And then there was one

Tess goes back to school tomorrow.
We've been getting children ready for the Autumn term every year for fourteen years now - since Gemma was little. School uniform and bags and PE kits and trainers and pencil cases and new white socks and new shoes and name labels galore.
(Actually, I don't bother with name labels anymore. I am so over name labels! Sharpie marker pens are much quicker and easier.)
But this year we are down to just one child in school uniform; one PE kit and one pair of shiny shoes.

(For another 7 years!)

It's strange how much effort I've put into it over the years considering I think school uniform is a pointless waste of time and effort.

So... that was the summer holiday. I make that nineteen summer holidays with child or children and a shop. I think this year I've finally stopped sulking and, even though Richard's worked most days - or even because he's worked most days - we've tried really hard to make the most of our limited time as a family. I've learnt to take life for what it is and I'm not trying to do or be anything anymore. Obviously a year of not studying, since graduating, has made life easier for everyone. I am getting a bit weary of explaining why we never have a family holiday after all these years though!


Tomorrow I'm going to have a birthday. I'm not entirely sure I need another one just yet...