Not to be put off by the weather we still had our fish and chips on the beach, however due to the howling storm taking your very breath straight out your lungs and the sand whipping at your skin like razors, we sat in the car, with our favourite music on and sipped our hot chocolate. Do you remember the advert with the girl who sat in her car listening to 'I can see clearly now the rain has gone' making herself a cuppa with the heater element you could plug into the lighter socket for a mug of hot water? Oh how I loved that advert... I was in that happy place!!!
So we hunkered down for the next few days and chilled out, chatting, playing board games, watching movies and this Mom got to sew... a little spare of the moment hand sewing... Oh happy days!
We returned home as some special friends joined us to celebrate Easter. So with the house full of mischievous laughter from the five children running around having the best time and us grown ups chatting, cooking and generally catching up, I was reminded of New Year, my home full of people I loved, I adore cooking and looking after friends it warms my heart and is so good for my sole as it really balances me. Cooking to me is a big part of how I show I care for someone.
Eater day was started by the children hunting the eggs (thanks Caroline. Er I forgot to buy the eggs). We sat and worked out the meal plan and how long we had before dinner needed to be started and we all pulled on our walking boots and went for a walk... my version of a walk and my friends is slightly different, I would have called it a hike!!!
The meal was cooked in a relaxed way, all doing our bit in the kitchen and then we all sat round for a somewhat 'chaotic' meal, not enough chairs etc... it had a real feel of Christmas day, but without the stress!!!
Sadly I had to say goodbye to my mate and her super family once again.
Then before I had time to get all miserable and sad about them leaving the boys and I had an invited to share a birthday meal... a delicious family Chinese banquet. An honour to share this family event.
Yes this Easter holiday has made me count my blessing... surrounded by friends I care about, laughing, the children happy, good food, beautiful walks with the Rosy the pup and lots of sleep...
After my divorce I lost so much confidence I found it so hard to relax and just couldn't ever imagine being in a position again when laughter filled the house and the people I was with I felt loved by. Yet this week has taught me, if you hang on in there the good stuff happens...