* wotsitgonnabe *

Mom's Overture by Anita Renfroe

2008-03-18T16:19:00.001+13:00

This made me shed tears of laughter! I hope you enjoy it too!

dilbert | February 12

2008-02-17T14:30:00.003+13:00

Jonathan bought me the dilbert page a day calendar a couple of weeks ago. I really like dilbert - it tickles my sense of humour! Like this one that showed up last week on the calendar! :D

to the J-man!

2008-02-14T15:07:00.004+13:00

I had fun creating this by looking on google images - it's not always easy to find what you want...

I grabbed the idea from photojojo

What a great way to get the message across visually!

candy hearts...

2008-02-14T12:59:00.000+13:00

Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss"

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship.
You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love.

Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you

Your flirting style: friendly and sweet

What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance

Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T09:23:00.005+13:00

Love is in the air!! :)
But then so is a little rain... :(

I tend not to go in for all these, what I call "American" Holidays. They seem to be a little over the top, a little contrived... It's only been the past 2-3 years that we've done much of anything for the day, and that was mainly for the girls. This year I gave them little tote bags, with 3 bracelets and a little felted heart (which I made very last minute, last night!).

I haven't been able to do anything much for my man, mainly because both Hope & Briahna are sick. :( I know he understands - it's part of what I love about him.

I think perhaps the best thing about Valentines Day is remembering why you love the people you love. So bare with me while I take a moment to tell you what I love about Jonathan. It's a little bit mushy...

I love that he puts other peoples needs above his own. He will always talk listen to me on the phone if I need to unload. I think he is cute - he still gives me butterflies! I can talk to him about anything on the planet and he doesn't laugh at me or make me feel small. He adores our children, and is a great FANTASTIC dad. Every day I am learning something new about him, but in saying that I feel very comfortable with him. I am going to spend the rest of my days with this guy and that feels good and right!

I love you Jonathan - I am ready to say that in front 0f all blogdom. The past 15 years have been a blast! Happy LOVE Day to you!!!

Happy Birthday Mo!

2008-02-13T09:25:00.001+13:00

Woohoo! My little nephew is one! Seems like only yesterday he was born! His present is in the process of being made (see teaser over on sew-funky!)

little boxes

2008-01-30T11:57:00.000+13:00

Parachute here we come!!!!

2008-01-25T08:33:00.000+13:00

So, we couldn't get a dog sitter (which means we can't stay on-site cos we need to be at home) but we'll be there!!! We're gonna travel today and tomorrow (Friday & Saturday have the best line ups). The kids are with their grandparents, so we are free and easy.... hehehe! The manic laugh starts!

My hubby runs the unofficial blog about the festival - go there if you wanna know what it's all about!!! (just click on the image above)

They're running a competition that can win you a pile of DVD's courtesy of Filmguide which my hubby is also involved in. :) Unfortunately, you can only enter if you attend Parachute Festival!

vomiting... eeeew!

2008-01-21T09:53:00.000+13:00

My middle daughter has been throwing up all morning, I woke up to her trying to be quiet about it in the toilet. So sweet, she didn't want to wake us up!

The poor thing is really HATING it! I'm somewhat annoyed at the parents who took their sick boy to swimming lessons on Saturday - don't they know it's not nice to bring a child who was throwing up an hour before the lesson?!?!! He was half way through the lesson when his dad explained to the instructor why he was swimming slowly... Grrrrr!

I really don't have the stomach for vomit - I think that happened when I was pregnant and throwing up 10 times a day for the entire 9 months! I've done my dash with it!!

So think of me today - my arms around my sick daughter!

Jaymee's 5th Birthday!

2008-01-19T15:04:00.001+13:00

Today, we were all invited along to my good friend Jodee's daughters 5th birthday. I think Jaymee liked the gift I made her!

It was a dress up party and as such we had to find costumes for the girls to wear.

Briahna wanted to dress up as a flower fairy. She loves fairies, it's her "thing". So it was simple really - she wore her ballet leotard, pretty sequined shoes and glittery wings made by her and Hope. She also "had" to have flowers in her hair so a dash out to the garden provided agapanthus flowers!

We decided Aimee should go as a cat - we had black tights and a black leotard, a good start anyway! Excuse our messy house - it's the school holidays, at least that's my excuse! I don't know what hope was thinking, she looks upset... Hope didn't go to this party, she went to her friend Cherry's instead!

I made ears out of fabric and card and a tail out of knit fabric, and she looked great!
All the kids hopped into the pool after lunch - it was a HOT day! - Aimee still wore her cat ears! Briahna is having fun with a friend!

Don't forget to look at my recipe blog!

2008-01-18T13:31:00.000+13:00

It's been going a while - but only has 33 posts - hehehe!
Still click on the link and you'll find some of our favourite mainly dairy free recipes!

Good little, bad little girl

2008-01-17T08:05:00.000+13:00

Yesterday, the girls and I went op shopping, and it was one of those times that you do it for. I swear it's like a drug addiction! Sometimes, you go away not finding a thing you like and then other times, like yesterday, you find a great haul of stuff!

I have written over on sew-funky about all the crafting stuff I gathered. But I also found a copy of my all time favourite golden book! Excuse the picture as it's taken with not much light or experience! ;)

I used to imagine I was the little girl in the story. I mean I had the dress and I was 5 or 6 at the time! :)

Some more things that were re-homed were two average looking school uniform tops for Bree - I got them for $1 each, way better than the $35 they charge for new ones! And great for spares!

The girls got a fix too, spending $5 each. Hope bought books, Aimee bought a little scooby doo and Bree bought a doll, hand bag and bibs for her monsta Kail (notice spelling change as it's a girl not a boy, her words not mine!). You can tell what their current loves are, just by looking at what they bought!

THE BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN - funny!

2008-01-17T07:36:00.000+13:00

This made me laugh, especially since we have three children - thought you could probably do with one too!

THE BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN

Your Clothes:
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your doctor confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.
______________________________________________________
Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing..
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.
______________________________________________________
The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?
______________________________________________________
Worries:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress-a whimper, a frown-you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing..
____________________________________________________
Dummy:
1st baby: If the dummy falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the dummy falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.
______________________________________________________
Nappy Changing:
1st baby: You change your baby's nappy every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their nappy every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their nappy before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.
______________________________________________________
Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd ba by: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.
______________________________________________________
Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
______________________________________________________
At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby..
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.
______________________________________________________
Swallowing Coins (a favourite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital and demand x-rays.
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!

What Dione Means...

2008-01-16T18:22:00.000+13:00

You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.
You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.
People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.
You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.
You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.
You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.
At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.
You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.
You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Hmmm, it's one of those quiz's that you can find what you like in... I bolded some of what I agreed with - but how can I be both dependable and irresponsible?

our garden; beetroot

2008-01-15T08:00:00.000+13:00

Mmmmm! Yummy beetroot - fresh out of the garden. I pulled the last of the beetroot out the garden yesterday. So I am guessing thats what we are having for dinner tonight. Nothing like being able to have something fresh out of the garden.

The pumpkins are beginning to grow too! Who'd have thought I would get so excited about this, but it's so cool to see something you've planted from seed come to mature into vegetables!!!

2008-01-14T16:06:00.001+13:00

Do you want to know what I've been up to craft wise?

Take a look at my new blog - just click on the above image!

STOMP STOMP - new blog

2008-01-14T12:14:00.000+13:00

Jonathan has started a new blog that chronicles our family tramp's - which we plan on making regular events. Especially since the girls have really been enjoying them! Just click on the pic to be taken there!

We finally made it; Cosseys Dam Walk

2008-01-14T11:54:00.001+13:00

We finally got there on Saturday! And it was SOOOOOO worth the effort too!

After last weekends fun with the bee, Hope proved to make it fun again tripping up and having the blood to prove it! Still, it wasn't as bad as the bee sting and we pushed on to make it around the 3 hour loop.

The view was stunning!!!

Hard to believe that at one stage this was all just dry land.

We all felt the pain (well at least the older one's of us felt the pain) on Sunday and hobbled around the Clevedon Farmers Market. Which is another awesome thing to do as a family on a lazy Sunday Morning. While we were there we stopped in at the Clevedon Chocolate Shop - hmmmm, yummy I could spend a whole lot of money there! And then it was off to the Italian Country Market to sample some fare! I had the most delicious plum ever, taking me back to my childhood and the amazing plums I had one summer at my Grandma's! Needless to say, we'll be back for more!

fun free things to do in Auckland

2008-01-06T20:16:00.001+13:00

What can you do with 6 weeks of holiday's and 3 "bored" kids?

Well, we've discovered going on tramps (walks) in the local bush have been a fantastic way to keep them entertained.

