Monday 3 June 2013

PopPop

PopPop is a hard worker, always has been, but I hope always won't be! He has worked his socks off for us, his family, since we came into his life. He's worked so hard that recently he's not even been able to put those socks he worked off, back on! In March this year, he had a hip replacement. Before that he had a knee replacement and in recent years he has also suffered badly with back problems. Despite all this he is still working full time, quite often travelling to London a couple of times a week and not even getting to sit down as the train is so busy! But I never hear him complain. Lucy is a lot like him with the 'this is life, just get on with it as best you can' attitude. However his is more like "this is life, it can be great, it can be crap. You have no choice other than to get up and get on with it. So do it, do it with a smile on your face and two fingers up to those who try to bring you down. Stay close to your family as they are what is important and do what makes you happy." Family is very important to my Dad. when I married Adam he made it clear that although I will always be an Osborn and a member of the Osborn family, I now have my own family and I have to put them first and do what is right for us, the Pattersons as a family. I love my Dad so so much. He is amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better role model and Father and unlike so many people who have lost their fathers, I am so blessed to still have him here with me. But he is not just 'here' as in still alive. He is here with me and he is here for me. He is actively involved I'm my life. He texts me, he helps me budget, he cooks me tea and treats me to take aways. He teaches me, he shares his wisdom with me, he always has time for me, he is there if I need him, day or night. He watches war films and Doris Day movies with me, he shares music with me he thinks i'll like and he shares his fine red wine with me. He did not judge or question me when I became a Christian last year and he even comes to chapel with me if I ask him to. He loves me. Unconditionally. I can feel it. I feel it when he talks to me, when he tells me off, when we say goodbye, when he texts me goodnight and when he hugs me. When he walked me down the aisle it was one of the proudest and most special moments of my life. His wise words before I took those special steps...... "Don't trip." 

How lucky I am to have had my Dad witness me getting married. So many people, (including my dad himself) haven't had or won't have that blessing. My Dad is my last male role model to look up to, to seek advice from and to learn life experiences from to enable me to be the best version of me, I can be.
I never met my Dad's Dad. He died when my Dad was young and he never really talks about him. There were never any photos up or things belonging to him that I can remember at his Mum's (my Nana's) house. She did not speak of him as far as I can recall. But my Dad is named after him- he was Horace James, my Dad is Michael James, my brother is James Patrick and George is George  James Samuel. My Dad also looks like him. But not just like a father\son resemble. He looks so much like him it's incredible. I'm sure I would have liked him, if he is anything like my Dad, there would be nothing not to like! 

I lost my maternal grandad- who we called, Poppa, about 10 years ago. He lived with us for most of my life and in his last year I helped to look after him. I remember getting him ready to go off to the day care centre. He was a grumpy old soul and most days he refused to go and would make is so difficult for me to get his shoes on that I quite often waved him off in his slippers! The only thing he'd willingly let me do was comb his hair. he always wanted his comb. I had to make sure it was packed everyday! He loved, antiques, birds, Snoopy, Morecambe and Wise, classical music and cinzano and martini! He taught me to play chess, and he passed his love of classical music and antiques on to me. I remember when he used to sit at his window and paint. He painted birds mostly and I have now started to do this myself. I wish he was here to see the pictures I have done. 

