''..the Big 1-0 meets The Apprentice...''

...on Friday our biggest bestest boy reached double figures and his Mum spent a lot of time reflecting on the preceeding 10 years. How our lives have changed...from 2 to 4 and all that inbetween! I am proud of him; his resilience, the way he has faced difficult odds and come out the other side a better, stronger person...and one who is growing up so fast...I felt a little bereft at one point on his birthday-usually we spend the day together but J decided to go and spend the day with a friend from school! He did manage to fit his brother and his Mum into his busy social diary though and we managed to go shopping and have tea at Pizza Hut! T didn't get to see much of our growing boy either...but then they are going to Old Trafford to watch a ManU match next week ;-).
I started my new job (officially!)and frequently go from ''I can do this'' to ''can I do this?''..but part of that is the fact that my fab boss Andrew is going to pastures new and we currently don't have anyone else in a managerial role..a temporary state of affairs I am assured:-/.
EBB went back to nursery as if he hadn't been away..his language skills amaze us on a daily basis and I know F and K will be stunned when we make our flying visit to RVK in a few weeks time...
And T?..well today he has gone to put some of that training from Sir Alan Sugar into practice and is trying to sell our stuff at a local car boot sale..''You're fired?!''..I sincerely hope not!!!
Oh! and I almost forgot..the sun is shining...for the 2nd day in a row!!!!!! :-)
Love and sunshine kisses to one and all.....from J,T,J and E xxxxxx

"...Moving up in the world..."

Hello,

Things are all going well here with us … we had a great holiday in Great Yamouth … they only dry(ish) place in the country. Jolyon met a great new friend who lives in Lincoln and we hope they can soon meet up again. They’ve exchanged e-mails and all that. It’s also Jolyons birthday on Friday … the BIG one-oh … that’s 10 … two digits …wow! How time flies. We’re all looking forward to that.

Elijah loved his holiday. The day we got home he said ‘heim buid-meiri holiday caravan’ It’s a mix of Icelandic and English and basically means ‘home finished-more holiday in caravan’. How great is that. He’s stringing together sentences like there’s no tomorrow. Life is good.

Yesterday Joanna officially ceased her role of Clinical Team Leader (band 6) and started her new post of Ward Development Manager (band 7). Congrats babe!

I have also been successful in applying for a new job as a Deputy Manager for a Supported Housing Unit, just around the corner from Joannas hospital. I should be able to start that toward the end of September … depending on police checks … ha, ha, ha … they’re always efficient ;-)

Things are looking up professionally for both of us … the boys are happy at their allocated schools and nurseries and all is well …

Love,

T, J, J and E

''it's been along time since we rock-and-roll'd...''

...but boy, havn't we been busy again in our trans-cultural household...since the last entry made on 27th June, the following has happened..
1) T and I have celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary ('wood' for those of you out there, still interested to ask!)..our first few anniversaries involved romantic wekends, champagne and chocolates...this time it was an indian takeaway and a lack of card from a certain someone (Toti ;-).
2) I have been promoted..today I officially started as ward development manager (Band 7, for you nursey folks). Same ward, same staff, same issues, more hard work!
3) T has got a new job- deputy managers post within a rehabiliation unit run by a registered mental health charity..he awaits his start date and is envious of my quick beginnings..his wages have increased more than mine though!
4) We have all been on holiday to Norfolk on the East Anglin coast..originally we were meant to go to Cornwall but interviews scuppered that and we had to change our plans at the last minute.It was fortuitous really-we had a week of glorious sunshine whilst the rest of the UK (including Cornwall) suffered torrential floods. EBB loved being ''on 'oliday..in car-van''. We all did. And J made so many great pals, especially Adam-we hope to see you real soon.
5) I had a night out in Mcr, salsa-ing with the 'old' (no pun intended) girls from work..it was great and it was fab to see you all :-)..couldn't salsa though..sorry Erika!!
And still to come...
1) J reaching the big 1-0 on Friday..how time flies. We love him to bits and are so proud of what he has achieved this year, especially this year after his rough time in Iceland. But as one of T's clients said today..''ahh, yes! 2 is a wonderful age..at 10 they just think they are 20...believing they know everything..in fact knowing nothing!!! ;-). '' We love you loads soon-to-be Birthday Boy (and baby brother).
...So, all this and we still had J's success at sports day, the unexpected loss of Amma Sigga (R.I.P), EBB's language skills improving by the day, my having to move my aunt and uncle to another residental home together with sell their house etc, J starting to wear braces (you have been fab, Jolly-One), Grandmum and Pops loving their recent trip to Iceland..ohh! the list is endless...
..it may have been a long time since we rock-and-roll'd..but we just havn't got the time to do such things!!!
Love, Peace and Kind Thoughts to one and all from us all....
Best Summer Wishes From J,T,J and E xxx