Sunday 5th May

Today I’m grateful for a loving caring understanding husband. It’s easy to take him for granted and forget how amazing he is.

He cut the grass and cleaned up the garden after a massive pile-up of unkept rubbish has built up over the year or so.

He is amazing at finding out what makes me happy and getting on with it. I told him how much I miss my once beautiful, garden and since having two babies back to back the best garden on my road is now the worse.

I use to look out my window with pride and admiration but that all changed overnight with a newborn.

Gardening was one of my top hobbies and I find it relaxing and stimulating.

But when the rubbish started to pile and fences were blown down I stopped looking and caring. After all, I could avoid the garden altogether.

But in neglecting the garden I also neglected some of my happiness.

Going away reminded me of what’s important in life and the small things that make a big difference to me.

Having a tidy house and beautiful garden, exercising and spending quality time with my family. Are all the things I need.

Sometimes I get so carried away caring for my children and getting on with the day to day I forget to live life and enjoy myself where I am.

I think going away has helped me remember I need to be happy and content where I am and make the most of every situation.

I tend to wish the time away and look forward to the next season forgetting to enjoy where I am.

Looking forward to when that baby is walking. Can’t wait for when that one grows up and moves out. Anticipating and praying for the time I don’t accidentally sit on someone’s wee all over the toilet. That’s my pet hate I often scream at my children over. 11 and 14 years old and you still don’t know how to clean up after yourself. Me and my husband both count down the years to a child free house.

Then when we get to that stage we will properly start saying we can’t wait to be grandparents one day.

I don’t want to miss any chapters in our families journey because we were too busy holding our breath waiting.

Just as I need to keep on top of the garden and I need to keep on top of life.

Before …