Athletics Day

Nicholas's school and 5 other school participated in the annual athletics day.  I offered to help out and was put in-charge of the 7 year old boys.  We had six events to complete by lunch time. 

Now with Dave being the fitness freak in the family, I assumed that Nicholas would have that gene in him.  Alas he has my gene,  I was never any good at any athletics days when I went to school.  I did try my hardest though which is what Nicholas did too. 

Nicholas in the 400m run

Great Effort Nicholas

It was a fun morning with everyone happy getting points and participating. Nicholas spent the afternoon recuperating at home funny!!

The School Change

It hasn't been the best year for Nicholas as far as schooling goes.  We started him at Elmgrove and he didn't like it (even though he had his best friend in his class).  We sent him back to Mornington and he was so much happier unfortunately it wasn't financially viable and so after term one we talked to Nicholas about giving Elmgrove another go. 

Term two started off rocky and we still could sense he wasn't happy.  Parent teacher interviews came and we soon noticed the consequences of our decision to send him back.  He had fallen behind in maths now the bottom of the class (from the top at Mornington).  Reading level dropped from 20 to 18.  Dave expressed his concerns to the teacher and they both agreed to disagree with each others opinion.  I asked about the lack of homework and apparently other parents had mentioned that also.  Therefore starting in term 3 homework would be on the agenda.

Term 3 started and we signed Nicholas up to Number Works to help him out with his maths.  A homework book came home and for awhile things seem to be okay.  One day I was rung to go and pick Nicholas up from school he was sick.  I went to the school he was in the sick bay crying his eyes out.  I took him home and it was like a miracle had happen between school and home he was better again.  The next morning when it was time to go to school he became sick again so he stayed home again the same the next day.  So I asked him what was wrong he couldn't /wouldn't tell me.  I asked the teacher about bullies and she said that was a problem in Nicholas class but that some of the boys give as good as they get.  Horrified with that remark I could somehow understand where Nicholas was coming from and why he never played with any of the boys in his class.  He mainly played with Ben two classes above him.  I would take Nicholas to school and we would say prays to ask Heavenly Father to help and protect Nicholas whilst at school.  Each day I would pick him up and he would tell me his tummy feels better when school is over. 

Finally we get a brief report home from the teacher outlining the term.  It read along the lines of him being a better friend without being angry and improvement on listening skills and he had reduced telling tales.  So we went on holiday thinking our son was unfriendly, angry, disruptive and a tattle tale.  As Dave and I pondered on this report we couldn't believe a teacher could be so negative.  When we arrived home from our holiday I was at Amiee and noticed Jareds profile book curious I looked and blow me down the same report was in his profile book.  My personal opinion of this is that Nicholas's teacher had summed up her class as a whole and wrote one report photocopied it and slapped it into every ones profile book.  Whatever happened to individuality.  When I told Dave he was not impressed and insisted we withdraw him asap. 

The hunt was on for a new school we only had two options Silverstream or St Mary's.  Our neighbour just down from us has a son the same age as Nicholas and he goes to St Mary's.  I couldn't help but wonder if this school would suite Nicholas as both Stacey and Ben went to St Francis Xavier and both enjoyed their time there.  Then the whole religion thing could be a hurdle but Dave said we will jump those hurdles when/if they pop up. 

I went to St Mary's to check it out and was most impressed with everything.  The Principal was so inviting and he showed me around the whole school.  Just like Mornington Principal he knew his pupil in every class we went into from NE to Form 2 he knew them by name as he picked pupils out to show me things they were doing.  I still haven't met the principal at Elmgrove the only person I could talk too most days was the receptionist she was amazing and definitely holds that school together. 

Next step was to bring Nicholas for a tour and he totally liked the school and every classroom made him feel very welcomed.  Nicholas was keen to sign up.  Our next hurdle was to meet Father Dooley he came to our home and we talked about the nuts and bolts including our different religions and we decided that we all wanted what was best for Nicholas and Father Dooley gave us the thumbs up.

