The old year and the new...

I've done a lot in 2010...

I've run an allotment... although not to it's full potential.

I've driven my second car, a VW passat estate, and now back to the first (my lovely 3 door corsa!)

I've continued to cut out chemicals from my hygiene routine. We very rarely now use any shampoo, conditioner, shower gel or bubble bath... or even deodorant if you can believe that! I still have a shower most days, it's my alone time to pull myself together before the day really begins in earnest. I am doing better about keeping it short, but it's something I still need right now.

I've knit my first and second pairs of socks :) Now an addiction!

I've been taught how to tie dye... soon to become another addiction no doubt!

I've carried Willow everywhere, apart from the last 2 months, where we haven't really been out much through sickness.

I've become pregnant for the third time, and had the roughest pregnancy so far. I think that's part of the reason I haven't written much about it. A baby is a blessing and a joyful thing, but I haven't felt particularly joyful... and I will not complain about a blessing that so many seek and do not find.

I've become the mother of a three year old... and all that entails.

We've made the move from steady, well paid, boring, mind-numbing career to an unsure path into the unknown. I've been learning to trust Nick in his career, the way he trusts me in mine. I think we consult each other in each fairly equally. I'm not sure if I would have listened to any negativity about my choices the way he was prepared to listen to mine about his... lol.

Things I'd like to do in 2011 include...

Giving birth without fear or pain.

Knitting a hat and kick bag for baby number 3 (let's start small, then there's no high expectation!)

Making a night dress for Eve (no matter how simple)

Finishing the super-cool mei tai (this HAS to be done before baby arrives!!)

Sewing a mei tai for Danii and a few other friends (this can possibly wait until after baby is born)

Knitting Nicks space invader hat (this is priority!)

Remembering how to be a fun mummy and not feeling so stressed over my kids occasional mood swings. Being able to do more activities and visit more friends.

Have a super cool birthday party for Eve and make her feel like she's the most important kid in the world. It's tough having a sibling born in the same month as you, especially if they're younger and they get their birthday in there first (not that I have issues) it's also hard if you have a sister giving birth within a month of you, but we won't go into that...

Selling this house and moving without any major hitches.

Visiting the Temple at least twice and doing at least one session each time.

Finding a time to read my scriptures every day.

Getting organised and having a meaningful Family Home Evening every week.

Getting family prayer into our routine properly. No, blessing food does not count.

Learning how to get rid of all the "stuff", "things", "junk" in my house that I don't really need, and we probably won't use. Not feeling remorse when I got rid of something that I actually would have used (I still get upset over that food processor)

Eating more vegetarian meals, meeting all our nutritional needs, and having everyone enjoy them!

Wasting less... less food, less money, less time.

Finding another couple of students so we can keep our heads above water.



I'm sure there's more, but that's what's on the top of my head!

Merry Christmas!

Well, I haven't managed to upload any pictures here like I hoped I would. Sorry!

I've been having a tough week (again!), since just as we thought the girls were getting better they've both developed some sort of viral rash. I suspect it is very mild measles, since a friend of mines kids have the same, and we were over there just before it arrived. Eve is coughing again, and Willow still has a bit of a rash on her cheeks, but otherwise they're fine. I think Eve is feeling a lot better now since she's been running around the living room in circles on numerous occasions... she needs to run some energy off.

We've had a furry little visitor this week... a rat seems to have found its way to my chickens run and is stealing food. I've closed the run up so it can't get in. I felt a bit mean, it's freezing outside, and everythings gotta eat... but they are pests, and I won't be feeling guilty if he brings over the family, or if the hens get attacked or whatever. I think he's coming over from the neighbours, so I'm considering how to break that news sometime after Christmas...

Now... Christmas... Hmmm...

I'm tidying and cleaning up for Christmas day because we have the honour of hosting Christmas with my parents and littlest sister C this year. I wish we hadn't been so poorly, because I really havent put as much thought and effort into it as I would have liked. Didn't even remember the pigs in blankets!!

I'm really looking forward to the special treat we have ordered in... a free range (organic?) turkey... Nick picked him up this morning, and it looks amazing!!

Anyway, much to do and so little time or energy!!

(ps. lemon juice in water is a great remedy for heartburn. Truely!)

Crazy days!

I keep wanting to come on here and write a great post. One that everyone will read and be able to get something from. One where I'll get a few comments that make me feel good and think about things in perhaps a different way. It's not happening.

Life is just hard right now. I'm really really bus just keeping up with the basics.

Nick has just taken what is probably his first sick day in the whole of 2010. Seriously. The rubbish thing about it is that now he's at his new job and he's a temp, he won't get paid for it. We might try to sub it for one of his "holiday" days.

Weirder still than that, I finished soothing Willow to sleep this morning... she was gone by 9am, having been up really early... and Eve decided to take herself to bed. She watched me fold the washing that had aired in her bedroom, and was playing on the top bunk. When I just went upstairs to check she wasn't bugging her Dad, she was all snuggled up in bed fast asleep. VERY VERY VERY strange.

So I've cleared the living room so I can hoover when Will wakes up, and I've done the washing up, tidied and cleaned the kitchen a little and then sat down for a little quiet time myself.

Last weekend I was feeling excited about Christmas. Now I'm feeling hassled about it all again.

The snow is coming down thick right now, and it's settling. Little fast flakes. beautiful.

I keep thinking about how cold the chickens must be... Must take them some extra straw out.

And now Willow is awakened and my crazy time begins again... hopefully slightly less demanding ad grumpy now she's had a nap. Who knows!!

Photos next time!