Yesterday, we attempted a nice tramp in the hunua's to go to Cossey's Dam. The excitement began with needing to cross a small river over rocks, and ended too quickly with Hope being stung by a bee about 20 minutes later after having to climb 200 steps (no exaggeration!).

That hasn't deterred us, today we climbed Mangere Mountain and walked to the local pools and back to have a swim.

All free activities, except for the petrol to get to Hunua and Mangere.

The Recipe For Dione

2008-01-01T10:52:00.000+13:00

The Recipe For Dione

3 parts Whimsy
2 parts Instinct
1 part Magnetism

Splash of Allure

Serve over ice

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Report time...

2007-12-19T16:21:00.000+13:00

Yep, it's that time of the year again. End of the school year and report time.

This is the first year all the girls have been in school. Hope & Briahna started school half way through the year, and Aimee continued to attend the special school. I am so pleased with their reports, I was quite anxious that they get good ones. I don't know what it is about being a mum, but I always feel somehow responsible for my children's behaviour and grades.

I am especially proud of the effort part of all three girl's reports. Jonathan and I, both, are greatly encouraged when our girls do their work with a good attitude, and work ethic. Briahna got A's in all her subject's for effort - WELL DONE!

Christmas Elf Name

2007-12-18T13:54:00.000+13:00

My Christmas Elf Name is

Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Pretty hilarious, eh! :)

thank you teacher!

2007-12-14T15:55:00.000+13:00

I wanted to swing so high in the sky
the other kids could I wanted to try
I sat down alone and held on tight
I kicked my feet with all my might
but the swing stayed still it didn't sway
and I learned a special lesson that day

Sometimes we need a push to start
a gentle nudge from a caring heart
You saw in me the potential to soar
You encouraged me to try so much more
Whenever I struggled, kicking my feet
You never let me give me up in defeat

So thank you, teacher, for giving me
the push I needed for all I could be

And the class prize goes to....

2007-12-14T07:59:00.000+13:00

drum roll please...

AIMEE!!!!!

We are the proud parent's of a very special girl who has been recognised for all the hard work she has put into her school work this year! GO AIMEE! She also got the best school report we've ever had for her.

She was a little overwhelmed because she had no idea that she was going to win.

save me from myself - Brian 'head' Welch

2007-12-03T16:49:00.000+13:00

I have just finished reading the above book after borrowing it from Josh. It was a great read, and although I've never had the "dramatic" testimony that he has, I found myself relating to a lot of what he had to say. Especially the stuff about depression. I've suffered on and off from a malingering depression, most of the time brought on by a visit from my folks or a remembering of my childhood. Anyhow, I was most moved at the end of his story and I will copy the excerpt here - I highly recommend you all read this book!

Save Me From Myself - Page 214-215

...But then one day I finally realised that screaming at God and begging him to take away my pain wasn't going to work. So I completely surrendered myself and stopped fighting him and I asked him what he wanted me to do.

He said: JUST WORSHIP ME. PRAISE ME AND WORSHIP ME THROUGH THE PAIN.

And that's what I did.

I cried and worshipped the Lord in stillness and silence, listening to worship music and laying on the ground in his presence. It was time for God to do all the work, and it was time for me to be quiet. That's what got me through those dark times. Because God inhabits the praises of his people (Psalm 22:3), and he was right there with me the whole time. He taught me that the only thing I needed to do was to be still and quiet while the pain surfaces, and then I could just cry it away...... .....It was very hard to cry so much during that season, but God helped me by showing me that the divine light of his Spirit was shining in my soul, burning away all of the junk from my pas, and replacing it with the wisdom of his unconditional love - which was exactly what I needed in my soul - love.

flowers, flowers everywhere!

2007-11-22T15:50:00.000+13:00

Today brought back many memories of flower show day's of years past. Every year my school would make us endure a day of flower arranging to be judged. I hated the scrutiny, but today found me wishing better memories for the girls as they faced their first one. Briahna got a highly commended for her little seed owl! Hope's all looked great, and if I was the judge she would have won a prize for her fantasy tray!

Here are the pic's:

Briahna and Hope had their hair done to go with the theme... [flowers from our garden!]

Bree's Winning Bird!

Bree's Table Arrangement;

Bree's Pressed Flower Candle;

Bree's Pressed Flower Frame;

Bree's Grassapillar;

Hope's Unusual Container;

Hope's Pressed Flower Frame;

Hope's Fantasy Tray;

Hope's Grasshead;

Well done to both of them!

softies; ugli monsta #1

2007-11-14T13:40:00.000+13:00

If you've known me a while - you know that I get really intense about what interests me. I find something I like and go go go for it for the next week or two, then the interest dies off and I don't pick it up for months. I love projects that are quick and easy, otherwise they end up in the unfinished basket...

On Monday I began a new adventure making soft toys! I have no idea what I will eventually do with them, prolly give them away... Like the one pictured which was my first attempt at a monsta!

Since then, I have made 4 different soft toys and the girls have made a whole load too! I will try and take photo's of our attempts and post them soon! The blue monsta has a new home at Jonathan's work...

Because of you

2007-11-13T14:10:00.000+13:00

"Because Of You" - Kelly Clarkson

I will not make the same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself
Cause my heart so much misery
I will not break the way you did,
You fell so hard
I've learned the hard way
To never let it get that far

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I lose my way
And it's not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake
A smile, a laugh everyday of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I watched you die
I heard you cry every night in your sleep
I was so young
You should have known better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else
You just saw your pain
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For the same damn thing

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I try my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don't know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty
Because of you
I am afraid

Because of you
Because of you

i've been thinking: parenting

2007-11-09T09:35:00.000+13:00

yep! I've been at it again ... thinking, pondering, wondering, supposing.

It all comes from having my parents to stay last month.

I don't really want to go into what kind of parents they were to me, but they weren't great.

It all made me think about what kind of parent I want to be, and also what is really required of us to be the best parent we can be.

I came up with two words that I think encompass what it means to be a parent.

What is required of us?

nurture & protection

At least, that's what I think anyhow. These two words encompass everything good and everything my parents didn't do for me. I don't mean (by nurture & protection) that you stunt your children by not allowing them to become independent. You allow your children to become independant by being relevant to appropriate age and development. By simplifying my parenting style, I feel like it's not such a hard thing to be a good parent. It has empowered me to love my children for who they are where they are. They are not some label to be worked out by reading a book. I get to read them myself, as individuals. They really are gorgeous girls, who have so much neatness about them!

I think that the biggest mistake my parents made with me was that they never really wanted to KNOW me. They didn't bother to find out who I was, to unravel the real me.

hmmmmm!

protect

2007-11-09T09:02:00.000+13:00

pro·tect [pruh-tekt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–verb (used with object)

1.	to defend or guard from attack, invasion, loss, annoyance, insult, etc.; cover or shield from injury or danger.

2.	Economics. to guard (the industry or an industry of a nation) from foreign competition by imposing import duties.

3.	to provide funds for the payment of (a draft, note, etc.).

–verb (used without object)

4.	to provide, or be capable of providing, protection: a floor wax that protects as well as shines.

[Origin: 1520–30; <>prōtéctus, ptp. of prōtegere to cover in front, equiv. to prō- pro-¹ + teg-, s. of tegere to cover (akin to toga, thatch) + -tus ptp. suffix]

nurture

2007-11-09T08:39:00.001+13:00

nur·ture [nur-cher] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -tured, -tur·ing, noun

–verb (used with object)

1.	to feed and protect: to nurture one's offspring.

2.	to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development; foster: to nurture promising musicians.

3.	to bring up; train; educate.

–noun

4.	rearing, upbringing, training, education, or the like.

5.	development: the nurture of young artists.

6.	something that nourishes; nourishment; food.

[Origin: 1300–50; (n.) ME norture <>nourriture <>nūtrītūra a nourishing, equiv. to L nūtrīt(us) (ptp. of nūtrīre to feed, nourish) + -ūra -ure; (v.) deriv. of the n.]

what colour am i?

2007-10-25T10:28:00.000+13:00

you are lightskyblue
#87CEFA

Your dominant hues are cyan and blue. You like people and enjoy making friends. You're conservative and like to make sure things make sense before you step into them, especially in relationships. You are curious but respected for your opinions by people who you sometimes wouldn't even suspect.

