Intuitive thinking, Trentham in the Spring, how things are made, swimming , jujitsu and family time.

We give our new intuitive thinking game a trial today...it was loud, raucous and a little fraught in places. Definitely a good choice all round and harder than it first appears. The dog wasn't impressed with all the slapping of paddles.

Owen requested to be left out of the photo , so we are respecting his wishes ;-)

Despite it being a bit grey outside, we decided to head to Trentham Gardens, to spot new signs of Spring arriving.

There were groups of bulbs.

The lesser spotted menfolk ( sings the Indiana Jones theme tune)

Displays coming through.

Signs that the season is changing

A surprise Sam

And we did PE at the park.

The boys beat us round the Labyrinth..you can see them escaping...

We admired the vista

And enjoyed the Daffodils

Owen headed for his favourite vantage point and shouted down all the things he could see.

Sam struck a heroic pose on top of the climbing wall.

We played cards, waiting for our lunch..( mental maths..shhh, don't tell them) 

And Owen got incredibly excited about his treat...

We visited the Sensory Garden

Today it's the boys dental check up. I have done everything I can to prepare them for it but Sam is still very anxious about it. We talk through how I can support him best over breakfast. He decided to work on his science app, using various elements to construct a virtual volcanoes. He likes to add different temperatures and rocks to see how it alters the structure of the eruptions and shouts 'magma!' And 'Krakatoa!'.

Owen and I found a link for a science channel and watched how they made things. So far we have watched an Atom S3 being assembled, whoopie  pies and balloons. 

Owen has expressed an interest in trying some new fruit. He wants to make some smoothies, so I suggest we call in at the shop after our dental appointment.

Poor Sam he really struggled at the dentist. The new chap was really gentle with him and valiantly ignored the large amount of involuntary , nervous noises emanating from the boy. There was quite a bit of negotiating to get Sam in the chair, then he made copious sheep like bleating noises. Inbetween trying to get the dentist to agree not to actually touch his mouth...or look inside. We managed and thankfully dental hygiene is good, no cavities and we talked about Sam's known issues. He is unlucky to have developed an problem with the coating on his teeth, it's just bad luck but we need to be vigilant. The dentist says he will introduce a coating slowly to Sam's teeth and I was relieved he is taking a softly, softly approach.

Owen climbed into the chair like a pro and thankfully has no issues at all. Sam was very vocal on the way out about it all poor chap, but I keep explaining why we have to do this and how it will help in the long run. I feel so sad it's this hard for him too deal with.

We pop across to the co-op and the children choose some new fruits and veg to try. They are both really helpful and we enjoy having a mooch round , they also decide to try some coconut water in their smoothies.

Back home Sam needs to calm himself. Owen is very keen to make a drink straight away, so he chooses his ingredients. Lemon zest, watermelon, apple, cucumber and coconut water..4 new things he hasn't had before.

He tries it and asks to have the rest with his lunch...I am not sure he will drink it all but it's very positive he was willing to give the ingredients a go. I think it's delicious , so will be more than happy to finish it off.

Here he is worshiping the almighty smoothie:

True to form he refuses to drink it over lunch, so I polish his off.

It was jujitsu class later and the boys were extra excited to go, because they now possess the highest grade in their group. At the class Sensei Reece was telling them how proud he was of their achievements and how hard they have worked since the started 4 years ago. If someone had suggested the boys would rarely miss a days session and ask to do extra classes,  I would have been sceptical. It's a testament to their hard work and the fabulous support of their lovely Sensei , that they have achieved so much over this time.

By bedtime, nerves and anxiety were really showing today, there were a few blow ups and tears but we managed to settle two very tired boys to sleep eventually despite it. I have been quite poorly today myself , with the neuro issues and side effects from my meds..so we all felt glad to be in our beds.

The next morning Owen looks at the new resources I bought and chooses to do some modelling. It's really quite tricky but he works hard. First he mixes the clay to make the colours he needs for his Rhino. He studies the handy chart enclosed and copies the instructions.

I have to guide him methodically through the processes , as his executive function issues can make this hard for him.

At first he worries that his shapes don't look exactly like the diagrams and the perfectionist in him causes anxiety. I explain that each one will look slightly different and he manages to overcome his concerns and finish the model .....

