Hormones?

They say (coughs the BBC), that the hormone oestrogen is responsible for forgetfulness in pregnancy and menopause. I really thought dopamine and vinpocetine had a lot more to do with things there, but then I suppose, I ought to stop scanning news headlines...


I can't help feeling that the same hormones that are responsible for a woman going from 'Oh my goodness, shoot me now.' in labour, to 'Awe, it was such a special time. I'd do it again tomorrow.', over the course of a few weeks, must work alongside my concept of moving house.

I start off thinking this will go smoothly. I will make this fun.

Then I reach a point where I remember.... 

This is not fun, this is a lot of work. 

Never ending or so it seems. 

I realize no matter how much I throw out, give away, donate to charity, or ebay... that we still have more toys, and socks (not that any of them match) than any family should ever own. I mean seriously Hamleys can ... not... compete... we have more. I am certain.

But kind of like labour, once you are midway through, there is no turning back. 

Truthfully, even though I might grumble, I certainly wouldn't want to, because what lies on the other side is so worth it.

Almost there!

What?

Don't all dogs want a throne?

If you were here...

tonight I would sing you this song.

5 hours and 58 pennies

They asked me for 58 pennies.

So I let them go through my handbag.

5 hours later they are still deep in their card game.

Under aged gambling? 

Or maths practice?

Too quickly...

Too quickly the days fly past.

One year ago today hatchling no4 had his very first ice cream.

Today, he rode his big bike for the first time.

(Just on the carpet. And to the puppy's terror, in the kitchen. Mamadragon is not grown up enough for the reality of pavement.)

Beef and Guinness stew

The house is just starting to fill with the loveliest smell.

I put a beef and guinness stew in the oven to slow roast the day away.

Here is the recipe should you like to make your own.

Beef and Guinness Stew

1kg diced stewing beef

2 small onions

2 - 4 medium potatoes (King Edwards are lovely)

2 cans of original Guinness

1/2 cup flour

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp mixed herbs

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 oxo beef stock cube or 1/2 cup beef stock

1 bay leaf

salt to taste

1. Roll the diced beef in the flour, and brown in a hot pan.

2. Then add all remaining ingredients and pour into a deep casserole pot or slow cooker.

3. Cook at 140F for 6-8 hours.

4. Serve with fresh sourdough

Enjoy!

Thank you!

With so many megamarts on the market, a company with excellent customer service is a rare gem indeed.

Which is why I'd like to say thank you to Kim at HelpIneedboxes.

She went above and beyond to help me when my order went astray.

To Tesco we go

Puppies are sweet.

Puppies are cute.

but puppies make big messes...

when they go toot!

(You didn't actually think I was going to take a picture of that?)

Our weekly shop has become a thrice weekly event. 

As we fill the cart once again.

Puppies and small children... what did mothers do before paper towels?

And just because they really were being particularly good.

Here is a pic of my two smallest helpers.

Turns out

That one is not enough. 

Harmony comes in pairs. 

So we have a new fur ball in the house.

And the girls are thrilled!

Now we just need a name...

That does not belong to a disney princess.

I'm just not sure about Cinderella or Belle.

I think it might go to her head.

One last dance

Today our beautiful little ballerinas were in attendance at their last ballet class here in the city.
It was a precious and lovely opportunity to witness how they have become a part of other people lives, and to see how much others have come to mean to them. There were lots of hugs, and promises to write often, as the gaggle of girls wrapped their little noodle arms around each other.

I am very thankful that our girls have received such a warm goodbye from their friends. It has put them in good stead to venture in to the new, full of confidence that the are like - able and amazing people.

Not that I let a day go by where I do not make sure to tell them just that... but I think they really quite like hearing it from other people.