Family,Me and Mine

Me and Mine – A portrait for October

Family portrait October

Family portrait October

Well with October being the month of Halloween, and Sam loving fancy dress as much as he does, our family portrait really had to be like this, didn’t it?

My son likes to pretend that he’s a cat, so he decided to ditch the vampire look he’s sported for the past few years and go feline. Thing is, the shops seem to think that only girls like to dress up as cats so this outfit is a very slinky velour number complete with pink bow tie, sequins and matching tutu! I managed to convince him to leave the tutu off but the rest of the outfit must have been worn for at least two hours every day since we bought it three weeks ago. Not a bad return for a £10 outfit I’d say. He even accessorised the ears today with a little orange bow he found in his craft box – it probably just lacked the special little something he was looking for!

We’re not having a Halloween party at our house this year so there was a bit of a delay in me bringing the decorations down from the loft. It was only on Thursday afternoon when I suddenly realised we only had a few days to go when it all got a bit crazy at Rainbeaubelle HQ.

Two plastic boxes of spooky tat pretty much exploded into the house – the stairs are trimmed with pumpkin tinsel and nylon spider webs; the ‘eyeball’ fairy lights are switched on and the plastic spiders are hanging from every door handle in the house. While we were messing about with it all it seemed a good a time as any to get our Me and Mine photos for this month. Note to self – I must invest in a tripod and stop balancing my trusty Nikon on top of the recycling bin!

As I join in with the Me and Mine portrait posts every month, I’m usually sat here writing that I can’t believe how fast the past month has gone. It doesn’t feel like that this time, October seems to have been a long month and we have packed quite a lot in. I’ve gone back to work, I’ve had a weekend away with friends, we’ve been to the Lakes for a few days and I’ve even managed to fit in a bit of redecoration in the kitchen too.

My first few days back in the office were a bit teary, but I feel like it’s getting easier with each working day and maybe we all feel better being in a bit more of a settled routine.

There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t see or hear something and think, I must tell Rog about that, Rog would love that, or I must remind him of some funny memory that we have from over the years. I often think I should write all this down, but then what would be the point> In many ways I feel that would make me feel even more lonely without him.

Sam has been a great friend to me this month and we seem to be laughing more and arguing less. Florence, too, seems to be growing up so fast and seeing her relationship grow with her brother is really lovely to see. She talks about her daddy most days, which nearly always brings a tear to my eye but deep down I love that she mentions him so much. He’s clearly on her mind as well as mine.

So that was our October in a nutshell. How was your month?

x Julia

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.

Family portrait October

Family portrait October

Mummy lanterns

Me and Flo

Pumpkin

Mami 2 Five
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28 Comments

  • Reply
    Sarabeth
    October 31, 2015 at 7:51 am

    These photos are absolutely precious. What a wonderful bunch!
    Sarabeth recently posted…Anniversary at the Safari Park (plus video!)My Profile

  • Reply
    Emma Shilton
    October 31, 2015 at 10:59 am

    Aww what lovely photographs. We haven’t done anything for Halloween so no spooky stuff here but I love the mummy jars, they’re ace and the costumes are fab xx
    Emma Shilton recently posted…Me and Mine October 2015My Profile

  • Reply
    Mackenzie Glanville
    October 31, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    I love the close up pic of you, you are so beautiful. How cute is Sam being a cat, love it xx
    Mackenzie Glanville recently posted…Unplug and save a marriage #Friday ReflectionsMy Profile

  • Reply
    Carie
    October 31, 2015 at 12:57 pm

    That is one very elegant cat! I love the orange bow, it’s adds a touch of panache! It sounds like Halloween is in full swing at your house, with or without a party and I love the decorations. I’m a little afraid I’m going to say the wrong thing or jumble up what I mean but I wanted to say that I’m blown away by your courage and your determination to seek out joy and your little duo have an awesome mum.
    Carie recently posted…44/52 {The 52 Project}My Profile

