Hello!:) where shall I begin?! Its been so much happening feel like I would be catching up for ages. First things first....NO SCHOOL and we are very much aware of that. Reuben has not mentioned it once and I guess he is loving his holiday. We had enjoyed the Torch entering Rochester and yes we had seen it then enjoyed time with friends at tea rooms. This holiday is all about chillaxing and realxing and just being. We are soon of to Romania so this is the last post until we return although I am playing with the idea of doing Reuben a summer holiday journal:)) if only I had the time. So far, we had enjoyed the Olympic craze and Reuben and Zac both watched the opening ceremony right after they took part in the MEDWAY MILE race at the Castle in Rochester which was followed with everyone enjoying the view of a big screen in the castle grounds of the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Reuben and Zac both loved seeing MR Bean and that did it for them. I had one goal or two for the summer holidays both can be ticked but more about that later. Reuben CAN NOW RIDE THE BIKE without any aiding and thats fabulastic news I am looking forward to enjoying cyclopark soon with both boys. http://www.cyclopark.com/
here some of our snippets in no particular order!:)

 getting ready for the Medway Mile 2012!!!

 reuben next to his friend Toby (friend with blue shorts, reuben next to him with black shorts)

 getting ready for the run!

 Us waiting for the Olympic torch!

 Noah! - finally the dat came for Noah to visit and they even shared a drink:)

 Georgia visited too...and Jack our neighbours but this was a cheecky moment under the kitchen table...Zac thought he was driving the newly wedds:)

 We saw lots of reuben's best friend Nicholas!!! how could we not...? He wakes with Nicholas's name and goes to bed needing reassurance that they will play tomorrow too!!!I do love the fact that they play so well.

 And my moment of sheer pride! my son cycling like a pro in his second time we took off , stopped and enjoyed his cycling all the way to granny's flat ....all without any help!! YAY! He is a wonderful outdoor boy!

 This is watching Mr. Bean and loving it:)))with aunty Rebekah who loves them soooo much and has sacrificed a whole months of her summer holidays to come and stay with them...

 Enjoying a moment in the garden with granny having strawberries and icrecream...

 Ups back to Medway Mile...

 All registered and doing the Medway Mile!!! We all loved the event sadly the last one!! Fabulastic Fireworks at the end and ready for watching the Olympic games ...bring it on. Thanks to Godmother (brillant) Cheryl for always being on call at such wonderful events. We love ya Cheryl.....miss you being around the corner...but pleased we still get to see you loads.

Reuben is FIVE!! 5 YEARS OLD!!

 Yes! We are 5 years old pregnant!!:))) And that vest will never be worn again. Reuben has been eagerly awaiting his 5th bday. He wants to know how he was in my belly and how he was born and all that....so here we were talking about how difficult it was to carry him...how I have not stopped carrying him for a whole 5 years now...:))) except its easier now he can walk and really I only carry him in my heart...a whole different carrying that often is also worrying and anxious but most of the time a brilliant!!!

 Reuben has been rather crazy for LEGO recently. Mainly LEGO NINJA cought his eyes and I have managed to make him a LEGO NINJA ROOM with not so much hard work....but just have to say LEGO is totally facinating but gosh its hard to keep the bits together and not hoover them up....:))) still achieved his dream bedroom and the desire effect so I think I am awareding myself THE BEST MUMMY AWARD:))

 Reuben had a very exciting bday! He was rather emotional on the day overwhelmed I guess. On the Friday we had Elena and the boys around for a little play and start of the bday celebrations and even though it was only following week Tuesday his actual bday was being the weekend we started early. This is also Friday, when his room was all made over:)) with stickers and such. He was allowed to open a few presents...
Saturday morning we all set to go to playfootball.net and it was fabulous weather. We had managed to play most of the 2 hours with some drinks at half time and lovley hotdogs and burgers after.He had 21 children at his bday and here in the above photo we did play some pass the parcel.

