tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77174708108283001612024-02-03T05:04:02.918+09:30The Party That Never Quitsit's more like the tail-end of a boozed up frat party,
but it's the stuff epic stories are made ofJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-36248797738879662722012-09-08T00:24:00.000+09:302012-09-08T00:24:11.627+09:30I've movedCyberly, that is.<br />
<br />
I know I've done that a lot over the last year or so. But this place just didn't fit. Which is a shame. It was also difficult to feel at home when I didn't have a computer. I kind of got out of the habit. But I thought about it all the time.<br />
<br />
Adam bought me a new computer a couple of weeks ago, and I've set up a little corner of the blog world over <a href="http://sojensparks.blogspot.com/">here</a>. I do hope you'll humour me again and skip on over. It's very plain, though I had a lot of fun setting it up. I hope you like it, and I'm really looking forward to getting back into the swing of blogging.<br />
<br />
You guys are wonderful. See you over there :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-41371145401601822462012-01-25T23:13:00.001+09:302012-01-25T23:16:38.184+09:30Straya DayIt's Australia day <strike>tomorrow</strike> in an hour, and it's our kids favourite holiday next to Christmas. They've been asking for a week and a half how many sleeps it is until "Straya day" (oh yes, I raise my kids right; Bogan.) and are totally off the wall that it's only tonight.<br />
<br />
Yesterday Amy was sitting in the couch 'reading' one of Troy's "Wimpy Kid" books and singing to herself. I figured out she was singing the national anthem, her favourite song this week. (Other than a praise song she's made up all her own that went something like "God is so big and God is awesome and up in the sky".) I managed to catch a couple of minutes of it before she noticed me :)<br />
<br />
Which would have been awesome to post, however after trying all possible avenues, I failed <br />
:( Not having WiFi at the moment sucks majorly.<br />
<br />
We are going to a friends house to have a bbq, which is sure to be a fantastic time. We've been looking forward to it for a fortnight, and it's been ridiculous how giddy we have been planning it all. Hopefully the weather will hold off; it's been rather wet and windy for the last two days, thanks to the monsoon trough passing over the top of us. And what is Australia day without cricket??Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-42499067849148643872012-01-15T20:35:00.001+09:302012-01-15T20:37:45.242+09:30Mowing, mostly.Since moving onto our block, we've been having fun playing house and tidying up the place. It's like living in cubby house, and so far the novelty of that hasn't worn off.<br />
<br />
There's a lot of wild grass stuff that needs to be hacked away before we can do anything, so that has taken up the most of our time outside. I mowed the entire front lawn on Tuesday, which took me a good three hours or so. I thought it would be a great opportunity to get a relatively guilt free tan (since I was <em>working</em>) only sort of forgot about using lotion and subsequently fried my back. It's finally started to blister and peel today, so Adam is having a great time seeing how large the pieces of skin can be when pulled off. I'm letting him, because oh my gosh, the ITCH, and it's stopping that.<br />
<br />
We were very blessed when friends of ours mentioned that they had acquired some old ride on mowers that they were going to fix up, and offered us first dibs. Adam hastily accepted, and today was able to play with his new toy. He managed to mow a substantial part of the back area of the lawn before a belt gave way, but he is incredibly delighted to have something that will make the yard work so much more easier.<br />
<br />
The rain has finally remembered where it supposed to be, so we have been able to see how our tarpaulin is standing up to the wind and water. It is incredibly loud, especially at night, when the wind picks it up and so on and so forth, but that can't be helped if we want the water to drain off it. When we first put it up, we had it all nice and neat and lovely. Unfortunately, during a night of large quantities of rain, the water all pooled and weighed it down to the point it was nearly touching the ground! Adam and I were up at 3 in the morning trying to empty it before it broke everywhere. It was rather amusing. Normally, in any other circumstance, I'd be irritated, but knowing that it was going to be one of the stories that we'd look back on when remembering building our very first home, it made it very easy to laugh through it.<br />
