Tuesday 24 September 2013

Lawrance holiday '13



On the last week of our summer holiday we packed up our car and drove to meet my family in Middleham. 


Being in a converted school house was amazing, ooposite a castle was breathtaking. 


I loved the space, and the original features.


But none of it could touch the feeling of spending so much uninterrupted time with our family.


My children are utterly spoilt for attention when the Lawrance's get together. 


And I think it's incredibly good for them! 

They learnt about fish from their dad...


(and nail art from auntie Rosie)


...climbing over rocks, patience, determination and stamina from aunties and uncles...


...and they explored until their heads hit their pillows at night.




I hope Ethan never forgets how many times grampy got down on the floor to play with him.


And that Izzy remembers how uncle dave ran round the garden with her as it got dark retrieving her frisby every time.


It makes me feel wonderfully grateful to recognise the amazing family I am a part of, both the ones on this holiday, and the others that we have.


I'm glad that when I feel overwhelmed with all Andy and have that we want to teach my children, that we're not having to do it alone.


We have a huge support network helping us with every age. 


And I think if I were my mum watching scenes like these I'd be glowing too. 





















(Look! I'm actually in a photo!)


Monday 2 September 2013

seven years



How do you put into words seven years of marriage?


It seems like it was less time than when I stepped into the car running far too late.


It feels like it wasn't so long ago that the pouring rain only made our day more memorable.


And our relationship became far more than me and you. We became a family. One we promised would last an eternity.


But then I think back on all that we've accomplished and overcome. And that makes seven years seem like not long enough for that life we've lived together.






We've had seven Christmas mornings of disheveled hair and ripped paper filled floors. 

Two babies born that we couldn't live without. 

A miscarriage.

A graduation in the midst of a newborn.

A cancer scare followed by a diagnosis of a life-long disease.

Our first child starting school.

Two house moves; one with a baby.

Working through money struggles and celebrating through an amazing job offer.

Some parts of our marriage are easier to quantify than others.


How do you put a number next to the amount of nights we've stayed up late laughing? Or how we came to each other first always whenever we were worried or anxious?

How do you decide how much our love for each other has grown through the most difficult times of our life? And how much stronger we are now because of the joy and heartbreak we've experienced together?


I've tried and failed to explain just how integral a part of my life you are. You just are a part of my being. And I'm not "me" without you. 


Sometimes I can't believe how much we've been able to do together.


But then again, we're quite the team. 

Seven years, and I wouldn't change a thing.