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

Ellie started in year 4 this past September and not even two weeks later, she turned nine years old which makes her the eldest child in her school year. This new school term also marked the year that Ellie would be my only child at primary school. My eldest is in year 8 and my other son started in year 7 in September. I was a little worried about it to be honest because Ellie has always had her big brothers to look out for her and I think that reassured her. I needn't have worried though because Ellie settled into year 4 just fine. She went up a class and has the same teacher that Charlie had last year (and the year before! And even Harry had the year before, too!) which was also reassuring for her and also for me, too!

Tonight I had parents evening! I always look forward to parents evenings because I like to hear about how my children are doing at school, looking through there school books and seeing there progress!


I am pleased to say that Ellie is doing really well! Her maths, reading, hand writing and literacy work are all lovely and neat, she's at the levels that's expected of her, she is doing very well! She's polite and well behaved but doesn't seem very confident in joining in - Things like putting her hand up and speaking out loud so I'm going to encourage her as much as I can. The teacher also commented on the work we do at home - It shows! I am so pleased that all of Ellie's hard work - Working on her times tables, story writing and reading at home is shining through. Her teacher also told me well done too. We are going to work on her times tables and division and connecting the two. I'm not the greatest with numbers but I am sure we can figure this out together. We're also going to continue reading more, too!

I can't tell you how proud I am of Ellie. She has done amazing settling into year 4. And without her big brothers there.
... The boys parents evenings should be coming up soon. I'm looking forward to those and seeing how well they've settled into year 7 and 8!

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

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! :)

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' 

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! :)