This week my Gratefully Grateful post is all about two little people in my life who just turned 12 years old (so it’s fitting that today is also my 12th post in this series too!). My twin daughters may be heading into their difficult tween/teen years but they are still the sweetest, most caring, most generous, most enthusiastic and loving kids a mama could hope for. And surprisingly enough they still think I’m the coolest person on earth so obviously I’m pretty happy about that as well.
It seems like yesterday that we brought them home from the hospital and they were so tiny that they actually fit in my husband’s shoe. And now I look at these tall thin lanky gazelles of girls and I realise that that cliché saying about your kid’s childhood flying by turns out to be shockingly true. Where did those curly headed, chubby, chattering little cherubs go? Excuse me while I go weep into my pillow.
Over these years I’ve loved seeing my daughters grow up side by side. They have so much love and respect for one another and, most importantly, have so much fun together (the constant giggling over the years is my proof). Their mutual strengths and weaknesses compliment one another and they would stand up and protect each other to the bitter end (believe me, I’ve seen it!).
I can’t wait to see what new things and experiences are in store for my girls this year. In any case, I know it’s going to be great.
This week I’m grateful for…
…the fact my daughters still wear their mama-made birthday crowns with pride. I’ve already warned them that I will be making these for them until they have 12 year olds of their own (and that I expect to be sent a photo of them wearing them).
…my garden full of beautiful blooms and blossoms. And the fact that they make the best decorations for a two-tier chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. 
…long distant birthday phone calls from loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends.
…the giggles. Oh the giggles! They keep this house alive and happy.
Wishing you all a great week ahead!
Gratefully Grateful *1*, *2*, *3*, *4*, *5*,*6*,*7*,*8*, *9*, *10*, *11*
Tags: family, grateful, gratefully grateful, photography
Colourful carpet on the side of the road.
As you can tell, he wasn’t amused. These sheep (along with goats, chickens and a donkey) lived in the inner courtyard of a family home in the Atlas Mountains.
Considering the fact these were the harem rooms for 80 concubines I wasn’t sure opening that cupboard was such a good idea.
He was protecting the DYNAMITE that was buried under that dirt and stone mound in the background. And yes, we did have a picnic in a chicken coop next to it. (taken at a salt mine)
Jillian In Italy 
