Things are 'a changing' again...

I have been intending to update our blog for almost two weeks now, but hey life has a way of saying 'not now' at times! We have been busy with allsorts and to be totally frank I have been feeling exhausted by 6pm. Too busy and too exhausted to even bother with accessing my Facebook account! I even opted to take a week off from it and hardly accessed the laptop full stop! I have to admit it felt good and I found I had a little energy reserved for not being asleep by 10pm each night. It doesn't always feel good though getting up at 6am everyday, going to work each weekday morning till reaching home shortly before 3pm, then having to do a few household chores, organise dinner, tend to the laundry, go grocery shopping, keep up to date with family and friends, fill out time sheets, check rota, while juggling to be a single home educating Mum and enjoy my own interests too, then being asleep half way through reading a chapter or watching a drama on tv when the day is all done!

However, I am blessed to be in the position where I can offer Lillie a different lifestyle. She is a mature, amazing, humourous, intellligent, interesting, life-loving, considerate, loving, caring, loyal, beautiful, creative, helpful, happy go lucky young lady. What more can I ask for? I have it all already.

So, rather than fill this post with the past month's activity, I shall share this past week's happenings, starting with last weekend. Lillie has had her ears pierced! My sister and her daughter stayed over on Good Friday. Our girls had decided that they would like to have their ears pierced so a trip to Claire's Accessories occurred the morning after the sleepover. My sister had researched the best place to have them done. Claire's Accessories offer a service where both ears can be pierced at the same time. Lillie went first after choosing some beautiful pink crystal gold studs. She was so brave but the expression on her face clearly demonstrated it stung and was loud with it. My niece decided to opt out having her ears pierced bless her. She is only nearing the age of 4, so has chosen to wait for another time. Lillie has been very responsible with not touching her ears and has ensured the aftercare lotion is applied at least 3 times a day.

Then after working Easter Monday, my week off work commenced. It has been blissful. Please do not misunderstand me, as I love my job. It's a privilege to do what I do. However, I have realised the physical hardship it can play on my body at times. It's becoming more and more apparent that I may have to start thinking about alternative employment sooner rather than later. I have to be sensible at the end of the day.

So, back to my week off. Lillie and I have loved every minute we have spent together. We've been on a shopping spree - Lillie's wardrobe now includes this summer's season colours/designs and 3 more pairs of shoes, plus sunglasses, hair accessories and pretty bracelets were spotted by her! Lillie also receives pocket money that I give her each week. So, despite having a mobile phone that I provided her with, she had saved enough money to decide she would like to buy herself a new one. Well you can only imagine how cool she thinks this new gadget is! The digital age eh?

We have taken another trip to Hall Place and Gardens http://www.bexleyheritagetrust.org.uk/hallplace/ which was great. We ate lunch in the grounds, and came home with more goodies for the garden, including a 'nectar house' for the bees and butterflies. We only have to make sure we make up some sugar water (1:5) to add to it as and when it's gone. I've refilled it twice already so I'm hoping the bees and butterflies that visit our garden are lovin' it.

Spot the Terrapin!

In the Butterfly Jungle

"It's really warm in here, Mum!"

"Lillie, you have chilli sauce around your mouth!"

"It's so peaceful here, Mum!"

"I agree, sweetheart."

Talking of our garden, a lot more work has been done out there. The wildlife pond area has evolved well since installing it around two months ago.

Beginning to thrive...

Cosmos

Another area that's beginning to thrive...

... right next to our beloved cat, Rocco

Lillie's selfie!!

The veg is coming along nicely and the gravelled area is filling up with bee/butterfly friendly flowering plants. And the weather has been very kind so far - hardly any night frosts, so the spuds are doing well as is the Nasturtium with being exposed to the elements. The really vulnerable plants are still in the mini greenhouse but do come out to enjoy the sun at times during the day. It's a good way to harden them off before going out solo so to speak...

Lillie has completed her penultimate assignment for the correspondence course she is studying for with OxfordHomeSchooling. After the final one is submitted, she will take a break from formal work until the autumn, when she will take the Year 8 work schedule for the same course. She has not once expressed dislike for the work she has covered and I have to admit I have enjoyed reading alongside her and learning a few things myself!

Lately Lillie has shown an interest in Photography and even stated to one of our neighbours this week, that she would like to be an events photographer - weddings, birthdays, christenings, retirement etc. So, she has requested a good camera for her birthday. I think I will need advice for this one so she receives one that does all that she wants it to do.

Talking of camera (I love prompts - second one for this post!!) Lillie and I went to see The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) last Tuesday. In one word it was 'amazing'. Jamie Foxx is also amongst the cast and I did feel myself feeling very sorry for him. Not all 'baddies' are bad... I best not say to much!!! Don't you just hate that, when someone tells you too much about a book or a movie?

Jamie Foxx as 'Electro' A.K.A 'Sparkles'!!

This week off has also seen Lillie and I relax together, including a pyjama morning watching tv! I am here alone at the moment now though. Lillie left for her Dad's friday and won't be home till tomorrow afternoon. I do miss her when she is away but we talk and text so never too long before we speak. I miss the seeing the smiles, especially that first one early in the morning. And her great big hugs that she gives me now! Yes, it's getting to that stage where she is getting as tall as me... I did get a visit from my son though yesterday - I always love a catch up with him and I did get to see his latest 'ink' project. he is currently having his 5th tattoo done. This one is of a dragon and looks lovely even if I do say so myself...

Well that's all folks!! Well, for now....