As it was his bday we got is troffee he was the winner of the football match!!! He also managed to get certificates for everyone and a brilliant cake made by Ivetta his first ever childminder and our wonderfull family friend. I was so happy that Reuben did not ask to be head of the table. Everyone asked to sit with him and he was in his element with all his friends. I was so proud that so many boys have come and they all kept calling his name asking if them can sit next to him. He is a very likable boy...often what comes across is not what he is like but he is a very sensitive and adventurous unique and beautiful boy.

Saturday afternoon with his best friend Nicholas he opened the many very generous presents and cards and even offered some of his presents to Zac his brother. Sunday we had spent the day just relaxing and enjoying home....and it was so good not to do the rushing around. We missed church but then again it happens sometime. Monday evening Reuben did his last swimming lesson for the summer and he did brilliantly. Daddy was able to attend and see him in action which was added bliss. Tuesday, it was school day and I had decided to take the 40 cup cakes that IVETA has made to school and they were the highlight of the day:) Reuben had everyone sing HAPPY BDAY to him which was brilliant...and he loved enjoying his actual day with his current friends and in his own environment. I am off course amazingly proud of Reuben because not only he has settled in beautifully into his new school he is more than happy to run in day by day....he hardly ever missed a day and he loves his friends and they are his world....as well as us as a family.
Tuesday Reuben went to football after school and that was cool as on his bday he got to play what he loves....while me and Zackie went to celebrate Blake's bday who also is born on the same day as Reuben the 17th off course 3 years younger.
Wednesday pm NIcholas had Reuben at his house after school and he loved that.
Thursday after school was a Boley Hill picknick with all his school friends this was fabulastic the sun shone and daddy and Zac came along too. Friday today, we got up and went to see the Olympic torch being carried through Rochester and then enjoyed a coffee and a late breakfast at Cathedral Tearooms. There were about 10 kids from his class so we had loads of fun. Bday presents are still comming...yesterday he got a present from the Dispensari's that apperntly we found out his been waiting for all his life:)))) NINJAGO no doubt:)
Today Godmother Cheryl has brought up another present. We had cards and presents and all sorts even a week after his bday party:))) HE is a very much loved and cherished little 5 years old....I am so proud to be your MUMMY Reuben! I love you forever will carry you forever always in my HEART!

July?!

Hello! And welcome to my kitchen...where my son currently suffering his 8th infection this year has decided to show me what are his favourite things to eat....yes toast, baked beans (is he English by any chance!?), chocolate spread, porrage, dummies....and bubbly juice (means bubbly water and some ribena)...I give in because he is generally good at eating and I am not too fussed that he craves often strange food I was exactly the same.

 Zac does spend a lot of time in the kitchen....partly because he loves his chair:)) and he loves me too (or watching and being with me) but he also likes to chat:)) He really is such a social little creature. Here granny was pealing potatoes for dinner and Zac insisted to help:) bless.

 I enjoy lots watching Zac putting things together....his world is so much more developed and recently I really have noticed better speach and communication (sometimes stringing 2-3 words together), also he seems to busy himself more playing with things. Out of all the things he has I think he is most in love with his footballs (we counted about 11 last time), also his motorbike, his scooter and off course his cars....I kind a knew that having had one child madly in love with THOMAS (trains) my second one will perhaps get into something else...and yes he is into cars....still he does like trains too....!! I guess I will just have to enjoy the difference...:)) and the expenses.

 Oh boy! All those lovley friends of mine who said that its kind a pointless keeping baby toys and things that are left from Reuben:))) Gosh you were right. At two and a half Zac thinks and I am convinced believes he is also 5 like Reuben. He wants to go to school, wants a packed lunch and also book case, he also wants uniform....and well pretty much everything R has and does. He also jumps into water when R goes swimming and has to kick a ball when Reuben does football. Here he is looking all footballish. I know I am bias but Zac really is good at football. He really does know how to kick a ball and dribble the ball. Most often he gets in there and has no real issue about being with kids twice his age and weight and lenght:)

 This:) Is a very Zac picture! He does love to smile and can be such a character. WHen he is well you really see his true character. I love love his smile his laugh and especially when I am busy doing something and he is watching TV its great to see he is getting the funny bits in TOM and Jerry, Fireman Sam, Sonic the Hedghog, etc.

