Well, we are over half way through November already! This year has gone SO fast, I honestly can't believe it. It doesn't feel like a year ago that I was planning last Christmas and now it's time to start planning for THIS Christmas. Craziness! Anyway, I thought I'd write a 'Life Lately' post.

I don't know why but it feels like November has been a really stressful month for me. I think with having the brain condition I suffer with (IIH) flare up and just everyday life, it's been hectic and hard. I've been suffering with numbness, feeling sick and headaches for pretty much most of November - All due to my brain condition. My medication has been increased so that's helped a bit. It seems to have settled down now though (I hope I haven't jinxed myself!) and I've even started working out again. I'd like to loose 10lbs before Christmas but that might be a little ambitious. We'll see how I go and it really depends on how my head is.


The kids are all doing fantastic. They're all doing really well in school. I had Ellie's parents evening last week and she's doing AMAZING! I am so very proud of her. We're working on division and reading at home. She's a really good reader and quite a fast paced reader like me, hehe. Bless her.
I'm waiting to hear about when the boys parents evenings will be, I dare say they'll be soon! I am looking forward to seeing how well the boys are both doing. I think Charlie has got the hang of high school now, with lots of help from his big brother. I'm very proud of them both.


This up coming week I am hoping to do some Christmas shopping and get a big chunk of it done next week, all going well. I need to come up with some ideas for Harry, he's thirteen years old and so hard to buy for, he's so fussy with clothes, too! I also need to fish my Christmas tree out of the shed and bring that inside (I'm not putting it up anytime soon though! My cats will destroy it).

A photo posted by Sara ♡ (@sassyserz) on Nov 8, 2016 at 11:59am PST

How has November been for you?

Sarah xXx

...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

This time nine years ago, I was well and truly in labour. Not that I believed I was. I hadn't gone to the hospital yet because I wanted to spend as little time as possible in the hospital. I was at my mums house. Contractions were around every 4-5 minutes. I was fine though, I have a high pain tolerance and honestly, I didn't even believe I actually was in labor. I was 39 weeks pregnant and had already been experiencing braxton hicks.


Around 11:10am, I arrived at the hospital as my mum (birthing partner) said she thought I should go in and the midwife on the phone agreed. It was when I got into the car I had a really painful contraction and thought to myself "This is actually it, I am going to have my baby today". I got to the hospital and was taken to the delivery suite... and Ellie entered the world at 12:01pm, just after midday.Weighing 6lb 10oz. I had just literally just had gas & air and labour was only a few short hours. I didn't know the gender of my baby because we'd have to pay to find out and plus, I really wanted a surprise (the same with my two older sons and I wouldn't have had it any other way). When the midwife told me "IT'S A GIRL" I didn't believe her. I had to get up off the bed and go and see for myself, haha. I cried my eyes out. I was SO convinced I was having another boy, so convinced that in fact I had bought a baby blue outfit and vest with me to the hospital! I couldn't believe I had a daughter, I was over the moon. I'd always wanted a little girl, I couldn't believe it! We left the hospital around 2ish pm and I went straight back home - This was my request and I did the same with my first son, Harry. I was very confident and rightly so, too! I knew I didn't need to stay in hospital which left a free bed for someone who truly needed it and I got to enjoy my baby girl at home, straight away. The boys fell in love with her and doted over her. As did.


 She was ever so content and such a happy baby! She ended up not liking the dummy, she didn't need it anyway.


But that was nine years ago and since then she has grown into this beautiful, smart, happy little girl who loves anything and everything. She's still very content and will amuse herself, she's social and very bubbly, she can be sassy and certainly won't let anyone boss her around, she's smart and friendly, she's considerate (most of the time!) and helpful to others.


Today Ellie is nine years old. My youngest baby. NINE! I can't quite get my head around the fact she's nine years old. It's crazy how fast time flies. I am so proud of her. I'm so blessed & lucky.
We will celebrate properly after school. She has already opened some of her presents before school. Ellie has her best friend (who she doesn't see very often) coming around for a sleepover this weekend & she is SO excited! 