I lost my Uncle Paul 5 years ago this month. It was a terrible shock and it left my heart broken. George was due in only a few weeks and I had only recently spoken to him about becoming a Mum and him coming down to see us all with his family. I didn't see Uncle Paul much as I got older. He wasn't actually a relative but my Mums best friend. He was a lovely man. Fierce and fiery but loveable. He had four children, Claire and Mark from his first marriage, who were more like cousins to Katy and I. We played Thunder-cats outside in our big garden and teenage mutant ninja turtles indoors! I don't see them much now but they are family and so, they will always be in my heart. When Uncle Paul met his second wife Alison, a beautiful and inspirational woman, he had two more daughters, Betty and Georgie, both beautiful like their Mum. I did not know them as well as Claire and Mark, they were born when I was 'too old to play' so we never had that childhood bond like I do with Claire and Mark. But they are lovely girls and he would be so proud of the women they are becoming. Alison and Betty came to our wedding last year and it was wonderful to have them there. He was there too, I had a picture of him beside me as I got ready for the big day! 
Uncle Paul as I remember him, smoked cigars, drank round the kitchen table with my Dad, called me Sash and made us all go on long walks round the countryside, which we all moaned about but all loved as soon as we set off! I could always call on Uncle Paul for advice. He was always there when I needed him, just a phone call away and ready and willing to advice and guide me in anyway he could. I didn't go to his funeral. At the time I said I was worried about going into labour whilst being there. But I think, maybe the impending birth of George was probably an excuse I used not to go. I couldn't go. Then it would be real. Like I said, we didn't see Uncle Paul that much now that we were 'grown ups' so going to the funeral, seeing his coffin, it would make it real and don't think at that moment in time, that I could have handled it. I still don't know if it was the right thing to so or not, whether I regret not going. I feel it was very selfish of me. The decision I made and whether it was right or wrong has stuck with me. I think about it and about him quite often, I always have and I think I probably always will. I miss him. Especially at the moment. 

More recently I lost my Uncle Kevin. This loss has affected me deepely. I feel the pain from this loss with my heart and soul. His fight was inspiring and it filled me with pride but his suffering filled me with anger and sadness. His battle with Cancer eventually came to an end last October. There is no more pain for him, no more suffering, no more fighting. He now rests in peace. Sadly for all he left behind, the pain and suffering continues. We are all here, missing him, sad that he has gone, confused and angry as to why he had to suffer like that. Uncle Kevin left behind him lots of family and friends who miss him, who love him and who wish he was still here. This is one of the times when Dad's words of "life can be crap" spring to mind. "But you have no choice but to get up and get on with it". But it's so hard Dad and somedays I can't get up and get on with it and I can't put that smile on my face. My Auntie and Cousins are doing an amazing job of doing just that though and I am ashamed that I am not as strong as them.
I stayed up late the night he was in hospital and Auntie Jane text Mum to say that that night was going to be critical. I messaged my cousins as they went to and from hospital and at about 1am I went over to be with my Mum. She, and I sat up until about 3am, until Dad made us go to bed. I just wanted to be 'with' them all if and when he went. I knew when I closed my eyes, that when I opened them, I would never him again. Never be nudged by him when he teased me, never have a chinese ordered by him, never sit round ans have a glass of red wine with him! That morning, Mum woke me up at about 7am I think and told me he had gone. The rest of that day is a blur. They say when someone dies it gets 'easier' as time goes on. But as times goes on here, his children are getting married and his Grandchildren are growing up and it is sad.  For those with no faith, he is not seeing it at all. To others, who believe he is watching over them, they are still not seeing him, see them, and that too is heartbreaking. For those who are unsure about what they believe, they can only hope, that he is somewhere watching over them. Uncle Kevin, although gone, is being remembered by many. His eldest son made sure he was still a big part of his wedding day and his daughter Sophie I am sure will be including him in her wedding to Chris as much as she can. I feel so lucky that he was at my wedding but also very guilty as he will not see any of my cousins or siblings get married. Its just so unfair. Yes Dad, life sure can be crap! My Uncle Kevin and Auntie Jane celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary before he died. That's amazing and I hope that Adam and I can follow in their footsteps. We have our ups and downs and more downs but we love each other very much and recently my Auntie to me that's all that matters. I trust her opinion entirely so those words will always stay with me. 

Loosing both Uncle Paul and Uncle Kevin  makes me appreciate having my Dad in my life so much. Everyone loves him, my friends call him 'Big Mick' and were all concerned about his recent health issues. They are all glad to hear he is recovering well, he can even put his own shoes on now, woohoo, go Dad! 

