Ready, Set, Action

Monday 8/12

And we start another week. I am so grateful to have this life. I feel incredibly blessed to have my boys and my home. I am grateful for the amazing community we have around us that keeps us so busy. I can’t believe that for the past 4.5 years we have been having the best adventures around London. As 2026 is approaching I feel a new chapter beginning that is more balanced.

After dropping off James we cycled our way to the zoo. The morning was so lovely. As soon as we made it George ran into ZooTown to find his friends. This was our last hang out with Kai and Rhett and George was going to miss them dearly.

Sage has been such a good friend to me the past year. I have loved every time we have met up. She has such an andventous spirit and is so true to herself. My friend Veronica and Megan also joined us with their little girls. I loved chatting with this group.

After our play session we went over to the Christmas tents. During the season the zoo puts on fun for the kids. I am grateful this year it was indoors so we could take a break from the wind. The kids quickly sat down and got busy at making their crafts.

Soon one of the elves came over and he was the goofiest to the kids. They were laughing so hard. I was laughing as well. George loved his energy and they played for ages. The elf even followed us out and chased George for a while. It was so funny to watch.

Then it was time for lunch. It was nice filling up my tummy. I have a goal to start making my own healthy wraps to take out with me but I just haven’t had the time to plan. So pizza is it! The kids loved the Christmas house they could play with.

We then said goodbye to Sage and Veronica. Megan and I then went to the Reptile house for the last thing. George wanted to take Eleanor to his favourite spot. I love that these two are becoming friends. Eleanor brings out the best in George.

We cycled home and had a bit of a rest before picking up James. James came out later than expected which meant I needed to cycle fast to make it to the soft play. Half way there I heard a strange noise. The bike tire popped. I locked up the bike and ordered an uber. The plan was to make it to the last half of the soft play session with my friend Amanda. As we rode in the uber traffic got so bad. Our eta was later and later each minute that went by. I called the bike shop by our place and asked what could be done for the bike and how fast. They said if I could take it in now they can fix it in 15 minutes. So I decided to turn the uber around to where it picked us up. I was sad and the boys were sad about the soft play but we were not going to make it. We got back to the bike and then walked the bike 30 minute bike shop. My arms hurt so bad. The bike guys fixed it so quick.

We got back home just after 6pm. I was bummed that I didn’t get to hang out with Amanda and let the boys go wild. But life happens and I am trying to be better at slowing down. We had a lovely evening with Matt when he came home and then headed off to bed.

Tuesday 9/12

The boys loved having extra time to play that morning. Two more weeks until the holidays and we are all counting down. We dropped James off at school and then George and I went off on our adventure for the morning. He was excited to see his friend Maxwell.

We made it to The Wallace Collection just as our friends arrived. My friends Heather, Stefani and Cheyenne all came. The kids let loose some of their energy before we headed in. The Wallace Collection has been on my list to see during the Christmas season because I hear it is so beautifully decorated.

So once we were all ready we headed in. It is a spectacular collection and a place that is hard for kids not to touch. I always prep George going in because the staff are always following us not trusting that George can control himself. But he did really well.

We walked through the gallery. Each room is so beautiful. I love this building so much. For a few of my friends this was their first time so we took our time so they could enjoy a few of the pieces in each room. I kept an eye on the kids.

George’s favourite area is the armory. The Tower of London has a wonderful display of armour but it’s nothing like this one. Each piece in the collection is so beautifully crafted. We love coming when they have their interactive days and the boys can try it on.

We went to the main Christmas tree to enjoy the charming ornaments that were hung with so much care. Then we headed up the stairs to see some more of the rooms. The stairs were decorated so beautifully too! They do not hold back for Christmas.

There was another massive tree upstairs which impressed the kids very much. We walked through each of the room enjoy the colours it filled our vision. I could tell George was getting to the end of his rope. the kids were needing to let energy out.

We saw a few of the masterpieces as we walked quickly. George was walking so fast wanting to finish it up. I was a bit sad because this is truly my favourite spot in London and I wanted to enjoy it. But George was not having it. So we walked a bit quicker.

I need to come back to this place on my own or with a friend to really take it in slowly. there is so much history here and I wante to soak it all in. We walked back down the stairs and met up with all our friends outside before walking off together.

There was a playground nearby and that was the perfect place to take the kids. They ran around and got their energy out. Well, not George. He didn’t seem like he was in the mood. He kept asking me to go home. I am struggling to know what it is that George really needs. After about an hour we all parted ways.

We rested a bit at home and then went to pick up James. We then headed straight to my friend Veronica’s house. She had decorated it for Christmas and it looked so cute! James and George we so excited that we were playing in the top floors today. Well, George was happy for a bit but then he had another moment. This was the 4th time today that he had an emotional meltdown. It was so tough. I am trying to not give in as much and have more of a boundary and George is not having it. But I am going to holding my ground because I love him and myself. There was a bit more play before we had dinner with them and then headed home to bed.

Wednesday 10/12

That morning before school I heard James give George a lesson on how the Plan of Happiness works. James is such a good teacher. George had his new scooter that morning to take to drop off. He was so excited. Then we came back home and had a slow morning together.

