Completely Cottage

So.....

2012-01-25T19:56:00.000+13:00

Does this make me negligent?

Just kidding -

I actually sat with her and watched her (well... ok I videoed her!) falling asleep in her jolly jumper.

What you can't see in the photo is the big dribble....

And just in case you were wondering....

Here she is all tucked up. :)

A glimpse of the days

2012-01-21T12:13:00.001+13:00

First time in the Jolly Jumper!

Love the beach....

Crazy dog in the baby gym.... (see the guilty look on his face!)

Ta dah!! It's finished!

Task force at work!

The cottage menu...

2012-01-10T15:41:00.002+13:00

The troops are out playing in their wee cottage and just showed me what they have made themselves for afternoon tea. Salad! From my vege garden! As I sit and watch I notice they have gone back for cherry tomatoes and sugar snap beans..... hmmm.... I think I'll get them to make another salad for dinner!

Today...

2012-01-09T15:44:00.001+13:00

I am listening to Lisa Hughes while teaching Kate the finer points of making coleslaw....

Another finished project...

2012-01-07T19:20:00.003+13:00

Wee socks for my partner in crime.

Oooh I love a baby in a nightie!

Busy hands

2012-01-05T16:50:00.001+13:00

Shelling peas for dinner

We spent most of the afternoon making stuff for the girls model horses with ice cream sticks

- so much fun!

Thomas the tank engine also wanted a paddock but he fell asleep waiting....

And meanwhile......

there is another project on the go...

Another milestone....

2012-01-05T12:15:00.000+13:00

Today marks another milestone....

It's Kate's first time in her cot (which we just moved Jack out of last week!)

It seems like she is growing up too quickly and I wish I could slow it down.

Instead I will enjoying every day with these little ones of ours,

knowing these days pass all too quickly.

This is the view from my bed - far too distracting!

*contented sigh*

There is another milestone coming soon but my heart is struggling a little with it. Would so appreciate your prayer as I work on having the right response and attitude.

Love is.....

2011-12-30T14:57:00.001+13:00

Sometime last year I mentioned a little project I was working on.

A book for girls about biblical love.

I just had confirmed a couple of weeks back that it will be published next November.

Yeah!

So today I am at my little desk in my room working on a couple of changes.

My partner in crime is very kindly napping....

Well - she was napping. Now she is awake and disracting me with her beautiful smiles!

How is a person supposed to get any work done around here with such chubby cuteness to distract.....??

First night in the big boy bed

2011-12-26T20:15:00.001+13:00

Note the essentials close at hand: cars and plane above head, 'me-mouse' and 'laughy the giraffy' next to the pillow, and books and more friends at the feet.

The foot of the bed has become the run way for the plane - what a cool idea!

T'was the night before Christmas....

2011-12-26T20:08:00.001+13:00

Christmas baking....

2011-12-22T17:24:00.001+13:00

Gingerbread men.... they are a nice bunch....

Except for this guy who seems to have an a psycho look on his face....

He shall be the first to be dunked in the coffee....

mwahhhh ha haha ha!

Another little project....

2011-12-21T18:43:00.002+13:00

Our deck is north facing and in summer it's not pleasant to be out on it.

I had thought a pergola might be a nice idea but that was not to be....

so 'we' decided a shade sail might just do the trick instead!

The view from the lounge

The Handsome Honey is getting very good at these projects that 'we' keep coming up with!

A wee holiday

2011-12-21T18:35:00.002+13:00

Last week we were blessed to have a few days away at a lovely beach.

We stayed in a friends bach and had such a good time together.

Of course it rained.... but there were a few moments of sunshine.....

This is the bach we stayed in - loved it!

A busy day....

2011-12-10T14:52:00.001+13:00

Tomorrow is our Sunday School prize giving

and

also we have all the youth from church coming to us for lunch....

Gifts for the Sunday School teachers.....

Chocolate brownie (which is actually darker in real life!)

for after lunch tomorrow....

yes there is a little corner missing - I had to test it to make sure it's ok!!

It is :)

Gifts for the Sunday School/under 12's which need wrapping....

(when we first decided we would purchase these books for our end of year prize giving, we had 12 children to buy for..... now we have 26! The Lord builds His Church His way!)

If you are looking for some great kids books, I would so recommend these.

My partner in crime (as the Handsome Honey calls her....)

Hope your day has been a good one too.

The sign says it all....

2011-12-10T10:41:00.001+13:00

Do you see what I see?

2011-12-07T20:01:00.001+13:00

Look just under the pink geranium....

It's Peter. As in Peter Rabbit.

Dear Peter, you are alarmingly close to my vegetable garden.

It will not bode well for you my furry, hoppity irritatingly cute friend.

It is time you left and found yourself another home.

Or else.

Sincerely yours,

Mrs McGregor......

Things I love today....

2011-12-05T17:29:00.001+13:00

New Christmas plates (from Spotlight)

This is our new tradition - used for every meal in December

Beautiful stars made from iceblock sticks by Miss 6

As part of our Christmas month celebration we are looking at the many characteristics of Jesus.

This one was 'There at creation' - and the kids had to draw their favourite thing that God had made.

'Someone' drew her family (that's me with the magnificent bow in the my hair and Kate in the sling!)

Another day was a letter to the Lord because He gave His Word the Bible to us...

This one made my heart sing!

OK.... now I get shallow....

But.... I love my new open shelves!

(not loving all those plugs below.... but still loving the red mixer!)

As in I really, really love them!! (thanks honey!!)