My little tiger! Exactly that....but actually my little cat! He is so funny so witty and really really cute!...We had recently had his 2 and half years health check and I can say he has been passing with flying colours?!:) although we are being referred to a specialist regarding his reoccuring infections around chest, ears and throat. Lets hope we find out what is the underlying issue.  I am generally so happy to see him develop well...I love that he goes to a childminder who adores him and he adores her. He learns much with others and I feel sad for those kids who don;t get to experience just how fun it is to be with kids their age and have that kind of experience they do have at a childminder! We are slowly getting geared up for Reuben's bday (Rebeka my sister has arrived and will be with us for a month) and once school breaks up we have two weeks to enjoy home...then we are off to sunny and HOT ROMANIA!!! Hurray! Looks like a pretty good summer...we are gona have with some great great fun! Bring it on....more later. Enjoy summer don;t worry about the rain....

JUNE- July

Sports day! Wow, what an experience. I will never understand how schools can be allowed to have such oven areas when this country is all about health and safety...its feels at time. Well, first one has been cancelled due to weather conditions...(rain that is):)) while second sprts date was basically an open oven no shade or shelter from the burning sun at 9 in the morning....a very painfull experience for many. Still, Reuben seemed to enjoy it...not sure he knew what he was meant to do or that he actually enjoyed it but ...that is another matter. He did participate and I have to say his class were so very well prepared and came in holding hand made paper torches (in sign of the olympics) and were ever so cute. I give 10 out of 10 on that to the wonderful classroom teachers.

Reuben has had an interesting interest in football recently. Seems there are a few boys in his class who made sure R is well educated in Football even to the point that out of a blue literally he came home to tell us THAT he was now  CHELSEA supporter as they have the biggest cup in the whole wide world and they are the best ......WE DID GET IT IN THE END. none of us are particularly fantastic at football (although if he lived in Romania by now his uncles and cousins would have made him a footballer) but hey ho. I had signed him into a football club (no not chelsea) around the corner and he was only happy to oblige in going there. It was rather interesting.

 Ha:)) totally unaware of what he might need for his football....I stumbled over this nice blue Chelsea football kit in a charity shop on the highstreet which cost a total of £3.50 and was exactly his size....must have been divine providence as really don;t see how I would have ever got these should they have come new. Daddy got him his socks, sheenpads and now he has the right football shoes too....
To top it all up! He now is looking forward to his Bday also being a football party...

 We had also visited beautiful and very nice Swanley Park. I can only recommend it...to those of you with kids it is really good place. with plenty splashing to do, hydrobycicles and rowing boats and all.... Here he is enjoying a splash with lovley friend from church Chayne.

 And something we had done in June was lots of home time relaxing time family time stuff. Here we had just tried again to make mini cupcakes. They were so yummy but the truth is mummy is rubbish at making such stuff so they ate it but really they were not that good. I just don;t know why I cant make good cupcakes....

 We also went to Kent Life Museum one Friday afternoon and it was soooo good. We had enjoyed the place to ourselves pretty much. There were only two other families there and Zac had enjoyed himself soooo much too. I think now being older he really does understand and enjoy things more. It helps that reuben guides him and helps him along the way. In the picture is also Nicholas so far the boy who had the most impact on Reuben and I have a great deal to thank him....he is a well brought up, responsibe and very very lovley boy. I am so pleased they are so good friends. I have to say Reuben;s days are never good unless he has played with and seen his best friend Nicholas. Sometimes when he wakes he asks if he can go see Nicholas....I hope this friendship will be nice and strong for years to come....because it will make him a very healthy and happy content adult. Early childhood relationships are very very important but let me not take you there....now the mummy talk not the therapist talk...:))

