I’ll be candid. We’re 12 weeks in and even though we’re starting to settle in to this phase of our lives, the truth is this: even the very best of days now are pretty meh compared to my wonderful year when I spent so much time with my family.

I feel bad for thinking it, yet alone saying (writing) it. But I’ve always promised to be honest, and some moments it just hits me. I wish it was this time last year. It doesn’t mean I’m not happy most of the time, because I am. Just occasionally, when I’ve not slept well, and I’m staring at the Christmas To Do List, I’m just in that place, you know?

But perhaps the grass is always greener. And I like having money for treats occasionally, which brings me onto the highlight of this week: Wicked!

I loved it. BUT I can see why it is getting some bad reviews. It’s not a traditional second movie. It doesn’t stand alone, and you need to have seen the first one, plus the Wizard Of Oz, to really understand what’s going on.

I took Sophia, Mum and Dad to the cinema after school on Friday night. I wore my green sparkly top from last year, Soph wore her witches dress. I laughed and cried. I stretched over and held Mum’s hand during For Good and cried remembering the time we sang it together at a concert in Ordsall. The moment was made all the more special as Sophia was snuggled up to me, humming along to the bits she knew.

After that, though, at the very end, the opening scene of the first film is shown, and Sophia instantly recognised it, saying ‘what! How can that be possible? I do not understand what is going on!’ Well, I don’t blame her for that, she is only 4!

Aidan stayed at home with his wonderful Daddy. Our little lad cut his seventh tooth today, and spent the weekend calling his Bubba ‘barbar’ and throwing himself on his Granny, saying ‘aaah’, giving her cuddles.

Our day off didn’t really happen because of St Giles church fair. Nathan was prepping/talking/packing up on Friday evening and most of Saturday, so I took the kids for an hour to a little play centre to burn off some energy. I did briefly consider the soft play, but decided I wasn’t brave enough to tackle it on my own with the both of them!

What I’m grateful for: Grandparents who are willing come in to help out with childcare when the setting decides to close for Christmas a week earlier than planned!

Coming up: ASSF coffee morning!