<br />
The kids are learning their surroundings, and have staked claim to a particular tree that Troy has already fallen out of. They've hooked up a swing, and quite often I see them perched up there in the branches with their drawing pads. Since there is not a lot else for them to do, they have taken to reading more, performing puppet shows and writing stories. They are good at staying in our yard, even when close to the road (we live in a cul-de-sac, so nice and quiet) since we don't have a fence yet, and are enjoying not having restrictions placed on them about where they can and can't play. They are totaly delightful in their enthusiasm for picking wild fowers for me... it makes me sad that we have to mow them all down.<br />
<br />
The cats have settled in, they like being under the containers during the heat of the day, or under the cars during the late afternoon, and are indside with us during the evenings and nights. I am so much more aware of how much they scratch my furniture though!<br />
<br />
In all, it's been a fun almost three weeks. It seems unreal that it's only been that long... it seems like ages already. It also makes the fact that i've ploughed my way through three series of <em>Bones</em> already slighly more intervention worthy. The kids are back to school in 15 sleeps, and then our routine can become a little more regimented. For now, we are just enjoying the laid back, do as we please rhythm we've got going :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-47169370577367102922012-01-10T21:35:00.005+09:302012-01-10T21:38:09.845+09:30Saying YES, again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://oneword365.com/"><img border="0" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRTwz-TpID2WhZJX_PeEBrvAI8_fuw419Vn8-BoCNLzhLZOSMcNhY2a8AlBZCutXkjl9kzWqcKbpT5qWHcUYm_M88ZZI7GiMPreEulFtmkZcKU3WiPcIvQSLax0i_w57zWCjyzkjES8v-/s1600/oneword365.png" /></a></div><br />
My mother used to tell me, No matter what they ask you, always <em>say <strong>yes</strong></em>. You can learn later. <br />
~<em>Natalie Wood</em><br />
<br />
To <em>say <strong>yes</strong></em>, you have to sweat and roll up your sleeves and plunge both hands into life up to the elbows. It's easy to say no, even if it means dying. <br />
~<em>Jean Anouilh</em> <br />
<br />
All you have to do is <em>say <strong>yes</strong></em>. Don’t make some big project out of it. Don’t make some big deal out of it. Just say yes. You don’t even know what it means to say <strong>yes</strong>, but you say it anyway. You’ll never know what it means to say <strong>yes</strong>, but you do it anyway. Freedom and Love arise when you die into the unknown mystery of being.<br />
~<em>Adyashanti</em><br />
<br />
I have enjoyed life a lot more by saying <strong>yes</strong> than by saying no. <br />
~<em>Richrd Branson</em><br />
<br />
Our task is to <em>say a holy <strong>yes</strong></em> to the real things of our life. <br />
~<em>Natalie Goldberg</em> <br />
<br />
As I <em>say <strong>yes</strong></em> to life, life says <strong>yes</strong> to me! <br />
~<em>Louise Hay</em> <br />
<br />
It is a f#@%load of work to be open-minded and generous and understanding and forgiving and accepting, but Christ, that is what matters. <em>What matters is saying <strong>yes</strong></em>.<br />
~<em>Dave Eggers</em><br />
<br />
Say no to the demands of the world. <em>Say <strong>yes</strong></em> to the longings of your own heart.<br />
~<em>Jonathan Huie</em><br />
<br />
Love is the mystical, unconditionally all-affirming <strong>yes</strong>.<br />
~<em>Daphne Rose Kingma</em><br />
<br />
Doing work you love is the dizzying path of saying <strong>yes</strong> to yourself and <strong>yes</strong> to a brilliant, hidden self you do not yet know. <br />
~<em>Tama J. Kieves </em><br />
<br />
Enjoy saying no but don’t make it the wellspring of your vitality. <em>Be fueled by blood-red <strong>yeses</strong></em>...<br />
~<em>Rob Brezsny</em><br />
<br />
How do you <em>say <strong>yes</strong></em> to yourself? By allowing desire to be your compass and the wind that fills your sails and asking the mind to be the servant of the heart. In our culture we ask the heart to obey the mind, and it can't because it is something so vast the mind can't even comprehend it. <em>Just let go, say <strong>yes</strong></em>!<br />
~<em>Doug Lesser</em><br />
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<em>Saying <strong>yes</strong></em> means getting up and acting on your belief that you can create meaning and purpose in whatever life hands you. <br />