 Finally my beautiful boy! I love this photo! He had a face painting at one of the bdays we attended but as he splashed around it got washed away. He is inteligent, very active and unbelievably amitious. He is gentle and rough and considerate and sometimes too daring....but I love him....I realise he will be 5 years old in two weeks time. It feels like so much more by the way...(many people ask me if I can believe he is 5 - no I feel I aged massivley and I feel old and shattered but I feel def 100% like a real mum ...no fakeness there:) I hope the next 5 years will be full of incredible stuff loads of successes and really much learning together....I am looking forwrad to give him a really good bday party with all the trimmings. So far he wants NINJA LEGO, we might treat him to a NINJA dress up suit, he also wants some LEGO CASE?!, a big boy stunt scooter (cause he keeps trying to do stunts on his current scooter), he also would like more chelsea stuff, some more wii games, ds games and well stuff for his room...which we are working on. I am also building him a library of books....and so far it looks really good. There will be a mixture of books that will have history, art, GEORGRAPHY (his favourite maps of countries and such) and learning about himself...this latter one will be a project we will do together. Think its all exciting....NEXT POST WILL BE AFTER THE BDAY!

Half term

 Wow! We had such a wonderful half term...we have not planned much knowing that we had already three things happening 1- MAMA the week before 2- the Queen Dimond Jubilee and 3 Dickensian Festival so really other than these we decided we wanted to just chill and relax and top up on sleep...!! but today was a rather dry day and we had enjoyed a fabulastic day at Shorne Country Park with friends and family...scooting, running, jumping, walking, climbing and laughing....ahh loved today.

 yesterday we loved doing the Dickens festival for the probably 15th time....:) its beggining to be a little same old same old....and so one day of the two is plenty for us. Boys went on a few rides but what amazed me was that R did not get phased by the big wheel rather boldly went on it with daddy (no I wasnt gona die up there) and really he was very good over all. Reuben loved bumping into Noah and Luca and was enjoying some play along the way too.

I am very proud of Reuben for having done some homework every day! No he wasnt asked by the school but I had these Jolly Phonic workbooks lying around the house and to try and still keep up with some learning and excercising I asked if he did want to do it and he off course very happily done a page each day! IN fact one day I forgot about it and he has reminded me....I was so proud! I am seeing a really really lovley boy emerging in him. Not to be mistaken he has always been my angel in many ways but he is alwasy known as so active and I guess it surprises me pleasantly to see how well he is doing in school and in swimming how he takes things on himself....I am loving this stage. He has also surprised me with his often improptu singing either in Hungarian or English. He makes songs up or slightly changes to his own interpretation...but most I like when he sings "Jesus put this song into my heart....its a song of joy no one can take away...."I hope and pray that his joy will be always permanent and not depending on momentary things and wants. When he sings this song I also get challanged to think about those amazing things I could be happy for especially my happy and very wonderful family.

 Reuben;s best friend Nicholas remains Reuben's favourite person...they have decided that at the age of 12 they will move in together and play all day... (hmmm no food, no sleep no need to do anything just play....strangely loving his ideal world)...they are so lovley together. We even had a half sleepover....and even though it did not go to plan due to his N missing his mummy and family Reuben still talks about it as the most lovley thing....! I have to mention Reuben woke up in the morning to ask where his friend was....I said he had to go home...and R was so gutted. When N left the house here he asked me..."will R be very upset that I had not slept all night with him?" that shows how much they truley care for each other. I am loving that friendship that is so considerate. N is one of the most wonderful boys I have met and its been a pleasure to watch him hang out with Reuben. He has always been such good influence on R. Compliments to a wonderful set of parents (and no I am not ashamed to say they are excellent friends themselves proper grown up and adult friends who know how to relate and not be too precious and competitive...)

