A Tribute...

A very cosy welcome to you today. I hope you are well.

Are you being kept inside by the impending rain too? I'm considering putting the heating on. Apparently it was the first day of Summer yesterday. Please, if you have some Summer, can you send a bit my way?

Yesterday morning my husband received some sad news. The news that his beloved Nan had passed away in the early hours. Such sad news but it had been expected for a while and although Paul and his family were deeply saddened, it was a blessing that she was now out of pain and in a much happier and more beautiful place.

I first met Rhoda Byers about three and a half years ago when Paul and I first got together. A wonderful, wonderful woman and at the grand old age of 89 when I met her, she had those wonderful eyes that you know could tell a lifetime of stories. Stories that you and I could never imagine being able to tell. The stories of a war, of a hard life and of a love with a man that would last her entire lifetime, a love that proves that soulmates truly do exist. A love with Bill, Paul's grandad. A love that stood the test of time and a love that you only hear of in fairytales. A match made in heaven and which is now flourishing in heaven once again.

I had never known of love being so pure, so unbroken and so missed. Her world fell apart when she lost Bill about 6 years ago. Remarkably they had been married over 60 years. I never had the pleasure of meeting Bill, but he lived in Rhoda and I felt like his spirit never left her side.

Rhoda was truly a remarkable woman. A very well known and well loved woman, she had an army of great-grandchildren and lived in a town where everyone knew her name. She was kind, loving and you were always welcome, anytime.

Paul, my wonderful husband, was very close to his Nan and Grandad especially as he was growing up and although he's putting on a brave face I can see the hurt in his eyes and wish I could help ease his grieving.

It's never easy to lose someone close to you, but I truly believe that we go to a better place, a place where the sun always shines, there is no pain and upset. A place where you are returned hand in hand with your loved ones never to be parted again.

I feel so very privileged to have known Rhoda, even if it was only for a short time.

I write this for my love, Paul, and his family & I write this so that one day my daughter and son can read a little memento about their Great Nanny Rhoda.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a 1,000 winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die.

I'd like to think of today's post as a tribute and not as a sad one.

I hope you have a wonderful day and I thank you for letting me share this with you today.

Love

Bex
x

A Wife and Mother...

Good Morning.

I was sat thinking last night of the last 14 months or so and what an amazing journey it has been. I found myself thinking about Elle mostly and how she is growing up so quickly. Over the last 14 months she has gone from being the most tiny, beautiful &quiet little baby to quite a tall, noisy and humourous little toddler - she's still beautiful of course!

This morning as we sat watching Peppa Pig I found myself giving her that little extra squeeze as I thought how lucky I was to be able to enjoy these little moments. She loves Peppa.

I remember being so scared, ok, petrified, that day we took her home from the hospital. What do we do? Will she be ok? It was the most daunting feeling in the world. Paul and I were now responsible for this tiny little being. Looking back at the pictures, I can't quite believe how small she was and find myself wondering how we did it. The thing about being a mum and dad is that I don't really think that you have time to think about it and the most wonderous thing is, it all comes so naturally and even though she was only a few days old, she  already knew how to let us know what she wanted and when.

Watching her grow has been the most incredible experience. It's been hard work but I wouldn't change a second. The lack of sleep is the hardest part but you even get used to that (most of the time).

My happiest moments are when the three of us are together. I love my daughter and my husband and I wouldn't be who I am today without them. They are what drives me, what completes me and what makes me the happiest I could ever be. As we wait in anticipation for our son to arrive in October, I start thinking of how it will be to have a baby in the house again. I can't wait!

And as Elle continues to grow, we all do. I'm learning everyday, learning how to be a better mother and how I can help my daughter grow into a caring, polite and loving little girl. She's definitely on the right track.

So my promise to you, Elena, is that I promise to be the very best mum that I can be. I promise that your dad and I will always be there and that we will always love you. Nothing will ever change that. And as the future is not yet written, all I can promise is our love as that is the only certainty and that will never change.

And for you, Paul, I want to say thank you. For all that you are and all that you do. I promise you my love forever.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thursday and thank you for reading.

Love

Bex
x

A Brand New Adventure...

Hello Friends!

& a very happy Monday to you!


How have you been? I hope that I find you well.


It has been such a long time since my last blog and so much has been happening! I've managed to grab myself a peaceful corner in our gorgeous new dining room, warmed by the sunshine, to write today.

