[zummerzet_lou]

Thanks for all your kind words.

I am determined that this time she is not going to get her own way - these days it is our children that have to be the biggest consideration. What we can offer them here is nothing in comparison with NZ.

They have a reasonable life here, but if they want their own bedrooms (currently share one) we shall have to increase our mortgage significantly. Not only do they get their own rooms, but we can get a house with a substantial garden too in NZ.
Here we have a postage stamp of a garden.

This is not our only reason .. the other is that they can also stay children for longer in NZ - here they have to grow up too quickly as they need to be more "worldly". The thought of which sends shivers down my spine ...

Of course there are loads of other things ... but fear Mum will hear nothing. she told me last night that she can't talk about it. Am trying to be understanding as it is a big blow to her, but after supporting her through the last 3 years of a divorce, her buying and setting up home and then my sister running off with Mr. Unsavoury it's about time she supported me.

Families eh!! I might jot all this down one day and make a fortune from it .. would make a great film or novel.