...Where colds and coughs come into season! With that change in the weather comes the colds and bugs and what not. I wrote about how I was poorly the weekend before last with earache, well that earache turned into a massive full blown cold, sore throat, swollen glans and everything else that comes with it. Needless to say, I have felt like utter poop. I am feeling much better today but I don't want to jinx myself because it seems, I think that I'm getting better and then this awful cold/flu type thing knocks me for six again. While I am feeling a bit better though, I thought I'd take the chance to write up a blog post about the kids and how they're settling into school and what not.


Ellie has well and truly settled into year four. She requested that I buy her crop tops instead of vests. Apparently she's growing up (way to fast for my liking!). She turned nine years old last week, which is so hard to believe. She's the eldest in her year at school, which she's rather chuffed about. "Mum,  when I'm in year 6 I'll be the oldest kid in the school" Is what she told me - rather proudly! We are currently working on her 4 and 5 times tables. I am really pleased with how well she has settled into school without her big brothers being there because they're both in high school now! I am so proud of her. Ellie had a friend stay over last weekend - A Birthday sleepover. She doesn't get to see her best friend (Who is also my best friends daughter) very often as we don't live close by anymore. I treated them to a takeaway pizza and some treats whilst they watched Disney movies.
Ellie has a dentist appointment at specialised dentist next week because she has a massive fear of the dentist (she had a bad experience last time). Which I am dreading if I'm honest. She needs fillings and I know she isn't looking forward to it (who does?!) but it has to be done.


Charlie has settled into high school. Kind of. He's not overly keen on the school bus and would rather catch the public bus (as would Harry!) So I am going to find out if it's possible to switch there bus passes for the public bus. As all there friends also catch that bus. They're only on the bus for a total of 6 minutes though, so really, I don't think it's THAT big of a deal but I'd rather they were both happy and confident with the way travel to and from school. I am going to look into that today. Charlie is over the moon to be in the same school as his big brother once again. He's made lots of new friends already! He's in the same form as his best friend from primary school, which he pleased about. He's not overly keen on learning languages but I think once he's got the hang of it, I think he will  actually enjoy it! I still can't believe that Charlie is in year 7. I am SO proud of him and how grown up he is. He's become very independent the last few weeks (which, as his mother, I find bittersweet).

Harry... Well, he will officially be a teenager next month! WOW! Where has that time gone?!  He's already very much a teenager and has been the last 18 months or so. He's mature for his age and we are currently battling acne, we have special medication from our GP! Along with a couple of other methods, which all seem to be working! (Touch Wood). He enjoys school but sometimes I just don't think he can't be bothered and tries the whole "But I'm porly, my tummy hurts, my toe really hurts, I feel dizzy".. Literally everything wrong with him all at once (lol), I know when he's faking it though. He isn't a morning person AT ALL. He has lots of friends at school, has very good grades and is doing rather well! He still enjoys P.E. He's already thinking about what subjects he'd like to take for GCSE's in a couple of years - Graphic design is one of them. He's been helping Charlie settle into high school, showing him where he needs to go and giving him a point in the right direction. It's good that they can both catch the school bus together. I am very proud of Harry looking out for his little brother.

Both the boys had an orthodontist appointment/assessment yesterday, they're both entitled to NHS treatment and will more than likely need braces. They both have a tooth missing that has NEVER grown through - There dads side of the family is the same so it seems it's genetic and actually quite common apparently. It's nothing to worry about and isn't going to cause any problems. I am proud of them both though, they both had an x-ray and let the dentist look in there mouths no problem! We're waiting for the next appointment so we can discuss treatment/braces.


So there's my update on my three little's who aren't so little anymore!

Sarah xXx

I knew that July was going to be a busy month, with it being the end of term - Charlie had induction days at high school as he's due to start in September. Harry will be starting in year 8 and Ellie in year 4. We slowly worked through our July bucket list and I think we managed to achieve a fair bit!  The month started off with sports day and induction days. Charlie thoroughly enjoyed his induction days. He confidently caught the bus to and from school. I am so proud of him! I also went into the primary school and had an open afternoon with Charlie & Ellie, which was a lot of fun.

