April 26, 2011

Easter Monday





So, yesterday we got up very early, too early for a public holiday and a house devoid of children. The weather was bleak. Actually, bleak is being generous. It was pouring and we were up at dawn, not for the ANZAC services but for our first triathlon. Preparing for this "event", I never imagined rain. I had visualised the running and the cycling and had just got my head around swimming in that very murky, man-made lake, but in all the visualisations there had never been any rain.

Last night, race results came through. I came predictably last but satisfyingly within my goal time. What struck me though, what kept me awake for a little while thinking, was my age written next to my name. 39. Where did that come from? Surely I am still 32? 22?

40 is next year. I have a few things I am quietly ticking off a list before January, a triathlon being one of them. I once had plans for a great South American adventure for my 40th. That was a few years before children. Actually, it was just as I was making the commitment to have children. Back then, I thought I would take off and have a great hurrah as I turned 40. Clearly, I had no idea what having children was all about. The strong-hold on your heart. I can leave them overnight, even for a few nights. But a couple of months? At this age, when I am their everything? Quite unimaginable. I want these two spitting on my cake as they help me blow out my candles.

April 23, 2011

A very good Friday




Our Good Friday hunt has become a tradition. My friends have told me how their children anticipate the day. The kids remembered making ears and baskets whilst they wait for the "bunnies" to hide the eggs. They even remembered where to drop off the eggs so that they could be redistributed to another part of the garden.

As they children have got older the day has got easier. Less squabbles to sort out and more quiet play amongst the older boys. The little girls, not long ago babes, have grown together and now have friendships to equal their brothers. It is a time for the adults to bask in the warm autumn sun and have a little down time. To share food and stories and create memories for our little folk.

April 7, 2011

Easter Tree












The Easter tree is up. It looks really pretty this year, filling up with new bits and pieces. The kids have taken a decoration into school for news, to show and tell about a different Easter tradition that their relatives on the other side of the world embrace.