After a bit of lunch we set of to St Luke’s playground. I was meeting up with my friends Amanda and Jenna. George was so excited to see these boys. And I was so excited to see my friends. I learn so much from them and feel grateful to have the chance to hang out to them.

George had a blast with his new scooter but also loved climbing with his friends. I had a deep discussion with my friends about how one manage’s to stay on top of everything. I am feeling the urge to declutter seeing how the house explodes within minutes.

When it was time to go I set off with my friends Jenna. She led me to hers where I could find my way home. George and Brooks were so cute together on the cycle home. They just wanted to hold hands all the way. It was fun seeing some decorated houses along the way!

We picked up James and then headed to Westfield for our next adventure. A month ago I booked The Wicked Experience knowing the boys would have seen the film by then. They both loved the film and were excited to see what this was.

So basically it was a walkthrough with different themes from the film. The boys loved it so much. They sat in every area and took it in. I loved it too! What a good idea! I have been listening to the soundtrack because I love it so much.

There were even real props from the film! Glinda’s wand and Elphaba’s broom. I was in awe. I loved Glinda’s wand. It looks like it’s made of sugar haha! We saw some more areas as I followed the boys around. They loved reading about the film making too.

All in all, it was a great experience. The boys loved how much they remembered of the film. I wish my dad was here because he too loved Wicked as much as us. The last thing we saw was the massive Wicked tree. The boys chilled there for a bit.

Then we went to McDonald’s for some dinner. Once our tummies were filled we went to a few shops. The boys find it so hard to not always buy something. I am getting so tired of this haha! Why can’t we just walk into a shop and just see the cool things? Soon it was time fore us to head out.

We got on the bike and cycled to our next destination. For Youth Night we were meeting at Leicester Square so I needed to get there and then give the bike over to Matt. The route took us through Bond Street so we got to see all of the lights down that street. They really go full out!

The traffic was terrible but Matt made it on time and I kissed him and the boys goodbye. Now it was time for Youth Night. We were ice skating tonight! The church was also filming us for content. So we all tried to skate as well as we could haha!

I helped out the youth that were struggling because I have pretty good balance on ice. It was so nice spending time with the girls. I even rented a chair to take some of them around. Afterwards the filming crew wanted us to roast some marshmallows and so that is what we did.

They had us film some other things and then it was time to head home. I went home with one of my young women that lives near me. It was fun getting to know her a bit more. I am so grateful for my calling. I wish I was still in primary but I am happy to be here. When I made it home I went straight to bed.

Thursday 11/12

It was Christmas Jumper day at school. James was so excited because they were also going to have a Christmas lunch. At drop off all the staff were outside singing carols. James and George joined in the fun. I love this school so much.

George and I went back home and got on the bike. We were heading to the Transport Museum with my friend Megan. She was off to the States for the holidays so I wanted to squeeze her in. I love being with her so much. George was happy to see Eleanor.

This was their first time here so we tried to take it slow. But that didn’t really happen because the kids kept running off. It is a fantastic museum for kids and there is so much for them to do. But we met up at the play area for a bit before we had to go to see Father Christmas.

They always have the cutest Christmas area at this museum. All around London they have Grotto’s for kids but charge so much for them. This one is free with entry and since we have an annual pass we come here every year. We don’t do Santa in our family but they are familiar with the story and still get excited to meet Father Christmas. I loved watching George talk to him.

We then made our way to the top of the museum to start seeing the displays. But yet again the kids just ran through everything. They knew where we wanted to stop. They just wanted to play. So Megan and I chatted and walked as we followed them.

We got to the second play area and let them play for a bit before we headed to the gift shop. Oh. The gift shop. This was a hard spot for George. He had a meltdown of course. It was hard to hold the boundary but I am proud I did. It’s easy to say no because I need to declutter before we bring more into the house.

We eventually made it out and cycled home. When it was time to pick up James we then walked over to my friend Rachel’s house. It was Ethan’s birthday party and James was so excited to play with his friends. The atmosphere was so fun and electric.

We normally come Tuesdays to their house it this week we changed it around for the birthday. James was so excited to give Ethan the gift he picked out. There was a very funny entertainer that basically kept them all very focus on the schedule of the day.

The boys loved when she sprinkled snow and there were dance parties. Then it was time for the birthday cake. The cake was made by a friend of mine and she did such a good job. Everyone relaxed a bit as we all ate. The energy was so high.

It was time to open presents. The kids were all so excited to see everything and there were lots of screams of excitement. They then all played with the new things together. The entertainer stepped in and did some activities with the kids.

Then everyone was ushered outside. They got the sparklers out. James and George were a bit hesitated but in the end really enjoyed it. Then the fireworks began. George was mesmerised. The show was massive and explosive. Ethan even lit the fireworks himself.

For the last bit of the party the entertainer played some games with them. Balloon swords came out and the kids were in heaven as the snow came down. It was such a fun birthday party. I loved seeing all my school mum friends there.

