A Real Royal Knees Up!!

I sit at work, sleepy-eyed, still stirred with feelings of patriotism. These feelings come few and far between,  so it is nice to just revel in the pride of heritage and culture for a short time. Simply Lovely! 

*image, image

Lovely Logan!

We headed up to Logan this past weekend to be utterly spoiled with fantastic company, lovely conversation, delicious food and memories of days gone by. It was lovely and much needed.

I could not believe that ten years had already passed since I, a country bumpkin from England, found myself attending college in Logan, Utah. Who would have known that such a random occurrence would set me on the path of self discovery, romance, marriage and motherhood.

Bravo!

I will happily admit that tears fell last night as I bid farewell to my friends in Lark Rise and Candleford. An inspiring final episode brimming with romance, joy and hope. I am so grateful to have experienced this wonderful show. As I cuddled in my blanket, it was so exciting to escape to the sunshine and green fields of the English countryside. The idylic simplicity of life where beautiful costumes made even corsets seem bearable. I felt honored to learn words of wisdom from Queenie and Dorcas, to chuckle over the delightful mishaps of Minnie, to discover the power of humility and kindness from sweet Margaret and to see the endless possibility of change through the gossiping Pratt sisters.

Thank you BBC 1. You always manage to transport me back home, and help ease the feelings of home sickness. Bravo...a pure triumph with this show.

*Images here, here, here and here. 

A Story of Loss

I walked through the back door and across the crooked patio. I stepped down on to the gravel hearing it crunch under my feet. A lifeless air hung, grey clouds looming over the desolate vegetable patch foretold the coming of winter.

As I reached the gate, I found my family huddled in a small circle. I was met with forced smiles. I kneeled down and reached over the small fence running my hands through the silky fur. She seemed as always spriteful and contented.

As I turned my gaze, I was met with the small creature placed lightly in my husband's hands. So tiny. So small. The brushings of black and white fur proved its claim for life. As we placed it into the small hole and blessed it with our prayers, I was overcome with a feeling that I could have done more.

That night as I lay in bed, one hand placed lightly over my abdomen, I was haunted by the feeling of loss and an unbearable realization that there was no control of losing something so small and fragile.

The next day I was told that they were unable to find a heartbeat.



*image of Pinky taken by Amira

Happy Valentine's Day

These NPR valentines are delightfully charming......

images 

My Boys!

image by Curtis Fawson

Welcome back!

I was glad to close the door on 2010.

However, it is good to remember that there are opposites in everything. The good times come with the bad. Therefore, I thought it might be best to review some of the fun, the memorable and the wonderful moments of our little family in 2010:

• Completed my Doula Training and was honored to attend six wonderful births.
• Fun camping trip with good friends.
• Celebrating the long and amazing life of Grandpa Cherrington.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables from our garden.
• A fantastic trip to England, where we had ice-cream every day, ate fish and chips twice in one week and played every day. (I miss home)
• The kids were able to go to the beach in California for a week.
• Cleo’s imagination every day!
• Amira receiving an honorable mention in the Reflections contest.
• Attending the priceless dance recital of my two darling daughters.
• Christmas Morning.
• English Christmas dinner with great company.
• The girls’ faces when they watched Daddy juggle fire!
• Receiving a special gift.

Graduation Day

 1923 - 2010

Yesterday was a special day.
A celebration of one world to the next.
A time to say Goodbye until another time.
A time to welcome another into this world.
I was honored to be a witness of each graduation.

Growing up

 A step closer to the invisible line between child and grown up.  

She asked and the truth was told. 

Her belief was still present, but now in a more profound way. 

An acknowledgement of the truth, 
 a smile 
and then off she runs, 
confidently, 
to play with her bugs.
  A moment when you realize that nothing compares 
to being the guardian of a child. 

My Mother's Love Affair

This image reminded me of my mother. 

My mother has been good to Tesco. 

Tesco has been good to her. 

They have a great relationship.

*image via youaremyfave