APRIL?! update

This is a little video of Reuben progressing really well with his swimming. I am particularly impressed with the way we really did continue with swimming and the fact that he really did pick up so well.

 Although this was March, at granny Smith's 80th bday ...I am sharing this as its one of my favourite photos. I hope Reuben will always know he will have me backing him up 100% and I hope he will learn to know I am just one step behind him to help him be who he was intended to be.

 A very sweet moment....something that is becoming more and more normal in my house....sharing and learning from each other.

A day at the beach! Its been such a long long winter it feels as though summer has never been and will never come...!!! Reuben even managed to get a crab....and he was so excited about it...too!

 As we missed an update in March of granny Smiths 80th bday here is one of all the Smith side cousins. Reuben was sooo happy he really was sooo excited that he was together will all cousins. I must say I also thought it was a rather emotional moment. Natalie and Matt are now in their 30s and Zac has only just turned 3 in Feb. I wish they were closer and we could see them more...what a gorgeous brood they are:)))

 With Anna and Peter Harrison! Never get enough of the cousins.

 Part of April also meant TATA and MAMA was here from Romania and we got to play and enjoy time with them. I will admitt it saddens me greatly that I did not pour more effort in teaching my children hungarian or romanian (which wierdly is closer to my heart) however I am delighted that Reuben gets to translate all he wants in sign language to his grandparents. I must admitt they have such an azmaing connection. ONe evening while had a bath Reuben came down from his room and asked mama if he could have a sandwich (all in English) he got himself down to mama...took her hand and showed her what he wanted ....my mum was delighted to spoil the grandson....and she was so excited...Reuben also explained he would like to fly back with them to Romania for a while...and was really rather happy to do so....ohhh my little clever boy soon able to do that....

 he is so attentive in many ways...Reuben is often misinterpreted and missunderstood only those who pay and give him carefully their attention will truley get my son....! He knew it was granny;s bday and he insisted in buying her a helium HAPPY BDAY Baloon and as it was her bday she also could chose which game to play and also she could start the game and have a first go! Yes, because he really loves his granny too.

 Another face of Reuben;s the great adventurer and entertainer!! I love his courage, his determination and I suffer greatly when he is laid into or asked to hold back because these early experiences are sooo important. I always try and temper him but never hold him back as I believe trying to reach and fullfill curiousity and while being observed is soo very important...
I read once about an adult who in his letter to his mum who was no longer with him said: Thank you that you said YES as many times as you could and made the world a possible place to exist and embrace. I was moved to tears....as today's kids already have massess of limitations and are being constantly repremanded and held back, their freedom and imagination is being stopped and tuned into computerised and preloaded information and technology and while that has its place I do feel there is a massive lack of spacial awarness of experiencing the world around us in order to develop and learn life saving skills and lessons. I could say a lot about this...but I will try and post some links soon about some of the particularly worrying facts about today's world.....whileoff course back to Reuben I am thankful to God for giving me such a little explorer!

 My entertainer and my atheltic and facinating gorgeous son!

 The Bible says many things about children this is one of them that I love and its indeed true I feel: "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward"  Psalm 127:3

The boys that I live for and the boys that were given to me by GOD! I love them dearly and I pray that will know that and will treasure that....always.

Zac Zac Zac March April update

Its been all go here at Smiths! - Every time I say its the last post but then something happens and needs recording. So far I can say Zac is having a massive growth thing on all levels...he now has personality crises and generally looks like he means busniess...most times. He has a routine and gets annoyed if it gets spoilt in some way. Does love copying Reuben and he knows R hates it so he does it anyway. He also figured out how to make things happen and I don;t just mean demanding but literally tormenting us...with no possible regret or sorry for us....

 Not in cronological order but R has lost a tooth which caused a lot of interest from little brother!

 While tata and mama (grandma and grandad from Romania) worked hard to make our side garden more updated we had worked on the back garden...I tripped the sandpit cover and before redressing it I had let the boys pain to their hearts content....they loved loved being out. All together I think I can count on my fingers the ammount of dry days this year...so boys were happy.

 During the 2 weeks Easter holiday I took the boys to Hop farm which is one place we all love. I am not sure what it is about it but we do.

 And we also been walking into Chatham...where the boys just have to climb onto these cannons muts be the tostesteron.

