuts for all males in the house.  That was entertaining....

This afternoon we will be going for a walk, probably somewhere like this....

Or this.....

New Year eve will be spent at home, we will let Oliver and Isaac stay up as long as they can.  Seb will probably be in bed by 9pm......

Happy New Year! 

Half term is over

Okay.  It has been a while.  I am sorry.  But I have been super busy.  This is going to be a catch up post with what has been going on and how we have been handling it / adjusting to life back in the UK.

The boys started school at the local Juniors (Oliver and Isaac) and Infant  (Sebastian) Schools.  These schools are just over the road from each other and just a little bit too far to walk in a morning.  We have walked home, but not for a while.

They have taken to it quite well.  The juniors have parents evening (parent teacher conferences) tomorrow, and the infants the week after. Here is my thoughts...... 

Oliver is flying.  We always knew the boy was academically minded, but he is doing really well.  He gets to go on a residential school next June for a week of outdoor activities. I He can't wait! 

Isaac has had his issues, though they have not been as bad as expected.  Given that the school only received his ADHD report the day before school started, he is doing well.  He began not wanting to do any tests ( and not risk failing) in anything.  6 weeks later, he has passed his times tables tests in 2, 5 and 10 times tables.  And he knows them like a pro.  Spellings is a different matter...... His teacher is great.  She is so laid back.  She has had kids like Isaac before, and knows her stuff.  In fact, the whole staff have been great.  They don't tend to punish in the juniors school, as they don't really need to (crazy I know), but make a big deal out of the positives in school and life.  We have had 2 postcards from the head teacher about achievements that Isaac has done.  Not huge ones, but big for him.  I don't doubt we will have more issues, but so far so good.  He even told me couple of weeks ago that he actually likes school now.....

Sebastian, ah Sebastian...... We are weeks away from reading.  He is fortunate in that even though he has the biggest year group (grade) it is split over 3 classes, so only about 24 in each class.  In this country, that is great.  He has a teacher and a teaching assistant (TA).  The TA tends to work with small groups who need the most help, so she has got to know Sebastian quite well.  Her words "I've never known a boy like him".  His parents evening will be interesting, but he is getting there.  He practices his spellings for homework, even if he doesn't necessarily do the tests.  He is still very social.  Everyone knows him, in all the years, and he knows everyone..... He has also gone into the Silver Book at school, which means he got a certificate for trying hard and doing well.

We are still finding our way around the island, but loving it very much! 

The kids are pretty tired from school so we don't tend to do much at the weekend.  We went to the Italian Breakfast Club at the Goodwood Motor track. This is an event organised so people ca bring their Italian cars to the race track for people to look at.  Pretty cool. I imagine we will be at more Breakfast Clubs in the future.  Think Cars and Coffee in Greenville, but with particular types of cars 

We have been swimming, and a few other things in Portsmouth, but thats about it.  As I say, we are tired.  The kids aren't interested in any extra curricular activities, and we don't push them.  If they decided they want to do something, we will certainly look into it. We have just finished half term here, where the kids get a week off school.  It works quite well, and they seemed to enjoy being off school! 

Paul has been working super hard, and has been away Monday to Friday for the last 2 weeks, and this week also.  This has been a big adjustment for us, but we are getting there.  We have found some babysitters, as I now work in the evenings.

After finishing my degree, and doing my Zumba trainings, as soon as we moved into this house I set up as a limited company.  There are 2 arms to my company, Zumba classes, and craft items.

I am fortunate with the Zumba, as the instructor on the island left a couple of months before I got here.  I teach Zumba on a Monday night, Thursday day and night.  I teach Zumba Gold on a Tuesday and Friday daytime.  It has been such a great way to meet people.  I average about 20-40 people across my whole classes in a week.  Some people just do Zumba, some Gold, and some both!!!! I have changed my music a couple of times, as I like to keep it fresh, but there are definitely some favourites in there!!!My Zumba ladies are lovely.  This has been the first time I have taught Gold, and although it is a very steep learning curve, I love it.  No 2 classes are ever the same.....