I am missing a little something...

A cup of tea... Sorted.

You may remember that the reason for my lack of blogging was due to the fact that we were in the process of moving. Well the move went well, it started at 9am on 26th March and we completed the move at around noon on April 12th. Not the quickest house move on record I'm sure! - and that was only half of it!

We had the bulk moved into storage on the first day of the move and since then my husband, Paul, had been working around the clock to tidy up all the odds and ends, painting here there and everywhere and general finishing all those little jobs that you seem to move by on a daily basis and not really notice them. As of 11th April, the keys were handed to the estate agent and the realisation of never stepping foot in our beloved house again, started to set in. The stomach churning feeling was quickly set aside by the fact that I was now ueber excited about moving into our new house in Penkhull.

After 5 weeks at my parents house and Elena's very 1st birthday, we finally moved into our new home and although tiring and albeit slightly stressful... The house is just perfect.

I love it.

We have a fair bit of painting to be getting on with and even though we've been here a month there are still boxes everywhere! I must admit the cellar has come in pretty handy as everything is dumped down there first and brought upstairs when a suitable space has been cleared. I just can not believe how much stuff we have. Goodness knows how it all fit into our old house!

The last few weeks I've surrounded myself in colour charts, home decorating magazines and various other catalogues. Sifting through the pages and pricing everything up. Elle has been helping me pick out ideas by ripping pages out and either attempting to shove them in my mouth or hers. Ever the helpful child.

The place is coming together piece by piece and we are so very happy here. It seems we have filled the house with warmth and happiness already and the plain walls and soft white furnishings seem to be basking in it and even smiling back. This is definitely home.

There was also more wonderful news shared over the last few months. Paul and I had found out that we were expecting our second child. We were also blessed to find out  a few weeks ago that the little one is that in fact a little boy and we couldn't be happier. Being able to bring one being into this world is the most amazing feeling so to be blessed with two, well words can not describe how truly happy we are. We just hope and pray that the next few months go as smoothly as possible as we wait in wonderous anticipation to meet our son.

There is so much, I'm sure, still to tell you. My gardening projects etc but I'll be sharing them over the next few weeks.

I really hope that you will continue to read and I thank you so very much for reading today.

I wish you a truly magical Monday.

Love

Bex
x

When you're smilin', keep on smilin', the whole world smiles with you...

Have you ever noticed how much difference a smile makes? They're contagious. I often notice if I'm out for a walk and someone smiles and says hello, how much it lifts my spirits. It also works the other way, smiling at someone and seeing their face change into a smile is also a lovely feeling.

The reason for my babbling is because Mr Sinatra has just started singing the song on my iPod. It got me thinking about happiness and what makes us happy. I know that happiness runs a lot deeper than just smiling at a stranger but I think that when you take on a happy demeanour people can't help but get sucked in.

I love that little things like a song, can lift your spirits. I listened to Frank and I had a little spring in my step as I popped the kettle on. (Do you think I drink too much tea?!)

Along with the song, a cup of tea and 5 minutes of peace whilst Elle is asleep, I'm also being made to smile by the warmth of the sun coming through the window.

Signs of a good day?

I hope so.

It's the calm before the storm at the moment. I've got a lot to do today so I'm just having a few moments to myself before my day really starts. Technically my day started at 6:30am but so far I've been fuelled by caffeine so it's all a bit of a blur..!

What are you up to today?

A little update on my gardening projects... All my tulips have flowered and are now basking in the sunshine outside. They are the most wonderful colour, and have a real "Springtime" glow about them. My potatoes are still chitting. I think I'll have to leave them a slight bit longer before I pop them into the potato bags. My onions are growing wildly and I'm going to have to replant them into larger pots pretty soon. The other herbs that I was going to plant will be planted after our move.

Sad news on my grandad's cuttings that I took. They've all wilted and died. I've taken a few more so I'm hoping these will root. I'm going to buy some rooting powder today to help them along. Fingers crossed this will work!

I'll put some pictures up later when the sun makes it's way around to the back garden.

I'd like to invite you to take a few moments today, forget about any worries you may have even if it's just for a moment, and think of something that makes you smile. Something that makes your whole being lift. Close your eyes and enjoy that feeling for aslong as you can. I'd like to share my smile with you today.

My smile and my love.

