Sweet nothings!

Everybody that knows my daughter knows she can never resist a pudding, ice cream, biscuit, sweet bun, chocolate, marshmallows, cheesecake..... get the drift?

Even these cute buns were better "in my tummy"!!

Our recent trip to Hong Kong proved to be one long dessert quest.

Playdates. Good for mums or the kids?

Playdates after school are a common event but who actually benefits more? Mum or the kids?

Not so long ago play dates meant a chance to catch up with friends over a rare hot drink whilst the children entertained themselves. But more recently we have been roped into playing too. From building Lego sets to a speedy session on the Wii and, most bizarrely of all, "time out" in a homemade sensory room with electric candles are just some of my new playdate experiences. All very relaxing, or maybe not, ..... as I reach for another cup of camomile tea. 

Have a good day!

My baby is off on her own into the big world of school.

First day and she was so excited. All dressed up in her uniform, she looked so grown up yet so small. I was beaming inside and she was beaming all over.

Desperate to get into her classroom, Jo San was all smiles all the way to school. My fears that she would have separation anxiety were totally put to rest. In fact I was very pleased to see that there were no tears at all from any of the children. They all looked like they were excited to see their teachers and the school. A great omen.

After a long summer break, I'm wondering what do I do until midday and soon it will be until 3pm? Enjoying a cup of tea in a quiet house almost seems decadent. Shall I tackle the cleaning, shopping or just relax? Wow is this how my day will be for the foreseeable future? That's a scary thought for someone that needs to be occupied.

Actually the first morning flew by and come 12 o'clock the first thing little Jo San said was "when can i stay for lunch?". She loved her first day, declaring it "a fun day!". Long may this continue.

My First School Shoes

When did buying shoes become such an emotional event?

Yesterday we went to buy Jo San's first pair of School Shoes! At first the store looked packed with children (mainly girls) all waiting, surprisingly patiently, to have their feet measured. We joined the queue expecting a long wait but suddenly a group of 'trained fitters' arrived and took charge of the mums and their children, and soon Jo San was having her feet measured and choosing her shoes.

Her first choice was not available as her feet were too small for that range, but the fitter (Matthew) did a great job offering alternatives and made this the easiest shoe buying experience for Jo San. Oh the battles we had in her earlier years!

Looking at Jo San's face when she put on the shoes she looked so proud and grown up, I had to fight the tears welling up. Not a good look... blubbering mum in a shoe shop!

Wearing her 'Super Star' sticker proudly Jo San showed off her shoes to her friend outside the store...... Even at this age, boys just don't understand the love we girls have for shoes, particularly when its your first school shoes!

"No Pencil Case Required"

20 Days to Jo San's first day at school, and I'm very disappointed to learn that she takes an empty book bag to school.

I was looking forward to letting her choose a new pencil case and all its contents. I remember dearly those days when we would get a new pencil case and proudly show it off in class on the first day back at school. Maybe that's a ritual to be started when she is a little older.

Anyone remember those pencil boxes from Hong Kong with the hidden compartment, in-built sharpeners and an eraser holder that presented itself at a push of a button?

Snooze you lose!

This morning I woke up with the mission to load up the recycling bin with all the cardboard boxes festering around the house before Jo San rises. I should add these boxes are part of my daughter's growing collection of very important things!!

Piled up high by the front door, I thought 'd enjoy a quick cup of tea before I made the trip out to the bins.

Hmmm well this is the result! A marble run I'm reliably told by my four year old!

The moral of the story, make a dash to the bins when you can. Do not procrastinate!

Countdown to school

Last Friday Jo San said goodbye to her pre-school for the last time. Marking the start of her journey to 'big school'.

But there's actually 57 days to go before she starts for real. So who's counting?

Jo San thought bye bye to pre-school meant starting in reception class on Monday but alas there's over 8 weeks of summer holiday fun to be had.

We are only on day 2 and already I'm feeling the pressure of planning meaningful things to do with our time....

But maybe I should just let Jo San take the lead, her gang of toys look like they are enjoying themselves at the theatre today.