Free!

Well I will be in a couple of hours.  Phill has to go up north to train some people, and should be gone for a week or so.  Since he's had so much time at home of late I will enjoy the peace and freedom and can get some serious cleaning done in the house without someone sitting like a lump on the lounge staring at me and giving helpful hints. ;) 
The weather has been so lovely, we figured out the reticulation yesterday and I was impressed, we have a pop up sprinkler system front and back which is attached to the big rainwater tank down by the shed.  These water some of the garden beds as well and the ones it doesn't reach have their own system attached to the town water.  The rose garden at the front is blooming more each day and is just breathtaking.  I laid out my first rose petals for pot pourri this morning.  There are some bare spots in some of the beds that I will buy some plants for today I think, I'm not going to worry about whether we're going to be able to stay here or not, planting things is always good karma and we've left lovely plants and wattle trees in every house we've had. 
We bbqed last night, and it was really nice to sit outside, we think we have the fly problem in hand with an automatic spray thingie that I got.  I think we're going to spend a lot of time out there.
Talked to Ali last night, Harvey absolutely loved his Duplo set.  She said he kept saying "Grandpa" all day even when she corrected him and said "No it's from Granny".  That's cool, he can call me anything he wants to the little darling.  Can't believe he'll be two tomorrow.
We went and met with the home/school liaison person at school yesterday, as well as the principal.  I was pleasantly surprised at their interest, concern and suggestions.  Emily was in a surly mood and I will wait till I discuss her options with her, but things are looking up.  It looks almost certain that she will receive her school certificate, and once that hurdle is taken we can think about next year.  She is so lucky that she has so many people who care about her future, I wonder if she realises that?
We went back to group and I am glad I did.  We were honest with Fliss about what happened and she was really good about it.  I enjoyed group more yesterday than I have before, we're starting to get into some really interesting stuff and apart from what we're learning there, just doing it is opening up my mind to other ways of thinking and behaving.

Last year I did something different with Christmas cards.  I got a free offer in a magazine for some photo cards and one afternoon the kids and I just went out onto the front porch and snapped some photos.  The one above was the one I used and it was really well received so I decided to so something similar this year and found some great props the other day, so we'll be doing another shoot soon in our new lovely surroundings here. 

Emily's shirt said "Dear Santa, I can explain" and Josh still had his pjs on!

I bought my first Christmas present the other day, online, just a little stocking stuffer for Em.  It's all a lot less stressful these days than when they were little that's for sure.

Well I'm off for a shower, great day ahead for me.