on occasion

Miss E’s Birthday weekend

2008-03-04T19:59:00.006+11:00

On Saturday i took Miss E and 4 of her friends away for the night...was such a fun time!!!

Miss E decorated the car (Little cushions and soft toys) and recorded her top 20 hits (fav songs) for the hour journey to our little (Budget but perfect!)
cabin.

A few snaps:

Lots of fun and games at the pool and beach. Going down the water-slide any which way they could...and playing 'Egg toss' here on the beach
Egg toss? Throw an egg to your partner, then both take a step back, keep throwing and catching....UNTIL the egg cracks!

A big laugh too was when the girls picked a water bomb fight with kids they'd just (Kinda) met. They gave them half their water bombs and instructions to meet in 10 minutes...The girls sandy Birthday cake entry in the 'Sandcastle competition' (They came 2nd)

The Chocolate Game, always a favorite: Pass around the dice...whoever rolls 6, dresses in funny gear and eats chocolate, until the next player screams "SIX!" ...and decorating a super easy butterfly cake (Which I'll post more on in 'Delicious')

Before leaving i gave the girls my camera and a list of things to snap and sent them off on 'Photo Scavenger Hunt'

As said a wonderful time! Miss E so grateful, repeatedly saying "Thanks Mum"...so worth it!

Miss E turns 11

2008-02-15T09:52:00.005+11:00

Such a great girl!

I'm taking Miss E and 4 of her friends away in a few weekends to celebrate. We've booked a cabin on the beach (check-in 2pm on the Saturday-4pm Sunday)...plenty there to keep them entertained, wonder how much they'll sleep though?!

Happy Birthday beautiful girl. We love you sooooooooooooooo much and thank God for a gift as truly lovely as you!!!!!!!!

Wedding at Mackeral

2008-02-07T09:25:00.000+11:00

This time last week we headed off to Palm Beach for our friends wedding ...of all things i forgot my camera, a few shots here from BP's phone:

In the surf:
The kids had such a wonderful time. The groom's friends and family from America, fantastic with them... Big Nasties and Curls into the pool, lot's of fun

Waiting for the bride
Beautiful surrounds...we were taken by ferry to Mackeral Beach, the bride and bridesmaids arriving later on their boat and walking up the beach

BP marrying themHe did so well, the bride and groom gorgeous! Note their dog Baxter who was the ring-bearer/flower-dog!

A lovely reception at Barrenjoey House, each table named a suburb the couple have lived in before. Everyone roaring with laughter, and teary too when the groom sang his version of 'Ah it's what you do to me"

Christmas with Mammie and Pa

2008-01-24T20:25:00.001+11:00

Said Good-bye to my Mum and Dad (Mammie and Pa)today.

We've had a lovely 6 days with them here in Australia. The kids thrilled to have a second Christmas with their grandparents, and very lucky to unwrap a play-station... Mum and Dad right into it, challenging the kids a couple of times a day to a game

January Party Animals

2008-01-07T12:10:00.001+11:00

The celebrating continues...

BP turned 37! Our kids have been longing to go to Taronga Zoo (The little two have never been) so the birthday boy took us there on his special day-what a guy! Afterwards we went to Balmoral Beach for a swim... and Miss E make him a scrummy fudgie Birthday cake later at home

Our babies now 4 (Not exactly a baby anymore!)
He requested everyone come to his party, so gathered friends and neighbours for a BBQ and swim at our place.

The pool did most the entertaining, plus Pass the parcel and the ever popular flour game...followed by a flour fight outside! Rainbow jelly (We set colour upon colour) and ice-cream cake...The ice-cream cake REAL flash: A big tub ice-cream tipped upside down with smarties and sprinkles, seen dripping off here afterAnd our cute birthday boy?! STILL awake playing with all his wonderful new toys at 10:45pm-too,TOO excited!

Goodbye 2007

2008-01-01T13:02:00.000+11:00

We chatted in the car about how it's been a good year...driving into Darling Harbour for dinner and the fireworks

Our third New Years at James Squire Brewhouse...because it's fun being in the middle of it all, watching people dressed up and boarding their boats, BP enjoys their beer, the meals are yum AND kids eat free-which is fantastic when you've 4 of them!

Happy New Year, hoping 2008 is GREAT for you and your family!

