Merry Christmas!

Its all gone a bit fast really! When we returned from Disney things needed picking up where we'd left them undone and get them done, then clearing space etc and all of a sudden Christmas was here so apologies to those who sent us cards and didn't get one back,whoosh the last posting date had passed along with all the good intentions to get the things written and sent! My Car decided to die on us just as everything shut for Christmas so anything not done had to stay that way! Fortunately mum lent me her car on Xmas eve so we at least have some transport!

Christmas Day was spent present opening in the morning before going to Darren's parents for lunch which I cooked while Darren and his mum went to visit his Dad in hospital.

The kids wound up having waaay too many presents despite us saying we weren't spending a lot ( and didn't!) Darren's Mum went as mad as usual, she bought them all a much needed computer which they were thrilled with( as were we- such a relief not to have to worry about funding a replacement!) along with loads of toys etc.

Fortunately many of the gifts they received will be very useful for home ed, mainly some brilliant science/creative kits so we will dig into those in the new year. Connors interest in stars and electronics meant he was in his element having received a planetarium and a robotic dog in addition to the robosapien we bought him! Who is regularly burping, groaning, marching round the living room and scaring the poor rabbits!

No pics of Connor, he was off limits! :(

By mid afternoon Connor was in a state of total worn out meltdown and behaving appallingly. BIL doesn't realise shouting at him just makes it all worse (and then I shouted at him to stop shouting at Connor!!) I was near tears, Connor was bawling and I decided to take them all back home for a while, the adults were off out as was visiting time at the hospital again. we tried going back down for tea in the evening but Connor just exploded again within the hour. I think Xmas will have to happen here in future as they all just seem so much happier!

Sophie and Connor have spent alot of time fighting recently and generally being really horrible to each other, Chloe arrived him and Connor started fighting with her too whenever he could and Soph joined in! Xmas seems to just bring out the worst in Connor especially and he spends most of his time kicking off daily.Often several times a day :( I was really glad to just get out of there and home having dragged Connor out alone kicking and screaming and left the girls with Darren to bring home !

Its exhausting dealing with his constant explosions at the moment! Its definitely not 'normal' naughtiness, he just seems to absolutely explode often with with no warning or reason. He doesn't enjoy it and everyone suffers- especially him as it makes him completely worn out!( any advice gratefully received on this one!)

We spent Boxing day with my brother and his 'new' family. He's just acquired himself 3 teenaged stepchildren and his partner has recently discovered they will be having a baby of their own in July next year:) We all had a lovely day, exchanging presents, walking on the beach and playing with their new Nintendo Wii (which of course is now being talked about non stop!) and the kids all got on together! PHEW!

Yesterday Sophie, Connor and I went to the annual skating session at Cardiff's 'Winter Wonderland ' outdoor rink organised by Cardiff Blues for staff and season ticket holders where Darren works as a photographer( and was very busy!).

The kids had a wonderful time meeting the players and having their photos taken before taking to the ice for the hours skating. Sophie is already quite proficient on the ice and scooted about quite happily alone while I stayed with Connor who managed to go from clinging to the edge rail with his feet flying to skating round on his own!

There is a fortnightly skating session organised by one of the local home ed mums so we will definitely be joining in as often as possible, he was so thrilled and it was lovely to see how much he improved in an hour. Weve been busy every time its run so far so were definitely going to mark it on the calendar as a regular new year activity,finances allowing!

They were also picked to have their picture taken to appear in the local paper so they were thrilled. We also took the opportunity for a rare shopping trip where they chose an outfit each in the sales. I got a coat for Chloe for School and some Jeans but when she tried them on they didnt fit so now we have to go back and get a refund when they allow refunds!! Next time Ill make sure she comes with us!She'd insisted staying with my Parents was what she wanted then whinged that "It wasn't fair" when things didn't fit!ARGH! Typical teenager. I also spent loads on LUSH goodies in their sale where they gave me a very expensive gift box for free, hopefully it will aid my de-stressing... if I can find the time to get to use them!

We spent today in Cardiff where we went to see 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' starring Lesley Joseph as a brilliant wicked queen. Darren's mum had booked a box and the kids were thrilled when they discovered where they were sitting!It also meant when it all started getting too much for Connor we could go out into the hallway behind until he had calmed down They had a ball I'm wondering how much longer they will enjoy it as they get older so am cherishing the memories now!