When it's finished his is genuinely pleased with his work.

We set up a little photo shoot and then leave the model to air dry.

This was a brilliant activity for him because the clay was soft, light and fragranced. This meant we could build on his co-ordination, create a sensory experience, help with 3D perception, work through processing and executive functioning as well as have a fun creative experience. Of course the science bit is for me really, he just had fun making stuff ...but that's a good thing.

We also looked at how the human face develops in the womb:

Sam decided he wanted to play Buy it Right. This uses sequencing and money skills as well as helping executive functioning. Once again..it's just a great, fun way for Sam to use maths and money handling skills. 

He used various methods to work out his change and payments. I enjoyed watching him gain enough confidence to do some banking too, which was a skill he has shied away from in the past.

After we had finished our game , he noticed the new puzzle story book I had bought and asked if we could work on it together.

In each page the story progresses as you solve clues and puzzles. There were different codes to crack and lateral thinking skills. We also have to read a map and follow directions. He was engrossed and really enjoyed the activity. After a while we decided to take a break and he asked me to check his reading skills. It always surprises me how much the boys progress with this. They are given free rein with reading and although Sam was a late bloomer, he is now an avid and accomplished reader. Thank you J K Rowling.

The boys and Blokey did some weight training tonight whilst I had a long soak in the bath. I am struggling with my pain levels , so it was nice to try and relax. I don't know what they were doing but the next day, despite and early night, both boys slept past 9am. I took the opportunity to do some baking.

The children did some reading and Sam and I looked at a strategy game for his iPad. Sam also did his daily puzzle challenge on his science application and a bit more weight training with our kettle bells. 

Owen is really struggling today and it was hard to get him to eat or drink this morning. Thankfully I managed to get a good sized lunch into him before swimming lessons. 

It was so lovely to see the boys cheerfully waiting by the door for swimming. Their instructor is still on epic form and started to work on their leg coordination for breaststroke. In no time he had found ways to get their legs coordinated, then Rob brought in arm movements and timing. He explains it all so well and with such good humour. I am sure the boys would now be comfortable with me sitting in the cafe but I love watching how they are progressing and the bond they are forming with the instructor. Once more I find myself thanking our good fortune at having landed on such a great tutor. Owen asked if I could book an hours lesson but sadly funds can't stretch quite that far currently.

Today is Good Friday, sadly it doesn't get off to a good start and both boys are struggling with stress. We stay home in the morning till things are calmer, in the afternoon we go for a drive, let the children choose some chocolate treats and look at cars. On the way home we stop at the chip shop and eat them straight from the paper. It's takes time and lots of support to get them to sleep.

The next day Blokey and I start decorating the kitchen, this unnerves the boys but we manage to get quite a bit done. We pop back out in the rain to take a test drive in a car that we are keen on and after that go ahead and buy it. Owen came home then got very upset because he had a fall out with one of his friends online. He struggles to eat some of the roast dinner I have cooked but does manage a few bits and bobs of food off the table. Both boys seem to be in a constant flux of excitement and turmoil this week, not sure if it's Easter being upon us or just the general anxiety that can plague them at times. 

The boys played with friends, Owen research a PC controller he would like and Blokey and I did some gardening. After dinner we played our Uk geography board game .

Dentists, weather, appointments, visitors, swimming, more swimming and Jujitsu grading.

We start the week looking at how the weather works...the boys love Richard Hammond and I found a series he did. Sam was very happy because there was an explaination of a 'fire whorl' in this episode...which focuses on wind.

Later we made a visit to our potential new dentist. Sadly, ( though not for her), the dentist the boys had known since being babies retired  but at least it means we have less travelling time. I went for a check up and the children had a look round and met the staff.

The next day I needed to go to the doctors to discuss treatment plans. It was an early appointment and the boys were incredibly helpful about getting ready and sitting quietly whilst we discussed the options. I left with copious amounts of new medication , fingers crossed I get a pain break for a while.

After lunch our friends came to visit and loud amounts of laughter rattled the windows as the children played. It was so lovely to see them and we had a great afternoon. After a lighteningly quick tea, the boys went off to Jujitsu, it's grading this weekend ,so they need to hone them there ninja skills.