Linking to Paisley Jade 'things I am loving'....

What do you love today?

Christmas decorating!

2011-12-01T11:47:00.001+13:00

I love Christmas, it's probably my most favourite time of the year.

It's a time where we remember and celebrate the birth of our Saviour and look ahead with hope and joy.

Christmas words I love:

JOY, HOPE, PEACE, LOVE, GOD WITH US.

Today we started our Christmas celebrations by decorating the house.

Wanna see?

C'mon in....

The kids decorated the tree

(will I be able to stop myself from 'just fixing it up a little' tonight when they are in bed??)

The first Noel, the angels did say....

The porch table... still not happy with it, but it'll do for now....

We bought this in Germany when we went to a Christmas Market... sigh...

Miss 7's turn with the chalk board

Sometimes it's all about the details.... :)

I wish I had a mantle to decorate... but I don't.

So.... this is the best I can do....

Immanuel, God with US!

If you are looking for a great Christmas ideas book...

THIS is it

Have you decorated for Christmas?

I'd love to see.

Fun times....

2011-11-30T17:46:00.001+13:00

Today was THE day.

As in the DAY to get the Christmas photo....

So here are a few sneak peeks at the fun we had....

Did not get one shot where everyone's eyes were open...

And then there was The Dog.... who kept appearing in the shots

A fair amount of sibling love and fun occured....

As well as a few 'dropped lips' ... sigh...

And then .... me!

At the park

2011-11-18T20:56:00.001+13:00

"Take your marks, get set....

GO!

"Mama, I need a big boys bike!"

The Dog thinks we go to the park to spend an hour throwing a saliva covered ball...

One of our pretty lasses!

A shot taken by the 6 year old... no comments please about the mumsy figure!

5 weeks old

The Team

2011-11-14T13:11:00.001+13:00

How to get Master J to smile normally is a mystery.....

Cousins

2011-11-08T14:35:00.000+13:00

B's dad with his two latest grand-daughters born 3 days apart.

Jessica on the left, Kate on the right.

Lovely!!

Looking familiar

2011-11-08T14:25:00.000+13:00

Georgia 2004

Lucy 2005

Jack 2009

Kate 2011

My cup overflows ...

So this is us....

2011-10-29T18:50:00.001+13:00

The week past....

2011-10-29T17:15:00.001+13:00

This past week my mum stayed with us.

It's been fantastic and already I am missing her!

So just some random photo's of the week....

A quilt my mum and I started for my niece for Christmas.

Kate on her quilt doing the startled baby pose!

Almost asleep....

The Big Boy's toys over our fence...

'Dirt mountain'

The Handsome Honey, The Three and The Dog on dirt mountain...

Kate turns three weeks old tomorrow and I can't believe it.

Wish we could just slow time down somehow.

Baby love

2011-10-20T15:56:00.000+13:00

11 days old and cute as a button!

The crochet blanket was made by a lady in the UK for Georgia

The Socks....

I made them.... accidentally different....

didn't get round to making matching pairs yet....

This is why the new mama can't get a nap.....

Our house is literally shaking with all the huge earthworks that are happening from early morning.....

The scripture "His grace is sufficient" has taken on a whole new meaning!!!

One week today...

2011-10-16T20:57:00.000+13:00

First bath!

2011-10-16T20:19:00.001+13:00

*bliss*

There is a rabbit on my lawn.

2011-10-16T11:06:00.001+13:00

His name is Peter. I'm serious! About 2 months ago we were all delighted to see a cute little baby bunny pop under the fence and munch on the lawn. Two months on it's become clear that he has no intention of leaving.

He lives in a burrow under my compost bin and poo's on my lawn.

The Dog runs wildly all over the lawn sniffing the rabbit scent - and then stops to eat the poo. Ick!!

And with major new subdivision works happening over the back fence (have I mentioned how slightly depressing that is??!) - it seems unlikely that Peter will decide to move on.

That does not bade well for the new vege garden (or the old, as he is still small enough to squeeze through the picket fence)

The Handsome Honey has offered to 'sort him out' (by way of small silver bullet) but the new mother hormones in me can't bear to think of that right now.

So, what to do about Peter?

Suggestions??

For Grandpa and Grandma xx

2011-10-14T19:14:00.001+13:00

2011-10-14T08:39:00.000+13:00

I will protest loudly at having to go out in public in this hat!

That is.... right after I've...... had a little....... nap....zzzzzz

Introducing....

2011-10-11T17:42:00.000+13:00

Kate Laura ..... 7lb 8oz

Born Sunday, a little more complicated than we would have liked, but we are so thankful for excellent care and to finally have our sweet girl in our arms.

Mama and babe doing fine, sister's thrilled, brother somewhat interested, dog wondering when these little hands will throw the ball, and daddy very proud.

More later.

Things that make my heart melt...

2011-10-04T18:44:00.001+13:00

'Helping Daddy fix Georgia's desk'

"My saw too little Dad!"

"Keep it straight Jack Jack"

I won!!

2011-10-01T16:14:00.001+13:00

So.... a few weeks ago I was telling The Handsome Honey that I was going to set up a fun surprise for the girls one afternoon in the form of a nail salon. Admittedly I am not really a nail polish girl (doesn't seem to mix well with my gardening) but I do have a few wee bottles of colours. Then I open our email and find I have won a giveaway from Kiwi Mummy Blogs! And it's a sparkly nail kit!! I never win anything - this is major excitement for me!!! So it came - and it was HUGE!! AND it came with two other amazing things (which are top secret because they have been stashed in The Cupboard for Christmas). So.... if you are reading Leonie, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Without further ado.... here are the photo's from our Saturday afternoon nail salon....

