The halfway mark
Well that’s it, first half of the year has gone and we are on the countdown to Christmas!! Oh just me then?? Lets check out review 6 of 2019.
Review 6 of 2019
I can only assume that after so much rain this month we are all clear for July and August, yes? As I type, the sun is shining and I am reliably informed from just about every person I have encountered in the last 48 hours that the mercury is set to rise to a very hot 32 degrees this weekend. We will all be moaning by 1pm, I can hear the ‘It’s too hot’ cries already.
This month feels a little calmer, a little slower and I kinda like that! Although it is not until I come to write this round up each month that I realise just how much I have managed to get up to.
Wales
The month began how May ended, In Anglesey. I have talked about that previously though, you can catch up here How lucky are we to live in the UK or Review 5 of 12
It was just the time out we needed. Plus F had THE BEST time with his Grandpa. I really felt so lucky that they have so much fun together, and this picture shows just how much fun they had!
Grease
When one of my friends from work announced she was going to be in a production of Grease, I knew I had to get tickets. It seemed so far away in January but June was soon here. My friend and I had a lovely dinner and catch up before heading off to see the show.
It was so much fun, Leah was brilliant as was the whole thing. It has been a long time since I’ve watched any kind of production and I really feel like I need to do it more often.
Well done to all involved and a great catch up with Celaine.
Father’s Day
I won’t say I was really looking forward to Father’s day this year. I felt it would be another day where Mum’s absence was too obvious.
We decided to spend the day at Dad’s as the weather was not looking like it was going to be the best. I promised Dad Lasagne as well, I have my work cut out for me if I am to be anywhere near as good as my Mum’s famous lasagne but I didn’t do too badly.
A lovely lunch shared, showering Dad with gifts and cards headed out while the sun made a quick appearance.
We took the children to a model railway village. We’ve been visiting since we were children. Rainsbrook model railway opens once a month, usually the 3rd Sunday of the month. It’s well worth a visit and at £1.50 a ride it’s a bargain for all the train loving children.
School trips
This has been the month of epic school trips for F as well.
Three days spent in Cornwall is the stuff of 11 year old dreams, camping, endless beach time, a theatre production at the Minak theatre and a visit to St Michael’s mount, not to mention the aquarium and rock climbing.
He had an absolute blast, I on the other hand was completely lost without him.
Rob and I were looking forward to making the most of not needing a babysitter though and head to the cinema, Not a single film either of us wanted to watch! Typical! But we enjoyed a few days at a slower pace than we are used to.
I was very glad to get my sand covered boy home, he was happy and bronzed and dirty but had had the best adventure.
Just a few days later he went to Weston-Super-Mare with school again, and although just for a day he returned full of stories and sand! Lucky boy.
Toy Story 4
It is not often we have a free day over the weekend. I won’t lie and say that I am not very happy to say we had a free Sunday on the weekend that Toy Story was released.
I’d made a picnic but the weather was a little iffy so we sat indoors on our duvets and watched Toy Story 3. It has been a long time since we all sat in the same room, watching the same film together with nothing else to distract us and it was lovely.
While we were watching it though, the children kept on about Toy Story 4. Little did they know we’d already booked tickets to see the film that afternoon.
So loaded up with our own snacks – Because you can actually take your own in… Who knew?? I have been smuggling sweets in to the cinema like I was carrying some illegal substance for years! – Off we went!
Despite getting the time wrong and having to kill an hour in the cinema, we had a great time. Our local-ish cinema is a showcase and a luxury one at that, reclining leather seats is normally the best way to ensure a great, if not expensive nap! But not this time.
I don’t want to say too much but if you are a fan, You MUST see this film! It was wonderful, all I had wanted or needed it to be. I came away happy but sad that the story was over. Disney Pixar sure know how to deliver every time.
Transition day
I can’t quite believe I am talking about this if I am honest. I am not at all ready for F to start High school, but this week he headed off to his new high school for the day. He was nervous but I was massively playing it cool. My inner Mum was in complete turmoil. All day, all I could think about was what he was doing, if he was safe, worried he’d feel scared and just generally assuming he’d fall in with the wrong crowd in a day and be breaking my poor heart for the next 5 years.
So I was relieved to be greeted with a smile. I was not so pleased to be greeted with this ..
‘Mum, Guess how many people swore at me today?’
*Jaw drops*
’32! 32 people swore at me today Mum’
Great, Great, GREAT! Home schooling it is then hey! (2021 Update!!! I DIDN’T MEAN IT, DON’T BLAME ME!!)
He will be fine, I know that deep down but I am really struggling at the thought of him in high school. I honestly think parents need a transition day. A day where we get to live the life of a teenagers parent, just to see what it is really like. Although, it is probably best not to know what could be coming.
I suppose I just need to hope I have done enough to keep him on the straight and narrow.
Sunshine
The final weekend of June gave us a taste of what was to come and it was lovely. We have spent the whole weekend with family and friends in the sunshine. Celebrating birthdays and generally just catching up.
A little bonus on the hottest day of the year, was watching S play her first piano concert. We haven’t heard her play before as she has lessons in the week with Mum, but wow she blew me away! She was so confident and cool about it all, she really shone and it was lovely to see.
