A lovely day

I had a really enjoyable day with my mum and my children. We went to Alkborough Flats to see where the River Trent meets the River Humber and the River Ouse. It was quite incredible. We then went for lunch at the Hope & Anchor which overlooks the River Humber. It took me ages to walk across the bar as a bus full of older ladies were fussing over Phineas, everyone loves a cute baby! A couple of ladies sitting nearby commented on how well behaved the children are and how alert Phineas. It was really lovely to hear, because yesterday evening was a bit rubbish all round!

Caitlin paddling

It was really scary to watch my precious little girl, get into a tiny little boat and paddle off down a deep and murky river. However, I was quietly impressed by her confidence and strength. It's hard to balance protecting your children with allowing them to take the risks necessary to becoming well rounded individuals.

Napping in the sunshine!

It's spring time!

Water's Edge

Today we went to Water's Edge to get some information on the River Humber for Caitlin and Esaias's homework. It was a pretty chilly day, but we still managed to spot 5 different types of bird as well as lots of interesting Humber facts.
Nathan has been hard work today, I don't know if it is because he has less of a routine during the school holidays but his "nathanism" is out in force. Just today he has got angry with himself for being too noisy, he says he feels tired all the time and he heard Esaias complaining about Dash so he figures that Esaias must hate him because Nathan chose Dash. My mind aches from having to choose my words so carefully all day.
I also feel really down about the house inspection tomorrow. Not because the house is a mess, but because I feel so violated. Like they are passing judgement on me. Of course the last tenants did a lot of "interesting" decorating which is why they are probably keeping such a close eye on the house, but it is frustrating none the less. Still, I would not like to buy a house and I remind myself frequently of all the trouble I did have when I owned a house, and it was far worse than this.
Once the estate agent has been, I am planning a trip to Alkborough flats to gather more river information, and will be having lunch at the Paddock Tea Room as a treat, so that is definitely something to look forward to.

Gathering...

It's daft really. I have given a lot of thought about making our home a sanctuary. I have realised that me stressing stops the home feeling like a sanctuary. It has also occurred to me that I try to do too much and also that lots of things, like my craft things, are spread all over so I never do pleasant things because it is too much of a chore to bring it all together. So, while watching General Conference, I set about gathering things together and storing them in one place. It has helped. I have also stopped trying to write a diary, scrapbook and blog. Where is the sense in this?? I might as well gather all my thoughts and pictures on my blog. How foolish of me not to recognise this sooner :/
For too long I have been trying to live up to the super Molly Mormon stereotype, but it has to stop, or I will burn out again and that is definitely not a good thing.

Phineas pictures

Easter egg

So apparently the Greek Orthodox Church dyes eggs red during Easter to symbolise the eggs being sold by women in the market where Jesus passed through on his way to the cross. His blood fell on the eggs and stained them red.
We dyed ours silver, blue and pink which seems less weird!