Poppa and Israel

Israel went for his first tractor ride with Poppa last weekend. He's become a super cheerful little guy who is a tad obsessed with balls and anything that could possibly be used as a ball. Super funny.

The cousins....

beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

~
It is that time of year once more.....

The Christmas tree is up, and there are presents underneath all ready to be torn apart on the day, and I've been baking like a wild thing.

Most of my clients have received their gingerbread men, though I will need to do another baking stint this weekend to get it all finished.

This time of year seems to be more chaotic than typical, and I have to remind myself the reason for the season - which is NOT to stress yourself out and get all wound up about what you haven't done.

Before I know it - the new year will be here.....

For now, I hope I can catch my breath and enjoy the season ahead.

Hope you all do as well!

Be blessed.

Surprise!!!

It was Tamati's birthday last week... and Tess had organised a surprise party for him....

I was asked to organise a date night for Tam and I... it had been a while, so figured it would be quite easy to convince him of some mischief with me. Of course I didn't really give the night a great deal of thought.... I just knew that I would pick him up, and then I'd get him home around 7:30 for him to be surprised.
Lack of details there.... but I managed quite well.

We went and looked for my new ute that I'm apparently getting next week, with no real joy and then went to look at computers. I'm about to start studying again, and my poor old beast just isn't up to the job. he he. That, and I really won't have room for it either. I'm trying to look at the whole big picture right now... as far as getting a computer for school as well as for my photography and other things I'm getting busy with.
So.... dreaming of an apple. We're becoming a Mac family..... we'll see.

So... from the store we went for a drink and massive plate of curly fries. It was nice to just sit and chat about what's been going on with us. It had been a long time since we've just had time to natter away.

Of course from there I had problems....
"Lets go bowling?"
"Lets check out movies?"

And I could see him getting a little testy as I struggled to come up with excuses. It did kind of help that I've been sick all week with a chest infection.... so in the end I suggested we go grab some ice cream and go watch a dvd at him place.
He bought it.... and so eventually we made it home.

Got into the house and he opened the living room door to everyone screaming.
It was a beautiful moment. He was honestly totally clueless!!!

Tessa and I couldn't believe we'd actually managed to pull it all off without him catching on.
Tamati is always the one getting everyone else - so it was about time we managed to pull one on him.

Great job, and tons of fun!! And he totally deserved it all. Next weekend we're heading up to Auckland for a day at the adventure park... bring on the rollercoasters. :)

The big wedding....

Dave and Sara tying the knot in Rarotonga May 8th, 2009.

Was a beautiful ceremony right on the beach. Stunning!!

Tessa and Israel

Israel

~ Israel Manga - Christmas 2008

Israel

High Tea....

mother dearest.....

~
I haven't really written anything about Mum lately. In fact, at all since the news of the cancer.

She had her surgery a couple of months ago now, and only has 4 more sessions of radiotherapy to go of her 5 1/2 weeks.

She's been doing awesomely well - Praise God!

There have been a few upsets - like a bone scan coming back with signs of osteoporosis which has led to a change in hormonal treatments, which was pretty major, as she'll be on this drug for the next 5 years. Other than that though - I think she's rather enjoyed learning about the machines and meeting all the different people.

All the staff at the hospital that she's in daily contact with are wonderful, and that in itself has been a huge blessing!
Really there is so much to be thankful for in this situation.

Of course no one ever wants to hear the news that they or a family member has cancer - but in amongst all of this there have really been pockets of grace for mum to land in.

My prayer is that it would draw her closer to God, and us as a family closer to one another. I think it's done that already though.

It's breast cancer awareness month, and tomorrow I'm joining mum and some of her friends on a walk around the lake..... all of us in PINK! (eick!), including the dog. :-)
I'll have to try and get some photos of the frills.


But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

the monkeys.....

Evita and Tawhai reading bedtime stories

a day, a week, a year.....

~
Kind of reminds me of the theme song from Rent.......

