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Being thankful

Ah, peace returns to the sitting room as the kids go upstairs and (hopefully) settle down for the night. Today has been one of those days where they have either been best of friends and playing at full rough and tumble / volume, or screaming at each other - also at full volume. I can safely say that much as I love my little cherubs, tonight I was more than ready for them to head upstairs to bed. I watch very few things regularly on TV but Strictly is one of my favourites and I'd prefer not to have to constantly say "sit still", "get out of the way"  or "shut up!"

Despite all of this we have made a point of being thankful for all we have this weekend. This week 2 friends lost parents and another found out that they have a life changing illness. A little bit of good natured shouting between siblings is the least of what we suffer. It's these time that make me realise even more than ever that life is fragile and while you can't throw caution to the wind, I do need to make sure I remember to enjoy it to the full on the way. That's easier said than done - life seems to be so busy and of late I noticed in particular that I'm feeling it - I feel so tired by the end of the week that the perfect weekend is one where nothing is happening. That can't be right, but we all seem to be the same. Is that just the reality of having a busy job and a busy family? Is there a better way? Probably not just yet if we want all of what we have now, but I'm definitely hatching a plan to slow down a bit before too long. I just hope I don't become one of those people who end up having to make a decision because life takes charge before I do.

On a more upbeat note the kids are very excited about Christmas already which not bad for the daughters of Grinch. Abi was dancing around the kitchen this evening with a stocking on her head and Izzy has been regaling us with out of tune carols all weekend. Mental note to myself - if Izzy's love of singing continues we will have to get her some lessons - she is truly awful! Only a mother could love it and it's touch and go for me. She's keen to start playing an instrument again as well, and has chosen the violin. Oh that bodes well - out of tune playing with out of tune singing!

Planning for Christmas is progressing slowly, although Glenn is loving getting Izzy's present together - her motorbike. He has at least now got it restricted and put the baffles in so that it doesn't sound like a chainsaw. He has bought the cutest helmet and boots so let hope she still likes the idea on Christmas Day...  She thinks she's test ridden one we've borrowed and says she loved it. I suspect the bigger problem will be when she will ride it - it's hardly suitable for going round the garden and given we don't have much free time it will be a case of giving up something else. Just not sure what yet. Oh well, this one is definitely Glenn's problem not mine.

All appears quiet now upstairs, having been up twice to sort out the noise (Izzy can't find Rabbit) and the banging (Izzy again, still no sign of Rabbit). Abi wants her nightly 'vignette'  as well. Somehow we've got into a routine of Abi having a little story before final cuddles and sleep. I have to think of a story from the dim and distant past to share before she goes to bed. No pressure then to think of a new, interesting, relevant story every night. No wonder I'm tired!

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