And then I turned 40.....

So, after making a bold promise that I’d blog weekly, I’ve already broken that promise. Sorry. But I was busy turning 40 and all that it entailed. As this has been a monumental part of this month I thought I’d share my activities on here for you all to read (well, you Jane to be honest).

The children I support all have complex needs and very rarely, if at all, get invited to birthday parties. This is surely a rite of passage of a child growing up. The families I work with are all fully aware of this but acknowledge that their child’s complex needs means ‘parties’ are hard work and a worry. So in a bid to offer an inclusive service, I hosted a farm party for the children and their families, to celebrate my birthday. The rule was…..there was no rule and no one had to apologise or excuse their child’s behaviours. Everyone was accepted for who they are. I have to say, it went really well and Wycombe Pastures provided an excellent opportunity for everyone. Everyone was brilliant and experienced the event in a way they could manage…..except Marvin (the goat) that ate my Aunty’s dress. Well, there is always one…. ;-)

After hosting a farm party I went on to have a family curry on my actual birthday, then a meal out with my friends before an eventful family BBQ (1 broken deckchair, 2 people on the floor after falling off the picnic table and vomit in the lounge….). But it was an amazing 8 days and I was thoroughly spoilt. I find accepting gifts really hard as I never think I deserve them or am worthy of them but I’ve been given some amazing things. I am truly lucky and happy to have the friends and family I have in my life.

Back to work stuff in the next blog but thanks for reading :-)

Farmer Ian walking the goats in…..on a lead……as you do

An adorable skinny-pig

Mini is the well behaved black goat and Marvin is the cheeky, dress-chewing, grey one.

Here I am with Farmer Ian collecting my party bag

This is the chicken that went on an adventure and ended up under my sofa…..

The traditional family birthday cake - thank you, Mum xxx

Meal out with my friends……bestie