Jem was sensational as Alice. She truly amazed me. Amazed all of us. I am grateful she got the chance to find out what she’s capable of. To put herself out there. I am grateful for the love and support she got from her friends and most especially from her big sister. But I am especially grateful for the fact that Alice’s mom can finally get a good night’s sleep tonight.
Today I am very grateful Jem takes more after B than me in temperament. She debuts as Alice in her schools musical, Alice in Wonderland this evening, and is utterly calm. No sleepless nights, no need for rescue drops, no fighting with mom because we’re both stressed as. Its all so wonderfully calm. I am grateful for my other little teacher, who just takes it all in her calm, sweet stride. Who keeps its all so beautifully in perspective, never taking life or herself too seriously. We are so proud of you our angel child Jemma and really do hope you break a leg. Two things I know for sure, we could never ever be prouder of you than we are right now, and no matter what, you will have fun. Because you always do.
I am grateful for a wonderful sighting in the national park this morning. Just wonderful. A sight I never tire of. And one that always reminds me of B.
I am grateful for how little it truly takes to make me happy. I was in heaven today over a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate cake. I had it with lunch, for afternoon tea and for dinner. I love how I convince myself that if I have a light meal, a piece of cake doesn’t count. It is the most divine cake. I found it by googling easiest cake recipe in the world. Genuinely. (I have a valid reason for doing this). And anyway its vegan so it’s okay to overindulge. Which means I can have a piece before bed.
I think, in fact I know the girls are getting a tad irritated with me constantly whipping out my iphone to capture a moment I’m grateful for.This morning was just such a moment. And I’m grateful for it, because we were all in hysterics, with much screaming. I overheard the girls having a wonderful sharing moment in their bathroom, with Kate regaling Jem with some teenage drama (then she said he said I said etc etc). I was grateful for such a wonderful sisterly bonding moment that I knew at any point could revert to the more common sisterly squabbling that I thought I’d capture it. As I gently pushed open the bathroom door, iphone at the ready to take a shot, the girls squealed in horror and closed the door on me. I of course pushed back on it and Kate and I ended up having this pathetic weak from giggling door pushing thing. I gave up and they locked the door on me. I stood quietly outside the door holding in my giggles. Their curiosity eventually got the better of them and Jem quietly opened the door. You can imagine the squeals and screams at them finding me quietly waiting there. In fact, I think they called me creepy. And weird. I am truly grateful for a really fun start to our day.
Kate loves skulls, its a fashion trend thing, lifesize candles, black skull candles a la Lara Bingle, necklaces, rings. I am grateful that she also still loves her fairies. Not a fashion trend thing, just a young girl thing.
I am grateful for a beautiful sunset on the beach and for that unexpected moment when two glistening dolphins decide to surf some gentle waves right near the shore. And to B for going to Sydney next week so we had to have Kate’s family birthday dinner a night early. I am grateful for unexpectedly perfect timing and silver linings.
14 July I was blown away by Fratellini’s at Sunshine beach today. They hosted Kate and 20 of her friends for her 15th birthday celebration, with no adult present. I am grateful for how they went out of their way to make her night special with no input from me. I am grateful because I so wanted her to be made a fuss of but I was absolutely forbidden by her to do anything. And she loved it. The ‘no fuss’ I mean. Oh and I’m grateful B and I like Sam. Trust Kate to find a fabulous respectful, intelligent, well spoken, ambitious, rugby union playing, gorgeous, family loving boy. I love that she is still young enough to love that we think he’s cool too.
I am grateful for a moment of sycnhronicity and connection with a friend. Without us even being together.
grace and dignity 