Merry Christmas!!

Have a fantastic day!  Here we all are (or the children at least!) in the pub this morning!!

Autumn Term Report Card - December 2016 (Year 3)

Got a short but sweet report card for Jamie; detailing his current level of attainment and progress.

Reading: Exceeding. (Above expected standards) Your child has made Good Progress.   To help improve he needs to be able to identify the different ways in which a character in a story is presented (eg different people's views about them).

Writing: Secure. (In line with expected standards) Your child has made Good Progress.   To help improve he needs to use a range of subordinating conjunctions to join sentences together eg when, because, although.

Maths: Secure. (In line with expected standards) Your child has made Good Progress.   To help improve he needs to secure his use of multiplication strategy (1 digit x 2 digits).

 We did opt to go to parents evening but didn't learn anything more....

Jamie's Christmas Star

Seeing Santa at Sundown 2016

The annual pilgrimage to www.sundownadventureland.co.uk/themepark/ .  Once again, it was a wonderful day; except perhaps when Seth made a dash for it.....

Children's Christmas Party 2016

This year we had the party before Christmas and back at our usual (bigger)Hall.  We decided to ask more of Jamie's school friends.  The main reason being that they had put up the price for the hall.  It didn't seem to alter the dynamics though.  (I think in total, we had 33 Adults and 28 Children). The children all still had a fantastic time.  Kerry and I went on a shopping trip before, and I put together a pass the parcel with lots of treats inside.  I could not do enough wrappers for everyone to open one, but I gave out lots of goodies to those who were not lucky enough.  My son had a bit of a strop because he had not opened one, but he has to learn......

One of Kerry's friends brought a 'Pin The Nose on Rudolph' game which went down very well (Jamie won a Christmas mug), and we provided a colouring table as usual, but the children pretty much stayed on the bouncy castle.  We were very luck with the bouncy castle this year.  www.bendysbouncers.com/ rang us up the night before and offered us a castle that they usually charge £110 for, for £75.  This pushed the budget a little bit further, but I was happy to pay that extra amount. (We did in fact make all our money back except £20 which me and Kerry were happy to share!)

I did ask for suggestions on how it could have been improved and the only comment made was; 'Don't have it on the same day as a Lincoln home game,' as this gave Daddy and Uncle Dean an excuse to miss it!  

Not sure we will do it again next year.....but I think I say that every year.  Its just nice organising a party where everyone can meet up over Christmas.  I certainly love going round and chatting (and taking photographs) of everyone!  I know I get stressed beforehand, but I do feel it is worth it!!

Christmas Jumper / Funny Hair Day

Today was the annual Christmas Jumper / Funny Hair Day, where the friends of the school ask for an item for the class Christmas Hamper, which can then be raffled off to raise money.  Here is Jamie with his red hair....

'Drenched'

There is no Christmas production this year for KS2!  Parents are not happy at all.  The reason we were given was something to do with the hall being used so much there is no time for rehearsals!  I am doubly disappointed as I missed last years and was looking forward to seeing Jamie.

Today however, years 3 and 4 invited in their parents to show what they have been learning as part of this terms 'drenched' topic.

Jamie did a 'Hornpipe' dance on the stage.....

We also got chance to see their work books and some of their paintings from the topic.

HykehamChristmas Celebration

Wandered down to the Village Green last night to see this years Hykeham Christmas Celebration, which included lots of stalls, festive food, a tombola and entertainment with carols sung by Jamie's school choir (with two other school choirs).  The weather was mild by comparison to previous years and so we didn't mind standing around watching them perform.  Some of the children also did some readings.

Jamie wanted to see Santa and, at £1.50 it was a bargain!  He told Santa he wanted an X Box for Christmas, but I am not sure that Santa quite knew what an X Box was!!

One Year Since Operation Number One

Last weekend it was a year since my first spinal surgery.  Not sure that I feel wonderful as yet, but I certainly feel a million times better than I did before the surgery.  I know what I need to do.  I need to shift some of the weight that has crept around my belly while I have been immobile. I also need to move a lot more!!

However, I am pleased to say that this year I have been able to raise £153.59 for the charity Aspire via: www.aspirechannelswim.co.uk  Aspire is a national charity that provides practical help to people who have been paralysed by Spinal Cord Injury.  I think how lucky I am that I don't need a wheelchair and I know how much worse it could have been.  I might not have completed all the lengths that the swim dictated, but the money was still raised.  And at least I have started back swimming, and walking, and am slowly getting fitter.