The crafting has been quite good too.  I have done a couple of craft fairs, and although I have not made a four tune, I have made my costs on the events back.  I have also had a sale on Etsy here, and am doing well networking on social media and in person.  I love the island, there are so many wonderful eclectic people here, and a real sense of community.  I hope we can stay a while.....

Next time, I will not wait so long to blog.....

September already......

Wow, I can't believe it is September the 1st. We have been back for 2 months.  Its funny, in some respects it feels like we have never been away.  We have got ourselves in a nice little rut.

The house is working for us.  My dad recently moved, so we were able to take a whole lot of his furniture.  This has enabled us to make better use of the space.  My craft area is set up, and beading has begun.  The living room works ok as a living space and office/ craft space.  Paul has his iRacing set up in our bedroom.  Its not ideal, but the room is big enough to handle it.  The boys rooms work, just.  We took a trip to ikea to get some draws for their clothes.  The toys are a bit of a mess, but as they are constantly being played with it doesn't really matter.  The boys can even be pretty helpful at tidying them up too (sometimes)

Pauls racing set up

Paul is getting on ok at work.  Adjusting to being in a much smaller plant. He has a few trips away between now and Christmas, but I think I will survive......

The boys. Ahh the boys.  Nearly 100 days the older 2 will have been off.  60 for Sebastian.  I am so ready for them to go back to school.  So are they, they just don't realise it yet.....  School starts Tuesday. They are very happy in the house, and they love Hayling Island.  We all love Hayling Island.

I am busy! I have taken Zumba, and run with it.  Fortunately, the lady who did instruct on the island has moved away, so I am hoping it is really going to build once school goes back.  I have 3 different places on the island I will teach at, and have just been told of another one to look into.  I am still teaching in Havant for Activ8 Minds.  I really hope to continue this, as the ladies there currently are lovely! I also have a great group on the island on a thursday evening.  In two weeks time I will be adding another Monday evening class, a Zumba Gold on a Tuesday and a Friday Morning.  Then in 3 weeks time, a 45 minute class on a Wednesday evening.  Busy.... But I think I can handle it. It is 6 classes a week, 4 Zumba (one is 45 minutes), and 2 Zumba Gold.  I love it. I am so happy I am able to work at something I truly love.  Lets hope I can break even, so I can continue to do it.
The crafting is going good too.  I have signed up for 3 craft fairs between October and November, so once the kids go back to school I will be making again.  I have even set up a new etsy store, due to banking complications with the one in the US.  I am currently having a go at beaded christmas ornaments, as these may sell well in the next few months!  I do a lot of networking online, which also helps.

And the island.  Hayling Island is stunning.  It is like a little time capsule.  It is one of those places where everyone knows each other and people have lived here a long time, or all their lives.  There are some great characters.

The west of the island has what is called the Billy Trail.  This is an old railway line which was decommissioned in the 1950's and had since been turned into a bike / walking trial.  We have walked some of it, and Paul and Oliver have ridden some of it  It is very picturesque, and very popular.

Down on the seafront, right in the middle of the island, is Beachlands. My kids call this Kids Kingdom.  It is like a mini amusement park, aimed at kids aged 3-12 (roughly).  We have taken them once, and they loved it.

We have had a couple of stormy days, one when my dad came down.  Being near to the explosive power of the waves is awesome, yet dangerous too.  But the waves look so cool......

Thats all for now.  We are actually going away this weekend.  Camping.  To Wales.  Not like the remnants of a hurricane are blowing through or anything....... Wish us luck.....

Thing I will miss about South Carolina

I have been meaning to do this post for a while.  Given we are 2 weeks away from the house getting packed, this would seem like a good time.

This is a list of things I am going to miss.  Some of them are relevant to just this area or state, and some are relevant to the whole country.  Some are just for me, and some are as a family.

Some will be couple of words, others will be paragraphs.  As we conclude our lives here, this list will be added to.  It is also something for me to look back on fondly (hopefully).