Excitement which makes for scary wierdo faces......

Then Jack Jack woke just before we finished......

Lucy's motto - "More is best"

Jack Jack

'hmmm Daddy is not going to be well pleased if I paint these nails so what else can I get away with......?'

Georgia

She could not stop 'oooohing' and 'aaaaahing' over every colour, sparkle and jewel.

Meanwhile.... we wait and wonder.....

And in case any one was wondering what the canine family member was doing during all the sparkly excitement?

Sleeping. On my union jack cushion. And snoring. Loudly.

It's a good day! :)

Seriously cute

2011-09-23T20:29:00.001+12:00

I get the feeling that this guy likes his new book....

Plans

2011-09-23T13:00:00.000+12:00

For a while I have been scheming as to how to get more from my vege garden....

Of course, my scheming always involves this handsome fellow....

(CJW - it is noted that once again you are absent for such tasks - sigh!!)

Another vege garden is what I need!

And then I look over my back fence and see this.... roading into the new subdivision!! Wahhhh!!

Does anyone know of a spacious, warm, cute cottage on an acre anywhere near me that's within our budget? Hmmmm - didn't think so!!

On a more amusing note, there is still one member of the family who is yet to learn the rules of the morning tea picnic (primarily: thou shalt not scab food!)

The boys....

2011-09-22T20:11:00.000+12:00

This one is asleep with his new book....

Just one more peek at how cute he is!

These two are watching the news

It amazes us how affectionate Milo Dog is.

It's almost like having a cat in the house when he tries to climb on our knees and snuggle in!

Oh we love him!!!

The Princess and her Prince

2011-09-22T11:10:00.000+12:00

It's time to dance

The Royal musician

(in the keys of G, A and D...)

Some cool moves by the Prince!

And a member of the audience wondering if it's time to bring out the popcorn for intermission.....

Makin' bread!

2011-09-22T11:06:00.003+12:00

The rolls that were a flower, a snail and a turtle.....

yum!

Yummy quiche for dinner!

2011-09-12T19:08:00.000+12:00

Mmmm - quiche.....

(recipe from the NZ Gardener Homegrown recipes)

And to keep the kids happy, salad and home-made foccacia bread

(this is how I get the kids to eat what they don't like - make sure there is at least one thing on the table they like - then have the rule that they eat what they don't like first...works every time...)

I love this time of the day.

Birthday girl

2011-09-11T19:44:00.002+12:00

I usually show the photo of the candles being blown out - but I thought this candid one was funny! Look at the adoring glance Lucy is giving Milo!!

(as an aside, Milo made an appearance at the birthday today and it was amazing how chilled out he was with the 23 children!!!!! It seems like he has been part of our family a lot longer than 24 hours! AND just at the right timing.... Lucy slept through the night last night. No frightened footsteps to our bedroom at 3am! yeeeha!)

A very happy birthday girl!

We have had parcels and emails and messages from a number of you to wish the birthday girl a happy day.

Thank you so much - it really helped to make it a special day for her.

In fact, as she was eating her dinner tonight, Lucy pronounced this

"The BEST birthday EVER!!"

Yeah!

Miss Lucy, what a joy you are to us. We love your contagious laugh, your very caring ways, your snuggly huggles and the way you show your love to us. Grow in grace our girl, and never forget how much we love you.

(I wanted to have a few photo's of past birthdays - except I couldn't because they are on my lap-top, which is at the 'lap top doctors' and unlikely to be repaired!! Wahhhhh!!!)

Birthday food......

2011-09-10T19:30:00.002+12:00

Tomorrow for Miss Lucy's birthday we are heading to the park for a picnic lunch with friends and family. I am providing a goodie bag for each child with a couple of cup cakes, a ginger bread man and lollies etc. It's been a busy day of baking....

Of course I had to have a photo of my newest 'helper'

Isn't he cute!!

Milo dog

2011-09-10T19:24:00.000+12:00

Ready for our first walk to the park

Ready to chase the ball

A little weary after chasing the ball about 300 times!

Does that not make your heart melt!

Yep, that's what we are talking about!

'Mr Milo', if you are reading this (and I have a wee suspicion that you might), please know that we have had a lovely day with Milo dog. After you left, he amused us greatly by pushing the noisy ball thing up and down the hall and then enjoyed sitting at my feet in the kitchen while I got the birthday food ready. He loved the park and I think he will sleep well tonight as he spent the best part of an hour retrieving the ball!

He has chased the rabbit off the lawn and has made himself very much at home. Right now he is curled up at my feet, watching Japan beat France. He seems happy about that.

We are thrilled he is part of our family.

Thank you for allowing him to come to us.

We hope you are ok :)

7:15am

2011-09-06T07:29:00.001+12:00

"Mawy had a liddle lam..."

This made me smile....

2011-09-05T19:38:00.003+12:00

So much to say today... but this is cute and must be shared.

I just found Miss 7's Sunday list.... this is what needs to happen before church on Sunday.....

and in case you are wondering, "crash bag" is in fact the 'creche bag'.

And of course we must not forget to 'smile' (after we get drest).... I wonder if that is as hard at your house as it is sometimes at mine some Sunday mornings?

And, if I could share with you what I am listening to now, I would. My honey is at the piano for the first time in months and I am enjoying it very much.

*contented sigh*

Today I love.....

