I could use the chagim as an excuse for not updating this blog more regularly, but that wouldn't be fair...I just need to be more disciplined about it! After all, there's no lack of goings on with my gorgeous kids to keep this blog alive.

This week, Ilan exceeded all measures on my proud daddy scale, when I got a call at work from him telling me he'd been awarded the 'golden sash' - his first major formal public award at school. In recognition of his grasp of 'phonics' and 'blending' - the new trends in teaching reading - he was awarded the 'golden sash' for his year entire group at school.

Having previously seen the weekly entries in the school newsletter naming recipients in each year group, I assumed the sash existed purely as a certificate and an entry in said newsletter. However, the golden sash is actually a physical sash...which is gold (at least once it's been washed for the first time ever), and which the recipient proudly wears all week at school. I must say, I'm currently in super kvelling mode!

Meanwhile, Michal, fast approaching her first birthday, has already changed nursery, after just a few days at the first place, which, frankly, is a disaster zone! It was an incredible place while Ilan attended there for a couple of years, but the change of head and turnover of staff has resulted in a serious decline! The final straw, in Michal's second week there, was when I collected her from nursery to find a red mark on her forehead, nothing about which the 'carers' knew about! I was not amused!! The new place, where she has been for just two days, is fantastic (so far), so long may it continue.

Right, as part of my Jewish new year's resolution (shana tovah, by the way), I will be updating this blog on a more regular basis...so see you soon!