So two weeks into term 4 Nicholas started at St Mary's and he hasn't looked back.  He is so happy and instead of I don't want to go to school to hurry mum we'll be late for prayers.  He has been at St Mary's two weeks now and already his reading has gone from 18 to 22.  We went to Number Works and Naiom asked us whats happened to Nicholas he has changed he is flying through his activities.  We explained what we had done and told us it certainly shows.

In conclusion I decided that different strokes for different folks and although Elmgrove has some great qualities some schools suites some children, and some that don't.  May the next years at St Mary's be happy ones for us as a family.

St Mary's Boy

Toothless

I've been waiting and waiting for Nicholas to loose his teeth.  Not only has he lost one but he's lost 4.  The latest being on Sunday.  This tooth has been wiggly for ages and he refused to let me pull it.  After watching him in Primary playing with it and bleeding and showing the primary children.  I made an executive motherly decision to pull that tooth as soon as we got home.

I asked Nicholas if he wanted a cuddle and he came over I told him to lay across my lap (he did).  I had a tissue ready and I lean't over him and held him firmly.  He soon realised what I was up too and tried to fight me but I had him hook line and sinker.  He yelled which gave me the perfect opportunity to pull it and with one scream I pulled it and the tooth was out Mwhahahahaha!  Nicholas tears running down his face was not impressed until I showed him the tooth.  Then a wee grin followed by a bigger grin followed by running down the hall to show his dad.

Brothers In Arms

Today Nicholas and I were looking at old photos and having a great time laughing at certain things.  We came across this video clip of Nicholas 3yrs and Ben 14yrs singing a Hooley Dooley song.

Priceless

Chapter 3 & 4

Chapter 3

The Letter

For mothers day Nicholas's class made special cards for the mums.  Unfortunately Nicholas misplaced/lost his card for me.  As I was cleaning out his school bag I found this letter.

Yep can guess what I was doing after reading this little beauty.  I am so so grateful to have such a thoughtful son.  Times like these just makes you forget the times when they are not so pleasant.  Thank you Nicholas I love you too.

Chapter 4

The Driveway

The house is technically finished and we have officially moved in, however so much has happened that I need to post leading up to the big shift.  Just a day before moving in Foote Haulage arrived to create and make the driveway which was crucial for the shift.  It had rained for a few days making the ground somewhat muddy and the last thing I needed was mud tramped through the house.  So I did my usual routine dropping off the children at their schools and went around to see how progress was going.  Totally amazing how these men worked and how fast the driveway came together.

First Day A Success

Nicholas and I approached Elmgrove and we sat in the car for a few moments. 

Me: Are you sure Nicholas?

Nicholas: Yep I'm ready

Me: Shall we have a prayer

Nicholas: Yes please mum

Once the prayer was over he jumped out of the car and we made our way to the office.  Nicholas went up to the desk and the receptionist looks up......

Nicholas: I'm back

Receptionist: Welcome back

Teacher: I know you

Nicholas: Yep I'm back

I was so proud of him. His teacher told him they had a surprise in the classroom and he went off with her without even looking back.

Whilst I filled in the enrolment form I could hear him talking to his buddy they were laughing and I felt a sense of relief.  I went into his classroom and he was happy playing with the hand puppets. The bell rang and he waved bye and sat on the mat.

After school he caught the school bus with the Mendy boys and I picked him up he was still smiling and he had had a great day YEAH!

It's back to Elmgrove

So last term Nicholas started at a new school Elmgrove and alas only lasted 1 week at which time he really wanted to go back to his old school in Mornington.  At that time it really didn't seem that big of a deal.  I'd organised a ride into school everyday (thanks Mandy) and all that meant was for me to pick him up after school how hard could that be?  Well after having the school holidays I realised it means a big deal on my time and my wallet.  Admittedly I have been on holiday too thus travelling into town has not been on a regular basis.  Amazingly I have only had to fill my car with fuel once whereas before I was filling up twice a week thats $160 on gas only.  It has also meant I had to get up earlier so I can get into town to pick him up by 3pm and then scoot back by 3.15pm to get Kate from Montessorri its been somewhat crazy. However, I feel its really important that a child is happy at their school no matter what and so if thats what makes Nicholas happy then thats what you do.

