'Tis the season to be jolly...

I had a lovely surprise when picking up Lillie from GB last Thursday - homemade festive biscuits! Yum! I think this activity had something to do with working towards a badge, not entirely sure which one. I didn't overhear all that was said! The foyer smelled lovely with all the baking that had been going on during the past 90 minutes and Lillie looked so happy when she presented me with the ones she had baked. Seeing as we had arranged Friday afternoon's activty - to watch Disney's A Christmas Carol, (2009) snuggled up together with plenty of goodies to eat. These yummy looking biscuits were added to the goodies list. And yummy they were too! The movie was fab - the voices and animated images of Jim Carrey, Bob Hoskins, Colin Firth and Gary Oldman were brilliant.
Talking of 'A Christmas Carol' - I've finished reading this story, by Dickens to Lillie. She thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the individual voices I created for each character! It felt somewhat strange to me though, when Tiny Tim spoke - I felt like I was 10 years old again! I played this part in a school christmas production back in 1981!
Lillie and I have also been busy with making some festive fridge magnets - we used her Blue Peter Go Cardz Appeal templates and some magnetic strip from another activity box to create 5 for our fridge door!

Yesterday, Lillie and I met up with Louis. He helped her with getting some christmas presents that she wanted to buy, out of her own money too! So, I had to go off and do my own thing for a wee while. Louis also helped her with the wrapping and they are now sitting safely under our tree. With probably not seeing Louis before christmas now, we exchanged presents, including the usual jokey surprises that we do every year. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without his tin of themed spaghetti amongst other things! Lillie received a DS game from Louis. Unfortunately, she couldn't play her new game, as her DS charger was left at her Dad's last weekend. However, this morning I have reserved one with a well known commercial business outlet. So, Lillie is now up and dressed and looking forward to collecting her new charger! I wonder what she will be up to this afternoon? :o)

Another day that Lillie is looking forward to, is this coming Thursday. It's the christmas party at GB. Uniform need not be worn, so her outfit has already been decided by her. The church where she attends GB are having Carols by Candlelight this Sunday evening. I have mentioned going to Lillie. At the moment she is saying no. Though, I am hoping she changes her mind. It would be nice to go along together. I shall not pressure her in doing so, though I am walking around with my fingers X'd. I guess it's just my childhood memories of carol singing taking over!!

I do have some disappointing news to share regarding Home Education. According to Lillie, at some point during last weekend, she was told that spending too much time with me is not healthy and that she should attend school! I was not exactly happy this was apparently said to her, considering how happy Lillie and I are. With being able to spend good quality time together everyday, as well as engage in activities separately is what we love doing. In my opinion, school is not always a healthy environment for a child to be in. School is not at the top of the list, as an environment for a child to be successful and socially popular in. School does not provide a loving, stable and free environment.

I just wish people who make negative and ignorant comments regarding Home Education would educate themselves on the comparisons between School and HE. I am not anti-school, nor did I have a bad time at school. Quite the opposite in fact, I loved school, but I was lucky. I put my first child through school, he mostly enjoyed school. Yet, I had reservations about how 'the system' worked. With Lillie, I spent months and months researching my options before reaching a decision regarding her education. Yes, there are those very rare moments, when I do question myself on whether I am doing the right thing HEdding Lillie. Though, I'm sure many many responsible parents, question many aspects that involve raising their children. At the end of the day, I just want what is best for Lillie. At this moment in time HE is working for us, we are very happy and blessed to be spending our days the way we do together. That will not change for the forseeable future. However, I am prepared for Lillie to want to try school at any given time, especially just before the time she reaches 'secondary school age'.

Lillie is aware that she will have to decide for herself which route to take when it comes to opting for either secondary school or continuing on with HE. She is also aware that she will have to be take on a more independent role if she chooses HE, yet will be provided with all the information if she wishes to opt for a place in a secondary school. If she does attend school, she may at any time return to HE.

It's now time for me to put this disappointment to one side, until it is crops up again! Lillie is wanting me to get dressed! I think her knowing a DS charger has been reserved is starting to play on her patience a little... I would be exactly the same if I was in her shoes!