Birthday Package

I have always been blessed to have inspiring women and friends in my life. It seems like there are far more inspiring women and friends than the occasional festering troll that sneaks into your life attempting to sponge all of the joy and fun right out of you :) I think the hardest part of my move to the UK was leaving these wonderful women behind. The other day my doorbell rang and 2 large and heavy packages were delivered to my door. 

Historically.......I HATE surprises. Surprises are usually trumpets sounding out that you have lost your job, or your grandpa has died, or that you are moving your Junior Year in High School. I like good old steady and predictable routine in my life. I run the same path pretty much every day, I have the same routines, same idiosyncrasies, and same old expectations of others......no room for surprises in my life. However, this surprise was epic.

I eagerly opened up the packages knowing well enough that I hadn't ordered anything, only to find two carefully thought out packages sent to me by six inspiring fun friends. The package included a list of my favourite things....that just so happened to also be in the box. I was gobsmacked! The packages cost nearly $100.00 to send not even mentioning the contents. I am so not worth it, but I was overwhelmed by the kindness and love that was packed into these boxes. The cards were sweet and lovely and I feel truly blessed to rub shoulders with these women. I have heard before that you "reap what you sew" and "you get what you give," and I hope that I have been as good of a friend as friendship I have received.

I have learnt a lot about friendship the past couple of years as I have tried to make new friends and reach out to people in friendship. I have found that friendship really is a 2 way street. You cannot always be the one reaching out to the other, it has to be reciprocated and mutual. Kindness is extended to all, but real friendship I believe is something that has involved a mutual and reciprocated investment.... not mere entitlement. 

I snarfed away at all of my favourite things they don't sell here in the UK. I am honoured, flattered, and still overwhelmed by the time, work, and expense that went into this glorious surprise. I will NEVER forget this Birthday, it was the best gift I have ever had. Thanks friends for knocking my socks off.

Girls Night out with Mary

There was only 1 person more excited for my mom to come visit than myself, and that was Mary. Last February when mom came to visit she met my neighbour Mary and the two of them became fast friends.  I cannot even begin to say how much Hugh and Mary have blessed our lives, the list could go on and on. Needless to say, Mary was thrilled to see mom. To celebrate the occasion Mary took mom and me to dinner at a lovely little Chinese restaurant. The food was great, but the company was wonderful. It was so nice to have a girls night, one of only a couple I can count on 1 hand. Hugh and Mary wanted a picture of us 3 amigo's. When mom left they picked the best one and had it framed for her to take home with her. Such sweet people.

Raising Cain at Madame Tussaud's- With Gucci

I had heard that Madame Tussaud's was a must see, but with two kidlets in tow..... it is difficult to see anything beyond the realms of your own house. So, when Gucci came to visit Hubby took a couple days off of work for she and I to do some sight seeing. Yes, we were obnoxious. Of course. We had a great time posing with our favourites and "raising Cain." 

James Dean is the love of my life. When I was in High School I painted an oil painting of him. It wasn't too bad, but his face was a bit squashy.

EVERY where we go people say that mom looks like Liza Minnelli. She does, it is true, so we had to document their likeness.

Love me some Jim Carrey.

'Yes Napoleon sir, my hand is nice and warm. And you?"

My "Twilight" smoulder.

"Bond, James Bond."

Audrey.

We are the champions my friends....

"Please, I will give you a son, just let me keep my head!" Btw, only 2 of Henry VIII wives were actually beheaded.

Doing my best Victorian face. Queen Victoria is one of my favourite royals of all time.

Hanging out with the Queen.

Gucci with her Beatles.

The King and Queen of Pop.

After we left Madame Tussaud's we went to Harrods for the confectionery. Whilst we were there we met  Stefano aka "Stanley" here who was Ga Ga for my mom. He said that she looked like Liz Taylor and then proceeded to tell her that he would love for her to play the part of Liz Taylor in a film he is putting together. She respectfully declined and then he told us he would see us again. Um, I don't think so. He was a friendly chap, but strange I tell ya.

After Harrods mom and I boogied on over to see Shrek the musical. The last time Gucci came we saw "Love Never Dies" and she spent the rest of the trip sobbing. We decided that given her emotional state we had better stick with mindless humour. We loved the show. It would have been perfect to take the Pink One to.

"Elementary my dear Watson, elementary!"

Gucci and I had a blast today. Lot's of laughs and with the news of Hubby's sister Jen's passing many many tears. I was grateful for the support of my mom at this time. That is what family is for and best at, loving and supporting during the difficult times we face in life.