So in no particular order.......

1.   The weather.  It is going to be over 90 degrees this weekend.  Winter lasts about 3 months tops.  Snow dissipates quickly.  The kids live in shorts from March- November.  But it does get too hot.  But I don't mind.

2.  The mountains.  I have never really lived near mountains before.  As you drive up the interstate 385 from Simpsonville into Greenville, just after the mall turning, you get an awesome view of the mountains. 

                                     

    

You can also see them from other places around Simpsonville. Although we don't utilize them much, I shall miss having them near.

3.  The Y.  The gym.  We have had a family membership since the end of 2014.  Should have got one sooner.  I love taking Zumba, Cardio Dance Blast and TRX at the gym. The 2 younger ones had swimming lessons there. Oliver honed his basketball kills. They all love running the indoor track.  I love it, and shall miss it terribly.

4.  My Zumba family.  The Zumba instructor network in this area is awesome.  From the instructors at the Y to the Free community Zumba at the Kroc Centre, to the various churches and individual studios that host Zumba classes.  I have met a LOT of Zumba instructors.  And everyone is so nice!!! I am so glad I got my Zumba licences here, under Loretta Bates, Ali Ramirez and Renee Pickett.  They are brilliant ZES, and have taught me well.  I have even taught my first class here, subbing for a friend.  I love my Zumba buddies!

5.  The craft stores..... Micheals, Jo-Ann Fabric, A.C. Moore and Panda's Crossing.  My introduction to crafting then beading has been in large parts thanks to these stores.  I will particularly miss Panda's Crossing, and the lovely ladies who host the classes.

6.  The wild life.  Turkey vultures, blue tailed skinks, even the snakes....  

7.  The coast.  Ok, we are a good 3 hours from the coast, and are hoping to move nearer the coast in the UK.  But the east coast here is wonderful.  Dolphins, sea turtles, fish.  We love it.  

8.  The darn convenience of the restrooms.  Every store has a restroom for public use.  Every park and outside area has at least one toilet block.  Exceptionally good when you have small children.

9.  Eating out.  We eat out.  A lot.  we look for kids set free / cheap, and use these as much as possible.  I shall miss the variety, and the (generally) good service.

All in a months work

Turns out it has been a moth since I last posted.  This keeps happening.  Life is so busy!!!

As usual, this is a photo drop with comments.......  Keep going

I got my Zumba Toning license with the delightful ZES, Renee Picket.  It was a great day, I got to car pool with one of my favorite Zumba instructors on the way too. So now I have my Zumba, Zumba Gold, Zumba Kids and Zumba Toning licenses.  I can't wait to get  to get back to the UK and put all of this awesome training and experience into practice.  And look at her hair..... Love it! (and the abs too......)

 We have had some wonderful wacky weather.  No more snow, thank goodness!  But a lot of wind.  The wind managed to fell one of the trees in the area behind out fence.  Luckily only one little bit of fence broke.  The HOA cam and cleared it pretty quickly too.

Another Zumba event! A master class with the wonderful Loretta Bates.  She is the first person who ever trained me to become a licensed Zumba instructor.  One of my friend running the Master class contacted me and asked if I would like a table at the event.  After umming- and ahhhing (Why?) I decided to go for it.  I practiced the lay out of my stall and everything before hand.  In the end I was able to set up on the day on under 30 minutes.  For a table at a Zumba event, I did quite well.  I covered my costs, and that was the main thing for this event.  There was even some spare profit for Mexican afterwards! 

It was so awesome to dance with the incomparable Loretta Bates.  This girl so rocks!  We were able to talk briefly about my plans for moving back to the UK.  She was able to tell me that she has trained some Zumba instructors in Brighton and around the South Coast.  She will also be there the weekend we (hopefully) fly back, at the ZIN Academy in London.  Gutted we are flying then as i shall have to miss it.  Oh well, there is always next year! 

