On the weekend Bill & Lucy started up their own blogs. Bill's is up and running and Lucy's should be finished soon. They are both so excited! If any of your kids have blogs and would like to link up with my two then let me know. Rosie has also been busy, she set up a little 'office' on the verandah on Saturday. She wrote out some important notes and did some other officey type activities,
in the bright morning sunlight.
Daisy kept an eye on things. Actually I'm not sure she can see that well, she needs her fringe trimmed!
Then it was off to ballet where my friend Michelle revealed her inner crafter! I made this little doll for Michelle's daughter, Freya, a couple of years ago & Shell has started making some sweet clothes for her, aren't the pants ace? Love those matching hair ties!I'm hoping Shell will come along to the new Daylesford craft group, Handmade, which is starting up soon.
Late on Saturday I headed down to Melbourne to catch up with Charlotte. It wasn't easy to leave home as one of my girls was so, so sad that I was going. I sat with her and explained how much Charlotte needs me too and that she doesn't get to see me every day, or be at home, like the other kids. I've made this decision to support Charlotte through her last year of school by visiting regularly but it's difficult to understand that when you are six, and you hate for your mum to go away. As I drove down the freeway with Paul Kelly blasting out I thought about the many challenging aspects of being a parent. Trying to do the right thing by everyone, and yourself, it's not always easy.
It was so good to get to Charlotte's school, sneak up to her room and have a big hug! I loved looking around her room which is so orderly & interesting. I had to take a photo of her stash of apples. I miss her so much when she is at school, although it's been great for her to board I have found it extremely hard.
One of our rituals is to go out to Woodstock for pizza & pasta. If you live in Melbourne & haven't tried their pizza's then run, quickly! Order one and eat it up, I bet you'll be back for more. Delicious! Then we went to Borders & Readings which is always fun. I just love hanging out with Charlotte.
On Sunday morning I had breakie with a lovely friend who I haven't seen in a long time. It was great to catch up and we laughed and chatted like we had only seen each other yesterday. Alot has happened to this mate in the last couple of years and it was also very emotional too. Back at her house she gave me some toys and books that belonged to her son who died aged 7 abour a year and a half ago. I can't imagine how she copes, it's so unfair and just breaks my heart. It's so difficult to see someone you love going through such pain. I guess at this point she is just putting one foot in front of the other and keeping on going. She is off to India for a few months - I hope she has a safe trip & finds a way through it all. My lovely friend.
As I've read over this post I'm struck by the thought that life can be challenging and hard & that is why the connections we make with the ones we love are so important. I received an email last week that also reminded me of the many challenges we can face as parents and the strength we need to push on through. Love & kindness, having hope, laughing and being close are what makes our lives worthwhile and gives meaning in the tough times.
Sometimes I get so caught up in thinking about such things, and daydreaming that I forget I'm a busy mum who has a million things to do. Today I have a long list. I am finding I just can't remember everything unless I write it down! Ahhh! Anyway, high on the list is finishing the cutting out of the 50 Love Hearts that are due for the beautiful shop, Big Dreams, in Northcote. Better go and start! Hope you have a great Monday, see you soon xo