But I can think of no better way of spending a very busy weekend with family and friends.
The wedding
Now I know I said you could all give me a kick up the bum if I hadn’t got my act together this month, but I really don’t want to get a kick….
Ok so the wedding guest list is almost there but that is as far as we have got.. Still!
So there… You can’t kick me, I am finally making progress.
Blog
I have put so much in to my blog this month, blood, sweat and tears. But I think it has been a great month. My views have increased by 50% my followers now sit at over 1000, plus the first gifted item, and I have had some hugely successful posts this month. This being one of the most popular Make a little time for you – Journal Prompts. It has even appeared on my Pinterest feed several times which has NEVER happened to me before!
To say I am over the moon is an understatement. It is hard work balancing full time work, life and the blog but I feel I am really beginning to work a little more productively in all areas so the pressure feels a little less intense.
I am excited to see what July brings, although with the school holidays fast approaching, life is about to get VERY busy! Stick with me though, I’ll still be here.
July is always a busy month, ask anyone who works in a school but the pay off is 6 weeks of fun times ahead.
Hope June has been a great month for you, let me know what you’ve been up to?
Looks like you’ve had a busy time! We’re actually off to see Grease next week in Leeds, can’t wait!
I hope you have an amazing time!
Wow, well done on all your blogging success. I’m sure more great things will come! Can’t wait to hear more about your gifted item. And Christmas! I do keep daydreaming about it, but I mustn’t wish the year away… XX
I’m trying not to but oh how I love Christmas!
Well done. I think it’s shocking the language kids use nowadays but then it’s no surprise when you hear the way some parents swear in front of, or even at, their kids. Think I was born in the wrong era!
Oh I hate it when you hear parents hollering swear words at their children x x
Wow lots of activities going on. Looks like you will be having a great time .
Thank you Anthea x
Can’t believe we are now over half way through the year. Looks like you’ve had a lovely first half of the year. Loving the pics of the summer water fun and the kids covered in foam!
Love the photo of S covered in bubbles with her goggles on. What did you use to get all those bubbles?
It was washing up liquid, they all smelt lovely!
My F is also going to secondary school in September… I think I’m more nervous than him.
Love your soap sud picture 🥰 All the best for the next six months! xx
Thank you. It’s a scary time for us Mums.
The picture was so funny, I missed the one where she had an actual bubble over her eye until she blinked it away x
I am jealous of your 1000 followers, very impressive. We have had a busy June. Working, blogging and writing. More blogging and work.. my 6 year old passed her phonics test, both kids are working harder at school then they do at home.
Sounds like you have had a very busy June.
Thank you Marion, it’s taken a lot to reach that number and it includes all social media but I’m still over the moon with it.
Well done to your daughter, you must be very proud of her x x
I hated this weekend! Too hot. I struggle with anything above 21 tbh so 35 (as it was in London) was just unbearable for me. But sounds like you had a lovely month – my months are all looking pretty similar and pretty rubbish at the moment so I like to live through yours! You really show that the little moments really count <3
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Yeah I was not good on Saturday, it was too hot!
Thank you Jenny, I love rounding up because sometimes it’s easy to get bogged down with how busy life is. I’m constantly on the go, work, kids, blog, life and then supporting my Dad each week and he’s 40 minutes away. I feel like life never stops, but this post always makes me realise that despite that we are having a wonderful time x
Awh it sounds like you’ve had a lovely month! And good luck to F in high school!
Thank you so much, I’m way more nervous than he is!
It’s always a shock when they go up to big school. But they soon get the hang of it, and they suddenly grow so old. My youngest is off to uni in sept, I’ll have empty nest syndrome x
Oh that’s a scary thought, I’m sure they will be missed but you’ll find a way to fill your time x x
I hope so, scary but oh so proud too xx
I’ve actually already started thinking about Christmas and have a few bits put away. This year is going so fast though.
Oh I’m so glad I’m not alone!
Sounds like you’ve had a busy/great month, I really want to see Toy Story 4 at some point. x
It’s very good, I might have to see it again x
Ah what a positive summary, so lovely to read! I think you’re right about the school day for parents to understand them better.
Sounds like a very busy month. My youngest has his transition days next week and luckily my daughter is already there so I’m hoping this will help. Where do the years go?
It’s really scary, I still remember being pregnant like it was yesterday!
I love this update! It seems like you’ve had a busy and fun month!
It’s been wonderful x
Glad you have been having such a fun month! Sounds like Toy Story 4 is well worth it!
Nanny M xx
Oh it’s brilliant Nanny M x
Hehe awesome! Xx
No not xmas yet! Looks like you’ve had a great month, love the bubble pictures haha x
Ok how about in September, is that acceptable Christmas talk time? 💕
Still a little to early for me!! maybe after bonfire night x
How about if I whisper about it in secret?? 😂😂
It sounds like you had a lovely month and I absolutely loved reading this post! I have to say my most favourite part of June was definitely the sunshine and Toy Story 4! x
Thank you Shelby. It’s lovely to see some sunshine x
I can not believe we are already in the second half of the year, it has flown by, I am excited about Christmas planning.