I woke this morning itching to get hold of a new journal and begin jotting down dreams and thoughts for 2008. The year ahead a blank canvas stretched out... which makes me want to grab a paint brush and start colouring. First things first the next few weeks taking time to pray, ponder and begin sketch out. I did the same last year, and was surprised myself when quite a few goals became a reality in 2007!

A Fabulous Christmas-07

2007-12-27T08:54:00.000+11:00

By far the cutest present under the treeWe pick him up tomorrow, the kids VERY excited!

It's probably a good thing he didn't arrive Christmas Day, our house alive with lot's of people and activity...We hosted lunch here with four other families; 15 kids and 10 adults. Lot's of yummy food, swimming,cricket etc, a great time.

December 12th: Tiara Day

2007-12-14T16:12:00.000+11:00

Definitely the nicest cat EVER…many, many tears

Only 6 years old, her life and health sadly lost to FIV. The vet put her to sleep at 11:30 am, ending her suffering, our 3 year old declaring her now happy in heaven with a new healthy body

We laid her old body to rest under a pretty tree in our yard, our family gathering, crying as we spoke of her and said good-bye.

12 years married...

2007-11-18T21:31:00.001+11:00

Today!

Miss E baked and decorated this cake for the occasion…Our kids and the neighbours all gathering around to sing “Happy Anniversary to you, Happy Anniversary to you…” We blew out the 12 candles and gave each other a kiss much to the delight and Oooo and Yuck-ing of the children!

Plus tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BP and I got SLIMED during the kids program at church-we came home GREEN! It was Bring-a-Friend Day at church, our vehicles (and later pool) full of kids…so decided we’d go out just the 2 of us on Tuesday when the children are at school

But for me TODAY a celebration of what our 12 years of marriage has produced-a family! Lots life, fun and kids... all streaming to the house of God-what joy! Couldn’t have asked for a better day!

Christmas notebook

2007-09-28T14:45:00.000+10:00

I’m sure your kids ask for stuff when you’re at the shops “Mummm can I have this, can I have that…once our 3 year old even yelled out ,in his umpteen plea for a rubbish truck; “Pleeease Mummy darling!”

Getting that much closer to Christmas I now answer “Maybe for Christmas?!”

Thinking yesterday I really should write these desired items in a notebook…sneaking back or remembering to get something similar.

On Mr 3's list already:
3 little cars
A cute bible-cover case with pens and paper
AND the rubbish truck!

On Fathers Day 2007…

2007-09-03T12:53:00.000+10:00

We woke to the clanging of the kids in the kitchen making BP breakfast in bed…pressies and the newspaper too, how onto it are they!

Church…Brian Houston spoke about how nothing can evoke emotion, both positive and negative like your own children! Not exasperating our kids by being too hard….but lifting them up; their esteem, outlook, thinking etc

Afterwards we went on abit of a garden cafe crawl …really nice afternoon, the kids stopping at one of the gardens mini amphitheatres, taking turns making speeches to Dad, dessert and coffee at another where we stood intrigued at these strange fish with vacuum-cleaner like mouths in the pond there.

New School

2007-08-28T11:13:00.001+10:00

We were supposed to shift last week but, the solicitor had it wrong, the actual date next Monday. Had the exit from old and entry into new school sorted, so decided drive them out there this week.

The boys were excited about starting their new school, MissE a bit nervous, and I THE ONE that had the nightmare the night before!

What a terrific school though!!! So incredibly friendly; the girls in MissE's year gathering around her, excitedly expressing how much they’d been looking forward to her coming….every time there was a knock on their door, hoping it was her!

The Principal’s awesome; no wonder everyone just raves about the atmosphere of the school! He’s a character; on the visitors badges, under the word ‘Visitor’ is written, “I love Mr. and his name, he served our kids free slushies from the canteen at lunchtime and in assembly they all sing; “We are family” rolling their hands and then pointing up

Happy they're happy

Happy 21st Hillary!

2007-07-09T13:20:00.000+10:00

Dinner out in honour of my cousin who turned 21.A wonderful night out together, delicious food at A’Mews, and activity care of our events coordinator for the night, MissE!

~She’d beautifully decorated a card for each person with Hillary’s name down the side. Everyone filling in the spaces making an acrostic verse about Hillary.

~MissE full of tricks then had a dice go round the table; the number you rolled matching a task, gift, or silly song to sing.
LIKE…Sing twinkle, twinkle little star with a dummy in your mouth, a brain puzzle, rap old McDonald with a silly mask, wear glow in the dark Mickey mouse ears…and lots of wrapped soaps for those who rolled 6.

