From the best flat white (no doubt because it was the first of the day and it was already 2pm) in Wellington, to the unexpected ice rink in Hagley Park in Christchurch, to Kate and Jem skating hand in hand, to the interesting french fella who made our dinner, to the hottest most delicious soak (probably first of the year too) ever in the cute Cotswolds lookalike hotel, I am most grateful for a wonderful introduction to a beautiful gentle country. What took us so long.
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.
I am grateful that B and I still have moments that make the girls go ewwww. Although I have to admit it doesn’t take much. A cuddle here, a kiss there. All it took tonight was me feeding B a little cheese and pickled onion nibble. One of my favourite combinations. And only because he had his hands full doing dinner. And for that I am also grateful because B usually can’t resist an opportunity to maximise the ewwww.
I am grateful for a rainy day during school holidays. Kate and Jem aren’t.
I think maybe I’ve mellowed. As a parent I mean. Or maybe it’s because there’s another me in the family now, who has the energy and tenacity of a nearly 15 year old. Jem was on her laptop, and I could see what she was doing from where I sat. I noticed with idle interest the blood and screaming and stuff. Some trailer for some extremely gorey completely revolting horror movie. Kate took one look and said Jemma, what are you watching. In a very stern voice. Followed by that is completely inappropriate. I must admit I just sat there, feeling a tad embarrassed. She was absolutely right. The really funny bit was, Jem listened to her, turning it off. Then looked at me, as we sheepishly smiled at each other. Yeah Jem, what she said. It’s happening already. I’m sure I was at least eighteen before I knew I knew better than my mom. The thing is, I never really did. But shit, I think Kate does.
I am very grateful for my torch. And for Mel for taking us camping so I have this torch. The lowlight in the kids loo has blown. I haven’t replaced it yet. It’s been over a week now. And no, it’s not because B is away, I replace the light bulbs even when he’s home. It’s one of our things. It’s because I bloody keep forgetting to buy a new light bulb. So, I’m grateful for the torch today because I forgot again and because the girls really don’t like a dark loo.
grace and dignity 