Family,Me and Mine

Me and Mine – A Portrait for August

Me and Mine August

It’s the end of another month and time for our Me and Mine family portrait. I still can’t actually believe there are only three of us in our family photo now, what has happened in the past few months doesn’t even seem real some days.

I can’t actually believe I’m writing that Roger is no longer with us but sadly it’s true. August has been a month of sadness, tears, adjustments and on the day of the funeral, I guess a little bit of celebration. It was a day I was dreading but by the end of it I felt buoyed by having all our family and close friends share the day with us, and reflective on what a wonderful man Roger was and what a fantastic time we had together.

This month has been an intensely emotional one and as it’s also the school holidays it has been a difficult task trying to balance that with looking after Sam and Florence and dealing with all the admin that needs to be done when somebody dies. Although Rog and I had time to talk about it a lot and sort a few things out, I was still totally unprepared for just how much work there is to do to wind up an estate. I thought by transferring a few of the bills into my name I had done most of the work, but how wrong I was. Still, I’m getting through it bit by bit and feel the load get lighter each time I tick one more thing off my to do list.

So August has seen us get through the funeral, take a holiday with friends, and thanks to my parents I was able to spend a few days on my own to rest, think things through (and do more admin!). I’ve taken a few steps towards looking after myself again, and tried to be kind to myself and get some of my energy back.

There have been lots of tears, lots of wine, a lot of help from those close to me and probably not enough sleep. I have come through August feeling tired, battered and pretty sad, but I’ve got through it and am looking forward to starting September and getting back into some sort of routine. I don’t think it’s just the kids who benefit from that – I love having a break from the school run but do enjoy the start of the new term too. I’ve always quite liked Autumn and the thought of new beginnings and renewal.

There are a few things to look forward to in September – one of them being the MAD Blog Awards in London where I get to spend a night away with some of my best blogging buddies, meet some of my blog crushes and meet some new ones. I’m up for the Blog of the Year and Best Writer awards and although I am not at all expecting to walk away with a win, I just can’t wait to see everyone and experience what will actually be my first blogging event.

So, here are our Me and Mine pictures for August, taken by a friend while we were out on a mass frozen yogurt and scooting expedition yesterday. They are the third set of pictures I took for this project but the only ones where we all look passable!

This post is linked up with the Me and Mine project – hosted by Dear Beautiful, Bump to Baby, Capture By Lucy, Let’s Talk Mommy, Mummy Daddy Me and Tigerlilly Quinn – where you take a photograph a month of your family all together.

If you like, you can have a look and our portrait for July here.

x Julia

15_08_meandmine3

Me and Mine August

Scooting

dear beautiful
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22 Comments

  • Reply
    Katy
    August 31, 2015 at 9:21 am

    Oh what a difference a month makes, it just doesn’t seem real Julia. I think you are incredible and I cannot wait to give you an enormous squeeze in a couple of weeks. #meandmine xx
    Katy recently posted…Me & Mine – AugustMy Profile

  • Reply
    Mackenzie Glanville
    August 31, 2015 at 9:49 am

    I can totally see why you would be up for awards, you write so beautifully, and I REALLY mean that. You have an elegance about your words. Always thinking of you, keep taking time out to care for yourself xx
    Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…Here I come crashing back to reality. #mummy & usMy Profile

  • Reply
    Beth
    August 31, 2015 at 9:50 am

    This photo – the strength within it. All of you knitted together in love.

  • Reply
    LauraCYMFT
    August 31, 2015 at 10:09 am

    Beautiful photos and words.

  • Reply
    Megan - truly madly kids
    August 31, 2015 at 10:09 am

    I can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks. This must have been a really hard post to write and photo to take, but you’ve done it. I can see the strength in you all. Much love xxxx
    Megan – truly madly kids recently posted…Win Tickets to The Cruise Show!My Profile

  • Reply
    Jenna
    August 31, 2015 at 11:20 am

    Your children’s smiles are a credit to you, Julia. It says it all.

    I know some days it might not feel like you’re on top of it all (and who would expect you to be) but trust me, you are doing a fantastic job.

    I’m sorry I won’t get to meet you at the MADS but I am wishing you the best of luck and I am rooting for you.

    Sending love you way.

    xxx
    Jenna recently posted…Me & Mine {A Family Portrait Project} August 2015My Profile

  • Reply
    Debs @ Super Busy Mum
    August 31, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Loving this photo. Loving the smiles and loving the positivity you have to keep going forward. Big hugs to you. x
    Debs @ Super Busy Mum recently posted…Me & Mine: AugustMy Profile

  • Reply
    Cath
    August 31, 2015 at 7:38 pm

    Hiya Julia what lovely pics of you and your precious kiddies x I know exactly were you are coming from with sorting everything out after the passing of your precious husband you think it’s never going to end…My daughter helped me so much with sorting everything so it took a lot of the pressure off as your head is in the clouds after losing your loved one,but it has to be sorted…Take Care chick and hope you have a pleasant September x

  • Reply
    Christina
    August 31, 2015 at 8:33 pm

    You are such a brave and beautiful person. I hope September brings some time to relax and take care of yourself. Big Hug!

