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"

Labels: on occasion

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!

Labels: on occasion

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!

Labels: on occasion

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.

Labels: on occasion

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.

Labels: on occasion

24 days of fun!

Our family has thoroughly enjoyed the fun and activity of an advent calendar in the countdown to Christmas. We have a Christmassy advent calendar I’ve put 24 notes in, ringing a few jingle bells each day when it’s time…Oh the excitement, they can’t wait!!!!

You don’t need a store bought calendar though to join in the fun…have a look at these:

Colourful Socks at family fun Amber has used potato prints to decorate mini envelopes Claire folded 24 pieces of origami paper into envelopes with the activity written inside
and this idea from an old Notebook magazineAt Etsy 24 pockets of vintage jeans and pants, with numbers embroidered on …and a magnetic advent calendar made from a baking tray!
***24 ideas to pop in your calendar: I’ve listed HERE at Kidspot!***
Simple activities your family can do together...all deliberately manageable in what can be a busy time. Fun times and the children coming alive with the excitement and wonder of Christmas making it SO worth the effort!

Labels: family fun, on occasion

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 Yuk-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!

Labels: on occasion

Remember Kidspots Christmas Committee Competition?
I won the spot for Christmas Activities which went live TODAY

Kidspot: “... a fun- filled 24-day family adventure, counting down the sleeps with an inventive calendar of Christmas activities.”

Please have a look and tell your friends…the page with the most visitors wins!

Labels: on occasion

I’m sure your kids ask for stuff when you’re at the shops “Mummm can I have this, can I have that…our youngest 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 no.4's list already:
3 little cars
A cute bible-cover case with pens and paper
AND the rubbish truck!

Labels: on occasion

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.

Back to church where BP and I serve in the 4:30pm service…no.3 getting a massive whack over the eye with a plastic cricket bat during a game beforehand-accidental, but look at him, poor lil fella!

Labels: on occasion

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, Miss E 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 Miss E'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

Labels: on occasion

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

~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.

~Miss E 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 5 year old said after our night out; “Hillary’s not just my cousin she’s a REALLY good friend too!”

Labels: on occasion

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

Labels: on occasion

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 in Hastings 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

Labels: on occasion

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!

Labels: on occasion

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!

Labels: on occasion

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!

Labels: on occasion

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!

Labels: on occasion

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

He 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!
Our now 5 year old practically jumping out of his skin with excitment when his visitors arrived and exclaiming this morning; “We had lots and lots of fun!”

Labels: on occasion

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:
Ella 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 DOUBLE DIGITS (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 sundaes

Afterwards 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 Ella’s birthday”
~And all went home saturated after a water bomb fight!
...Later an Ella favourite: nacho’s for dinner
And couldn't believe it when she was sound asleep by 8!

Labels: on occasion

…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 Sara 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)

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 1/27/2007 01:05:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

The celebrations continue!

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

Then hosted a tool party for our our now 3 year old birthday in Mammie and Pa’s garage…Which is funny as my father and brothers are so not the Handymen type, their tools skeletal compared to BPs which take over the entire under part of our house!

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" Levi banged with his hammer to crack it open

Labels: on occasion

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!

Labels: on occasion

Checking in on what Chelles been up to read this great idea:

Chelle:"Every year, we try to get that one special ornament to reflect the year...
the year Becca was born we purchased a family of three bears and...
This year, we purchased a Santa ornament, a very Californian themed one!"
(Canadians living in California)

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 12/17/2006 05:51:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

Had our Christmas BBQ here last night which was a great time

Let the kids invite two families each from school etc for the occasion
The trampoline had a good workout!!!…I said to BP should we put have a rule as to how many can bounce on it at a time… but he reckons it was sweet and that the trampoline is able to hold up to 550kgs

One family party game we’ve often played at get togethers is:
Balloon pop
Everyone blows up and ties a balloon to their ankle with string. Then at a hollered “Go” all run around the lawn trying to stomp out balloon while keeping theirs out of harms way!
Lots of fun…
A tip though when buying the balloons: make sure they’re fairly thick! Last nights balloons were so thin the grass was popping them.

Looking forward now to Christmas time in NZ with family and friends..only 3 more sleeps until we go!!!!

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 12/04/2006 12:24:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

Yesterday!

BP and I were both were in unison on wanting a night in (too many out last week and to come), and the kids joining us!
So we ALL went to a beautiful café set amongst gardens for breakfast and a walk
TRIED our hardest to get a decent photo of BP and I together...to NO avail!!!!!!

