Christmas Recap So Far

1) I loved James's nativity. They all looked so small.

2) Matthews Church Service got rave reviews from most parents at the school saying how lovely it all was. I don't know if they were being polite or if they went to a different service to me. I went because of Matthew but to be honest, it was a long slow hour that I would have been happier being at home for. Matthew didn't enjoy it either.

3) Liams little service was the best of the three. The kids went into the school hall and did all their singing and dancing on the stage. They were so CUTE. Mrs Farmer his teacher gave every child the oppertunity to announce a song or recite some song words as she pointed the microphone towards their little faces. When it came to Liam, he wasn't having any of the pointed microphone business. He grabbed it with both hands and jumped up and down with excitement shouting "Snowman, Snowman". I have a future star in the making!

4) We've started the present exchanging with some family and my best friend. We buy for each others kids and that's it. We only started last year as we've only known each other a couple of years but I felt bad that she buys for 3 of mine and I only buy two of hers so I sneaked in a little box of chocolates for her. On Friday I collected my presents (I did it in a drop before collecting Liam from nursery - this is to keep the Father Christmas illusion very much alive. I'm sure I got suspicious seeing bags and packages handed between parents - then collected ours on the way back after drop off yesterday)  Whilst collecting our presents, she told me off for adding that extra present. She then started laughing saying that she'd hidden something in there for me as well. Great minds think alike!

5) Hair and brows done. Feeling ready for Christmas now. Big night out tonight.

6) I've rearranged that appointment for James. (See the last Bitching post)  It's now January 20th and the only issue is I need someone to pick Liam up from nursery but I'm sure I can get that covered. Part of the problem is that the school is trying TOO hard. It's been very public in the press that our county of Suffolk (County = tiny State) is falling behind in the education leagues by rather alot. We are in one of the lowest success stories of the country. So there are more pressures on the Educational System. More pressure on the head teachers and more pressure on the teachers. It's a headache for everyone. Whilst I do understand they are trying to help and reach targets, it's annoying that everything has to be just so and kids are treated as statistics on how well a county is doing. Kids are being treated as numbers and so are the parents.

7) Kids all had school Christmas dinner this week. Matthew was put out because he didn't get a sausage to go with his turkey whilst Liam got a double helping!

8) The weekend at Butlins was lovely. It's been many years since I was photographed with Father Christmas but hey....it's Christmas.

9) We are all ready for Christmas. I can't wait. The kids are all set for Christmas and getting all excited. Liam last night saw some presents that are to be dropped off at my mums today and the little magical look on his face had me all choked up as he said "Father Christmas takes those" He was in real awe and it all seemed so special. I am really relishing these days. They are going to be so grown up before I know it.

10) Speaking of which, three weeks today, Matthew will turn TEN.  Where has that decade of my life gone?

I hope to get one more post in on Monday or Tuesday to wish everyone a happy Christmas and update on the Christmas grown ups night out. x