Your saturation level is lower than average - You don't stress out over things and don't understand people who do. Finishing projects may sometimes be a challenge, but you schedule time as you see fit and the important things all happen in the end, even if not everyone sees your grand master plan.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

these small hours

2007-10-25T10:04:00.000+13:00

let it go,
let it roll right off your shoulder
don't you know
the hardest part is over
let it in,
let your clarity define you
in the end
we will only just remember how it feels

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

let it slide,
let your troubles fall behind you
let it shine
until you feel it all around you
and i don't mind
if it's me you need to turn to
we?ll get by,
it's the heart that really matters in the end

our lives are made
in these small hours
these little wonders,
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away,
but these small hours,
these small hours still remain

all of my regret
will wash away some how
but i can not forget
the way i feel right now

in these small hours
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away but these small hours
these small hours, still remain,
still remain
these little wonders
these twists & turns of fate
time falls away
but these small hours
these little wonders still remain

RIGHT brain v LEFT Brain

2007-10-15T12:15:00.000+13:00

Is she turning clock-wise or anti-clockwise? CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO SEE HER TURN!

If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

I am a right brainer... interesting!

2007-10-08T11:55:00.000+13:00

I began another bad day today... Didn't take much, just the taxi forgetting to pick Aimee up for school, and it made for a bad start. Bree is sick still.

Anyway, as I was driving to the doctor's I remembered this song, that we had my sister sing for us at our wedding. I am reminded of the love Jonathan and I share - he is a great support to me, even in the darkest times... I am grateful that God brought him into my life!

lyrics 4 bad day...

2007-10-08T11:41:00.000+13:00

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
You tell me your blue skies fade to grey
You tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oh.. Holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong (yeah, yeah, yeah, yeeeah)

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

(Oh, yeah, yeaaah, yeah)
Had a bad day
(Oh, had a bad day)
Had a bad day
(Oh, yeah, yeah, yeeeeah)
Had a bad day
(Oh, had a bad day)
Had a bad day...
Had a bad day...

you had a bad day....

2007-10-06T15:42:00.000+13:00

:) I haven't posted on here since July - eek! I am still alive, just !!! Image shack has lost my title image.... weird, so I will get on to the man about designing me a new header, see you all soon - promise!

booties galore!

2007-07-29T15:08:00.000+12:00

What can you give people who've had a baby, when it seems like everyone around you is having them?! My solution = booties.

I have been busy the past week knitting some sweet booties - gosh, they look so small! I trialled 2 patterns before deciding on one I liked, and I have knitted 6 pairs so far. The 3 to the side are ones that are to be given out tonight at cession.

Here is my favourite bootie pattern, so I won't misplace it in the real world! hehehe!!!

Cast on 34 stitches and knit 12 rows.
On the next row, knit 20 stitches, knit 2 together and then turn.
*Slip a stitch (with yarn in front), purl 6, purl 2 together then turn.
Slip a stitch (with yarn in back), knit 6, knit 2 together then turn.*
Do the above set 8 more times, so you knit back and forth on those centre 6 stitches, picking up 2 together on either end, for approx 10 rows, or until you have 24 stitches on your needles. (take a count each row to make sure)
On the last one, knit to the end of the row.
Create an eyelet row for ties: Purl first two stitches, yo, knit 2 together until the end of the row.
Now, knit 20 rows to make the rollover cuff. Cast off.
Stitch the bootie from toe to cuff and turn the right way.
Add ribbon, crocheted yarn or knitted yarn for ties.

The Love Language Test

2007-07-25T10:03:00.000+12:00

Here are my results after doing the love language test here:-

Love Language Scores
8 - Words of Affirmation
5 - Quality Time
7 - Receiving of Gifts
8 - Acts of Service
2 - Physical Touch

I read the book a few years ago - and it's interesting as my languages have changed a little - I never much used to be an acts of service girl. But look at the physical touch one... lol, couldn't get much lower there! I think that the test reflects the fact that I am a busy mum of 3.

Anyway - go check it out! See what you come out with. Is it fairly true of you?

loving SCHOOL

2007-07-19T11:05:00.000+12:00

Knowing you've made the right decision isn't the same thing as feeling great about it. At least that is what I've been learning lately.

The girls absolutely LOVE school, which I'm glad about. Still, I miss them and it's very quiet - overwhelmingly quiet! I could, however, get used to the silence - I like it. But it's been 11 years since I had any peace - so it could take a little time to get used to it.

time flys a.k.a. what i've been up to

2007-07-15T21:51:00.000+12:00

well, 2 weeks have flown by - school is back tomorrow (for Aimee anyway). The other 2 start school on Tuesday. I think I have everything covered (needs wise - we took them out shopping for shoes & lunch boxes etc on Thursday). The girls are very excited about it all!!! I am, however, feeling conflicted - I think I am going to miss them terribly, and I am going to have to get used to my own company. It's not a bad thing - just different.

I have been busy this holiday's doing crafty things. I knitted 5 hat & scarf sets, and discovered how easy it is to make little felt covers for hairclips - I have currently made 10 pairs of hairclips. I will at some stage post the pattern for the hat I made - mainly so that I will always have access to it. I lost the last great hat pattern, forgot completely how I made them. I promise to get a photo up of the hats too!

I recieved my favourite things swap parcel from my swap partner Liz. All I can say is YUMMY japanese candy - mmmmm! mmmm! I haven't read the book yet though - I guess I will have a lot more time for reading now the girls are going to school, so I will get to it!

list|things i need to organise before the girls go to school

2007-06-29T10:18:00.000+12:00

I like lists - I write them once, and remember what I need to do. It enables me to spend less time worrying about the things I may have forgotten to do.

So here goes the start of my list of things I need to do/organise before the girls start school in just over a fortnight.

* new lunch boxes/drink bottles need to be purchased.
* new uniforms need to be purchased (this is going to happen the day before they start).
* decision needs to be made about which uniform items need to be purchased.
* new black shoes need to be purchased.
* find out the girls birth certificates & immunisation certificates.
* organise taxi to stop bringing Aimee home, I will be picking her up on the way to get the girls each afternoon.
* I need to start thinking about lunch ideas and how we will organise the days ie. lunches made and uniforms out and ready before bedtime. Everyone in this house would be considered anti-morning people - so we have to put thought into such things.

It's so exciting - Hope spent last night asking, "Am I really going to school Mummy?", every few minutes. She just can't get it out of her mind.

breaking news|hope & bree are going to school!

2007-06-28T08:11:00.000+12:00

So... A lot of you know that we home school, we have done for almost 4 years now. I have really enjoyed nurturing and teaching my children. They both really love learning, and it has been a both wonderful and sometimes challenging journey.

Our reason for home schooling in the first place, was based almost entirely on the fact that we live in a pretty bad school district. Hope was not being challenged educationally, and was in her words, "bored". She had started school knowing how to read (she was reading chapter books at the time), knowing basic math (how to add & subtract), but by the end of her first year she had lost a lot of the knowledge she had begun with. The school she was attending, did not want to encourage her too much, and told me that they very rarely, if ever, move a child up a class level. Also, as our house backed onto "said school", I was hearing things I didn't think were appropriate over the fence. I could hear Hope's teacher yelling at the class - which is, I think, totally reprehensible! No child deserves to be yelled at, especially not by someone they are supposed to be learning from. So, at the end of 2002 we took it all into our own hands, and decided to home school. It was scary for us, especially because we had a picture in our minds of home schoolers being a real odd bunch - were we willing to become part of that?!?

When Aimee turned 5, we began to home school her - it was a real struggle and I didn't quite understand why, until she was diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder at the end of that year. I was not sure what to do, and so we put her into school. The same school that had been so terrible for Hope. At the time, I didn't know there was any other option, and I was basically just reacting. She now goes to a satellite class which is under a special school. I am hoping that at some point we will be able to put her into a mainstream school. She is doing so well now academically.

Briahna has never been to school. She has never had a problem educationally, and it was very exciting when, last year, she learned to read! One of my proudest moments, as a home schooling mum, I would have to say! Hope was a self-taught reader and Aimee learned to read at school. Being the youngest child in our family, Bree is a bit of a mummy's girl and has needed some encouragement to come out of her shell around other people. I love her to bits though! I have been lucky to have been blessed with 3 wonderfully different, unique girls - and I love them all!

Hope came to me at the beginning of this year, and told me that she wanted to be a doctor more than anything else, when she grew up. It gave me a scare, because how was I going to teach her all the things she needed to get into medical school. Science has always been a scary subject to me. What to do?!? I want to support my children in whatever endeavour they choose, so I had a dilemma. To begin with, I didn't want to think about school. I KNEW, without a doubt, that my children wouldn't be going to the school next door. I had no idea what school, if any, I would feel comfortable about sending the girls to.

