This weekend was meant to be a quiet one… but it didn’t turn out like that, although I did have a lie in on Saturday and Basil gave me lots of head butts and nose bops!

Even though it turned busy – it was full of lovely stuff.  I saw friends who I don’t see that often and tried to catch up on everything – but that’s near impossible! I saw my godchildren for giggles and Basil and I had visitors on Sunday, some who he was more comfortable with than others (children move a bit quick for his liking).

Jackson also turned one this weekend – where has that time gone? I didn’t see him, but Grandma and Grandad Betts visited him and I sent a video of me singing happy birthday. He had lots of gifts, visitors and fun.

So, I sat on the sofa last night, reflecting on my weekend and just how proud I am of all my friends and family.

Many of my friends are going through tough times. You don’t realise how hard it is until you see them for a short time and even then, only hear snippets of their concerns and the things they are dealing with.

Money problems, elderly family issues, disagreements with parents or partners, health problems, new jobs, courses and juggling the children. To be honest it all is pretty exhausting and any one of them I would have excused if they wanted to wear their pj’s all day and not bother to meet up. I think together we could probably write a soap opera!

Yet each one of them this weekend still made an effort to find the time to talk, visit, share, support and be positive and smile!

One of my friends text me after we met, saying she had meant to say how much she has enjoyed this blog and my positive outlook! That made me proud – so thank you for saying it!

But to be honest, its easy when you have lots of wonderful, inspiring, strong friends, colleagues and family around you. Each of you inspire me in different ways and I am super happy and proud to have you all in my life. I am so lucky!

Here’s a few special messages:

Happy birthday Jackson! And to mummy Geraldine, I am so so proud of everything you have done this year and you really have risen to the challenge.

Well done Becca for passing your driving test – love the new wheels! If I was a cat I would have *proud ears* right now!

Ruth – hearing you speak about the new job with excitement, despite the week you had and everything that was thrown at you, was wonderful and inspiring!

Cerian – juggling two young children, work, snails with 100’s of babies, money, and family stress – you are doing so so well!! Stay positive!

And everyone else – thank you for being happy, loving and supportive.