Target

  Why is it that you always want what you can't have?? Believe it or not, but that is how I am feeling right now about Target of all things!!! I miss their prices, quality (most things) and familiarity. Even though I would usually go in for 1 item and come out $100 later, I still miss it. I am trying to turn this unfurnished rental house into our home for the next year and enjoying the challenge but am missing the stores back home. There are some great second hand stores here in New Plymouth but the prices are taking some time getting use to. Remember, that not much is manufactured here in NZ mostly agriculture products. So whatever I am buying had to transported here from somewhere very far away.Queen Mattresses for example sell for $2,000-4,000 and then the box springs sell for about $1,500. A little less for twin beds but still you get the picture. So the Ellington's are sleeping on used beds this year. Creepy, gross, nasty-yep I thought the same thing but I quickly got over it when I figured what 3 twin beds and 2 queen beds ( need one for my guests) would cost us. I justified it by thinking that every time we go to a hotel or condo we sleep on used beds and I never thought twice about it, and I also went out and bought us all brand new bedding with down comforters to help ease the creepiness. I got us a refrigerator, nice oak table and chairs, and an outdoor patio set off of Trade me. Clothes are still on floors until I find some dressers and the kitchen is almost stocked. Our big purchase this week was a large lounge. Brad nor I were crazy about the kids or us romping around on a used sofa, so we bought a brand new L shaped sofa, which Brad is happily sleeping on as I type.

  This is GiGi, our first Kiwi pet. We found her (or him) on a walk over the weekend. The kids were very excited about finding a seahorse. Lindsey immediately researched Seahorse on the Internet and was determined to keep it alive. Sadly, GiGi only lived a few days but made for some excitement around here. Owen still thinks GiGi is sleeping :)
 The School had their Disco last night at the Oakura Hall. All 3 kids went happily and excitedly. One would think that Skyler has lived here her whole life. She already knows most of the kids her age and her social calendar is filling up quickly. Lindsey comes home from school barefoot and happy each day with a new friends phone # written on her hand. She was comfortable enough to stay at the Disco by herself and let me go across the street to the Pub for a few beers with the other Moms. I couldn't of been prouder of her or the other 2. Today was Owens first day of not crying @ drop-off. I think we will have to have a bowl of Fruit Loops tonight to celebrate. So far, so good!!!!