Theres so many wonderful things BP is... so on our 11th ANNIVERSARY;
As a husband 11 things he's not:

NOT afraid or shy to express his love and affection
NOT a guy who chooses to be everywhere else but with me and the kids…definitely know he prefers us!
NOT fickle or placing conditions on his love …I’ve never doubted he loves me
NOT shady…I trust the integrity of his character
NOT oblivious to need, but always has been generous in the giving of his time and finances
NOT a dummy! So clever, capable and able to fix anything we break!
NOT disinterested in what I do, but helpful and supportive of my endeavours
NOT boring, there’s always a lot to dream and scheme about together
NOT too macho to show his feelings or even cry
NOT tidy…I just couldn’t leave that out!
NOT like your regular guy…among other men he’s the one that stands out to me!

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 11/19/2006 10:49:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

(Christmas)

I blow out the budget if I leave Christmas shopping until last minute…
So are in the beginning stages of organising myself NOW!
When at the shops have started checking out the sales and emporium type marts-
And as mentioned before embarking on a few homespun projects

Some personalised/homemade gifts we gave last Christmas:

~What’s the time?
Bought inexpensive clocks from Ikea, removed the back and replaced the face with a printed photo of our little builder and caption “Back to work”….and given to ‘Grandy THE GREAT’ (My grandfather) for his workshop
~Fit for royalty
Filled to the brim 2 sparkly ‘Princess Boxes’ each with an inexpensive little dress, jewels, shoes and tiara for my cute as pie nieces
2006
~Printed calendars with different photos of the kids gracing each month
~Pinned
Can’t give credit where credit is due as I’m unable to recall the site that inspired me with the gorgeous pincushions the kids made for great and grandmothers!Easy enough to create with coloured felt (Which was only 40 cents/sheet), Cut shapes, random stitches with embroidery cotton to sew them on the circle face and finally ‘Blanket’ stitch (which I had to google to remember how!) and stuffing to bring it all together

And for more ideas...
Click ‘On Occasion’ to the right and scroll down to entry ‘From my home to yours’
ALSO!!!! Please leave any of YOUR IDEAS in comments below:

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 10/07/2006 07:13:00 AM

Labels: on occasion

Only 93 making days until Christmas…

Are starting a few projects NOW with the kids to give this year for Christmas
Have got out the knitting needles and taught the oldest two the one and only stitch I know how…and also threaded the sewing machine (well actually BP has, cause I don’t even know how!) to attempt a few ‘basic’ fabric-made pressies
I am so NOT a knitter or sewer but DO love the idea of providing the kids the experience of learning new skills, and of putting a lot of love and effort into gifts for others…
Our joint knitting project we have begun here:...And more ideas to come…

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 9/22/2006 12:30:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

When no one beats daddy!
This morning at church Matt Tickner showed a couple of clips from the movie “Liar Liar’ to familiarise us with “The claw”
Seen it? The little boy’s daddy arrives to pick him up (His parents are separated) when all of a sudden his fathers hand turns into ‘the claw’ (Fingers up and clenched)… much to the excitement of his son who then gets attacked with tickles
Fast-forwarding to later in the movie when the little boy meets up with his mother's boyfriend; 'Jerry' who tries so hard with one finger up and bent to do “The claw”-such an awkward moment the boy looking up at his mum like “What the…”

-Always, always when we saw Granddad Monk as kids we would climb his legs and flip over
-My brother Sam is the worlds BEST 'tickle monster' to our kids
-Pa of course skips!!!...

And as for BP…well he’s totally irreplaceable!!!!!!
No-one could else could love our kids the way he does, snuggle up with and watch ‘Sunrise’ in the morning, take them up on the truck and make feel like the worlds greatest helper, sing such silly songs and make them laugh, be so expressive with words and cuddles of love and affection, fix all the things that they break… nor be as committed as he is to us!

P.S. have already paid tribute to how awesome my own father is (See under “On occasion”) Happy Fathers Day Dad, love you and will ring you later when you wake up in London!

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 9/03/2006 03:27:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

After 3 years study in Sydney Kevin’s heading back to Hong Kong on Sunday
Went to a farewell dinner for him last night...
Mighty fine Chinese cuisine (thanks Sammy!)
And the kids had a blast being the centre of attention with all his student friends…being tossed in the air, kicking around the soccer ball, play-station, fun and games

Kevin lived for us for one year when he first arrived in Sydney;
I once said to BP there’s nothing bad you can say about Kevin, he just a really GREAT guy and was so nice to have living with us (Crazy LOUD lot!)