It’s crazy how quickly it’s gone!
It sounds like a fun month. I love Grease so I would totally have enjoyed seeing that, the model railway also looked like great fun.
32 swears is impressive….I think😂 you are not the only one excited by the Christmas countdown by the way!!
Oh thank goodness!! Bring it on x
What a lovely review of your month! You had some wonderful family times together and I’m glad you shared that…I think too often families drift apart because they’re not doing things together. It sounds like F had some great memories as well! He’ll be fine in High School…even if 32 people swore at him!! LOL.
I told him that as long as he doesn’t become one of the 32 swearing at next years intake I’ll be happy x x
This year has gone so quickly hasn’t it?! It does look like a fun month. I ma glad Father’s Day went well, it looks like you had fun with your Dad.
This year is just disappearing! It’s scary!
Wow! It’s July, already! June was an overall good month (not as exciting as yours), but no complaints. Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to see Toy Story 4.
☕️🖤
Enjoy it, it’s so worth a watch x
We loved Toy Story 4 as well! I had no idea you could actually take your own snacks in to the cinema though! Looks like you had a great time with your dad for Father’s Day. What a lovely June x
Oh Sonia, honestly it’s life changing! I take drinks, popcorn, sweets! And I don’t care who sees 😂😂 last time we took sushi, humous and chips! Thank god we were alone in the cinema!
Great recap of the month! I love reflecting, especially on wins!
Oh me too, makes you see how good things really are x
Such a busy month! Lovely review of all the things that you are your family have been doing. The time goes by so fast it is a must to enjoy everyday with our kiddos! We loved Toy Story 4 also. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you 💕
Sounds like you all had an exciting but busy month! I remember my kids’ summer before high school. It’s a big jumble of emotions, excitement, and a little bit of anxiety. But they all finally made it. Have a great July 😊
And you Christy x x
Congratulations! You have been super busy! Well done on increasing your views so much! That’s brilliant!
Thank you so much, it’s been really hard work but I’m so pleased x
Wow it doesn’t seem like long ago I was reading your last monthly round up, I can’t believe it’s halfway through the year! Sounds like such a lovely month, congrats on your first gifted item too! I used to think you couldn’t smuggle sweets into the cinema either haha, those chairs look so comfy as well. I’m even more excited to see Toy Story 4 now!x
I’m so glad I’m not alone in the sweet smuggling, my mum always said you couldn’t take them in…. maybe she was just being tight!
I have no idea where this year is going!
I love this blog post you look like you’ve been so busy!!
Wow you have been so busy! Congratulations on your blog too and all your hard work paying off. I can only dream of stats like that. I’ll work hard and I’m sure I’ll get there in the end!
Thank you so much, it’s a daily slog to maintain though, that’s the big problem x
Love the bouncy castle with foam, am definitely going to do that on our trampoline!
All the kids say it was the best party EVER!
Congratulations on your success with your blog! So amazing to hear about your achievements. And whole my son is much younger, he will be 7 in a few weeks, I cannot believe how fast the time is passing by once you have kids. It seems like he was just born😬😳😂
Life just flashes by when you have children. One minute you’re pregnant and then they are moving out! Just have to make the most of each moment x
I love this. You’ve clearly got a beautiful, happy family and you’re going to look back on the memories in some years and be so glad you recorded it all!
Thank you so much, I think you’re right x
You have been busy. I love grease, I went to see Toy Story 4 and my friend actually ended up jumping during the film which was pretty funny. Congrats on doing so well with your blog you deserve it x
Oh I think I know which part because I did exactly the same!
Oh wow, sounds like you really had a wonderful month. Well this year, June is my favorite so far. So many great things happened to me and my family.
That’s lovely, I hope it continues that way for you x
You guys had a busy first half of the year. Lots of fun!
Oh wow what an amazing month you had. We went to watch Toy Story 4 on Monday, I cried myself stupid!
I’m not sure how I didn’t if I’m honest, I’m such a cryer!
My son has transition day on Friday, he is excited and slightly terrified all at the same time. Angelsey is beautifu lsn;t it
It is so lovely. I hope transition goes well for your son x
Sounds like you’ve had a very busy month and the pictures look great. Here’s to a sunnier July and look forward to hearing more about your wedding 🙂
Thank you Sharon x
An amazing month! Shame you didn’t get to make the most of a babysitter-free cinema date, but Toy Story 4 looked great, the seats look like beds!! And congratulations on your blog success, it’s great to hear!
Thank you! The seats are amazing!
Looks like you had such an amazing month, it’s such a great way to look back and count your blessings. Also congrats on the blog stats, it’s tough balancing work full time and blog and family (doing that and I know) so I’m really glad that it’s paying off xx
Thank you Sakshi, it’s hard work but it’s nice when you see it paying off x
Sounds like you have been super busy. We are also going to see Grease too and can’t wait xx
Oh you’ll love it, enjoy x
It looks like you’ve packed a lot into last month and had a lot of fun too
Its been brilliant, thank you x
It really has been so much fun x x
Sounds like you had a busy month. Challenging me to do more.
Wow, it’s really awesome, congrats