Still time to donate at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-borrill-2016-channel-swim   Many Thanks to all that sponsored me!!  Xx

Christmas Pottery

Spent a lovely afternoon with Will and Lucy at The Little Pottery Studio (see: www.thelittlepotterystudio.com/) Jamie painted a Santa in lots of colours.  "He is in his Pyjamas" said Jamie when I questioned him....

First Panto!

We had always decided against a Pantomime due to Jamie having a bit of a phobia about 'dress up people' and of course we didn't go last year due to mummy's back.  So, this year we were determined to go and see one.

Luckily, Jamie's Beaver group; along with the Scouts, decided to organise a trip, and they were happy for another helper....

We went to see Beauty and the Beast at The Lincoln Drill Hall  www.lincolndrillhall.com/  and cannot recommend it enough.  It was brilliant for both children and adults!!

Dame Dusty Doorknockers and Percy Peapod were constantly on the go; and both very, very funny.  It is no wonder they didn't come out for photographs at the end!

Highly recommended.

Baby's First Christmas - 7 Years on....

Sadly we lost Auntie Marie this year; who was my dad's sister.  I was glad that, as I was not working, me and Jamie were able to pop in and see her, and take her birthday card, and so we did get to see her before she died. 

 

When Jamie and Noah were both born in 2009, Auntie Marie bought them both the same teddy for Christmas.  Jamie still has his as you can see..... 

Teddies......

Still collecting and loving......

We made these.....

Can you guess which one is mine and which is Jamie's?

Took a workshop run by Fairy Nook Forest (see: www.fairynookforest.co.uk).  Jamie loved all the fake snow and glitter, and for some reason felt he had to sprinkle it everywhere!! 

As we said last time; http://grumpymumtobe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/08/fairy-garden-workshop.html   the workshop was well worth the money and we even got a bottle of fairy dust to take home with us! 

Fantastic afternoon, and making us feel all Christmassy.

Blog Baby 47

So happy to share the safe arrival of Hannah Eliza Diggins, born 30th November, 7.45pm, weighing 7lb 13.5oz, to Jamie's favourite teacher and one of my favourite (old) work colleagues.

Here she is with Talitha; her big sister.

Blog Baby 46

Welcome to the world! 👶  Darcey Rose Tallentire
Born late on 27th November weighing in at 8'7. 

Arthur's Skating Party

 

Jamie's friend Arthur had a roller skating party for his 8th birthday.  His mum did a fab pizza and hot dog party at the house, then took him and his mates across the road to North Kesteven Sports Centre for an evening of skating with http://sk8s.biz/.  I volunteered to help out!  It has been a few years since mummy went skating so I decided not to put on the skates.  It was very hard walking round with Jamie as he kept falling over, and I worried about my back.  However, he got better as the night went on.  Hope to go again very soon (with or without Jamie!).



The Tree is Up!!

I know, I know, several elves / reindeers / robins will die because I put my tree up before December, but I didn't really get to have a Christmas last year; what with two operations (not to mention the fact I was in agony from October til January) so I decided to put it up this week. Hope you like it!!



Children In Need 2016

Shortest Job Ever?

I made 6 days in total as a Midday Supervisory Assistant.  But after being spoken to by one of the teachers; as if I was one of his Year 6 pupils, I decided not to go back.

I did send an email after the incident explaining what had happened, and I also asked a mummy who husband is a school governor what I should do if I felt there were 'Safeguarding' issues.  This obviously caused concern and meant the Headmistress almost immediately wanted to have a meeting to discuss the issues.  I didn't feel up to returning to work or attending a meeting, but I did send a polite letter outlining what I experienced in my week as MSA and my concerns; including training issues, supervision, MSA responsibilities, First Aid, and mobile phone use.

I am trying not to make a big deal out of it (honestly), but obviously there are other parents who love a bit of gossip and tried to make a big deal of it.  I just want to pretend it never happened; although I am glad I sent the letter and do feel that the Headmistress has taken my concerns on board.

I just hope this won't hinder any future job prospects!!

Mummy is your new Dinner Lady!!

After a number of different interviews for various jobs, I decided to apply to be a Midday Supervisory Assistant at Jamie's school.  The interview was with the Headmistress and the Administration Assistant.

The questions were a series of scenarios with regards to what could happen during a dinner hour and what my response should be. i.e. a child hits a their head at lunc, what do you do?  What would you do if a parent approached you in Asda about a situation at school (I also got asked this at another interview within a school), what would you do if a child came to school with mouldy sandwiches (this was a safeguarding question).

