The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Well outdoor cooking was great and for the first time since we started going, everyone turned up.  We made spinach and tomato pasta and flat breads.  It was very nice.  Bought home out box of goodies with some great meals to try - they have expanded and several of them are new.

DD1 started the work experience and was bored so quit after day 1 once home.  I tried to reason with her that this is what life is like but she was having none of it.  She has no idea what she wants to do other than make money to buy a fancy house.  She didn't enjoy working in an office but doesn't want to work outside.  I am just worried that she needs to have some idea of at least an area of work that she is interested in so she can apply for the right apprenticeship.  She cant quit that after day 1 then.  

Tomorrow is crochet and haircut and that is pretty much it.  Going to be shortly as exhausted

slm6002

Well the dinner is in the oven - we try to eat on time in the holidays but it never happens.  Oh well, BBQ Chicken, cubed potatoes, corn on the cob and coleslaw.  All from ingredients that were in the box.

We have had quite a chilled day which started with crochet at the library.  I finished the ball of wool so on the way home popped into QD for another.  We then came home for a few hours before DD2 went for her haircut.  It looks very nice (we don't get it cut very often).  It is probably the last time she will manage to get it done for the children's price as turns 13 in Nov.  The electrician also came back to change DS's broken light switch so that is done and the invoice will be sent later.  I also managed to sit with DS while he did some art work for his art book.  I looks good and he can do it when he puts the effort into it.  Now to help (without helping - basically sitting with him to make sure he puts the effort in) him make the rest of the art book as good. 

I also did my meter reading for the solar panels and received the electricity and gas statement.  We haven't used much and they seem to have fixed the smart meters all of a sudden.  We have a balance still of around £480 to go towards the winter bills.  I am starting to look at the deals about as our cheap deal is up at the end of Nov.  I know the cost is going to go higher but I am keen to get the best deal.  I am not keen to stay with British Gas as their customer service is awful but if they are the cheapest and allowing a good fixed rate then I might have to put up with it.

I have a few admin type jobs to do and need to transfer photos from my old phone to my laptop.  I need to finish DD1's photo book for her bday which is only just over a month away.  Will try to figure the best way forward for that tonight.

slm6002

Good morning, I didn't get round to the admin last night so that needs to be sorted today.  It is looking like a sunny day so just put the first load of washing on.  I need to sort the kitchen out and the fridge as they both need a good clean so we can see what there is. Tonight will be burgers, wedges and coleslaw from the box.

DD2 has a art drop in session at the local youth centre today.  Told DD1 that she needs to finish her homework but she feels more like socialising.  That's not happening until work is done though.  Too much socialising has been going on lately and not enough doing things that need to be done.  I'm hoping that once school is back she will get back into some sort of routine and start being a bit more responsible.  She has changed a lot this holidays and not for the better.

I need to pop to lidl (maybe next) as I am on my last bottle of pop.  That will not be good if I runout lol.  Fingers crossed for a good day

slm6002

2nd wash in the machine.  Been to the shop and they have no own brand coke!  Will try again later and hope they have had a delivery during the day.  This is why I don't like getting low on the stuff.  I will have to start going daily and building up a stock in the garage again.

So far no children have appeared

slm6002

4 loads of washing done and dry - just 1 load to get back in.  I went to drop DD2 for her art thing but it had been cancelled.  Never mind we had a day of being at home.  I text my friend and she came over.  She was here for several hours and before we knew it her children were texting wanting to know where she was and when dinner would be ready.  Time just flew by.  It was lovely as I don't normally get to catch up over the holidays - so much laughter

slm6002

Well last night I had the discussion with DS about getting up early to know his results of the gcse he took.  He had no clue that it was today they arrived and really wasn't that bothered.  He said he would rather sleep and I could open them.  Well I woke up several times in the night and finally just before 7 I logged on and the results had been emailed to him.  I'm very happy to say he passed with a 5 (high C low B in old money). This was the grade he thought he would get.  He did little to no revision. Just imagine what he would have got if he had revised.  Anyway I woke him up briefly to tell him and he said ok and went back to sleep.  Happy that all results for this year are in.  Now to get him to revise for the main event next year.  I will be a wreak at this point.

So today I need to go and feed the cat, drop DD2 off at the library and then go to the tip with the garden waste and a large box that came with DS's bed frame in it. DD1 will feed the cat later on the way to club.  Enchiladas for tonights dinner I think.  Also need to pop to lidl to see if they had a delivery yesterday.

It's is looking like rain so no washing today unless it suddenly becomes sunny.

Four_Seasons

Congratulations to DS. Have a lovely day x

LeighofMar

I think with today's culture of influencers on YouTube and TikTok, younger people have an idea that they can earn good money quickly in something that's fun and not just work. It's sad but it's something they will all have to experience firsthand that there will be no "nice" houses without putting in a great deal of effort and time. But you lead by a great example, SLM, as your kids will watch how you manage a 4-person household on one income, mortgage-free, with a variety of delicious and healthy meals, fun, frugal activities, and staying on top of their education.It may seem like it now, but it doesn't go unnoticed forever. And that will hopefully help them in the future with whatever they decide to do career-wise. 

slm6002

Thank you to you both.  We have had a very relaxing day.

I dropped DD2 off art the library and then took bits to the tip so ticked that off the jobs list early on.  A few mins after getting home the library called saying DD2 had cut her finger on a knife and felt faint and wanted to come home.  She is ok but did look pale when I collected her.  Anyway because we had ticked all of the jobs for today we have been sitting watching tv and crocheting and not much else lol.

I hope my children will realise that they have been looking to the future through rose tinted glasses and will realise soon that it will be hard work and boring at times.  I will do what I can to support them through everything and just hope that they come out the other end sensible and nice human beings. 

Off to club soon but need to feed my brothers cat first.

FtbDreaming

Hi!! I’ve just caught up on a couple of the last pages and I do come on every now and again to see what’s been going on! 

How do you do it? I am absolutely exhausted with my kids. My dd1 is 14 and being an absolute little horror. I got her the chance of a really good job (mystery shopping for trading standards) and basically got laughed at. She’s on the phone to her cheeky friends 24/7 or with them in person and non stop giving me cheek. 

If you see my thread I’m also debating giving up
the MFW dream because of the kids fighting every second of every day. I don't know if things feel amplified because it’s the summer holidays but I am well and truly fed up! 

You are just smashing life in every aspect so just wanted to say go you!!! Xxx