Charlie also turned eleven years old in July! Still can't believe he's eleven! Wow.


We also explored our local area, living in the countryside means there's a lot of exploring to do and adventures to be had. We've found some really beautiful picnic spots.



PokemonGO came out! What an epic game and app that is! It got us out walking more and exploring some more, too!


Spotting some wildlife was also on our July bucket list. We did spot some cows! We also had a hedgehog in our back garden (which may have been the end of June, I can't quite remember). There was also a deer in the field at the back of our house! We've spotted pheasants, birds, baby swans and lots of other wildlife, too!


I went to Charlie's year six leavers assembly which was held in our local church. I may have cried. A LOT! I can't believe he's going to be going to high school in September. Craziness. He was presented with a lovely bible, dictionary and leavers book - The leavers book was for all his friends and teachers to sign. A truly lovely keepsake.

We had a picnic at the school on the last day of term, which was so much fun! Ellie was telling me all about year 4 and how excited she is to start in a new class!
Another task on our bucket list was to have ice creams along the river. We did this on the way back from having the boys hair cuts! Well, the kids choose a lolly instead of an ice cream. We walked a total of FIVE MILES that day! It was a beautiful day and we may have caught a few Pokemons... haha.

I had put it in my head that I wanted to loose at least 3lbs in July. I did that. I actually lost around 9lbs. WOW! I'm sure the Pokemon hunting has helped with that, haha. I also managed to read five books in July, which I wrote about on my book blog. (A couple of those were short books, but it still counts!!)

There were some stressful moments in July. Which I wrote about but I won't go into again! I'm focusing on the positives. :)

How was your July? What are your best bits?

Last week, my middle son Charlie turned eleven years old. I can't quite believe it myself if I'm honest. I'm still in denial that Charlie is eleven years old. He'll be starting high school in September. My eldest son, Harry will be in year eight so at least Charlie has his big brother already there to help during those first couple of weeks. Still though, it doesn't seem possible that he'll be starting high school. I'm still getting over the fact that Harry started high school last September! Madness! It's also crazy that my daughter -My youngest child- will be starting in year FOUR!
Charlie's birthday came and went in a blur.



Charlie had his induction days at high school last week. On Monday he caught the bus with Harry and caught the bus home, too! Charlie had a fantastic time and actually can not wait to start! Tuesday was his second induction day, the teacher were on strike but Charlie still had his induction day (which is a bit weird if you ask me!) Harry wasn't at school Tuesday so it was just Charlie on his own, I must admit I was a bit anxious. Charlie however, was not at all anxious. He got a lift to and from school and honestly, he did SO well! He is so, so ready for high school (even if I'm not ready for him to be going up!). I am so proud of him.



A few days later was Charlie's birthday .
Charlie's birthday went by fast! Before school, he opened some presents and had his favourite pancakes for breakfast! It was a busy day as I had open afternoon at the primary school, a chance to go into the school and work with Charlie and Ellie. It was a fun afternoon. I looked over Ellie and Charlie's work, learned about the topics they've been studying and also got to hear a couple of sneak peak songs from Charlie's end of year play. The school assembly was also very good! Charlie got to do a bit of acting, he's so confident! Ellie was super proud to show me her work and we made a bumble bee from pine cones, together! It was a really fun afternoon and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to go. The rest of Charlie's birthday was great fun! Charlie opened his the rest of his presents, which he loved. Some of my family popped in to see Charlie and wish him a happy Birthday, which was really lovely. We had a lovely dinner and then /charlie played with his friends and on his new scooter. It was a fab Birthday overall, he had a wonderful time and was absolutely shattered by the time bedtime rolled around.