We’ll miss you Kevin! So glad they picked you out as our Home-stay student... and wish you nothing but the BEST as you take the next step-you'll do well!!!

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 8/03/2006 03:45:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

July 23rd 2006

My father,waking up soon for his 58th birthday…
Happy birthday Dad!!!!!!!!
I love this photo Mum and Dad with my nephew Theo on his kneeIt reflects dad so well... happy and content from the inside out!
Watching a movie with dad is so much funnier than without. Someone once said he laughs like a chook laying eggs

As a family we’ve all contributed and made a list of:

58 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT PA

….starting here with Ella:
1. I love it when he skips
2. When he tells us jokes
3. and smiles
4. I looooovvvvveee it when he comes to Australia
5. And reads stories to the boy’s because it makes me smile to see them having so much fun with Pa
6. I love it when he preaches because he’s funny
7. He’s so kind to us
8. and a great person to be with
9. I like the “Fat boys” poster from when we went to London
10. I love Pa because he’s the best grandfather in the world!

Now Jamin:
11. I love it when Pa reads books to me
12. And when he skips
13. It makes me happy when he comes to Australia
14. I love going on the plane with Pa
15. Pa’s funny
16. I like it when we watch stuff together
17. And when he buys me things
18. He looks really handsome
19. Pa’s cool
20. And really smart

Elijah says:
21. I like it when he ‘do’s’ my work
22. And when he does my jobs
23. I love it when he does my shoelaces up
24. And when he writes his name
25. I like his blood
26. And when he plays on the computer
27. I like when he carries his bag
28. and takes me to Ocean beach holiday
29. I love when he laughs
30. And plays with me with the ball

BP:
31. Bruce is a great cook
32. The best father-in-law
33. An inspiring leader
34. Encouraging
35. Believes in people
36. Easy to talk to
37. Fun to be with
38. Generous
39. A great grandpa to our kids
40. For he’s a jolly good fellow

My turn:
41. The best father a girl could ask for!
42. Ever moving forward
43. Not slowing down or settling but living a big expansive life
44. Seeing and releasing the potential in many
45. An exemplary husband to my mother
46. Absolutely and above all else a man after Gods heart
47. Self sacrificing, committed to the cause, living life with purpose
48. A man of prayer…
49. The touch of heaven seen on his face
50. Totally OUTSTANDING

And I speak for Levi when I say:
51. You’re cool
52. We love you
53. You’re fun and funny
54. An awesome dad and pa
55. Giving and kind
56. Warm... and crazy too...
57. Others fail to compare
58. YOU ROCK!

Have a great day Dad...as you can see we love and think you’re great!

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 7/23/2006 03:09:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

May 27th 2006


…perfect for chocolate lovers!
We’ve done this one a few times before...a big card for the person of the moment with an assortment of chocolate bars stuck on as words.
Our card today for a Fear Factor party (There's a cool idea!!) Ella was off to read:

“Dear Fua
All the SMARTIES in the world know you are a true H AERO
I could travel to MARS and across the MILKY WAY and still not find someone just like you…You’re Awesome!!!
Best wishes for the year ahead
Take some TIMEOUT for you
Have a PICNIC with friends
Read more and BOOST your knowledge
(Ha-ha, we couldn’t think of anything else for ‘boost’ in our last minute rush!)
Dance until you can’t help but TWIRL!

Happy birthday and CELBRATIONS
May all your DREAM s come true
Love Ella xox"

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 5/27/2006 07:58:00 PM

Labels: on occasion

I love you sooooooooooooooooo much!
I consider myself truly blessed to have an amazing mum like you!
You are and always have been extremely giving, wisdom personified, beautiful inside and out, gentle, fun …and a super-dupa, mum and Mammie extraordinaire
I have learnt so much from you and now as a wife and mum myself know you go above and beyond awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m so proud of you and admire the way you live your life to make a difference…

I rise and called you blessed (Proverbs 31)

Thanks over and over again for your unconditional love, care, and extravagant generosity
I love and appreciate you...Happy Mother's Day!

Love from
Rebecca

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Posted by bestlife to on occasion at 5/14/2006 08:57:00 PM

Labels: on occasion