...not like the flooding

The flooding throughout the country has been horrendous. I got my first taste of it yesterday on my way to a meeting in Worcestershire. The fields either side of the road were completely hidden under water and eventually I came across a road that was closed. This led to me being an hour late for my meeting. Although me being late for my meeting is nothing compared to the devastation the flooding has caused to so many people. Lets hope this weekends predicted rain doesn't cause the same problems.

...a 30th birthday, a family weekend and a trip to the Peak District

A lot has happened since I last posted. I've been so busy I haven't had time or energy to write anything. I suppose I should start at the beginning, which was about 1.5 weeks ago. Phil turned 30 this year and to celebrate I organized a surprise boys weekend for him. It really was a surprise when 7 of his friends from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland descended on Sandbach for the weekend. The boys had a fun weekend playing on the Wii, paintballing and generally catching up. Phil was thrilled with his surprise and I think all the guys loved having a weekend away.



I thought it was best to escape for the weekend and as it was also my birthday my good friend Cheryl came down from Scotland and we went off the Cheltenham for the weekend for some R&R. It was great to get away from it all and catch up with Cheryl.


Me and Cheryl

After we had recovered from the weekend we had an over night visit from our Uni friends Steve and Becky and their little girl Abigail. They stopped over on the Wednesday night on their way up from London to Scotland. It was great to see them and to meet Abigail.

Phil's birthday wasn't actually until this weekend past so I organized for his Mum to come and stay with us for the weekend. This was also a surprise for Phil and he was thrilled to see his Mum and show off the new house. We had a super weekend going to the Lowry and Imperial War Museum on Sat and then after Church on Sunday we drove over to the Peak District to meet up with Phil's sister Ali and her family. Andy (Phil's brother) also came over for the day. We had a lovely family lunch and a walk in the woods. Phil's mum and brother left and we stayed on for a few more days. Although the weather was awful on the Monday we still managed to have a wonderful time with Ali, Michael and the girls. Thank you Ali and Michael for letting us stay with you on your holiday.


Out for a walk in the woods


Jean and Lottie


Phil, Lottie and Hannah


Hannah on a bouncy castle for the first time

Now we are back to reality with a bump and work is hectic. Taking two days off doesn't really mean you get a holiday it just means you have to do a weeks work in 3 days. But it's nice to be back in our own house and we are looking forward to a few weeks without any weekends away. We might even manage to buy some furniture and get a bit more of the house unpacked. We'll see!!!

IKEA!!

We've had a great week in the new house and we are slowly regaining some level of normality. There are a few less boxes now and we are now looking at what furniture we need to buy. After nearly 4 years of marriage we are looking forward to setting up a home that many people can come and visit us in and that we can use to glorify God in Sandbach.

The compulsory trip to Ikea was in order, and bearing in mind how horrible a trip to Ikea is on a Saturday we decided to go after work. We actually had a good time, choosing new wardrobes, bookcases and chest of drawers. Sadly when we got to the check out the wardrobe we wanted was out of stock, but hopefully it'll be back in soon. We picked up a few other bits and pieces on the way round, so the trip was not in vain!



Phil had fun playing on the trolley!!



I was tired and glad to be going home.

This weekend has been so glorious outside that I haven't wanted to do any unpacking, however whilst Phil was out playing football on Saturday I did sort out the dreaded spare room and also managed to find some time to relax in the garden with my book. It was so wonderful and peaceful. I'm loving our new house.

...take photos sometimes!!

Below are a few badly taken photos showning the extent of our unpacking! We haven't done very much and we're off the Belfast for a wedding so we won't get anymore done til next week. Never mind, we're just thrilled to be in the house.

If you're passing or live nearby, drop in for a coffee (I can't guarentee there will be any were to sit, but I can guarentee a warm welcome)


Living room, not unpacked at all!!


Kitchen, looking down towards dining area.



I asked Phil to unpack important things and this appeared on top of one of the kitchen cupboards!!!