week 1-2 school?!

Friday pm after a long and drainy week we had played out in the courtyard and its been just so nice to enjoy Reuben;s cheeky happy funny self! Its been such an emotional week. Three massivly good days at school and two not so happy partings but happy cheerful get together after.Granny has been very helpful this week in the evening she read to Reuben which he loves....Zac has developped a huge interest in books (somtimes reads down upside down...:)) but whats nice is that I get to do things while granny soothes boys to sleepy mode....After a hard week at school a lot of TLC was needed and this happened Sunday am cought in the act was Zac and Reuben......need I say more?!Much to some neighbours dismay we had decided to enjoy a the courtyard....after all one cant always just be out and about....I decided it was so nice weather so off we went...playing with Henry from our neighbourhood....while they played I tided both gardens out and had some fun with boys too!!!What a week we had been through?! Gosh.....if anyone would have said its gona be so hard I would have not believed them. First of all he was amazing at embracing school he was straight in playing....while me and Zac tried to embrace the new routine without Reuben...(and discovered Zac had tonsilitis so R;s first day at school went by with me taking Z to drs). ..

Zac was ill Monday so it was a lot of stress anyway, Tuesday Zac was just not happy with home without Reuben. He kept picking up toys calling out to Reuben then throwing them on the floor again....it was just not my happy boy. Wednesday was really intense....seeig mums and kids crying and trying to still embrace the "what do we do now and how" without my lovley bubble Reuben. Thursday he was anbsolutley against staying at school. I stayed as long as I could then disappeared but I hated to leave him unhappy. Friday was just awful...he was in and happy but I stayed some as I needed to speak to the teacher....when he noticed I was going he cried. I cuddled then explained I had to go. I ran but my heart stayed. Reuben has pushed his little face against the window and just set there. From another window I looked for a while to see what happens. I could see he just stared out in to the courtyard for some time. I finally left and just braced myslef it will be ok....it was both Thursday and Friday I have picked up a very happy boy with the immediate "I am not going school tomorrow" ....Oh dear! I predicted well my son who throws himself at new opportunities.....yet gets overwhelmed at a later date same with his mummy. I am always incredibly touched and anxious seeing how much this boy is like I am....he is surley my son!!!

I had been trying to think this schooling busniess over and over. My observations so far are that 4years of age is way to soon for a child to start school...."as a mother is heartbreaking to have to leave your child somewhere where they vehemently don;t want to be- the school system makes us so powerless and cruel at times..."but unless we can home school we can only pray and hope kids will settle and will take these knocks of life as they should be as little strenghtening and empowering experiences. My thoughts are that although we can not forever hold their hands perhaps we could hold their hands and hearts for a little longer....seems to me there is a terrible rush to school kids here. I mean don;t get me wrong yes they need education and to assimilate as much as they can but how much is too much. Surley 5 days (long days 9-3) is a long time to start for a 4 year old....still nothing taht we can do. This is the time that we can encourage, engage, support, hug, voice our kids emotional and mental health and well being. It is very much our call mums and dads how we handle the little dissapointments and how we show what we go through personally then how we take how our kids go trough.....never need to forget they are looking at us for examples. I told Reuben I did fear school too....I thought my whole world went away but I assured him all his toys were resting while he was a school and they all were ready to greet him when he was back. I said this is gona be an amazing time he will learn to do things that only big boys do, read write and so much more. He will make great life long friendships and he will maybe meet his first ever love!!! (ups). Anyway, hope this week comming will be a better one....as my heart melts and breaks....I am so so excited at how things have been and are and will be! God is good. I am praying he will bless my boys and my family!!! - and all those mummies and kiddies who are having the same journey at the moment.

Schoooollllll hooooorraaaaay!

Hi there! We had our first day at school! I have to admit I wasnt as emotional as I imagined I would be. Reuben helped a lot by being so good during the weekend and I was so chilled. Both boys went down early on the eve of the big day which meant I could sit and try and think of things that I would like to remember about the 4 years before school and my hopes and prayers for school. I will never understand why would people choose home schooling and why would anyone deprive kids of these very precious years, emotional and social skills that going to skill means but not only. I can say I am not a stay at home mum and I would hate trying to keep them at home for any longer than they need to be. In the photo above Reuben was most delighted to walk to school with Georgia....our friend and neighbour.At school gate huge HUG from Livy who is one of our other friends currently started her year 3 in the same school. he also met Nicholas who also is in year 2 at the same school.Delighted to be able to carry on his love of trains even at big school!Here doing some art with Georgia ...making a beach!...oh that brought back some nice memories!As he was helping to clear the art up:))) Mrs Old (nursery teacher) was telling Reuben that she saw him on Saturday in the highstreet. this lady is amazing. She only met Reuben once....she remembered him by name and also me....I was so touched. he loved chatting to her....and already so grown up mirroring similar body language....which I know means he has amazing communication skills. The picture could be interpreted as though she is telling him off but she was just laughing and joking with him....and he loved it...responding and being very polite...