  • Reply
    Steph
    October 31, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    Aww Julia. Yet another beautiful post that I couldn’t quite manage to get through without a little tear. I love that Rog is a constant memory for each of you but I also love that October has managed to be a little more ‘normal’ for you all. Absolutely love that you have two full boxes of Halloween tat! I’ve never really gone to town with the Halloween decorations, but reading this has made me think ‘why bloody not’?! It’s fun, it’s exciting for the kids and it spices life up a little and is something for them to look forward to. Plus I think next year I’m going to go all out and do a kiddy Halloween party once we’ve sorted out the kitchen. You and yours would be most welcome too! Big hugs gorgeous. Steph xxxx ps: just a little upset that you weren’t in your Halloween getup too!!
    Steph recently posted…Interiors: Creative with CopperMy Profile

  • Reply
    Ali
    October 31, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    I totally agree that October has been a long month, hope you and the kids are doing ok xxxx
    Ali recently posted…5 Must Haves For Getting The Toddler Winter ReadyMy Profile

  • Reply
    Amber
    October 31, 2015 at 6:25 pm

    What FANTASTIC pictures, Julia; it makes me wish that we had gone Halloween-themed for our Me & Mine this month. Your children look adorable in their coordinating costumes and I love your wee mask.
    Amber recently posted…Me & Mine in October (Birthday Edition!)My Profile

  • Reply
    Don
    October 31, 2015 at 10:40 pm

    Wowsers, do you do photography for a living? Love piccy of Florence looking at the jars, you look fab and she is just doing what toddlers do. Sam as handsome as ever what a fine family xxxx
    I don’t know any of you, but have followed your journey and am so impressed that you manage to do so much on return to work He Is all around you all xxx sending much love xxxxxxxx

  • Reply
    Chloe
    November 1, 2015 at 9:43 am

    Awww what stunning photos. I love, love, love the costumes and the pumpkin looks fabulously spooky. You’re right, October has been sooooooo slow. Yet this whole year has just flown by. You have such a beautiful little family. I hope you had a really lovely Halloween. xx
    Chloe recently posted…#MYSUNDAYPHOTOMy Profile

  • Reply
    Becky (@EducatingR)
    November 1, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Love all your pictures! Those mummy jars are so simple and look great. Mentally storing that idea for next year ☺️ #sundaystars
    Becky (@EducatingR) recently posted…Happy Halloween from Mini R!My Profile

  • Reply
    Mrs C
    November 1, 2015 at 10:24 am

    Blimey you have packed a lot in! Every time I read your posts I am struck by your strength – even if you don’t feel like it! Mrs C x
    Mrs C recently posted…November: A month of gratitude.My Profile

  • Reply
    Silly Mummy
    November 1, 2015 at 11:48 am

    Love the Halloween pictures! & Sam’s cat outfit. I had never considered it before, but they do target cat costumes at girls, don’t they? Lions for boys, but not cat cats. I wonder why cats would be seen as specifically female – maybe it’s the catwoman connection? Anyway, good for Sam for just ignoring such nonsense!
    Maybe if you did write down the things you think of to tell Roger, your kids would like it when they are grown up – I’m sure they would be able to see a lot about him and your relationship with him from the things you would have talked about. But I can see that it may just be more upsetting to record those things too. I’m glad you have started to settle back into a routine at work. #sundaystars
    Silly Mummy recently posted…It’s Too Scary!My Profile

  • Reply
    Lady Nym
    November 1, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Aw, lovely photos. It really annoys me how much all sorts of costumes and toys are marketed towards a specific gender. Then again, I’m the mum who bought an Elsa dress for her son because he wanted one! I’ve never really bothered with Halloween decorations before (other than the obligatory pumpkin) but Tyger was quite excited about it all this year so we have some ‘cobwebs’ up and a few bits hanging from the ceiling and some cat and witch hat bunting. I think, over the next few years, we’ll probably have a collection of tat, too!