 Back to hopefarm we had cuddled rabbit for a total of 2 tokens probably about 2 punds this generally annoyed me as my sister has plenty of farm animals incl rabbits that we could just chase around but no...here we pay for the priviledge. But I am sure its still better than when I was young we ate the poor rabbits for main meals...that was a little naughty but its how God intended it and I am glad I had that experience....

 Yap Zac was in his element and he loved the playarea which is free and off course his train:))) oh yeah trains remain our daily and most important activity and play ...."make quack peees" meaning make track please.

 And as Zac's Godparents had a cottage at the seaside for a week we also ventured out to the seaside ....Broadstairs....and we loved hanging out with Ollie Dog too still amazed at hoe Zac is not bothered about dogs ....in fact ge managed to get him to sit twice for him to give him a sand bath....

 I was so pleased daddy was able to come and rest with us and enjoy the sea....he has worked so much lately and often goes before boys are properly up and then comes home just as they gone to bed or when they are about to go to bed....its alwasy sooo nice to be around daddy....especially for Zac who really does love and thrive on the attention daddy gives him.

 A happy two monkeys...

 Yeah...we went to Monkey Bizz at 5pm and it was not manic and boys had a workout as you can see:))) Although lady on the phone said they were busy when we got there loads of peole were going....we loved loved it and boys enjoyed the monkeying around. (Zac calls the place "monkey house")

 We also celebrated granny Smith's 80th bday....it was low key but such a wonderful occasion. Boys enjoyed it too as the venue had a great kids room with many toys and entertainment. I really was so pleased the boys were so happy there. Granny and her guests also enjoyed peace and quite and time for chat and such so everyone was happy.

 Thanks to Alex who did so much that day for us. Alex and Elena Vasile have been our best friends for a few years now. this year we had asked them to be the boy's guardians and they said yes! I know if something ever happens to me and Jonathan these amazing lovley people will love my boys and look after them the best they can. Real true friends. And our boys love each other which always is a +.

 Some of the MEN in my family. My two boys I love....I would die for them....in an instant. Also my husband without whom.....I would be lost, lonley and nothing much. He is my perfect half. Also below my wonderful dad.....a man I truley admire....4 of his own children in a cruel communism....then he adopted another child...while having his house open to soooo many. Now that I am a parent I understand the sacrifices he made....the massive undertaking and the life he gave up to give us it all...THANK YOU DAD.

 Tata and Zac!!! I am soooooo  excited these two have got to be in the same photo!!! Although I think Zac looks like my mum .....and Jonathan;s dad especially around mouth area....he has my dad's character....:)))

 He was absolutley shattered!!! Too tired to get up but thanks to MATT WATT (Jon's nephew) we had captured him here in a really cool moment.

And one photo I LOVE!!! I will have to blow this up big and frame it for the boys! These are the 7 cousins....on the Smith side. There is Simon (left to right) he is 19, Peter (15), Matt Watt (30), Reuben (5 and half), Anna (14), Natalie Watt (32?) and Zac (3) ha:)) I love that Nat made it here and she could hold her little cousin Zac!!it was such a serene and happy moment. Thank you Natalie and Michael for comming...and thanks to all cousins for cooperating. They are all lovley people. My boys are so blessed to have these fab older cousins.

March Update

Despite the cold and freezing weather we did have a good March! Boys loved Red Nose day and we did talk about all those children who have so little and how we could help more.

Zac got in the spirit tooo!

At school we had a fantastic School Assembly where Reuben's class has produced a fantastic display of their created toys and Reuben has made from scratch all by himself a brilliant spaceship with cotton wool clouds it was cool well for me and my Mr. Smith we were very proud that he did it all himself and was so confident.

Reuben and his buddy Noah having a little moment of fun while someone else was talking I have to say he was so funny so confident and so excited to show off his ROBOTic moves when dancinig etc.

And then just Monday the 25th March he showed me his super wobbly tooth (to my surptise the bottom one not the dark grey one at the top which dentist said will be first one to get out) so well, we went swimming and just as he was getting ready to get in the water he decided to put his goggles in his mouth and somehow managed to end up with the bleeding mouth ...no tooth.....which meant I had to quicky find water to wash his mouth out and then find that damn tooth...because what would the toothfairy say?! I resorted to saying she will understand but just as I finally was thinking well will make up our own kind of story I found the lost tooth at Swimming right by the pool. So we had the tooth and the fairy came and gave gim two 1 pund coins....so now we are broke:))

It was cool to watch Reuben showing off his tooth to Zac! He:)) How interesting Zac here looks like he was ready to steal it but what he really said was: Reuen WOWOWOWOW:)))

Its hardly believable is it?! Yeah we had snow and some more snow....and that after I managed to do my gardens up early March when we had fab weather (to the point that end of march seemed to take us to believe to wear T shirts ) but noooo we are back in snow suits....and its a shock to the system. I am looking out my garden and I see iceicles and I freeze.