After picking him up from school he told me he had a lot of fun....he also said he must drink water when he is hot and that Ms Webster is one of the lovliest teachers....(she is not actually his teacher) his teacher is Mrs. Salsburry...and that his new friends Sam, Felix, Noah, Georgia....and the list went on ...must all come to our house soon!!! OK then note taken! He has spent the hour after school at home loving and cuddling his brother who has tonsilitis and wtaching some Tv while eating like a horse. 5pm we went swimming and then home dinner and sleep...was rather nice. Lets all fall into bed now....as we are all tired. NIte nite!

my bedtime routine?!:))))

OK had to share this tooo!!! Yap this is sometimes part of the evening routine as is reading a story or just turning light off while they still want to just carry on.......not really I hope you realise this was an evening when they still had a bit of energy to burn and I was too lazy to stop the party:)))

busy busy busy week

Hi! We had a manic week! Enjoyed it all...now trying to wind down for the Bank Holiday Weekend and see if we can all get ready for the last week of holiday before school starts. The above photo was taken on Wednesday when we visited Port Lympne (must have been there about 10 times now) and last minute we decided to detour and spend evening on the beach eating fish and chips and enjoying the sea.

Yap...the sea is irresistable so although twice there this week Reuben each time had a dip so lucky I packed enough change....although he would have not minded going in as many times as spare clothes allowed....His favourite place Romney Marsh where his beloved steam trains and the museum is.....oh he could easily play there all day!!We visited Dymnchurch and Romney with our friends from church and this is Josh who is also a train lover so Reuben and Josh went on the steam train while mummy chased them by car.....we arrived at the same time...:))) it was so funny. I know which means of transport Reuben would prefer ....and it is not my car which is kitted out with all gadgets including seat heaters and Headupdisplay, DVD system and heaphones.....nope IT IS TRAINS.Where is the fish?! What with this mud?!:))) Remember its been raining for quite a few days.Here all the youth in the sea....Alex, Rebeka, Josh and Sophie!!! And off course Reuben who loved the attention from the grown up boy and girls.Reuben did take a photo of us at Port Lympne....which we do love. Unfortunate only I am to be seen clearly and Zackie....

only one week left + a bank holiday weekend and we are soon starting a new routine for which we are getting ready. I have enjoyed so much having Reuben at home since June that I am gona sure miss him but lets not go there. We have a long holiday planned. Tomorrow we are hoping to see one more time the boys and girls from nursery as a reunion....then maybe pop up to Bluewater as we would like a few things. Then Sunday we are planning a get away out and about if weather allows....pictures will tell. Monday we hope to see Andris and Mimi (from beius) and maybe go leeds Castle.....looking forward to it. Next time I write will be probably much closer to begining school.....for REAL!:)

holiday more happy days

Where have these past few weeks gone? I find some days are just so so quick .....I can see so many changes around me but especially in my boys. Reuben has come such a long long way. He mellowed so much and is a little independent happy boy. I have to say that if left alone in the house he would be completley self sufficient. he makes my coffees and gets very helpful in the kitchen. He can make the drink and sadwiches he needs and wants and really he can get anywhere do anything he things he needs or wants. His speech is amazing....he makes up his own Thomas stories and narrates them really well. Here some photos of Reuben enjoying some of his holiday with his special guests for the next three weeks his aunty Rebeka (my sister) and HIS Alexandra (Rebeka's best friend).The aunty Rebeka that loves him soooo much! She has been here evry year at least twice to help with her PRince Reuben!A special time with his brother Zackie...whom ge gets on surprisingly well with. he loves loves playing together however when it comes to sharing his traintrack he becomes a bit territorial asking Zackie to go away....:( but he now learnt to distract his brother by giving him some of the not very important "for his own play" trains.Ahhhh a lovley time at Leeds Castle one of our favourites.Reuben remains a total entertainer.....here he is being EMINEM:)) Im not afraid!!Practicing his football skills with Alex!:))Ignore mummy in the background Alex gets the kissess....Ahhhhh in the secret garden.....enjoying a cuddle!!Train spotting with daddy. A day in London....picking up granny and meeting causin Anna and aunty Helen.....after which he went to Thanet with daddy to pick up his beloved Spencer the train.

