Archives: the kids

went to Leeds with Jack, Eve & Esme – ended up at a Nero, as usual

Jack not so well today. We went out to Manchester… there was a pretext that I hand in the job application to the GMP that I’d competed at 01:15 yesterday. Thence back into the centre of Manchester – some food, & Louise & Jack went one way with me taking Eve, Jude & Esme down to Paperchase (via the vodaphone shop – spec for Eve’s birthday pressie. loopng back to meet up with Louise & Jack at Watertones.

Jack was sick this evening – bit of a temperature, but he’s quite a bit better at the moment (just right for staying up all night…) He has a new mp3 player that I picked up for him off the market for £8 – was worried that it might not work, but it seems fine – he’s onto some audiobooks.

Up at 7:15 – late. Jack was out of the door by 25 past to catch the bus as it passes through town (he normally takes it more sedately, catching an earlier service bus to get to the point where the school bus more or less starts to guarantee a seat). He made it.

Esme up next & then the others. a little more pressured morning because we were late – got them eggs for breakfast & I didn’t over or under boil them, so that was a minor plus. Esme was late getting dressed so was all panicky when I asked Eve to feed the rabbit (Eve was ready first). Some screaming & snatching of the bag of lettuce from Esme & some pouting & huffing from Eve because she wanted to feed the rabbit & though t Esme would just do it, so in the end they followed me out to feed the rabbit. & then I sent them back in & Eve cried… The rabbit had died in the night… passed away peacefully by the looks of her… Oh dear… Well, she’d been a bit ‘off’ since Friday/the weekend. Got herself to the downstairs of the hutch & stayed there. I moved her back up to the enclosed hutch area on Sunday. Although she was not eating as much she was eating, but … well she was not so well & we hoped that she would get better again as she’s done before, but alas not.

Eve was the most upset.

Jack was also quite cut up about it when he got home in the afternoon.

Esme was …. upset, but she seemed to be taking Eve’s lead a little… I saw Esme into class & she was OK going into school & everything, but when she saw Mrs Durham she crumpled when she told her that, “The rabbit’s stopped breathing!” & had a good old cry. It took a couple of attempts to tell her teacher the same thing through sobs; we just ended up telling her. The girl whom Mrs Durham had been consoling about … possibly just leaving mum was a little taken aback & sort of hung about for the spectacle a little. Ah, poor little thing, but still it seemed a little odd. I imagine she got over it, as I took my leave to find Eve’s teacher looking at her. Eve was quite upset going into school & Louise took her up to class to explain as t why she was upset. Realised when she had told Eve’s evidently ‘relieved it was not something worse’ teacher that the class was silent & that they were all looking on. Having excused herself to go to the toilet (tissues?) Eve had followed Louise to Jude’s class along the way getting tissues fro another former teacher of hers. Eve went back to class with her teacher & we headed out for obligatory shopping.

Jack didn’t text that he had found the PE kit lost on the way home last week, so we went home to go out to get trainers etc. While Louise chatted to her mum I found an appropriate shoe box, cleaned out the hutch. popped some straw in with rabbit in her box, dug a hole & popped the box in the cleaned hutch. I guess our nieghbour Caroline will have been able to read that picture well enough when she came home later… she quite like rabbit.

Off to Bradford to get the required kit etc. Picked up some more shirts for Jack as well because… well, the cuffs on his present ones are already near impossible to get clean.

Home & pick up the kids.

When we get home we inter the rabbit. Wet cloying mud & it’s now raining. The hole was quite wet at the bottom. Eve & Esme cry quite a lot & I suspect even Jude had a little cry.

They calm down & go off to play. Jack comes home having only just read the text & he’s quite upset the rabbit has gone.

Round up the kids to take them swimming. Esme is trying to annoy me a little on the way home with some pointed defiance, & I take the bait (unfortunately) & am a little grumpy with her.

play, bath, & I manage to read a very, very fidgety Esme to sleep, & then my brother calls. Wow – I’ve not spoken to Neil for ages, so there’s quiet a bit of catchup while Louise reads Harry to Jude & Eve.

That’s about all – excepting Hamish turning up just after 9:30 as he’s missed the bus sfter scouts & needs to call his mum for a lift…  I guess it’s good to be considered a ‘safe haven’ & was a nice surprise for Jack when he was out of the bath (certainly got him out of the bath as well).

right – I’m off to bed now.

The more jaded Tuedsday… Perhaps clock changes having their effect?

