The children are back at school tomorrow after a week’s half term and I shall miss them and the time we have shared – work, play, hospital visits, letter writing, jigsaw puzzles, wardrobe clear-outs, swimming, walking and the most wonderful valentines.

Valentines is super special for me; it is the day I first dated my dear husband of 19 years, the day we became engaged and the day my darling daughter was born.  This particular day began with breakfast in bed, Sunday papers and chocolate cake with a rainbow of candles.  My daughter opened her presents with approving nods and even a little overt gushing - England pj’s from her father and earrings in a rather fancy satin ribbon-tied box from me; utterly irresistible, even for a nine year old.  And the most thoughtful present; a handmade card from her little brother , so clearly made with love and devotion.

The celebrations moved onto lunch at my daughters favorite restaurant and even the lack of warmth could not dampen her spirits.   We then dropped into Hamley’s and on hearing it was my daughter’s birthday, the staff and most all the customers on the ground floor broke into traditional ‘happy birthday’ song as as she stood beaming on a podium. We then gave each child a budget of  £12.00, which they spent wisely weighting up  the pros’s and con’s of each potential purchase before coming to their own conclusions.  We rounded off day with surprise tickets to Thriller at the Lyric and whilst it is not really my thing, I loved every moment of watching my children sing and dance and revel in a day that was totally about indulging them and not about our want’s and needs.  Whilst this whole week has been spent around the children, I must confess my mind has been all over the place but the day of love was 100% dedicated to my family and that felt good and that’s love.