Last weekend was quite a busy one, but it didn’t quite go to plan. Saturday was a lovely day, we headed through to Troon which is a little seaside town and I met up with my long-time blogging friend from Transatlantic Blonde and her lovely family. Blogging has brought so many wonderful experiences into my life, but the lifelong friendships I’ve made are by far the best thing about blogging and not just for me, the kids love playing with them too. So this was a lovely way to spend a Saturday since last week’s weekly photos. We had some lovely food at the BBQ at Ryan’s Mother in Law’s house. It was great to see them all and I miss them loads now they are back living in the USA. The kids had a ball and it was nice for the girls to recreate a photo of them from when they were much smaller and lots of other fun photos above.
Coming home we watched the football, like many others I’m sure. Well, I did a bit of writing, to be honest. The Sunday we were going to go and visit my Uncle who was up from down south, but it ended up we had to go and get Lucas fitted for new glasses as he snapped them the day before. He’s changed a fair bit facially this year and it looks like they had gotten too small for his face. By the time we got them fitted, ordered and discussed, along with a food shop, time was too short to make it. Aria had gymnastics too. I was sad not to see him but knew we’d arrange something before he went home.
Monday was a busy day at work and then we got the dog. My Mum’s dog to dog sit, while she went on holiday, along with her cats and fish. So, this was going to be an interesting week. You can see the dog in the photo above.
Also on Monday, Lucas moved up to second year. We move up before the summer holidays here, so they can settle in for a few weeks, know their timetable, meet their teachers and get to know the classmates. That way, it hopefully, means an easier summer with less anxiety about starting the school year. For second years at high school, also means they get to go out of school for lunch. Queue lots of junk food lunches until the novelty wears off. Here’s hoping. He had a really good first day and has been very positive about school all week. I am really proud of how he’s handled his first year. It’s a huge learning curve as a parent, so I feel quite relieved to be at the end of this first year. We only have three weeks or so left of the school year.
Tuesday, was our first full day with the day. Day 1 in the Mann household, more than 14 days to go. I was doing school hours as I don’t have the same level of childcare, so the dog got dropped off at Robert’s Mum’s house as she is going to watch it while I’m at work. It’s never been left for that length of time before. Cats seem much easier. Once home, we did homework before picking up Lucas from school. Then we went through the dog’s stuff. OMG, it has more stuff than my kids would have for a fortnight and it even comes with its own set of clothes. I feel a bit like I’ve inherited a Build a Bear. Plus its own set of instructions. I think I am more of a cat person!
Oh, also on Tuesday I had a novel skype meeting with an editorial company who appraised my synopsis and first few chapters. It was really positive, lots of good information and I got to discuss my plans and she had some lovely things to say about my book and writing. Now, to finish the last tiny bit of the re-write I have left. No time has been spare this week, unfortunately, then I’ll see where it goes next.
Wednesday was not a good day I had a real tough meeting at work, was not in the best of moods, I was so angry and worked up I burst into tears. Not good. Anyway, the plan was to come home, get everything done asap and relax with a glass of wine or whisky, it was that bad. Didn’t quite go to plan. Aria wanted her bike out which was fine. The dog is missing my Mum and decided to bolt out the door, run across the road and down the street. There I am chasing after it in heels and a suit dress. The more I ran, the more it ran. I finally realised this and stopped, thankfully so did it and I got it back before it left the street, but still. What a day! You couldn’t make this up. The poor soul is missing my Mum.
Then before I knew it we were on Thursday. Another rubbish day at work where I was still in a foul mood. I let things affect me far too deeply. My Uncle came round in the evening which was lovely. It was a whirlwind when he arrived of us coming home from work, the boys and Robert heading out for football training, me making packed lunches, etc and tidying up before sitting down to chat. He is my Dad’s little brother and looks a lot like him. We had a good chat about what he’s been up to and how his photography is going. He is a fantastic photographer. It was just nice to sit, chat and reminisce about Dad. I still miss him every single day. It has been 16 years since I lost him and it has never gotten easier.
