[looking up to the roof of our house]
Because we now have two sixteen year olds and a fourteen year old (something I keep saying aloud to myself because I still cannot believe I had three babies in 32 months all those years ago).
Because we have come through the grimness of Simon losing his job completely unexpectedly at the end of July, and now he has a new one.
Because the sun has shone for, oooh, at least four days in a row and I love the colours of autumn in the afternoon sun.
Because my lovely sister and her lovely family have just been to stay and we all had a great time together.
Because little cousins are incredibly delightful with big cousins.
And because big cousins look soBIG next to little cousins but are also so funny with them.
Because I have just met a deadline.
Because I feel I have some breathing space after needing oxygen for quite a while (only metaphorically speaking, of course).
Because I am now properly ready to tackle the next major project (the knitting book) and enjoy it.
Because we discovered The Thick Of It last night for the first time and watched, horrified and appalled and vastly entertained.
Because children getting older means I'm getting older and it's not all bad, despite the total rubbish you read in the papers about the necessity to look/behave/dress younger than you are and spend your whole life buffing up your body, considering ridiculous treatments, denying the state of your upper arms and pretending you aren't ageing. Nonsense. Much better to get on with life instead and celebrate freedom from ageism. Unless you are 16 or 14 in which case you don't even know what I'm talking about...
Couldn't agree more with you Jane re your last para. And my babe (6.5)endorsed this only this morning by telling me that I was looking "extra lovely." Purr purr.
Posted by: Tess | October 27, 2009 at 13:46
It sounds like you have had a wonderful couple of days and a well deserved rest. That is fantastic about Simon getting a job, I know that can be a very difficult situation. My husband lost his job several months ago and it turned out to be just what we needed as he is now in business for himself and we are loving it. Glad Simon was able to get something new, I'm sure that is a relief. Can't wait to see your next book, I'm waiting for the mail each day till I get yours that I just ordered. Have a fantastic day, hoping that the weather is great for you.
Posted by: Jennifer | October 27, 2009 at 14:06
This is a beautiful picture. And I love the thoughts you share here. Made me smile.
Posted by: Carla (from Alabama) | October 27, 2009 at 14:07
Lovely. Congratulations on all the blessings, and props to you for taking a moment to toast them!
Posted by: KatieCavic@yahoo.com | October 27, 2009 at 14:13
Bravo!
Posted by: Cornelle | October 27, 2009 at 14:18
Ah yes. I have two 17s yr olds and a 16 yr old and also marvel that I coped with 3 babies at one time. Now they're filling out college apps. and I can sense some time for my own goals coming... mmmmmm.
Posted by: Diana | October 27, 2009 at 14:31
What a fabulous picture. My Virginia creeper managed 24 hours looking wonderful before the wind ripped all the leaves off. I really wanted to like 'The Thick of It' but got bored after 5 minutes trying to weed the dialogue out of the F words. Bring back 'Yes Minister!'
Posted by: Penny | October 27, 2009 at 14:35
So nice to appreciate to everyday good things x
Posted by: Sarah | October 27, 2009 at 14:43
Wow - that Virginia creeper is quite something!
So good to read your collection of things to celebrate. Birthdays and family and sunshine juxtaposed with the ups and downs of working life serves to put things in perspective. Thank you :-)
Posted by: Lean Ni Chuilleanain | October 27, 2009 at 14:52
Jane Completely agree that we mothers of teenage children don't need to compete ... we can stand back and enjoy watching from the sidelines. The difference it's made to me is that I don't worry if they wear clothes that might raise an eyebrow I spent far too long worrying if my bum looked big in something when I was a size 8. Still enjoying the blog please don't stop.
Posted by: Marian Camilleri | October 27, 2009 at 16:24
Great to hear great news !!
Posted by: SamLaTricoteuse | October 27, 2009 at 16:40
Yes, how much energy is wasted trying to be something (like 19) which we are not. Better to be healthy and busy, productive and happy! There are so many good things to celebrate!
Posted by: Kim | October 27, 2009 at 16:58
I am happier at 44 then I could have imagined being at 22 even though some things are starting to go south. :)
Posted by: Michelle | October 27, 2009 at 16:59
Celebrating the freedom from ageism! YES! And congratulations on all the good news, especially to Simon!
Posted by: Brigitte | October 27, 2009 at 17:22
Wow. Congratulations, and I couldn't agree more about the joy of just getting on with life itself. I'd almost say that 50 is better than 25 because I know how it all turned out -- and now that my two wonderful kids are (nearly) launched I really am free to got on to something new.
Posted by: Readersguide | October 27, 2009 at 19:10
oh amen, preach it!! There is so much more to life than being young and skinny!
Posted by: Karen Deborah | October 27, 2009 at 19:49
A hearty "Amen" to all of that. Congrats on all the good in your life. Upper arms are great for toting plants and pots and pumpkins. Who the heck cares if they don't look 22?~~Dee
Posted by: Dee/reddirtramblings | October 27, 2009 at 21:48
I'm very happy for you and your family, particularly on the new job for Simon, and the fact that you can now take a breath again... I SO know that feeling. By the way came back tonight from seeing Julie & Julia and remembered your post about how much you'd enjoyed it! Excuse me, am just off to the kitchen to whip up a three-chocolate bavarois.
Posted by: Elaine | October 27, 2009 at 23:40
Glad you have so many lovely things to celebrate. I loved this sentence: " Much better to get on with life instead and celebrate freedom from ageism." Brava!
When I was twenty, I wasted time not appreciating the young body I had. Now, I try to know better than to waste today worrying about not looking twenty -- there's so much more to life.
Posted by: Pam | October 28, 2009 at 04:27
I've been following your blog for a bit so thought I'd pop in and say hello... - glad things are looking positive for you. I love reading how you enjoy life with your teenagers! I hope I am able to do the same when the time comes!
Posted by: Ruth | October 28, 2009 at 05:33
So glad you've passed through the streesful phase of joblessness - know how that one feels.
Though the being a mother of teenagers is something I still can't get my head around. But it's coming...
Posted by: Ali | October 28, 2009 at 07:46
I have met Jane and can attest that she doesn't look a day over thirty-five. Honestly! She's one of those people who will ALWAYS look much younger than her years, I think. Part of it is attitude, but not all of it!
Posted by: adele geras | October 28, 2009 at 10:26
We love your blog! Gorgeous *and* entertaining!
Posted by: Country Days | October 28, 2009 at 10:29