All in all we had a bad school term Reuben has missed twice a good week of school  and seems Reuben has been very ill. Everywhere there is viruses and illnesses and it feels so strange but just keeps bugging us. Both boys have been good and took it in their strive but I am really fed up and need "spring" I want to be able to sit in the garden and enjoy some sunshine and the boys to enjoy their scooters and bikes and all.

Having been ill Reuben has worked very hard both in his maths and spellings. I can see he is now getting the reading bit and although he still prefers to do something creative he does also like to read....

His favourite thing of all right now is animals (and we have to play him videos from National Geographic you tube and NINJAs....)

We are currently looking forward to see MAMA and TATA who are gona spend two weeks with us for Easter. Its been a very difficult year already with Zac having a full on operation and then Reuben being ill.Jonathan works long hours and pretty far from here and I have also started work.... a lot of changes and the boys have really taken it into their strives. I am thankful for my two boys to God and I am nothing but content....I love you Reuben more than I can ever ever describe I really hope you can feel my love always and forever.

 

Mothering Sunday!

 Incredibly proud today! Not only because I have never imagined to be a mum yet alone two times....but because today (and for the past week) I have been able to reflect of just how blessed I AM! Admittedly, I never really wanted to be a mum to start with (there are many reasons behind it and most of them are nothing to do with me being selfish believe me) and then one day it dawned on me WHY NOT?! and thats the story of Reuben. And in many ways LOVE brought him into this world. I am incredibly blessed....for although I have never ever imagined what motherhood is really like.....I have survived it and enjoyed it a lot. And now looking back at the many sleepless nights and the terribly active child he was (and still is) the massive challanges his little life threw into our married life and family life....it was all worth it! And he remains all that and so much more. I love this particulat age because he is now able to argue and to hold a point:)) - and we can see his personality and character developping so well.

 Here Reuben (Ninja) is telling his class....with the help of a wonderful lady his story that he worked hard to make. Its all about Ninja visiting the zoo...

 During Half Term we had aunty Ellie and cousin Maria here and they shared many many happy moments....He has picked up a new hobbie that of Stamp collecting and here they are sorting through for different countries. He is massively facinated with ATLAS's. World Maps, Countries, Cities and off course needs to know what animals live in which part of the world.

 Aunty Ellie was cuddled and kissed and loved...thats my boy. He understands how distance works....and does have one wish...that everyone from Slovakia, Romania (our close relatives) and some from Canada will come and live here close bye because one thing he misses is cousins and aunties who can spoil him...and be his playmates.

 But Thank God we do have granny....Reuben loves granny a lot. He does ask for her and often if need to run errands or shop he asks if Granny could babysit. Granny loves it too...here they are trying to sort out his new LEGO stickers book.....

 Before bedtime...Reuben practices some Grafic Designes while brother Zac does read a book outloud....:)) I think he loves his little brother a lot even though right now he wishes his little brother would be dead...cause he can get terribly annoying. I know he loves his brother as often he sits down and talk to him...explains him things and cuddles him even.

 It was sooo good to see London twice this last few weeks and despite the weather they had enjoyed seeing again the many attractions....they scooted around happily and showed cousin Maria the London sightings:))

 Yes this is South Bank and as you can see Reuben (forever ready for an adventure) is truley in the bubble world...embracing it fully...same for his brother....and aunty Ellie and Maria too!!!

 We had a few parties too...this one is the last one we attended....Reuben was asked to be a superhero and here he is as Mr. Incredible (which he is....)
I particularly like this one....he is soooo sooo up for his party!

NOw remember I was telling you about this surprise Valentine Day card from a gorgeous girl?! She is the beautifull EVA the one that stole his heart for now. He is a bit shy but he does love her really. I think she is truley beautiful and you only gotta see her how lovley and serious she is....She will be a good influence on him thats for sure. I know its early days but I am so flad good relationships are being established.....I hope they will be friends for a long long time....!!

