Saturday 15th January 2011

I collected the keys from the estate agent yesterday and words can't describe the feeling when I walked through the door for the first time in order to meet the plumber who was coming to service the boiler. Si and I had never rented before moving to England and there is something about owning your own home that gives you a real sense of security and belonging.

We were up early this morning and at the house to start painting before 9am....all three children got involved with the painting of boy's room and before long the dull beige walls where a lovely cheerful blue.

Unfortunately energy had started to flag by the time we reached Meg's room. She did give it her best for a while but ended up heading off to the local swimming pool (which is within walking distance) with her friend. Nick Nick had also had enough by this stage so after a quick trip to Crawley to collect more paint, I was forced to return home with him for the afternoon while Si returned to the house to finish painting our bedroom and the stairwell.

Meggie has the smallest room in the house and I was delighted when she chose the new Dulux Luminescent Paint which has light reflecting particles in it and really lifts and lightens the room. I am hoping to go back with Si in the morning to wash the upstairs carpets and get cracking finishing off the children's bedrooms.