familyrae

One second is all it takes
to change things forever
for better or for worse
One second
to change the path of life
the way things were
the way it should be
One second
full of promise and joy
One second
sadness and fear
A moment to cherish,
a moment to remember

One second
is all it takes
to leave a footprint
in the sand of life
to last a lifetime

We were lucky enough to be treated to a night at the Malmaison Oxford last week. It is a lovely hotel with a lot of character and history, having been an active prison from 1071 all the way until as recently as 1996. An added bonus is that it is right in the centre of Oxford and so we could just stroll into the city to do a bit of shopping and then not far to get back to have a cocktail or two in the Malmaison bar before dinner in the restaurant. A perfect 24 hours!

This is what Esme looked like going to a pirates/princesses birthday party for her friend Toby at the weekend. My beautiful girl.

Now this is something that really had to take some persuasion from dear husband and also Esme's godfather Marc but it has finally been decided that we are going to add to our family. Questions like, do we want a boy or a girl, can we really cope with another family member has been going through my mind. Do we really want to start again with a tiny little baby to look after which means we won't be able to just go away for the weekend and do what we want when we want.

Well after signing a contract written up by dear husband and Marc I finally agreed. And so yesterday we went to have a look and have finally decided that we are going to become the proud parents of a black mini lop rabbit that we have named Maxwell Rae. He will be ready to be picked up in about 3 weeks time so looks like we will have to try and find a home for him and get everything ready.

All of you that know me, know that I am probably the least pet loving person in the world (please refer back to the post about Harry the hamster) but what doesn't one do for one's daughter! She is in love with Maxwell already and can't wait to pick him up. As I said this did take some persuasion and I have signed, and put in the safe for future reference, the following contract;

2nd May 2011                        Rabbit Contract
I, Marc Williams hereby agree to the following;
1. to purchase the rabbit, cage and equipment needed to get started
2. to clean out the rabbit whenever I visit
3. to drop round rabbit food monthly to keep him/her fed
4. to look after him/her when you go away

Mr Peter Rae agrees to;
1. clean the rabbit out twice weekly
2. take sole responsibility for its care
3. ensure he/she has a long and happy life

If Marc/pete do not reach their parts of the above agreement;

1. the rabbit will be rehomed
2. they will make a £100 donation to a local animal charity of Alex's choice

And most importantly it is signed by all three parties.

For Marc I feel point number 4 is the absolute most important part and for Pete points 1 and 2 are most important. I have my reservations though!

I have been reflecting a lot lately and thinking about how precious life really is and how lucky I am that in the grand scheme of things my life is pretty good. Life is really very short and we should all take more care to appreciate each and every single day rather than worrying about the details and get caught up in the stresses of everyday life. You just never know what is around the corner, something I have discovered so many times over the last few years. So I will continue to be thankful that my little family are doing well and that I have some amazing friends. And I will also continue to think about people around me that are going through difficult times and wish them lots of strength and pray that life will become kinder and easier for them.