Congratulations on the milestone! Am pleased to have found your blog through the Ultimate Blog Challenge :)

I find iron on ones the worst culprits for falling off in the wash. How do these fare for that? I have mainly given up on sew-in ones as my thumbs were reduced to bloody stumps, although I do a few when I can be bothered. I am a big believer in using the permanent pen or biro!

Some very strong comments here, but I will put my hat into the ring and bid to review the Light Saber. My nine-year-old is an absolute Star Wars nut who devours every nugget of information about the stories and tells me all about them!

There are plenty of fabulous characters in Star Wars: heroic, dashing, villainous and brave. But none of those interest me. I love the Ewoks, the little teddy bear lookalikes that live in the forests of Endor (yes, I was paying attention to my son at the time!).

Why?

Because like my little boy, they are small and have huge, appealing eyes that shine like diamonds. They are strong, too, and my little one is trying very hard to be tough when he needs to be. Most of all, Ewoks, like my son, seem to speak in a different language from me!

Here's hoping ...
My recent post My entry for Tara’s Gallery

er, I think I've done it ....

It's no wonder these Year 7s (First Years in old money) start their secondary education wearing clothes that will "ride up with wear" - too darned pricey to buy just-fitting clothes. Having said that, my dort appears to have put on a little weight and the skirt that was loose when we bought it a few weeks back is fitting now *sigh* (now is NOT THE TIME FOR A GROWTH SPURT!)

I know exactly what you mean: uniforms are important and they look great, but can cost a fortune.

We are lucky at the primary school my children go to as the items with the school crest aren't compulsory. They cost a lot, the material is dreadful and it goes out of shape quickly (the coats are the same. Never bought one once I saw the state they quickly got into).

It means with primary school I am able to get all the uniform for approximately half the cost of a pair of Clarke shoes (don't get me started on them - the girls' ones are awful, awful, awful).

But, this week my daughter starts secondary school and the costs for that have been eye-watering.

Even the PE socks cost £6.50! All the PE kit (rugby top, tracksuit, polo shirt, shorts, football socks, shin guards, gum shield (!) and "performing arts kit" of joggers and t shirt) have to be embroidered with their names. They are allowed only two types of trouser, which are sold in two shops, and the skirt is a distinctive tartan (£37). Then there is the blazer and tie.

All in all - with football boots, indoor trainers and outdoor trainers, school bags, shoes and associated paraphernalia - this has cost me over £250. And, no, she isn't going to a grammar or private school.

Astonishing *goes for a lie down*

Awww, that is lovely. I seem to get fewer of those tender moments now my daughter is 11 and son is 8. Enjoy every moment!

At last! I've found the time to contribute! http://jaynehowarth.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/pet-...

Mine was Cars by Gary Numan. Thankfully I think that is cool enough still. Rather pleased it wasn't Shaking Stevens or anything (I *never* bought a Shaky single, might I add)...