HAPPY 4thy Birthday Reuben

Time has come to celebrate Reuben's 4th birthday! We had planned this and had to change dates as we were away for his birthday on the 17th and July seemed a busy months for everyone. We had decided that Reuben will have a birthday here in Uk that will be a fundraising for the nursery in Beius (my home town) as when we visited we felt it was really not very well equipped toys wise. So we had asked people to donate money rather than bring gifts. We are pleased to announce that the nursery has so far about £250 and we are delighted. Some friends have spoilt Reuben and got him presents too. On the day Reuben was not too excited about presents which surprised me but I think he was really really interested in enjoying the party....and he was so looking forward to it. We had hired the hall and we had access at the garden at our favourite St Peters Church.

To have some of his bestest friends there was a highlight and three cakes were made especially by my friend Chas (Charanjit) and they were delicious. Everyone helped blow out the candles on

R's cake and really I think he was just loving the party.There was something for everyone....food, drinks (only soft drinks and coffee and tea as we were in church premises), bouncy castle, crafts desks and footballs and huge garden to run about in.His best friend Livy was there too! I can hardly believe we have got to the magic 4 was looking forward to this moment.....I have so much to say about my clever, witty, funny, artistic, athletic, forever adventurus son of mine. He is the pain and the balm to my heart and I would never change him at all. I am so proud that he is sucha good big brother, a lovley son....and a real sweetheart. He has many friends (just like me) and he seems so popular at nursery and hope at school too. I hope and pray that God will bless him and he will be a real little trouper and will grow to understand and accept the truth and love of God. I have no other desire for him as thats the bestest treasure I can give him the one that will suistain him and helpo him.

For now we are growing and I am loving it.

ONE MORE STEP ALONG THE ROAD I GO

Here we go! THE END of a 3 years road....loads of experiences learnt, cried, laughed and stressed....! The day has come for PRIZE GIVING at Kloisters where Reuben has been attending since May 2008. He has been doing amazingly. I remember the awful screams and cries when I used to live him there and then the happy face when I went to pick him up. He was and is such a cheecky monkey who loves loves to act dramatically only to throw himself into every possible adventure there is. I had been given his LEARNING STORY books and wow....how amazing to look back and see just how much things have changed. ....but how much I have forgotten.....

I must give him credit he has put up with a lot my lovley boy....he was sometimes 5 long days at nursery 9-5pm 5 days a week....and the least he has attended would be the avarage of three days. He has made so many friends there and so did we. I am thankful to some of the staff for being Reuben;s guardian angels and often being the mum I could not be. The young girls seemed to all love Reuben and I saw tears in their eyes as they were singing their leaving songs. It is hard for staff and kids as some of them have been there every day for the past 3 years.... but its hard for us parents too. I guess no one chooses to put kids in nursery willingly (well I did) and unless they make sure its a good alternative to being stuck at home with a neurotic mum. I FIRMLY BELIVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF NURSERIES, SCHOOLS and I BELIEVE NO MUM CAN MAKE UP FOR THESE.

Reuben has aquired amazing social skills, good manners, eating habits and fantastic listening skills at nursery among many other qualities. He also has had to cope with being bitten, hit, scratched and such but I am glad he did and we were able to cope with these as and when they happened....

He was very overwhelmed and very tearful. We were and are always proud of him as he is indeed just so so lovley boy....

He was awarded a CERTIFICATE in Physical Education and CREATIVE PLAY (oh we do know about this) and a lovley little book. He was very happy to pose with all his friends. In total 60 children left Kloisters and are ready for schoo.

On a personal note, I am very glad to leave Kloisters.....and head into a new direction....I hope that I will manage my own tears as my son "takes yet another venture on"...prayers and preparation have intensivley started...I am very anxious with regards to school, routine....schedules....and such. Lets hope it will all work out....for now here we are saying BYE BYE KLOISTERS a huge part of our lives....

Spot my gorgeous son in white T shirt...happy as always. Behind him with long hair one of my favourite aunties Sophie, then Rachel, Aunty Mal the room leader and Reuben's Key Worker Sian (Mal's daughter). As for the kids....(I do know the names) but won;t bore you with them....