Pushing through

For the first time in a few months I pushed aside excuses, tiredness, weather and all the other stuff that has been in the way of me exercising. My head has been fighting the craving to just get out there and move.

All that said the main hurdle has been my commitment/motivation. Slowly exercise slid down the priority list. Perhaps the miscarriage knocked me more than I would like to admit. And perhaps broken sleep wore me down. I always knew I just needed to put on my shoes and break through the mental barrier.

Flowering Camellia 

So this morning I did. Despite the wind and a toddler who didn't really feel like heading outdoors. I mustered up the enthusiasm and we walked/jogged around a local park. Throwing in some squats/lunges for good measure. We giggled and jumped, said hello to passing people and dogs. Little miss spotted at least 3 buses and 5 trucks. We admired the diggers and soaked up some Vitamin D.

Of course I feel better, just like I knew I would. The past few months were hard and that my body needed time to heal so I'm not gonna beat myself up for slacking off for a bit. I guess I just wanted to document how good it feels to have been out and sweated just for the sake of it. To stretch out my limbs and let the wind blow away the cobwebs.

I hope that you are enjoying your day and get the chance to move.

Celebrating Someone Special

Mr Fox's family have been here the past few weeks as we celebrated his Mum's 70th Birthday.  It was wonderful to be able to spoil her for a whole week. She is a very special and treasured person in our family. Mae adores her as much as we do.

Before the Birthday dinner at the Viaduct.  Toby, Mae, Grandma Ann and Veronica

The days flew by with meals out and trips to the Aquarium, Butterfly Creek and a special High Tea in Devonport. Ann's sister flew up from Christchurch.  Along with her lovely partner and daughter we were able to spring a couple of surprises, including a cake. It's not easy to surprise Toby's Mum!

The Birthday Girl and her surprise cake

Selecting hats for High Tea

We made a day trip down to the Waitomo Caves a few hours drive South of Auckland. A brilliant day out. The cave tour ending with a boat ride through the glow worms was incredible; magical really as the tour guide sang beautiful Waiatas into the inky darkness.

Mae was in awe of the caves....when we entered she kept repeating "di-di" her word for dinosaur. It wasn't hard to imagine a dinosaur lurking in such an ancient space. In addition to all the adventures we had it was lots of fun just all being together. 

Grandad Kevin, Grandma Ann, Veronica, Toby and Mae. Just outside the glow worm caves in Waitomo.

Miss Mae thought it was rather great to have so many people to entertain. It was the first time she had met her Aunty Veronica and they became firm buddies. I'm afraid it will be quite a shock for her when it is just her and I come next week! Oh how she will miss them all. 

More interested in a baby chick than this gorgeous bunny!

Grandma Ann and Mae watching the Chinchillas

The second week Mr. Fox's Dad arrived to spend time with us before Veronica headed home to Istanbul, Turkey. We were able to squeeze in a bush walk while the sun shone. The rain has set in today; a perfect excuse to catch up on the neglected chores and blog!

Stillness

For the first time in a long while the lounge is quiet and still. The little girl sleeps while her Daddy has evening out. And I have an evening to myself. The quietness is not lonely but welcome. The Autumn evening is cool after a bright fresh day and the lamp in the corner casts a warm glow across the floor.

Paint is drying on the fence outside beside the winter seedlings nestled in the vegetable garden. Our local possum has not yet scampered across the roof and the cicada song is ever quietening as the days grow cooler.

Tomorrow Mr. Fox's sister arrives from her home in Turkey and the day after his Mum and partner. The house will be full of voices and laughter; the evenings will be for stories. Tonight is the breath in before the busy two weeks we have planned.

This evening I am reminded of one of my favourite songs; Lullaby by Liam Finn. The lyrics are so sweet and resonate with my soul more deeply now I am a mother.

Try and get some rest
Try and get some sleep
All these roads will take you to me

Try to slow your heart
Try and clear your head
Night is just the day giving in

A sandman parade
All on their way to encompass you
Here I will stay
Though miles away I can protect you

Try and get some rest
Try and get some sleep
All these roads will take you to me

Try and slow your heart
Try and clear your head
Night is just the day breathing in

A sandman parade
All on their way to encompass you
Here I will stay
Though miles away I can protect you                   Lullaby, Liam Finn

Recent Sunrise over our sleepy neighbourhood

Wishing you all a moment of quiet this week. 

Two Years

It's two years today since you passed; my sunshiny and gorgeous Mum. 

Missed always and forever cherished. 

The only thing that lives forever is love

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross