Today is EldestGirl’s last day of Reception. I have to say – all modesty aside (seriously aside – wait for it) – I have absolutely nailed it. Honestly, if anyone has had a better year than me, I want to see evidence. This year…. We have read with both children daily. We have learned times … [Read more…]
Like most people, I sort my recycling out each week. Unlike most people, I don’t separate out plastics and paper, so much as “aspirational” and “embarrassing”. EldestGirl’s school often asks parents for empty packets and bottles for junk modelling. As most weeks our recycling bin is bulgingly-full of Amazon packaging, I am more than happy … [Read more…]
EldestGirl took part in her first school play this week. It was a nativity, which our budding atheist was not delighted by. However, the lure of the spotlight proved too much; after the nine millionth time that she moaned about the vicar’s assembly, we asked her if she wanted to be withdrawn from religious activities, … [Read more…]
One of my favourite things about EldestGirl starting school has been her interpretation of new information. Generally her attention to detail and memory is annoyingly infallible, so I have really been enjoying some of her slips-of-the-ear. Last week we had harvest songs. “Onions, peas and carrots, sweetcorn, beans and marrows and white bread to my … [Read more…]
You know that nightmare you have where you’re back at primary school and you have to dance in front of the class, and everyone else knows the dance moves and you don’t, and the teacher is dancing too and you don’t want to but you still have to dance, dance, dance, and also you’re naked? … [Read more…]
So EldestGirl turned five years old today. Right now, this instant actually, as I have set this post to publish at exactly the time of day she was born: 9.30 a.m. Every birthday, every milestone feels like a landmark: the first solids, the first word, the first steps, the first shoes, the first day at … [Read more…]
The blackberries finished early this year. We picked our share, and have more in the freezer. Blackberry-picking with YoungestGirl is a chore; for every one you manage to get in the pot, you have to put at least three in her gawping mouth, or else the shouting starts. In the meantime, EldestGirl will either prick … [Read more…]