The same weekend as my Zumba fun, there was a NASCAR race on at Atlanta Motor Speedway. We decided, very last minute (Thursday night) to get some tickets.  We checked out the weather, and purchased those bad boys

So Atlanta Motor Speedway is awesome! it is a mile and a half track.  We had fairly good seats, on the front straight near the pit entrance. It was a good view.  The race was awesome, the kids were great, the weather stunning and all in an excellent time. 

Except the journey home.  Took over an hour to get out of the car park, then traffic was so bad around Atlanta, we decided to go cross country.  What should have been a three hour journey took almost 5.  Put a bit of a dampener on the day.  But then we snuck up on some NASCAR haulers on the interstate.  We saw the 3 (Austin Dillon), the 5 (Kasey Kahne), the 27 (Paul Menard) the 10 (Danica Patrick) and the 31 of Ryan Newman.  

And only Isaac was awake in the back to see them.....

Paul was away the following week, cold weather testing in Colorado.  Jealous doesn't even begin to explain how I felt.  But the boys and I got on with it.  Below you have a rare sight of Oliver being kind to Isaac and tying his shoe (that is an exaggeration, he is kind, most of the time!)

The pair of them took it upon themselves to play school during that week.  Below they are doing P.E, and doing crunches.  Love them.....

Paul had a great time in the snow in Colorado.  He was staying at a place called Keystone.  This happened to be one of the places I had investigated for us to possibly go skiing.  As I say, I was jealous.  But its ok.....

Isaac had a trip to the dentist on Monday.  His top front adult tooth has been coming in in front of the wobbly baby tooth.  The dentist took some X-rays, and decided to pull both teeth.  Getting him to be still to have the injections put in his gum took some effort, but we got there.  He needed both pulled, as the one that is not through yet is VERY far over to the other side, and he may end up with a nice big gap between his teeth, and possibly braces..... We will see! 

Thats it for now.  We have a lady from the relocation company coming on thursday, so expect an update of sorts as to our returning to England plans in the next few days.....

Bad blogger

Ok, so I may be the worst blogger ever.  I seem to have forgotten how to do it.  That's not strictly true. I have found a new hobby / passion, and I don't feel like I have much to say at the moment.  But it has been nearly a month, so I thought I best get things up to date with what we have been doing.

                                

We took a trip to the zoo at the beginning of the month.  It was cold, hence Sebastian's attire.  Our membership expired at the end of the month.  We will not be renewing it I don't think.  We only have 5 months left, so it may not be worth it, especially as everyone is in school or work full time, and we have so much more to see and do befor we go.

I took a little trip down to Blythwood on the out skirts of Columbia.  It is about 90 minutes away.  There was a Zumba Glo party being held there.  The instructor was a lady called Lo.  She is a bit of a YouTube sensation, and loads of my instructor friends had recommended her

                               

I really enjoyed my self! It was almost like being in a night club, and was almost better, as no one knew me.  I really enjoyed getting some different choreography and hearing some different Zumba songs.  Zumba has been running for so long now, there are so many song and choreo choices.  I need to get as much experience from different instructors as I can before I head back to the UK and try and start teaching.  Speaking of which, I am doing Zumba Toning training next month.  I am very excited! 

Isaac was invited to a birthday party at Monkey Joes.  It wasn't an official party as such, the birthday boys parents paid Isaac in. The rest of us chose to go anyway.  Glad we did.  Out of the whole class, only Isaac and one other boy showed up.  It did remind us how awful monkey joes is.  The place was ridiculously busy, people everywhere.

                               

That same weekend was the South Carolina International Auto Show at the TD convention centre.  Not quite sure what made it international, maybe it was the Toyotas...... Anyway, they had family day on the Sunday, where the kids got in free. 

The boys had a great time trying out all the cars.  They weren't the only ones.  It was nice to be able to give them free for all on cars. It very rarely happens.

