Ups & Downs, Smiles & Frowns: age 9

, by Sarah

The one where I'm super proud!

, by Sarah

The one where the kids start a new school.

Just over three weeks ago we moved house. We've moved to a 'new' (I say 'new' but it's not really new because it's the area I grew up in & the area that all my family live in. So we are familiar with this area) area which means the kids have had to change schools. It's a big deal moving house and area's no matter what age you are but it's even more of a big deal when you're only small. Especially when it comes to starting a new school and making new friends.

The school they attend now is only a small school, there's not many students at all, each year group only has between 7 and 10 children in so the classes are joined. Two year groups in one class. Harry and Charlie are now in the same class, which I think is lovely. They wern't exactly keen on this idea to begin with but now they really like it! They have made SO many friends. They've settled in really fast and even Harry has said to me "It feels like I've been here forever, I love it so much and I fit in really well" I know that Charlie and Ellie feel the same! I've already had parents evening - the boys are both doing amazing! There class teacher (who happens to know my dad? *baffled*) said that he can see they've been brought up really well, they're well mannered, polite and get on with what they're suppose to be doing. He also said he can tell they've had a good education and have been well taught. Which is true, there old school did teach them well and I always made sure they did there homework, reading and what not.

When it comes to Ellie, she HAS settled in but sometimes she becomes a bit tearful before school, when it comes to leaving me (I think it's called separation anxiety). At her old school, she had the same group of friends since nursery/pre-school and the same teacher for nearly two years, I know that plays a huge part in her tearful mornings. It's only to expected. However, she has made lots of new friends and really likes her new class teacher(s). The head teacher makes a really big effort with Ellie to help her settle in. She really enjoys the new routine of her new school, it's a bit different from her old school but she really does like it. I know it's going to take a bit longer for her settle than it has taken the boys, she's a bit younger and it's all very new. I've got parents evening with Ellie's teachers this coming week :) She's been doing a lot of reading and learning her two and five times tables this week, at home.

All three little's have already got certificates for settling in and making friends/being polite etc. I am really, really proud of them. Prouder than ever. They've handled moving house, changing schools and making friends SO well. I knew they would like it here and I knew that they would love the school (and area) perfectly. I am really lucky to have three amazing, healthy, bright, talented children. They're my whole world and more.

(Also, Harry starts high school this year, I applied for him to start the local high school and he got his place there, too! Such a relief!)

Overall, we all really enjoy living here. I am much happier and less anxious! The kids are all happy. We're so fortunate to live in this area. It's truly beautiful! The house is also beautiful! Watch this space for more 'new house' blog posts...
Sarah xXx

(PS Blog posts might be few and far between as I don't have the internet - STILL. Don't get me started on this lol. Hopefully I'll be back properly soon! I miss blogging so much)

9 comments

, by Sarah

age 11

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, by Sarah

age 10

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, by Sarah

9 year old

The One Where It's Charlie's 9th Birthday

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, by Sarah

9 year old

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No comments

, by Sarah

age 10

Almost a decade old.

Harry's Birthday is fast approaching. He's going to be TEN years old. A whole decade. I can not believe that my little baby boy, my first born is doing to be ten years old. Where does the time go? It seems like yesterday that I found out I was pregnant with him. *sigh* Time goes too fast and the kids are growing up waaaayyy to fast for my liking. It's bittersweet watching them grow up and becoming more independent. Harry is very independent for his age. He likes to everything for himself. Which isn't a bad thing I guess but sometimes, just sometimes I miss him asking me to tie his shoe laces or un-do the lid from the juice bottle. (If only he'd tidy his room himself LOL!). At the same time though, it's nice to be able to look back and see how much he has grown up, learned and how much he can do these little things for himself but it doesn't mean I don't miss doing all those things for him. Being a mum to a tween is all new to me. With Harry being the eldest, obviously I haven't been a mum to a tween. It's a totally new experience to me.

He can have a bit of an attitude problem sometimes but I think we all know that comes with being a tween and teenager. Everything is always someone else's fault, ha, I remember going thru that stage. He can be the sweetest, kindest most helpful kid, too! He loves teaching the younger ones new things. Especially reading to Ellie. It's sweet listening to him read to the little ones. He's very close to them both, especially Charlie. They don't really fight, they bicker but nothing major. Most of the time they get along really well. Harry is really into his football and anything sporty. He is a proper outdoorsy boy. He also enjoys xbox and family movies, he loves his Nerf guns, too. He's outgrown most toys but he will play board games and lego sometimes. Which is good because we do those things as a family, a lot.

He tells me to knock on his door before I come in and he has started locking the bathroom door already. The lock which I put high up because I didn't want the younger ones locking themselves in there. He's started taking more pride in his appearance and will only wear certain brand clothes and he wants to grow his hair so he can use hair gel, lol. He uses words like "sick" (apparently that means cool) and other random words that I'm all like "Eh?, what does THAT means?"

He also keeps on about wanting a mobile phone but I still think ten years old is too young. I mean, it's ME that'll have to top it up all the time and I don't even buy credit for myself. Perhaps when he goes to high school he can have a phone. I'm really not sure what the 'right' age is for Harry to have a phone?? I mean, who will he call? Who will he text? He see's his friends every day at school (and after school because some live on our street), he speaks to family on the phone (or xbox - which I closely monitor).. Phones are not allowed in school, they have to hand them in at the office before they go into class. I know he is mature for his age and I would trust him with a phone, that's not the problem. I just don't know why he *needs* a phone?! He has his whole adult life to have a phone. *sigh*

I love watching my kids grow up but it does sadden me at the same time... it's totally is bittersweet. I love hearing about there days at school and what they've been learning. I love that they are so smart and funny, witty and clever. They really are the most precious, most important people in my life. They ARE my life! I love every single second of being a mum. The ups.. the downs.. the smiles and the frowns.

Why do they have to grow up so fast?! *sob*

Sarah xXx