Look what arrived home for me on Tuesday! Ian spotted this in a bike recycling shop and bought it for me, what a star! It's an old Raleigh Cameo 5 gear bike in a gorgeous burgundy colour. In fact I'm sure I used to have a bike just like it when I was a teenager, back in the olden days, as Jack tells me! Now anyone who knows Ian and I know that we have what you may call a tempestuous relationship, ie. we're always arguing about things, probably because we're both incredibly strong willed and opinionated. However we never sulk and our arguments are usually shortlived, normally because Ian makes me laugh when I'm really, really cross and I can't be angry any longer.
When he does things like bring unexpected gifts home because he knows I'd like them, it makes me remember what I saw in him in the first place, (and no Ian, it wasn't the purple fleece that did it for me!) and what keeps us together. He makes me laugh, he makes me b***** cross, sometimes he makes me cry, but above all he cares about me and the children like no-one else.
It's been a really good week this week. Jack has really settled well into school. When he started school he was only just 4 and to me still a baby. It took a long time for him to feel happy there. He isn't what you would call a typical boys' boy, not really sporty or boisterous. He'd rather read or build lego models. His class has a majority of very boisterous boys so Jack couldn't find his place within it, and we had a lot of tears (from both of us). I've always believed in letting your child be what they want to be, so he never did after school activities (apart from needlework) because he didn't want to.
This year it all appears to be changing. He started drama, gardening club, chess and tennis and so far they've all been a success. I can't describe how happy it made me feel when he came out of drama beaming with delight because he'd enjoyed it so much. There really is nothing to beat the feeling inside when you know your child has finally found his place and is happy (for this week anyway). Long may it continue.
Now with a nod to my great blogging pal sophie I'm off for a cup of Yorkshire tea and a piece of victoria sponge. This weekend should prove to be interesting, I'll update you on Monday.
Have a great weekend everyone x
10 comments:
Ooh what a lovely bike - lucky you!
Our kids don't start school until they are at least 5 and some boys are kept back a little longer. I'm glad your little man has found his niche - they break your heart don't they.
How cute is that patchwork dog - I love it!!
Well done to Jack, I'm so glad you've settled in. 4 Just seems so small for them to start school. I remember when my oldest started school she was only 4 and I was so scared for her, but she just took it all in her stride and off she went.
I'm sure when I started school I was 5, they do it all so different now.
Lucky you getting lovely presents, what a cool bike.
hugs
Catherine x
I love your bike! I had a Raleigh Caprice (I think) and it was a similar shape to that - had it for years as I wanted an old bike, the kind of sit up and beg type as my nanna would have called it, but this was a gift from my parents and took me to and from school for many years. And that cake looks so so tempting
Have a good weekend. Glad someone knows where Symonds Yat is!
Claire
What a fab bike!! You must have been thrilled, and it's even nicer that it was a gift isn't it! I ride my bike everywhere, but I can't drive!!
Glad your son has settled in so well this year too-that must be a huge relief to you!
Lastly, I love your white enamel letter! It's just like my green one isn't it!! xx
Thanks for visitng my blog. Your little boy sounds very like my son Barney who's just into his fourth week at school and is only just 4. His teacher had a word with me on Friday - don't think he's finding it that easy either and is digging his heels in about doing things. He too is pretty self-contained and not boisterous at all. Prefers to play in the sand, build and enjoys books. Good to know things do improve.
I love the bike and hope to get one myself when we move. Must look out for a bike re-cycling shop!
Stephx
Glad to hear Jack has found his way. Alexei had a bit of a wobbly moment this term when they started football at school as he says he's rubbish at it and doesn't know anything about it. I think he was overwhelmed by all the boys who are mad about it and wants to fit in. He goes to the chess club and likes building lego models. He's a bit of a geek I think, but geeks are cool! It is heartbreaking when they feel unhappy, isn't it?
And i LOVE that patchwork cushion, so cute!
New to your site and already i am in tears. i am a mother of a not so boisterous boy of 4 who has just started school and although he seems to be doing well, I have worried like you wouldnt believe. Lots of tears. Well done for not pushing him into things he does not want to do. It is so easy to be swayed by what is happening around you.
Oh, lovely bike, lovely cake, and I'm glad Jack has had such a brilliant week! Good on you for letting him find his own way.
What a great bike, it looks very much like the one I had when I was a teenager too! Hope you're going to have lots of fun with it. Glad things are okay at school and Jack is settling in well.
Kim x
I love your bike! What a sweet gift from your hubby!
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