Hello world!

I have been gone for a while, where have I been, well for those who follow my blog will know we have returned to England from Portugal.  After several difficult years there we made the decision to return.  So many times I have wanted to blog it but there never seemed enough time or I didnt know where to start.

So where to start, well am I glad to be back?  Oh god yes, so happy to be 'home', it is strange at times and has taken us a little while to adjust, well we still are!  The first few days especially felt like we were here for the first time ever!  I felt like an alien in a new world trying to figure out these new ways of doing things and the differences in people's ways and manners.  It is like a whole different world for where we were in Portugal, everything seems different and generally better and busier!!  Much busier than what we have been used to, something which I think has taken our children most to adjust to.  But the increased choice and movement in life is refreshing.  I love to see the countryside, the trees, fields and streams that I so missed.

Do I think of Portugal?  Of course, but quickly remember the reality that we lived and put my mind firmly looking forward to creating a new life here.  Life is faster and more active, but that's good as life was too slow there, the weather was good but I enjoy the more variety here, too much sun can become boring!  I am glad in many ways we have moved to another area, to give us a completely fresh start, instead of trying to step back into a 'past' life.  We are finding new things and places and its great.  We left england when our daughter was barely 2 and half years old and therefore didnt really get to experience a 'family' life here but now we are back with older children and a new baby on the way, our perspective is very different and the area we are in is great with so many things to do.

So we are on a new path, a better path.  Its not easy but it is easier!

A New Chapter!

Today a new chapter starts for me and my children. Today my oldest starts pre-school which means the start of 5-day schooling and my little one starts 3 full-day kindergarten, so for the first time in a very long time I will have some completely child-free time.  For the past three years, I have always had one or both of the children, all the time. 

Im excited and nervous at this prospect, to finally have free time to concentrate on things without a child following me or requesting my attention every two minutes will be great.  I know the first few days, especially today will be very strange, and very quiet and like many mums I will have that first day apprehension of wondering how they are getting on.  I dont think I will be sad, I am excited for this new step for them and me, a step of growth and learning.  I was sad when Sophie finished kindergarten at the end of July, with the feeling of losing my baby, but now Im excited to start this next chapter.  And for me, it gives me time to focus on growth and development of my own, if I can find myself again! 

We're ready, let's Go!!  Time to turn the page