I Can't think Of a Name for this Blog!!

Seriously, I can't! I've just waisted nearly five minutes trying to think of one, and I've got nothing!!
We have a hot water system now! We've had it a little while, but its such a blessing. When its cold outside, and cold inside, one does not relish the prospect of thrusting ones head under gushing freezing water for the sake of clean hair!!
However we solved the bath issue the fortnight before the system was installed, check it out!

I actually got a sort of one with Michael stuck in it. Only his bum fit in, and its hella funny because mine whole self fitted! But I decided not to add that photo, because even though you couldn't really see anything of him, he would have killed me!!
Phebe has new pets. She has a pair of budgies! A yellow female, named Eva and a green male, named Batman.

The children are all  quite happy with them, and they, in turn, seem quite happy. I was a little concerned, as I have never looked after birds before, but Its all good. As you can see the birds have a number of toys to much around with in their cage (which they do!) and their cage comes inside at night for warmth. Most days they go outside, but if its too cold I will leave them in. They have a spot in front of a window in the lounge room right beside the TV, and they chatter and play quite happily (sometimes to Michael's consternation, as they can get very noisy while he is trying to watch TV, lol!).
Mothers day was quite nice. I was a little under the weather and so irritable, but Michael and they children rallied, and I got presents and cards, and these lovely chrysanthemums.

My mending basket is empty at the moment, YIPEE! You can guess how often THAT happens now can't you! This is a picture of the last two things I mended. Two of Malachi's pants with patched knees. I use old single socks as patching material.

We went to visit Mum and Dad last week. I took the camera but did not take a single photo! We were going up specifically to see how the house would fare keeping a person warm in cold weather without a fireplace. I am happy to say it passed the test well! We are going to take out African friends up with us for a holiday to Mum's place this school holidays, and them, being aforementioned African, feel the cold very much. But I think everything will go well as far as that is concerned.
While there I spent some quality time with my sister and brother-in-law and my darling little niece, who is getting a lot bigger and is so beautiful.

We got there pretty late Saturday afternoon, and Miriam and Ryan and Ebony were there then, too, so Mum had a FULL house for dinner, but we fitted, so all was well.
After church on Sunday Zibbiah and I made several different types of pumpkin pie (which are VERY nice, we are eating them now. YUM YUM!)And Zibbiah gave us a cake and a half out of the cakes she made. We ate one a couple of nights ago and the children thought it 'almost as good as Mummy's'! Awww, bless them!

On Monday Tamar and I went with Eli into Bairnsdale to do the shopping for Mum (who was supposed to be having a rest, but you know how these things turn out. At least she didn't have to drive an hour into town) and we met Miriam with Ryan and Ebony in town. THAT was a big day, but it was fun. We got home exhausted!
Tuesday after lunch we headed home again. Happy to be home, though we love to visit :)
One a sad note, our little mouse, Dexter, was found dead in his cage the day after we got back. But Michael buried him, and I took Malachi out to choose another pet.
He chose TWO RATS! So Michael cleaned the bigger of the two mouse houses and the little ladies are in there for the moment. But if they survive and get bigger, I have a larger cage for them, so all is well.
The new rats are called Poison Ivy and Harley Quin. Here is a shot of the cage...they are a bit camera shy...

 Phebe is pointing to Poison Ivy there.
While I was shopping on Monday I picked up a rather hideous jumper, because I had big plans! I saw a pin on Pinterest about making one jumper into a skirt, a pair of leg warmers and a headband....so I did!

What do you think? You can't really see the headband, but the rest turned out fine, eh?
Here is a photo that Michael took while he was trying to get a nice shot of me...

*facepalm* Nevermind, whatever makes him happy...
He did get a couple of nice shots, though

I also had a try. I wanted a nice photo of the children for my FB front page, but Eli was not feeling photogenic...

So I didn't use this one.
Michael has been making a chest on the back verander to keep the extra folding chairs and stuff in. He is making it from old pallets, and it has been very time consuming for him. Eli and Phebe have discovered its a nice corner to play in!

Heheheheh! Had to get a shot of this, its so cute :)
I have been walking down to help Martha get the children up and ready for school every morning, and this seem s to suit us both nicely. Occasionally I will walk the children to school, as I walk right past their school on my way to their place, and so it isn't out of my way.  The children behave quite well for me, at least they haven't pushed me very hard yet... and Martha is happy with the arrangement, so all is well on that front.

Mum made Phebe a blanket for her birthday, and we collected it while we were visiting. I have just put it on her bed, but I took a special photo of it first. Phebe just LOVES it!

She'll be snug as a bug in a rug tonight!