Time with Poppop is spent smiling. You see, PopPop is a bit of a Silly Billy! He has the imagination of a child and the wisdom of an old man, so in my eyes, it's the perfect combination for George to be around. I love spending time with George and PopPop. It really is special. He sucks George into a magical world, where he is a morning monster, sniffing at the bedroom door waiting for his breakfast of George on toast. He stuffs George's toys up the back of his top when he's not looking and pretends they've disappeared. He sings songs to him that he makes up on the spot. Picks George up by his clothes and Zooms him about. If George stays over, then in the morning they eat PopPop toast together, (lots of butter and a slither of marmite). He is happy to sit and watch Scooby Doo and Tom and Jerry with him, even when he's rather be watching the rugby, football, cricket (any sport really)! 
So, today, I want to wish my Dad a very Happy Fathers Day. I love you Dad..... I love you a lot! 

Friday 31 May 2013

I Love Lucy

This is my little Sister, Lucy. She is the youngest of all four of us but in many ways she is the most mature. She has an old soul and a wise mind and the way she looks at life is inspiring. She makes me laugh, she makes me smile, she is generous, kind hearted, hilarious, a bit of a wimp, a great shopping companion, a board game enthusiast, a movie watching, chocolate eating companion and she can calms me down with her 'this is life, just get on with it as best you can' attitude.  Since my depression came to light she has come back from London whenever she can, just to be here for me. To spend time with me, encourage me out of the house, help me with George, whatever she can do for me, she has done and for that, I am truly grateful. She came home last weekend so George and I stayed over at Amma and PopPop's on the Friday night and spent a lot of the weekend over there. So we did what all sisters do- We talked, ate, shopped, ate, watched a movie, ate, cooked, ate (all this eating included, home made cookies, Krispy Kreme donuts, wagammamas, home made marshmallows covered in chocolate, the list goes on)! But, the best thing we did, was laugh!
Laughing is not really something I've done a lot of recently, so to have a laugh, giggle, chuckle, cackle, snort (last two, both Lucy I might add) was so refreshing! I think it's true what they say about laughter being the best medicine. Since the weekend I have been feeling, better, brighter, a lot more positive, but it's always a bit crappy when she goes back. I miss her so much now she lives in London, but, I guess there is one benefit of having a little sister in the big city...... She brings us back Krispy Kreme donuts!

Here's some of the things we got up to over the weekend at Amma and PopPop's house... 
We had left over cookies and donuts for breakfast in bed (this could only happen at Amma and PopPop's house)! 

Played in the garden
Found a snake and a giant mushroom
Made swords from twigs and leaves! 


Made chocolate covered marshmallows, yum!! 
Oh and move over Ashley and Pudsey! Auntie Lucy and Ziggy are on the scene! 



So perhaps laughter really is the best medicine? 

No, wait, is it laughter and chocolate?

No it's laughter, chocolate and marshmallows...

Eeeer, is it Laughter, chocolate, marshmallows and Katsu Curry?

Nope. For me, It's Family. Family, Food and Laughter, the magic 3 to brighten up my day and put a smile on my face! 

Friday 24 May 2013

Star lunches

I've done a few star themed lunches so thought I'd share them. 
This lunch is made up of leftovers really apart from the babybel with a star cut out of it. On the left are two mini cream cheese wraps (cheese left from a carrot cake I made) with two home made star food picks in. On the right is left over roast chicken and roasted new potatoes with a little bit of mayonnaise in a star shaped silicone case. The potatoes have the alphabet food picks in spelling 'super' for my little super star! 
This lunch was quick and simple to make. It consists of a star shaped ham sandwich on some chipstick crisps and the word 'star' in made with the alphabet food picks. Then three silicone star shaped cases with cherry tomatoes, ham wraps and grapes in with homemade star food picks. 


Wednesday 22 May 2013

Finger Print Fun!

George and I have been 'getting our art on' (as we like to call it) recently and we've been having loads of fun with ink and finger prints! We got a fab book by Ed Emberely and have loved copying the pics out of it and making up our own ones so I thought I'd share some with u guys! 
I did this one for George...
George's caterpillar and snail...
Monkeys, butterflies, heart, snail and a cat, by us both...
Dinosaurs by me for George...
A dragon by me, requested by George! 