The interview went very well and I started on the day back after Half Term.  The first few days I was shadowing one of the TA's who also works as a MSA.  My class will be a Year 6 class.  The first half of lunch is looking after a classroom full of students while they eat their lunch.  The second half of lunch; after cleaning up the classroom, is to go with the class onto the playground with the rest of KS2 and Jamie and his pals.

Trick or Treat?

Had a fantastic Trick or Treat evening after spending the day watching Jonathan Creek in our PJs; as Jamie had a training day from school.

I picked up my god daughter; Ella and her brother Elliot, and took the three monsters; first to Ella and Elliot's Granma and Grandad, then to Jamie's Nana and a few houses on her street, then onto Jamie's friend Charlie; where the estate was crazy with trick or treaters!!  Then we ended up at Will and Lucy's house for a rest and a few more treats, and finally went back to Ella and Elliot's house to trick their mum who had just returned from work! 

Phew!  Mummy definitely deserves some of those treats!!

This Years Pumpkins

Jamies Piano

Another bill for piano this week (£10.50 a lesson), but it was accompanied by the following comment:
 

Jamie is progressing very well. I have seen a marked improvement in his note recognition skills.  I definitely think the music app is helping him too.   As next term is the lead up to Christmas I would like to recommend a Christmas song book.

 

The book came this morning; Daddy has played some of the tunes, but not Jamie as yet.......

Doddington Hall Witch Trials

As we had enjoyed Doddington Hall's Halloween evening a couple of years ago; when we went with Auntie Chrissie and cousin Lucy, we decided to get tickets to see the Doddington Hall Witch Trials.  It was different to say the least.....

This is what The Lincolnite had to say:
The Witch Trials have attracted hundreds of people who enjoy an eerie guided walk around the Doddington Hall gardens.  The production saw actors and actresses gather witches before sending them to trial in an immersive theatre experience.  Lincoln College Production Arts students working on the project designed and built sets, lighting, costumes and special effects to create a unique Halloween attraction with tickets selling out before the launch night.

We did enjoy it.....(you know there is a but coming) But I found all the walking around the gardens very tiring and painful, I was also sad that they did not use the UV lights as they had done two years ago, and the tickets were a bit pricey..... 

School of Rock

Jamie attended a 'School of Rock' workshop on Friday run by the Lincoln New Youth Theatre.  The main reason being that Daddy's original piano teacher is now part of the teaching staff.  Unfortunately he wasn't there on the day.  

 

The advert promised Enjoy a fun-filled day learning and developing new dance & theatre skills, but I was disappointed that there was no 'show' at the end as there had been with the previous workshop Jamie did (run by a different group).  In fact, when I picked him up they were playing a 'singing' game, but I would not say it was exactly a theatre production!!

 

Initially I hated leaving him as he was sat all on his own.  He did see a year 4 girl from his school who he sat with to begin with, but she left him when some of her other friends arrived.  I waited til they started playing the first game (a bit of an introduction game) and then sneaked out, but was worried about him all day.  As usual, I need not have worried, as when I arrived he seemed to be in the thick of it - although he wasn't exactly 'dancing'.

 

When I asked if Jamie preferred this one or the previous one, he said he preferred the  other one.  Sorry New Youth Theatre.

Halloween Disco

This year Fun Farm advertised a Halloween Disco so a few of us mummy's decided to get tickets and take along our monsters. I volunteered to have two more monsters for tea and then take then all together!

 Jamie, Alfie and Miaya had a fab time at ours. I even bought a graveyard cake for tea!  We all got dressed together and put on make up and put neon streaks in our hair!

Once we got to Fun Farm there were lots of their friends from school there and it was a fantastic night.

First 'Proper' Sleepover

Last night Jamie had what I call his first 'proper' sleepover - his first that was not at a member of the family...

He stayed at his best mates Alfie's house:

(Photo courtesy of Alfie's mum)

Brick Lincs 2016

It was where all my back problems started last year, so we headed to Brick Lincs 2016 with trepidation....

This year it was held in the gym and the sports hall so there was loads more room for more Lego!!   Ella, Elliot and Jamie loved it and so did Daddy!! 

There were a few meltdowns by all the children - usually related to not being allowed to buy more Lego, but there were also a lot of smiles, and a very nice man told me where I could find a Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar, which we missed out on last year!

Parental Consultation

Went along to meet Jamie's new class teacher and see how he is doing so far this year.  She showed us his writing and his maths books.  His handwriting still needs a bit of work but his story writing is super.  She was very pleased with both his reading and his writing.  Jamie is now a 'free reader' at school and he certainly reads a lot at home; books as well as his weekly Beano!