~<em>Susan Jeffers</em><br />
<br />
When we learn to <em>say a deep, passionate <strong>yes</strong></em> to the things that really matter, then peace begins to settle onto our lives like golden sunlight sifting to a forest floor. <br />
~<em>Thomas Kinkade</em> <br />
<br />
One way we can know that we are aligned with the life force that is God is that we feel more and more alive. Notice what gives you aliveness and what diminishes you, deadens and numbs you so that you only skim the surface of life. Begin to <em>say <strong>yes</strong></em> to what quickens and energises, to that which brings joy and gratitude. <br />
~<em>Mary Manin Morrissey</em> <br />
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<em>Always say <strong>yes</strong></em> to the present moment. What could be more futile, more insane, than to create inner resistance to what already is? What could be more insane than to oppose life itself, which is now and always now? Surrender to what is. <em>Say <strong>yes</strong> to life</em> — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you. <br />
~<em>Eckhart Tolle</em><br />
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<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">I imagine that yes is the only living thing. <br />
~E. E. Cummings</blockquote><br />
<div align="right"><br />
</div><div align="right"><br />
</div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Follow the OneWord365 </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23OneWord365"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">feed on twitter</span></a></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Join the OneWord365 community over on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneWord365"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">facebook</span></a></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Subscribe to the OneWord365 </span><a href="http://oneword365.com/blog/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">blog</span></a></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-36011500754909217102012-01-07T20:38:00.000+09:302012-01-07T20:38:13.867+09:30Like honey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJRm1NbtboWTqc3A4Y0CCBs8-J4ykSBXvhKFCNbCSE29dQUmGLjQXCw4p23qTRx5AJQia_cBTBWKf9z3RsxC_lOKYlo78rFbOzoysC2swHnqlmUXLdkfg8IhMYzGx8bKJBR4sTH5RL-nj/s1600/sugarfree.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidJRm1NbtboWTqc3A4Y0CCBs8-J4ykSBXvhKFCNbCSE29dQUmGLjQXCw4p23qTRx5AJQia_cBTBWKf9z3RsxC_lOKYlo78rFbOzoysC2swHnqlmUXLdkfg8IhMYzGx8bKJBR4sTH5RL-nj/s320/sugarfree.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
Since my <a href="http://thepartythatneverquits.blogspot.com/2011/04/decaffeinated.html">new years resolution from last year</a> was <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>A COMPLETE RAGING SUCCESS</strong></span></div><br />
I decided to continue on with my zero coke idea, and extend it to all soft drink. No biggie.<br />
<br />
Then God poked my heart and suggested that perhaps dropping all candy <em>might</em> be a good idea as well.<br />
<br />
I found I substituted coke for skittles a lot last year. It was disgusting, really, because I'd eat the whole packet until I felt sick. It probably averaged out to a packet a week. Not good.<br />
<br />
So, since my <a href="http://oneword365.com/">One Word</a> for this year (post coming soon, I am fashionably late *cough*) is "YES", all candy and soft drink have been booted from my "oh I'll just grab this" list. That's fine :) I found during the past year that just reminding myself that I actually don't have to buy that bottle of coke was the easiest way of not actually, you know, drinking the stuff, so I figure it'll work the same with a bag of skittles or chickos. I was gifted box of fun sized chocolates for Christmas, however, and come New Years Day, I was wondering what I should do with them. I'm not a big chocolate eater, so I still had about half the packet left. I took it to my facebook page, where I was informed that chocolate is actually classed as a food, if made with whole milk.<br />
<br />
<em>oooh.... a loophole!</em><br />
<br />
I decided to think on it a bit more, but I already knew the answer. Chocolate is also out, as is icecream. Icypoles are ok. I'm starting to think I need to stop with the cordial as well, since I've drunk more of that in the last 7 days than I did for the previous 6 months.<br />
<br />
I think God is wanting me to learn self -discipline. Something I have lacked pretty well my entire life. But last year proved to me that I do have it in me, if I really set my mind to it. <br />