Over the school holidays Nicholas has been hanging out alot with the Mendy boys and consequently has decided to return back to Elmgrove.  When I asked him why? Its cost you alot of money mum taking me to school everyday (I didn't even realised that I talked about the cost).  I told him that he didn't have to worry about the money that he needed to be happy at school. Nicholas said he would be happy back at Elmgrove (he calls it Almagrove funny). I also told him that he really needed to be sure about his decision because this would be the final change of schools. 

Well after two weeks he has assurred me that he is ready to give Elmgrove another go. Part of me is relieved but I am also very very nervous that it could all blow up in my face, fingers crossed.

Elmgrove here we come again!!

Bath time

Kate and Nicholas love having a bath. They play for ages and its always a war trying to get them out. Kate see me coming and starts screaming no not ready whilst Nicholas submerges and tries to hold his breathe so funny.

Water Rats

The BIG Day Out

My group

Yesteday Nicholas and I went on a school trip with 45 pupils, 8 teachers, and some parents.  We met at the school watching the little people load up on the bus was very exciting.  The teachers went on the bus whilst the parents took cars. I was fortunate to have two parents in my car to keep me company and to to keep me awake.

Our first stop was Waihola where we had morning tea and the children has a toilet stop and a play. 

At Waihola

Morning tea time

Then it was off to our next destination which was Berwick camp site where the year 6 were camping there this week.  It was a beautiful and hot day.  The camp  site was amazing and it did bring back fond memories of my school camp days.

Berwick Camp

Each parent or teacher were assigned 4 or 5 pupils to look after.  My little cherubs were very well behaved and we had a great time.  The year 6 children showed us around the camp site and demonstrated activities that they do at camp.  Most of the juniors were keen to have a go but alas were not permitted.

Archery Demonstration

Kyaking

After the tour of the camp site it was time for lunch.  We all sat under a huge tree which was fantastic, it kept us shaded and yet we could still enjoy the sun.  After lunch we played lots of games.  We were split into 10 groups and had races.  I find it fasinating how little people don't quite grasp the concepts of instuctions. A example was asking my group to line up in a straight line behind the leader.  They managed to stand up and some were beside the leader and others went to other lines.

Tabloid Sport Groups

The train race

We had a great time and we left camp at 2pm and headed back to school.  I love being a helper at school outings the children are wonderful and they always make me laugh.

My Superhero's

Spidergirl & Batboy

Nicholas loves dressing up and now he has started dressing up Kate.  So today they both came out and I had to laugh alot. Nicholas was telling Kate the big adventure they were going on. There mission was to protect mum from the baddies. They played so nicely and they were laughing and it just made me so happy and I told them that they were my superhero's and that I felt really safe.  These are the moments I treasure.

Blue One Week Red The Next

Elmgrove School Uniform

So Nicholas started his new school this week and despite having his buddy in the same class Nicholas still talks about his old school and how much he misses it.

Dave and I made a deal with him that he should continue for a week at his new school and if he still not happy we would send him back to his old school.

A week passed and we had a family meeting.  Nicholas informed us that he really wanted to go back to his old school.  He really missed his friends and school routine.  So as promised we have decided to send him back.

Mornington Primary Uniform

Training Wheels No More

I have waited along time for this moment and I am so excited and proud of Nicholas. Finally he can ride his bike without his training wheels.

Lucky for me he was riding his bike whilst on his training wheels when he got one of the training wheels stuck and hence it broke off. He was devastated about it and suggested we buy a new set of training wheels. Right I thought this would be a great opportunity to get him to ride trainer free. So I told him that the broken wheel was a sign from heavenly father that you are ready to ride without the trainers. He looked at me not convinced of course but then he said "OK lets see then" A quick silent prayer, then I proceeded outside to help him get started. To my amazement he started off really well and managed to bike from one end of the section to the other before falling off. The smile on his face was memorable you could tell he was so proud of himself.