2011-09-05T17:43:00.000+12:00

Spring sunshine which means lunch and a PE lesson at the park!

There was a lot of hill running...

Ball dribbling.....

Daisy picking for mama (who was relaxing on the blanket)....

And love. I love sibling love.

All my precious ones with room in the front for one more...

So much to be thankful for.

A fun sleep over

2011-09-05T08:30:00.001+12:00

This is my dad and two of my brothers. They stayed last night - and left early this morning (after a cooked breakfast!) for a logging expo. Fun times!

Father's Day dinner

2011-09-04T19:33:00.000+12:00

The girls made pizza for our Father's Day dinner.

Yum!

This guy was the official taster of all ingredients.....

very helpful, as you can probably imagine.

Happy Father's day my handsome honey!

You are a wonderful Father and I am so proud of you!

And.... as I type, my own dad and 2 brothers are on their way to my house for the night!!

Yeah!

New member of the family

2011-09-04T15:53:00.001+12:00

Haha - that fooled you hey!
Well, it's not what you think. The bump is still intact and larger than life..... but we do have some news :)

As you may know our lovely Mac died a few months back. We never realised the impact this would have on our family. Since he died, almost three months ago, Lucy has been waking each night (read: 3am!) frightened. It's been horrible. We tuck her back up and she is often weeping, and having tried many things to comfort her we reached the 'end of our rope' with Lucy and her mama and daddy quite exhausted and discouraged.
Add to that my own loneliness (sniff sniff - I know - poor me!!!) Although I have not lived near my family for a number of years I must confess to finding it very difficult. I can't just call in on my folks or brothers and family, or have my folks come over and help out when things are tough. The reality is that is quite a trial for me. Even with a house full of noise and kids I find the days are sometimes (and more lately, often) lonely (it sounds pathetic, but I am 34 and a half weeks pregnant and still feeling sick!!! So give me a wee break!) Now while I must say that 'a new family member' will not make up for the Thursday's I know my mum and sister in law's go out for lunch together, or the twice weekly meals that my brothers and their families have at mum and dad's, not to mention friends who live a long way from here..... it will be nice to have a little companion at my feet to amuse me.
So... let me continue my story....... while we had planned on waiting till next year to 'start looking' it seemed that the need was now. So at the end of this past week we had a look on Trade Me. For a free dog. Yep free. Spaniel's are normally about $800 and that was quite a lot outside of our 'free' budget. giggle. Anyway spaniels are rarely free. If they are, there is usually something wrong with them. Like - they hate kids. Or they have a heart condition. Or three legs (actually that's a lie).

Anyway, there I was looking for a free spaniel, within driving distance of our house, with great health, potty trained, well behaved, loves little hands constantly looking to scratch the ears, not a digger or a barker and would sleep with an almost 6 year old to help with the nightmares, as well as be a companion to this mama to be..... Not too much to ask I thought.

And there he was. Honestly! So I did what any self respecting 30 something year old would do. I welled up with tears and emailed my honey at work. I may or may not have entitled the email "URGENT" (hehe)
My honey (being the world's most sweetest man who has been concerned about his wife's lack of cheer of heart) emailed back and said - "Let's talk...."

A few phone calls, emails and a few 'hold hands and pray and talk' sessions later, we were driving to visit A Dog. He is lovely. He loved the kids. He sat when told, gave high five, chased imaginary balls in the park and even allowed the kids to walk him on a lead. And he is healthy as a bean! And adorable - big eyes and soft ears - all a bit lovely.

I'm so thankful. I think he has come at just the right time for us. And I think it will mean that we will get to sleep through the night again. That will be helpful on all fronts.
I just can't say how thankful I am. It was just another reminder to me that the Lord cares even about the small details of life. He provided us a dog but more than that - he cared about the small things which will make such a difference to the lives of the 5 in this family.

A Dog (now This Dog) moves in next Sunday. Lucy's birthday. Can't wait.
Thank you Lord.

PS - his name is Milo. Photo's next week.......

Contented sigh

2011-09-01T14:18:00.001+12:00

I love how 'quiet reading time' becomes an excuse for best friends to snuggle together.

PS - library visit this morning and The Bookworm was disappointed that she was only able to borrow 11 books.... ("Um sweetie, I think they will get you through to next weeks visit!")

PPS - exhausted today after being woken numerous times through the night by cows in the paddocks behind our house bellowing in labour! At bedtime there were 4 calves... this morning at 7am there were over 10!

It has unsettled me slightly!!! ;)

Something sweet

2011-08-31T14:54:00.001+12:00

Yesterday I discovered a recipe for this delicious caramel and oat slice.

It is so.darn.good.

It's just what my hips need!! (hehe)

(thanks Paisley Jade!)

Caramel Oat Slice

Base

125grams butter

½ cup castor sugar

1 cup coconut

1 cup flour

1 tsp vanilla

Melt butter. Mix ingredients together and press into a swiss roll tin.

Cook for 20 minutes at 180°C.

Remove from oven and allow to cool then spread with the following...

Filling

Combine over a low heat 1 tin of condensed milk. 60grms butter and 2 tbls golden syrup.

Topping

Heat 60grms butter and 1 tablespoon golden syrup, stir in 1 cup shredded coconut and ½ cup rolled oats. I also add slivered almonds as an extra.

Spread filling on base, then topping on filling and bake again for 15 minutes or till golden brown.

And just something else that has happened just over the fence .....

See that little guy - only a few hours old. So cute!

Happy birthday to me!