<br />
Well, that and have a lot of face to lose.<br />
<br />
I think this year, it's more than that. Sure, my stubbornness got me through last year. I think this year is going to take some relying on God... to turn to Him instead of the sugar. After all, His Word is like honey, right? :) <br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! <br />
~Psalm 119:103</blockquote><br />
It's been a week since I had my last skittle and swig of lemonade. Tonight I'm struggling with a headache caused by a lower sugar level than I'm used to. I've been all weepy the last few days, and I've not been sleeping well. It's an interesting thing, to watch how your body reacts to the lack of something it's so used to. It's like it has to find new rhythms, a new centre of balance, as it were. Getting healthy is a fascinating study :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-70680706694180908522012-01-04T20:11:00.001+09:302012-01-07T20:39:15.837+09:30Hello, again, helloOh look. I have a blog. I'd almost forgotten.<br />
<br />
So much has happened in the last I don't know how long I don't know where to start. I have so much planned for this new year I can't write it all in one post. Bullet points will do.<br />
<br />
Last year:<br />
<ul><li>We had the landlord from hell. It was not a fun year. We were screwed out of bond money, but in the end we just wanted her to GO AWAY.</li>
<li>My mum helped us buy a block of land and get a house on it.</li>
<li>We moved into our "dongas" (shipping containers) on our block. We are probably going to be living in them until September.</li>
<li>Adam started his psychology degree. Then stopped. He'll start again in the new year.</li>
<li>We got two new cats, but we had to give away our dog.</li>
<li>I started c25k. Then got a shin splint and busted my knee. I'm clever like that. But I continued to walk.</li>
<li>I totally NAILED my new years resolution to not drink Coke for the whole year.</li>
</ul>This Year:<br />
<ul><li>I'm doing <a href="http://oneword365.com/">ONEWORD</a> again. I epically failed my word from last year, so I will be keeping it for 2012... "YES"</li>
<li>I'm hoping to start blogging more regularly. I know I say that every year, but Adam wants me to this year... and besides; living in such close quarters is bound to result in some fun.</li>
<li>I will have 4 kids in full time school, one in part time school, and Cora at home. It feels a little strange.</li>
<li>We will be building a house. Also prime blog fodder ;)</li>
<li>I want to read more books. I'm horribly out of practise.</li>
<li>I will continue to walk, and lose weight this year. My sister's wedding in in June. I vill be svelte!! (you have to do that in a stern German accent otherwise it loses it's impact. And the v would make no sense.)</li>
<li>Since my new years resolution last year was such a raging success, I've decided to continue on an cut ALL soft drink/soda/pop out of my diet, as well as all candy and chocolate. Ice cream is still up in the air.</li>
</ul>It's gunna be a good year :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-2157176865418110622011-10-06T22:01:00.001+09:302011-10-06T22:01:58.745+09:30Swing, swingWhen I was little, my favourite thing in the world to do was swing.<br />
<br />
I have many memories from when I was small lost in my own little world as I swung higher and higher, feeling the wind against my face. I would sing... songs from the radio, songs from church, didn't matter.<br />
<br />
I also remember God meeting me there.<br />
<br />
Many a conversation we had as I soared (just perhaps I might touch the sky?) for hours. Little kid conversations most likely, but I do know that there were some pretty deep ones that defied my age.<br />
<br />
As a child, I had no inhibitions about talking to others about Jesus. Now days, social proprieties and other things tend to get in the way. But yesterday, a couple of memories came, again. What's prompted the beginning of this post, is that, for both of them, I was swinging. I've always remembered them, and would think on them from time to time, but I've been recalling them fairly often the last few months, and I can't help but think perhaps I need to pray for these two.<br />
<br />
The first one I was in Kindergarten. I couldn't have been more than 5. The swing set was down near the bottom of the playground, and I remember it being quite shady, the green of the trees quite dark. I was talking to a boy with white blonde hair, and I don't recall exactly what he said, but I remember that I answered "Oh, God is so much a nicer Father than your real one. You can trust Him. He won't hurt you"<br />