I love the victory dance after the ride. Awesome Nicholas!!!

Easy Rider

Victory Dance

New School New Day

Today Nicholas started his new school. I arrived home from work and he was all dressed in his new uniform he had had his breakfast and now he was waiting to go. I asked him how he was feeling "A little bit nervous" 8.40am rolls around and we leave to go to school. I must admit I was feeling a bit nervous myself and a little bit tearful. We parked up on the drop off site only spot (naughty) but hey first day right? Waited in the foyer and the receptionist took us to his classroom. His teacher was very nice and took Nicholas books off me and she would sought that out. Nicholas was looking for his buddy as they are in the same class this year (thank goodness). The Mendy car pulls up and the two boys roll out the car Nicholas very excited runs to greet them. Nicholas buddy was not in his uniform not a good sign. He was sick OH NO!!!

The bell rang and Nicholas clung to me like a leach. Mendy 2 came into the classroom and him and Nicholas sat together that went well then after roll call Mendy 2 had to go home. A good opportunity for me to exit as well??? Wrong!! Nicholas came after me so I took him back and sat with him. The whole class went for a walk around the school which was good for us newbies and it was at that time the teacher told me to go.

I gave Nicholas a big cuddle and told him I was going that he will be fine and that I will see him after school. He looked up at me with his big beautiful brown eyes and they were filled with big tears and they rolled down his cheek and his arms reached out to me "MUM" at which time the teacher intervened "come on Nicholas lets go back to class and let mum go home" Oh my walking away was the hardest thing I had to do, I was holding back the tears until I got to the car and my heart was aching.

I rang the school later and they told me he was OK (but was he?) I couldn't wait until 3pm, and yes he had survived the day. When I talked to his teacher she informed me that he went and sat at his desk with his sweatshirt over his head and waited for a while then he slowly joined in.

I asked him how his day went he replied "I was really scared when you left but then I became brave again" Mendy 1 who is older was really kind and went to play with Nicholas at playtime and lunch time.

The highlight for Nicholas was going home on the school bus with Mendy 1 whilst I followed in the car. Well done Nicholas you are a very very brave boy!!!!

Batboy

HAPPY BATBOY

Everytime we go to Amiee's house Nicholas always runs upstairs to find the Spiderman costume and will wear it until its time to go home. Even at home he finds something to tie around his neck to create a cape ie my tea towels or bath towels or blankets. He then proceeds to dash about the house with his light saber and is our super hero.

Over the school holidays Dave and I have had to work and Nicholas has spent his holidays at a holiday school programme which has been great. However I have felt a little bit bad not spent much time with him. Whilst I was in the Warehouse I saw this batman costume and couldn't resist buying it for him.

I went to pick him up from the holiday programme and whilst driving home we talked about his day. I asked him what he was going to do when he got home and of course his reply was be a superhero. We arrived home and I asked Nicholas if he would help me carry some stuff inside from the car. I reached into the bag and pulled out the costume and gave it to Nicholas and he continued inside not noticing what he had in his hand. All of a sudden I hear this "oh my gosh" mum look, his face said it all.

He lays his costume on the floor beside his bed everynight. When I asked him to put it on his dresser, he insists it needs to be close so he can change quickly if he needs to fight baddies. CUTE!!!

Jingle Bells

All though Christmas is over the Finnie children are still feeling the spirit of Christmas. These are moments that you treasure. Nicholas and Kate singing Jingle bells and dancing around the room it was priceless. I'm not sure why I can't get sound either stupid camera or stupid computer or quite possibly and more likely stupid me.

4WD

So today we took a drive up to Kororanga, to the Amende's camping site. I have to say it was very very windy drive I was a little nervous we would be blown off the road. It was even more dicey passing a truck and trailer. However we made it to the camp site which is off the road across a dirt/rocky track. The following conversation began between Nicholas and I:

Nicholas: "Wow this is bumpy mum"

Me: "Sure is"

Nicholas: "The Amende car is going fast aye"

Me: "sure are"

Nicholas: "cmon mum keep up"

Me: "No Nicholas our car isn't 4WD"

Nicholas: "WHAT"

We stopped the car and we get out at the camp site. Nicholas is walking around the car and then he looks at me and says "mum we have four wheels!!!!!!" So cute!!

