December 23rd

Yikes! Despite the fact that I have all my presents to wrap and lots of tidying to do I am going to give just a bit of time to this poor neglected blog! You are all probably too busy with getting ready for Christmas to read it but never mind! I have been meaning to update for ages but either haven't had the time or else have been too tired when I have had the time.

So, 2010 is almost over. Well, it has certainly been a busy year- but then any year that involves the birth of your 3rd child, the near collapse of your pre school and moving house are going to be quite hectic I guess! I wish I could say the house is nice and quiet right now, but Samuel is crying.....the other two are asleep. They are pretty much exhausted by bed time...just as well really! David is off on a night shift- he is working tomorrow night as well which means Christmas morning will involve a bleary eyed daddy- I am in charge of driving us all to London in time for lunch! God willing there will be no more snow or ice to contend with.

Helping (?)mummy decorate the tree.

We moved on October 1st, and all went smoothly, despite the very heavy rain. Several of my old neighbours have been telling me that the couple who bought our house have been gutting it. We knew they had plans but it does make me feel a little bit sad. There is endless work to do on the house we have moved to- but all in good time. Today David started to paint the bathroom and it makes such a difference already. He did all the tiling too- most impressive :) I am very much looking forward to a little time away from here- and the boys want to see Grandma and Grandpa's new house. Matthew has been asking this question for about the past 4 weeks 'Can we go to Grandma and Grandpa at Christmas? (me)- Yes, (Matthew) is it Christmas today?' Bless him!

Matthew celebrated his third birthday shortly after we moved. All the boys seem to have accepted the new house without any problems. e called it our 'new special house' for a while and Matthew still sometimes refers to it as that.

I am actually feeling a bit unwell now and have been for a few days so hopefully it will pass.

After Christmas, we have the start of a new school.We decided that it just was not practical driving to and fro from Landkey several times a day, no more so than last Friday when I skidded around trying to drive out there. With the increase in icy, snowy winters we are having, a school within walking distance will be ideal. I will have to remain involved with the pre school management for now, but thankfully another committee member is taking on the role of chair..I think I am going to be secretary :)

A rare shot of David and I- taken last week at his works Christmas meal. He has now left the pre operative clinic and will be focusing on his ward work. This will mean a bit less stability for me in terms of knowing his working hours and we do not have guaranteed extra shifts for him, but their are usually plenty spare so we wait on the Lord to provide for our needs.
We had a lot of snow overnight on Friday- maybe 5 inches fell in 5 hours. It is certainly the most we have had in such a short space of time, and so early on. However I know compared to much of the country this is nothing! The boys like going out in it but only for short periods of time. Matthew especially seems to feel the cold and gets very upset if chilled!

When you write things down they don't seem like much do they? But I know this year has been very busy and at times very hard going. We thank God for His hand which has kept us and lifted us out of the 'miry clay' when we have been sinking.

So if you read this before Friday then may I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a blessed and peaceful New Year xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx