How on earth do I thank you all for your wonderful and caring comments regarding my guilt at leaving the children home while Ashley and I had a night out.

I am taking your advice and we will be going out again - when I’m not sure - but soon hopefully.  It was a lot of fun and we both enjoyed ourselves immensely.  To be honest a night with other adults was loooooong over due.

At the risk of blowing my own, or rather my kids trumpets, they are all very mature and all have really good morals, standards and a good work ethic.  In this house they wouldn’t be allowed to have anything else…..vbg.  All three said they enjoyed themselves thoroughly and I did not have even one complaint on how one picked on another.  Obviously they all thought they should get along and worked out compromises to any problems that occurred.  Maybe a few more nights at home by themselves might solve the seemingly constant arguments that seem to occur around here.

We do leave them at home for short periods if Ashley and I need to go down the street for something - but that’s during the daytime - this was the first time we left them at home after dark.

I confess I’m a worrier and I had parents (not that I’m putting them down or anything) who liked my sister and I to go with them when they went out.  I guess it was their way of protecting us - even when we were older. I do remember stating very clearly one night that I wasn’t going out as I had homework I needed to get done (notice I didn’t say “wanted to get done”…vbg).  After some argument and me being very firm I was left at home in peace - whether I got the homework done or not I can’t remember.  Anyway I think that was the beginning of being consider “Adult” enough to stay on my own.  I must have been about 15 at the time - gosh the brain cells are working tonight for me to remember that….so I guess in light of that it’s time to let go of the worries and let my kids be independent, after all that’s what Ashley and I have been trying to do with all of them since they were very little.

Elise did assure me the next day that had a fire started (heaven forbid) she would grab Nicola and James, the three dogs and the cat and race out side to call the fire brigade.  I’m glad she thought of the most important people/animals - but then an irreverant thought occured to me - what about my quilts?????

Only joking I promise…………………..I wonder if you can get a fire proof safe to store quilts in…..hmmmm.

Right on that note I’m off to tack down some more “filler” squares for my octagon quilt.  The Octagons are finished - just a few more squares to do then I can start sewing them together.