WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING, SURE IT'S LIKE A MORN IN SPRING

Today I am remembering my lovely Mum and Dad on their Birthdays. Mums today (Feb 28th) and Dads tomorrow (March 1st).

My brothers and I were so lucky to have such amazing parents. They lived for us kids and later on for their 10 Grandchildren.

They were both born in Limerick, Eire. Although there was only one day between their birthdays they were actually born ten years apart. Mum was only sixteen when they met and Dad was a dashing young soldier. I think my Mum gave Dad quite a hard time and kept him 'hanging on' for a long time! Eventually she gave in and they started dating. They both had a hard start in life, my Mums Mother died when my Mum was only 17 years old and she had to care for her younger siblings while her father was in the Army in England. From what I am told my Dad was like an adopted father to my Mums brothers and sister. From the word 'go' they were such loving and giving people. They married when my Mum was 19 and two years later had my eldest brother followed by two more boys.

In the mid-fifties my parents and brothers came over to England to give their family a better future as Ireland was in a deep recession at the time. This must have been so hard to do, starting from scratch with nothing familiar around you. I know they missed their native Ireland until the day they died. I was born two years after they arrived in England.

They were both such hard working people, I can't remember my Dad missing one day of work and he didn't go to the Doctors until well into his seventies!

My Dad was a quiet man but always made me feel so secure and loved right up until the day he died. Mum was the type of person who lit up a room when she walked into it (although she would never believe it), she was so bright and intelligent and had an amazing grasp on general knowledge. We were very close and I miss her everyday.

My own children had a fantastic relationship with Nanny and Grandpa, no celebration really got going until they arrived! I know they miss them terribly but I am so grateful they had that wonderful time with them. Our only regret is that they never got to meet their beautiful Great Granddaughter but I do feel they sent her to us to fill a big empty void! There is also a strangely familiar look in  our little ones eyes, Nanny is definitely there! So I do think those Irish eyes are smiling looking down on us all today.
So all that is left to say for now is HAPPY BIRTHDAY KITTY & PAT.

Kathleen Mary Foley (nee Flynn)    Patrick Joseph Foley
28 Feb 1926-30 Aug  2004            1 March 1916-11 Aug 2004
Always in our hearts. xxx

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MERRYLEGS IS GETTING IMPATIENT!!!

Poor Merrylegs (yes my favourite book is Black Beauty!) has been waiting and waiting. It has been so long since he has heard the laughter of a little child as they gallop off together into the sunset!! Yes, I often give him a little push so that he doesn't seize up completely but it's not the same as the real thing!

Don't worry, old friend, your rocking days will soon be back, she is nearly ready, still a little unsure but take my word for it that by this time next year you will be longing for a rest!!

Now you might wonder why I would have a pair of wellie boots on my dresser (my husband and sons ask me all the time, wise guys!). These adorable little boots were Sorayas, only fitted her for five minutes and I always admired them. I asked my daughter if I could have them when she finally outgrew them. I love their shabby chicness(?), very Cath Kidston. They make me smile every time I pass them which has to be a good thing! When the weather is better I might plant them up with some lovely blue pansies and put them on the garden table or they might just stay where they are, a reminder of my little puddle splashing girl!

This July my daughter and son-in-law are hosting a reception in honour of their marriage, they have been married a while now but didnt have a 'proper' reception at the time. It is to be held in a marquee in the grounds of the house our eldest son lives in, a beautiful Georgian house that has been made into apartments. It is situated in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral, a truly magical setting. My daughter loves vintage china and we are busy collecting cups and saucers, some of the cups will be made into candles and others will hold flowers, these will be table centrepieces and will also be gifts for the guests. It is such good fun locating and sourcing these from antique fairs, charity shops, eBay and auctions. The only problem is that we are reluctant to give them away!

Don't you think they are lovely? Only about 30 more sets to collect! Such a hard job but hey someone has to do it!

 The venue for the Reception, only my daughter could make playing badminton look so elegant and glamorous!

On a final note I must say that I felt a little bit of Spring calling today, the sun shone for a while and the birds were singing their little beaks off, a little bit of hope to keep us going.

