To the powers that be:

An old friend of mine had a rather sweet way of dealing with any problems life threw at her. She would write her thoughts and wishes down – or more often than not, requests on how to solve a problem - and place the missive underneath her pillow at night. She swore that clarity came to her as she, quite literally, slept on it. I suppose at the very least, it was a good way of unburdening her mind of angst before settling down for the night.

So although I don’t think I’d rest easy with my computer buried beneath my pillow, I thought I would perhaps release some pent-up stress and write down what’s on my mind at the moment. Which is, of course, Dream Home!

So here is my own personal wishlist to the Universe:

1. Top of the list has to be A Garden. I’m not asking for a football pitch (although that would be nice). Just a scrap of green stuff where the kiddies can run and jump and climb. Dig in a sandpit. Ride their bikes. Make camps. Maybe even have a little Wendy house, if that’s not asking too much…
2. Next up has to be a Playroom. Somewhere the kids can call their own. To keep their toys safe, do their 'art' in and generally trash without censure. Somewhere bossy Mummy promises not to tidy, until they’re tucked up for the night.
3. This obviously means we also have to have a Grown-Up Living Room. A still, small place to escape to on the rare opportunities the babes don’t need constant adult supervision. A toy-free zone to read the Sunday papers (...in my dreams!).
4. A lovely (I know this is a bit of a subjective adjective but I’m hoping the Universe knows what I mean), sunny, spacious Kitchen - preferably with a big window that looks onto the garden, so I can check the little darlings aren’t killing each other, while I make their tea (and myself a Pimms...). Maybe a 6-hob range cooker while we’re at it? And one of those curvy Fifties fridges? Nice.
5. Since this is a wishlist, a separate Dining Room would be great. I’ve always wanted a peaceful haven where we can eat with friends, without subjecting them to all the chaos created by my cooking. Our current set-up is rather bohemian, with a big wooden table at one end of the kitchen and all the action going on at the other. No-one ever complains but I’m painfully aware of the dirty saucepans, vegetable peelings and empty bottles littering the space! It would be so nice to play at being sophisticated for a change!
6. This may seem a crazy priority to some but I’d also really, really, REALLY like a Utility Room. Surprisingly enough, this is pretty high on Hard-Working Husband’s wishlist too. We are both so sick of constantly tripping over the ironing board and negotiating piles of laundry when trying to cross the living room. How lovely to be able to shut the door on all that and tackle it when one’s feeling courageous.
7. Oops, nearly forgot bedrooms! Three is the minimum I guess – one each for the little ‘uns, with hubbie and I sharing…for now!! (just kidding, honey). The bigger the better. And high ceilings please!
8. We’re pretty crazy on bathrooms as a rule and have three in our present abode. But so long as there’s at least some washing facilities, I’m not too bothered about this feature as it's so easy to fix. But a downstairs loo/upstairs bath arrangement would be handy.
9. Oh and Sailor Boy says, could he please be near the water? If not quite riverside views, at least within walking distance of somewhere watery? Situated as we are right now on the banks of the River Medina, anywhere inland would be quite an adjustment.

There, I think that's all. It's not too much to ask is it? Just a nice, big, perfect family home for me and my brood. Simple.

So what now? Well, I guess we just sit back and wait. How exciting!

Oh...and thank you xxx