If you knew it was coming to an end - what would you do?
How would your priorities change? Would they? Or are you living the life that you want to be living at this very moment?

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer on Wednesday.
She's 10 years younger than my grandmother was when she was diagnosed. Granny died just over a year later.

I did freak out when I found out, and the memories have not been particularly sweet.

Now though..... we're incredibly relieved that it was breast cancer and not her melanoma spreading - which would have meant that it could have spread everywhere and there would be little they could do.

She will hopefully have her surgery this week, recover from that and go through 6 weeks of Radiation therapy.
Prognosis is good, and mum is doing awesomely well.

Between here and there, a whole lot of praying and a whole lot of walking in Faith.

"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen...."


So.... my question really is.... are you living the life you want to live?
Are you being all you are meant to be?
What is God telling you to do right now?

I'd have to answer yes and no.

I'm still here, and I'm glad that I have the answers now for why the doors have been repeatedly slammed this year every time I've made moves to leave.

I have a long way to go....

mid week

The stunning scene on my way to Coromandel a few weeks ago.

I really have been having the most amazing trips lately - stunning days. Alas, I've also been leaving my camera behind which is a little silly.

On Tuesday I drove home following the sunset the whole way.... over the hills, through the bush, the light dancing before me. I just love the way every sunset is different, and how it is constantly changing. Just when you think nothing could be more beautiful, the light changes and you get something just as incredible.

How can people refuse to believe in God when we are constantly being showered with such beauty.

puzzling......
~

the story to go with the pictures....

~

Tessa and I decided to have a girls only day. We left the cheeky monkeys behind and headed off into the hills.

My aunt and uncle who live out in the middle of nowhere - check out their website
www.nikaucave.co.nz
have just built and opened a cafe on their farm.

They had originally thought of building it for one of my cousins weddings.... this particular cousin just celebrated their 3 year anniversary when the cafe opened.

Yes, it's been a rather long and drawn out process - but it's been worth the wait!

Another one of my cousins and her husband are now running the cafe and doing a FANTASTIC job!!

I'd tried to call before we left - but had no joy, which made our arrival a wonderful surprise. The look on Nicola's face was priceless. Nothing like getting such an excited welcome.

The afternoon was then lazed away. We ate and talked and soaked up the sunbeams.

There was an American couple who were staying in the "white house" for their wedding anniversary. Nicola and Richard were all excited because they had found some new friends. Kindred Spirits. The couple were about the same age, and had come over for a year to work and play. They were Christians and just super lovely to sit and talk to.

I've been invited to go and learn to climb at the climbing wall where they work - something I've always wanted to do, but never actually felt comfortable doing with all my incredibly sporty friends who climb.

It was the kind of day that left me feeling incredibly blessed to have such a great family - especially Tessa, who I'm quite sure I would go insane without!

It also left me rather thoughtful about what next.....


"You cannot always have happiness, but you can always give happiness"

A Friday night..

~

On a Friday night…..

I’m sitting in a café, Main street Hamilton, on the night of the first day of the Hamilton 400. The city has taken on a new look. There is a band blaring outside on the main street; it having been closed to all cars for the night – and the restaurants have made the most of it with lots of outside seating – no longer a footpath in sight as people begin to spill onto the streets.

I haven’t been in the best of moods today.

My boss ran off to watch the racing, which is great. In the lead up to the huge event he became more and more like a child in a candy store. It was actually wonderful to see someone who was looking forward to something so much. I’m glad he took the day off to go and enjoy it.

I don’t mind being left in the office, but it was dead!

Everyone in the electrical industry was down there enjoying it. I rang a few of my suppliers and all I could hear while I was talking to them was a brrrrrrooooooooooom every few seconds as a car zoomed past. Quite amusing, while they tried their best to convince me that they were in fact working hard.

I’m beginning to feel more and more like a little fish swimming in an enormous pool/lake/ocean…….

It’s not that I feel out of my league as such… more like I’m just stuck and don’t know how to grow this into something bigger.