Once, I had come to terms with the idea that home schooling might be coming to an end for us. I decided I needed to find the right school. We couldn't afford private education - unless we won the lottery - and so we were stuck with looking at public school or christian school options. It seemed every option we looked at in the christian sector had a waiting list 50 feet long. So that was, at least for now, a no goer. I had, by this stage, decided that it was an all or nothing thing - both of the girls would be put into school. I wanted to find a school that took both age-groups. Hope will be intermediate (middle school) age next year, and it would be nice not to have to travel to more than 2 schools, for now.

About a week ago, I was chatting to a friend of mine on the phone - she just happens to be a teacher - about my school worries, when she suggested a certain country school that she had taught a music class at over term 1 & 2 of this year. She said the teachers were fantastic, and that the principal was a christian guy. So, I looked the school up on the internet - great thing this internet is, for researching schools. I emailed the school secretary and set up a meeting time - we went yesterday. It has all happened so quickly - because we signed all the forms for their enrollment and they start school on Tuesday, 17th July, after the holidays. When you KNOW something is right, things can happen seemingly fast.

The school is awesome. It is a little country school (it has a roll of 154 students). They have calf day, a flower day and bible-in-schools. The classrooms go no bigger than around 20 students, and it is about 15 minutes drive away from our front doorstep. Truly AMAZING!

My little cling-on (Briahna) was very taken with the school, and I am left thinking that it will be me crying when I leave her at school. She is going to have a ball.

I believe this is the completely right way for our family to go. We have discussed whether or not I will return to work, but at present I am going to be a "lady of leisure". Yeah right, hehehe, actually I already have most days booked out to do things. Mainly Music, Children's Church, coffee groups... and no stress about whether the girls are doing enough "book-work". I will definitely miss them during the day, it's going to be quieter and tidier. I can put the school room into better use - a big craft room - YEAH!

For Chosen Mothers

2007-06-28T07:36:00.000+12:00

Blogger doesn't always tell me when people comment on my blog - and it's a shame because I just discovered a really great post here, after someone read this post I made.

Below is a poem that she has on her website:- (be warned - it's a tear jerker)

For Chosen Mothers

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of a child with special needs. Did you ever wonder how mothers like this are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew. Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. Rudledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint... give her Jude. He's used to profanity."

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a child with special needs."

The angel curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly", smiles God. "Could I give a child with special needs a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asked the angel. "I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a seal of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it.

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world She has to make him live in her world and that is not going to be easy."

"This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness." The angels gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?" God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she's to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says "Mama' for the first time she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or sunset to her child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see... ignorance, cruelty, prejudice... and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.

"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, her pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

Happy Birthday MUM!

2007-06-27T09:15:00.000+12:00

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Muuuuuuuum
Happy Birthday to you

Hip Hip Hooray!

I hope you have a fantastic day

NEWS|Protein mutations link to autism

2007-06-22T07:59:00.000+12:00

Autism impairs social interaction

From BBC World

Scientists have discovered how mutations in two key proteins may lead to autism.

They have shown one protein increases the excitability of nerve cells, while the other inhibits cell activity.

The University of Texas team found that in normal circumstances the proteins balance each other out.

But the study, published in Neuron, suggests that in people with autism the balance between the proteins is knocked out of kilter.

Understanding how the autistic brain is different to the neurotypical brain will have significant implications for education and intervention

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen
University of Cambridge

The findings back the theory that autism involves an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory connections between nerve cells.

The proteins, which serve to physically link nerve cells together, were discovered by the team at the university's Southwestern Medical Center more than a decade ago.

However, until the latest study their exact function had been unclear.

Lead researcher Dr Ege Kavalali said: "Mutations in these proteins have recently been linked to certain varieties of autism.

"This work provides clear insight into how the proteins function. We can never design a therapeutic strategy without knowing what these mutations do."

Bridge between cells

The proteins - neuroligin-1 and neuroligin-2 - create a physical bridge at the junction - or synapse - of nerve cells, enabling them to make connections with others.

In studies on rats the researchers showed that raising levels of both proteins in nerve cells led to the creation of extra synapses.

Neuroligin-1 was associated with excitatory connections and neuroligin-2 with inhibitory connections.

When they introduced a mutant form of neuroligin-1 thought to be carried by some people with autism the number of synapses fell dramatically - and the cells became significantly less excitable.

Infants are born with far more synapses than survive to adulthood. Active synapses proliferate during development, but inactive synapses are culled.

The latest research suggests that carrying a mutant form of neuroligin-1 may depress the number of synapses that make it into adulthood.

This could hamper the ability of nerve cells to make the usual connections, and lead to the deficits seen in people with autism.

It affects the way a person communicates and interacts with other people.

Communication problems

People with autism cannot relate to others in a meaningful way. They also have trouble making sense of the world at large.

As a result, their ability to develop friendships is impaired. They also have a limited capacity to understand other people's feelings.

Autism is often also associated with learning disabilities.

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, director of the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, said research into the role of neuroligins in autism was important.

He said: "We need to know more about both the genes that code for neuroligins, and the neuroligins themselves, to establish if they play a specific role in the cause of autism spectrum conditions and in which subgroup.

"Understanding how the autistic brain is different to the neurotypical brain will have significant implications for education and intervention."

hello my name is...

2007-06-21T08:36:00.001+12:00

I love my husband! He surprised me last night by bringing me home a copy of "The Princess Bride". I LOVE the movie, and have been wanting to read the book for forever!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Jonathan - My Sweetheart!!! :D

After 4 days of sick children, I really needed a pick-me-up. This is one of the best things I have ever been given.

My new phone|Big YAY!

2007-06-19T13:44:00.000+12:00

So, I've got a new phone. And, it does all I want and more! :) And, it didn't cost a cent - we got it free with our new X Box360! And, I'm excited - did I tell you that?!? It can play MP3's, record video - low quality, take photographs, and it reminds me of the 80's, as it is under the walkman name! I used to have one of those, but it never could ring my husband or take pic's of my gorgeous kidlets!!! (Not that I had any of them in the eighties!)

So, Yeah, I'm one HAPPY chicklet!

The Lost Art of Querying

2007-06-19T13:14:00.000+12:00

I have just read this post over at The Kitchen - A Faith Community in Action and I have decided to "post/copy/steal" it here so that I/we can all be reminded about this great lost art.

How many times do we, instead of listening, feel the need to ADD to conversations with our own slant - "Oh," we say, "that happened to me before..." and before we know it, we've hijacked the conversation back to us.

Jacob was saying on Sunday that we all need to do a course on Social Skills 101 - we need to get back to learning the art of communication. I agree. Hmmmm! Something to ponder!

Anyway, read-on, to see what this community did to highlight our ineptness at truly listening. It would be a hard lesson for some of us - me - I'm sure.

"When people think you’re dying, they really, really listen to you, instead of just…instead of just waiting for their turn to speak?”

When I first heard that quote in the movie Fight Club, I was so embarrassed. I realised how true it was for me – and it scared me even more to think that everyone else was the same! It seems like we sort of become so self obsessed and individualistic sometimes that we loose the ability to know how to care beyond saying “that’s sucks bro” - and then awkwardly cough.

But not today! Because we’re going to practise the long, lost art of querying…

We’re going to spend 5 minutes where the other person talks and you just query – and listen – I mean really listen. And then you’ll query some more. You’re not allowed to bring the conversation back to you - or give them your opinion on the subject - but you get to know the person and let them be known to you. You’re asking questions to go deeper into who they are.

This will be incredibly hard for some of us. No doubt some of us will find it easy to talk about ourselves, but hard to ask questions and care. But today you’re going to try and scratch beyond superficial conversation…

Others of us will hate talking about ourselves and find it scary to reveal bits of ourselves to a person we might barely know. But drop your guard! It’s something we need to do more often…

Would you believe that some people are even gifted at this whole querying thing? When they spend time with someone things just flow our of them from the queries they ask. But that takes practise, just like any art form. So today we’re learning the ancient art of querying, and starting our journey towards becoming query masters.

Pick and random question from the list below, ask your partner the question, and then continue querying from that point for a full, literal 5 minutes. You ask questions and listen, they talk. It’s fine for your talk to wander– these questions are just starting points in your queries. After that five minutes get your partner to pick a new question and swap roles. You can do this as many times as you’d like to - or with as many different people as you like.

After you’ve queried each other, stop and share with the group or each other by answering this question.

“What is God up to in the midst of your partners life?”

