De-childminding in the start of the next part... Autumn 2014.

The first thing I did was removed the stair gates which have been attached for over seven years! I actually felt mild vertigo for a few days whenever I came downstairs!

I had two large pieces of furniture fit storing all the toys and books. They were in my rather small living/dining room.

In situ (with girls).

I sold the white cabinet and started sorting out all the ‘stuff’. The living room became a junk shop…

I had my ofsted certification, my insurance and Pacey membership certifications.

Which I updated.

And my ‘catch it kill it bin it’ posters. Seriously, did we learn nothing from The War of the Worlds? Let’s not kill off our immune systems!

Then there were the outside toys in the shed…

Gone!

We had our Big Sale and made about £300 with which we bought a big trampoline.

And we were able to go camping.

And when our own ~mujer~ invited us camping I was finally able to say yes! We had a lovely few days, just chilling in the New Forest, our kids playing and us drinking mulled wine into the dark.

We all shared the bedroom the tent which was very snuggly and nice!

And there was a Gruffalo photo opportunity!

And tally has, finally, been able to start climbing lessons! Next week she’s due to pass her level one with flying colours.

And my amazing big girl seems to be, gradually, calming down.

Finally, unlike U2, i found what I was looking for… My plans had involved a small, unobtrusive antique treadle sewing machine. Like this…

Except.., I saw this and fell utterly love…

Once we’d travelled to Birmingham pick it up I was finally able to finish the living room.

So that’s the story of the transformation from nursery to home. I love my living room now, it’s lacking the clutter in a fab way :-)