We are massive theatre geeks in this house, and when we got asked if we wanted to go and see Pirate Gran of course we jumped at the opportunity. Max has seen theatre pretty much his whole life, starting from appearing in it at 6 months old all the way up to watching performances at Butlins. The stage is captivating for him and to add some visuals and music to it is even better.

Personally I think that theatre is something that more children should get involved with. It helps with imagination, creativity and skills that normally get shoved behind academics, even at a young age.

Pirate Gran is based on the book of the same name and tells the tale of dear old gran. You would have never guessed that under all the baking and knitting she's a pirate through and through. When the grandkids (or should that be grandpirates) beg her to take them to the pirate equivalent of the olympics you know that fun things will happen.

Did I forget to mention that Gan has a pet called Nipper? He's a bit of a nibbler. He's also a crocodile!

This show was amazing. A cast of 4, minimal set that worked as multiple props and audience participation always makes for an interesting show and this was just that. Max was roaring with laughter and squealing at every moment, whilst me and Scott chuckled along with the jokes that parents found just as funny for different reasons.

The set was fantastic, one back board and some multi-purpose furniture made this a great show that kids and adults find fascinating. The hour that it was on for shot by in the blink of an eye and has me begging to go to more theatre soon!

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A very belated hello again. All I can do is apologise, dad things and job things took over for the time being that I missed all my deadlines.

As parents we do ask for a lot of leniency with deadlines. In ways, we are a little entitled to some flexibility. Most tasks in life demand juggling between parenthood and, well, everything else. Even then, time is lost and important things slip your mind. I believe we deserve some forgiveness for some mistakes we make.
What I've done is compiled a list of a few things I believe we deserve some forgiveness for. Feel free to chip in if things are forgotten:

1) Being late to anywhere ever - because no matter how much time you give yours to be on time, kids know how to just eat it all up.

2) Missed calls - Because if you didn't let your child watch that video one more time, you would be living with tinnitus.

3) Not going to see that thing that everyone messaged you to say 'you've got to go see it!' - Sure, let me just pop that in my invisible diary and contact that imaginary babysitter that is always so available...well, guess I'll find out what happened when you all post it on social media! It's like I already watched it.

4) Having a messy place - Because your place has a top speed of 0-ruined in 60 seconds with damage you can measure in price.

5) Laying down ground rules to visitors - Yes, I would like you to take your shoes off in our place and no sweets in the house for a peace of mind you would not understand.

6) Language restraints - I don't want my child repeating these things in an open environment, so yes that's a big fucking no to your language!

7) My child having a temper tantrum - Yes, I have tried making them quiet, sorry for my child having an opinion and personality. No, I don't need your advice, you were the same at that age, so show some humility.

8) Banning food and drinks from my child - If you want to know how I feel about you drunkenly offering my child the dregs from your beer bottle, please identify the daggers from my eyes drawing ever closer to your FACE!

9) Tiredness - If only I could show you the night I had to accept your snide remark about looking tired. Don't make me go full Hulk on your life.

10) Zoning out - It's hard to care a lot about whatever you just said without knowing whatever I'm returning home to.

11) Forgetfulness - In cases of what was just said, birthdays, names, my children refer to number 10.

And finally...

12) Not apologising - You know what? Judge how you will! You may be policed by small minded things, but what I do have amongst my trials and tribulations is a happiness you simply cannot fathom. I love my life, I'm proud of my child(ren) and I may not be perfect, but I'm doing a heck of a job and there's nothing you can do to break my will.

I hope this makes up for the missing posts. Stay well, stay positive and most of all, enjoy yourselves.

This bank holiday weekend we were set a challenge by Britmums and Morrisons to see what we could serve up with some vouchers they sent us.

Morrisons have recently slashed their prices on everyday items from bread rolls to bacon. These aren't short term offers either, they are here to stay! So when I turned up to mu local Morrisons I was really surprised about the amount that we could actually get for our money. In fact we went back several times over the weekend as we just couldn't spend the vouchers all in one go! Normally our weekly shop is about £40 but surprisingly we managed to whittle it down to £30 so will definitely be going there for the basics and treats.



We loved having a great chat with the fishmonger who helped us work out how much we would need for our recipe and what fish was best to use. I never knew that the staff were so knowledgable and the guys on the checkouts even joked around with Max which is a bonus for me as he get's so bored shopping normally!

We originally had planned for a picnic with our parent friends but due to illness and other plans things got changed so me and Max decided to make a great treat for us whilst daddy was at work so he could have some when he got back!



Serve with chips and peas. Max had a dollop of ketchup whilst I had some tartare sauce. Max loved coating the fish himself and was so proud of the pieces he did that he couldn't wait to eat it all up. It's one of the first meals that he inhaled without prompting. They are also so easy to make too meaning we can whip a batch up in 10 minutes ready for dinner!

The costing was: £1.80 for the fish, 10p for the egg, 5p for the bread, 70p for the chips and 30p for the peas (this was a rough estimate based on the portions of the packets we used) so for under £3 for 3 people it is a fantastic dish made of fresh fish and veg.

Hello FriDay and hello FriDad.

This week, I'm following on from last weeks post about moving forward and following up goals for the future.

This week is about motivation, the drive to keep the dream alive. For some of you this post may mean little as drive doesn't need fuelling. I do feel though, for some parents especially first timers it can be tough to conjure.
When I first had Max I was so focused on being a dad, I didn't focus on much else. I was so busy trying to be the best dad I could I paid little attention to my life.
Returning to Uni. all I wanted to do was not fail, which was really the wrong attitude. I didn't fail my first year, so I needn't have worried.
Now out of Uni. and with no plans, I have to build from what I have.
So I'd like to give a little food for thought. If there is something you wish you could do or have a new goal then here are a few ideas to get you motivated:

Put a plan together: Not every dream is ready for take off, it needs a direction, sacrifices and a time scale. Spend a little time with yourself and think about where you are, where you want to be and find out makes you want to change circumstances. Once you have figured the best way for you to get there, write it down. Keep it to yourself though, it's okay to talk about it after, but don't add pressure from expectations or seeking approval. The only approval you need is your own.

Keep at it: If the time scale has to be compromised, just chip away at it, any way you can. Progress needs to remain and saves procrastination. The progression will keep you fuelled. Don't quit either, results don't always show straight away but they will if you keep at it.

Reward accomplishments: the road is always tough and tiring. Give yourself a chance to recognise your successes.

Enjoy time away from work: Work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. When you're not working, take the time to keep enthusiastic. Enjoy time with the kids, family and friends. If you bog yourself down and focus too hard, it can wear you out.

And most importantly...

Believe: Believe it's going to happen, believe it can be done, believe that it is achievable. You may be the only person cheering yourself on, some may know what you're up to and tell you what they think, but it's your life. You know the benefits, you know what will be best. By all means heed valuable advice, but, ignore the bullshit. You can get there and you will. Sometimes heeding your own advice can be difficult (for me it is) but it's doable.

I wish you all the best on your journeys. Feel free to add your own thoughts and advice.
Enjoy your bank holiday weekends!