It's been practically tropical in Yorkshire over the last few days with highs of 25, so with the sun beaming above us, we made our way to Stockled Park for a magical little Saturday.
I'm so incredibly proud and besotted with my boys Oliver, 5 and Alexander, 2, so this post is first and foremost for them: my darling sons, so they can one day reflect on the blog and know how loved they are and how much they enrich mine and my husband's lives.
With Father's Day not far off, on Sunday June 21st, I'm starting to plan how I'll be spoiling the 2 main (grown) men in my life - my husband of 10 years, Peter, and of course the one and only Papa G.
I hope I'm not alone in admitting I can't stop buying my kids toys. I've become THAT parent. Before kids, I was all for, 'don't spoil the children yet to be born' but well, life is hard and when supermarket shopping needs to be done or peace restored from bat s**** crazy shouty kids, sometimes toys and yes manipulation, is the only answer.
OK so let me explain, ever since I was a teenager, or a tween even (isn't that word odd?!)-when I was a tween and that term hadn't been invented (thankfully), I realised I had a bit of a lovely bond with kids, I connected with children and adored playing with them. I did play with dolls pretty late so I suppose they were an extension of that!
Juliet is a GP, mum to three children and a health writer. She also has her own running club, runs marathons and fundraises for charity.
With a regular column in Women’s Running, a growing online following and plans for a book, Juliet is one inspiring, wonderful woman.
As you get older and perhaps a little wiser (or in my Dad's case, sillier, much, much sillier-it can go both ways) you start to realise what really matters in life.
I think having kids can do that to you, that whirlwind of new love for the kid you made merged with the mammoth overwhelming weight of responsibility (no more spontaneity in life is pretty sobering) and puts everything that came before, and after it, into sharp perspective.
You don't need to have a kid for this I should add. Yay for being wiser without having to actually use your cervix! Life experience, travel, pets, nurturing plants, charity work, whatever it is that takes you out of yourself, can be enlightening,
It got me thinking about all the tiny touching moments that make up the bigger picture, the intricately woven happy-making little things I reflect on right before I go to sleep or if I'm away from my kids, missing them madly, or my zone out to more joyous times when I find the children fighting over toys/films/my affection and I need a happy place pronto.
I love working with me&i and have collaborated with them for years now-they're a seriously cool, super-fun, vibrant Swedish brand for kids (and ladies too), that really embody that retro vintage vibe for modern families everywhere.
Look at the bright kids line below-bursting with funky prints, truly happy-making fashion for kids of all ages.
On Saturday, my eldest son, my floppy haired, bright eyed Oliver turned 5. I actually can't believe I'm typing this out-5, it sounds so, well grown up.
This year, John Lewis kindly sent us a 6 foot Argyle Green Fir Christmas Tree and asked us to choose decorations that caught our eye, to help our home look and feel festive!
Before our fabulous London trip, we were offered press tickets to view the Northern Ballet's latest production for kids, the enchanting Elves and the Shoemaker- a sold out week long performance in the October half term, the last day being today.
The words you've always wanted to hear, oh and the actions too-eating rice crispies off the playroom floor from plastic bowls. I've never been so proud.
My clever, sometimes crazy twosome playing dog. Inevitably I had to take a picture of it, if only to bribe them in their teenage years.
I always thought my voice was OK, that is pre-husband and procreating kids who are not so flattering. Granted, I'd never get through the first round of XFactor but I think I sound pretty awesome singing along to Beyonce in the car most days...