Now we are Friday and I’ve not been on social media really since Wednesday. I’ve avoided when I’ve not been in the best frame of mind, it’s easier that way. One thing that made me laugh was Tyler’s overreaction to the dog having a rainbow chrome comb. He loves rainbow crome and even has his beloved scooter in this colour. He was like “What? This is the dog’s comb? This dog has far too many good things. I’m a human and I don’t have a comb like this.” It was pretty funny. I did school hours at work, we had a pizza lunch for a colleague’s big birthday and Robert got a promotion which was good and well deserved for him. I’m so proud of him and really happy for him too. He’s worked hard.
And there we have it, the weekend is upon us in a flash. Filled with football festivals, the dog settling in, new glasses, family time and hopefully some writing. What are you up to?
Raisie Bay
the dog looks so cute, how long is it staying with you for? Sorry to hear you had a crap day on Wednesday, lovely photos of the kids and always great to catch up with friends
Too long. Thank you. It was lovely to catch up xx
Wow, what a busy week you’ve had! I never knew that children in Scotland moved up to the second year in school before the end of the school year. None of my kids’ schools let them out in lunchtime until year 12 (aged 16-17). I hope the dog calms down and you feel better about work soon. Congratulations to Robert on his promotion!
Always busy. Yeah, it’s a good idea I think. Primary do it too for them to meet their teacher. Really, we were allowed our from first year. Thank you lovely x
Sorry to hear about your work day – hope it got better from there. Must have been lovely to see your uncle. Well done to Robert!
Thanks lovely. It was lovely to see him xx
Great news about the novel and how lovely to catch up with blogging friend. Lots of happy photos this week 🙂
Thank you lovely. Wish I lived closer to a lot of you xx
Lovely to catch up with blogging friends!! #SilentSunday
Yes it really is xx
Blogging friends are always the best kind of friends, my closest friend I have I made through social media to begin with then she got me into blogging! Nearly 8 years later we are still amazing friends now.
They are lovely. Aww that is nice xx
The dog sitting is going well then, hehe. I think I’m a cat person too, dogs are too much work. Well done to Robert on his promotion, that’s good news. I’m sorry that you’ve been struggling this week though, I hope things improve next week. x
hmmmm. Glad it’s not just me. Thank you lovely x
Sorry to hear you had a couple of bad days at work, hoping next week is better.
Your mum’s dog is a cutie, we k after my mum’s dog when she’s good away too, the boys love having him.
In schools down south, they don’t go out at all for lunch until they are in 6th form.
Sounds like you had a lovely catch up with friends and family x
Thank you lovely. Oh it is, but not so much fun. The kids haven’t bothered with it as it’s over when my Mum is here, so not a novelty. That is so different to here x
It sounds like you had a lovely weekend. So nice that you got to meet up with a friend.
I hope the dog sitting went well.
Good luck to Lucas in year 2. It is a good idea to get them used to the new teachers and timetable. x
It was lovely. Thank you. It’s not going so well. He is loving second year so far xx
awww how lovely to make a friend through blogging, you all look really happy X #mysundaysnapshot
It really is lovely. Thank you x
You fit so much in! I prefer the Scottish school system, it’s much more sensible.
The dog does sound very well-cared for! Hahaha 😀
I think it does seem like a good one. Oh yes it is that xx
Great smiles and lovely to meet online friends! And what a great idea to start your next school year before this one ends, I bet that is a comfort. Hope the dog’s behaving!
Aww thank you. I think it’s a good way, I did that at school too xx
Oh hun, I hope you are having a better work week! xx
So glad you got to meet up with a blogger friend, they really are the best! 🙂 Glad also that Lucas had a good first day in this move up to Year 2 – your school holidays always confuse me! 😉 Sim x
Aww thanks hon. They really are the best. I wish I lived closer. He is enjoying it. I know it is different x
Always nice to see blogging friends #mysundaysnapshot
Yes it is lovely x
Beautiful photos. Looks like you had some nice weather. It’s been awful here recently. The dog is so sweet! #sundaysnap
Thank you. It has been nice on the odd day xx
Lovely photos… Ooh I love Transatlantic Blonde too! 🙂
Weather looks nice and sunny.