  • Reply
    Joanne
    August 31, 2015 at 8:49 pm

    I seriously don’t know which pair of shoes I’m coveting most! A seriously good shoe corner and all-round lovely picture!
    You are doing grand Jules – love you xx

  • Reply
    Rachel @ tenminutesspare
    August 31, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    Gorgeous photo. What a tough month to have coped with, Im so glad you have found positivity to look forwards to a couple of things next month. Whatever happens at the awards I hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy the recognition for your beautiful blog. X
    Rachel @ tenminutesspare recently posted…Half Marathon Training Plan – busy Mum styleMy Profile

  • Reply
    Potty Mouthed Mummy
    August 31, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    Gorgeous pictures lovely. I imagine this was always going to be a tough post and I really love that you still did it. You have lots to look forward to in September and I do so hope you win, your blog is truly wonderful. Even if you don’t that will still be true though. I love autumn too for the same reasons xx
    Potty Mouthed Mummy recently posted…{The Ordinary Moments 15} #35 | The Business TripMy Profile

  • Reply
    Colette
    September 1, 2015 at 9:06 am

    I’m sure Roger would be very proud of you all for keeping on keeping on. I know from when my Grandma died, the paperwork seemed to be never ending. I hope there’s a light at the end of the tunnel on that one.
    Colette recently posted…Tried & Tested TuesdayMy Profile

  • Reply
    Hayley (@hayleyfromhome)
    September 1, 2015 at 10:32 am

    These photos are gorgeous Julia, I’m glad that you are still keeping up with it although it must be hard. It’s nice to see you all smiling but I’m sure it feels a bit like a shock to the system looking at them. Lot for you to focus on this month and I know you will have the best night at the MADs and I’m pretty certain you will come away a winner, I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more xxx
    Hayley (@hayleyfromhome) recently posted…Me & Mine {August}My Profile

  • Reply
    Claire @ Clarina's Contemplations
    September 1, 2015 at 11:29 am

    Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family. I don’t suppose any of the Me and Mine posts will ever be easy again, but what a wonderful legacy he has left you in your gorgeous children. All the very best in the MADs.
    Claire @ Clarina’s Contemplations recently posted…Me and Mine {August}My Profile

  • Reply
    Caro | The Twinkles Mama
    September 1, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Aaah Jubarb — makes me get a bit weepy all over again when I see the pic of you on your own with the littles. It brings it all home again. That said, you’re an AMAZING mum — they are so very lucky to have you.

    So excited about the MADS — can’t wait to see you up there on that stage, collecting your prizes (and you will — they’d be mad not to pick you)!! xxxx #MeandMine

    Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
    Caro | The Twinkles Mama recently posted…Twinkly Tuesday 01.09.2015 | Featuring Mummy FeverMy Profile

  • Reply
    sarah christie
    September 1, 2015 at 9:58 pm

    Julia what beautiful photos. I cant believe the month you have had and how strong you all are to be getting through it. The dignity and strength you have shown is incredible. I cant wait till the Mads for us all to let our hair down x
    sarah christie recently posted…Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa, And How I Found My ParadiseMy Profile

  • Reply
    Amber
    September 2, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    You are such a beautiful family and even though I didn’t know Roger aside from through your blog, I do know that he would be so very proud of you right now.
    Amber recently posted…Every Day is an OutingMy Profile

  • Reply
    Donna
    September 3, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    I sadly only started reading your blog after Roger died and I’m still so sorry that I hadn’t found it before. The photos this month look so happy despite the sadness behind the scenes. Sending love and I hope September brings some happy times – and less admin x
    Donna recently posted…Toyz World BeBop Turret Ball Pit Bouncy CastleMy Profile

  • Reply
    Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)
    September 4, 2015 at 12:25 am

    Beautiful photos and your strength and love for Roger shine through so brightly in this post. I hope that the routine that this month brings will help you get through each day. Wishing you all the best of luck for the MADs x
    Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love) recently posted…Comment on What not to expect when you tell your hubby you’re in labour… by LouiseMy Profile

  • Reply
    Fritha Strickland
    September 20, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    Just read this with tears pouring down my face, I think you might be my new hero. Thanks so much for coming to say hi to me on Friday, I feel bad I never read your blog properly before because it’s a beautiful read, you are one inspiring lady xx
    Fritha Strickland recently posted…A day at the great British seaside – Weston Super MareMy Profile

  • Reply
    Me and Mine - a portrait for September - Rainbeaubelle
    December 3, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    […] just looked back at our portrait for August, and I can’t really believe a month has passed since then. September has brought a bit of […]

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