It’s done. Max is officially a real-live almost-grown up person. He’s done with primary school and come January 2017 I will be the mother of a high schooler. Not that this is about me, of course. But oh, mi, god, a high schooler.
Aside from the fact that Max has been ready for school and begging to go by 7:12 am every day this week, he claims to be fine about leaving. Only he’s not fine — he will miss this lovely school group so much. I know I still miss my primary school friends. They are forever our childhood. The kids who grew us.
It’s a long-standing tradition that all the kids staying at the school next year form a leaving arch for the kids to go through, symbolising the support they will always receive as they head into their next chapter. It’s a very special tradition and my allergies were really playing up during it. Watching Max, who is easily three times as big as some of the Kindy kids, try to get through the arch was a bit like watching Godzilla storm through New York. It made me so oddly proud of my giant son.
I did manage to hold it together, though, until I went to say thank you to our school principal. Many of you will know that the ‘early years’ at primary school for Max were very fraught. I spent many a morning in Mrs W’s office, willing Max into school. So when she pulled me in for a hug (and she is generally not the huggy kind) and whispered in my ear with such pride and glee, “we did it!”, I lost it.
We bloody did it.
I’m pouring you a Brandy Alexander (because cream and comfort are needed) and this is what I would tell you this week:
I’m loving: the ‘reduced sugar’ thing. I feel good. We haven’t gone crazy (mainly because I think a lot of it is a crock – table sugar is the enemy but honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, etc is okay? That’s just weird), but we’ve really watched our intake. I have found a few candy canes with the ends nibbled off by a little (Lottie) mouse. Made me smile.
I’m enjoying: not feeling guilty that this year I dispensed with quite a few of our more time-consuming traditions: no baked goods for the postie, gardeners, teachers, etc this year. No Christmas cards posted. No ‘every kid in the class‘ gift either. I did feel a bit sad not giving Max’s classmates one more gift, but, really, whatevs.
I’m watching: the Survivor finale. It was a really good season.
I’m eating: a continuous supply of Sugar-free Chocolate Crackle Bliss Balls because I made them for Max’s leaving party and not a single one was eaten. The whole lot came home as if I had never supplied it. Bit devastated because it saddens me that kids choose all the store-bought chips and chocs over homemade stuff these days. Admittedly the balls look a bit like poo, but hey, we love them. I will share the recipe next week.
I’m reading: nothing at all this week except work articles. Too busy!
I’m making: eleventy billion bliss balls that no one wants to eat.
I’m discovering: that it’s okay to grieve when endings are upon us. No matter what form they take.
I’m changing: my mind about what feminism is and should be.
I’m wondering: why I didn’t wear makeup and do my hair for Max’s last day – photos! Still, I did get #inthepicture anyway.
I’m listening to: piano solos on Pandora, because my mind is too busy for words.
I’m planning: the school holidays – wah! I use this guide.
I’m looking forward to: seeing the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights on Saturday night!
What’s your news this week?
Enjoy your week ahead!
Shannon says
“The kids who grew us”… aww that makes me teary.
Our school also does the year 6 farewell arch and although I didn’t know any year 6’s I cried. And then lost it again when I glanced up at a year 6 mum completely losing it. Such a big milestone. Those bliss balls look amazeballs… silly kids! Happy holidays lovely xx
Maxabella says
I’ve always loved the arch too. It’s such an emotional moment, for all the kids!
Shannon @ Oh Creative Day says
I’m with the other Shannon. Your line about our primary friends made my allergies play up. Watery eyes.
I can still vividly recall the feels of the last days of Year 6. I’m transported back every year when I watch the next crop of superstars move on. You did it, team! Xxx
Maxabella says
I honestly don’t know how school teachers do it, Shan. I would get too emotionally attached. I bet there are kids who you miss a lot when they move on.
Erin says
I would have lost it and cried too when the principal said that, what a beautiful moment.
Well your bliss balls will get eaten here, I’ll just send my City boys over to collect a batch on their way home. My boys are coming home for Christmas, for 2 whole weeks!!! Six/seven days till they arrive!!!
Keen to hear your thoughts on feminism. And truly you look lovely without makeup.
So what’s happening here – I’ve just completed my 3rd Park Run, 5km every Saturday morning and every week I’m getting faster. Mostly though I’m proud I actually complete.
Maxabella says
Wow, that’s brilliant, Erin. I know I should do something like this, but sports and I… well… not friends! Hooray for the boys coming home for Christmas. The band will be back together.
Jess says
Awwww. Lovely post! Made my allergies play up too! Our eldest goes in to year six next year so we have the final year of primary school thing to look forward too!
Maxabella says
It’s an AMAZING year, Jess.
Reannon says
I was a sobbing mess when both my boys left primary school! Already I feel completely emo about next year- oldest into year 12, second starts a new high school where he knows nobody & third child starts kindy- pass me a hanky!!!
I always feel much better when I cut back the sugar & carbs too. Maybe not doing very well at it right now but I can feel the need coming back.
And I’m reading Monkey Grip right now. God I love Aussie authors!
Maxabella says
What a year you have ahead, Reannon. It will be a emotional day on the 30th, no doubt about it.
I love Helen Garner. I am always surprised when people tell me they don’t like Aussie movies or books. Don’t they like seeing themselves opened wide?
Tina says
Oh My Bron! You guys look fantastic! You look know different than the day I met you…16 years ago! Can you believe that? I love following your blog xo
Maxabella says
Hello! Oh my gosh it’s good to hear from you. I can’t believe it’s been 16 years. We need a snail reunion!
Kate says
It’s such a busy time of year. Good on you for taking the pressure off and focussing on what’s important. Your bliss balls sound amazing and they don’t look like poo at all. Congrats on that family milestone. A new chapter ahead.
I hope things become less busy and you have time to read something more than what you’re reading for work – that’s definitely my plan. I am hoping for a book or two in my Santa sack.
Maxabella says
Me too! I have given my book list to Bart and hope to get some time to read over the break. I miss it!