    #SundayStars
    Lady Nym recently posted…Where Am I Going Wrong (or Right)?My Profile

  • Reply
    Pen
    November 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm

    Ah, gorgeous photo. I love the bandage candles. I hope you had a great party. #SundaysStars
    Pen recently posted…Am I a writer or a pretentious coffee drinker?My Profile

  • Reply
    Sarah Howe (@RunJumpScrap)
    November 1, 2015 at 5:51 pm

    Love the pictures! I really should start me and mine each month as we do have a tripod as well! I love the fact that Sam wanted to be a cat and wore the outfit so much. I hope you had a brilliant party 🙂 Glad that you are getting back into a routine as well xxx #sundaystars thanks for hosting
    Sarah Howe (@RunJumpScrap) recently posted…5 Thoughts I Use to Get up and WorkoutMy Profile

  • Reply
    Fritha Strickland
    November 1, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    I can’t imagine how it feels to go through holidays like this for the first time without Rog but it is an such a testament to you that you continue to make the effort for your kids (who look fantastic btw!) I agree with another commenter that I rarely read a blog post of yours without shedding tears but I’m always left inspired to make more of my day because you shine positivity x
    Fritha Strickland recently posted…Me and Mine OctoberMy Profile

  • Reply
    Beth
    November 1, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    Aww what a lovely post and beautiful photos. I hope you had a brilliant party ::) x
    Beth recently posted…How We Spent Our Half TermMy Profile

  • Reply
    Ellie @ Hand Me Down Baby
    November 1, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    That is one impressive cat costume, and I love his accessorising!
    I hope work continues to get easier for you as you get into your new routine.
    #sundaystars
    Ellie @ Hand Me Down Baby recently posted…Review: Woburn Safari ParkMy Profile

  • Reply
    Caroline
    November 1, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    Great photos, I am late in my me and mine shots this month, I should get them done ASAP. #SundayStars
    Caroline recently posted…Fly High EdieMy Profile

  • Reply
    Hayley (@hayleyfromhome)
    November 1, 2015 at 9:58 pm

    Love these photos! Sam looks so proud in his cat costume and Flo just looks so smiley. My brother used to love dressing up as a cat and used to use an old Jess costume of mine that I had to wear for a dance performance, seems very very weird now I’ve wrote that down! Anyway, made me smile when I saw Sam in his. Both your two sound like such special little people and it’s nice to hear that they are making you smile, you look flipping gorgeous Julia xxx
    Hayley (@hayleyfromhome) recently posted…Me & Mine {October}My Profile

  • Reply
    Something Crunchy Mummy
    November 1, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Lovely photos! #sundaystars xx
    Something Crunchy Mummy recently posted…Me & Mine ~ OctoberMy Profile

  • Reply
    Coombe Mill - Fiona
    November 1, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    Wonderful Halloween photos and I love the sound of how your relationship with Sam is maturing. #SundayStars
    Coombe Mill – Fiona recently posted…Halloween Ghost TrainMy Profile

  • Reply
    Jenna
    November 2, 2015 at 2:54 pm

    See, I said you’d look gorgeous and I’m right – you do!

    I’m so glad that you’re laughing lots with Sam and you’re enjoying each other’s company.

    It’s sweet that Florence talks lots about her daddy – Rog obviously left a very lasting impression on her. 🙂

    I absolutely adore the outfits.

    Love you lots xx

  • Reply
    Mummy here and there
    November 2, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    I don’t know.how.you do but you.have so much strength. My heart goes our to.you. It I so good that you and your children.are a strong unit. I hope you had an good Halloween X

  • Reply
    Katie @mummydaddyme
    November 2, 2015 at 10:05 pm

    Your little boy makes a fabulous cat bless him, and I love that he loves dressing up. My girls aren’t too fussed by it yet! It sounds like a busy month and I hope you enjoyed your weekend away with friends. x

  • Reply
    Louise (@TattooedMumsy)
    November 3, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Love these Halloween themed pictures! I also was thinking the same about the cat costumes. #meandmine
    Louise (@TattooedMumsy) recently posted…Me & Mine OctoberMy Profile

  • Reply
    Katie
    November 3, 2015 at 10:30 pm

    Loving the pumpkin! O has suddenly started interacting much more with his older siblings, seeing his relationship blossom with his brother is beautiful.
    It must be so hard for you, dealing with your feelings as well as not trying to quash the childrens’ feelings and memories. It’s great that you are all being open talking about Roger and not trying to push those memories away because they are painful, in the long run it will be worth the upset now xxx
    Katie recently posted…Sunday Stars Linky 01/11/15My Profile

  • Reply
    Me and Mine - a portrait for November - Rainbeaubelle
    November 29, 2015 at 11:36 pm

    […] Take a look at our post from October here. […]

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