I have never been driven by money and whilst it is necessary, it isn’t important to me. The most important things in my life cannot be bought. Top of my list have to come family. My children are my  world.

I have three children, Toby,

who arrived on my sisters  birthday 37 years ago (gaining me enormous brownie points with my mum as her first child and first grandchild shared a birthday – something that pleased her greatly.)  Natasha followed 2 and a half years later

and married her Prince Charming in 2006. Tristan arrived when Tasha was 3 and a half.

I have always been proud of their achievements and encouraged them always to do their best. I also, always encouraged them to do what was right for them and not what other people thought was right! I believed in them and taught them to believe in themselves. (I had a very proud mummy moment last week when Toby posted a comment on facebook telling the world exactly that   ) No amount of money could buy the pride they have made me experience over the years not just in ordinary life but when things have challenged them greatly.

Further pride was exuded when Tasha and her husband Craig, presented me with my first grandchildren – twin daughters, born on my parents 61st wedding anniversary (and again brownie points were awarded – my daughter making the day even more special.) A baby sister arrived two and a half years later. These little people, as I love to call them, fill me with pride and joy as they chatter to me on the phone or visit me or welcome me to their home. I love to arrive with them before bedtime so I can share those precious bedtime stories and as an ex – nursery school teacher – I always add in lots of lovely bedtime rhymes too.

Other family things that have filled me with pride – my fathers funeral! Now that might sound odd but my dad was such a lovely man that the church was full for his funeral on July 1st 2010. It was actually mum’s and my niece Zoe’s birthday – but we chose that date as we knew that it would be a joyous occasion as we celebrated his long and fruitful life. I. along with my siblings and mum all delivered tribute speeches. Such happy memories so fondly remembered. What a celebration that was – we even had the service videod and I have enjoyed listening with immense pride as we all recalled amusing and happy incidents throughout his 89 years – after all he had encouraged us to enter speech competitions when we were at school so that we would not be scared of speaking in public as adults. I wonder what score out of ten we would have got. I’m thinking maybe 9 and a half – he never awarded 10!! Always room for improvement!)

He always believed in me and encouraged me even through all the very tough times. He remains with me even now guiding me. No price can be put on that wonderful warm ReadyBrek glow that gives me.

Over the last few years, I have had many challenges but through social media, I have “met” many super people with whom I have built up great friendships (and some of them I have now met in real life too!) Again – no money could ever buy!  They have inspired and supported me and pulled me through my long dark tunnel. I do try and pay it forward and hope I am now helping and inspiring others. (I have been told I do

I have been honoured to have received several awards over the last three years which I display  in my lounge and admire – remembering all the stories and challenges behind them.

I now run a network group for the small/medium businesses on the Isle of Wight. Wightbuzz has given me many warm readybrek glow moments as I watch my members become friends and collaborate with each other, providing solutions or advice etc. I threw the pebble in the pool as I created the group but then I watch and enjoy as I watch the ripples

I could add much more but I need to finish – I should have posted this 35 minutes ago as Im taking part in the Ultimate Blog challenge 31 blog posts in 31 days. I will add more in subsequent blogs. So come back and visit again soon.