We took Isaacs training wheels / stabilizers off his bike.  He is finally down to 2 wheels.  Typically he took to it like a duck to water.  He was even slowing down and crashing off on purpose.  I just hope he has the confidence next time he gets on his bike

                               

Sebastian turned 5 this month.  He is not a baby or even a toddler anymore.  He had a good day, got most of the presents he wanted and enjoyed himself.  We went out for dinner at Chuckee Cheese (his choice). Because it was a Monday, it was lovely and quiet! He then had a delicious cake.

I can't believe he is 5.  He is turning into a proper little boy. His speech has come on leaps and bounds, and he has a lovely little personality.  He is a social monkey, who loves making people laugh, though his brothers wind him up something terrible! He is still in speech therapy, and it has helped a lot.  We have stopped the occupational therapy for now.  Insurance decided they weren't going to pay for it, so we got left with a very big bill.  We paid it, and are currently arguing the toss with them about reimbursing us / paying for more.  They need a diagnosis.  Both Isaac and Seb are down to be assessed by the behavioral psychologists, then they may have a diagnosis, but may not? We will have to wait and see.....

Isaac has had kindness week at school this week.  He wanted to walk the neighbors dog

                                 

The boys so badly want a dog.  It is a very firm NO. It's hard enough being responsible for these 3, and they can toilet themselves.....

That's pretty much it for the month. We had an ice / snow storm, the kids were off for a Friday and Monday.  They really didn't need the Monday..... I am doing a course on teaching English as a second language online.  It is going well...... I have made some drastic changes to my diet by going low carb.  I aim to eat no more than 50 grams of carbs a day.  That's about the same as what is in a sandwich.  I don't always succeed.  Eating out still gets me, but a lot of the time I am less than 100grams, and that is with eating out.  If I am at home, 50 grams on average a day.  That's is good for me.  It has made a big difference in my insulin use.  I have a diabetic appointment in 2 weeks, so watch this space.

My hobby / love at the moment is crafting. Crafts can be anything, but right now it is bead embroidery.  I love it!  Check out this I made recently

                  

In case you missed it, we have set up a little etsy shop.  Check it out here.  It has all the social media to go with it too: Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram.  Please find them and follow

That takes most of my time at the moment.  I would love to be able to work for myself eventually, with the crafting and the Zumba, and bring in enough to cover supplies/cost and groceries for the month.

That's my goal for this year 

Stuff

Before I do a massive holiday photo drop, I just want to say a few things.

I have been majorly neglecting this blog.  I am sorry, not sorry, about this.  Obviously I have had the kids off, which is the greatest distraction known to man.  They go back in about 4 weeks time.  Counting down.....

Cocktail friday is no more.  Believe me, it was fun while it lasted.  But I always find things set to certain times stressful, and this diminishes my motivation.  I am also taking August off alcohol (now I have written it down, I have to do it!).  I enjoy my months with out booze, though it does take a little getting used to.  I am not drinking to excess, but feel like I need to give my body a break.

I want to get a lot fitter.  I have my Zumba basic and Zumba Gold licenses, but if I ever want to do anything about instructing classes, I need to improve my stamina. After Kiawah, I went on a bit of a health kick regarding food.  Instead of eating 3 big meals a day, I was having breakfast about 7.30, a large snack about 11, a small lunch about 2, and then eating with the family.  I also tried to minimize my carbs a bit.  Because of this, I was using less insulin.  I also just felt healthier.  I was also polishing my choreo on some Zumba songs, and stretching in the mornings while the boys did their computer time.  It made me feel really good.  I was exercising in the morning 3 days a week, then going to at least 3 Zumba classes in the evening each week.  As I said, I felt good!

So I am going back to this regime.  If you want to know how I am doing this, I can post it on here.  Comment below or on Facebook if you would like to see this.  I also want to start running.  I may try and get the boys involved in this, help wear them out.  I want to do a run, like a 5k or something, in the next few months.

I feel good when I exercise.  I just need motivation sometimes!