You’re awesome Hillary!!! Wishing you all the best for the year ahead...AND do come see us crazy lot sometime soon. Our 3 year old said after our night out; “Hillary’s not just my cousin she’s a REALLY good friend too!”

Hillsong Conference 07….

2007-07-07T17:41:00.000+10:00

So AMAZING!!!! Feel blessed, inspired, rev-ed up and fired to ‘go’ at life because we went! Life changing stuff-

29,000 delegates during the day and the Acer Arena filling twice over each night…people hungry for God.

Hillsong Conference 07 video blog at 'You Tube' and 'my space' here

Sadness...

2007-06-15T13:48:00.000+10:00

I was in NZ last weekend for a happy event …BP heading off this Sunday for his nephews funeral on Monday. He died last night in a car accident-so sad. When we saw him over Christmas he was a young man fill of life, working hard and prospering at his job.

His 2 brothers were also in the car, one in hospital with a collapsed lung the other with broken bones. Our love and prayers go out for their recovery, and to the family at this time

Grandma's 90th Birthday!

2007-06-13T21:14:00.000+10:00

How amazing…was in awe of the rich heritage I have!

We were the first there… ...gasping with delight as each aunt, uncle and cousin arrived, the grandest entrance of all being my gorgeous 90 year old Grandmother. At 90 she’s still got it, a number of elderly gentlemen on her card circuit vying for her affections! The room was set like a wedding for the occasion, Grandma and her four children at the head table. Delicious food and lots of catching-up. A member from each family filled us in on what they’ve been up to in the last 10 years and honoured Grandma. Very moving, many expressing too the privilege of being part of such an awesome, unified family…
5 generations present, Grandma now a Great-Great-Grandmother!
A photo session after…6 hours together passing just like that

Happy Birthday Grandma…you are VERY MUCH LOVED, and as said, the reason I give BP for wanting shift back to NZ is most often YOU!

Happy Mother’s Day '07

2007-05-13T12:20:00.000+10:00

You do well…never compare! Got to love the unique colours and hues we all bring to our all important role as ‘Mum’. I’m constantly inspired by the mum you are…

Got spoilt this morning with breakfast, gorgeous homemade cards and gifts, and what a surprise a bottle of perfume (Which hinted for in my email newsletter) -Went to church always great…and as I write BP and kids in the kitchen making a Mother’s Day Feast! Also smelling G.O.O.D.

My own Mum asleep in London, where it’s not actually Mother’s Day when she wakes…
But HONOUR her all the same TODAY.

I’ve told you before just what an awesome women and mother she is…and Mum on this Mothers Day want you to know that yet again am SO mindful of who you are and all you graciously invested and still pour into my life-Thanks untold!
I love and am thinking of you today…and as usual not organised enough to get a present there for you on time!

Our big boy turns 8!

2007-04-24T13:52:00.000+10:00

J had a family birthday this year…we alternate between that and a party, which with four kids works out well, there being 2 parties and 2 family birthdays a year.

His day made special yesterday with Mammie (My mum) arriving here in Sydney on her way back from NZ to UK for 4 days
A trip to the mall courtesy of Mammie for his choice of gift and lunch-He choose sushi,
The movies. We went to see 'Meet the Robinsons'
Dinner at his request and birthday cake at home that evening
A highlight being the speeches we all made him during dinner
Such a great kid is J...and getting SO tall-yikes!

0ne week until Easter…

2007-03-30T10:57:00.000+10:00

And school holidays…That fact only dawning on me yesterday - Sheesh! (Worked out to spell that off you Gail!)Easter 07 immm been thinking…
Because there’s only so much chocolate little tummies can, and should handle…been thinking of getting the kids their own egg cups as part of their Easter hunt….serving up eggs and toast for breakfast beyond Easter

…perhaps having a go at making our own hot cross buns

And joke of jokes it will be a miracle if this happens…Getting up early on Sunday morning to watch the sunrise, sharing a picnic breakfast and the meaning of Easter together!

5th birthday

2007-03-10T08:19:00.000+11:00

This day; the most anticiapated of the century!
Everyday for months our then 4 year old has woke up asking “How many more days until my birthday?”
THE day finally arriving yesterday...

