'Pretty' by Me

Pretty, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

And I'm back. Did you miss me? I have spent the past week feeling poorly with a horrible cold and blogging just came way down the list of priorities. In fact I didn't really have much of a list of priorities other than get daughter to and from school and throw food at children every now and again! I could go on about how rubbish this week was but instead I want to focus on all the wonderful stuff that happened.

Firstly, I felt really loved this week. My husband as always was a wonderful nurse but my children too were great at looking after me. And I have lovely friends who looked out for me too. I never ask for help normally if I am ill, I generally just muddle on through. This time was no different except for the friends who just took it upon themselves to look after me, especially on the day my children have their gymnastics lessons. Without asking me they had worked out the logistics of taking my son in the morning and my daughter in the afternoon to their lessons so I could stay home and rest. It was so nice of them and the hour and a half I got home alone that day was sheer bliss! It's made me realise that it's OK to ask for help. After all I would always help a friend in need.

This week was my daughter's parent's evening and it was went so well. In fact her teacher honestly couldn't think of anything negative to say about her. She is happy, helpful and rather clever it would appear. I am such a proud mummy. Oh and she went up yet another reading level this week too. She is now reading books aimed at children at the end of year two. She's only in reception bless her.

And I am so proud of my son too. He seems to have grown up this week without me looking. I have been feeling guilty for just kind of leaving him too it this week - we've watched a lot of Peppa Pig - but it doesn't appear to have done him any harm. His speech and understanding of things are coming along so well. We've even started to have little conversations in our own mummy/son kind of a way. I can't believe he'll be two in just six weeks.

And something else happened while I wasn't looking too. Spring turned up. What a beautiful weekend it has been. And it doesn't feel like just a nice day in winter it really does feel like proper spring which is so welcome after feeling cold for so long.

Anyway, how are you? How was your weekend? I hope you are well and enjoying the change of season too.

'Star and bubbles' by Dennis Wong

Star and bubbles, a photo by Dennis Wong on Flickr.

I spent most of this weekend feeling hugely emotional, really rough, completely shattered and in pain. But also this weekend I found myself feeling incredibly lucky and happy. My family have been wonderful at looking after me. I only have a cold but it's been a particularly nasty one which has completely floored me. I have been especially impressed by my children who have been total superstars. My daughter has been running around getting things for me and my 22 month old even figured out not to give mummy any hassle.

But most of all this weekend I felt lucky and blessed that I can hold both my children in my arms and hug them tightly. On Saturday I went to the Matilda Mae Remembers memorial service where we remembered all the babies in the sky who were taken from their families far far too soon. It was a heartbreaking day but it felt good to be in the presence of such courageous mothers. It was also wonderful to get the opportunity to publicly remember all those little lives that were tragically cut short.

I also got the opportunity to make some lovely new friends and to spend some time with my dear friend Heather who I don't get to see very often as she refuses to completely uproot her life and move down south!

Anyway, today's photo had to be a tribute to Matilda Mae and I think this one I found is perfect. Pink, purple, stars and bubbles. I hope the wonderful Jennie approves and I hope Matilda Mae looks down from the sky and loves it too.

'Farnham Castle' by Me

Farnham Castle, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I said I would show you some photos that I took over half term. Well it turns out I didn't really take a lot that I can share with you here. I just have lots of pictures of my children's smiley faces and unfortunately I don't do faces here. A shame for the blog but good for me that I have lots of lovely pictures of my son and daughter. They have their moments of course but they are such happy children. And that's just the way childhood should be.

Here is a photo I can share with you. It's Farnham Castle in Surrey. It was so sunny and spring like on Saturday we just had to get out and do something outside. We chose to visit Farnham as we'd not been there for years. I hope you like how edited this image. And can you spot a certain husband and son of mine off for a stroll around the grounds?

'London Tube woman with suitcase 1' by elliotfrancisrowe

London Tube woman with suitcase 1, a photo by elliotfrancisrowe on Flickr.

I've had this photograph waiting in the wings, so to speak, for a while now. I've not posted it because it doesn't relate to anything I've been talking about and I also can't describe exactly why I like it. I guess it's just the feeling the photo gives. I like seeing a teeny tiny snapshot of a stranger's life like this. When I am standing on an escalator on the tube I do often wonder what the people around me are up to, where they are going, how they will be spending their evening. I think that is what this photo reminds me of and that is why I like it so much.

'the shape of my heart "winter love"' by Gregor H

the shape of my heart "winter love", a photo by gregor H on Flickr.

Well that's it now. Half term is over and it's back to school in the morning. It's been such a lovely week off and I am really going to miss my girl when she's at school tomorrow. Her little brother is going to miss her too. They've had so much fun together.

I will talk more about what we've been up to and share some photos soon but for the time being here is an amazing capture. I love seeing hearts in random places. This almost looks like it's photoshopped but I think I am right in saying that this was just a lovely natural coincidence.

If you've just had or are just starting half term you also have or have had a wonderful time.

'Ready for the paddling pool' by Me

Ready for the paddling pool, a photo by PhotoPuddle on Flickr.

I love the school holidays. It's so nice having both my children with me all day. I am aware that quality time like this is precious so I have made it my mission to make sure every school holiday is full of fun things. I am really enjoying this half term. So far we've been to soft play, gone shopping, gone to a friend's house, had freinds over to ours, had their regular gymnastics lessons, been to playgrounds, baked cakes, done crafts, had lunch out, splashed in puddles and played games (specifically Top Trumps - I am the reigning champion but my daughter plans to take that title from me today). This morning it is raining (again) and I think a PJ day, or at least a PJ morning, is in order.

Because I've been enjoying this half term so much I have been revisiting some of the photos I took in the summer last year holidays. I loved those holidays so much and am hoping this summer is just as fun. Here is a picture I took of my little girl in Brighton. We had a great time that day starting off with getting rather wet and sandy at the big paddling pool.

Right, I had better go. My daughter has just handed me a pile of Top Trumps cards. She means business!

'My Heart Shaped Rock Collection' by o8jo

My Heart Shaped Rock Collection, a photo by o8jo on Flickr.

I did my first training run for the Race for Life today and do you know what - I loved it. I only did a half an hour alternating between running and walking but I was so pleased with how I got on. I thought I would definitely be out of breath and most probably get a stitch too but but neither happened. As I can't see how I will get a chance to run during the week I am only going to train at the weekends. I can't wait to get out there again tomorrow!

Here is a photo I was planning on posting yesterday for Valentine's Day but didn't get a chance. I was too busy enjoying the first day of the holidays with my kids. We went out and bought a few little pressies for daddy and then went home to make some cards and do Valentine's crafts. Then in the evening hubby and I just settled down in front of the telly with some yummy food and wine.

So here are my belated Valentine's wishes to you. I hope you are enjoying a weekend full of love whether it be with your other half, your children or your friends and family.

Now please show some love for this really cute collection of pebbles. I always smile when I find a heart shaped stone on the beach. I wish I had kept them all now as it makes for such a lovely photograph.