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.