We've had fun creating these and they are so simple to do, you can get the book on Amazon as well as a cheap stamp set! Why not give it a go yourselves :) 




Saturday 18 May 2013

Home made food picks

I been meaning to make some food picks for ages now and I finally got round to buying some Fimo to do so!
I didn't have much time his afternoon so I just created a few simple dinosaurs to test it out! I did a green t-rex, a blue brontosaurus and an orange stegosaurs. 
I also got round to sorting my Bento bits and pieces out! I found this Box, which I brought ages ago and used to store fruit tea. I never really drink fruit tea so I thought it would be better suited to storing my bento bits! 

I'm really pleased with this as a storage solution for my Bento bits! I'm sure it won't do the job for too much longer, as I'm going to get to work expanding my collection with some more homemade food picks! 

Lion Lunches

A few weeks ago George was really into a TV show called 'The Lion Man.' It's filmed over in New Zealand and is about a man who keeps, breeds and trains lions. He breeds endangered species and rears the lion cubs so that they are tame around him and other humans. Members of the public can visit the park and the Lions are used in movies (such as Narnia). Any way, inspired for his love of this show, I made him a lion lunch....
I made two cream cheese wraps and held them in place with Lion food picks. I cut some 'grass' out of cucumber and place the picks low so it looked like they were hiding in the grass, ready to pounce I their pray (George liked that bit)! I carefully cut out the word 'Roar' in a babybel and placed alphabet food picks into grapes to spell 'Lion'. I finished it off with a few sultanas and stuck in a food pick fork with a lion on for him to eat them with. This lunch was simple to make (although the babybel carving was a bit fiddly). It was also great for hand eye coordination and physical development, through manipulating the fork and picking up the sultanas to eat! 

George has gone off on his first class trip today to Africa Alive Zoo! In the build up to the excitement of this, he's had a few African inspired lunches (mostly Lion based)! I had fun creating these, especially the one just below
This is an English muffin with ham and salad cream in (his favourite). The face is a made up of red grapes (for the eyes) and cucumber chopped into the shapes need for the eyes, nose and mouth. The lions mane is made up of cheese and carrot cut into triangles. 
The next Lion lunch consisted of two lions, lion poo and lion teeth! The two lions laid ontop of some dried mango. To make the lions I cut out some cheese for the manes using a flower and a star shaped cutter. The lion head was a piece of carrot with a face draw on with edible markers. I put a lion food pick in some yoghurt covered cranberries for the lion teeth and the lion poo was chocolate covered raisens with the word 'Lion' in spelt from the alphabet food picks. 

The day of the trip arrived and to mark it I made George a fingerprint picture in our shared scrap book. He loved waking up to this, it built on the excitement! 

Breakfast was a Lion (of course)! I made it using a pancake for the face, a bananna sliced up and dotted around the pancake for the mane. The mouth was made from dried mango and the teeth were yogurt coverd raspberries. The eyes were chocolate covered raisens and the nose was a dried prune! 

George ate all but two pieces of the bananna and then said "look Mummy, I've made a tiger" 
His lunch for the trip is pictured above. He had a ham roll and another cheese and carrot lion. Some grapes with the word 'Africa' spelt out of alphabet food picks. On the other side is some cold sausage with a little dipping pot of ketchup. Four pieces of ham rolled up and some cheese cut into small pieces. 

He had a great time at the Zoo and is still saying he wants to be a vet and then a safari vet! I love that he loves all creatures great and small- It brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. After bedtime stories we got out our picture diary. He told me some of the animals he saw and I drew them, then we coloured them in together. I hope he remembers this day for the rest of his life, it was a day full of fun and excitement and memories to treasure. 

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Nail Art

I got some of those nail pens for Christmas from my sister and finally got them out to have a play about with.The results were pretty cool (and cute) so i thought i'd share them. 


Cute black and white animal designs...
A Penguin, a Dog (Ziggy) a Rabbit, a Panda and a Sheep! 
George wanted some to, so I did a mini version of the animals for him, with a Zebra instead of a Penguin!