We have a busy couple of week coming up with the end of term activities, family picnic, assemblies, leaving dos and what not. I am really looking forward to the summer holidays and having a break from the school routine and I know the kids are, too! :)

Negatives:

• My anxiety has been horrendous. I think last Thursday and Friday were probably the worst days. It was really bad. However, it's a bit better now. Anxiety is so hard to figure out because I don't know why I was anxious. It was everything and nothing (and if you suffer with anxiety, you may be able to relate to that!). Thank goodness it's not that bad now (touch wood). 
• My laptop no longer gives me a warning when the battery is going flat. It just switches itself off. I figure that this is a sign the battery is probably on it's way out. I can't replace it myself because the battery is inside the actual laptop. What a pain. I just need to remember to plug the charger in after an hour or so. It's not the end of the world - at least it still works (again, touch wood!)
• Sports day was cancelled last week because it was pouring with rain  but it's been rescheduled so that's something to look forward to :) 

Positives:

• Charlie had his induction days at high school! I am SO incredibly proud of him. He happily went with Harry on the bus Monday morning and came home with Harry on the bus. I'm so pleased they're back in the same school even if I am in denial that Charlie is old enough for high school. On the second induction day all the teachers were on strike but Charlie got a lift to school with my step dad. He happily went and was super confident about the second day! 
• Ellie also enjoyed two days being introduced to year 4! She's got Charlie's (current) teacher in September, which she is excited about and he is a very good teacher. 
• So far in July, I've read two books! Well, one I started in June but couldn't finish because the stupid brain disease flared up and it effects my vision, I finished that a couple of days ago. I read 'The girl with no name' by Diney Costeloe and 'If I stay' I'll review those over on my book blog at some point. My July 'To Be Read' list can be found here 
• Having good friends and a lovely fella has made me truly happy this week! Being a in a long distance relationship isn't easy but when we do see each other, we really appreciate our time together. Also having a really good friend. We message every day and we talk about everything and anything which is lovely.
• The weather seems to have taken a turn for the better! Hoorah! Finally. I feel much more motivated when it's sunny. Although not a fan of the heat/humidity but it's nice to see the sun! 

I'm looking forward to... 

• The fact that it's July is a positive! Honestly, can not wait for the summer holidays and to have a break from the school routine. I know the kids are excited too!
• C & E's sports day! I can't wait to watch them in there races. They're both super excited about it. My mum is also coming to watch, which will be nice. Harry isn't taking part in his sports day this year, which is surprising because he loves sports. Mind, he did take part in a sponsored walk last week, which he enjoyed! He got to come home from school early, which always makes him happy, haha. I'm proud of him for taking part in that.
• Charlies birthday - He's going to be eleven! I know, I can't believe it either.
• The weekend. I need to do some gardening/weeding. My front garden is starting to resemble a jungle. It's only a little patch of garden, so it won't take too long. I'm sure the kids will help me, they like gardening.
• I am also really looking forward to the end of the school term. I think we all need a break from the school routine! Only another couple of weeks or so. 
• So that's basically been our week this week! There's been a lot going on but mostly all good. The positives defiantly out weight the negatives.  

What are your best and worst bits this week? Or what are you most looking forward to?

I hope you all have a lovely rest of the week!


P.s I also have a giveaway running to win a copy of the children's book 'The Lost Smile' 