When the kids go back to school, I am going to start crafting again.  I saw so many quirky things on holiday, and my ultimate thought was 'I could make that', so I didn't come back with too many souvenirs this year! Watch this space.  I have many, many ideas.  I will make a few sample things, then try and sell them on eBay/Facebook.  I *may* even go down the Etsy route, but seeing as i know little about this, i am not sure.....  I am excited about this, and reckon it could be fun.  I don't expect to make any money, but if i can cover my costs that would be great.

Thats what is happening with me.

Next up.... A massive photo drop......

General update/ photo drop

Oh my gosh, how long has it been since I did one of these?!?!  

About 6 weeks. I seem to be writing more on topics than general ramblings.  Better change that quick smart.  Try and keep up, while I bombard you with photos of our lives.  I apologize if I repeat myself in any way shape or form.

So a couple weekends ago we went to Lake Conastee Nature Park.  We have been to Conastee Park before, they have loads of play equipment and plenty of baseball pitches.  This is the other side of the Lake.  It is more of a bird watching / nature reserve place.  It was a beautiful day, and we had lots of fun walking / running on the paths.  They form part of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which they are constantly updating and maintaining here in Greenville.

This is an adorable picture of two of my favorite people. They both look so happy here.  Notice the garden furniture is out?  It is finally getting warm here.  Although it is rainy today, it is still 76 degrees......

We recently took a trip to Helen in Georgia.  You can read more about that here.

Th boys had a great time hunting for eggs on Easter Sunday.  Even if they were in their pajamas still

Sebastian was more inclined to eat what he found straight away, rather than hunt for more.....

I have been doing a shed load of baking.  We have stopped buying bread, as it just wasn't very nice.  I am now making a loaf a day to keep up with what we all eat.  At least this way we know the majority of what goes into our food.

I am also making a batch of about 40 cookies each week.  I found an awesome recipe on the choc chip pack from Costco.  A slight tweak on the time and temperature, and they make awesome snacks.  Not sure I have bought any packs of cookies or biscuits for about 6 weeks.  I am also making my own rice crispie treats, with decorations, which the boys love.  Next up is fruit jelly snacks.  I have tried one recipe, but they end up as jelly blocks, rather that gummy sweets.  Again, a slight tweak on the ingredients will probably do it, but we have to eat what we have first!

Isaacs behavior had been better for 6 weeks.  Until yesterday.  Funny, he started eating a certain snack type yogurt over the weekend, after not having it for six weeks.  We introduce it, and boom, email home about behavior.  Think we will be knocking them on the head for good.

Do you like my painting?  I went out on a Friday night with some ladies form a local Facebook group to Corks and Colours at Southern Galleries in Simpsonville.  It was a bring your own bottle painting evening.  It was great. I am really pleased with my picture!

Cocktail Friday is still going strong.  Don't forget to check back here every friday to see what concoctions we have been drinking recently!

This is a screen shot of a photo I pasted on Instagram.  See those likes???  They are all Monster Jam drivers!!!!!  If only they could know how truly OBSESSED Sebastian is with monster jam. We have a few recorded, and that is all he wants to watch.  He plays with the monster trucks when he is not watching them.  He thinks he is a monster truck and uses the sofa as his course.... 

This is my friend Amber.  She is another Zumba instructor.  We recently got together and choreographed 'Chica Practica'.  You can check it out here on her YouTube Chanel.

Check out the flower on my strawberry plant!  I got these in the ground too late last year to fruit, though they did send off tones of runners.  I have so many flowers this year it is ridiculous.  There are load of little strawberries coming along.  Yaaaaayyyyyy!!!  Think I will do a full post on my veggies patch soon, it is certainly coming along.

And in case you missed it, Oliver had the titanium plates laced in his ear recently.  You can read more about it here.

I did my Zumba Gold training this weekend.  It was awesome.  Ali the trainer was really good, I had a lot of fun, and learnt a few more rhythms.  

                                          

I am so enjoying my Zumba at the moment, and am looking out for a subbing opportunity very soon.  I am leading a song at a Zumbathon this weekend.  It is a charity event for the Make a Wish SC, so if you are in the area, please come along

Thats all for now!