Friday randoms














The time has been flying. We've just got two days of school left and soon we'll be on our way to Cornwall. I am so so exited!

Anyway, the last week been busy.

Last week, we had our annual PTA school summer party, which is held on a Friday evening. It is a major fundraising event for us. We have bouncy castles, some games, a DJ, a bar, the K-Factor (which is a mini X-Factor for upper school talents), homebaking and food stalls. The preparations begin weeks earlier with shopping lists, calls for helpers and  selection of entertainment. The teachers are organising the selection of K-Factor finalists for each year. The event went well, the weather was good enough for a great turnout and there were no incidents to report. Much money was raised once more and will soon find its way back into the school in the shape of new resources and PTA sponsored events.

I spent the weekend sewing my summer wardrobe, neglecting everything else that needed doing. More on this later. I also managed to go along to knit night with my German friends. This was fun but no knitting was done.

At work, I have been busy with putting together a four part introductory lecture for our new MSc programme. Although my background lies in the wider context of this MSc, a tremendous amount of research has gone into this lecture. My plan is to complete this presentation before the holidays, including the script for the recording. It is a fun process but I do tend to get side tracked easily with all the exiting new stuff I am learning and I have been far from efficient.

At home, things are just fine. We don't seem to have the end of term stress so many of you experience. We have no galas, shows or competitions to attend and the most onerous event was the school assembly today. I tend to avoid the assemblies but James mentioned that he was going to get a medal for his participation in the athletics team and he was nervous, asking what he'd have to do when his name was called. So we went along for reassurance. Richard and I made sure he knew where we were sitting by waving madly as his class walked in to take their seats. You should have seen his wee face when his team walked up to the front to receive their medals. It was pure joy to see him. James also got a medal for his role in the sports committee - he had never mentioned a sports committee and doesn't think he is on it. The assembly was less tedious than previous ones, the acting head is clearly not nearly as keen on self promotion as the currently absent head teacher.

This summer, Sam is not coming on holidays with us. We have been having chats with him regarding his comportment during our absence. We discussed food budgets, things that need done (bins, laundry etc), acceptable behaviour and more. I am a bit nervous about leaving him behind but he is starting a four week internship on the 3rd of July and will not be hanging about the house all the time when we are not here. Sam is working on his menu plan (steak every day, apparently he needs at least 150 g of protein daily) and has asked where the fire extinguisher is. He also wants to join the local gym as the school gym will be closed. Today, Sam and I went on a long dog walk and talked about all the above and more. I'll miss having him around during our holidays but it is good to get used to the hole in the fabric of the family in small instalments.

Have you got any plans for the weekend? I am going to hem a dress and maybe do some housework. Exiting, eh? Have a great weekend. x






Comments

  1. That made me laugh, Sam asking about the fire extinguisher. I do hope everything works out alright for him and you. Tomorrow my son's girlfriend is here for the day 17 & 16 yrs respectively. I need to do a few cleaning and laundry type jobs but hope to do some crochet or reading. Need to plan a Sunday school session also. Stupidly I've agreed to do a prayer with the kids with actions - very short thankfully, with the whole church. Never used to microphone or stood at the front before, except at kids parties leading games and reading the minutes twice at the WI meeting. All the best Cx

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  2. The fire extinguisher comment made me laugh too. My eldest and middle one are off doing things at the moment, so it will just be the smallest and the puppy tomorrow. I do not imagine it will be calm or quiet. There's pizza for tea tomorrow as a treat (his favourite) and then cricket on Sunday for the biggest boy. Otherwise I shall be housebound with the puppy I think. Hope you have a lovely weekend and a good time in Cornwall. CJ xx

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  3. Preparing for Cornwall sounds exciting to me, including Sam's housesitting/internship! My car is in for maintenance this afternoon, worship art group is tomorrow afternoon, and church on Sunday is all I have formally planned, but I am trying to figure out a new crochet row on my shawl and finalize the plan for my embroidery piece. Happy weekend to you and yours! xx

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  4. Let's hope Sam doesn't have any need to use the fire extinguisher! Sure he'll be just fine but what a big change! I'm doing a bit of work in my garden and possibly visiting a market on Sunday... nothing major planned which is great after a really busy weekend last week.

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  5. Have a good time on vacation and hopefully Sam will take good care of your home.

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  6. Have a great vacation and I look forward to seeing travel photos when you return. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  7. Have a great break away, changing times with Sam not coming with you. No real plans apart from church on Sunday. We were going to Ness gala day Saturday but the near gale force winds may cancel the event.

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  8. I can't wait to hear all about Cornwall, we've been six times in the last eight years but we're having a break from it this year so I'll enjoy hearing all about your holiday. I thought we'd be having our first holiday as a couple this year since before the kids were born but Eleanor's happy to come with us again, I do think this will be the last year that she does though. I do hope that Sam looks after things well in your absence and that you all have a great holiday.

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  9. So many gorgeous flowers. :) We've done absolutely nothing today. Sure is different now that boy my boys are away at college. Normally I would go to the States during the summer, but not this year. Enjoy your trip.

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  10. That is a big deal for Sam to stay home. I remember the first time I left Mr. 20 home, he was ill and could not attend a wedding with us. Not ill enough that I worried about him, just not able to fly. I turned off my phone for the sedding and checked it half way thought the reception, he had called me 57 time in that time. Apparently our house was hit by lightening and the alarm that we never set was going off for hours. He was furious with me that I did not answer him. It makes me laugh, can you imagine the noise for hours! Sam will be fine, it is good for him.

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  11. I can't believe you're breaking up for the holidays already! We have another four weeks to go. It sounds like Sam is a mature young man and I'm sure he'll be fine while you're away - although I'm slightly concerned about why he might need the fire extinguisher?1 x

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  12. It's a big step having Sam stay home alone, but I am sure he'll be fine. You're so good at teaching your children to be independent. I am so, so happy to hear about James' medal. I'm actually a little teary-eyed imagining his face. How lovely for him. I hope you have a good week, Christina.

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  13. Hey Christina,
    My Sam was 17 when we left him home alone for the first time, and he rose to the challenge beautifully. It felt odd not having him with us, but made life easier too. Hearty congrattto James and his medal. Their faces are priceless at these moments. A good weekend here; life is sweet right now.
    Leanne xx

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  14. It is such a big step the first time you go away and leave one of the children at home... Should you be worried about the fire extinguisher? I hope you have a lovely relaxed time away and that Sam has a safe, fire free time at home!

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  15. Love the medal that he's not sure he earnt. Our kids don't come on hols anymore - I quite like it, it's cheaper and more peaceful! X

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  16. I'm sure Sam will be absolutely fine in your absence and I'd take the question about the location of the fire equipment as a good sign (worst that happened when we first left our boy was a big chip in the granite worktop, which had strangely happened all by itself, and bone dry pots in the garden). Enjoy your time in Cornwall and eat lots of cream teas.

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  17. The flower photographs are beautiful, especially the pinky-peach roses. This summer will be the first time for my middle son alone in the house when Emily and I go to Brighton for a few days. He is 18 - and looking forward to the peace from us girls do doubt. Should I be worried that we don't have a fire extinguisher? Enjoy your trip :)

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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