TTFN ANNEMARIE

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THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS......

These beautiful Valentine roses were delivered to me yesterday from my gorgeous little Granddaughter. What a lucky Grams I am!

Along with the beautiful roses are some scrummy cupcakes from my daughter and SIL, beautifully decorated and really delicious! The little vase at the front is a Valentine present from D.H, a total surprise and so sweet. I hope you like my Nicholas Mosse pottery; I love spongewear and now have quite a collection.

How about this for a beautiful candle, a present from my daughter at Christmas (so lucky to have a daughter totally in tune with my taste!). It is a Parable Candle, hand poured, they are quite unique, the design comes from very old wallpaper patterns. I promise that I will light it eventually!

Today is one of my Soraya days so I know it will be a good one with lots of fun and games as usual! She is a bundle of fun and energy and certainly keeps me on my toes!

I am looking forward to sharing more of my favourite things with you, my favourite places in and around Lincolnshire and of course, my old cottage.

TTFN  ANNEMARIE xx

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VALENTINES DAY February 14th 2011

Well I've done it! My first post is finally here! After much procrastinating I at last 'bit the bullet' and put words to paper (or type to cyber-space!). I hope that whoever joins me on my journey through my blogging life will enjoy my musings and perhaps, sometimes, my rants!

As it is Valentines Day I thought I would share with you the loves in my life.

FIRST of all, the person who started it all! Without him there wouldn't be all the other amazing 'loves' in my life. I shall call him Dearest Husband (or D.H for short). I have loved him a long time now and hope to love him forever more. We have had the usual ups and downs, good times, not so good times, happiness and sadness but we are strong together and have managed to overcome any hardships. Thank you D.H, my romantic Valentine! xx

OUR FIRSTBORN, Chris (or Christopher when he was in my 'bad books'), my baby is 30 this year! He amazes me with his zest for life (always has). He is successful in his chosen career but manages to still climb some of the highest and most dangerous mountains in the world! I wish he wouldn't tell me when he is going on these trips!! He is a loving and generous soul. He makes me laugh and always makes me feel special. He makes friends wherever he goes and we are so proud of him. I thank God for giving us such a special boy (man). He is the first of my 'soul' Valentines.

OUR SECOND CHILD, our only girl, Carly. I wished for a girl (there aren't many in our family!), a beautiful, kind and loving daughter. I got my wish and so much more. Yes she is a true beauty but this doesn't only go skin deep, she is a truly beautiful soul. A thoughtful daughter, a loving sister (sometimes bossy to her brothers but hey they need it!), an amazing wife and business woman. Most of all, in the last two years, I have seen her blossom into the best Momma a child could wish for. To see her with her own daughter is wonderful. Thank you again God for blessing us.

OUR THIRD CHILD, Jon (Jonathan, again as before!). From the moment he opened his big blue eyes, 23 years ago, he has given us such joy. He is the comedian (and great big softie) in our family. I can honestly say that there isn't a day that he doesn't make me laugh! He was always difficult to reprimand! The athlete in the family too. Although not very competitive, he could outshine his contemporaries in most sports! He is lovely natured and I thank God for giving him to us.

OUR FOURTH CHILD, our baby! Phil (or Philip, get the theme now?) who is 18. Born 8 weeks premature and weighing only 4lbs he was a little fighter from the start (in a good way). So loving and caring with a strong sense of fairness and justice. A fountain of information (mostly useful), he needs knowledge like a fish needs water! Again, quite a comedian with a dry wit which really appeals to me. It has been wonderful watching him grow into the great young man he is today. Thank you God for sending him to us and keeping him safe.

I would also like to mention our lovely son-in-law, we are so lucky to have him in our lives and that he loves and cares for our daughter so well. He is such a lovely young man.

THERE IS ONE MORE VALENTINE I HAVE TO MENTION.
The dear little soul that makes my heart 'skip a beat' every time we meet! Her cuddles are the best, her kisses the sweetest and when she says my name I melt. She has only been on this earth for 22 months but it is a brighter, sunnier place since she joined us.

OUR BEAUTIFUL GRANDDAUGHTER, SORAYA.

MY FUNNY VALENTINE

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