A skeletal church, not a lantern

A skeletal church, not a lantern
Originally uploaded by rydalcat

School time

Caitlin has started at Blockhouse Bay Intermediate. She is in Room 15 with Miss Loomens. Allegedly this is the 'smart' class so C is over the moon. Miss Loomens seems very strict ( very much the 'don't smile til Christmas' type) but C is loving it. She has the desk near the window so she is cool. Ashleigh is in the same class, though Ruby is in another class and is very disappointed.

Day One Room 15 had homework. Hopefully I will be able to attach the biopoem.

Getting back to normal!

So finally it looks as though we are through the worst. For the last week Anton has professed to feeling better, with fewer heart palpitations. His eyes seem brighter again and he has more energy. He even played football for the Laingholm parents' and others team last Friday. Well he said he fancied playing one week, so I said "no time like the present". We lost but I was impressed by the way he played.

Today was Roo's first day back at school, his first day in year 5 and his first day in Room 9 with Miss Swan. He walked in and immediately looked for Rowan's desk. Rowan is his hero. In fact I swear Roo is more like Rowan than Rowan is. When we first met him, Rowan had long wavy hair, he wears the same clothes almost all the time ( probably doesn't sleep in them like Roo is prone to do) and he is really into gymnastics. Roo says he has had a brilliant day, that his teacher is fun ( firm but fair- my words not his) and he did Indian ink work in art. For Reuben to even mention what he did at school is amazing!

Caitlin doesn't go back till Wednesday. Today was a little challenging. I took her for a haircut and the stylist cut it a bit short. I think it looks dead cute but she is so worried about it. She said she really wanted to look her best for school and now feels like a boy. Of course all the adults like it and her friends did their best to cheer her up when we went to pick up her brother.

I did get her school skirt turned up to a more acceptable length, so it is no longer past her ankles, and I completed her 'reversible, drawstring PE kit bag complete with embroidered name', all whilst watching Doctor Who and eating cheese on toast.

Right now we are down at the school pool cooling off after a hot day. A benefit of being part of the IT team is that I have the network password and so can surf the net whilst 'supervising' my kids. The only downside is that Facebook doesn't get passed the security filter!

Anton's home

Ant was discharged from hospital on Monday afternoon after his stress test. It seems exercise helped the palpitations at least for a while. We then went to see Ivor Gerber, a cardiologist- thank heavens for medical insurance! He suggested lots more tests and different conditions that he wanted to rule out. He seemed to think that the palpitations are feeling worse because Ant is concentrating on them and if he were more relaxed about them they would lessen. I was impressed that he treated Ant as another professional. "As a psychologist you will understand that..." .

He has a few tests booked in. My favourite is collecting wee for a whole day to check the levels of adrenaline. I can't wait to see the bucket. Just as well he is working from home!

New Year, old problem

Anton went to A&E yesterday as he was concerned about the palpitations he has been having. They have kept him in and are doing a stress test at some point. We are less panicked as a family but worried about him, needless to say.

He has just resigned from the Department of Corrections and has an appointment with a private cardiologist on Monday- if he is out by then.

It's all go in the Ashcroft House, as usual! I just thank god I have some truly wonderful and supportive friends.

Prize Giving

ANother night of excitement. The children were up for about 15 awards in total.

Reuben was first runner up in Non Fiction Book of the Year for the Trojan thief ( against lots of amazing Year 6's and his sister). He was runner up in Basic Facts Year four and received his distinctions from the Australasian Exams.

Caitlin performed her winning Idol song- and probably gave an even better rendition of it if that is possible.

She won:-
Performing Arts award
Most improved player in netball
Research Assignment for the Story behind the Green Sign
Huia Museum Historical Research Award.

She has a haul of four trophies and 18 certificates.

We are so so so very proud of them both.

Oh and Daddy got the biggest trophy of all- the SPOT PRIZE!!!

Still on a high

Caitlin is still on a high from Friday's events. She has hardly slept this weekend and has carried her trophy everywhere, including through the mall on Saturday so we could get it engraved with her name. I'm sure she thought if she didn't they could take it away from her!

She really has no idea how good she is. She refuses to watch the videos and when she caught a snippet just heard the faults.


She is such a star!!!