The little things

We did something entirely wonderful yesterday. A speedy car journey away lies a magical old house built a long time ago to entertain the children of a wealthy family. The house has extensive, versatile gardens and you never know what you will discover around the next bend. The house, and it's lands, are now in the trusty hands of the National Trust. And that allows common people like us to 'make it our own', if you like.

If only it wasn't so cold. Our feet were icy, despite warm footwear, and fingers felt numb and frozen. But there is something to be said for having fun outdoors in the face of adverse weather. I know it takes supreme effort to get out of one's warm home, put on layer upon layer of clothing, and brave the reluctance of stubborn children who would much rather spend the day playing odd games on the iPad. More often than not, though, it is worth it in the end. It definitely was this time.

The children played and got completely involved in the activity trail. The views were stunning, the air fresh, crisp. Healthy, wholesome entertainment for the full family. To add to it all, we had the company of good friends. And cake to end the day. There was a grumpy saleswoman at the cafe but probably best to remove that little bit of an irritant from memory as swiftly as possible. All in all, a top day.

Lights, bells and hitting the accelerator

Another year bites the dust. Everything feels different, yet not too much. My kids are growing up, Simba is now fast approaching his sixth birthday and I sometimes struggle to keep up with his amazing mind, and awesome flare-ups. Babi has become this gorgeous, smart, clever little girl person. When did this happen? How is it that the little moments slipped unnoticed, leaving in me only a deep sense of joy, like a smile that lingers on? And how do I rationalise the sadness, of my babies growing up, of A and me growing old, of life throwing one challenge after another and the little moments getting over-shadowed by the small, and big, challenges? 

I breathe, and sing, and tickle the children, and laugh, and spend wonderful evenings with cherished friends. We eat, drink, chat about the kids, laugh a lot, listen to beautiful music, enjoy the banter. Steady my heart! As the one and only Alanis Morrisette says, "What it all comes down to, is that everything's gonna be quite alright. "

Obsessive making

For some inexplicable reason, round crochet goodies just had to be made, like at 1:23 in the morning/bang smack middle of night. I finished making them and then just had to post them. However, the moment I started writing, Simba yelled from the bedroom "Mamma! Mamma!" and all personal ambitions had to be shelved for the day/ night.

So here they are, first this this morning. Don't they look cute? My first attempt at round crochet. Took some getting my head around but not too bad.

PS: I think we'll use them as coasters.

Spring

It's nearly here. It's taking it's time. But the signs are everywhere.

Can't wait.

Easter

Time is very much in flight mode it seems. Easter has come and gone. Simba and I did some crafting, we stayed indoors thanks to the miserable weather we've been having, and it definitely doesn't feel anywhere close to Spring. Yet, time is speeding past. Babi has started talking, Simba has started talking like a grown up, and I find myself not wanting to talk much. Is this normal? I'm tired of hearing my own voice, and genuinely wish I didn't have to hear it so much.

Having said that, it's not something that is likely to happen anytime soon. So I plod along.

We're in the midst of planning for a holiday. A week in Provence in the first week of May. All that remains to be done is the sorting out of the itinerary. As with my deep desire for silence, I'm tempted to keep it simple, not pack it with sightseeing and other things to do. Lets are how that comes along.

Hooked

With the ripple blanket. I started it a long time back. Then it got forgotten for a while, overshadowed by babies and the rest of life.

And then it suddenly called out. Urgently. Insistently. And I came back to it, with renewed love. It's still in that fairly early stage where the promise of long, cozy nights snuggled in with its warm hooky delights works like an intoxicating charm. Me and my blankie-in-the-making are having a good time together.

It was a roaring hoot!

The kids loved the party. The cake was fantastic. There were all kinds of kiddy activities. The children played and jumped and had a blast. I think it went down very well. Phew!