Is the sleepover a modern phnomenon because if it is then it's another new idea that I think should be outlawed.

While our three trot happily off to their pals' houses to be as nice as pie to their friends' parents, we get them back the next morning...and it's as if they've had their brains removed.

I don't tolerate swearing in the house but gradually the boys have starting phasing in the odd expletive here and there.

Nothing X-rated you understand - just the kind of stuff they bandy about in the playground among mates.

But the other day Nick decided to take things to a new level during a row with me.

Well, it looks like we're going to make it through SATS week without any bloodshed...although we have come close.

Nick's laid back approach to his year nine exams has been alarming to say the least, but he assures me everything is in hand.

He hasn't exactly helped his cause though.

CRISP packets (eight!!), sweet wrappers (countless), bits of plastic which once belonged to games, 'must-have' warhammer figures painstakingly painted (one or two anyway until the novelty wore off), boxer shorts.

I'VE spent the last couple of days on a visit up north to see my uncle, who is bravely battling cancer.

We timed it to coincide with a visit of the family's traditional football team Brentford, who were playing Stockport close to his home.

He used to watch the Bees as a lad but now has a pal who has connections at Stockport and arranged for my uncle, aunt, cousin, his little lad and me to enjoy a pre-match meal and watch the game as guests of County.

And for any Blues fan terrified of leaving the Premiership, fear not - football outside the top flight is proper football and it's alive and well thank you very much.

IT'S been a pretty hectic week one way or another - hence the reason my blog hasn't been updated.

When I haven't been at work preparing for the exciting launch of the new Mail Extra which hits the city on Thursday, I've had the tail end of the boys football season to contend with.

By the time I've sat down each night,blogging is the last thing on my mind - but now the interminable footie season is over, I should be back on track.

AT 2.15pm on Sunday a litle bit of history was made...and it cost my wife dear.

A TIDAL wave of green swept through the city today as the first Birmingham Mail/Macmillan Fun Run saw the young, old, athletic and not so athletic take to the streets for a fantastic cause.

I don't really consider myself a runner as such, but anyone who has never done one of these 5 or 10km 'races' should seriously consider giving it a go.

It's fun with a huge feelgood factor, but most importantly it is utterly life affirming and something that even makes getting up at 7.30am on a Sunday morning worthwhile.

My little Jess was off school today with a tummy bug and, sucker that I am, I always bring her a present home when she's not well.

But today was hectic in the newsroom and I forgot - but I'm so glad I did!

IT'S now 7.05 and the eldest still hasn't left the house to do the paper round.

For the past few weeks he has very cleverly got me doing more and more.

Tonight though, my wife and I decided enough was enough - time to stand on your own two feet.