Family, Who'd Have 'Em?

Well all of us I guess, we can't really get away from them can we?
We went shopping and got supplies for Ali and Matt's visit.  I planned a hot crab cheesy dip, lasagne with two kinds of garlic bread and an Italian salad, and Tiramisu for dessert.  We got a case of Matt's preferred brew, and some nice red wine that Ali likes, got a couple of books for little Harvey.  Came home and had lunch then went to the doctor's appointment at 2.  I only made them for the other three, figured I could wait till I get the kids settled into next term (one way or another).  Talked to the doctor about Em and her problems and about getting a mental health plan happening.  This doctor, yet another we hadn't met, was a slight Asian boy with very girly Prada spectacles that I couldn't take my eyes off for some reason, they had glittery swirly things on the arms, but I digress.  He gave us a referral to the adolescent mental health thingy in Junee of all places, but that's okay we're familiar with that town.  However, later when I tried to contact them, the address and phone number were wrong, and long outdated.  I asked him for blood tests for her which he ordered.  We then left the room while Phill had his consult, he got blood tests as well for his cholesterol and PSA as he's worried about his prostate (here we go).  I then went in with Josh and Phill took Em to get stuck with needles (yay I avoided that drama!!).  We talked about Josh's sinus trouble and the doc prescribed a new nasal spray (very expensive but hopefully worth it) and he said to wait till the sinus thing was totally cleared up before we investigate why Josh has no sense of smell.  Emily was very brave with her blood test and I'm glad they are done and look forward to the results.  I am thinking hormones and/or thyroid might be contributing to her problems.
Came home and got cooking.  I made a great meat sauce for the lasagne with lots of vegies but also lots of flavour.  Then Emily and I made the Tiramisu.  While we were having fun with that I got a phone call from Ali to say they aren't coming.  Her reason, I didn't sound "keen" on the phone the other night.  She caught me by surprise, I was tired and distracted with worry about the Emily thing but in the end was very excited about their visit.  Her husband is a bit odd, (hates his own mother) and I suspect he had something to do with it.  So we have a lot of food and just three of us to eat it all!  Phill suggested we keep it all till he comes home and I think we will and just have something easy tonight.
I have decided we aren't going up to Sydney now.  My sister, who took over the organising for the get together chose a venue that nobody else was happy with.  It's mid Winter.  It's cold, it's wet.  My sister has a big house with plenty of room for entertaining, as does my niece.  Why don't people want to have parties at home anymore?  If we were in Sydney I'd have them all over and hang the lack of room, potential mess, and whatever.  At least we'd have shelter from the cold and rain.  I would even put on all the food, I LOVE entertaining and I miss it a lot.
It's a six hour drive that I don't feel up to, to stay in an overpriced hotel room the kids and I cooped up in one room and money I could spend better elsewhere.  I really want to take the kids to see snow and we'll wait till Phill is home and either do that trip or take the boat somewhere.  My family is here, the other weirdos can go jump.
So today I have to get Emily assessed over the phone (again) before she can be referred but this is good, the ball is rolling to put help and supports in place for her.  She is being an absolute angel and really making an effort, helping in the house and trying hard to change her ways and I'm proud of her. She appears to be complying with the new house rules and actually ASKED when I was turning the internet off  last night and could she watch a movie in her room with the door open?  I was happily shocked. I spoke to the psychologist who was seeing her in Albury for the first time yesterday afternoon, what a lovely lady and once again (this happens a lot) she seemed surprised to hear that I was a normal, reasonable loving mother and said Emily was a delight to work with and I agreed that she is indeed a terrific kid, she just needs help and guidance. 
The kittens are totally adorable, they will make five families very happy when the time comes to rehome them.

Lucy is a little calico like her Mum and is really cuddly and sweet. To us anyway, she is brutal with her brothers!  Neville is white with a bit of ginger, he was born first.

That's Freddie Mercury, he's really laid back believe it or not.

And something timeless about a boy and his dog.

This is the view from our backyard, down over the town and beyond to the rolling hills.

And in another win we got word yesterday that the laminex problem at the old house has been resolved with Crazy Landlady agreeing to pay half to have the bench top replaced.  We quickly paid our part and the total bond will be refunded now, and our good standing as tenants restored.  Thank you card and chocolates will be on the way to our former property manager asap. 

Life right now is good, and only going to get better.  Touch wood.