2011-08-29T15:59:00.001+12:00

Breakfast with my favourite 4.

My handsome honey made my favourite breakfast.... fruit...

pancakes......

And tea. (I miss you Laura Spuur!!)

Then time to open all these cards and gifts which arrived last week in the mail.....

oooooohhhhh!!!!

So very spoilt. I am so blessed!!

So now I'm sitting at my table, sipping tea and watching a baby bunny eat our lawn. (yes, you read right. We live on a tiny section in suburbia and somehow we've been adopted by a wild bunny - wierd!)

A time of reflection and much thankfulness. I am so very blessed.

It feels good to be.... ahem.... 30 something!

Logo!!!

2011-08-27T20:07:00.001+12:00

www.rivercitybiblechurch.com

This is the new logo for our church. Cool huh!

PS - you can 'like' us on facebook too if you want...... :)

Winter warmer dinner

2011-08-16T12:27:00.000+12:00

So the Arctic freeze has hit and I have just made the perfect winter warmer dinner....

Just thought I would share in case you need a winter warmer dinner too...

1. Saute an onion and some garlic in some oil.

2. Chop a mix of vege (whatever is in the fridge) and saute it slowly with the onion and garlic

(Today I used: brocalli, leek, carrot, mushroom, corn, pineapple)

3. When vege is tender, add 2 tins chopped tomatoes, 1 small tin of tomato paste (optional) and any herbs you want

4. Mix the above with some cooked pasta

5 Pour into a dish and cover with grated cheese

6. Bake at 180 till cheese browns and/or mix bubbles

7. Serve with some yummy bread and enjoy!

Whisperwood cottage

2011-08-11T22:23:00.000+12:00

This is where you need to head for some fun ideas - enoy!

The view from my seat

2011-08-11T15:31:00.000+12:00

Do you know what this is?

It's my belly!!!! Wowzers!

Maybe this is why someone asked me yesterday if I normally get this big at this stage.... (yeah that made me feel pretty neat!)

PS - and the quilt border.... it's white and red... kind of. Thanks for your suggestions - if I had some green left I would have gone with that!

Sssssh!

2011-08-10T15:56:00.000+12:00

This is a wee peak at the cot quilt I am making my neice. But I need some advice....

1 - Is it girlie enough?

2 - What colour would you use for the border? White? And red?

The Pin wheel....

2011-08-10T11:36:00.001+12:00

I finished this late last night and snuck it on my big girls bed while she was asleep.

She was so excited when she woke this morning!

Worth every tiring minute I stayed up to finish it :)

The lighting is poor - but I HAD to show you!

What do you think?

Every quilt has to be draped over something outside right?

Hmm - that hat. No comment!!

One year on!

2011-08-07T16:53:00.000+12:00

A year ago my honey (aka: The Handsome Pastor) and I planted a church. It was something we never thought we would do - but here we are, one year on. It's been a wonderful, busy, encouraging, challenging, grace filled time and today we spent some time looking back with joy at what the Lord has done amongst us. I know many of you have been praying for us and supporting us in some way or another and I just wanted to say Thank you! We have so appreciated it. Enjoy some photo's!

Some of RCBC attended Impact Bible Conference in June

Today's service

Some of the dear ones we have come to love this past year

*swoon*

knit one, knit another one....

2011-07-29T17:32:00.000+12:00

One of the latest projects.

But you can see the problem right?

Yep - somehow I made two different socks.

sigh......

So now... to knit another two. The same as the first two.

And... in case you were wondering....

these are for my neice due 2 weeks before our wee dot.

These wee socks are for our wee one.

They look different too - but it's the photo!

Honest!!

The Belly Update...

2011-07-29T14:42:00.001+12:00

My honey keeps asking me if I have swallowed a basket ball.

Everyone's a comedian when someone else is piling on the pounds!!

Mine's bigger!

Animal park visit

2011-07-29T08:15:00.000+12:00

Snow!

2011-07-29T08:10:00.001+12:00

Numero Uno!

2011-07-15T16:14:00.000+12:00

Don't look too close... I couldn't find the paint and coloured it in with a sharpie!!

1 down, 3 to go.....

(1 in the garage primed and ready!)

*contented sigh*

Ugly?

2011-07-08T16:53:00.000+12:00

Do you have an ugly piece of furniture somewhere in your house?

We do. At least 4 actually!

We bought these wooden bar stools from The Warehouse when we came back from the UK.

I have always had a strong dislike for them. But they are functional. And ugly.

So.... for a while I have had a project in mind....

(note the plastic sheet under the stools to protect the carpet! There is a BIG project in mind for one day looooooong into the future which involves laminate flooring. So. Easy. To. Clean. sigh!)

Anyway, a sneak peek into the next project.

As I was starting to sand these babies, my girls came out to the garage. Here's how the conversation went:

Them: "Are you painting again?"

Me: "Uh - I guess so."

Them: "White paint?" (as they look at each other with THAT look on their faces)

Me: "Antique white actually" (I mumble as they walk off giggling)

So ... I guess I am predictable. But these are going to look great! More soon.....

Mid winter...

2011-07-08T15:30:00.000+12:00

This weekend The Handsome Honey and I have a Mid-winter Christmas dinner to go to.

Of course 'somebody' suggested that we should keep with the festive theme and wear Christmas hats.

(WHO suggested that?!)

Of course, my lack of creativity was an excuse for the girls to get creative....

The Handsome Honey is only slightly alarmed that he will have to wear the magnificent creation on the left for the evening. hehe....

A bit sniffy.....