We were off to see our peadiatric consultant today...I no longer feel nervous because we are listened to and understood. Sam and Owen look forward to going to these appointments ...which speaks volumes about the care they are receiving. As parents we relax and feel we can be ourselves, huge bonus.

We stop for lunch and play cards.

Sam happily waits to go in and talk to his specialist.

She is really pleased at the children's progress and we chat about the achievements they have made since we last spoke. Both boys happily join in and there are some good laughs. It was a long day but well worth the journey, Sam is stable on his new treatment and we can carry on as we are for the time being. The doctor reiterates that she feels the children present with extremely complex conditions, but are 'blooming' , looking well and developing brilliantly ...it's so nice that she can see the same positives we can. She mentions trying to get more support for us but as things stand it will be hard. I remind myself to try and send the forms off for and EHCP assessments. It's hard to work up enthusiasm when funding is being cut everywhere.

We do some tidying today and I help Sam and Owen organise their rooms. They are starting to lose things and I help them get their rooms in a bit more order... I take the opportunity to have a good clean round and sneak a few broken bits and bobs out to the bin. *shhhh don't tell*

They decide to continue with their weather project, today we look at how the temperature influences weather across the world. There is information about kinetic energy, humidity , thunder, lightening, dust storms, freezing rain and a lot of fun 'tests' to watch . We base this on the BBC Extreme weather programmes and it stimulates much debate.

In the afternoon I take the children for their swimming lessons, they decide they want to sign up for a 10 week block next. It goes really well, we love their instructor, he's seems just right for them. He notices things other may not..like Owen counting the mosaic tiles in the pool and gets his focus back with fun misdirection.. 'Hey I bet I can guess what you had for lunch Owen?'. He words instruction in such a way that they respond , lets them work things out and gives loads of praise. No nagging just..'right boys..what do you think I am going to suggest now? Let's face the front so you can get a good push off the side'...rather than 'I need you to hold on to the side or I want you to do this' ..which would be perceived as a demand and anxiety inducing. I sit with a stupid grin at his skills and take note. 

Owen manages to use the showers this week and is getting more confident, Sam is like a human cork and loves being in the water..he grins from ear to ear constantly. I nervously sign up for more sessions and hope we can keep this positive momentu going. It's helping their coordination issues too, double win. 

The large dose of steroids are managing to give me a pain break, although it's not without some issues , I am enjoying greatly reduced attacks and more energy. As this will be short lived we decide to make the most of it and take the children to Waterworld. It was such a fabulous afternoon , everyone was very helpful and kind...so many laughs for us all. It's not something I could do last week and was utterly brilliant, the children were epic.

This afternoon the children have their Jujitsu grading. Sam doesn't have his normal anxiety at going to the other hall full of people. Owen seems more unsettled this time but they are determined. 

It's one of the few occasions we have to leave them somewhere but march into the hall with the other, older children and take their places. Blokey and I go for a pub lunch and hope the boys do well.

Both passed ! Half green belts this time. The photo shoot afterwards is always hellish for Sam but he still insists on doing it despite his clear discomfort. Afterwards he recovers very quickly and helps Owen and the other children pack the mats away. 

Since its been a week with something happening everyday , we promise they can have a full on chill out today. Blokey manages to resurrect Owens burnt out PC and he is chuffed to bits to get back online with his,friends and start building again. 

Museums, meals out, bowling, swimming lessons, games and Kung Fu

It was such a bright sunny day so we decided to abandon home and head to the Ironbridge Gorge. First off we visited the Gorge Museum.

We did the quizzes set up.

Owen designed an iron fountain.

We looked at an eel trap, coracle and the beautiful view across the river Severn from the windows. This museum had a good introduction to places we were yet to visit and recapped over places we had taken the boys previously. They got quite excited during the the parts in the auditorium where they could recognise places we had already visited . Thankfully, we were the only people in there, so we could chat as the film played.

At this point the boys were getting fractious as it was lunch time. Some one local recommended a great pub. We would never have found it without the directions and it was a great place, there were views over the gorge. All the food was delicious and the boys were now fired up enough to go on to the Jackfield Tile Museum. Sam wasn't sure he would enjoy it, but once there he trotted excitedly from display to display. The rooms were beautifully laid out and there were vast amounts of tiles to admire.

