A Full School Year Already

So, there it is, a full school year done already. Beth had a bit of a rocky start. It wasn't until after the Halloween break that she settled in. I suppose she did take to it relatively easy. After being in a creche for three years, the school setting wasn't too much of a change. The uniform, however, was not the prettiest! Gray jumper and black tracksuit for a little princess more used to pink tutus!

Tomorrow marks the end. Eight weeks of holidays to follow. She was feeling a bit emotional today, bedtime was a fraught affair. At least, that might be the reason. She could just have been acting the little diva. 

I could say all the usual things like 'that year has flown' and 'she's getting so grown up', but in truth, I don't feel that way because the year is ending. I feel it has run it has course and I'm ready for the summer holidays (I'm actually nearly ready for school in September, but that's another blog post!). As for Beth being so grown up? Well, every day she surprises me with how mature she is (the diva bit isn't usual). She is so easy to reason with, have the craic with etc. She's more 14 than 4. 

I have a theory that it is mainly to do with her being an only child in a single parent environment. I have to be strict with her. Her personality means that she is constantly trying to rule the roost. From a very young age, even younger than now, I had expected more from her than would be expected of her peers. I'm not sure this is a good thing and worry I'm doing the wrong thing. I suppose every parent worries they are doing the wrong thing at times. Does any parent get it ALL right??

Anyway, she's a happy, bright kid whom I adore. Man, am I lucky!!

Boo!

Summer Holidays

We've had a few unsettled weeks here on the east coast of Ireland. Every second day seems to be nice, but there is no telling how the day will pan out. Not unusual to see people walking around sweating in coats and encumbered by golf umbrellas. I'm hopeful we will have a nice summer though. 

Beth gets her holidays at the end of this month. Then she has two months off before she begins Junior Infants. I'm excited to see her in a little pinafore and out of the tracksuit uniform of the pre-school. We've been spending a good bit of time outside now the weather is a bit warmer. There's an old joke about the way you know it's summer in Ireland... the rain is warmer. We get an awful lot of rain here. Great for the plants but not great for the tan ;-)

She's getting so grown up looking!

Our new activity... Rainbow Looms

Having fun in the garden

Now that Beth is a little older and easier for babysitters, I have started to get out of the house a little more. I joined a drama group. They are hoping to put on a play in October and I may have a part in it. I'm also going to join a martial arts class. My tummy is looking a bit round so I need to get back into shape. Beth went to a martial arts class last night and loved it. It looked a little tough (I'm thinking about me here, she was well able for the exercises) but I hope I can get through the class without keeling over!

I feel like I'll never be finished editing DITC. AR is moving along, albeit very slowly, but at least there is movement. I suppose the next stage for DITC is a professional edit but I just don't have the spare cash for it right now. I'm wondering how I'm going to find time to write/edit when Beth finishes school for the summer!

Anyway, back to the edit!