Wasnt going to be a Caars theme however with his massive collection of toys....it can only be Caars and World (he just loves so much maps).Finally Reuben's bedroom nearly done! Wow, one day work but really loads of thinking behind it. I can not believe how well the first week has gone. WOW! He told everyone possible about his room and is enjoying showing it to everyone who happens to come to our house! We had a massive week...(my bedroom also got decorated but that shall be revealed at a later date)...we had Monday Reuben;s best friend Nicholas to see his room...then came with us swimming. Tuesday am Zac had a playdate with Andrei and Martha, then pm Noah (and his family) have popped in after school...! Wednesday we enjoyed Georgia's visit after school and Thursday, Toby and Luke and their mummy brought R home and enjoyed playing. Friday Ivetta (my friend and childminder) picked up Reuben from school and took him to see a gymnastic's class....together with his brother Zac....next week we are not planning visits as we are in need of some family and us time.I am glad that I have involved Reuben so much in planning his special room. Where blue Dino is ...we are awaiting a desk where he will be able to do his reading....and writing. (his office as he says it)Its been a long week. We had a baby shower and a birthday to attend today meanwhile finding perfect curtains for my bedroom....so it was a bit manic....however...tomorrow hope to let kids do what they love best plenty running at the park and scooting around while hopefully curtain poles are fixed up my bedroom and then one more spare room to be sorted and house well....resfreshed and ready to be enjoyed fully....YAY!!!! Attention now turns to garden too...I want to take boys out and show them some gardening skills but hope that the weather will allow us....they had moved into the bedrooms we all planned for March and the rest shall surley follow nicely....still life is there to be enjoyed so must go out and play and enjoy SPRING!!!

out and about... March! -spring is in the air!:)

Its been a while now that we had been thinking about how to make our house practical and interesting for boys....and us too. We had been seeing many houses in the area none of which came up to our expectation yet. We had seen houses smaller than ours (and ours is not exactly small) and nearly twice the price that we paid for ours. Boys seemed to enjoy sharing a room but really now getting older they need each their own space. I am delighted that each evening they kiss and hug and tell each other they love each other however too much is too much and time has come to move to the upper and more interesting spaces. This house we currently have we are proud to say has the most lovley and exciting shapes to work with. the living room only has 11 angles and one door to back garden and one big window to side garden. The top floor where boys are is just as exciting. For now Reuben's room awaits a nice desk and chair (his office space as he calls it) and since this photo now he has lovley shelfs for his caaaars and smaller items.We notices his first facination with maps when he was only 3 and we were at various places outings he always wanted the map and needed to be shown where we were and what we were heading to see....now that he realises the world is a big place and has travelled well quite a bit around Eastern Europe he gets interested in not only Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and England but also he wants to know where Japan, Spain, Italy are (off course all to do with Caars). Something that I never picked up on that he came out with the other day was that one of the cars (excuse don;t know) comes from Japan, and also the toy collector?! in Toy Story was also from Japan?! daddy said he was right and I just was amazed....(I still might have got this wrong...he is asleep so cant ask him...)Hmmm...another facination my son has is photos...he loves loves his albums...often wants to read hose stories and he is amazing at remebering places and facts looking at photos. I am pleased our photos of the kids have made it into family albums and not only on computer as this way they can look and remember....and its so magical. So here, we are planning to have photos of all causins 1st ones from abroad the ones he cant see often enough.To follow on Zac;s bday we had taken the boys to London. I cant remember when was the last time we did go out like that...think must have been when Zac was much younger. It was a fabulously sunny and spring like day. Although still February....we had a picknick in St Jame's park (one of my favourite restaurants has let us have a picknick takeaway meatballs and rice and sausages and yummy coke and pears and various nibbles)......Reuben finishing his food has got up and announced out loud he needed to do some excercises for the heart...:) both daddy and I looked around and all people around us took him seriously...we were asking him what was wrong with his heart...he said they learnt at school that after meals they need to excercise and its good for the heart:)) no comment.We took the slow train and it was so very very long journey into London. This allowed us to learn some more about Reuben. His cheeckyness and love for life is contagious. We are both extreamly proud of him. We all went to London Aquarium to see the sharks, turtoises, star fish, sea horses and all the creatures of the waters.....he was good at spotting some fab fish and even touching some....it was very good learning for all of us.I have to just finish on this photo....We were delighted that sun was so warm we could all go to the park after school and enjoy a snack. I was able to take Georgia and Ashley with me too...and some others came with their mummy but did not get a chance to photo all....I really hope for kids sake more sun and more outings are gona happen...I notice even us parents seem happier when sun is out....I have to admit....spring is welcomed with open arms here...my boys want to enjoy the scooters, bikes and walks. Its been a very long winter it seems.