Jude & Esme enjoyed the extra hour of sunlight yesterday; they went out onto the backstreet after tea & got themselves right giddy – playing football, & assorted games & generally being cheeky & shrieky, to the point where I had to go out & take Esme in for a dumping I the bath, Jude made a grab for her to stop me taking her (all part of their game) but turned away & he only bounced off me (poor thing; a necessity though because I now we’d have had more trouble than I was worth trying to hoist her into the house attached to him). It was getting late, they were being too rowdy (& would have been in trouble with someone else before long) and part of being a dad is being a spoilsport…

So, it was Esme’s birthday over the weekend. It’s official now, she’s four. She feels (in herself) a four year old – she is sure that she can do more things now (& because she can feel she can, she actually can). They were playing in the big playground in Manningham Park (Bradford) at the weekend & she cold get up to the big slide & slide down the tube thing – stuff lie that; she feels the increment of 4. I wonder how common this is? When your young can you can take such a tangible change & make it more real? I certainly couldn’t remember ever feeling different on y birthday, but then I’m never is sure how I ‘feel’ in that respect because I have such an ambivalent feeling of time (which is probably why I let this fleeting thing slip all the time).

We went off to Bradford on Esme’s birthday; popped into some shop along the way to get Jack a new pair of shoes (the old ones were no longer comfortable). Same shoes, just a bit bigger.

Then off up a ig hill (children aided by mini-eggs (chocolate) to catch a bus. A brisk walk up the side of the park & thence to Louise’s mum’s flat. Elaine (Louise’s sister) & Kyle only arrived a few moments before, so we did quite well, really. (usual hurry to try to get to the station etc).

The kids were happy, & it all went well. Pizzas were ordered & at least Jude Jack & myself stuffed ourselves silly while the rest were a little more temperate. Jude was the only one to have overdone things & although he managed a little more chocolate that was offered he barely ate another thing all day After Elaine & Kyle parted we went off to the playground, and because it was a dull day with a biting cold wind there were not many people there. Our lot like their play, so perishing day means nothing to them. Esme (as say) got into the slide & they were all reluctant to leave (excepting Jude who needed the toilet). Bit f a settle down & then the jurney homeward . Whike we were wiaintng on the train platform Esme went in the waiting room to chat to a young lady there (Eve joined in to keep an eye on things), & while o the the train she chatted non-stop to the couple on the seats behind her. He’s an amazing flow of patter, but uunless you know what she’s been up to her tangents are a little hard to follow (they take some grasping when you know). I don’t think she repeated herself all the way back.

Well, I’ve been distracted again…

Audiobooks this time – John Wyndam’s ‘Day of the Triffids’ being the best of the lot but I’ve also cycled through Arthur C Clarke’s 2001 & sequels.

I’ve more to do, but I’ve elected to type this morning; not because I’m aware that I’ve neglected things, but because it felt ‘more right’ to do so.

I think I’d left with going to parent’s evening at Jack’s school. Because there’s a lot more pupils the set up is a lot more …efficient. You need to locate the teaches dotted around various locations around the school – boy’s gym, hall or girl’s gym. They sit behind a desk in such a location with various other teachers of that year & you get 5 minutes or so at your allotted time. All went well – we didn’t miss any one & we were earlier for others (so managed to dib in & get done. Starting with Geography: Jack is a good pupil, attentive & always willing to contribute; able to answer queries put to the class (ale to see the lead of conversation from teacher to pupil & extrapolate the right answer – something that is ‘easy’ in Jack’s view). Things went on in a similar vein all the way through. The German teacher made me uncomfortable because he suggested that Jack teach me German… I really should take Jack up on that… Didn’t see the Art teacher (as the cookie crumbles) but we got to see most all the main ones.. No, I’m sure all the main ones.. English was an interesting fellow; businesslike in his delivery of matters, but still there was a slight touch of the playfulness that Jack professes is there on class. The Maths teacher was interesting because he’s a young teacher & less used to the formalities. Evidently nervous & aware that we knew that Jack had expressed worry over his brusque behaviour in class. He was a little forcibly jovial (attribute this to nerves) but on the whole he seemed fine to me. Discussed with Jack on the way home, Jack said that he was not ‘like that’ in class. We pointed out to Jack that the poor man had huge bags under his eyes & some mild eczema – suggested that he doesn’t get enough sleep & is somewhat stressed because this will be a demanding job (the nature of the school & the demands of the pupils) & to try to cut the fellow a little slack; basically although he’s a teacher also remember he’s human.

Next day was parent’s evening at Jude & Eve’s school. I took them back home wile Louise dealt with matters… That is after we’d purchased something from the book fair; assuaging their acquisitional desires: Jude got a ‘Where’s Wally’ book, Eve stationary & Esme… Oh, something.

