Precious Moments # 8

Before I wax lyrical about the wonderful day we all had, I just want to ask this—where have my babies gone?

I blinked, and here they are at eleven, on the cusp of becoming young ladies. Never again will I blink, because next time… I’ll be a grandmother.

Time…Slipping Through My Fingers

I want so desperately to hold the hands of the clock and stop time, just for a little while. I need longer, to hold my babies close and whisper the words of love they need to hear. Longer to teach them everything I feel they should know. Longer to figure out this parenting journey so I can guide them as best I can.

And more than anything, I need longer to wrap them in my arms and remind them just how precious they are to me. How utterly blessed I feel to have them in my life. How empty life would be without their giggles, their cuddles, their quiet kindness when I’m not feeling my best.

I want them to know, right down to the tips of their toes, that I love them—so much, forever and always. Full stop. No matter what they do. No matter who they become.

Because they are my babies. Always.

If I’m honest, I’m not sure I’m handling this growing-up business as well as I should be. Today, my heart ached—pride tangled with panic. I wanted to capture every single moment, to hold it close, to never forget.

So yes, I took a billion and one photos… and tried (unsuccessfully) to narrow them down to just a few favourites.

Making Every Birthday Special

Birthdays in our family are a cherished tradition. Every year, Gary takes the day off work so we can celebrate together. The birthday child gets to choose breakfast—after much deliberation and several changes of mind, this year’s choice was chocolate granola.

As soon as my mum woke up—she lives next door—she came straight round to witness the grand unveiling of presents. Today she arrived at 7:20am. A truly dedicated Granny!

This year, the girls asked for a tea party with a couple of their church friends. After chatting with their mums, we agreed they were ready for a little independence—a trip to the local coffee shop, just the four of them.

They spent a happy hour getting ready, chatting and giggling, my gorgeous twins growing more and more into themselves with every passing day.

Autumnal Birthday Table

While they were out, I transformed the living room for our annual autumn birthday gathering—a tradition we’ve kept every year. Some of our oldest and dearest friends join us, and it’s something we all look forward to.

The table was set with warm autumn colours. Flowers I had bought for Gary (and temporarily “borrowed”!) were trimmed and arranged into jam jars, tucked into brown paper bags. Simple, cosy, perfect.

Gary lit the wood burner, ready for our return from our yearly nature walk. The familiar spread was prepared—baked potatoes with every topping imaginable. The same meal every single year. Tradition at its finest.

Birthday Nature Trail

With the potatoes in the oven, we headed out to the nearby hills for our annual walk along the nature trail.

There were seesaws to ride, branches to crawl across, huts to build, and trees to climb. Little ones joined in, big ones led the way, and laughter echoed through the woods.

There were muddy moments (and rescues by Daddy), rope bridges, swings, and plenty of “wait for me!” calls as everyone tried to keep up.

Friends together. Family together. Moments that felt like they might just last forever.

Back home, we gathered around the table, my family, all together. And in what felt like a heartbeat, the moment had passed.

Birthday Games

Next came the games, another beloved tradition. Apple bobbing (an excellent excuse to get completely soaked), doughnuts on strings (this year made harder with blindfolds!), and plenty of laughter.

For the younger ones, we swapped sparklers for glowing sticks and sent them off on a chocolate treasure hunt in the garden, their little lights bobbing through the dusk.

Birthday Cake

Then, finally, the cake.

Candles lit. A slightly chaotic, wonderfully off-key rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Two beaming girls blowing out candles in perfect unison.

They devoured the cake, then ran off to the garden, filling the air with noise and joy and life.

At the end of it all, the girls declared it the best birthday ever. One even said it was one of her favourite days of her life.

And just like that, my heart felt full… and a little bit broken all at once.

Happy Birthday, my beautiful girls.

And please, just for a little while longer, STOP GROWING.

I love you both more than words could ever hold.