I wish you a very happy Tuesday. Let's share our smiles today.

Thank you so very much for reading.

I'll see you tomorrow.

Love

Bex

x

Take a stroll with me...

Good morning! A very happy Monday to you. How was your weekend?

Do you fancy a cuppa? I'm lacking sleep again so I'm probably going to have a few..!

Take a seat and tell me about your weekend.

                                                              
Our weekend was lovely. We didn't rush around as much as we usually do. Most weekends we have so much to do that we barely come up for air. Elle is usually wisked away here there and everywhere as we go to visit family and friends, coffees at Trentham Estate, strolls around garden centres, walks in the countryside and trips to the supermarket. It's a busy life but one that we enjoy together.

So instead of all that, my mother in law came over on Saturday to take Elle out for a bit so I could make a start on the packing. It's funny how attached you become to a house. The mere thought of saying goodbye on Saturday is tearing me up inside. I thought the reason was because of my grandad and although this is still the biggest reason, it's also quite upsetting because this was our first proper home. It was where we lived before we got married, where we lived when we became husband and wife, where we brought Elle to when she first came out of hospital, the house where she first smiled, first rolled over, first sat up... you get my drift. I believe that all these moments in life are set into the brick work of a house. This house will forever hold those memories and never let them go. I love this house and shall be so very sad to leave.

Having said that, our new house will hold many more wonderful memories, first steps, first words and first day at school, so I shall keep a smile on my face and remind myself of how lucky I am.

I must admit that Saturday's packing only saw 1 box packed as I did indulge in putting my feet up and enjoyed a WHOLE cup of tea uninterrupted. On her return my mother in law was accompanied by no less than 8 cream cakes/ fresh fruit tartes and so I popped the kettle on. I must add that we didn't eat them all, well not all at once anyways!

We thought we'd take full advantage of Saturday's sunshine and so we ventured to Barlaston Downs for a walk. It's not exactly suitable for prams but we had a good attempt. In true Elle fashion, she fell asleep and missed the whole glorious walk. The trees had all lost their sad winter look and seemed to be smiling as the odd ones were bearing the start of their summer attire. The grass was looking greener and the odd daffodil was dotted here and there.

Sunday was nothing more than a lazy day. We continued to pack but I saw no point in Elle and I getting out of our pj's so we stayed cosy all day. In the afternoon Paul went food shopping and treated us to a wonderful Sunday roast. He's such a great cook, Elle loves his Sunday dinners, she wolfs down his food and almost always wants more!

And before we knew it, it was Sunday evening again.

I always have some time to myself on a Sunday evening. Paul sorts Elle out and puts her to bed whilst I pop on a face mask and jump in the bath to read my book by candlelight. Sounds cheesy but I look forward to it all week. I think it's important to take time if you can, it grounds you, calms you down and definitely de-stresses! After my bath I even managed to replace my horribly chipped nail varnish. I felt like a new woman.

I hope you enjoyed your weekend as much as we did and I hope your Monday isn't too gruelling.

Thank you for stopping by, it's been lovely to have you.

All my love,

Bex

x

Friday's Child is Loving and Giving...

A very happy Friday to you & a happy Red Nose Day!

I must apologise for my absent blog yesterday. Elena is having real difficulty sleeping at the moment, I'm hoping it's due to her teeth (and not because she just doesn't want to sleep!) fingers crossed it passes as soon as possible. Due to this, yesterday Paul and I were absolutely wiped out. I was also feeling a bit delicate so I tried to sleep when I could. Today, well I'm not too much better but I can't leave you another day, so I'm accompanied by some homemade carrot and corriander soup, a bottle of water and a couple of paracetamol. Such a brave soul..!

How blue is the sky where you are? It's glorious here, there are a few clouds about but having had a potter out in the garden earlier, I'm pleased to say that there is some warmth coming from the sun today. Beautiful. I've pushed the curtains as wide as they'll go in a greedy attempt to capture all of the warmth for Elena and I as we sit and have dinner. I think it's working.

I had promised you a "crafty" post for yesterday so instead here it is today.

I was made a very happy lady last week, when my wonderful husband surprised me with a huge bouquet of flowers and a very thoughtful little card. Every day I would walk downstairs and be greeted by the most welcoming and fresh smell coming from the lillies and the roses. They sat proudly on top of my piano and I wished that they'd look that beautiful forever. Obviously not possible. So I thought I'd try my hand at flower pressing and then I can frame them. A lovely little piece to hang in our new home.