Sarah xXx

On Monday, the kids went back to school. After the six weeks holiday they were more than ready to go back to school (although the teenager wasn't impressed, haha) and to be honest, the school routine was very welcome, I have missed our school routine.

Charlie started in year 7 which means he is now officially at high school! That's SO crazy! He looks so smart and grown up in his new uniform - They all do!
He was really excited... Until the bus was half an hour late on the first day. Still though, he took it all in his stride and happily went off to school with Harry. I may have waited at the bus stop with them both and I'm glad I did because that bus was so late! Hasn't been late since though, thankfully.



Harry was quite pleased to be in year 8 although wasn't feeling in the back to school mood, he soon got use to it though and is super happy with new time table! I'll update on the kids first week back at school, next week!


Ellie started in year 4. She has Harry and Charlie's old teacher!! He's a really good teacher. Doesn't seem possible that my youngest is now in year 4 and will be turning nine next week!



The kids have all settle in really well and they're all loving school! I am so proud of them, Charlie has really taken to high school very well indeed! I'm proud of Harry helping his little brother and showing him around and telling him where he needs to go and what to expect etc. And I am also really pleased and proud with Ellie. Not having her big brothers at primary school with her (They've always been at school - since she started!) must feel a bit strange but she has adapted really well. They all have adapted really well! I'm so proud of them.

How have your little ones settled back in at school?
Do you remember your first day of school/high school?

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! :)

So there's less than seven weeks left of the school year. Seven weeks left of Harry being in year 7, Charlie in primary school and Ellie in year 3. In September they'll all go up a year which is a big deal to me and of course to them. Charlie starting high school is just... I can not believe it. He'll be joining his big brother at the same high school and I'll only have one child at primary school. That's going to be so strange to me. I honestly find it so hard to get my head around that.
I am SO proud of them all. I'm proud that they're all well behaved at school (- for the most part - touch wood), they all knuckle down and do there very best.



Charlie is more than ready for high school, he's super excited about it! He's also looking forward to being in the same school as his big brother again. He's excited at the thought of catching the school bus to and from school! I think he feels very grown up about the above. He is looking very forward to induction days and what not. He's been having grumpy and moody moments lately, I expect it's the build up to high school and the last few weeks of primary school, perhaps even hormones. Harry went through this phase too. Can't wait for the moodiness to subside I must say! Hecan be very cheeky and mischievous which he finds hilarious. Especially when he jumps out on me at 7am with "BOO GOT YA" as I come out of the bathroom. I jumped out of my skin! Haha. He thought it was hilarious!

Ellie doing great, too. She has her moments where she can be a stroppy little madam, what child doesn't? She can also be quite bossy but she's really well behaved at school, which is the main thing! She can also be quite outspoken which can be a little bit embarrassing at times. Maybe being outspoken and saying what you think is a good thing?.. to an extent. She still enjoys playing with dolls.. shopkins and my little pony! She's so sweet and comes out with the funniest things sometimes. Can't believe she'll be nine in September. She's recently joined an after school choir club which she enjoys. They're learning a few chart songs and a couple of old songs for the end of term assembly.


Harry... Well. He's certainly reached teenager-hood (as I call it). He woke everyone up at 5am this morning banging around. He was so excited for his school trip to a forest that he got up extra early (Despite still having to be at school the same time as usual). None of us were very impressed with him. Thankfully the younger two managed to go back to sleep. He's doing great at school, loves P.E and history. He has a lot of friends and is becoming more and more sociable, which is a good thing! This whole teen thing though, it's all new to me. Teenage attitude is no fun, haha. Overall though, I am very proud of Harry.

The most important thing to me is that the kids are all happy and doing well at school. And they all are.

We've cut down on the amount of time spent on the XBOX and tablet (for all three children) and been spending a lot more time outside! It's been really nice. Electronics and technology can really take over sometimes and it's nice to limit the time on those. The kids haven't even really complained about it. They love being outside. Even if it's just in the garden. I am hoping to go to the park at least one evening after school. Make the most of the weather while it's warm and sunny I say! :)
 

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. ♥