Life's little lessons

This past weekend I learned an important life lesson: NEVER underestimate your kids. Never doubt their capabilities. I also learned it's best to train before signing up for a sporting event - but more about that later.

Harry signed up for this years 'Around the Island' relay - he and 5 "sporty" (capable running) mates.  I tried to talk him out of it! What kind of a parent does that? But honestly, he's never shown much interest in running and I really didn't think he could manage a 5km run that involved a very long steep hill climb, part of which was on a gravel road.

I was proved wrong - boy of boy, WRONG I tell you. This kid of mine ran his little heart out! Seriously, his legs didn't stop - even up that massive hill! Ben and I were knocked for six. Truly, to say we are shocked (and mighty proud) is understatement. And boy do I feel lousy for not believing he had it in him.

Ben's team 'The Oldies' came in third place. I'm proud of him too. Just look at him. Nawww, my heart goes a flutter (it's my blog so I can be gushy if I want). He makes running look so damn easy. You know, he was actually smiling - who smiles and runs at the same time?? Crazy people who like to run I guess.

Here's me. My team consisted of 5 ladies - between us we covered the 25km course. I walked my BUTT OFF!!!!! Today I'm paying the price. Today.....ouch....grimace....I'm walking around gingerly like a hundred year old woman - my legs are SO sore. Yes...next year I'm going to make time for training (which is what I did for the 2011 relay...and I was nowhere near this debilitated).

Lesson(s) learned!

Don't get in my way people! I have 'Bust a Move' blaring from my iPod.

PS For those who have visited Norfolk...Harry started outside the school, running along Cascade Road, past Cockpit Reserve, up the killer-steep-gravely Prince Phillip Drive, past the Montessori preschool.....finishing almost at the start of Red Road. Unbelievable.

Homemade Advent Calendar

After reading this blog post, I felt inspired to make one too. Over the years, I've admired Owlet's advent calendars as well.  The plan was not to buy anything to make this project, I just raided my card making supplies.  I couldn't find anything suitable to attach each envelope, so did end up buying the mini bulldog clips from our newsagency. The numbers I printed from here.

Each day, Harry and Till are taking turns to unwrap the days message. They are clipping the cards back on the string so over the next month we can look over them and remember what we got up to. Most of the cards involve fun family pursuits that don't cost anything. I had to be smart about planning ahead and sat with a calendar in my lap whilst coming up with the list. We have a busy month coming up - I didn't want to double book myself. Now I can't give much away (little folk here read my blog)...but so far the line-up looks like this...

Day 1 - Put up the Christmas Tree
Day 2 - Eat breakfast at dinner time
Day 3 - Make a Christmas snow globe

I'll reveal more later in the month.