So today I've cut the flowers from their stems, heart-breaking but it'll be worth it. I've cut some leaves too. Unfortunately some of the flowers had started to wilt so I had to discard them. If you're pressing flowers, the flowers have to be in full bloom or just about to bloom. I read somewhere that a flower will still open fully whilst being pressed, so I've taken a few buds off to test this theory.

The flowers now need to dry out for a day and then over the weekend I'll be popping them onto some tissue paper - you can also use newspaper - and entering them into my German dictionary to "press". I'll probably weight them down even more by placing another book or a brick on top.

I was cheered up greatly yesterday when to my amazement I found that my tulips had started to flower. They're stunning!

What plans do you have for the weekend? I think we're going to spend the weekend packing as this will be our last weekend in our house. I'm trying very hard not to think about it too much as it's too upsetting. Paul said the most touching thing to me the other week, he said "Let's make a pact, when we're older and the kids have left home, if this house is for sale, we'll buy it and grow old here..." it made me cry then and it has just had the same effect writing it. I miss my grandad so very much...

Anyways, I hope you''ll be joining us tonight in watching Comic Relief. It amazes me everytime and with Children In Need also, how the nation comes together to give so generously to chairty. People really do have such big hearts and it's really wonderful that by donating just a small amount that you know you're making a difference.

I wish you a very happy weekend. Enjoy every second!

Thank you for reading & I'll see you on Monday.

Love

Bex

x

The Wonders of Life...

A very happy Wednesday to you. What are you up to today? I know a lot of you read this when you get home from work in the evening, so I hope you've had as good a day as you can at work..!

Today, Elena and I are pottering. Well I'm pottering and Elle is making a mess. To be honest my pottering is mainly cleaning up her mess & I really can't believe how much she makes! For example, she's just had apple for a mid-afternoon snack and it has ended up everywhere. It's stuck in her blanket, in her ear, down her top, on the television stand, under the sofa and embedded in the footstool. Actually, I'm not quite sure she's eaten any at all. The smile on her face as she crawls up to me, shows me how pleased she is with herself. She gives a little sqeal and as I pick her up she plants a big kiss on my cheek.

I love being a mum.

I don't think you can ever really understand until you have a child, how much love is involved. I have always wanted a family, from in my teens I knew I wanted to be a wife and a mum. I'm not a career person and although I got my degree (eventually) I struggled to really decide what I wanted to do. I spent the last 10 years working in Restaurants/Hotels etc and worked my way up to manager but I knew there was more to me than that. I know now that being a wife and mum is my calling in life and I strive to be the best I can be. I make sure that the house is always full of love and laughter, home cooking and clean underwear! I want what every parent wants, for their child to grow up well-rounded, happy and healthy. The gravity of love is imense. I can't even begin to describe it.

My life changed when I became Paul's wife. I can't explain my happiness. I love him with every ounce of my being and I wouldn't ever be without him. I think that when you are with that special someone, they become your best friend and Paul is definitely mine. I love being able to sit in the same room in silence but surrounded in that wonderful blanket of happiness and security. Knowing you don't have to say anything but knowing you can say anything. I believe I found my soulmate and I love him so very much.

Our time is not our own anymore but it’s richer and happier.The last four years has given us a great many stories to tell and an even greater number of nappies to change! But at the same time we’re rarely happier than when it’s us, Elena playing on the floor, banana bread on the table and two fresh cups of coffee sitting nearby.

Is that a big life?

Yes, I do believe it is.

I love our journey that we've started together and I'm so very excited to see where it takes us.

So in a nutshell that's me. Not a complicated being. I love the little things in life. I love that I can love & I love that I can be loved.

I hope that you have the same wonderful glow inside of you and whatever gives you that glow, keep hold of it. It's the most precious thing you'll ever have. It'll make you laugh, smile and pick you up when you're having a bad day. Put your arms around it and squeeze it tight.

As the world continues to crumble around us, death and destruction wherever we turn, we need to keep our faith and hope alive. Sometimes it's hard, but when you have love anything is possible.

I love you and thank you so much for reading today.

I'm off to change a dirty nappy... not one of my loves!

I'll see you tomorrow for a crafty post.

All my love, always

Bex

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