I guess that ultimately scares the hell out of me because what if I do decide to start doing my own thing. Ultimately I would like to work for me, but would I get to this same place and begin to flounder around too. What would be different? Just the fact that I needed to succeed because it was that or fail myself?

Do I feel complacent because I’m working for someone else who just doesn’t challenge me, or really encourage me to do anything different – therefore I get more bored, but less inclined to jump up and do anything because it’s really not even expected.

Mediocre is alright?

Since when was I ok with being mediocre????

I’m not!

big day out

Yes, I got to take Tawhai on his first fair ride. He was hillarious!!!!! I thought he might start crying after the first round - but he just started laughing away. Very cute.

We went to go and watch my cousin in the National Shearing Champs. She was absolutely brilliant - ended up 6th, and is still the only girl to do so well. She just blows me away with her strength and calm manner doing something so hard..... and she has such style about her too. :)
Took this picture of Tawhai with Sam afterwards (Emily's husband) He's a mans man with the softest nature... and the ability to grow amazing spuds! :)

Bonjour!

Salut mes chers amis!

Another weekend breezed past, and it was all a blur.

My brother, sister in law and neice and nephew came to stay. It was lovely to have a full house, and to have the company, but it really did stretch my patience too.
They'd all been very sick that week, and so I'm sure Tessa and Tamati needed a break - but Evita was being quite fussy, and just wanted to be held all the time.... poor Tawhai must be teething, and while he's just the best at finding things to do - I felt quite bad that I didn't give him more attention.

I was left feeling drained and with the thought that I would just not make a good mother. My time as a nanny and in the classroom had indicated as much.... being an aunt has confirmed! Hehe. It's not really an issue, but a passing comment.

Anyway.... I've since been hit by the passing bug, and spent all of yesterday in bed, or in the bathroom... and today, while better - still not able to sit for long periods. Thankfully the spa is such a relief. I can go and sit out there and almost fall asleep in a state of bliss. The heat seems to help my stomach settle a little and eases those aches and pains from the tractors which visit requently during the night, running over my back and legs. hehehe.

This however may be the motivation that is required to get me down to the local video store to become a member. 10 months later and I still haven't been down there to get out a dvd, which is most bizarre... I don't think any of my friends would believe me if I told them that. Today, I do feel like watching something though. :) A nice sappy movie to keep me company.

The movie "Miss Potter" has just come out here, and I was supposed to go and see it last week with a new friend. (yes.... I'm getting out there and meeting people, slowly but surely. hehehe) I ended up in Auckland though, and he got bogged down with work. hehehe. Maybe this week we'll actually get there?
Yesterday we had a cute little visitor, so I thought I would include a picture of her for you. For those of your who are Beatrix Potter fans, such as myself - you should have no problem recognising her.

Yes.... Miss Tiggywinkle came a-visiting. And Twiggy was most curious.....


I think Twiggy thought she'd found a new friend. And while a hedgehog will hardly hurt, not something to dig your claws into.

It's rather unusual to see one out at day light, so hope that this little one was ok. It was just as dusk, and it seemed quite happy foraging around looking for slugs and snails. I have no idea where it wandered off to after this.... but hopefully it stayed clear of the horses hooves.

Right.... must move..... tickets to buy for Brooke Frasers concert - which I'm most excited about, and better try and get something done with this car.

Be blessed
xx

march, already!

The weekend is zooming by, and I thought if I don't sit down now, and make time, when will I get around to it again?

Firstly; Mr Ed, I so appreciate your notes, and constant encouragement. You really are so super sweet to stop by and check up on me. To anyone else who stops by... thanks to you too. :)

Right.... some pics that I had to share


Firstly; Tawhai and Popa! hehehehe... yes, one of Tawhai's first words is Popa, and he says it with such convection and excitement. We've come to the conclusion that while he loves Popa, what he really LOVES is the tractor! Whenever they are driving out in the country now, Tawh gets all excited and starts saying Popa, regardless of where they are. Has made for some tearful drives. But, wow is it ever cute when he does arrive here, and jumps out of the car to find Popa!

