Quote

A happy family is but an earlier heaven. John Bowring


As seen on another blog

Baby Shower

Tonight I hosted a baby shower for my sister in law, Caitlin. We held it at church so that there was enough room. It was a fun evening and we managed to keep it a surprise! Caitlin seemed to have a lovely evening, I hope she did!! We played some fun games first. Then we have gift opening. Cait received some really cute gifts and had lots of gift bags and boxes to take home. We then had refreshments and just chatted before clearing up and heading home. I was conscious of not keeping Cait out too late as I didn't want her to get too tired to the point where you just don't enjoy it. But I think she was fine! I'm so excited for her to have her first baby! She'll be an awesome mum!! And I'm so excited to get a new nephew. Just think of those newborn cuddles! I didn't take any pictures tonight as I was too busy worrying whether it would go well. Our friend took some, thankfully, so I'll have to get copies from her. And I'll tell you about the refreshments another time. I'm too tired right now :)

Shopping!

Today I went shopping with my friend Jannine (and her gorgeous year old daughter) and my sister in law, Caitlin (Hi Cait if you're reading this!). We dropped the boys off at school and then headed over to Ikea for breakfast and a trek around the store. I wasn't planning on buying anything as Ikea in the UK are celebrating their 21st birthday this weekend and are having a sale tomorrow - 21% off everything. I was planning on heading over there tomorrow and getting mattresses for the boys' new bunk beds they are getting. However, I managed to get them today as they had one mattress in the bargain corner at a reduced price so I got them both for the same price as I would tomorrow. Which means I don't have to battle with the crazy people in store tomorrow!! They are actually opening from 6am until midnight tomorrow to deal with the crowds. Crazy huh!!! I also bought 3 single duvet covers from the bargain corner which were reduced to £1 each. Not sure whether to use them as covers for the boys (the red one and black one) or to use the fabric for other projects. So Cait - if you are reading - these pictures are for you :) I provide a good source of amusement for my family and friends :)

After our trip to Ikea we visited a lighting factory shop. Then we headed to Costco with slight diversions around Leeds since we weren't quite sure of the directions (Jannine was driving, bless her!). Leeds is a beast of a city to navigate around, especially due to the one way system. We were quite good in Costco, didn't spend too much (probably because we couldn't find the brownie mix!). Poor Cait managed really well since we were on our feet from 9.30am until 3pm and she is 8 months pregnant! If my nephew comes tonight - don't blame me :) I'm sure she'll sleep well tonight! We were quite giddy at having a full day out shopping. I think we are going to have a weekly shopping day from now on. It was such a fun day!! I'm so blessed to have such a great friend and great sister in law!

Flowers

I know I should have taken a picture of the flowers David gave me last week. This is a quick picture of the tulips I received. They are a week old but still look cute! These are just a few of them. My one big vase is holding my roses so I had to split my tulips into various small vases. These are just some of them. I love how they are just doing their own thing!!

So Long....

Wow, so I knew it was a while since I last updated my blog, but I didn't think it was this long.........

It was mine and David's 11th wedding anniversary on Saturday. How times flies!! My mum came over and babysat Saturday evening so we could go out. My dad is in Houston on business so my mum was glad to come over so she wasn't bored, home alone. And of course Nathaniel and Zachary were excited to spend more time with Nanna (they'd already spent most of the day with her!!).

David and I went to Nando's for dinner and then went to the movies to see Son of Rambow which was a fun, cute film. Very enjoyable. Worth a watch. And on Friday, David surprised me with flowers. He bought me and dozen red roses (aw!) and also a big bunch of tulips as I had tulips in my wedding bouquet. See, he CAN be romantic when he wants!! :)

Women

Today the words of a Hymn from my church have been going around and around in my head:

The errand of angels is given to women;
And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim:
To do whatsoever is gentle and human,
To cheer and to bless in humanity's name. (Hymns, 309)

I believe this is so true as I have witnessed the way that the women in my ward (congregation) have reached out and served those in need, in whatever way they can. I think the world needs more 'gentle' women who bless and serve others. Women who serve in their homes and communities. Women don't need to be 'tough' and 'rough' like men. We are meant to be different. I know this goes against the grain for a lot of women. But I believe there is strength and power in a women who is gentle and charitable. What do you think?