Monday's Smile Lines

Noah: 'Mummy, what work did you used to do before you did nothing?'

Slapton Sands

James had yesterday off so we took the children out for a long walk along Slapton Sands, we hadn't been there since the oldest children were little so it was great to visit again.  There is quite a history to the beach, it was used by the American forces to practice for the 1944 D-day landings in France.

Unfortunately over 900 American servicemen died during one rehearsal named 'Exercise Tiger'.  It was good to be able to talk to the children about the history of the area and the sacrifices that were made for us.  They loved seeing the Sherman Tank that was recovered from the bottom of the sea where it had rested for 40 years.  It now stands as a memorial to those that died.  We continued our walk along the beach and found some treasures:

At one end of the beach is the small village of Torcross.  It has beautiful thatched and slate roof cottages lining the seafront and the children decided that when we are rich we will buy one and live here:

I couldn't agree more, it was so beautiful, even on a dull day.  We climbed some steps up to the cliffs:

And back down:

We had our lunch in this gorgeous B&B cafe that overlooks the sea:

The interior was just as lovely, it was bright and decorated in a Cath Kidston style mixed with a little sea memorabilia:

The food was organic home cooked fare and I had the most tasty pasty accompanied by a salad that was like no salad I have ever eaten before.  It consisted of lettuce, red onion, sweetcorn, green pepper, pineapple, red grapes, oranges and tomatoes.  Delicious!  I want to go back to Slapton already.

Is Spring Coming?

It's half term this week and the children have been quite lucky with the weather.  Today was especially good, it was beautifully sunny and warm.  Ben had gone out on his BMX with a friend to attempt a drop into the big bowl (that's bike talk, I'm pretending I know what it means) so I took the rest of us out for a walk around the village... without coats!  We of course had to start at the village church:

And jump over the stream:

We passed the little archway that led into a secret garden:

And walked along the estuary to the marshes:

It was delicious to have the sun warm our faces!

A Change Will Do You Good

This shabby little sofa has graced us with its presence for years.  It was a hand-me-down (cheers Jay) that fit our living room perfectly.  It has endured our babies and toddlers and was looking in rather bad shape.  I tried to find another sofa the right size to replace it, but had no luck so I decided to spruce it up myself.  I bought some new foam for the base cushions and re-used the feather pillows for the back cushions, designed some new covers with red fabric and painted the wooden base white.  It looks so different, I like how adding some more colour has changed my living room.  Also, James thinks I'm awesome for doing it.  Win win I say! 

My Baby Sister Gets Married

Amy is twenty-five, I probably shouldn't still be calling her my baby sister but I always will.  This Saturday Amy and Ian were married in Paignton, it was a beautiful day.  Here is Amy arriving at the church:

Amy's best friend, sister-in-law and nieces were her bridesmaids:

Mr and Mrs Hayes:

My older sister Leah is more than a little accident prone, mostly due to her being partially deaf and unable to balance very well.  Two days before the wedding she stood on an eight inch nail sticking out of a piece of wood (I'm still shuddering at the thought of that) and is currently wheelchair bound.  I think she rocked the wheelchair and sock look:

Isn't Ben handsome?  There are girls falling for him already:

My little man Noah:

Rosie loved being a bridesmaid:

Ethan likes to pull faces when I finally track him down to take a photo:

I had to add a picture of the bunting I made for the reception, I had deformed fingers after all that cutting and sewing:

After food, speeches and toasts we drove the four hours to the London Temple to witness Amy and Ian's sealing.  A family friend who used to be our bishop many years ago is now a temple sealer and was able to perform the ceremony, it was beautiful. 

I am so happy for Amy and Ian, they are adorable together.  And they get to honeymoon in Paris!

Maroon 5 Take Two

Last summer my rather fabulous friend Lisa organised tickets for me to see Maroon 5 play in London. (See here.)  Unfortunately James couldn't get the time away from work and the venue didn't allow under 18's to attend so Ben and James had to miss that trip.  When I got to chat to Lisa's brother James V. (as he shall now be known throughout this post so as not to be confused with my James) after the concert he was so kind and generous and said I should come again in February with James and Ben.  It seems awesomeness runs in the Valentine family! 

Last night James and I took Ben and Ethan to Colston Hall in Bristol for their first concert, they were so excited to go.  Ben loves rock music and has a guitar that he has been teaching himself to play for a couple of years now.  Whenever I go to a concert he always asks if he can go along too, so it was great to finally have him come.  He really enjoyed James V's guitar solos and head banging with his long hair!  Ethan likes to listen to all kinds of music (no choice really when you live with me!) and he loved seeing a live band play.  Here are my boys waiting for the concert to start, unfortunately Ben was in the middle of declining to pose for a photo when James took it (he is his mother's son!):

 

We all had a great time and the boys loved their first show.  They were also thrilled they got to stay out late and not get home to bed until after midnight... and on a school night too!  The Miles family thank you Lisa and James V.!

Here's a video of Al Green's Let's Stay Together:

When You Love Somebody

Love is...
...a six year old saying he loves you more that 140 angels.
...an eight year old telling you she thinks you're the best all day.
...an eleven year old asking if you had cooking lessons when you were younger because you are an amazing cook.  (Poor child doesn't know any better!)
...a twelve year old declaring that he loves ironing and wants to do all the shirts.  For real.
...a husband that is about to put on an action film and decides it isn't very romantic for Valentines night and instead chooses to put on Pride and Prejudice.  Not the film version, but the epic BBC TV series.  All 300 minutes of it.  Of his own free will and choice!

What do I do for love you ask?  Why, just today I took a hit for my child.  When you are walking home after a serious bit of rain you may come across this:

 If you mix it with a race driver in a bus...

 ...this will happen:

Thanks to my swift reflexes I was able to shield Ethan from the spray.  True love is getting soaked through for your child.  (And giving him something to laugh about for the next five minutes!)

Al Farid

Dear Jay,

We missed you last night for Amy's pre-wedding girls night out (her third might I add!).  We went to a Moroccan restaurant in Exeter opposite the cathedral.  We ate more mezes that was necessary but they were delicious!  I thought of you when I ate the Tzatziki.  Hannah and Jaime were there with Amy:

 As well as me and Leah:

See you soon I hope!
Love Naomi xxx

Little Lovin'

I've been a little glum this last week. It's looking more likely that Jay won't make it to Amy's wedding next weekend thanks to some paperwork being held up and slow immigration officials. We haven't seen each other for almost three years and I've yet to meet my 2 year old niece... it's killing me!

It's a good job I get to do this to keep me sane:

In the meantime I'm praying for a miracle!

Friday's Smile Lines

Noah and I were in a busy shop.

Noah: 'I have something important to tell you when no-one is around.'

Me: 'What's that then?'

Noah (whispering): 'I love you more than the stars!'