Happy Families

Just like every other Easter Sunday we all gathered for the 'Resurrection Dinner' at the eldest cousin's house. 

Same beautiful eldest cousin,

newly toddling little boy,

same random craft project,

even more delicious meal,

same perfect Pops but with brand new cousin.

Mainly it was just the same as the others in previous years but what I noticed for the first time this year was just how burningly happy everyone was. I mean it's been just as happy every other year, I just never noticed before. There are a lot of reasons for people in that house to be really miserable, not just from a bad year this year, but unfortunately life has been decidely inconsiderate to the people I hold so dear. But what's amazing is that you'd never hear or feel it; never does a moan pass their lips or any ingratitude for their lot appear. Instead, they are boisterously happy, laughing and teasing, filled to the brim with a zest for life.  People often ask me how I'm so happy all the time, and whilst I'm sure that part of it is being blessed with happy genes, the other part is definitely my having been taught the art of happiness from this family. It's a skill for life and something for which I shall always be grateful.

''It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy , that makes happiness.''

Charles Spurgeon

Freedom

It's funny but you'd never think of an ordinary play room, warm and cosy from the ceaseless sheets of rain splattering the windows, would epitomise freedom. You try to define freedom and you think of rolling hills sprinkled with wild flowers, you think of eager nations bursting free from the shackles of oppression, maybe you get philosophical and talk about the ability to make free choices but you definitely do not think of a play room, with a fresh cream cheese stain on the carpet, that's located in suburban Surrey. And yet, on this afternoon that's exactly what it contained. As a little family of 3 we sat and played games with pre loved toys, we laughed and chattered and appreciated each others company. By choosing to stay in for the day we were free from the endless tug of consumerism, we were free others' judgement of more unorthodox parenting styles, but most importantly we were free to be completely ourselves. My perception of freedom has changed - it no longer feels like a physical entity personified by an open road but it is more a state of mind shared between company. A mindset that is open and free to enjoy the present, accepting of what is around but also liberated from unnecessary wants or desires. It's a refreshing way to spend time with people but is surely hard to find away from the unconditional love of family?

Playing 'how many balls can you catch in the curtains'

My Daffodil

My lovely Dad bought me these after my interview yesterday. He's the only one to bloom so far. Sitting on my desk I see him as I work, before I go to sleep and when I wake up. It seems strange how he fills me with so much happiness; I think it's the intensity of his yellow and the way he cranes his head towards the light in a was that is full of desperation and determined defiance at the same time.

Soft Play

Funny how the fun of it never wears off no matter how old you get:

You might notice that there's been an outfit change in these pictures. Well yes, we did do two lots of soft playing in two days - one play session just isn't enough after a 10 year break! 

Three

New birthday. New bumblebee costume. New pregnancy. Same lovely family moments.

Same thrill at opening new presents.

New piano skills learnt from Mama.

(except maybe the burp he did down the microphone,

though on second thoughts. . . )

Same outstanding desert.

(my sister and I were never allowed ice cream and sauce as kids - to us this is heaven!) 

New reasoning skills acquired.

(''oh no don't worry Mummy I'll just put them both on'')

New baby grow

(looking good sonny, did a favourite Auntie buy you that? 

They must have exceedingly good taste in clothes and learning institutions) 

New 'Oooooooo' as the Belle cake is brought in.

Same moments of family bonding.

Same gratuitous cute shots. 

Christmas Baking

To me that raw gingersnaps dough is the taste of Christmas.

How to Make A Christmas Wreath

1. Go for a wintry walk in some frosty woods:

 2. Snip a small amount of whatever evergreen foliage takes your fancy but try to get plenty of variety and definitely some conifer branches, holly and ivy. Also grab any berries or little fruits that you can and any small pine cones, nuts or similar.

 3. Don't get stuck in a prickly bush whilst trying to access some particularly good ivy.

  4. Arrange you gatherings by species on the table. Beer and wine - optional. Find wreath ring, these are metal wire rings with green felt in them, you can get them from garden centres or florists.

5. Start by filling the backing of the ring with the conifer, they provide a solid green backing but are too boring to be put at the front.

6. Add some silver sparkle to your pine cones or any other little decorations that you feel would benefit from some sparkle. I used silver nail varnish but alternatively you could use regular paint or glue and glitter. Also feel free to adapt it, maybe add some red glitter to your berries, go wild with some spray paint or go for a festive colour scheme, either way - don't mark the kitchen table!!

 6. Keep adding layers to your wreath. Make sure you keep the foliage all pointing in the same direction, I favour clockwise. Work on adding the bulkier, plainer stuff as a backing, we did the bay leaves next, then the ivy intermingled with the holly and then the pine.

 7. Finally make sure you now exactly what way up it'll be handing and then add the berries, pine cones, ribbons etc accordingly. Ta da! A finished wreath, hang it up in pride of place and beam with pride!

Bed Time

All of a sudden my little baby has become a little boy, running before he can walk, full of smiles and laughs and a personality completely his own. I never realised until I saw him in pyjamas. He just wandered into my room toothbrush in hand, froth around his mouth, dressed in his dinosaur pyjamas and poof the crawling baby in a onesie was gone!

Is this a transition that makes me sad, no. It shocked my yes but having him walk in chatting for 'Arah' (Auntie and Sarah seem to have merged) wanting his bed time cuddle it's completely irresistible!

Beach Walks

I've just spent a weekend being pampered at home with hot meals and a tidy house. The beach beckoned, as always, and our walk reminded me just how fabulous the beach can look in any season.

A Twen

When leaving my teens I should probably go out with a bit of a bang. Instead I started as I meant to go on, arelaxing at the seaside with my nearest and dearest, enjoying a homecooked meals, cuddles with the ba and of course, swiming in the sea, a lot.