The Wriggly Tooth

Nicholas is 6 years old now and since he was 5 I've been waiting with much anticipation for him to loose his first tooth. At least once a month I would get Nicholas to open his mouth and I would wiggle each tooth to see if one was ready ... alas none. However today I was investigating his mouth for cleanliness and there it was a wriggly front top tooth. Sooooooooo excited I told Nicholas and he wanted to feel and see. Proud as punch he runs to tell his dad and asks him how much will the tooth fairy give him.

Whilst I slept today Dave and Nicholas went to town for a little post Christmas shopping in which I scored a nice T-Shirt. Dave took Nicholas for a haircut and Dave informs me he was having a very interesting discussion with the hairdresser when all of a sudden he changes the subject and shows the hairdresser his wriggly tooth. Dave said it was very cute.

So our little man is growing up and as his teeth start to fall out we'll wait for his big teeth to come through. Dave worries that they will be crooked just like his were (Dave needed a plate when he was a young lad). When Dave was 18 he attacked himself with a file and smoothed the front of his teeth YES people Mere Male struck even back then. He went into his garage and put on some real loud heavy metal music and got a huge file and attacked his teeth (he thought they were too rough)OUCH!!!! is all I could think when he told me that story crazy MM!!!!

Kiddy Treats

Chocolate/Caramel Muffins

Last year I made treats for all of Nicholas's class and this year is no exception. I finished my nightshift and went to the supermarket to get supplies. Once I had taken Nicholas to school and Kate to daycare I set about making 20 chocolate caramel muffins and decorated them with mini M&Ms. I also love to give the teacher a small something too. I made her truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries. This took me to 11.30am to complete and then I went up to catch a couple of hours sleep. When I awoke I quickly made up loot bags with the muffins and candy canes and balloons packed them in my Christmas basket to deliver them to school.

Teachers treats

A basket of treats

When I got to school the children eyes all lit up and they were very excited. Miss Lawless had the children sit in a circle and I handed out the treats. Thinking they would leave the treats til after school alas they all dived into the bags and devoured the muffin in seconds (boys mostly) the girls just picked off the m&m. Then Miss Lawless asked the children if they wanted to say anything to me. Lots of hands went up and the thanking began. I thanked them all for being such awesome children and for being Nicholas's friend. I will miss this school alot its been a special journey and I hope the next school is just as good. Look out Elmgrove here we come.

Music Recital

Nicholas is in his second year of music lessons through the Yamaha Music School. Its amazing how much he has learnt in two years. Last year he could play songs with one hand and this year he is playing with both hands. On Sunday the school had there music recital it was held at the Otago Museum and there was a big audience. Nicholas's class consists of 4 boys and 4 girls. They start by singing the musical piece in solfege and then they play the piece on the keyboards. This years musical item was I'm a little teapot. The children stood at attention to start singing to the piano but instead of singing in solfege they all started singing the words to the song. Jenny (teacher) had to stop them and they started again.

Then it was sitting at their keyboards to play the piece to the audience. The difficult thing about this and successful in the performance was the children played at the same time and they stayed together throughout the whole song, which for eight 6year old children is amazing.

I must remember to get Nicholas a more formal set of attire to wear next year (he was the only one in shorts and tee shirt) note the boy next to him they were all dressed very formal oops!!!!!

Well done Nicholas I am so proud of what you have achieved this year and I love listening to you playing. I am really excited about next year as you progress into the extension class.

Jig-saw King

Nicholas loves jig-saw puzzles and he is very very clever at them. He is so cleaver that when he has done a puzzle a few time he then sets another challenge for himself. Thats right he does the puzzle, picture down. I find this incredible and I asked him how do you know which piece is right? Nicholas replies because it fits mum. AMAZING!!!

Please note he is wearing my shoes.