<br />
Swing, swing.<br />
<br />
The next one I was in the park that was three houses down from where we lived when I was 9. I was talking with the girl who lived over the road, Renee, I think her name was. We were both swinging. I can't remember anything of our conversation in particular, but I do know I was telling her all about Him, and how you had to invite him into your heart.<br />
<br />
Swing, swing.<br />
<br />
I don't know where these to kids are any more. It's been 25 years. But I'm hoping that the seeds that were planted with my little kiddy knowledge have blossomed. Heck, even if they've just begun to sprout, that's good, right? So I've been praying for them today, that whatever they are going through right now, that God would meet them there. If it feels like life is swinging way out of their control, that they are too high, or too fast, or they're spinning, or one of the ropes have snapped and they're sprawled out in the dirt... that God will meet them there, and firmly take the ropes in His hands and bring it back to centre and a nice easy rhythm.<br />
<br />
Swing, swing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="right"><em>Do you have memories of "evangelising"as a child?</em></div><div align="right"><em>Do you ever recall them? If you do, do you pray for them?</em></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-42664644901841430862011-10-03T19:05:00.002+09:302011-10-03T19:12:36.643+09:30So, uh, what do we do now?Apparently I'm not the only one who feels this way. <a href="http://jackandmandy.com/">Mandy</a> sent <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mandyhornbuckle/statuses/120727893151203329">that tweet</a> to some peoples today, and I replied that I had that exact title sitting in my drafts.<br />
<br />
What <em>do</em> we do now? Do we just pick up and continue on in the manner we were before? It seems crass to do so. But at the same time, <a href="http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/">Gitz</a> wouldn't want us to wallow. In fact, it would be insulting to her memory to sulk. But how does one "do mourning" on the social media sites? It's not like we can shroud our blogs in black for a year and miss a Season.<br />
<br />
Perhaps, it means being more intentional in our blogging, tweeting, whatever. Being more real. You know, more than normal. (I know I've held back a whole bunch) Trusting more with our stories. Always extend friendship.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it means being more present in all aspects of our lives; both "in real life" and online. Live fully in both, not one or the other. Enjoy how they intermingle, instead of compartmentalising them, if that's what you do. <br />
<br />
I do know that I'll be carrying Gitz with me. She'll be that little voice that says "just write" when I think I can't. She'll be the encourager when I do. I will miss her comments, her presence, but I think I know her well enough to know what she'd say. I'll think of her when I see the sunset, Cora's curls and Oreos. When I can't be bothered doing whatever, she'll be the reminder to be joyful, and thankful that I can. She will be forever ingrained in some friendships... not the glue, but the bow.<br />
<br />
What do we do now? <br />
<br />
We live. <br />
<br />
And we live fully.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-4631726447131522372011-09-28T01:13:00.000+09:302011-09-28T01:13:33.696+09:30Afterwards<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">And so, <a href="http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/mourning-into-dancing.html">Sara has passed</a> and still I have no words. I know she'd say "just write!" but I've never been very good at that. Not like she is... was.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I have a hard time referring to loved ones who have died in the past tense. They are still loved. They <em>are</em> precious. They <em>are</em> beautiful, and so on and so forth. Sara still <em>is...</em> in my heart. On my wrist.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">But twitter seems silent without her. Soon her blog will become still. The Missing will continue. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I scrawled out this quote because my phone refused to copy it earlier today, and I was going to type it out for a post on Sara's wall. I'll sign off with it here, because I've managed to stare at my screen for an hour and still haven't come up with an ending. It's not my neat hand writing by any stretch of the imagination. The pen was scratchy. But it looks as raw as I feel and I don't have the way with words that many do. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsa7m-nOtDGoY2XMZhF9sIZ_xBDgjcu63PWd_g7b9LlaKTOw5IyxatHxti3o_LF8WcprLH4c8HKZgWLrIPYNdOB-g6SdHc0I3T7zaGQDMc2MCr0kj7IlAcT9eH4v3NscUMrv0k0aGhkAa/s1600/shopenhauer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvsa7m-nOtDGoY2XMZhF9sIZ_xBDgjcu63PWd_g7b9LlaKTOw5IyxatHxti3o_LF8WcprLH4c8HKZgWLrIPYNdOB-g6SdHc0I3T7zaGQDMc2MCr0kj7IlAcT9eH4v3NscUMrv0k0aGhkAa/s320/shopenhauer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-65083296644340662492011-09-22T22:19:00.001+09:302011-09-22T22:22:40.254+09:30SaraThere are no words.<br />
