Does anyone else get incredibly tired and frustrated with what can only be described as shepherding your own children?

It seems on the school runs that that is all I do and today was exceptionally taxing. As we all know there were floods and lots of rain and it has been just a little bit cold. Add to that a whingey 6 year old and a toddler that hates anything cold or wet and you have a recipe for delightfulness!

My boys have two speeds, stop or run until you fall over. My youngest did just that, either moving so slow that a snail could overtake a thousand times over or running and falling face first into the deepest puddle ever!

It seems to happen but once every year. My toddler either continues to scream the whole time or make me carry him and between the two big fluffy coats and hoods over our eyes, all I can say is that I think I counted to ten at least twenty times! I am in the habit of when the car park is flooded I park in such a way that the boys don’t have to step in a puddle to get in the car. You think that would be simple wouldn’t you? No, nope and no.

They both proceeded to splash or slush through puddle so therefore having wet socks for the rest of the day. Now I know the first thing they will complain about when I get them. Note to self: pack extra socks in bags OR new ears for them because theirs clearly do not work, either that or I miraculously speak fluent French to my children or I am invisible.

That’s my reasoning as to why they don’t listen. Guaranteed though that if I was to whisper ‘chocolate’ they would be at my side in a matter of seconds from a distance! It is getting increasingly frustrating and annoying. On a positive note though, one good thing I did today is dress my fireplace for Christmas. How are you getting on with your decorations? Do you start in November, December or leave it until last minute? 

I have always wanted a bushy, over the top fireplace and for our tree this year I chose a Tudor theme, green, reds, velvets and a splash of tartan. From cutting the clippings of foliage to arranging it all on the mantelpiece, I really enjoyed it and it made me so happy I almost cried. I made a dream come true as silly as it sounds. Christmas is always a big deal to me.

The coziness , the lights and the food and entertaining family and friends. We decorate the house out and each year it gets bigger and better than before. So after a day like today, I’m holding onto that and every time I go into our big lounge and see it, I’ll have a sense of achievement and happiness.

I’m also currently trying to keep my mind off the fact that I have to have an organ removed. It’s uncomfortable at the moment and it’s causing some pain and annoying things to happen.

The thought of still having to do all the slow walking and running through puddles with two gaping wounds is something I am most certainly not looking forward to so lucky for me I still have 8 more places in the house to decorate to keep my mind off it, I’m also looking forward to creating the menu’s for our Christmas feast.

I do one every year and this year I’ve gone for a green and gold theme. Our table will be Ralph Lauren country vibes. I hope you’re getting on well with your plans and most of all I hope you have or find something that keeps your mind busy in times of stress and frustration.