They really are GRAND!

I have the most amazing family - and there are two particularly spectacular folks who sit at the head of us all... My Grandparents! 

Howard & Sybil Baskerville - they are two of the most inspiring and  interesting people I have ever met. 

Thankfully they're still rather generous with their time and I recently had the pleasure of spending a day with them. It was just myself and Coco - a rare treat as while my family are totally wonderful... we are most certainly a rowdy bunch when we get together. Some quiet time to sit and chat while drinking tea and eating Nana's homemade treats was definitely to be savored. 

As I drove away from their house that afternoon I was reminded of just how special they are and how blessed we are to have them and their ongoing input and generous love in our lives. 

Three things in particular stood out to me about how they live life...

One. 

Their enthusiasm for life. These two are 85 and nearly 90 and they are still busy! Planning holidays, volunteering in the community, making meals for people in need. Just inspiring that they still have so much to give. 

Two.

Thankfulness for where they've been. We spoke of times gone by - past homes, past jobs, past travels and experiences. While not all of what they've experienced has been easy or enjoyable - they choose not to complain. They speak matter of factly and know that lessons have been learned - and instead of dwelling on hurts, they focus on the good and know that they are blessed. 

Three. 

Their love for their family is incredible. They spent our time together ooing and ahhing over little Cosette. Happily snuggling her. Enjoying their sixth great grandchild. Though she is one of six - with two more on the way this year. There was no lack of excitement over her arrival into the world and now over seeing her grow and develop. 

They truly love their family and are overflowing with pride as we continue to expand. This makes me so happy and so thankful to be a part of my family!! 

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Thank you kind stranger.

Don't you just love it when random members of society make your day by doing something kind, thoughtful and unexpected. It doesn't have to be a particularly grandiose act or miraculous situation. Sometimes it may simply be a smile on a rough day, a door held open for you when your hands are full or someone allowing you to go ahead in the Aldi checkout line when your kid is absolutely loosing it! 

Sometimes it may be your absolute saving grace and other times it might serve as a simple reminder that there are lovely people in this world! Maybe even a timely nudge to do something thoughtful & kind for someone else too (I know I need these pretty regularly!) 

The other week I was at a cafe and a sweet young waiter asked if we wanted table water. This in itself was kind and my constantly-thirsty-breastfeeding-self said "yes please!" 

He returned a minute later with two glasses for the adults and two plastic cups for the kids. I smiled and said "thankyou", but didn't realise for another minute or so that he had totally given me a cup for both Frankie & Cosette (my newborn!). This still makes me smile. While totally unnecessary he was just being thoughtful. I guess he picked the right Mumma - I truly appreciated his cute & slightly strange act of kindness. So thank you kind man. Thankyou ❤

Explore little one.

I've been watching Frankie's interest in the world around her expand every single day of late. It is just so amazing. She wants to touch everything she walks past (unfortunately including bins & toilet seats), she pull things apart (occasionally she will attempt to put them back together), she asks 'why?' hundreds of times per day (no exaggeration)! I can just see her little brains cogs turning around and around as she attempts to learn and understand this fascinating world around her. 

Today she asked 

"Who made our house?"

Hmmmm...I was stumped. 

I really am not sure who did make our house. Someone. Quite some time ago too. Funny. Why was she thinking about that!? It fascinates me so much. 

I love that a little human being is growing and developing right in front of my eyes.

The other day she was exploring this tree at a park (see photo below). 

I just love the expression on her little face. Mouth slightly open. Enquiring eyes. 

She was watching kids older & braver than her and considering following in their footsteps, then she would loose her footing and decide to holdback, then see them climb or move a little higher or run a little faster and she would be off - chasing them again. 

I love her brave little heart. Willing to give things a go even if it equals scratched knees and little frights. 

I have to remind myself that it is all a part of her learning and exploring the world. It is good. It is normal. Even when she's doing something annoying, repetitive or down right gross... Like asking "why is daddy at work?" for the 30th time in a row or licking the toilet seat (seriously... I was just glad it was at home - somehow knowing it had been cleaned semi-recently made it ok). 

These little ones are designed to explore and I want her to... Be free little one. Explore away. Mumma will bite her tongue and hold herself back from saying 'no' just for the sake of it. Well, I'll try to anyway. Love you my sweet Frankie Dee.