Next bit of exciting news; Tawhai is trying to say my name! :) Yipeeeeeeeee....... ok, so CJ is coming out like Yeyay, but I'll take whatever I can get. He even chants it around the house, especially after I've been around there. How cute is that?!

Evita is growing super quickly, and I suspect is going to jump straight to walking. She is a mover and a groover, and hates to be still. Quite hillarious to watch, but exhausting to have to try and hold. We had her dedication last weekend at church, and she wore a dress that was made from Tessa's great grandmother's wedding dress. Absolutely gorgeous, and for the first time she just snuggled into my arms through most of the service. It was so precious to have that time with her, and just cherish this beautiful little girl. I've got a couple of photos on my computer that I need to get over here to put up.....
For now, this one will have to do. Tamati being his usual cheeky self.


Tamati's response to my saying that I was looking to move was one of panic, quickly followed by one of madness. He's adament about setting me up with some guy. Yes, he's of the belief that if I should fall madly in love, then I wouldn't make such threats. It was such a funny process to watch. Instantly naming off guys with Tessa.... " what do you think of so and so, and then there's.... "
I had to laugh.
I'm not looking for a guy to make me feel better about living here. I would like some friends to do things with. I'm becoming more of a recluse, and it's scaring me - as it's becoming more comfortable, and I know that I'm starting to make less of an effort.
Sure, I still ask people out, and am ever the friendly one.... but it's becoming less of an issue.

I'll have to spill the story about the American in another blog. hehehe.

Hope the weekends have been warm and filled with much laughter. It is certainly an awesome thing to have people around who fill your heart with warmth and cheerfulness.

Be blessed.
xx

a night out....

Finally got a couple of shots of the beloved little Evita Mary!!

Went out to a bbq at Tessa's mums place last night to meet some of the locals. Funny how I mention the move to Canada and suddenly both Tess and Tamati go into "matchmaking" mode. It was hillarious to see their reaction at dinner the other night.

"but, but, but........you can't leave. I know, we'll find someone for you to settle down with...."

I just said that after 6 months, all I desperately wanted was some friends. People to do things with. People to talk to. I didn't think it would be this hard. And while Shane tells me that I just need to jump in the deep end - how much deeper can I go? I'm singing at church - pretty out there, pretty deep. I've invited anyone and everyone I've met out to coffee.... and have had resounding NOs. Is there something else? The people that I have met, and are keen to hang out are all 20. Nothing against that at all - but it is different.

Anyway... back to the bbq.

Lovely night out. Fantastic conversation... and even a time of prayer! How can you beat that?!

And then there was the mischief maker; Tawhai.
He was left to eat a bowl of cherries to his absolute delight! And yes, the mess on his face was priceless, as was the moment when we realised he was swallowing the seeds. Finally got him to spit them out.
I remember as a child I was convinced that I must have a million watermellon plants growing inside of me after each summer - and always wondered what happened to them???

Tawhai is ever changing and constantly growing. He's really such a great kid to have around, and so funny to watch as he entertains himself.
We were talking about how different Evita is to him. He was so laid back, and yet Evita is far more of a snuggly baby. Tawhai wouldn't go to sleep in your arms, while Evita would rather sleep there... and yet she's the one who lets you know when she's angry, and Tawhai just cruises along.
It's fun to watch the differences, and just know that they are part of you. I guess I'm becoming ever more protective of them both. Hope that just transpires into me praying for them more.

Today.... more horse stuff, and then Tess and I might go and see a movie. I think she's needing some time out just as much as me. :)

Blessings. xxx

Wedding....

The boys, waiting.



The Arrival!



It was all absolutely Gorgeous! What a setting for such a special day.


Convoy.....

The wedding was actually on the beach you can see in the distance. Was classic driving back across the farm.....