JJ, the keynote in our house is 'muddle through'...Could you try putting S down before E, and if E is knackered, bring the WHOLE bedtime routine forward a bit?
Hello dear girls, I know I said I was going to catch up on Monday night - where HAS this week gone? How can it be Thursday tomorrow? Ah well, it's my beloved Phil & Kirstie on the gogglebox tonight, plus Fresh Meat later (is anyone watching that? I think it's rather funny), and I have made a veggie casserole which is already cooking for later. In case that sounds horrid, it's actually lovely and very easy, with plenty of yellow split peas, pearl barley etc. And you could put meat in it if required. Gosh, a week ago it was all salads and suncream.
Good luck with the unpacking, Kiwi. I am glad DD2 hasn't turned up yet, so you could make it to the new gaff.
That sounds hideous for your poor friend, Beans. What a shame. Listen, I do think you should buy a little piece of jewellery with some of that money. Sure, put some away to spend on dull stuff. But it wasn't the deal when you sold your dress, was it? Woburn sounded great, I have definitely noted that one down for future reference.
Rubes, I had to laugh at DS helpfully telling you how he could open the stairgate for DD as she couldn't do it 
How are you managing post-your Mum's visit? I know you have a lot of work to do before going back to work, are you getting any more done?
SL - you are a lot further ahead with the TT than we are, so comfort yourself with that. DD1 still thinks the other kids at school are mugs for not insisting on wearing their comfy old nappies instead of bothering with that silly loo 
I think a glittering career in something like politics beckons. Have you knocked it on the head for a bit?
Vag, I am glad you had a proper break at the weekend. Screaming toddlers are tres tres wearing - please don't be hard on yourself. I am sure you show DD2 an immense amount of love and I do feel that if you let kids get away with bad behaviour it ain't doing then a favour. I just mean - they need to KNOW if what they are doing is naughty or upsetting.
How's it going with DD1, Sybs?
Trudy - the money stuff sounds hard. I do think treats are important, though, even if it's a 50p book from a charity shop, or a bottle of bubble bath (Boots do really nice-smelling ones for a £1). Money's a funny one. I find approaches to money really interesting. We seem constantly short but things will improve when we can get the flats rented. I say short, but I guess I mean "we can just about cover all the basics and treats are thin on the ground". And that's probably like a lot of people...I am a great planner and I reckon in 2-3 years we will be in much better financial shape (unless something unforseen and horrid happens). I expect you will too, so let that give you cheer! I would never say a cruise or any sort of holiday is a waste of money or profligate, if you've got it, so I guess we differ there. Holidays are priceless, for memories and experiences. I think lack of hols bothers me more than lack of new clothes or nice meals out.
I have joined the pre-school committee It is very cliquey and surprisingly Power Boden. You'd think it was the board of ICI, the way they carry on My reasons were rather selfish - to meet people and to maybe learn a few new skills. And the power these organisations have! It controls the entire pre-school, is responsible for employing the staff and everything. At the moment I seem to be roped into all sorts but yet still on the fringes of everything. But that's fine. I will see how it goes. I keep laughing to myself that I have become one of THOSE mothers.