Looking back at 2014

As usual, with it being a new year, I start looking back over the last 12 months to reminisce about the good times, the changes and the not-so-good times.

I'm happy to say that there don't appear to have been many bad times in 2014, or if there were I can't recall them all.

2013 had been a year of big changes in our family and we were all very, very happy and I was really looking forward to seeing what would happen in 2014. It was also another year of changes but not as exciting as those that we had in 2013.

In January we realised that our finances had taken a big hit over the last couple of years and we needed to do something to compensate. We had to cut our expenditure drastically and I started looking for work. I was quite limited as I don't really have any skills, I'd been out of the workplace for 10 years and I wanted a job that would fit in with the children and mean little to no childcare.

I applied for a dozen or so jobs and was lucky enough to be offered a job at my first interview so I became a Home Carer after some training. I'd never done anything like it before and it felt like going back to school!

I started working in March and met some lovely people with some fantastic stories to tell, and also some  sad ones. It was so hard to walk away from some of my clients after my allotted time, especially one lady who spent her life in bed with no tv, radio or books and very few visitors as she had no family. Sadly she's no longer with us but I loved finding out about her life.

In May my sister finally got married. I never thought she'd do it! It was a lovely day because I got to spend time with my Dad and Grandad, who I don't see often enough. Earlier in the year my Grandad was diagnosed with dementia and his deterioration was rather shocking to see. He used to be such an independent man and now that has all gone as he needs care throughout the day and over Christmas he had to have someone with him throughout the night as he has a tendency to wander. It's terribly sad that he now has to give up his independence and his home as he needs to go into a care home soon. I can see how much it's affecting my Dad and his sister and I wish I could do something to help.

July saw Charlie leaving First school and Harry finishing nursery. I was in pieces about both! I didn't feel so bad about crying on Harry's last day because his key worker sobbed as much as I did!

Charlie asked for 'a big part' in the Leaver's Play and they certainly gave it to him! He thoroughly enjoyed it and afterwards I was overwhelmed by the many lovely comments from other parents and some of the staff.

I was still enjoying my job as summer approached but it was taking over my life. I had an unexpected day off one Saturday as my clients were in hospital but instead of being able to enjoy a day with my family I just slept as I was exhausted. That didn't go down well and it was then that I realised that I had to do something else. I was constantly tired. Constantly rushing around and always telling the children I didn't have time for them as I was going to work or getting ready to work. Although I was 'working' 14 hours on a Saturday or Sunday I was only paid for a maximum of 5 hours as the rest of the time was spent travelling or killing time between calls. It just wasn't worth it and I was lucky enough to have the choice to hand in my notice and hope for something better to turn up. Molly's school were in desperate need for MSAs so I was fortunate to practically walk into a position there and started in September. It was a cut in pay but it's perfect for the children as I'm there for them on both school runs and I'm home during the school holidays. I also love being able to see Molly & Charlie, albeit briefly, during the school day! Hubby is happy too :) In time I will want to build my hours up but at least I'm doing something.

The summer was lovely as it was the first one since I passed my driving test and our first in Norfolk. Our strict budget didn't put a dampener on it as we were just more inventive with our plans for days out. We didn't have a holiday away from home but spent two weeks exploring the county. It was great and there are still lots of places we didn't get to see.

I was dreading September as my baby started school and Charlie moved up to Junior school but both boys settled so well. I had my doubts about Harry starting school but I'm so pleased to say that he enjoys it. He's still struggling with his speech and in development terms is way behind his peers but at this stage I'd rather he just enjoyed his time there. He's building up a lovely circle of friends and it's boosting his confidence no end.

Also in September Charlie went for an audition at Norwich Theatre Royal for a part in their panto, Peter Pan. I never expected him to get a look-in, especially as he hasn't had any drama training but after his Leaver's Play he was determined to give it a go and we are so proud that he won a part. He's currently in the middle of the run and although it has taken over our lives since early October he is loving every single minute and we don't begrudge him a single minute of it. He is working with Sid Sloane and Kevin Kennedy (which I think is SO cool but he's so laid-back about it) and he gets to fly!! I am so jealous but I'd never have the confidence, or talent, to do what he does. I helped out backstage on Boxing Day and I got to see a few of his scenes from the wings. I did well to keep it together…..that is, until his singing with Wendy at the end. It was so beautiful! We went to see him last Monday and it was surreal sitting there in the audience watching my son up on the theatre stage. MY son!! :)

He hates having days off and I can see that it's going to be a rocky bump down to earth when it's all over but he's keen to join an am-dram group or drama classes so I need to get something organised and keep him busy!

Despite being maniacally busy with being his panto chauffeur Christmas Day was a really relaxed affair, in fact our most relaxed one ever.

So, that was 2014. What's in store for 2015 I wonder?

Well, I wish I knew but then it wouldn't be so much fun experiencing life, would it?! All I do know for sure is that Molly will start high school in September (eek!), I will try yet again to shift a ton of weight and I will, perhaps, attempt to get fit. Come back in 12 months to see how I get on!

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM HIM, ME & THREE!