so it's been a while

Until very recently, I've been using Facebook a lot. An awful lot. It keeps me in touch with 99% of my family & friends, it enables me (look, a book! must add that to my TBR pile) and makes me laugh. I can look back on photos and know what we were doing (altho I haven't done much in the albums lately) BUT...

sometimes it isn't as good as journaling can be. Sometimes I just need to write and write and write...

and as Dad and Mum don't use facebook, they aren't in the loop like they should be. HI MUM! HI DAD!

2013 was pretty good to us. Sold one house, moved to the MILs for a while, then brought our new house. Fast - listed Sat morning, we viewed Sun afternoon, we brought Sunday afternoon. We've brought looking at the long term - ok school zones, lots of new buildings (pushing up the price already), close to public transport, close to the MIL and our daughter. We have managed to kill one of the two plants (possibly one for each of the house's birthdays?) but have gained back enough room for the massive trampoline down one end of the property and about the same at the front, just by filling in the drops where soil was dug out and moving the fences to the berm. I love how Si is so clever engineering wise. It will take a lot to move the new fence & retaining walls. I'm looking forward to selecting the fruit trees - proper plants, not just my roses and herbs!

2014 hasn't been so bad either. I'm on a contract with a well established company, the creative juices are flowing, we've squeezed in a family holiday, spent time with friends, and the house is reflective of who we are (and yes, Bran's room could rival a pigsty). All three boys are now playing league (Si & I are coaching Mase's team, which apart from a few unrealistic parents is great fun) and all are doing well at kindy/school. Mase is about to start 4 days a week at kindy, in prep for school - the "lasts" are starting to catch up. Si is now road cycling to make up for the fact he can't run (that achilles/plantar fascialitis is hell) and I enjoy walking with Zac. He's great company. Louise has started her own baking/catering company with a girlfriend and YUM they are already getting word of mouth jobs. 

Anyway, the next posts will be more specific. And hopefully frequent.

Picture: Mase after "helping" Louise with her fabulous chocolate cake 22 April 2014 - a preview of his pirate birthday later this year?

Happy Birthday Bran!

My eldest boy is now officially a teen. He's not yet out of the super hero phase & helped me with his cupcakes. Nom nom!

All is well in the world again...

After three days soaking in napisan and being re-stuffed, Mummy Tiggr can finally be reunited with her Mason. He is very happy with me. Bless!

Flooring

I can't say that I recommend this type of flooring, but it looks awesome once completed. Next time I'm going to chose something that inter-locks easy! And bonus, the mother-in-law is so happy with it. So this is my "create" for the week.

More destruction

Mase had a fantastic time today helping smash down the gib board. I guess all little boys have this somewhere in their genes.

Oooof

Today was a creative void, apart from imagining the changes I would make to the house we viewed. Part one would be getting rid of the carpet - it looks like the Jolly Green Giant sneezed. A lot.

Photo inspiration:

Cleaning Up

Some time ago, the laundry plumbing at the MIL's gave up the ghost. We found out when the wall between the laundry & toilet blew up-the skirting board looks awful.

So the plumber has been, and some twit has given her a quote to fix that is so far out it's not funny. Simon's solution is that we clear out everything so we can get a clear view. Hence the 7.5 cubic bin on the front lawn. It is amazing how big that space is. If we had the money I'd re-design the space and have a butler's pantry.

The sprinkling of rain is very welcome - it is hot work in this weather. I'm looking forward to the cricket tonight & some relaxing.