That Was The Year That Was

Christmas is over, the New Year is approaching fast and that usually means I start looking back at the previous twelve months, mostly dwelling on the failures and negatives.

The last year couldn't have been more different for me and our family.

This time last year the future was rather uncertain for us. Hubby had been made redundant from his job after 23 years and although he was fortunate enough to walk straight into another job the contract was just 6 months long.

In February, after years of nagging me, hubby bought me a car and booked driving lessons to start in May. I'm so pleased to say that I passed my test in September and yes, I am left wondering why i didn't do it sooner!

In May Hubby was asked if he'd extend his contract another 6 months. Of course he agreed to it. Although the travelling from Ipswich to Norwich was taking its toll it was a job he was enjoying and he'd no success finding something more permanent.

It had been brewing for a while but in June I became incredibly disillusioned with Molly and Charlie's school and terribly disheartened in a lack of action after many numerous parental complaints that I decided the children would not be returning in September. The good local schools were full so our only option was a school the other side of Woodbridge but I couldn't stand to see their education suffering any longer and I would have done whatever it took.

Fortunately, Hubby was offered a permanent position in Norwich so he suggested we move as the children would be changing schools anyway. I was incredibly nervous about it as it would be a huge change for us all but we were lucky enough to find two amazing schools in a lovely village a few miles out of Norwich.

The timing was perfect and everyone has settled in fantastically well. The children are doing so well at school and for the first time ever Molly actually looks forward to school and enjoys learning. At our first meeting with her teacher it was like he was talking about a different child!

Harry is doing well with his speech, although he has been referred back to speech therapy. He's settling into nursery and has a girlfriend already!

I didn't think I would ever say it but I love Norfolk. There always seems to be something going on and the children loved seeing the city lit up for Christmas.

Walking into the playground on Charlie's first morning was so nerve-wracking but some of the Mums from Charlie's class have really helped me to find my way in the area and they've been great at including me in coffee mornings and get togethers.

It really has all worked out well and I couldn't wish for more. It's the first time in a very long time that I can look back and say that we've had a great and happy 12 months.

I can't wait to see what 2014 brings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR :-)