 

And back to that feeling that I never thought I'd expetience of MOTHERHOOD it is true that nothing compares to it. That one does never get to comprehend it as its really not something you can unless you are blessed to be a mum. I am sorry for all those times I have casted judgement or pretend to understand or know motherhood before I become a mum. I am glad and thankful to God for my two cherubs and although its incredibly challenging....its worth every little tear, every little scrape of the heart and every every heavenly moment showered with kisses, hugs and enormous feelings of being loved and loving til you burst!!

 

I want to take a moment to thank the incredible GODMOTHERS of my son Reuben, Cheryl Bartlett and Tina Salter for being incredible friends and great support in being a mum. Thank you for overlooking my shortcommings and for letting me be the mum I should be!

 

And finally THANKS to my mum who has been THE MOTHER that sacrificed, loved and cared in such a way that did not hold me down but set me free to be who I was intended to be and did not ever discourage me when I failed or got it wrong, I am one blessed person thats for sure but I am an even more BLESSED MOTHER and the BIGGEST THANKS goes to GOD. The giver and sustainer of all LIFE!

 

 

 

 

 One evening Zackie decided R needed a dummy too then they cuddled there for ages! they love to try a sleepover except a certain little someone is really not understanding what sleepover means and generally gets too excited and crazy....however butter would melt at this photo shoot:)))

 time to update: Well, what can I say?! Both boys are babies really:))) here they are being kind, angelic and terribly cute. I am soooo blessed as these two have really come a long long way. Bedtime is hard as they seem to get so excited but generally R is amazing at sleeping and I love that.

 I really must tell you Reuben loves his granny soooo much. Granny is such a great playmate, a story teller, a great conversationalist(?!) and when granny comes such things happen!!! Both of them get shattered but I love that Reuben really really misses granny and loves having her around. Lately as Zac just had been recovering from his surgeries Granny helped with walking R to school and back and often spent afternoons here.....we are blessed indeed.

 How good that both my boys can build some important memories with granny and something that they can later treasure in life.

 Both boys have also developped an interest in cooking. Here we are making yummy tenderised breaded chicken breast....for daddy for dinner.

 Early mornings since Daddy has started his full time work miles away....both boys love their pancakes and are brilliant at eating it all up!

 I am not sure what was going on here but they had to extend into the hall way! - often while I cook these three are getting up to fab things....such as making stories and acting them out! Loving it.

 Another pancake morning at my house!!! -

 Reuben was soooo special to be invited to his best friend's bowling bday party. Nicholas now 8 years old has made sure among the few selected friends his best friend R was also there. The boys had a fab time and DANCED GANGHAM STYLE loads....

 I volunteered myslef at school to make some wooden spoon puppetts and I had the bestest experience ever. I provided all 24 wooden spoons and fabric and all....which meant everyone was on the task....! I must say at the shop they did look at me wierdly when I purchased 30 wooden spoons but I explained what I was about to do. I loved every minute the kids got so excited. Due to the child safety cant put the photos up from the school but I am soooo delighted I did take the courage and gone into school sat on the teacher's chair and spoke about using imagination and making things....I think I captivated even some staff who came to tell me how much they loved the idea and the puppers seen in photos. So there Reuben was proud and very delighted that he could show off his mummy and his mummy showed his friends something exciting and new!!! Everyone was happy and this is what I was given afterwards! I was soooo touched.

 And since Valentine day has only just passed....I am gona tell you that Reuben has a new gorgeous girlfriend. A few days ago he came home from school and told me in a sad sad voice that the girl he thought was his girlfriend told him "she does not want him as a boyfriend" . I was sad but asked if he had anyone else?! - He lowered his chin and told me "no I have no girlfriend, no girl likes me mummy".....my heart sank. That is surley not true....he will know that one day....!!!

Valentine day came! and this was in his bag! I read it to him and he was blissfully unaware who it was from ......and got pleasaently surprised that someone so very beautiful and special has written such a cool card! So now we have a girfriend one that truley likes Reuben ....I am so excited.....off course I am gona be one of those mums who is gona be touched at all of these very "cute" things......it helps I like a lot this cute girl and her family is sooo nice too.  We will just have to have a date too soon. TBC (TO BE CONTINUED)