2011-07-08T15:20:00.000+12:00

Well it's been quite a sad time at The Cottage with The Dog not getting better despite numerous trips and stay's at the vet.... and very sadly we had to farewell dear our Mac. But that's all about that... before I start weeping (again!) which starts the kids off too....

Anyway, in the name of denial and distraction, there was a need for some op-shop treasure hunting.

Oh boy did we get it!

This very ugly (but very solid and perfectly sized) bookshelf ($25 at Habitat)...

became the perfect end of bed bookshelf for Miss Bookworm who's books are taking over her room.

Now I just need the energy to sort the books and get them on it....

This nasty white table ($5 from Habitat) below (yes - very nasty, you can't see the marks and stains which made me drench it in anti-bacterial spray and wash it before re-painting it).....

became an even more suitable desk for in my room.

(oops - who put those ugly power cords on the floor?!)

So - a successful day. It was fun. And a little bit distracting. Just a little bit though.

A rainy afternoon

2011-06-23T15:52:00.002+12:00

Meanwhile....

Still poorly

2011-06-23T10:43:00.000+12:00

Scrum-diddly-umptious!

2011-06-21T19:55:00.002+12:00

So the photo isn't great but this is seriously THE yummiest smoked chicken chowder ever!

At some point I will share the recipe if anyone wants it - but for now you will have to take my word for it that I scored big time on the dinner menu points chart with my very tired husband tonight!

And.... then there were the anzac cookies and the caramel slice for after's....

Hmmm... can someone say..... calories!?

PS - home made bread too... ooooh yeah!

And just so that you know that my life isn't all about food....

PPS - please say a prayer for The Dog.... who, having consumed a whole chicken carcass from the trash is now very poorly. One $ouch trip to the vet and some meds later and he is still not looking good. It's all somewhat worrying.

Home science practical....

2011-06-21T11:57:00.000+12:00

Math - check!

Phonics - check!

Reading - check!

Writing - check!

Home science - in process!!

So... a certain 2 year old just sat on my bed and signed his name on my cream quilt (AKA - the precious quilt which I bought in the UK and is very precious to me!!!) with a permanent blue marker.

It. won't. come. out!!!!!

Suggestions????

Can't believe it....

2011-06-17T17:50:00.001+12:00

It's winter and it's freezing cold and dark outside.

But the kids are in the playhouse.

Papa has fitted a light in the prairie house (with a solar panel on the fence side of the roof!)

I wonder when the central heating is coming.... *giggle*

Today.....

2011-06-16T10:56:00.000+12:00

A soup kind of day

2011-06-15T09:51:00.000+12:00

Take one of these....

Butternut and kumera (or carrot) soup

- melt 50g butter and fry a diced onion till soft

- Add 1tspn ground coriander

- Add 400g chopped butternut, 1-2 chopped kumera or carrots, 600ml chicken stock

- Bring to boil and simmer for 20 minutes till vege are tender

- whizz till smooth

- serve with a dollop of creme fraiche.... (or not)

Then pour in cute little flask for the Handsome Honey to take to school

Wrap a couple of cookies (chewy in the middle of course)

Wait for the kiss as he runs out the door :)

Put your feet up and enjoy one of the said cookies with a cup of tea

Living the good life!

2011-06-14T16:05:00.001+12:00

Nothing like digging holes at the beach on a winters day!

But digging is thirsty work.....

Awww!

The three men in our home.... for now? Or maybe...???

hehehe.......

I tell you our life really is all about the beach of late. I mean seriously, this whole church planting, Director of Biblical Foundations HOD, conference speaking, homeschooling, dog owning, child rearing, growing our own groceries thing is a breeze....

hmmm.....

Must be time to write another book......

Feeling the love

2011-06-14T16:01:00.000+12:00

So Daddy, if God doesn't rest then why was the 7th day a day of rest.....

Note The Dog.... trying to get on his idols knee....

A note

2011-05-24T15:28:00.000+12:00

Today I received a note from 'the prairie house'. It read...

Dear Mrs M, at dinner time you are invite to are dinner party. Pleas bring the dinner for us.
Love the little M's.

They weren't kidding!

We're building!

2011-05-23T17:54:00.002+12:00

The ground freshly mown.....

the floor

Excitement levels at an all time high!

The Handsome Honey becomes Master Builder!

At this point we realised that even though we had measured it up, it seems a whole lot bigger than we thought. It's like having a small house on the lawn!

*giggle*

How fun is this going to be!??

Almost there...

Cute. *giggle*

So, this is probably the closest we will get to building a house and I am thankful!

The girls are super excited about their own little prairie house which even has a loft bed inside.

It's not yet water tight but hopefully we will soon get the roof and the veranda on.

We are so thankful for this cool little house!

More soon

(and already I am thinking whitewashed walls, bunting, quilts and pillows for the loft bed....)

Mum and Dad visit

2011-05-20T15:58:00.000+12:00

We just had a wonderful 4 days with my parents staying. It was the first time my dad has been to our house and as he is already talking about coming back I think he enjoyed it!! While the accident has been a terrible thing, one very positive thing is that Dad now has more time on his hands to come and visit us while my brothers run the logging gang. Yay us!!

First timer muffin maker

2011-05-12T11:25:00.000+12:00

I think I was almost 30 before I made muffins. Seriously! My sweet girl (7 years old) made these today with a wee bit of supervision and she did great! Can't wait till lunch time for one of these!!

