30 days of happiness:: 5

Yesterday was quite a tough day. You know, one of those days when everything seems to be going against you. Well at one point I thought there would be nothing to bring a smile on my face that day, that is until I spotted these two jars of blackberry jelly that the boys and I made earlier in the week. Looking at the writing on the labels that Alex made (with the little drawing of a blackberry) together with some sticky little fingerprints on the jar, where little ones have sneaked a taste, really did bring a big smile to my face.

30 days of happiness:: day 4

We visited the library and came out with heavy bags,

stopped for milkshakes,

found a nice sunny grassy spot to sit and watch and listen and smell.

After a slow walk home, made dinner for the family, my homemade lasagne.

30 days of happiness: Day 3 the beach

Happiness was finding our way at last to the seaside. This was the first time Adrien has seen the sea. It was a delight to sit back and watch him take it all in, from feeling the cold salty water on his toes to the gritty sand in his hands.

We took crab lines and fished for crabs, Alex was totally into this.

Playing with friends:

Drawing in the sand:

Taking in the views:

Making sandcastles with friends:

The boys loved the seaside so very much, feeling grateful that in a week or so we will be at the sea again.

30 days of happiness

This is what made me happy today::



Watching Adrien in his new blue shoes


Turning blackberries into jam

30 days of happiness: day 1 fairy cakes

I have been feeling quite overwhelmed recently and have let things get the better of me, failing to 'see the wood for the trees' so to speak - then I read this post over at Bluebirdbaby this morning and I was instantly inspired to join her 30 days of happiness. To seek and notice the small but important things in our lives that are easily overlooked in the frustrations and stresses of day to day life.

So to kick off day 1: I sat and just watched as my little adrien made these simple fairy cakes. I watched as he thoughtfully and strategically spooned on the icing and sprinkles with such concentration and determination, it was so amazing to watch and I didn't step in once I just let him go. We then sat together and ate a cake each, savouring the sweetness in our mouths and licking sticky fingers.

weekend thoughts

Thank you for your kind words and suggestions from my last post, I value your words so much.

This weekend:
Spent Friday with my Dad, the boys love to see their Grandfather; wish it could had been for longer.

Saturday - took some flowers to my mum's grave. Alex is always wanting to go there, I find it kind of hard, but it is getting easier. Found some brambles brimming with blackberries; picked two tubs full to take home. I am now left with scratches over my legs and arms and tiny thorns in my fingers. Oh the joys! I am planning on making some simple blackberry jelly with the fruit; this will be my first attempt at preserving so am a little nervous, but am going to try a simple recipe I found in this book.

Sunday: enjoying some simple pleasures, and thinking of next week:

Possibly meet up with my sister and go to local park for picnic.

Make blackberry jelly.

Go into town for new shoes for Adrien and school shirts for Alex.

Planning on going for a day trip to the beach on Thursday with friends.

Maybe start to strip the wallpaper in the dining room (as part of my' freshen-up' for the house.)

See you next week!

It has been hot today, in the 80's - which is hot for me, I don't do well in the heat. I yearn for Autumn, my favourite season, I enjoy wrapping-up, blustery days and darker evenings.

I have been quite stressed the last few days. Trying to keep the boys occupied and constantly battling with Alex over the TV. (I keep pulling the plug out, he keeps plugging it in). If I had my way I would get rid of the TV - I very rarely watch it at all. I thought I was doing really well up until now with the viewing habits of my children, but this summer has hit a roadblock. Alex wants to either be playing outside (on his own), which I think he is too young for, or watching TV. Everything suddenly is boring! All his previous favourite pastimes, like drawing, dressing-up, imaginative play are not cutting it for him anymore. I was so looking forward to these summer holidays - an opportunity to spend much more time with him, but it just hasn't worked out the way I had hoped. I am hoping that our little summer holiday that's coming up in a couple of weeks will maybe shift the mood. I am hoping this is a phase and if anyone has any tips for me, they will gratefully be received.

On a lighter note, spent some lovely time in the woods searching out bugs and managed to get close to an amazing dragonfly - I am still trying to identify it. And can never get enough ladybirds!