Spellathon?!

Yes yes! I know! What?! Spellathon? yes, well my son started school in September 2011 and in December he was writing his name down...(nothing we thought him) and now February 2012 he starts learning to spell not only two letter but some three and four letter words. Pheww all I got to say those teachers do not waste their time....it seems to me. Still, to say the list it amazez me how Reuben just gets on with things....not only does he brings home constantly stickers for being good at this, at that....reading, blending (yes putting letters into words) but clearing up (why is that not happening at home), being considerate (ha?) and well now spelling words.....
So if you read this and you are as shocked as me would you consider sponsoring my bright button for his spellathon on 14th March. Basically its another way to help the school (yes money goes to school) while having fun...(did I just say fun?) well, he is amazing my little big Reuben....how did we get to this massive milestone?! Zackie's party on the 18th Feb was an absolute SUCESS....kids enjoyed the toy Story movie and Reuben was a fabulous host lool at him right in the middle with Zac's friends and some of his as well....I was proud of him because he was good as gold....I think I am slightly subjective but....he was feeling very much at home at Zac's party he helped set up, tidy up and even ate well.I had to share this grinny photo with you. there was another one too where he hugs his brother but I deleted it by mistake. I love the fact that he thinks where he is Zackie has to be too and its all very natural now that his little follower is around him...he even teaches Zac nowadays....and says things like "Zackie I am doing now exercises for my heart" (he goes off and does some jumping and excercises they learn at school...all very serious),the other thing he does is often says to Zac " on the way to London at the weekend visiting the sharks, jelly fish, seahorses, turtles, flat fish, star fish and such (at London Aquarium), while on the train he was counting in all possible known to him languages. We noticed he can count up to 5o with a bit of help around 30 and up. he can also count in hungarian and French!!! (up to 1o). He also gave us a repertoir of school songs and poems and such....we were rather impressed. On Monday morning at school he had to take some printed photos of the weekend (which he was to share at NEW TIME) he brought them home with massive grin on his face....saying everyone had a look and all the kids enjoyed hearing about him touching the starfish.....and seeing the squirrels and buying Toby;s bday present. School goes well I think!

Post half term blues?:)

Is this not the most adorable photoes ever?! Well, we had successfully survived half term...without much planning. As you can tell MAMA and REBEKA came to visit...and stayed for a total of 10 days. (probably the shortest ever holiday). It was such a wonderful time. The first two days the kids were glued to them then slowly they realised mummy (me) had such a woderful time so started clinging on to me:( ! so reassuring they do miss me ....

There were loads of kisses and cuddles with aunty Rebeka and playing MARIO and Wii and all. Both Rebeka and MAMA have noticed the massive change and improvement in Reuben....how much more confident, chatty and independent he is. I have to say I am massivley proud of him...for mastering English, Hungarian (even I barely ever get the chance to teach him) and French as well. He runs to school and on the way waves and calls out to kids and while many just shy away and seem to be speachless my son is chattering away to them. Confidence may live LONG!. I am also proud because he is understanding his brother and his brother's needs often giving things easily up for his brother;s sake. He shares and seems to have accepted Zackie really well. He argues things ever so well, one day I was telling him he is not allowed fizzy drinks or Coke (yes coke) in the afternoon and dark, he smiled at me and said "but mumy, Coke is dark so its ok to drink it in the dark" there...my little clever button.