—————————————-

What specific question would you most like to ask God?
What thing most worries you in life right now?
What aspect of your mum do you see in yourself?
What aspect of your dad do you see in yourself?
What’s something new you’ve discovered about God lately?
What was your childhood like?
What specific occasion as a kid do you remember being most happy?
What’s something you’ve recently become interested in?
What is your secret dream or aspiration?
What is one thing you want to do before you die?
What puzzles you about God?
What is your family like?
What Stresses you out? How do you unwind?
When do you feel that God is far away?
When do you feel closet to God?
What does being Gods creation, made in his Image, mean to you?
What’s the thing you’re most proud of achieving?
What’s the thing you most want to change about yourself?
What did you do in the weekend? What are you doing this weekend?
Is God challenging you to change any aspect of your life?
What’s something you’ve always wanted to do regularly, but just can’t seem to get it together?
What’s something that you regret not doing?
What do you feel most pressured to do in your life?
What do you like most about Jesus?
What scares you most in life?
When was the last time that you felt that God was speaking to you? What was he saying?
What would you most like to change in the world?
How do you deal with people that annoy you?
Have you ever forgiven someone?
What other career path would you also like to have taken?

women's stuff...

2007-06-13T12:52:00.000+12:00

I have, for some time now, felt ill every time I get my period. Not physically, but as I am becoming more environmentally aware and my wallet is a whole lot lighter these days - I get sick of paying money out every month knowing its all going to the landfill.

So today, when good old Aunt Flo arrived, I decided to make some cloth - reusable sanitary pads. I used a pattern I got from the internet (which I can't for the life of me find now! :( ). There are numerous patterns available, and the one I got is excellent - has wings, and lining so there are no leaks. I have done a quickish search and to no avail... can't find it.

It feels good to be doing something right! And they look pretty good too - not that anyone else is gonna see them... LOL!

PS. I re-used fabric, by making them out of 3 old t-shirts, an old cloth diaper, half an old towel, and some plastic cloth that has been hanging around for a bit. YAHOO!!!

I am still learning...

2007-06-12T13:32:00.000+12:00

and it's good! Aimee and I have been going to a social skills group every Tuesday, this term. There are two weeks to go and I have been amazed at the amount of knowledge I have gained. The children are learning social skills and us Mum's are together learning how to cope.

I have learned so much about "theory of mind" and what to do about some of the issues that we are dealing with. It's funny because I have done similar courses before and not gained anything spectacular from them, but what is different about this course is that this time all the children involved are girls with aspergers. Girls exhibit autism so differently from boys - it is so nice to be able to discuss their unique differences with other Mum's.

The woman that facilitates our group has explained autism as "the brain being scrambled - like eggs - the messages are not going through properly". It made for an easier way of explaining to the other children, why their sister doesn't always handle life well. They seem to be more understanding of her lately - and that's good news, because Aimee has been having a bad time of it. :(

We are constantly having to put off having a babysitter, because of her behaviour - I don't want to lose our current sitter, and she is almost at her limit with Aimee. Still, we will try again tonight, when Jonathan and I go to the movies tonight.

Funny cartoon =)

2007-05-30T13:33:00.001+12:00

hehe

my Holland

2007-05-04T18:24:00.000+12:00

I have been a little quiet on here about my personal "Holland" story. I have been in the midst of living it, wondering where and what I can do in my Holland. Especially, since I bought all the guide books for Italy...

I knew what I wanted out of this experience called life. I have been disappointed most times with what life has thrown at me. Not with the people I have been given to care for, just the expectations I had of who I would be...

I feel overwhelmed with the task of being the best mum I can be, whilst retaining who I really am. Who am I anyways?

What does this life require of me anyway? Who should I be? Where is a guide-book when I need one?

welcome to Holland

2007-05-04T08:44:00.000+12:00

by Emily Perl Kingsley

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability- to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip -to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."

" Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.

The important thing is they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.

So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills... and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy...and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.

But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ...about Holland.

Mika - Grace Kelly

2007-04-21T18:56:00.000+12:00

This is my new favourite "pop" song... I just LUUURVE it! Jonathan thinks he doesn't compare to Freddie, but I think he's better... LOL! Mica rocks!!!

Sesame Street Pinball Cartoon

2007-04-19T14:00:00.001+12:00

More memories of my youth to share with my children... :D

Aimee LOVES this one!

The Wombles - Remember You're a Womble

2007-04-19T13:23:00.001+12:00

I couldn't resist putting this video on my blog - hehehe! I remember this from my early youth!!!

my visualDNA - kudos to Vania

2007-04-19T11:22:00.000+12:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Autism Awareness Month (In the States anyway...)

2007-04-18T21:07:00.000+12:00

It is Autism Awareness month in the States, and I have found a really cool slide-show about a boy (Teddy Willis) who is 11 and has Aspergers Syndrome. Aimee would like you all to take a look at it, as she says that he feels the same as she does.

The end quote of the slide-show was very moving to me;
"I just want people to treat me better like one of the other normal kids. If many people knew about Autism, then they might think about what the person's good at and not what the person isn't good at" Teddy

Well-spoken!!

Anyhow take a look here.

easter bunnies 2007

2007-04-07T17:36:00.000+12:00

Happy Easter Everyone!

Now, what to do when you need to give an easter gift to children that are food intolerant to all the yummy easter egg's... This year, I decided to get a little creative and make these cute little match-box bunnies, which you can find a how-to on kidscraftweekly. I managed to find some really cool badges for the kid's. A really neat find, I think! And they turned out so awesomely!!!

I hope you all have a blessed time this easter!

:) Hugs to you all!

YAY for broadband & school hol's!

2007-04-05T09:12:00.000+12:00

Yippee! Yes, we finally bit the bullet and got broadband! :D {big HUGE wide grin}

And today is the last day of school before the easter school holidays - 2 weeks of having all my babe's at home. I LOVE it! I miss Aimee so much when she is at school, and this term has been particularly hard for her. She has spent a lot of it extremely stressed-out, with all sorts of new behavioural problems to boot. I know that when she is on holiday ie. having a break from all/most things social she is a different child. So YAY - we will now have 2 whole weeks together.

I am so loving being able to download podcasts and am currently listening to a podcast from Willow Creek Community Church.

Hands & Feet Project :) (& other news)

2007-03-28T20:21:00.000+12:00

I feel like I should give you all an update on how my project for our local Stations of the Cross installation is going. Especially since I have been rather silent over the past week - I have an excuse, life got busy!

It's going well. I have painted around 40 (or more) can's - have a few idea's for a couple more, but I'm unsure if I will get the time. Especially, since I am going on a retreat weekend from Friday through Sunday. Easter is coming so fast, I feel I might miss it if I blink.

I am in real need for this weekend. It is run by Recreate, for mum's of special needs kids (aka, in my life, Aimee). It is going to be held at St. Francis Retreat Centre in Hillsborough, and I've heard the food is fantastic - which is, of course, all I am worried about...

While I am away, Jonathan will be looking after the girls, and hopefully taking them to an Easter Egg Hunt (run by Cession) at Lloyd Elmsmore Park. I know he will do well. He is awesome for looking after them, and is going to do it again in May/June when I go to the Mainly Music Conference and also down to Christchurch to see my lovely nephew and sister (and brother in law too!). What a good man I married!

Whats my theological worldview... :)

2007-03-27T09:39:00.000+12:00

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

79%

Emergent/Postmodern

75%

Fundamentalist

46%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

46%

Neo orthodox

43%

Roman Catholic

39%

Reformed Evangelical

36%

Modern Liberal

25%

Classical Liberal

14%

You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavily by John Wesley and the Methodists.

rik catlow|Crushed Can Artist

2007-03-22T08:42:00.000+12:00

the art of Rik Catlow has been very inspiring to me - take a look here and here

stencils

2007-03-22T08:29:00.000+12:00

these are the stencils I have been using for the project. they were made out of plastic ice-cream and yoghurt containers (more re-cycling :)). I am pleased with the results...

cross|three

2007-03-21T15:52:00.000+12:00

cross|two

2007-03-21T15:49:00.000+12:00

crushed can art|Charles Kaufman

2007-03-21T15:42:00.000+12:00

Isn't this fantastic! WOW! This guy's art is amazing - love it!

His name is Charles Kaufman and you can look at his work here and his blog here...

service

2007-03-20T16:09:00.000+12:00

no choice

2007-03-20T16:06:00.000+12:00

bystander

2007-03-19T15:48:00.000+12:00

cross|one

2007-03-19T15:45:00.000+12:00

carry the cross

2007-03-18T09:12:00.000+12:00

compelled

2007-03-18T09:08:00.000+12:00

Happy Anniversary Baby...

2007-03-17T23:34:00.000+13:00

"If you live to be a hundred, I want
To live to be a hundred minus one day,
So I never have to live without you."
Winnie the Pooh

Tomorrow, (18th March 2007) is our 12th Wedding Anniversary (Jonathan & Me). And so we decided to go out tonight to celebrate.

