Under 200 days till PARIS!!!

Friday on my mind....

I get to play with my kids tomorrow, no school!!
Having time away from my kids so I can miss them and cherish the time I do have with them!
One down, a hundred of projects to go. But man does it feel good to check one off the list.
Thomas was cracking us up tonight, while watching the monster jam (ie monster trucks) he was so excited, jumping on the couch screaming with such enthusiasm every turn and twist they made...priceless!
The love I felt from my boys tonight when I got home after being gone for only a few hours. I truly felt missed, loved and appreciated! Its a good mommy moment!!
The rain has returned to Seattle, so cool and refreshing and the most beautiful sound in the world to fall asleep too!

A new goal for this school year!

- To make the most of my time with Thomas while he is still home in the mornings.

After sending Harry off to his first day of 1st grade today, I realized that I only have one more year left of having Thomas home, then both my babies will be off at full day school! Enjoy and cherish the moments you have! This time of their life is only here for such a short time, make happy memories!

Sometimes you have to make things happen or they never will. - Master Chung

Totally the kick in the butt I needed today as I am highly motivated to get my business up and going! I can do it!
I'm the one that will and has to make it happen!

Today is beautiful.....

• Picking plums with the boys in the backyard and making a tart with them, not knowing how it will taste as it was our own recipe.
• Watching Thomas and Harry run around the yard wrestling each other, laughing!
• Doing yard work in my rain boots and my extra used, extra comfy worn in gardening gloves.
• Watering my new garden and seeing how the plants are growing...yay, I haven't killed them yet! knock on wood =)
• Surprising the boys with the garden hose and soaking them both.
• Then the boys surprising me and soaking me back...lol!
• The look and feel of freshly cut grass
• Sunshine and being able to enjoy it in my own beautiful backyard!
  

Flying kites at the beach, being with my babies, snuggling with my man and remembering my Grandma is how I want to spend today.

I didn't make it back home for Grandma's funeral today, so I will be remembering her today in my own special way.

Its sad not to be with the family, oh how I am missing them today. I can not stop thinking about the love, support and togetherness that they will all be feeling today. While I am physically not there, my mind and spirit will be there 100%.

Hayden will be speaking on behalf of the Marshall's, at first I was sad that it would not be me talking. But I couldn't get there, so we have worked out the next best thing. Hayden will speak and I will write it, with anything they want to add. My last post here is what I wrote for the funeral.

I have not worked out what I will be doing myself yet, but know I want to be at the beach with my family flying Grandmas kite.

It may be cold, gray and overcast outside, but today is a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful life!

When I think about my beautiful Grandma, there are so many wonderful memories that come to mind.

From when we were little kids running around the yard at ridge rd, playing with glass birds on her coffee table, swinging on the clothes line or learning to play cards around the table. Being fitted for something special she was making for us to wear to a school formal or helping us get braces for our teeth.

Then there were Christmas days with all the family, Grandma’s jam filled sponge cake for your birthday, the Tupperware container that was always stocked with a fresh batch of rock cakes or mince tarts just waiting for grandchildren to devour.

Not to mention the good old “Grandma test” it was so important to all of us that Grandma liked our partners that we gave it a name. First time she would meet them, they had to pass the test. She was always there, excited to be part of our lives!

These are just a few of the many beautiful memories of Grandma, who was always there for her grandchildren.

I don’t remember an event, a birthday or a school performance that grandma was not there for. Whether it was a big event or not, it always felt special just knowing that Grandma was there, she always took an active interest in all areas of our lives.

It’s funny, when I think about Grandma, she was no ordinary Grandma. She was not the meek little old Grandma sitting in the corner of the room, just watching life go by. Instead she was an amazing woman of strength and tenacity, who had a love for life, and a true love for all those around her.

Grandma was always inspiring her Grandchildren to be active and to always live life to its fullest.

Even as an adult, she is the one I want to tell all my exciting news too.

When I found out I was pregnant, I could not wait to tell Grandma the exciting news, she was the first one I wanted to tell.

Grandma was an amazing Great Grandma or as the boys called her “Gwanny” Although they live far away and did not get to see her often, there was always a huge hug and lots of love whenever they did meet. While Thomas is still too young, I am grateful that Harry has sweet memories of his Gwanny and will always talk about Gwanny who made cookies with him.

When I travelled to Europe 10yrs ago, I received a letter from my family. The last line stated “Have a great time and make the most of every opportunity -Grandma” This has become my life’s mantra. I am inspired by this daily and will forever know that my Grandma has helped me be the person I am today.

Thank you Grandma, for loving life and your Grandchildren as much as you do. You will always be with me, in my heart and in my life.