Gingerbread Life - Februar 2021

Now We Wait

Wondering which one we will use...  I’m Team Cot (early years), The Ginger One is Team Bed (big ones), we’ve been approved for 0-18 with a preference for under 10’s.  One of us will be in their comfort zone but both will be happy.

After weeks of waiting, being tossed around (emotionally) by social workers, being considered for a 4 year old and a 1 year old sibling group, a 1/3/7 sibling group, we have been matched.  The duvet needs to be washed and ironed, the frames need some artwork, we might even paint the wall but from next week this bed and it’s matching neighbour will be home to two boys 8 & 9.  

What do 8 and 9 year old boys do?  My experience is in The Early Years (3-5) I can’t remember the last time I even spoke to a 9 year old, never mind carer and lived with one or two. 

Nervous - ✅

Scared - ✅

Excited - ✅

Looking forward to new adventures - ✅

Gingerbread Familia - Juni 2020

We were watching the news when the host mentioned that during lockdown it had become more obvious that there was a worrying lack of foster carers.  Children weren’t getting the help they needed or deserved.  “That’s so sad isn’t it?”  I asked GO, his reply shocked me, “It is, so sad, that’s why I have applied to become a foster career.”  In some marriages that fact that one spouse has applied to become a foster carer without discussing it with the other could be a problem, for us though it was such a pleasant surprise.  Fostering has been something we have discussed, we applied to adopt which didn’t work out for us, we wanted to help children.  We want to make a difference, selfishly, fostering is a way to have a big family.  All the joy spread out (I know I’m a dreamer).  We don’t know what is ahead of us just yet, will our previous attempt to adopt be held against us?  Do we come across well on video?  COVID has made a difference to how the process proceeds most of our meetings will be on Zoom.   All that aside, for now, we are excited for our future.

What is to come?

As my thirties draw to a close I can't help but ponder my life so far and think ahead to my future. 

My Childhood

I have an amazing childhood, while I don't really have any close friends from my childhood, I do have lots of memories of my family.  We were ways there for each other.  Each move, each new quarter, new school, new set of temporary friends, they were my constants.  We were/are a tight unit of four, although we have expanded now (probably a good thing) to a six+.  We are happiest when we are together, swapping stories, irritating each other and having fun.  We travelled the world together I went to school in Cyprus, Belgium, Germany, England and Canada.  I didn't excel as a student, always just getting by, I enjoyed school,  I enjoyed the creative aspects, the Friday afternoons when we would, sing, dance, cook, bake, make things and just spend time as a class having fun.  My report card/parents evening always said the same thing I was shy, quiet and needed to speak up more, I know that doesn't sound like me, but I had to start from somewhere. 

Teenage years

I hated being a teenager,  it wasn't cool to be a geek/nerd in 1990.  I was too English when I arrived in Canada (to be fair the briefcase I was holding probably didn't help matters) and I was to Canadian when I arrived in Germany (I got sick of being asked to say things just so people could hear my accent).  I always seemed to find my closest allies in the nerd squad, unfortunately their studious ways didn't really rub off on me.  I managed to keep my head just above the parapet in Junior High/Secondary school by being funny enough to get noticed but that loud to draw too much attention to myself.  Those who knew me knew that I was worth getting to know, funny, bubbly, kind, caring. Those who didn't bother, who couldn't see past my Deidre glasses and lack of a poodle perm, have for my at least faded into oblivion.  I have, through social media, managed to stay in touch with a few people from the teenage years.   My favourite story is about the girl (now mother of a sixteen year old) who should have/could have been a very good friend.  We lived nearby, we have lots of classes together, we travelled to school together everyday but for some reason she didn't like me (I wasn't, I am afraid to say a slapper, her friends were).  She made my life miserable, she would point out when my hair was a mess, when my clothes didn't match, she was just cruel.  The day of my maths GSCE she managed to get all of the other girls to start whispering about me.  I was sad, distracted and didn't do very well with my GCSE.  I never mentioned it, I just rose above and got on with things, I think it made the person I am today....  Nice.  Well karma is a bitch my dear, she has posted a lot recently on social media about the tough time her daughter has been having at school with bullies, and people judging her on superficial things.  Oh Karma, I do love you. xx

My Twenties

My twenties were all about the party.  I had such a good time in my twenties, I met people who I know will be life long friends.  I finally decided that I wanted to become a teacher and went back to school to get the qualifications I needed.  I studied at Christ Church University College, where I, just about, managed to get my Primary Education degree.  I had a great time at uni, I lived the typical student life.  I was not good at the exams but the essays and practical aspect were where I excelled.  Unfortunately I couldn't transfer that in to exam room success.  After uni I moved to London and for the next six years I had the time of my life, I met new and exciting people.  experienced things I never thought I would, visited countries and places had only read about.  I tried to meet the one, I tried blind dates (Moose), Random hook ups (Fireman Jon), Speed Dating (Emec) and online dating (Policeman Mark), all to varying but never lasting success.  I gave up on men and decided to have a break......

My Thirties

My thirties have been about meeting and falling in love with Stuart (Ginger One).  I have had the happiest of decades with him.  Together we have visited far flung places, fallen in love, moved in together, gotten married and made plans for our future family.  We moved up the country so that we can be close to a support network , for when we bring our little ones into the family. 

Sommerzeit 2016 Intro

"I'm going to live off Mamilein and Papichen for a couple of weeks."   When the funds have completely dried up and just existing costs money, time to pack up and head to the bosom of your familia.  

It was a teeny weeny prop plane.

Which is what I did, GO wanted to come but we could only spare the finds for one ticket.  He chose to stay in the UK as he had the chance of some extra work.  

