I Did Reading Groups. It Was Good.

Due to work, I've never been to volunteer to do stuff at school. It kind of sucks because I know my smalls would love to see me in the canteen - and nothing would warm the cockles, even the sub-cockles, of my heart more than seeing their smiley little faces and giving all of their friends ice creams.

However this year, the tides have turned, and I was delighted (not exaggerating) so discover that Tiny's class had reading groups on my day off. Never has the school received a note so quickly from me, signed with my time and my availability. Boom! I am in!

Except last week I forgot I had committed to reading groups. The teacher came up to me in the playground to remind me that I was doing reading groups - and my face fell. To the ground. On the asphalt. I have the memory of a colander. With added drill holes.

I had pre-arranged to go sniff my friend's newborn. Nothing. NOTHING. Not anything was getting in the way of me sniffing in that newborn's sweet milkiness. Not even reading groups. I had been daydreaming about that wee babe for weeks. It was just hours from being a reality: me drinking in that newborn smell - I sound like such a creep - but I just love them. (NB: Matt, I really, really want another baby. Our family is not complete. And NO! A cat or dog will not fill the void. And PS we're not even allowed to have a cat or dog due to our charming landlord - THANK YOU OVERLORD).

Generously the teacher said I could start this week. I have to tell you, I was a bit nervous, never having being involved in reading groups.

And so it is, I found myself ecstatic to be sitting in a cosy classroom with about 23 small people, a few other mums and one teacher.

Tiny was overjoyed and clinging to my leg. Sidling over to me when she was meant to be at her teacher's attention. Blowing me kisses. She always slays me, that cuddly girl of mine.

I got the rundown on what to do - and away we went! Reading about... chairs! I work in furniture retail - there's only so much furniture chat one can do. Thankfully the books are short.

And then our group got in trouble for being too rowdy! Scandal!

Between you and I - I was delighted our little group had some joie de vivre! Better than being a group of wet fish talking about chairs!

It was SO fun - not dancing on tables fun (not that I've done that in about 10 years), but heartwarming fun. I am wholeheartedly so excited to be able to sit in with Tiny's class and do reading groups with them.

After school, to celebrate life (and reading groups) we went to the cafe for a round of caramel milkshakes and hot chips. Living large. Yep. That's me. Coyote Ugly stylie.