 As I mentioned MAMA has come all the way from Romania. Not ashamed to say I had been very exhasuted lately...the frequent illnesses since December with Zac (about 8 sets of antibiotics) and then the chicken pox, the conjunctivitis, the fever...the trips to hospital....worn me out and also the work I had to be attending to. So I called in for some well needed support in the form of my mum. Reuben was so happy it was just sooo nice to see how he was literally attached to my mum for about 3-4 days. On the first day of mama being with us, Reuben said to mama to come and collect him from school which we did. I ended up chatting to another mum in the school courtyard while R got out of his classroom. He looked at me then walked to mama, held her hand and took her straight to his teachers. The next thing I knew mama was all tearful so were the teachers....Reuben has been telling everyone about his special mama arriving from Romania and that was so touching indeed. He walked home holding mama's hand and I was trying to swallow my tears as it looked just like me years ago walking home from school with my mum.

 After much sewing of buntings and celebrating with friends (at two friend;s houses) finally on Sunday (Queen's Jubilee) I did an impromptu lunch...which was enjoyed by all. On the menue was, sausages - braised red cabbage with apple, onions, honey and spices, potato pieuree, pees, strawberries various chockolates and well whatever was to be found in the fridge/cuboards...:)) but the main thing was everyone was in good spirits and food was yummmmmmmm.

 and finally.....isnt my cheecky monkey Reuben good at drawing?! This lovley Jubilee kitchen towel with each and every child having drawn themselves on it....:)) rather cute me thinks.

All in all very happy with how this half term week went. Reuben has had much play and sleep, ate well and I had some special cuddles and fantastic conversations with my beautiful nearly 5 years old. To end it on a very positive note: Reuben said to me tonight before he fell asleep...mummy sleep well you sleeping beauty.....(this while I was pretending to be asleep) he even kissed me....BLESS HIS LITTLE HEART. My joy and pride...I LOVE YOU LOADS, Reuben M Smith.

Summer has finally reached us here in UK!!

 Its been a very hot week! Started like this about a week ago off course no one realised its gona get very hot but it is not bad at all. Kids had all enjoyed some seasideing....and it was once again proven that you don;t need much to enjoy the sea just to get close to it. We went to Whistable one of my favourites....it actually is a pebble beach but it has a few sandy areas too.

 Reuben and Alex enjoying a fun moment or two!!:)) This Alex has taken it upon himself to teach my children some Romanian and also some cool stuff:))

 Its been a hard week in many ways, reuben has been so good at supporting his brother through a week of illness and repeated trips to Drs who did not seem to know what was happening. We had quite a few bad nights and late nights and I had kept him home first time ever one day this week to let him have a rest. He has never missed a day from school except for being ill or appointments. He is not even 5 yet but loves school and has really really been fab at all routines we had thrown at him. He had a nap that day at 2pm and was snoring so so much like a grown up. I think he got exhasuted and when he woke up I could not believe what a happy and relaxed boy I had. It was slightly sad that he only had 20 mins sleep when Zac who was sleeping near him woke him up screaming....Reuben came down to find me in the kitchen (cooking) he smiled and said to me: "mummy my brother is crying for you, I did try and sing him a lulabie but he did not stop crying, come help him" He was so good. I must say I am always very touched. In the above picture we had done an impromptu get together with our neighbour who also was in the garden with her little one and also another family we know....I am loving that now that its summer we see more of our neighbours and we can just go catch up for a coffee or a chat through back garden gates....

 My neighbour Clare's lovley hammock....oh How I would love one! Boys had a nice time there enjoying the hammock too!! I must admit I get so jelous each time I want a rest in that hammock the kids get in there first and I just dont want to fight with kids over it that would really show how sad I am:))

 One day after school we had bumped into Jessica (blue dress) and her mummy...and we were asked if we wanted to go for a walk and a cupcake. Off course we did....and ended up in the secret garden which I love....it was so so lovley. Enjoyed chatting up Jessica and Lilly. (May I mention here that Jessica has written a personal note to Reuben asking him to MARRY her:)) she is besotten with Reuben....however R gets a bit phased by it all...)