So, Eve is a star & conscientious & bright & willing. Poor Eve is basically very good; a diligent student & a caring person & although the teachers like this there is not a lot more that they say; she sometimes seems to get a raw deal just through being good.

Jude is interesting. Interesting that this comes from the teacher with whom Jack did not get along so well with. Jude is the neatest student in class, good at maths & also good at art. Now, I hadn’t noted that last one so well & it may be that I’m guilty of underrating him in the melee of the daily routine. He does sit down & he does do stuff, but I’m not the one he shows a lot to & I’m not sure he does so much. He does interesting stuff though… When asked to do a picture of his house late last year he drew all correct, but then he started drawing in the rooms through the windows, which Louie & I thought was a very nice touch, but apparently this was an unusual step. The thing that most strikes me about Jude’s art is the level of care & detail he puts into things… I guess he thinks about stuff.

Crikey – I had a day off work, Louise & I went shopping & al was well! We had a pleasant time & Louise got a few most definitely required things that she needed & although we forgot to do one or 2 other bits & bobs, the day went to plan.

It was good.

We were happy.

And getting home, the kids were all right – they were playing outside… & well… that’s good as well.

Jack’s been a little harder to pin down on his homework again (after having been subjected to a ‘talk’ on it the other day he’s still resiliently resistant…) And we have the problem of ‘don’t blame him’. I mean – I’m one to talk – I know I disliked the intrusion of homework but then I was very lucky, in that I was managed to avoid the task of doing said (through luck & ‘changing schools’ – nothing of my design). I disliked academic things in general though – I was not a good student. Louise was more diligent & …well… academic; I mean – she has a Masters Degree & I failed to obtain my HND – I think that speaks volumes. But even she concedes that she left things to the last minute (at 5 o’clock in the morning after being out the night before was possibly an admission too far (to Jack) I thought).

Well – it’s parent’s evening, this evening, at Jack’s school… All in all this should be interesting. I guess that we should be on our ‘best behaviour’ & all that… Okay – Louise is fine, it’s just me that has to try to do a little thinking before opening his big fat gob.

Been reading again – been avoiding writing as well. Not inclined, perhaps because I knew I’d moan on when I’ve little really to moan at; not in myself.

Jack had a day off school yesterday – reached a low ebb, was sick (suspiciously) & was behind on his homework. He’s caught up – he’s still not completely better (his eyes are still itching) but he’s less down – which is so much better. He had a good old talking to the night before with Louise & that did him some good as he was better grounded yesterday. If we could devote more time to cajoling & encouraging him he would not hit these funks, but … it’s not possible – he takes advantage of us at times & procrastinates & skives over homework. It’s a shame, but there is a lot of it – but when he does it – when he sits down & concentrates it doesn’t take him long & he does it well… He’s bright but still – his reluctance at times is quite understandable.

Made the rabbit hutch up yesterday. She’s better after being in the cage in the porch for a while. We seem to have covered the cost of it OK, & it’s sizeable enough to give her enough space; she now has an upstairs & a downstairs – enough room for her to move around freely. As she’s grown so, the same could not be said for the old hutch. I’ll get some bits & bobs from the market stall woman today as well. Shame it’s set to be a bit cold again.

When I set out putting the hutch together Esme & Lilly were all agog – wanting to watch & wanting to join in. Unfortunately the help that 3 year olds is limited; mostly limited to not helping, because they’re more likely to cause problems that be of real assistance. Jack didn’t want to miss out though – so he soon had his shoes & coat on & was about. He helped distract Esme & Lilly a bit, but they were still a little too active. I had to warn Esme off when she started using the old broom to brush one of the half made sides. At that point they (Esme & Lilly) took the old broom & plastic (toy) lawnmower & dashed off to Lil’s house. Esme was dressed as a cat & Lil a fairy. It being World Book Day they had gone to school (& playgroup) dressed as ‘their favourite characters’ Jude had gone as Dr Who (suit, trainers & accoutrements) & Eve as a school witch (she wanted to go a Hermione Granger but we couldn’t get stuff approximate enough)

Jack was happy to help & was keen to use the electric screwdriver thing (which I was thankful for having) but it ran out of juice. I have an aching forearm a from ‘manual screwing’ the thing together (Jack didn’t help with that) when finished we had everyone around; Esme & Lilly & Eve & Amber, but not Jude & Louise – Louise was having to read Famous Five to Jude upstairs. Hey did come down briefly, encouraged by Jack & proclaimed it good & “Jolly big” before Louise had to return to narration duties.