<br />
No words enough to explain what <a href="http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/">Gitz</a> has meant to me.<br />
<br />
No words enough to describe the deep grief to know <a href="http://gitzengirl.blogspot.com/2011/09/looking-homeward.html">she is dying</a>.<br />
<br />
No words (or rather, I dare not speak them) for the disappointment of knowing that if we hadn't had to have cancelled our US trip, I would have met her, hugged her, last month. In time. This side of Home...<br />
<br />
So I speak hers instead.<br />
<br />
And have them permanently placed under my skin to remind me until I hug her in Heaven. Right on my pulse. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKrEJIRZPGWcYS0tJUHGiLwh9dhtDK6TwRMKaeuBe-KPvkbXh3tijgKe_7hBh3a3QwsDxdhmgrSNbqz3BMnuc7C2yBsIaXnVo_cdyiZdwnJiydGe24w96-Pif-ZeEd50RHSI9QF2SUF9m/s1600/gitztatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKrEJIRZPGWcYS0tJUHGiLwh9dhtDK6TwRMKaeuBe-KPvkbXh3tijgKe_7hBh3a3QwsDxdhmgrSNbqz3BMnuc7C2yBsIaXnVo_cdyiZdwnJiydGe24w96-Pif-ZeEd50RHSI9QF2SUF9m/s320/gitztatt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Always, babydoll. Always.<br />
<br />
Love you all the way around the world and back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">To read more beautiful, raw posts about our sweet Sara, </span><a href="http://www.themomcreative.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jessica</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> is hosting a </span><a href="http://www.themomcreative.com/2011/09/choose-joy-celebrating-sara.html"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">linky here</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I'm linking this post to the </span><a href="http://www.taminprogress.com/link-your-ink-on-linky-for-gitz/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ink Link</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> on </span><a href="http://www.taminprogress.com/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Tam's</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> blog.</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-24126960615207021272011-07-22T17:44:00.001+09:302011-07-22T17:54:05.902+09:30We're MovingAgain.<br />
<br />
But this time? This time it's into our <strong>own place</strong>.<br />
<br />
It's not built yet,but it will be by our time here is up. It's been such a wonderful story of God's grace and provision.<br />
<br />
We have purchased a 1.8 acre block of land in a highly desirable area of town, that would normally sell for twice what we paid for it. We first noticed it about 3 years ago. It sat on the website for all that time. We kept our eye on it, because for some reason, it spoke to us. Well, mostly it said "you'll never afford me, but dream away", but that's neither here nor there.<br />
<br />
About a month ago, Adam and I applied for a home loan. We were told we had too many children. No lie. Those exact words. Nothing wrong with our financials... just that we have too many children for them to give us any sort of money that would help. Apparently, we feed them caviar and dress them in Armani.<br />
<br />
So, my mother decides to go see if she can get some money on top of her mortgage. She can. <br />
<br />
So, after a little back and forth negotiating on the block of land we had been so drawn to, our (mum's) offer was accepted. Settlement is in a month. We are currently designing a house to be built in part, but enough for us to live in, by December.<br />
<br />
The best part? Always wanting to know we were doing what the Lord wants, mum prayed for a sign that, yes, this was the right path to be going down. The next time she called the realtor for the land he told her, quite offhandedly, that as soon as he had hung up from her confirming that the owner had accepted her bid, <em>three people </em>rang enquiring about that particular block. After not one single bite for the entire three years it was on the market.<br />
