Thankful Thursday: Spring Fever is upon us!

Last weekend was an absolute cracker. The Sky was clear, sun out and the garden was smiling.

So were we.

Today I'm really thankful, for the longer days, more light and warmth.

Here's our weekend in a photo story!

It was nearly midday and Phoebe was still in PJ's. 

What ARE they up too???

So I snuck around to the open bedroom window :-)

An ipod.

 Caitlin and friend Lucy washed my car :-)

 Jeepers,, more screen time!!! Afternoon tea time. 

Phoebe FINALLY got dressed...into a ballerina costume :-)

 Picked our first blooms :-)

I was wondering what these beauties were.

 Helebores I'm thinking. Winter Roses.

Stunning :-)

One lonely, yet proud hyacinth.

And the gorgeous scent from behind a hedge revealed a little struggling, misshapen Daphne!!! Yay, it'll be nurtured now!

Colouring in :-)

 

Busy, happy children :-)

 Mad children :-)

LOL

Caitlin's rainbow cupcakes :-)

Uh-hem!!!

Jaz xx

The addict in me!

I am so addicted.

It's such a rush.

Some choose to smoke, drink coffee or partake in more illegal substances.

My addiction is totally above board and extremely legal...........yet soooo addictive.

You're gonna think I'm full of corn. C.O.R.N.Y!!

It's teaching. 

I am on such a "I taught music today" high. Man am I buzzing!!

If you' ve ever taught someone, anyone, something and they started smiling and enjoying what they are doing you'll understand. It is the coolest feeling in the world. I love it.

I have missed music, singing, tapping my foot with other musicians. Oh how I have missed it. I got my fix today and MAN it was GOOD.

Jaz xx

Thankful Thurs: The power of words

It's nearly Thursday and I've got no pictures this week.

But as always, heaps of words  LOL !!

I though I'd write about the words that have been spoken to me over the last 24 months and of course the ones I utter myself.
So many people have said these very words to me (on finding out I have a brain tumour),
" Jaz I just don't know what to say"

My answer; it's ok to say nothing. It's also ok (to me anyway) to ask questions. I've got myself to a good place and I don't mind sharing at all. I'm a teacher remember.................quite fond of talking :-)

Here is what I came up a few nights ago in my "beside the bed notebook" about the power of words.
Things that have been said to me that have been useful (or not).

Most useful

What can I do to help?

I am so proud of you.

I can see how hard you are fighting/working.

We'll watch the kids, you go and sleep.

Here's my shoulder, go on, cry on it.

Here, I cooked you a meal.

You can't climb mountains before climbing up stairs!

Would you like a hug?

From now on regard each day as a gift!! (And that I do)

Least Useful

How are you?

I heard about this guy who died from a brain tumour last year who........

They're always coming up with new treatments you know.

You realise it could become a grade 3 one day (...........aaaah yep, I do)

Most heartbreaking

We will never be able to safely remove it.

There is nothing we can do for your eyes.

This is a terminal condition (but isn't life??)

Are you all better now Mum?

I don't want you to die Mum.

Most heartwarming
We love you.

You can go home now Jasmine

You are an inspiration, thank you.

We don't want to see you again for six months.

Makes you think doesn't it? It makes me think very carefully now about how I talk to people, especially when they are in need.

I'm thankful for these people and their words. The good, bad and ugly personalities of whom not all have had the nicest bedside manners. They have taught me a lot.

Jaz xx

Frank Friday!!!

Little do I realise, my parenting is under constant scrutiny. 

Miss three and a half years is  the primary srcuitneer so I discover.

I invite you into our latest conversation (I say 'conversation' but it was very one sided).

"Mum! You are very naughty" announces Phoebe (age 3), hands on hips for emphasis.

"Why?" I reply meekly.

Phoebe holding up a can of disinfecting air spray  "I just sprayed this!!" slamming the can onto the kitchen bench. "You left it on the little table and I could reach it. That is very naughty. Please don't leave it on the table!" 

Phoebe storms off.

I stood there dumbfounded.

Trying not to giggle.

That's me told!!

Jaz xx

Thankful Thursday: Even a normal week brings hope!!

This week I am extremely thankful for many things in my life.

 Men who love to bake.

 Phoebe's innovative photography again!!!

 Playing with cousins.

 Fat bunnies.

Dads who take children out for afternoons of fun which allows quiet time for Mums.

 So thankful that the rain has stopped. (Although I hear the rain is forecasted for the week ahead) 'sigh'.

A crocus that survived all the rain.

 The first sign of spring in my garden that makes me smile.

 New life

 Trying to cope with the rainfall.

Ok
 So as I discussed with a friend yesterday, we can be thankful any day, across a week. But Thursday reminds me to stop and reflect.

I hope you make the time to do the same.

Happy almost spring to you!!

Jaz xx

Thankful Thursday: Let the Good times roll!!!

Hey ya


Guess what, I haven't really thought about the BT  (Brain Tumour) this week.

Great huh.

I've been busy :-)

And happy :-)

I got a bit frustrated last week when I helped out in a classroom and had double vision the entire lesson, but I did it. I can remember being a teacher that was able to do 100 things at once. I really wanted to be back there.

I guess though, I think I might be more efficient now. No mucking around, help the children, make sure the children understand and get them to ask plenty of questions so I can  ensure some true learning is taking place. I have to act this way so that I can get the best from them and myself before fatigue sets in (for both myself and children LOL).
Not sure if it will make me a better teacher, but I surely have more empathy for children/people trying to achieve their goals. I certainly know how difficult it can be and the understanding you need from others.

This week I'm thankful for the chance to teach again. A couple of hours a week of volunteer work has been so soul satisfying. Lots of people have shown that they still believe in my skill and ability (strokes, operations, few dead brain cells, brain fatigue and all). I'm very thankful to all those people in my life♥.

Thankful also to the cute faces I see everyday...

Very thankful for Entrepreneurial Children!! Caitlin and her new BFF organised, created and then held a market stall together to raise money for their school camp next month. Although still trying to move some card and bookmark stock, we were proud at how they managed themselves and what they learnt from the whole experience.

Thankful for three year olds who like taking groovy shots.

Gorgeous Caitlin in her "onesie"

This I can handle. The three year old's view. A headless mum shot. My most flattering angle, slippers and all!!

Thankful to friends who pass on their own beloved bears to be loved all over again. Thanks Emily x

Thankful for sneaky children who keep getting their face on my camera!!!!!

Thankful for red noses and not just the chilly drippy kind.

Thankful to patient hairdressers

Before

After

Thankful for midweek birthday dinners and family fun. Molly and Mark have matching party smiles!! Happy Birthday week Mark.

I hope you have many things to be thankful for this week.

Jaz xx

Two Long Years

It's been two years.

Too long years of heartache and triumph. Our own Olympics of sorts. 

No medal yet, but still here.

Revisit the day with me.

Jaz xx