Budget loving yummy-ness

2011-05-03T17:20:00.002+12:00

Am I the only one who feels sick when handing over the cash for the groceries? I mean seriously, is it just me or is the purchasing of good food becoming the rights of those in the exclusive 'earn bucket loads of money' club? Anyway, I, being not one to weep and wail in the face of a challenge, am out to deal seriously with the budget busting issue of mealtimes! So I am gathering a list of our favourite budget loving meals and thought I would share tonights offering with you. It's a goodie and a cheapie!

Salmon and rice bake
(This feeds us 2 adults and 3 kids... all kids ask for and get seconds)

Ingredients:

- 40 grams (or whatever) of butter

- curry powder to taste

- 2 T lemon juice (optional)

- 2 eggs

- 2 T flour

- 1 1/2 cups milk

- 2 T fresh parsley (optional)

- 1 tin of 210g salmon, drained (these are often on sale for around $2.60)

- 2 cups rice, cooked

- cheese for grating over top

1. Melt butter in med size pot on stove top

2. Stir in flour and curry powder and cook for one minute

3. Add milk, stir until smooth

4. Add lemon juice and parsley

5. Beat one egg and stir into mixture

6. Add salmon

Making the rice shell

1. Add an egg to the cooked rice and stir in thoroughly

2. Tip rice into a quiche dish and push down with a fork to cover the base and allow some to form a small wall up the sides

Pour the salmon mixture into the rice shell. Grate cheese over top. Cook in oven at 180 degrees for 20-30 minutes or in the microwave for 7 minutes. This is a good one for making early in the day and heating later. Serve with crunchy bread, and salad or vege. Yum!

Family fun day

2011-05-02T15:17:00.000+12:00

Having a wee rest while taking a walk to the Bridal Veil Falls

Still morning sick and getting chubbier by the day.....

16 weeks down.....

"Everybody look crazy!"

My three lovelies!

My two men

Beauty and force - a cool combination

How lovely is that?

Something to giggle at....

2011-04-16T18:24:00.000+12:00

Today I have been in bed. All day. Feeling sick.as.a.dog. Blech.
So this evening I checked Girltalk - a very cool blog - and in my search for a bit of inspiration and a giggle, found this... which really cracked me up.

A Homeless Man's Funeral

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky back country.

As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn't stop for directions.

I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were eating lunch.

I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the side of the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.

The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never played before for this homeless man.

And as I played 'Amazing Grace,' the workers began to weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.

As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, "I never seen nothin' like that before and I've been putting in septic tanks for twenty years."

Apparently I'm still lost.... it's a man thing.

Sunday School

2011-04-10T14:09:00.000+12:00

We had our first Sunday School class today. We have a roster of teachers and it's all very exciting. We are using the Desiring God curriculum which is a ministry from John Piper's church. It was a lot of fun!

Mrs B introducing herself to the class

Mr and Mrs B are one of our teams.

The most important questions we can ask....

And then a certain 2 year old got hold of the camera and

proceeded to take 30 photos of his feet, the floor and the ceiling!

In the kitchen

2011-04-09T14:53:00.000+12:00

I have had weeks of feeling so poorly now that I am missing my baking time with the girls.

Today I made cookie dough (all in the mixer!) and then the girls rolled the dough

(while I lay on the couch!)

These cookies are great!

Enjoying the messy job!

My view from the couch :)

The fruit of their labour :)

Chocolate chip recipe

(makes loads!)

1 pound (500g) butter

1 tin condensed milk

1 cup sugar

1tspn salt

vanilla

6 tspn baking powder

6 cup flour

1-2 cups choc chips

- Cream butter, sugar and condensed milk

- add all other ingreds and mix well

- roll into balls and squash down with a fork

Bake at 180 for 12 mins

Great for putting in the freezer for lunches.

Enjoy!

He's still here

2011-04-07T08:14:00.000+12:00

It's been a while since The Dog has made an appearance.

So, here he is.

The Dog is Very Loyal to my honey. To the point of stalking him

Even to the little boys room.

It cracks me up.

It does not crack my honey up.

That cracks me up even more.

hehe.

up up and away....

2011-03-31T08:40:00.000+13:00

The view from my front door

Standing on the deck

(at this point, J was screaming terrified of it)

So elegant!

Byeeeeee........

A cool start to the day!

The day off...

2011-03-28T18:33:00.000+13:00

Monday is supposed to be The Handsome Pastor's day off....

so after the kids and I got done with the school work this morning we headed to the beach...

The Three

Jack Jack

Lucy Goosey

Miss Georgia

The Handsome honey

Iced tea.... medicinal for queasyness.....

A great evening

2011-03-24T22:45:00.000+13:00

It was a real privilege to have these dear ones in our home tonight.

Resolved.

Very cool.

Ready....

2011-03-24T13:56:00.000+13:00

Tonight is our first Young Adults Bible Study.

We are calling it Resolved.

We are excited!

And even though baking with morning sickness is not the easiest of things to add to my list of things to do today, I have done it and now I am ready.

Resolved

Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die

Jonathan Edwards, 1722, age 19

As a young man of 19 Jonathan Edwards wrote 70 resolutions, revealing his heart’s desire to live a life dedicated to the glory and honour of God.

Jonathan lived a transformed life for the glory of God and he impacted thousands of people for the Lord. Even now, over 200 years later, Jonathan’s resolve to live for God continues to make a mark on the world.

Here at River City Bible Church we want to encourage our young adults to that same commitment. We want to see this generation of young people digging deeper into God’s Word, being transformed through His Spirit and going and making disciples.