Language?!:) What language? Love language, who cares that these two cant speak coherently each others's language...Reuben is a great actor and so is my mum and they were getting along like a house on fire?! I was comforted each time my son snuggled up to MAMA to tell her something (to which mum always smiled and said ok ok) then watching them get up to no good (like steeling some sweets after the dinner) or staying up that 5 more minutes.....ahhhhhFinally, what can I say?! I am continuously amazed at Reuben's developments...one of which is he seems to be great at blending (which is spelling letters into words) and he is continuously bringing home stickers for his numbers (which must admit he is very good at) and for tidy up (wish he was doing it at home) and anything and everything! He seems to know all his letters really well....and loves drawing, colouring and creating things.He loved MAMA doing some sewing on the machine and was amazed to see mama created a few things for mumy a few dresses, skirts, tops and well just mending things. Here he is having a go too...enjoying it so much he was....Admiring his hard work...but he was rather sad cause they were not perfect ....and he has not managed to finish colouring the snake yet he got so tired. We never push Reuben, we are very laid back parents. We make a point of presenting him with options and allowing him to think, choose and enjoy what he does. Many people find us hard work (as we don;t particularly like super nany or baby whisperer and such books and programmes) we do not follow strickt routines I believe kids are very very unique and therefore time should be spent knowing our children not reading people;s therories and robotised thinking. With Reuben I have only one massive failure that is that I have not had the confidence to boo all the crap was shoved into my way and follow my instincts and do what deep down I knew was right for us. But I am glad I had realised that no ammount of reading, preparing or teaching will ever make me the mum I am because it is naturally already there....and for my child I am the best mum and he is the best possible child I can ask for....him and Zackie both. I have learnt to accept that we are different and we do things differently and thats fine.Anyway, now back to being back into full swing of schooling....its all very sad...MAMA AND REBEKA have gone....we are back at school, playgroups and such...I hope Easter Holidays come quick and we can go away as a family and have a fab time until then some of the old and usual will happen and hopefully will have a glimmer of spring....been far to dark and cold. I am gona mention we had Zackie;s bday celebrations but pics will be in another post!

February Post!

oh what a fabulous day! After a long and unwell January, and a difficult first week in February ....the first weekend in February has brought amazing snow.....and a lot of fun today. Reuben came into my room and asked where his brother and daddy were? I said as usual they were already downstairs....then he proceeded to go to them ...only I said to him he better look out the window. He did and his face well lets just say was a picture. I wish I would have had the camera! It was just one of those moments....I will treasure for ever. It brought back dear memories of me when I was young and my home and my snow covered street...dragging sledges out with all neighbours and wearing nothing but Pjs and boots....so much so that I had to come downstairs and start the day in the snow....in the garden!....He clearly loves snow as much as I....:))) What a fab fab feeling....snow snow snow!Sledging to his heart content:)) all positions were allowed and how cool that he was old enough to do it all by himself!I do like Reuben for being sometimes so willing to step into his big brother role. He is never selfish...loves his brother...and often wants to do things with him. This one has made my heart melt....he was so proud to be pulling his brother in the sledge.Pijamas and mummy....yep both in the garden at 8am:)) a rare rare occasion....even Reuben surprised...mummy just loves morning lay ins. BUt oh twas so worth it.School has been so much fun. Reuben has several questions most mornings: is it school day?, are we late? He comes home and often after a lot of school activities he is allowed to watch TV and play his IPAD2 which off course is HIS. Zackie having missed him badly often feels the need to glue himself to Reuben. Its a nice nice atmosphere, I do love it most. Then comes loads of play, dinner...some tidy up, bath time and sleep....such a good routine.Boys were invited to Emily;s big 1st birthday. Was a nice and special occasion. Reuben does actually love so much younger children and has a soft spot for Emily, Henry and Robert in our development but really he understands now birthdays big time. I loved the moment when he saw Emily struggle (she wasnt well poor thing) and took it upon himself to cheer her up. He even got a massive smile of her...thats my boy!Pheww! Loads of snow has fallen in one half of the night and thus we had no snow in December not even January but yes we did in FEBURARY! Kids were so excited they just wanted to be out all the time....and when Reuben came in after two hours of sledging with purple feet and frozen limbs...that with skiing gear on but ok I admitt he outgrew them big time. I am very very glad we had a good day to start the week with. I am sure tomorrow if school open R will have something to say at NEWSTIME:)) perhaps even to share how much he loves snow....
Its a special week this week and month for us as a family. Reuben is gona see (all being well)his mama and aunty Rebeka at the weekend and celebrate Zackie;s bday at the following one. We also have half term and looking forward to some family bonding time.