I have to say that this year has been one of the best years ever together. It seems to only ever get better these days, and I love him more now than I did when we met. Back then, it was infatuation. I loved the way he was arty, caring, loyal, sweet, attractive and a few other things we won't say here ;). He is still all of those things, but he is much much more to me now.

Beyond a doubt the love we share is real. It has stood the test of time, some stress (3 pregnancies, labours and children - lol) and we've both grown a lot (outwards, not just inwardly - hehehe!). What I really want to say here is simple - Sweetie, I hope we get to spend the rest of our lives together, that we grow old and wrinkly together! I LOVE YOU!

Hands & Feet Project

2007-03-17T16:49:00.000+13:00

So, here I am, starting my project for "Stations of the Cross" this Easter. Stations of the Cross is an art installation our community is doing this year.

I hope to be doing station 7 - Simon of Cyrene carry's the cross. The bible speaks about this act three times (in Matthew, Mark & Luke). It has been interesting researching him, as not a lot is known about him. He was a bystander, chosen (forced) by the Roman soldiers to carry Jesus' cross, after He collapsed unable to carry it any further.

Matthew 27:32 Along the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.

Mark 15:21 A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus’ cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.)

Luke 23:26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.

My concept was birthed at church on Sunday (see this post) and revolved around hands & feet representing what Christ did for us and what we are compelled to do in return.

A few brain-storming ideas:-
* Hands & Feet represent service (Simon carrying the cross).
* Jesus’ Hands & Feet were pierced.
* We are called to be His Hand’s and Feet (going about His business).
* I am thinking a pile of empty drink can’s representing us (we can feel discard able & empty). Some are battered, crushed – but represent us (followers of Christ) who are called to serve and be Jesus to others. There is some feeling of being compelled to serve God in this way – just like Simon was forced to carry the cross. We can no longer remain passive “passer-by’s”, action is required.
* The concept of the cans is also an interactive one – whereas the viewer is required (need I say it – compelled) to pick them up and take a look making it a tactile station.
* The cans will have 1-3 word statements on them relating to Simon of Cyrene and the verses above.
* Stenciled images of hands, feet, crosses speak of the subject of service - DOING!

I got the idea of art on discarded drink cans from the art of Rik Catlow, although mine is definitely not as good as his - it is a tribute to the idea of using recycled items as canvas.

I will let you all know the times/dates the stations of the cross installation will be open later - I hope that you might take this opportunity to spend easter in contemplation of what has been done for us.

I am a Caramel Crunch Donut

2007-03-12T19:03:00.000+13:00

KUDOS to Jean - I had fun filling this one in!

You Are a Caramel Crunch Donut

You're a complex creature, and you're guilty of complicating things for fun.
You've been known to sit around pondering the meaning of life...
Or at times, pondering the meaning of your doughnut.
To frost or not to frost? To fill or not to fill? These are your eternal questions.

What Donut Are You?

HANDS & FEET

2007-03-12T06:34:00.000+13:00

I always seem to ponder more about the why and what of Jesus at this time of Lent. We're getting close to the time that we celebrate the death and LIFE (he rose from the dead) of Jesus. And it amazes me to think about why He did that and what it all means, both in a personal and global way.

At the moment I am thinking HANDS & FEET.
Which can mean various things; he was pierced in his hands (wrists) and feet, hands and feet can portray the act of DOING something (walking, helping, acting, contributing).

It came to me last night at church, Melissa was talking about a Stations of the Cross installation that we will be doing, and immediately my mind was thinking HANDS & FEET. The image of the cross with red hands and feet all over it (ours) - you see WE are the reason he was there. He did it for us, with His own blood. Hmmmmm! Something to really ponder!

And then, there's the Audio Adrenaline song that's been playing in my head since I woke up (well, since Jonathan woke me up at 5.30am - EEEK!!!) And reading the lyrics, as they are below, reminds me of one of the verses that was highlighted by Melissa last night; Romans 7:15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Lot's of do's there, but in a sense it's talking about the struggle to do what is right. It isn't always easy - but then the best way is almost never the easy route!

Hands And Feet lyrics by AUDIO ADRENALINE

An image flashed across my TV screen
Another broken heart comes in to view
I saw the pain and I turned my back
Why can't I do the things I want to?
I'm willing yet I'm so afraid
You give me strength
When I say

CHORUS

I want to be your hands
I want to be your feet
I'll go where you send me
I'll go where you send me

REPEAT CHORUS

And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I'll find my way
To be your hands
I've abandoned every selfish thought
I've surrendered every thing I've got
You can have everything I am
And perfect everything I'm not
I'm willing, I'm not afraid
You give me strength
When I say

CHORUS 2X

And I try, yeah I try
To touch the world like You touched my life
And I'll find my way...

BRIDGE

This is the last time
I turn my back on You
From now on, I'll go out
Send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission
I promise I'll complete
I don't need excuses
When I am your hands and feet
(I am your hands and feet)
(hands... feet... go... go...)

CHORUS 3X

I will go
I will go where you send me
I will go
I will go where you send me
I will go, go
I will go, go
I will go, go where you send me

CHORUS

babies, babies everywhere!

2007-03-11T22:06:00.000+13:00

It seems to me that all the married couples I know are either pregnant or have wee babes at the moment. It is a fantastic time of new life and memories of my own pregnancies (not that mine were great or anything - I was sick the entire time!). Yet, there is a feeling of expectancy and joy around me.

It has brought up some interesting feelings. It would be a "miracle" if we had another child, and yet, it makes me think - "what if...". Very quickly that "what if..." changes into a big "Noooooo!" But it is hard not to be clucky when I know 10 (at least) pregnant women. Most of these women are around my age (early 30's) having their first, second and third children (actually 2 are onto number 5 & 6 - as scary as that sounds).

And here is me - I have three girls, ages 10, 8 & 7. A complete family, I thought. In a way, it's a good thing hubby got the "snip", as we may be, like an old friend of mine, on to number 6 (or was it 7?) I am hoping my friends will lend me their babies to hold when they arrive, let them cry a little around me, tell me their scary labour stories - all to scare me back into the reality of child birth and raising. :)

Breathe Deep

2007-03-08T08:15:00.000+13:00

Since, both Jonathan and Vania have posted about our last cell group meeting where we watched the Nooma - Breathe, I thought I should write about a song it brought to my mind...

Breathe Deep (The Breath of God) 1996 - THE LOST DOGS
(from the album "Green Room Serenade, Part One)

Politicians, morticians, Philistines, homophobes
Skinheads, Dead heads, tax evaders, street kids
Alcoholics, workaholics, wise guys, dim wits
Blue collars, white collars, war mongers, peace nicks

Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God
Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God

Suicidals, rock idols, shut-ins, drop outs
Friendless, homeless, penniless and depressed
Presidents, residents, foreigners and aliens
Dissidents, feminists, xenophobes and chauvinists

Evolutionists, creationists, perverts, slum lords
Dead-beats, athletes, Protestants and Catholics
Housewives, neophytes, pro-choice, pro-life
Misogynists, monogamists, philanthropists, blacks and whites

Police, obese, lawyers, and government
Sex offenders, tax collectors, war vets, rejects
Atheists, Scientists, racists, sadists
Photographers, biographers, artists, pornographers

Gays and lesbians, demagogues and thespians
The disabled, preachers, doctors and teachers
Meat eaters, wife beaters, judges and juries
Long hair, no hair, everybody everywhere!

To me it speaks of God being available to us all - we need to "Breathe DEEP, Breathe deep the BREATH of GOD!" Also it speaks to me about the lack of perfection in all of us - I am sure that we could find ourselves somewhere in that song - and it's true God is available to us all! Taking a breath means, to me, pausing, reflecting, slowing down... And so I take this breath, this moment to reflect on God and what he means to us all.

2007-02-27T18:38:00.000+13:00

The things we do... today I spent a good 2-3 hours writing out "missed-you" notes to 43 people who haven't been to Mainly Music in a while.

I also took the girls out to choose Daddy their birthday present to him... Tomorrows the day he turns 36!

I have been real slack in the exercise department the last few days - mainly because I have just been so busy, preparing for birthdays, tidying up Mainly Music stuff.

And I realise this is a fairly boring post, but my mind is all mush. Where did the brain power go?

life in order...

2007-02-21T20:29:00.000+13:00

so now I am getting my fitness and health in order - I think I really need to get my organisation of my life in order.

I have just realised that I thought there was an extra week before hubby's and Briahna's (daughter #3) birthdays... EEEK when I realised that they are just a week away. Jonathan's birthday is on Wednesday 28th February (he'll be 36) and Briahna's is on Thursday 1st March (she'll be 7).

Also, as facilitator of one of the cell-group's for our church I think I got the dates wrong - hmmmm - I think I had really better get myself a diary to make sure it doesn't happen again! At least cell isn't going to be on Briahna's birthday like I thought it was...

