New Year Reflections

So as the calendar rolls over to another new year it's my annual time for reflection. Some of our family and friends have had many bumps in the 2015 road but have battled through and are more than ready to say goodbye to 2015 and head onto Highway 2016. Others have found the year to be a healing one, or a prosperous one.

The New Year's Eve Interview 2015

We started a tradition when C was 3 of asking him a series of questions on New Year's Eve.  The first 3 years I wrote down his answers and have them safely stored in the memory box for the relevant year.  This year we decided to do things a little differently and went with a video version.  Such a little ham!

Monthly Menu - December 2015

As December rolls around our eating habits tend to be all over the place.  Christmas parties, late night shopping, wrapping and decorating that takes longer than expected....all add to the stress of trying to keep the family well fed.  I find my menu really comes into its own in December - I can put meal planning on auto-pilot and worry about all the other things there are to do.

North Pole Breakfast 2015

We started the Elf on the Shelf activities a couple of years ago and, this year, while looking on Pinterest for EotS inspiration I came across the concept of a North Pole Breakfast to kick of the Elf season and knew I needed to add that to our plan.

Things I Have Liked/Loved This Month - November

So in a valiant effort to get this my blogging into some kind of regular schedule, I've decided to join a few linkys.  One of the favourites so far is the "Things I have liked/loved this month" linky hosted by A Cornish Mum.  Each month, as the month draws to a close, I'll pick a few favourite highlights to share - a good reminder of the successes, when it's easy to get bogged down by the failures or challenges.  As November is also Thanksgiving month, and we're a dual nationality family, this seems like the perfect month to join in.  I didn't quite make it to ten this month as I hadn't been keeping note of some of the "little things" - but I will for future months.

Protective Mother with a Heavy Heart

So, once again, we wake up to news of atrocities committed by bullies and cowards hiding behind a veil of a religion that is, at its heart, peaceful and tolerant,  These are young boys and girls, most in their 20s, who have been totally brainwashed into thinking their place in eternity can be secured best by blowing themselves up and taking as many innocent people with them as possible....RIP Paris

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Back to School we go!

So the Summer hols have come to an end.....back to school tomorrow for the beginning of a whole new adventure in Year 1. A bit more "real" schoolwork looms ahead this year....I'm looking forward to that! smile emoticon There'll be spelling, and sentences and a little more homework. I get to be a school run Mum for the next two days so am looking forward to hearing all about what's different and what's the same as Reception.