Put down sawdust & paper & hay, then the rabbit. She seemed happy to explore & scratch about but was not keen on trying to get downstairs, although having checked here this morning she did pop downstairs, so that’s good.

Been reading a bit recently, rather than typing & I know I’ve not ‘posted’ owt for some time, therefore all is behind… I am slack, I am remiss – I’ve enjoyed reading.

Half term holidays last week & the kids were… themselves… noisy, boisterous & demanding & drove Louise a little nutty.. And she’s not been able to get out to even do some shopping (not that grocery shopping is what might be called ‘fun’, but it’s a change of pace). Still there have been better bits & all that, so I shouldn’t paint a monochrome picture.. They did manage to get all down to the park one day – that’ll be easier as the year progresses… it’s a little less hospitable in February.

At work… Well… We did get a visit from our new overlords last week… Delayed from 2 weeks past due to snow & … er… weather or whatever. No pronouncements yet, & little progress. As expected they’re not so impressed with our customer database that might require a little ‘normalisation’ here & there. Naturally I hate Sage & naturally I’ve been handed a wodge of stuff from ‘aged debt’ to see how valid it all actually is? On top of everything else I do this seems that my progress on this one may be …limited. I have advised this & been told that I should try to get the other lads to help.. which I’ve said would take better people management skills than I have… essentially I know the response – I’ve tested the water & as thought I’ve been told I’m a fool for ‘taking it on’ – therefore enrolling them of a ‘fools errand’ that I’ve been set seems an argument I can’t win.

Train on time shocker.

Not been typing much this week because… well the train was late, (it gets crowded) there was something to read, that sort of thing.

So that weekend past – what was that about? All very low key really – not much a doing as we didn’t have a game plan to be heading out for some reason or another, therefore, it was a ‘staying at home’ weekend.. There was no real snow to add to the general excitement, excepting that empty promise that fell Sunday afternoon & evening & all but vanished by Monday morning (poor Jack). Actually, all but Jack & I are fed up with snow. I’d quite happily see more & Jack actively wants more. Jude was never a bit fan to start with, Louise likes the idea of it to start with, but quickly gets fed up of its presence, Eve got bored of being wet & cold, but enjoys it really, & Esme, well – she’s be happy whatever it did, so long as there was opportunity for play.

Jack’s been getting up a little earlier in the mornings to catch the school bus rather than the service bus, He catches the service bus up to Walsden though, so that he has a chance of getting a seat on the school bus (it gets a bit full by the time it reaches Tod). Not sure of the change of heart – I think he’s wanting to be a little more social…

Um…

Oh, I guess our new overlords are coming into the office today (delayed from last week). I guess we might get a feel for things, but I’ve know this year meant change in some form… I’m not sure in what form, but ( know that my job is not safe, in that it is not going to exist as it is at present… It’s what they decide to do, & what I decide I can do. I know it’s impracticable to move down south – it would be too great a wrench, we wouldn’t be able to sell the house, we couldn’t move Jack from this school (I don’t think there’s anything in the state sector down their way that comes close) .. So, their stated desire to centralise their resources are at odds with the limitations of our lives. A year of change…. I really don’t see the point of worrying about such things though, a bunch of homilies come to mind, but I cannot dread change – it should at lest be interesting.

Been a tiring week – work wise I’m still floating backwards while paddling all I can – but then that is not an actual change; just the usual for me. There are the days when there’s less paper on my desk, but usually there’s more; I try to do too much. It gets me a bit down at times (like yesterday) but on the whole I remain ambivalent enough about it to not get to me; the work ethic thing in me is quite strong – who knew?

I didn’t take Jude back down to bed & try to assuage whatever worries he has last night because I couldn’t. I don’t remember when he started this now, but it seems to have been a nightly ritual for too long now. He did come up – he muttered something to me & lay down on the cushion by the bed, but I was incapable of rousing. Louise was woken & she decided to go to the toilet, so Jude followed her downstairs & got into bed Hm – I hope he’s OK… Sure to be – probably went to sleep a charm or something.

Jack got his mp3 payer yesterday – I managed to get another for him (because I’d grown rather attached to this Lplayer) – he now has a not so wee thing that has a pop-out speaker at the back – which I though was more appropriate for his needs. The other 2 have wee memory stick things – not by any rate as fancy as what Jack has, but they need something as a way of satiating them when they discover the one that Jack’s using, Eve almost rumbled it yesterday (Jack is not as discrete as he could be because he’s excited to have it, so I don’t blame him).