Owen spent a lot of time reading about the dates and names but didn't want to be in the photos ...he managed to 'accidentally' photobomb quite a few nevertheless.

In the gorge and at the entrance to the Jackfield Tile Museum:

Sam with a huge jug and some of the restored Victorian works rooms.

The beautiful gallery window, a Victorian bathroom and the start of the public buildings display 

A tiled Bar room, part of the wonderful Scott collection, and the Jackfield church interior, which is just across the road from the museum.

Considering the boys felt a bit worried about leaving the house this morning , once in the car they had a fabulous day ...I may have fallen asleep in the car on the way home. Trusty Blokey managed to get us back and then slumped in the chair at home whilst I pottered about. The children chilled out watching videos.

Sam got up full of beans today, it was hard to decipher the chatter but I in the end he decided to start a big hama bead project.

It's another character from Undertail called Asgore...I think it will take sometime to complete. After this he decided to set up a YouTube channel so he can upload his own videos.

Owen wanted to make a door hanger today and I was delighted that he managed all this on his own. I only had to open the packet of crafts for him and he set to work. This is very unusual and I was so proud of him. His first completed project, with only minimal help. 

Since we now have a functioning Xbox, Owen looked at the list of jobs he needs to do. He works out how much money he wants, to enable him to get the game he has been after. He empties the recycling, cleans the bathroom and vacuums the floors. On rechecking his figures he realises he has a few extra pence and can now buy his game. 

After lunch we went bowling with friends. In a new and wonderful development, Owen suddenly decides he wants to do baby holding duty and he loved it! 

Sam gave rapid gunfire, unintelligible tips to his friend.

And studied everyone's form...

I managed to hit the pins ..I am pretty poor normally but the boys were delighted when I got a strike.

After the game, which was a huge success, we played in the arcade till our change was used up.

In the evening both boys went to their jujitsu class and announced they were exhausted 'can we have a quiet day tomorrow'. We decide to see how we all feel in the morning.

The next day we spent at home because I wasn't too good. The boys busied themselves making videos and playing online building with friends.

The day starts awkwardly today when Sam drops his Hama bead creation. He valiantly presses on and we spend 2 and a half hours rebuilding the damage and finishing the piece. It was quite an undertaking and we decide that we don't want to tackle one quite so large ( 5 boards) next time. It's pretty nerve wracking moving it and it takes me several attempts to fuse all the beads correctly. He is completely delighted with his work though and I am impressed that he took the earlier accidental damage so well.

Whilst we are doing this Owens PC dies a loud and frankly, startling death...the flash bang type. He is understandably overwhelmed by this but, soon calms himself. We hope Blokey can save the hard drive info but it's not clear yet. 

It's swimming lessons with our new instructor today. The boys are very apprehensive but I have managed to secure a better time and by the afternoon they leave happily. Our new guy is utterly brilliant and very pleased with what Blokey has taught them so far. He clearly has a good understanding of the boys and adds the right amount of playfulness to the session to keep them onboard. I am also very impressed that he noticed Owen getting tired and he worked in an excellent ruse of 'watching Sam's technique' so he could pause for a rest. I think they are all going to get on very well.

We made American style pancakes.

Owen eats 3! Sam played with his colour magnets.

There was UNO

As Owen ate more pancakes we played history Timeline Inventions.

Owen and I started his IBlock Sponge Bob..the pieces were teeny and we manage half the project and took a break. My heads killing me and Owen was showing signs of frustration over his fine motor skills, but he did more than I thought and it looks great so far.

After this we played a matching game which covers many skills areas, it's called Dobble. We haven't played this for a while , so it seemed challenging at first. After a few games, Owen was getting into the swing of it and happily won.

We also played some Pontoon/Black Jack.

The boys were beside themselves last night because we told them we were going to see Kung Fu Panda 3. We all love these films, so 2 very excited boys bounced out to bed.

The film was fabulous and we did a bit of shopping afterwards and sorted out Sam's prescription. We get home mid afternoon and the boys chill out, doing their own thing. 

The next day after swimming, we visit the garden centre and choose new plants for the back garden. We also have a look at different cars at a garage. Owen was very taken with the Lamborghini.