If this is your heart’s desire and you are Yr 13 –mid twenties, please join us.

When: Thursday March 24, and every Thursday following, 7:30pm

Where: Bryan and Laura’s –.........

What: Bible study, discipleship, equipping, fellowship.... supper! J

Questions? - Contact Bryan or Laura ph ------------

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12

A catch up

2011-03-17T12:46:00.000+13:00

It's been a while, much has been happening.

So... in a nutshell.....

This dear man turned 40.

We had a wonderful celebration with about 40 people in our home.

I forgot to take pictures - oops!

A dear friend made a 'SURPRISE!' trip over for the special occasion.

What a neat time we had (esp that dinner at Nando's...).

We miss you Tony - thanks for coming!

My honey went to Shepherds Conference.

A huge blessing to him and for our family as he came home

refreshed and encouraged and fed.

Thank you Grace Church xx

My favourite quilting store in Montrose.... this dear lady

remembers us from each visit. Bryan is one of three men who

frequent her store for their wives fabric needs.... :)

In fine form at the Masters College

As an aside, B picked up some leaflets in case our kids want to go there....

in about 10 years time!

One of the highlights of being able to go to Shepherd's conference

Time with dear friends....

We miss you Spuurs!! xx

While B was away the kids and I went to my parents for 10 days.

It was great to see how my dad is coping after losing his leg in Dec.

But the highlight for me of Shepherd's Conference.....

having my honey come home.

I am a blessed woman.

Thank you Lord

Waiting and praying

2011-02-23T22:34:00.000+13:00

Another evening of sitting in front of the news feeling horrified as images of destruction flash across the screen.
Yesterday afternoon I watched as a young husband looked for his wife - continual prayer all day hoping that Kelly Maynard will go home to her honey and 2 young daughters. Is she ok? This evening a man spoke to his wife trapped in the CCTV building - excitement to know she was ok. Hours later they shut down that rescue site saying there is no hope. Heart breaking.
And now looters arrested. Time wasters.

Fellow kiwis we stand with you in prayer, knowing the reality of grief and pain and also the comfort of Him who knows.

And so we continue to pray and wait.

Birthday fun

2011-02-23T14:07:00.000+13:00

Birthday fun!

A few extra's

The bonnet was a hit Dee!

A sweet girl doing her math

7 tomorrow

2011-02-21T20:45:00.000+13:00

Tomorrow our baby will be seven. It sounds corny - but I can't believe it!! It seems like only yesterday that we lay her on our bed 10 hours after she was born and looked at each other in horror - as neither of us knew how to change her nappy!! What a joy this sweet and tender hearted girl is to us. She loves to laugh, to serve others and is very compassionate.

How proud we are of you sweet girl.

How humbled we are to be your parents.

one day old

Having a belly laugh!

An English rose

2nd birthday

Big sister

So thrilled with Cinderella that she couldn't bear to look at her at Disneyland!

Proud big sister

First catch......

the cake...

Dah da ta dah...

2011-02-21T20:27:00.000+13:00

Our church had a very special occasion this past weekend - the first wedding!

A beautiful and special day.

And of course the minister looked dashing in his suit ;)

Birthday treats

2011-02-21T20:24:00.000+13:00

In a weeks time it's my honey's birthday - his 40th in fact. This year for his gift he decided he wanted kite surfing lessons. Cool! Today was meant to be his first lesson but as we were driving to the beach the instructor called and told us there was not enough wind.... so we could have his paddle board for a couple of hours for free instead.

This is the life....

There's my hottie - ahem - I mean honey

First class travel for the maidens

(the water was knee deep)

The guy behind Jack is not actually doing a highland jig!

He is skateboarding :)

Doing his 'cheeeeeese' face.....

Historic Village field trip....

2011-02-15T14:30:00.002+13:00

One of the cool things about homeschooling is that school is what you make it.

I find it very easy to get 'book focused' and sometimes school work becomes another thing for me to cross of my list of things to do that day.... but I homeschool so I can spend time with my kids. Time to just be together and laugh and play and grow and love. So sometimes I need remember that, put the books away and just BE with my kids.

Today we left the books on the shelves, the girls donned bonnets and we joined friends on a visit to a historic village (complete with costume dress).

In school!

The cheesiest grins ever!

Some of these rules are hilarious!

(double click to get the bigger picture)

I could never have been a teacher - I would have to stop "loitering downtown in the ice cream shops"!

The cutest little praire girls around!

happy days

2011-02-15T14:03:00.000+13:00

2 years old

2011-02-13T19:14:00.000+13:00

12 Feb 2009

'Jack Jack' as he is fondly known

Sweet little boy

(Christmas wrap - terrible!)

This Feb/March is full of events so we had a combined birthday

celebration for Jack and Georgia today.

A picnic lunch with friends and family,

with cakes and excessive amounts of sugar for the kids.....

Opening some lovely gifts

Forgot to take the photo till they were in the car...

but you get the idea

Thanks to the lovely CHD for the ideas!

These are what I give at the end of the party instead of party bags.

They are full of lollies so when you shake them it's all a bit exciting!

Lovely friends to celebrate with

(and thinking of those who we wish were here!)

And family too

Jack how blessed we are to have you as a part of our family.

We love you so!

New socks from nana

2011-02-10T09:17:00.001+13:00

Nana knows her three girls up north love socks

(even in the middle of a very hot summer!)

Sadly there was a small pair of feet that felt left out....

(he isn't really left out - the socks came with his birthday gifts which he

get's on Saturday.....)