Maths is a little bit of a different story but not terrible, and there were no problems with regards to behaviour.  In fact she said he was a very conscientious student who worked very hard in class!

I asked about homework - as we have been less than consistent with completing it - and she highlighted the need for him to do the Maths at least.

Must try harder mummy and daddy....

Lincoln Castle Return Visit

What is good about Lincoln Castle www.lincolncastle.com/ (amongst other things) is that you can go back for free within 6 months of your first visit.  As it was coming up to our 6 months we decided to get our monies worth.

Once again the children loved dressing up and the interactive displays that the Castle now has. 

Jamie is writing 'Children should be seen and not heard'.

 

 Makes me proud to be a YellowBelly!!

Harvest Festival

As I am not working (still) today I volunteered to be a 'Parent Helper' for the Year 3/4 Harvest Festival.  This meant walking from the school to the church; which should take about 10 minutes, but took a whole lot longer herding the 6 that I was responsible for.  My 6 included Jamie and Alfie, Arthur and Sam and 2 of the girls.

This meant the sweat was pouring off me my the time we reached the church.  This was only made worse by the fact I ended up carrying 5 coats as well as my own. Luckily I managed to get a chair next to Jamie and Alfie.

All was fine until a girl asked me if she could go to the toilet, but I was able to ask one of the teachers who luckily took her.

But the service (and singing) was lovely, and Revd Peter told a funny story about the conkers falling off the trees onto peoples cars; which he found very amusing!!

Jamie and the Two Nanna's

Another Present From Uncle Paul

Really not sure why he decided it would be a good present for Jamie.  Its definitely a boy thing as all mummy can see is the slimy mess....

Making Bug Box Hotels

Jamie and his mate Charlie met up at Hartsholme Park https://www.lincoln.gov.uk/visitor-and-leisure/parks-and-open-spaces/hartsholme-country-park/ to attempt to make a bug box each, eat lots of ice cream and generally have a fantastic time - as did the mummies.  And what a lovely day for it.  Shame there aren't many days left of the holidays....

Bank Holiday Pool Time

Night Fishing

Daddy and Paul (the girls' dad) have been saying for ages that they are going to take the boys camping.  As it was bank holiday weekend, it seemed a perfect opportunity.  Me and Kerry and the girls stayed at home and watched Super 8 which I really liked.

Daddy came home and said that he didn't really enjoy it as it was uncomfortable and cold, and he isn't really a fan of night fishing as Paul is, but I think both the boys both loved it.  They certainly look cosy....

Super Dads!!

Judo Jamie

Jamie's best friend Alfie's mum is a Judo instructor and over the holidays she has been running a course for children one night a week over 4 weeks. Jamie has loved it.

Visit to Woodside Wildlife Park

Woodside Wildlife Park www.woodsidewildlife.com/ is not that far away from us and always a great day out.  Today we had the sun on our side, as well as the son of a friend who promised to feed Jamie and his two cousins to the Tigers if they misbehaved!!

And mummy was really happy as she got to see the baby otter.......

Whisby Sand Pit

Today I had tried to organise a trip to Belton House with a few of the school mummies but, as the weather had been so bad over the weekend, we decided to cancel it.  Instead Jamie and his best pal Alfie met at Whisby Garden Centre Animal Park, which has a fantastic play area and a large sand pit.  Unfortunately I didn't take a change of clothes and Jamie decided he was going to play with the water.....But we did have ice cream!!

Lantern Making Workshop

Today I suggested it might be a good idea to take Jamie and cousin Noah to a Lantern making workshop at Hartsholme Country Park www.lincoln.gov.uk/visitor-and-leisure/events/hartsholme-country-park-events/.  It was chaotic to say the least. 

It was a very good workshop but I am not sure they should have given 7 year olds secateurs' to cut the willow with.....

  The finished item.  All you need now is a candle (WTF):

 

Cleethorpes

I don't think I have ever been to Cleethorpes before; and if I have, I cannot remember it.  But Daddy remembered going on the train and so we decided to have a drive out.  Next time we will definitely go on the train as the parking on the sea front was a bit chaotic, and daddy lost his temper a couple of times....luckily mummy found a nice spot.



The beach was lovely and the sun shone.  We had a wander up to the amusements, and had chips and donuts - well, you can't not, can you?

We still love out teddies....

Took Jamie and his friend Charlie to Hartsholme Park this week.  Both of them wanted to bring along a friend......