Thankfully, the surprise birthday party for mother went well - Happy 50th Mum! It is hard to believe that we were at times, blindingly obvious in our attempt to plan it, yet she really had no idea! I hope that it made her as happy as it appeared to. We were dead proud :) Dont be expecting it on your 60th though will you!

Sunday, we took a belated birthday present to my stepbrother Tom - Happy 18th Tom - I cant believe he is all grown up! ;)

...and picked up my FA Cup Final ticket! Yes, little Goat is off to Cardiff on Saturday! Thanks to Dan and Dad for their generosity in not fighting for the ticket! When booking the train yesterday, I was horrified that a return to Cardiff on the day is �115!

HOW MUCH?!

�115.50 in fact!

Do I get my own butler? A bottle of champagne? Does it guarantee an Arsenal win? Will it pay for the miracle healing of Thierry's achilles?...and you can bet your life it will be late and I will miss kick off. I will be MOST unhappy if that happens.

My poppy red car now has a shiny new stereo all thanks to Nik and his wizardry. The kids noted they could hear it from the playground this morning - note to self: there is no need for excessive volume :)

So, a fine weekend spent with a collection of the people that matter the most. Thanks to all. One of many successes, small victories and reasons to be cheerful. Fingers crossed the result next weekend is the same ;) I hope Essex wasn't too painful for my lovely Kentish guest - you were as ever, a star :)