moments of pure enjoyment

I am spinning through life like figure skater - never still, always going round and round and sometimes falling over and hitting my bum (because I am not that good). I am finding it really difficult at the moment to make time for the children, those that need my time at least. We are paying others to care for them after school, evenings can be hectic with clubs and more work and come the weekend, I am just relieved that they want to play outside with their friends. I feel terrible because we haven't read a book together in a long time, nor have we played games. I am a bit removed from what is happening at school, too. Annie and Sam do homework with the boys on their big sister/brother after school care days. We should probably send Sam or Annie to future parent nights, they are better placed to discuss their siblings progress than either Richard or I.

At the same time, I enjoy my work and I think I am finally getting somewhere I like to be. The money is useful, too. Teenagers are expensive and our leaking shower room needs fixing (still haven't found that elusive Scottish plumber).

In between all, I always find a few minutes to enjoy the moment. Actually, minutes sometimes are two hours, particularly in the evening when all is quiet.

Here some of my favourite enjoyable moments of last week

:: Jack and I sharing the sofa on a Saturday afternoon and letting the sun warm our faces. We both love this and because the sun doesn't shine that often, it is a special treat.

:: Sinking into my bed at night, pulling the duvet right up to my chin and listening to a radio programme (the podcast versions).

:: Pampering my orchids. I have repotted four and hope they'll take to their new bark. My poor orchids suffered from neglect this winter. Still, they keep on giving. Most of my 15 orchids flower year after year, even the more unusual ones. I treated them to orchid mist, which I have never done before. I might treat myself to a new plant at the orchid fair this spring, replacing the one that I neglected just a bit too much.

:: Sorting through my box of sewing patterns. Some I had completely forgotten about, some were unopened and unloved. Our local charity shop will be pleased I hope. Tidying fun things can be rather therapeutic. I don't think tidying the sock drawer would have quite the same effect.

:: Rummaging through my box of tangled up jewellery (none of them Chanel, CJ). I rediscovered some well loved treasure, including my granny's diamond ring and my very first ear rings. These are tiny forget me nots on gold hoops. I had my ears pierced very young. There is very little of value, other than sentimental but I enjoyed seeing what I have.

How about you? Any favourite moments that you would like to share? Thanks for stopping by, it is good to see you. Have a good weekend all xx