My birthday trip to Brackley

Derek and I went for a visit to Brackley this week to visit my friend Emma and catch up, and to celebrate my birthday, Derek organised it for me! we went over for two nights and we had a really great time!

The first day we went shopping and we had a really lovely dinner in a little farm cottage which was amazing.

 Then the next night we went out to watch the Dublin match, and we went for dinner to a tapas place for dinner and I had my first Gin!

My first Gin!

We had a great time catching up with friends, I am already looking forward to when we will get to meet again! Thanks Emma for a really lovely visit and birthday, thanks Derek for organising a lovely surprise xx

Dreams realised

So far there has been a huge part of my life that I haven't documented on my blog, it's actually been off the ground since September 2015, I am officially running my very own small business. I specialise in lash extensions and brow treatments, but I also do microdermabrasion treatments and facial peels and gel polish, it has been going very well. So far I have been lucky enough to have some amazing opportunities, and I am working enough to support myself without needing to be out of the house working all day. I work from home, so when I am not working I am able to be here for the kids. I work around their schedule, so I therefore only take appointments when they aren't here. It has been the most fulfilling and wonderful thing that I have achieved for myself, and the realisation of a life long dream. This dream could never have happened without the unwavering support of my amazing husband, who supports me both financially when I am not busy, and emotionally! I could never have done any of this without him.

 

I was lucky enough to qualify for a new business grant, and I fought tooth and nail to qualify, but it truly is worth it. I might be starting small, but it is mine and I am not answerable to anybody else for what I do. This is the greatest feeling you could ever wish for. I will work tirelessly to ensure that my business is a success... watch this space...

 

The name of my business is True Skin... don't you love my logo. God knows it took me long enough to settle on a design that I loved.... Luckily my graphic designer was my brother and he was so patient with me throughout, and I am so lucky that he was able to do this for me. I just love it!

 A photo of my flyer and my little lash room, it is small but perfectly formed!

 

 

Some examples of my work!

 

 

 

 

                     

                                         

 

                                          

 

                             

 

There are so many more photos I have that I could add! I just wanted to mark my achievement and just over a year in business! Follow your dreams!

 

If you go down to the woods today......

Today was such a beautiful autumn day that we decided to take Sophie for her first trip to the woods, we went to our favourite woods in Knocksink in Enniskerry. The kids really love to explore the woods there, and they've always dreamt of bringing their own dog there to explore, Dylan in particular has always said this, that is why it was so special to see him having such a great time with Sophie, Lauren had an amazing time too!

Sophie had a great time jumping into the water and really enjoyed her first visit to the woods, we will share all the other first things that the kids get to do with Sophie over the next few weeks! What a lovely relaxing Sunday!

Grade one ballet exam results

Lauren received her grade one ballet exam results today, and she received the highest marking available in each category! she took part in the Grade one class award exams with the Royal Academy of Dance, and her teacher said she did exceptionally well. 

Lauren has an amazing natural talent for ballet, and the good part is she also has a passion for it. She loves going to her classes twice a week, and eats and breathes ballet. 

We are so very proud of her and her results, but we are mostly proud of how hard she worked and for trying her best.

Lauren with her ballet class

She is an amazing little girl, and I really admire her dedication and attention to detail in everything that she undertakes. I am proud of those great qualities that she possesses, she is already looking forward to her grade two exams, and she has begun rehearsals for her ballet companies big show in May this year.

Well done Lauren, we are all so very very proud of you! you are an exceptional little girl, and we are so proud of the person you are growing up to be! We love you princess x

Last First day

My Dylan had his last 'first day' today, it was his last first day in primary school. Next year everything will change, as he will be going to secondary school. When I started this blog to record their lives he was only 5 years old and had just had his first day at school. The years all fly by so quickly, and it has been a privilege to raise this wonderful boy, from a little boy who was so distracted, to the dedicated and hard working boy that he is today. I am so proud that I have been able to stand at the door for every first day of every school year. 

Next year will be a big change for Dylan, and it will also be a big change for me. I am going to enjoy every minute of his last year in primary school, because he wants his photo take less and less, he doesn't need me for every little thing. Every hug I get I hold onto with two arms, because if I could control one thing, it would be just to make time go by..... just a little slower.

  Dylan's first day of school                                                        Dylan's first day of sixth class 

First day of fifth class                                                                  First day of sixth class

2016   

I hope Dylan really enjoys this year, and has his confirmation this year too! there is so much to look forward to this year, and we are so excited. 

Have a great last year in primary school Dylan

Back to school 2016

Today we are back to school! it's the first day of sixth class for Dylan, and the first day of second class for Lauren. 

This year Lauren will make her First Communion, and Dylan will celebrate his sacrament of Confirmation. Oh how the time is flying by so quickly, they were so looking forward to getting back to school to see their friends after their fabulous summer!

 They were so lucky to have had such a great summer! I can't believe we are starting back into a new school year, and such an important year at that!

Some side by side comparisons of last year on the left and this year on the right! such a big difference!

I hope you both have an amazing new year in school this year guys!

Our trip to Wexford

This week the kids and I went with a friend and her daughter to Screen, Co.Wexford, we stayed in a friend's house. It was spectacular! we spent three nights there and it was absolutely amazing, it was so hot and we went to the beach every day.

The last night Derek joined us and we went to the funfair and we brought Sophie along with us

We had the most amazing time together with great friends in Wexford, a great way to spend the last of our summer holidays! It was definitely well needed rest and relaxation!