I booked a very early flight, I hadn't been to Germany since Christmas an was very excited about spending time with the 'rents (as BB calls them).

This is GO's birthday cake....

We got into a nice little routine: breakfast, go out, go to a supermarket, home to watch a film (Tinkerbell is a favourite) with Mamilein while papichen "read" in the library, tea, soaps, FaceTime GO and bed to read.  

Snuggly while watching Tinkerbell

In the past we have only really shopped, but this time we tried to do some sightseeing.  When we moved to Bünde twenty years we went every where and took in all the sights, it was nice to revisit old places and discover new ones too.

Bronte Falls - Fat Girl Walking

I'd heard about it in the staffroom, I'd seen it on Instagram, I'd driven past it on my way home from work nearly everyday.  Today I decided to go an visit the Bronte Waterfalls.  GO and I hopped in the car, we didn't really take anything with, on a normal walk we'd be laden down with backpacks, wet water gear, and other such supplies.  This was only a quick walk, it was just off the main road.....

"I intended to have written a line yesterday, but just as I was sitting down for that purpose, Arthur called to me to take a walk. We set off, not intending to go far; but though wild and cloudy it was fine in the morning; when we got about half-a-mile on the moors, Arthur suggested the idea of the waterfall; after the melted snow, he said it would be fine. I had often wished to see it in its winter power, so we walked on. It was fine indeed; a perfect torrent racing over the rocks, white and beautiful!"

Charlotte Bronte, November 29th 1854

Well it seems, dear reader (I'm getting a bit carried away with the Bronteness of it all), I am the Arthur of this family.  I knew there was a waterfall, what I didn't know was just how far away it was.  2 miles, that isn't far.  It isn't far at all, but over hill and dale it can get a bit tiring.

I'll walk where my own nature would be leading: It vexes me to choose another guide. Emily Bronte

We walked past meadows and over the tops in the most glorious sunshine, there was the ever present cloud looming and multiplying over head, a constant reminder that I had dared to hang out my washing on a Sunday, but it was an idyllic day.  We/I wasn't really sure where we were going, as is the norm, I had googled a bit, but I was basically following two hiker shaped objects in front of us.    I wouldn't acknowledge GO's concerns that they had packs and supplies and we had a camera and my handbag.

We made it and it was, while glorious might be too grand a word, lovely.  I have read on the website (that I discovered on our return) that he best time to visit falls is just after rainfall, as they look spectacular.  When we arrived the area was full of hikers and families enjoying the sunshine and tucking in to their very British picnics.  As we didn't even have a bottle of water (I know, I know), our feelings of annoyance may have in actual fact been feelings of jealousy.

We made our way back, planning to one day return and to attempt the Top Within' trail, we seem to always decided to try another trail on the way home from a trail we are on.  Promising ourselves that the next hike we try would be well provisioned.  There is nothing like a cup of coffee and a biscuit that you have lugged all the way from home in a stainless steel cylinder.  We enjoyed the walk back to the car, we didn't have the feeling of anticipation that you have when you head out somewhere new, but we had the joy of knowing that this glorious, wonderful countryside and all of the epic scenery around us, was only ten minutes from our front door.

Facebook profile - of course

I found a spot to chill

It's a shame, but he didn't fall in, I didn't even try

Plans for the future

Posers

Biggest sky I have seen in a while.

I will tell you the tale of this sheep and her lamb, one day.

More info about Haworth, The Bronte's and just a brainy quote or two;

http://www.haworth-village.org.uk/brontes/places/bronte_falls.asp

Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/emilybront385392.html

A visit from a very dear friend and her gorgeous family

"What are you doing over Christmas?" H had a plan.

As GO had no job to go back to, we were able to are with Mamilein and Papichen for the whole of the festive season.

H, wanted to come to Bünde and reminisce about the good old days.

Papichen booked her into the local hotel, I didn't hold out much hope. I was a bit worried, it didn't have the best trip advisor reviews. I have learnt not to pin everything on those kind of websites. Especially as the room was absolutely fantastic.

We met up and were introduced to all three girls. Who are gorgeous. We bimbled around Bünde with the intention of going to the park, not realising that the sun would set so quickly it being mid winter and all.

We made out way to the Italian and just had a lovely time catching up on all our news.

The next day I suggested a visit to the Tier Park in Bielefeld. I had seen someone mention it on Facebook and was curious, even more so when I found out it was free!

They call me the Fairy GodMother

I took GO to visit Mrs F and my BFF (the best baby in the world). We had a lovely lunch with lots of hugs and kisses.  

GO was worried that BFF would be a grizzly baby, but I assured him that she was awkward sweetness and light, around me anyway.  

As we got back in the car Mrs F said that BFF had a question to ask me "would you be my Godmother?"  I was stunned (memories of GO's proposal came flooding back) but without hesitation I said yes. 

I am honoured that I was even considered to take on this important role in her life.  

I am making plans and how to be the best godmother I can be.  My first job is too send her a thank you card, in it I will explain how honoured I am and how I will take my new role in her life seriously, not too seriously though ;-)

Summer Time Chills

We've had a lovely time chilling out with mamein and papichen.  Just hanging around and making a nuisance of ourselves.

Close enough for government work

Chillin' Manillin'

That sofa is a bit small!

"Look at these Doh!nuts!"

Sunbathing on the deck 

Moscow Gingers!

Mum checking out her new virtual magazines.

Corrina I need some help!

Corrina, can you just come here for a moment?

Big kids sorting out their Kinder Egg surprises.

Stuart the Minion handler!