 Summer also means mummy gets to wash all her rugs and upsholstery and clear out unwanted clothes as some go into storage for autumn, winter....and off course outcome some paint and art work in the garden....! Boys today have enjoyed painting a lot!

A lot is happening here in Smith land!! As you can see Reuben is being the new Eurovision presenter:))) or so he would like to think. But really, Reuben had his first health check at school and its all strangely recorded on a strange form which gives the following info: HE IS NORMAL:))) (well glad to know).
We also had a first few no nappy nights succesfull....
Reuben has passed his 15 m swimming
We have one more week at school before the half term, this week on Monday we are going to St Guys and St Thomas's to see a specialist regarding Muscular Dystrophy a condition Reuben's daddy and his family has...we are making it our fun day too.
Wednesday Reuben's mama comes from Romania for a long week to help mummy and enjoy her grandsons here in Uk.
We have quite a bit going on for the weekend including a playdate at a school friend's house then a BBQ at some family friends, followed by no doubt more seasideing and Monday another BBQ with the Godparents of Zac....and the two grannies! Tuesday we are celebrating 60 years of Queen Elisabeth on the throne...
I am sure I forgot something but I am just enjoying so much my boys right now...this is turning more into a quick record for the future....
For all of you that are reading us....ENJOY THIS WEEK AND THE HALF TERM...we will be back:)

Update May 2012

What a rainy April!! Well we had managed it ok with plenty activities around the home and looking forward to some fun outdoors in MAY!

Reuben has passed his 10 m swim blissfully and was so good to see him swim like a fish. He was so happy and excited. I knew he can do it but it wasnt a matter of can do it it was a matter of doing it swiftly. Often I see parents at swimming just collecting badges....pushing kids...well we are not. We go swimming for fun and learning will also happen but not necessarily feel like pushing for the badges. Well done Reuben.

Here we go R unaided...swimming from one end to the other. Well done sunshine!

Reuben has been very good so we had let him have his early bday present (well one of them) and here he is spending time with one of his favourites....his new DSI!

I am loving the evenings...yes I am! He is very interested in stories however he seems to love his own voice often one reads and he is on about something completley different. Granny however does reading the best way...she reads and comments, questions and exclaimes just as she should do. She is never in a rush so she stopps to hear what each of the boys are saying....! Reuben loves listening to the stories with granny.

Boys swinging ...we had window cleaners and boys were facinated...:)))

 May started for us with a special trip to London Morfields Hospital. Reubens daddy and his family have been in a research programme for some time now for their family condition Muscular Dystrophy. We were asked to take both boys for their eyes to be examined as often some muscle waste and such can be observed early on...however after a long trip there and 4 hours wait the boys were not cooperating. Reuben had a little accident as he got very tired which meant he was very preoccupied by his pain and anguish and we were really exhasuted so much he actually fell asleep in the waiting room. Still I am terribly proud that he soldiered on he understood why we were there and was keen but also just a child....

On the way back he was only too happy to stop at Stratford and do some retail therapy at Westfield shopping centre. To be honest we felt we needed to treat them both as they were incredibly good....just look at next photo, which makes me incredibly proud of my fabulous boys.

Yes, my big boy Reuben! I am icredibly proud and happy with you, sometimes you really do amaze me...with your inteligence with your wittyness and ability to tap into my most inner thoughts and prayers. You recently said that you wanted to marry me and that I was gone be your sweetheart and that you will bring me butterflies....I love you too....!!! I love the fact that you alwasy greet me with smiles and incredible hugs and kisses. I look at you and my heart shrinks of fear that anything could spoil your confidence and love of life. I hope and pray that you will be everything that God intended you to be. I also love that you know how to show your affection with your friends, you love them so much you would consider moving into theirs, also you do ask for them if not seen for a while. Today you hugged and kissed your friend Ashley while he was playing with you on the wii and each time you talk to anyone you get really close to them and look into their eyes meaning every word you say. I think the world of you and I am so happy to be your mum....!