Thanks for linking up to #SilentSunday x
Thank you. She is lovely. It was nice, but quite cold xx
I could never cope with a dog! My friend’s dog seems to have an outfit for everyday too. I hope things have been calmer this week for you.
It is crazy isn’t it? x
I know it was stressful, but the race in high heels after the dog made me chuckle.
Two cute buddies (in both 1st and 2nd photos). Glad Lucas had a good 1st day in the new school year. I think ours only have one day in a new class, but generally it won’t start until the beginning of the academic year.
lol oh I did look funny. It was really good. Ahh that makes sense x
sorry but I am knotting myself laughing here at the comments on the build a bear dog….and your son being jealous of the comb….one idea for a surprise present for him. The dog will miss your mum because all they have is each other, dog not use to coming bottom of the pecking order.
How nice your family are all willing enough to help out and lovely of MIL to watch the dog while you are at work.
I know Troon well, 10 mins away from us. Nice to catch up with your friend while she is back in the country.
Bugger at the work meeting, but I am like you I over analyse blow things out of proportion and take them to personal nd let them make me angry a lot longer than it should.
lol I know it was funny and will definitely get Tyler a comb. They are really good and have enjoyed having the dog. Aww next time im in Troon I’ll give you a shout. Yes, I stepped away for a bit and I still had some issues this week, but hopefully, I can give myself a talking too 😉 xx
Blogging friends are literally the best thing to come out of blogging for me. I love that photo of the two of you! x
They are the best. Wish we lived closer x
Sounds like a bit of a mixed week. Sorry to hear you had a bad time at work…but great news about the book!
The dog looks so cute! I am definitely a cat person…just leave them to it most of the time!
Yes, I think that’s why I like them. Thank you x
It’s such a good idea tyo move up a class before the end of the year. A few schools here do the same but not ours sadly #365
That is a shame. I wish all did it x
I miss blogging events, unless someone comes to stay here I don’t seem to see any one anymore. You two look like you are having a lovely catch up day. Hope works sorts itself out for you x
Yes, that is a shame. One day we will catch up again. Miss you x
It sounds as if you have had a really tough week (as have I but I wont go into detail). I so so hope things get better now that it is the weekend – have a drink! Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos and thanks for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
Oh hon, I hope you are a bit better this week. Big hugs. Thank you x
Fab news about the novel. I like the idea about moving up a class before summer hols makes sense X #wotw
I think it does too xx
I am also much more of a cat person! Dogs seem a lot of work! The editorial call sounds very exciting. The idea of going into your new class etc before the holidays is a great one. I wish they did that here as well. Blogging friends are the best. x
They are a lot of work. Aww thank you. I think it’s a good idea. They really are x
Sounds like it was a busy week. The dog is cute, although I am still more a cat person, myself. Lovely to meet up with blogging friends!
#silentsunday sorry it’s so late
I thought you would be more a cat person too xx
I do like the idea of moving up before the end of term. Such understanding of how it feels to go back after a long holiday. Your fun and games with the dog, on the other hand, don’t sound so good. I’m sure the pup will soon be looking more to you. I love that you are likening it to a build the bear. My hound travels a lot lighter! Sorry work has been stressful, but fabulous that your husband got a promotion. Hope this week is a smoother ride. #wotw
I think it helps them settle in quicker. Oh it’s been hard. It is a bit like build a bear. It’s still not away either xx
How lovely to meet up with your blogging friend. I love the community that blogging can bring and the friendships that arise from it too. Glad Lucas enjoyed his first day in second year. I can imagine being able to go out for lunch is exciting at first! Glad your novel skype meeting was so positive too. How lovely to see your uncle. I can imagine how lovely it must have been to reminisce about your dad. Mine died nine years ago and I miss him very much too. Your mum’s dog is very cute although she does sound a bit of a handful! I did have a little chuckle at the mental image of you chasing after it in heels and a suit dress! #WotW
It is the best isn’t it? Thank you lovely I am glad too. Thank you and lots of love and hugs. xx