February

OK, so technically this picture as taken in January but never mind! The Berry side of the family all came to Devon for the new Year. We had the annual game of Risk (won last year by Dorcas). They had had a trophy made and the Berry men were eager to win back the glory. Sadly for them...I won! Twice! Mwa ha ha haaaaaaaaa. Such fun!

Also in January, Daniel and Matthew changed school and pre school respectively to attend the one that is closer to our 'new ' home. we are thankful that they both seem to have settled in well and are making friends. As they get older and spend time with other children we are facing more battles, especially on the obedience and attitude front! But it is wonderful to see them learning and growing. I am still involved in the old pre school and it is a huge drain on me- in time, emotion and effort. The good news is I will not be involved after July. The bad news is it is will be closing in July. But there is precious little that can be done about that- so I am starting to pray that the staff will get new jobs and hopefully will not feel the need to sue us for their redundancy pay!!

On the house front, we are slowly getting things done. The bathroom is pretty much finished apart from a new window..but that will have to wait! The ugly gas fire and huge concrete surround are now gone and we have a beautifully plastered wall waiting to be painted. Plans have been submitted for an extension..we will wait and see what happens!

Of course, the beginning of February saw Daniel's 6th birthday. It was good to see him inviting new friends form school to come along to his party. e went and played at Fundzerzone and then we walked back here for tea and cake. Ideal living so close as a 'proper Funderzone party' would have cost an arm and a leg!

This was his face first thing as he walked into the front room (note, ugly brown paint on door not yet neutralised!) I am so pleased he still has that excitement and wonderment- long may it last- as so much commercialism and such great expectations seems to be sold to children these days.

Yesterday it was my birthday (seems to happen like that each year...) and on Friday Samuel will turn one!!! Arrgggh! He now has 3 teeth, wears 'cruiser' shoes, can stand alone and furniture walks- not to mention his super speedy crawling and stair climbing. The phrase most heard out of my mouth at the moment is 'is the gate shut?'...... :) He also says 'hello' ( like hiyoo) and 'Amen'.

And now it is half term- for which I am infinitely thankful. Hopefully a chance to shut off from pre school and enjoy some home work free time with the boys. We are looking forward to the visit of Grandma and Grandpa during the week- nicely timed to coincide with Samuel's birthday.

Well, hope that earth shatteringly exciting update hasn't left you too amazed! This is a season for 'plodding' it seems- doing what needs to be done and realising that the list never ends.I am currently reading 'Ever, only, all for Thee' - a collection of bits of Francis Ridley Havergals' writings and a short history of her life. I am in awe! Such faith and devotion- and what a very skilled and gifted lady. I trust that even in my plodding, I can do it to the best of my ability :)