January.....how long are you staying for?

Oh, we so glad we had ventured out today! We were debating way too long and way too much about all the amazing places we could have seen today....but here at Wingham Life Centre we just had a fabulastic day. Well decided me thinks. Its been a long long winter and we are so desperate for a warm and sunny day....Boys not only enjoyed the animals and the variety of play areas but also the diggers..always a winner.By far the most exciting thing we had seen today was feeding the penguins and listening to what that very clever lady had to say about them. To think that she knew each of them personally and predicted what they were going to do next amazing me thinks! Did you know that when they get fed fish they always catch the fish head first?! Its easier for them to swallow....wow...cute little things too!yeah my forever adventurous Reuben claims this is a child's play he needs a bigger challange where is the higher climbing frame?hello cuty ...meet my brother Mr. pickle:)))the brothers always walking together to discover the great outdoors!

The sun was indeed shining and I just am loving a sunny day...such a rare one here in UK. I miss my sunny days from home...!! I think Reuben also is trying to catch some sun and get some vitamin D.how can we not enjoy a little KOALA BROTHERS AND TWEENIES?!So very very sorry but had to post this as its just one of those moments...:) attempting toilet train Zackie....his big brother is telling him its really not that hard all you have to do sit and puuuuuuuuushhhhhhhh but Zackie thinks its a smiling matter:))) well....as you can see at least none of them gets bored while in the small room of tha house!Swimming continues Reuben is doing really well. We are yet to get the 10m badge but really we are not after badges just enjoying things and learning in our time.A morning in the Smith;s household...the boys are breakfasting ...yes yes its chock spread toasty:))) and coke....and yoghurt and fruit and off course some sausages...all in this order. All I know my boys are happy, energetic and full of wonderful little mischiefs:)

Had a very eventful week. Reuben has been up and down....after last week;s vomitting fiesco which ruined my bedlinnen and duvet and saw him struggle with fever. then came a cold and then Friday he had an accident at school where he has managed to cut open his upper gum (trying to blow in some tube which then slid and cut very deep). He was very brave but I think he really was shocked and upset.

Saturday we just drove each other mad literally while Sunday we all went and enjoyed a day out with our favourite animals and enjoying nature. WE REALLY MISS THAT SPRING....hurry up sunshine and long days....

NEW YEAR

Its always such a drag to update then I am always really pleased I did as looking back sometimes makes one so thankful and grateful. Its been an interesting start of the year and 2012 I have no major resolutions or solutions or big goals other to just be who I am as a person, wife and mother. I want to stick to my guns and do what we as a family decide to do and continue the good work. I know this sounds as BIG HEADED but I have to admit I get very easily off track for the sake of the other and often at the price of my own sanity and my family's too. So far we had been very good and enjoyed more HOME time and planning the boys rooms (all will be revealed when we actually agree on how and what) and rest of the house. We are particularly happy and content with what we had achived downstairs at ground floor level, bathrooms and kitchen all having been made into more family orientated and it has eased grately our lives. We hope good work will continue.

Last weekend we had gone to see one of our favourite places (Romney Marsh) with the steam trains. We had not realised the last train to Dungeoness was so so late so we decided not to go on it. While in the play area once train left....we saw a baby engine up and down the line....(being trained...) and the driver was kind enough to let us into the bigger picture of that place. We got to see some special engines (asleep they were in the sheds) an ride the single baby engine....and it was so very special. Today was back to swimming and we have a few playdates lined up tooo so this week should whizz past too.. and hope it will be a good one. Here are some of the recent photos!