Speaking of Briahna - I decided to do a birthday party for her this year, since last year we didn't, and since 7 is a nice birthday to celebrate. We've invited quite a few of her little friends and so it should be quite fun. I just wish I was as into it as I was for the other 2 who had huge birthday bashes (themed, with loads of organised games etc.). At this time of the year I just can't seem to get into it at all. It's very hard to believe that my little baby is growing up.

5 weeks in...

2007-02-18T11:17:00.000+13:00

So... 5 weeks ago I decided I better do something about my weight. Over the past 11 years of married life I had gone from a size 12 to a size 18. Yes, I'd had 3 babies in that time and have had a contented married life - but that's no excuse! I'd let myself go, without even realising it.

So, what to do... I had some idea, and I knew I didn't want to "diet". I wanted to show my family that we could all live healthy lives. So I embarked on a journey of eating in moderation, drinking the recommended daily water (6-8 glasses), and exercising daily. I've had a few hiccups - went on holiday, fell apart during "that time of the month" and a few depressing moments. Today, though, I put on some clothes that were TIGHT in December and noticed that my stomach is flatter (unfortunately, my boob's are smaller - TMI I know... but I never was greatly endowed, so...).

I've lost 3kg since the first weigh-in, which I guess is good for 5 weeks. Especially when you consider that I've gained some muscle weight. It's obvious my body is changing shape.

For someone who dreaded exercise, and would rather drive to the dairy (less than 2 km's away) than walk - I've changed, I don't think my old self would recognise the new me at all! The other thing that's shocking about it all is that I'm enjoying it!!! SCARY! I've been alternating my exercise between doing a half hour walk/jog (using fitness-to-go workout), doing a exercise ball workout and using my stationary bike - making sure I do at least 30 minutes a day. I bought a heart rate pedometer yesterday, which is great encouragement to do better everyday. My goal is to change from being sedentary to being active.

The other thing I've noticed about all these changes is that it affects your mood so much - I yell less. Which of course, my family is happy about. I feel calmer and more settled. This time last week I walked 5 km in the Molenburg SUB Stride/Ride. That's me and my good friend Jo in the photo! I am accomplishing things I would never have dreamed of 5 weeks ago!

my new nephew

2007-02-14T20:14:00.000+13:00

Welcome to our world, little one!

Isn't he cute!!! I want to reach right into the screen and hug him - unfortunately he lives in Christchurch and I in Auckland. He is just so sweet!

Here is the announcement I just received from his daddy! (I hope he doesn't mind me having it here on my blog - I just thought it was just so damn cute not to have it here)

Hullo,

My name is Massimo Tomas Davies-Patrick. (Cool name, huh?). Here's a photo of me at one and a half days old. I'm pretty cute I reckon – mum and dad say it's all because of them, but that's the sleep deprivation talking.

I arrived one week after my due date, on February 12, 2007, at exactly 6.28pm, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces. Mum and dad wanted to have me at home, but after mum labouring away for 14 hours, and me deciding after weeks of perfect positioning to wriggle my way back out, we all went to the hospital in the car (poor mum).

Once there, mum fell in love with the anesthetist who gave her the epidural – mum was much happier and now talking nicely to everyone around her. Mum then thought she have a go at pushing, and "Tah-DAH!" - one and a half hours later, I popped out!

Mum did an amazing job, and dad was pretty good, he caught me and cut my umbilical cord, and the midwives and everyone at the hospital were so nice too. We're really grateful to everyone for making my arrival such a good one.

So now I'm at home, sleeping for 4 hours at a stretch, breast-feeding really well and generally just being cute and gorgeous. Mum is a little tired, but that's mainly because she can't stop looking at me all the time, and dad's just really happy I'm here.

We're really looking forward to seeing you all as soon as we can. In the meantime, hopefully this photo will suffice.

Thanks heaps to everyone who has been thinking and praying for me and mum and dad.

Love you lots,

Massimo (or just "Mo" is fine)
XXOO

Come, follow me...

2007-02-12T16:25:00.000+13:00

“Come, follow me” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:19-20

How challenging is that! Jesus says,” Come, follow me.” And AT ONCE they drop everything and follow him.

To be honest, I’m not sure I would be so quick to follow. I might complain about being busy, needing an income, being afraid etc. You get the drift, I have many excuses, none of them really important about why I don’t think I can do something for God.

I want to change that!

I would like to run when He calls me - I want to be tuned into what He is asking me to do. I am getting excited about all the people whose lives are going to be changed because I am listening to His call – COME, FOLLOW ME!

My life has been changed. I want to shout it from the rooftops! I want to be a “fisher of men”. I don’t want to make any excuses anymore. I have one life to live and I want to make it count.

They left their livelihood for Jesus. They left everything they knew to go into a world of uncertainty – relying on the fact that they would be okay. God continues to provide for his followers, even though, it looks ridiculous to rely totally on Him for food, money, roof over your head – He always provides.

Postscript:
I am going through a phase of wondering where I am in my relationship with God. Challenging myself to work-out my faith. I don’t believe you have to “do” anything to be saved – it is a free gift given by God, waiting to be accepted by us. My faith actions are my gift back to him – the cool thing about it is, I don’t have to do it – I choose to do it. It is my personal act of worship to my maker. For example, when I volunteer to do Mainly Music; I do it not for myself; I do it for the children and mothers (and some fathers too!) who may never know God otherwise. I want to share the fantastic message of God’s love and peace! A peace I know can conquer any anxiety I may be feeling. So, yeah, this is where I’m at, at the moment…

What did I do when I wasn't blogging...

2007-01-11T08:28:00.000+13:00

Well, I read and it was good! Last year, I didn't get a whole lot of time to read - in between homeschooling, housekeeping, Mainly Music and church and keeping up with family and friends I was just kept too busy for the fun things like reading a good book. It was nice to spend some long mornings languishing in bed with a good read.

It all started with a Jeffrey Archer book that I managed to grab from Whitcoulls for $10, a major bargain. Especially since I am an avid fan of his books. I have read them all (apart from the non-fiction version of his stay in prison - that didn't interest me so much).

False Impression was a riveting read - I just couldn't put it down! Jeffrey Archer is a fantastic story-teller and you can't wait to find out which paths he will take you on till the books conclusion. After reading one of his books it takes me a day or so to get over it - I feel bereft of the people in the book. You feel such a part of the action - like you are really there! A great read!

Under the Overpass is a book I have been wanting to read for ages, but with a lack of reading time it was put in the "must-do-sometime" pile. Well, with time on my hands and a husband to watch the kids while I read... I finally did it.

Under the Overpass was written by a guy and his friend who decided to take 5 months out to really "live" on the streets of America, something most people don't get to choose. It was an interesting compelling read, making you think about how blessed you really are to have a roof over your head and food on the table, and how we take that for granted most of the time. It made me grateful about what God has provided for me.

Killing Fields Living Fields is a book I have had on my bedside table for a good six months. I have read small portions of it every few days or so. Unlike the other two books above which I read in 1-2 days, this one was much more challenging. Written, as the title suggests, about Cambodia and her difficult history, it is, at times, a harrowing read. It was mind-blowing at times, and I have come away forever changed after reading about what it was like to live under Pol-Pot and the Khmer-Rouge. We have no idea, here in our lovely land of NZ in 2007, what it is like to live under a revolution or in fact genocide. I hope we never do find that out.

This is the book I am currently reading - The Art of Prayer - Conversations with God. It is written in a easily understandable manner and has been revolutionary to the way I view God and prayer.

I will write more about this one when I have finished it...

first post of the year :)

2007-01-11T07:59:00.000+13:00

Well, here we are well into the new year (well 11 days into it anyway) and even though I have had access to my computer, I haven't felt at all like blogging - I am thinking it was the extraordinary amount of posts I did for advent. My 2-3 month quota filled in just 25 days...

I really don't like new years resolutions - I hardly ever keep to them and so it seems worthless to even make them, knowing my past history. The funny thing is, at the start of every year I go through feelings of being given a blank slate to start over with. I have grandiose ideas that I could do anything - lose those extra pounds, exercise, eat better etc. I am sure that I can do those things if I put my mind to it, it's just that my mind rarely cooperates. Last year in our little fledgling cell-group we looked at the chazown DVD series which is in a nut shell about living intentionally, with focus and a vision. Based upon the idea that "without a vision (or Chazown) the people perish". So even though I don't like resolutions, heres one anyway - I want to live intentionally. I want to be healthy, and that means I need to take control of my diet and exercise. Eat smaller portions. No pigging out on take-out food. Drink more water.

So HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all out there in Blogger-land, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year! It's never too late to start afresh.

xmas book 25|More Precious Than Gold

2006-12-25T11:38:00.000+13:00

More Precious Than Gold (Paperback) by Gillian Lobel, Julie Monks (Illustrator)
Book Description
Overhead the night sky blazed with a million stars. But Caspar's star was different... Old Melchior the wise, Balthazar the good and Caspar the youngest, kind and gentle, journey to Bethlehem to discover the promise of this exciting star - the child born to be King of Kings. A touching and poetic story which captures the true meaning of Christmas.

Reason why I recommend this book...
This has got to be one of the best stories of Christmas. A tale of the journey of the three wise men who saw a star and followed it to see the King.

xmas book 24|I See A Star

2006-12-24T11:30:00.000+13:00

I See A Star (Hardcover)
by Jean Marzollo, Suse Macdonald (Illustrator)
Book Description
This simple story about a group of children getting ready for a Christmas pageant is told entirely in rebus form. Bold, colorful graphics represent a question and a reply on left-side pages; a picture on the facing page clearly illustrates the action. For example, the translated icons on one page "read": "Can you see three kings? I see three kings." The accompanying picture shows three children donning their robes and crowns. An easy-to-follow key and recognizable artwork work well in tandem to present a clear, repetitive tale for emerging readers.

Reason why I recommend this book...
This book is written in such a way as that even non-readers can "read" the Christmas story.

Advent06|24

2006-12-24T11:28:00.000+13:00

24 - Create our own christmas plates :D

John 5:30-47

30 I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.

Witnesses to Jesus

31 “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. 32 But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me is true. 33 In fact, you sent investigators to listen to John the Baptist, and his testimony about me was true. 34 Of course, I have no need of human witnesses, but I say these things so you might be saved. 35 John was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. 36 But I have a greater witness than John—my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has testified about me himself. You have never heard his voice or seen him face to face, 38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you.

39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.

41 “Your approval means nothing to me, 42 because I know you don’t have God’s love within you. 43 For I have come to you in my Father’s name, and you have rejected me. Yet if others come in their own name, you gladly welcome them. 44 No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honor each other, but you don’t care about the honor that comes from the one who alone is God.

45 “Yet it isn’t I who will accuse you before the Father. Moses will accuse you! Yes, Moses, in whom you put your hopes. 46 If you really believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 But since you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

Advent06|23

2006-12-23T11:25:00.000+13:00

23 - footspa - give our feet some special treatment

Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah’s Prophecy

67 Then his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave this prophecy:

68 “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has visited and redeemed his people.
69 He has sent us a mighty Savior
from the royal line of his servant David,
70 just as he promised
through his holy prophets long ago.
71 Now we will be saved from our enemies
and from all who hate us.
72 He has been merciful to our ancestors
by remembering his sacred covenant—
73 the covenant he swore with an oath
to our ancestor Abraham.
74 We have been rescued from our enemies
so we can serve God without fear,
75 in holiness and righteousness
for as long as we live.

76 “And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
77 You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.
78 Because of God’s tender mercy,
the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us,
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace.”

80 John grew up and became strong in spirit. And he lived in the wilderness until he began his public ministry to Israel.

xmas book 23|The Manger Where Jesus Lay

2006-12-23T11:16:00.000+13:00

The Manger Where Jesus Lay (Paperback)
by Martha Larchar, Karen Clark (illustrator)

Reason why I recommend this book...
This is a wonderful little book for reading to your children. It has a simple premise of building the story. Each page adds a new line, with a key word represented by a picture. Once they learn what each picture stands for, you will find that your kids will be able to recite the entire sentence. The topic of the book is the Christmas story, but we read it all year round.

Advent06|22

2006-12-22T11:23:00.000+13:00

22 - Go out for a special lunch at Breakers

John 3:16-21

16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”

xmas book 22|Mary's Baby

2006-12-22T11:05:00.000+13:00

Mary's Baby (Hardcover)
by Jane Chapman (Author)

Book Description
A simply told version of the story of Jesus, written and illustrated by Jane Chapman.

Reason why I recommend this book...
Written in a simple to understand way, this Christmas story is fun for preschoolers to hear and understand. The illustrations are beautiful.

news|10% of children 'incapable' of learning at school

2006-12-21T11:23:00.000+13:00

NZ Herald
Tuesday December 19, 2006
By Claire Trevett

Researchers say triggering a child's curiosity may help them regain the learning instinct.

One in 10 children is incapable of learning at school, two education researchers have found.

And in poorer schools, that figure can rise to one in four.

But the researchers have a possible solution to the problem - restarting the brain so children regain the learning instinct.

Dr John Kirkland and Dr David Bimler, of Massey University's College of Education, say the secret to reducing classroom failure may not be the traditional push for the "three Rs" but rather triggering instincts such as exploration and curiosity.

Dr Kirkland said a difficult home life could stifle development, leaving children in a "cognitive cul-de-sac" - unable to take the initiative, afraid to ask questions and unable to process information in the usual way.

"Where there is a lot of stress on a family or there has been neglect or they have been misguided in some way, they don't have the resources to do any thinking at all, because everything is focused on personal survival and getting to the next day."

Such "stalled children" did not have the necessary foundation for further learning, making the traditional curriculum almost impossible to teach.

Dr Kirkland and Dr Bimler's research is aimed at finding ways to spark that development in nine to 12-year-olds, to see whether children can revert to a normal learning path.

"A lot of things you do are automatic once you learn it the first time, and your future learning builds on that," Dr Kirkland said. "So if we can push the right buttons to restart those brains it will help."

There was a need for a commitment to finding a new approach "rather than pushing reading, writing and arithmetic on students, based on assumptions of their cognitive skill levels".

"When you have poor achievement at the level of at least 10 per cent, then society suffers."

The system the two researchers are developing uses mainly visual tools, including memory games, pattern recognition and identification games.

"Most middle-class students start off knowing their colours, how to count to 10 [and] how to read because they've had hundreds of hours on somebody's knee getting started on those things very early," Dr Kirkland said.

"But if you don't have those opportunities, there is a whole part of you that is not able to be switched on and you will be unable to proceed with learning.

"So we are trying to reach back into the numbed minds of those adolescents and respark that learning."

Dr Kirkland said it was a new approach to an age-old problem which had to be tackled.

"Other people have been down this road before and we are just building on that."

But hundreds of people think they know what the problems are and yet so many things have been tried and failed. This might be another fizzer as well."

Pre-adolescence was a critical stage because once a person went through puberty it was harder to change him or her.

The research was still at a preliminary phase, but some teachers were informally using the techniques.

Advent06|21

2006-12-21T11:20:00.000+13:00

21 - Fondue night - Yummy chocolate dipped goodies!

John 7:53-8:11

[The most ancient Greek manuscripts do not include John 7:53–8:11.]
53 Then the meeting broke up, and everybody went home.
John 8
A Woman Caught in Adultery
Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

11 “No, Lord,” she said.
And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

xmas book 21|Pavlova & Presents

2006-12-21T10:58:00.000+13:00

Pavlova & Presents
by John Parker, Linda McClelland (illustrator)

Reason why I recommend this book...
This book is about your typical Kiwi Christmas. Family, food, beach, sun... It's one of my girls favourites and we read it last night during our advent activity of "reading Christmas stories!" The kid's just LOVE the fact that it is like their own Christmas experience. And I love Pavlova, you can get a great recipe for it over on my food blog.

Advent06|20

2006-12-20T11:17:00.000+13:00

20 - Story-time [everyone get's to pick their favourite Christmas story]

(we also went to see the Christmas lights around Manukau - the joy on the kid's faces was priceless, but we forgot to take a camera with us :( )

Matthew 11:1-12

Jesus and John the Baptist

1 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region.

2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’”

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way before you.’

11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.

xmas book 20|The Noisy Stable

2006-12-20T10:52:00.000+13:00

Noisy Stable (Storyteller Tales) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Hartman

Book Description
A new range of thematically arranged collections of some of master storyteller Bob Hartman's best-loved folk and traditional tales. The contents are derived from the best-selling The Lion Storyteller Christmas Book. This volume contains six Bible stories about the first Christmas retold with freshness, verve and humour. It has a cover in series style - including the cute Storyteller Tales logo - and line illustrations accompany the text throughout.

Reason why I recommend this book...
This book is full of fun re-tellings of traditional Christmas stories. My children enjoyed listening and reading it for themselves.

Advent06|19

2006-12-19T11:15:00.000+13:00

19 - Dance like crazy to Christmas Music

Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

1 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, 2 “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” 3 The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”

4 John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. 5 People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. 6 And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

7 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”