Harry started high school last September and if you remember, I was really quite anxious about him starting high school. I really needn't have worried because Harry has taken to high school like a duck takes to water. On Thursday I had parents evening. I saw lots of Harry's teachers and every single one of his teachers said how well he's doing, he's learning, he's confident, he's polite, kind and helpful. Which made me burst with pride. He has made lots of friends and is very sociable. His P.E teacher told me that Harry is going to be in the top set for P.E after half term, which doesn't surprise me because he is very, very sporty indeed. His french teacher did say that Harry is only just average for French and he needs to work a bit harder. He's never learned French before and he's only been doing French since after Christmas (before that he did German - They seem to swap them around after X amount of months), so I do think he will get there with French. He also needs to work on his spelling. We can work on that together, I think some word apps might help! There were a lot of his teachers I didn't get to see because the appointments were all taken but I'm sure I'll see them next time!
Harry was also diagnosed with acne last week, the doctor has prescribed him some medicated cream/liquid stuff for his spots, we're hoping it will help otherwise we'll need to go back and get it changed. He's only twelve years old so there are only certain medicated creams (and what not) he can use at this stage.
I can't actually believe that Charlie is going to be starting high school in September. He was on the waiting list for the same school as Harry but thankfully a space became available. That's a relief. I'm anxious about him starting but I know that he'll settle in just fine and he already has his big brother there! Charlie is very excited and can not wait to start! He'll be able to catch the bus to and from school with Harry every day which is good!
Charlie has his SATs coming up at school soon, he's been busy preparing for those and has been attending homework club after school once a week, he actually enjoys that club. I think he has an end of year/end of primary school trip coming up but I'm waiting to hear more about that. I am going to start buying his uniform for high school within the next month because it's going to be expensive! With two boys at high school, both needing blazers, shirts, trousers, P.E kits, rugby tops.. The list is endless.
Ellie has joined choir club after school once a week. She starts this coming week! She is super excited! Her spelling is coming a long great as is her reading. She's been reading a lot recently ad has started reading Goosebump books. I use to love the Goosebump books when I was a child and teenager. She loves playing outside on her bike and roller skates. She's SO good on her roller skates now. I'm quite impressed, I think I'd go flying if I was to try and skate now, haha. I can't believe how fast she is growing up! She's eight years old. It doesn't feel like eight years ago since she was born. It's a bit... crazy! And bittersweet, too!

I'm so proud of all three of my little's (who are not so little any more!) They're all doing so well and trying so hard with school. They really are my whole world and beyond. ♥

This past week, the week before half term has been a busy one! It's been full of parents evening, rugby matches at school and meet the tutor appointments!


Firstly, I had an appointment with Ellie's teacher to hear about her progress and how she's doing at school! Now, it did take her sometime to settle into her new school but I am really pleased to say she has settled in really well now and is really knuckling down with her school work! Her hand writing has improved tremendously as has her reading. She's doing well in all subjects and we're currently working on her 4 and 5 times tables at home. She has some maths homework to do this half term, which will keep her busy.
I am so, so proud of how well she's doing at school, especially with her reading. She is really trying to do her best, bless her.

Next I saw Charlie's teacher. As most of my regular readers are aware, it's his final year at primary school (I know, I can't believe it either). So it's an important year for him, getting ready and prepared for high school. I wrote about how we went to look around the high school and how excited Charlie is about starting there next September!
His hand writing has also improved a lot and he is doing so well in all subjects and has come top of the class on a couple of occasions, mainly for maths. He can use number squares and really quite confident with school work! Which of course I am super proud about. He's really working hard and doing his absolute best. Charlie joined in with a Rugby tag thing at school, which he did really well with and got a certificate for, bless him. He can't wait to do it again and is hoping to join the rugby team soon.

One day after school, I met Harry's tutor! She seems really lovely and had lots of good things to say about Harry. She asked if he's enjoying school, which he is of course. She asked how he's settling in and if he had any questions. He didn't. I chat with her about how Harry is settling in and she told me he's made lots of friends and is polite and helpful (If only he was like that at home, haha). He was really proud to show me around the library, where we met his tutor. And I met a couple of his friends that he's made since he started high school. I am also really proud of him. He doesn't like change but he has adapted so, so well. I can't wait for his parents evening, which I believe is next month.

Harry has also been picked for the rugby team. Which, honestly, I was quite surprised about because he has never really shown much interest in rugby before. Football, yes. Rugby no. I was a little apprehensive and wondered if it would be something he would stick at. He had his first practice match this past week and he played really well. He seemed to really enjoy it and already has another match set up for next month! Harry is super excited about it.I was really proud standing on the side line, supporting Harry and his team in rugby. I can honestly say, I think rugby is something Harry will stick at. I love that he's so sporty. All three of my children are quite sporty and outdoorsy, I am so proud of them all ♥

Sarah xXx

Last week, Charlie was invited to look around our local high school in the evening. His big brother already goes there, Harry started in September this year. You can imagine how excited Charlie was to go and have a look around the 'big school' to see exactly what it's like. He actually couldn't wait!