Opening his presents here in the morning (Looks like your one mum!)
The birthday boy requested a rerun of the pirate party we had for J’s 7th…which proved slightly more full-on with double the number of kids, and 4/5 year olds this time round!

The birthday boy practically jumping out of his skin with excitment when his visitors arrived and exclaiming this morning; “We had lots and lots of fun!”

10!

2007-02-14T10:49:00.000+11:00

What a day...

Our family birthday drill starts with presents stacked on the coffee table…
Breakfast as normal...made special with a few extra trimmings
And if their birthday falls on a school day a cake to share with their class:
Our birthday girl had a massively fun sleepover party with 14 girls here for her 9th, so this year was to be family birthday…
But AS she so convincingly reminded me ‘10’ now marks her entrance into the DOUBLEDIGITS (double digits not turning into triple for another 90 years!)... it was decided a few friends should come around after school to mark such occasion!

6 of her double digit friends walking home with us for ice-cream cake and sundaesAfterwards organising their own fun and games…
~They divided into two teams, each with a bag of random items, and made up group dramas…all quite the drama queens!
~Dressed up like crazy, walking down the street with signs signaling cars; “Toot its her birthday”
~And all went home saturated after a water bomb fight!
...Later her favourite: nacho’s for dinner
And couldn't believe it when she was sound asleep by 8!

January 26th: Australia Day

2007-01-27T13:05:00.000+11:00

…a public holiday celebrating what’s great about Australia and being Australian.

Not long after waking the kids decked themselves in green and gold, held the flag in front of them, and sang; “Australians all let us rejoice…”

4pm onwards we hosted a BBQ here with friends…and guess it wouldn’t be Australia Day without the flies that turned up for the party!

Dessert inside later and the yummiest traditional Tiramisu our friend made …which I really NEED get the recipe for us

The highlight; lots of fun and laughter, as couch versed couch for in our own Australian Trivia Championships (Questions and answers found here)

Tool Party

2007-01-04T14:38:00.000+11:00

The celebrations continue!

Scored some babysitters at both houses and had a lovely adult dinner out, in honour of both BP and Nicola (Sis in law) who both have January birthdays

And then hosted a tool party for our now 3 year old in Mammie and Pa’s garage…

As usual BP was fantastic at getting into character, this time as the site supervisor taking the kids through a funny induction(including 'I love mum' tattoos and builders crack!!!)and great activities using tools.

They donned a yellow hard hat each and…
-wired up a lightswitch they hung up and turned on and off
-Did some plumbing; connecting hoses and pumping water through them
-Hammered nails and screwed screws…the adults too having a competition to see who could whack in a nail in the least hits (Have to mention…I WON!),and
-dug a hole and planted a lemon tree in the back yard with Pa
-A pie and a donut for ‘smoko’ and tool box full of treats, party blowers and poppers

Oh and can't forget the cake! Made a chocolate mould (Using a bowl), which became the shell over a cake topped with lollies. After "Happy Birthdays to you" our birthday boy banged with his hammer to crack it open

Happy 2007

2007-01-02T17:17:00.000+11:00

2 days into already!

New Years Eve...
Volleyball fun at a beach themed service at church
Followed by a whole tribe Family BBQ , 2nd Christmas and presents with cousins who weren't here on the day...drinks and toasts

New Years Day...
Picnic with extended, extended family,
and that evening the final episodes of 'Prison Break'; A group of us working our through all 22 episodes since last Thursday...one night watching 5 in a row, fully hooked!

Christmas 2006...

2006-12-26T08:37:00.000+11:00

Still feeling full today!

Had a wonderful time:
Christmas Eve was a night of lights...
Glowsticks and carols at church
Views of the city lights from the top of Mt Eden
And a drive down the well known Franklin Street whose houses come alight with Christmas each year

Once home the kids rushed upstairs to discover and put on their new Pjs we always put under their pillows come the night before Christmas...Oh the excitment!

Christmas Day...
6:30am;the house came alive with the sounds of chitter chatter AND glee as the children dive into their Christmas Stockings
Morning tea and present openning with the extended family at Sam and Kathys...always fun!!!!
And helpings(And helpings!)of mum's great cooking back at their place for lunch.... toasts, popping crackers and communion together
Later after we flicked through old albums(Funny!),an afternoon nap and MORE food... BP and i kissed the kids goodnight and snuck back to S&K's (Only a block or two away)for a night of 'Buzz' (an interactive playstation game)...loving having built in babysitters on site!