When we got home I was ready for action. I am so tired of the house blowing up every day because it is so cramped. I listened and finished two books today about Swedish Death Cleaning and felt inspired to declutter and detox. So the first area I did that night was my wardrobe. I got ride of 1/3 of what was in there. So many things I was holding on to because of guilt or desire. It felt so good to simplify and and I am looking forward to continue simplifying. It’s going to take a long time but I am determined to Swedish Death Cleaning every corner of this house and really live simply and in the present. I need to let go of the past and of guilt. I want to teach my boys better habits about owning things. When Matt got home we cuddled up in bed.

Friday 12/12

Today felt like Saturday for me because it was a home morning with no plans. It feels so special to just be at home. Which helps me see that this is the right direction to go in. I spent the morning tidying up and also playing with George. I love being with him.

After his nap we went to pick up James. We then headed off to my friend Amanda’s house. It was time to play and hang out with one of our favourite people. James and George were so excited to be with them. They ran all over the house as Amanda and I chatted.

They sat down for a bit to do arts and crafts and then we had dinner. Then it was time for Minecraft the Movie. They were all having such a good time until James came to me in the kitchen. He told me that he had thrown a car into the TV and it turned off. We checked it out and it was completely broken because of the small crack. I felt so embarrassed and full of shame. I told James I was grateful that he told me the truth. Amanda was so graceful and forgave him easily saying that it could have been one of her boys. She was very tender with James. We left soon after that. I felt broken. When we got home George started talking about what happened. Apparently, Reed had told James to throw a car at a certain character. And James did. James confirmed the story. I told James that it’s good to listen to our friends but when they tell us to do something hurtful to ourselves, others or the enivornment then we should explain our boundaries. We then snuggled into bed.

Saturday 13/12

We didn’t have anything planned Saturday morning but my friend reached out to me to ask if we could help with filming some content for the church. Well, sure. We got dressed and made it to the church by 8:40am. It was so early but we were excited to see what everything was about.

The boys loved seeing the film crew set up and get ready. They even showed James how things worked. Then we were put into place. We were to be in the background of a scene they were filming for global use about the church’s new website. It took nearly an hour and George was not having it towards the end.

Afterwards they got us lunch and the crew played football with the boys. We loved getting to know different people. Overall, it was a fun experience but definitely not doing it again with kids. I have no idea how they get kid actors to do anything.

We then had a bit of time before our next adventure so we went up to the nursery to read some books. I loved having some time to just focus on the boys. Ever since starting the Swedish Death Cleaning I feel so much more calm and relaxed. It’s helped me to stay focus on the present. When it was time we cycled to the Swedish Church in London.

Every year we go to the Santa Lucia concert at the Swedish Church. It is one of the sweetest holidays. And today was the exact day. The boys are always mesmerised by the crown of candles. The whole service is in Swedish which is a fun experience for the boys.

Once the concert was over we had some Swedish snacks and said hello to friends. A few friends from church come along to celebrate this beautiful holiday. I think it should be celebrated worldwide. It is such a wonderful day to celebrate light. When we were ready to set off we discovered Matt bike had a puncture.

So we made the 40 minute walk back to the chapel through Hyde Park. The sunset was so beautiful and it was lovely to chat with Matt along the way. I can’t believe I get to have him forever. My best friend. We made it to the Christmas Party for Youth just after 4pm.

James and George joined in which made me very happy. It was fun to see how many showed up! I loved seeing how interactive and fun it was. I loved getting to know the youth around me. They also were so sweet and playful with the boys which was so cute. It finished around 7pm and we headed home on our bikes. It had been a full day.

Sunday 14/12

I was up at the crack of dawn because I was asked the day before if I could film some more content for the church. I agreed and was on my way to the chapel by 7am. I got to see a beautiful sunrise because I did. Matt was left behind to get the boys ready for church later.

Filming was interesting haha! The film crew was so nice. I am sure I messed up loads but they were so patient and fun to be with. My friend Hannah was on photography and that made me feel happy. I love being with her. It took nearly 3 hours to finish our project.

I sat in a pew waiting for Matt to arrive with the boys. They entered right after sacrament was passed. It’s not easy doing it alone and I am grateful to have him. After the service we went to our classes. Matt went with George and I went with the Young Women to Relief Society. It was so fun.

Right after church I was able to catch up with Bridget. I miss hanging out with her. I can’t wait until after this week and she is off work. We then said goodbye and cycled off into the City of London. I had not packed any leggings so I was cycling in the cold with my bare legs.

It was about a 40 minute cycle and Matt and I had plenty of time to chat. I love our bike chats. We eventually made it to the East and arrived at Spitalfields Market. It was fun to walk over some ancient ruins as we went to lock up the bike.

We found our way to the Giving Machines. The boys picked what they wanted to give and we donated. It was lovely to see them feel like they made a difference. Every year that we have these close by we will come and donate, no matter how far.

Then we began our long cycle back. It was 70 minutes and the sun was going down. I had such a great time chatting with Matt about everything. My body was soon loosing sensation because of how cold I was. When we made it home it took hours for heat to come back to my feet and hands. Snuggling up into a warm bed was such a blessing at the end of a long cold day. And now on to another week!