We got there and were given a prospectus, there were teachers and other students leading the way around the school but we decided to go and have a look around the school ourselves with Harry being our tour guide because, well, he already knows his way around the school!

There were all activities and events set up around teh school. In the science labs there were bunsen burners and test tubes set up, along with steady hand games and other activities. Charlie headed straight for the test tubes and distilled water to do the experiment that was set up! I was really impressed with how he read the instructions, wore hiss goggles and got on with doing the experiment. He won a prize for completing them all. He enjoyed the lava lamp one, watching the lava turn different colours, it was rather fascinating!


He told me how he couldn't wait to start high school and we talked about how big the school is and how different it is from primary school, while we made our way to the English and Maths block. Charlie joined in with some more activities and I met a few of Harry's teachers a long the way! Charlie also got a lot of "Ohhh a mini Harry" from a couple of the teachers. Haha.

Charlie was fascinated with how big the classrooms were! I think his favourite was probably taste testing the food and school dinners! He enjoyed the pizza and chocolate cake, haha. I may or may not have had a sneaky nibble. Delicious by the way. School dinners have changed a lot since I was at school!!

Charlie also enjoyed the gym and all the activities they had going on in there. He loved the golf game (And won another prize! A rugby wrist band thingy and some sweets!)

He is SO excited about starting high school next year! Charlie said "I'll be with Harry again". Ever since Charlie has started school, he has always had Harry by his side. Until now. Harry started high school in September and Charlie is in his last year of primary school, he really misses Harry. So it'll be lovely for them to be back in the same school.

I am so proud of them all! Especially proud of how confident Charlie is about starting high school next year. I'm also really pleased that Harry has settled in well and he knows where everything is, where all his classes are and what not. I know he was a bit worried about finding his way around the school. He was really proud showing us around!

I can't believe my little 5lb baby starts high school next year *sigh* They grow up so fast, don't they?!

Sarah xXx

I decided I'd write a post on all the good things and all the bad things of September. It's been a bit of a chaotic month to be honest with you. I do try to keep my blog positive and I know the positives will out weight the negatives! I've seen a lot of people write 'Best & Worst' posts and it's inspired me to do the same.


We started off September with the kids going back to school. Ellie starting in year 3, Charlie in year 6 -his final year of primary school- (Still can't believe that!) and Harry of course started high school! They are growing up SO fast! I can't express how proud of them I am. I truly am so, so proud. I'm really pleased to say they have settled in wonderfully. They are all doing wonderful at school (touch wood) and Harry is enjoying high school, although he isn't a fan of the early mornings! Who is though?



September was also the month that Ellie turned EIGHT years old. My youngest child. Eight years old. Madness. She had a lovely birthday! It was stressful for me, nothing went right on that day and it was a bit blah! Didn't help that I was coming down with a cold/flu type thing. The main thing is though, she had a fantastic Birthday and really enjoyed her little tea party and seeing friends and family. It was lovely!

I also have had a bit stress in my personal life going on but it's settled down now (again, touch wood!) and I'm relaxing a bit more. Anxiety has struck me a lot this month too but hopefully that's subsided now too. Anxiety is a horrible thing and I find it really hard to control and deal with. I've been reading a few blogs though and I know I'm not alone. It's just hard, you know?

  On a more positive note, we have really enjoyed the Autumn weather. The kids have been loving playing out in the garden and we've been on a couple of lovely walks! I watched a beautiful sunset (more than once!).

We have also enjoyed playing board games - mainly dog bingo, which is an awesome family game to play! That everyone loves. The little's enjoyed doing Autumnal arts & crafts, I may have joined in too, I'm such a big kid, haha.

Overall it hasn't been THAT bad of a month. Just a bit stressful here and there. I really do love this time of year and we have lots to look forward to in October! My eldest will be turning twelve years old! We have half term and Halloween to look forward to and of course the beautiful Autumnal weather.

How was your September?

Sarah xXx