Friday 17 December 2010

So Proud!

I had a very proud moment this evening, when my elder son, James, who is six, sat with me as we read together from C. S Lewis's The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, one of my favourite children's books and one that I have been secretly waiting to read with him since before he was born (I still have my box set of the Chronicles of Narnia books from my own childhood). I read the first few chapters to him, and then he took over and read almost a whole chapter aloud by himself. Having previously only read to me a few pages at a time of his school books or picture story books, it was lovely to hear him reading a much harder book, and to see his enthusiasm increase as he started to really get into the story. Almost brought a tear to my eye. Yes, I am a big softie.

Of course, it's even more special given the significance of the story's meaning and the fact that we have been having some important conversations about God, Jesus and faith recently as we have talked about the Christmas story. It's been heart-warming for me to be able to answer some of James's questions and to see him begin to make sense of some of the things we believe and try to live by. So I can't wait to continue reading these stories with James and talking some more about what they might mean.

Monday 13 December 2010

Telling The Headteacher.

Today I met with James's headteacher to tell him of our decision to home educate. I was really nervous, as I don't know him well, and wasn't sure of how he would react. I prayed about it a bit, and sat at home and wrote out a list of reasons why we are making this decision, being careful not to criticise the school or the teachers and to stress the plus points of home education, and then I sat in the car park worrying about it, feeling like I was about to go into a job interview or something. I know. Ridiculous. It turns out I needn't have worried. The head was really nice, and, like any decent headteacher, asked important questions like "What do you think the negative sides of home educating might be?" and "Have you thought ahead about what to do regarding secondary school subjects and GCSEs?" and other equally valid questions, which I tried to answer as best I could. I made it clear that I am not anti-school, and that this was purely a decision based on what we feel will be in James's best interest, and we are not averse to him coming back to school later on should that be necessary. He said he would respect our decision, that I had clearly made my mind up and he "knew when to throw in the towel"! All in all, it was a good meeting, and I came away feeling even more that this is the right thing for James, for now. The plan is to write to him officially after the Christmas holidays, give ourselves a week or two to get sorted out after Christmas, and start mid-January.

Friday 10 December 2010

I'm A Loser, Baby.

May I just share with you all the fact that I lost a pound at my weigh-in this week? And since then (wed) I appear to have lost another. Don't know what is going on really but I can't complain! I am, for the record, back to the weight I was when I joined WW in July. So I've been up a few pounds, and down a few. Now the real hard work starts! (After Christmas, of course! What do you take me for?)

Sunday 5 December 2010

Inspired To Action.

I'm afraid I've taken the lazy option today and decided to post a link to someone else's blog. Actually my real reason for doing this isn't because I can't be bothered to write something myself, but because I think this person's blog is one of the best in the blogging world (in my humble opinion). If you're a mum, if you have a faith, if you want to connect with others, be inspired, air your thoughts, organise your life, laugh, find new music, enter great giveaways, and find fantastic links to other great blogs, then I urge you to check this one out.

Inspired to Action

It's written by Kat, who, even though I don't know her, writes in a way that makes me feel like I do, and on many occasions manages to speak right into my life in the process. This post is about the busy-ness of Christmas, and our need to take time out of that to spend with God. Enjoy.

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Conservatory Update: Photos.

The old conservatory wall yesterday:



 Today's progress: The new external wall is about a foot and a half further out than the old one . Not much to look at, but for me it's exciting. This will be our new dining room, eventually!


24 Sleeps!!!

The boys couldn't believe it when they woke up to see their advent calendars up on the wall outside their bedroom. They hadn't a clue what day it is today - so it was lovely to witness their cheery smiles! Unfortunately, J was sick during the night last night, so I've got both boys at home with me today. We've had some fun though, constructing a Star Wars lego world in the middle of a giant train track. So far they've been surprisingly well behaved. Now they're settled on the sofa watching a Christmassy DVD (Max Lucado's Hermie: A Fruitcake Christmas) while I catch up with the online world.

The builders returned today after a two-day snow-induced hiatus, to carry on with the groundworks for our new conservatory. Still hoping it'll be done by Christmas. Watch this space!