Been slogging my way through all the moving chores. I've done the phone, the electricity, the water, the ISP ... I think there was something else too but I can't think what. Oh yes, I let the post office know our change of address. And I've got all of Emily's back to school stuff. She gets such a huge kick out new school supplies. I do too, actually - everything so pristine and perfect and so symbolic of new beginnings and good intentions ...

It's been hard for me to get myself moving today. I've been very sad today. Scared for my mom, and scared for myself, not knowing how well she's going to respond to the treatment, or how long we'll have her with us. I wanted to phone her today, but I knew I was too tearful. The last thing she needs is me falling apart on her. I'll phone tomorrow, when I'm feeling more together.

More chores tomorrow. We need to buy a washer and a dryer. Such boring things to spend money on, but so necessary. When we first got married, we didn't have a washing machine. I remember washing jeans in the bath of the little rondavel we rented in Ashburton, and lugging them out to the washing line to dry. Wet jeans are heavy. We were thrilled when we finally saved up enough money to buy an actual washing machine. We used to colour-code our washes so that we could create pretty designs to watch through the little porthole in the front of the machine. That phase didn't last long but it was fun for a while.

Ah well. Only a week till we move, and only 9 days till Stephen and Emily start school. The kids are all getting on so well at the moment. Steve has got over his moodiness and is cheerful and fun to be with. He actually initiates games with his sisters, and is full of ideas for family activities. Such a change from his gloom of a few days ago - must be those lovely teen hormones messing him around. God I'm glad I'll never have to be a teenager again. I hope that the start of school won't take away from the kids' closeness. They're going to be spending such a big part of their day away from each other ...