<br />
So. We have us our own little patch to set down some roots. While it might not be in our name yet, we are so very grateful to my mother, and to the Lord of course, for blessing us in this way. The way the market is, and with, you now, <em>so many children</em>, there was no way, bar a huge lottery win, that we were ever going to be able to purchase a home. We knew it would happen; we had prophesies telling us so, so we know this is totally God. I may go and hunt them down tonight, and have another listen to it, to remind me of how God goes before us in all matters of our life.<br />
<br />
After it was all done and dusted, I was reminded of the first part of a verse in Proverbs that friends of ours pointed out to us about 2 years ago. We were talking with them about our desire for our own home, and how so far out of reach and reality it seemed for us. They shared that they too were unsure of how to purchase a house, when they started to stand on this verse regarding it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote><blockquote><strong>Houses and wealth are inherited from parents</strong> ....(Proverbs 19:14a)<strong> </strong></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<br />
God is good and faithful :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-6294192545832812672011-07-02T17:09:00.003+09:302011-07-02T17:09:00.268+09:305...Amy turned 5 yesterday. <br />
<br />
She flounced into our room at 6am exclaiming "say happy birthday to me!"<br />
<br />
She wanted chocolate cake for dinner.<br />
<br />
She wore fairy wings and a coronet all day.<br />
<br />
We watched fireworks at night... of course, they were just for her on her birthday.<br />
<br />
She stole my heart (again) completely, totally, and irrevocably.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgsRblvrSj20tRLjTU8TLqMTkrmZBz5jK8rX-W8Ga3eTKFlA9zNcweeooX9lFDZaXWm0bXFcgNfu7Of2Y7OoTtSZBm1N6ne4CoQ5QIfV6pN2nclbNlIUUnbO0dAFV8tyGZt_dofuiOFJ8/s1600/Amy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEgsRblvrSj20tRLjTU8TLqMTkrmZBz5jK8rX-W8Ga3eTKFlA9zNcweeooX9lFDZaXWm0bXFcgNfu7Of2Y7OoTtSZBm1N6ne4CoQ5QIfV6pN2nclbNlIUUnbO0dAFV8tyGZt_dofuiOFJ8/s320/Amy5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-40708922749888359162011-07-01T23:05:00.000+09:302011-07-01T23:05:50.127+09:30My Husband has been complaining.I've not blogged much lately.<br />
<br />
You may have noticed.<br />
<br />
I'm waiting fo a new computer. It won't be long now *excited*<br />
<br />
Anyhow, Adam has been bemoaning that I haven't updated, and that, folks, is something I never thought would happen.<br />
<br />
So, to get some munchy debate happening, here is a pic of a note I made on my phone of a random thought that popped into my head today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr2IU1R-h7Tsi7OQycjsuA63mbo6BmIqcDSaUjDT3_Uv1xBF_DSRlK3JrskVODVZAi0chHp04tTGAE-zfHowyxLvZB8c2vhskTkM7PN0ayZDNagmb_uwmpuRdhOsD-zkTMgT9IH5uyKpB/s1600/randomthought.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr2IU1R-h7Tsi7OQycjsuA63mbo6BmIqcDSaUjDT3_Uv1xBF_DSRlK3JrskVODVZAi0chHp04tTGAE-zfHowyxLvZB8c2vhskTkM7PN0ayZDNagmb_uwmpuRdhOsD-zkTMgT9IH5uyKpB/s320/randomthought.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I am certainly not absolving women of any responsibility in this area. But I am definitely sick of the pressure heaped on the women for it to be entirely theirs.<br />
<br />
What are your thoughts about my random thought?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-91252394086766102782011-06-01T21:31:00.000+09:302011-06-01T21:31:44.219+09:30Brought to you by the letter "P"We had a bit of an all night rave here at the Party the other night.<br />
<br />
Cora had woken up a couple of times before we went to bed, so I had given her another bottle to settle her down. At about 3:30 she woke up inconsolable, and Adam got up to settle her. Turns out, all those milks had to come out the other end at some point, which they did... beyond the holding capacity of the nappy.<br />
<br />
Once we had changed her and her bed linen, we popped her back into bed and went back to bed ourselves.<br />
<br />
My cat, Wortel, made himself comfortable on my feet. I was just beginning to doze off when I felt Adam's cat, Snap, walk up to my stomach.<br />
<br />
<em>scratch... scratch...</em><br />
<br />
My brain thought "this is not good"<br />
<br />
My rest of my body told it to shut up, it was tired.<br />
<br />
Less than thirty seconds later, I was out of bed, holding my nightie away from my body and feeling something run down my leg.<br />
<br />
"Adam! Your cat PEED on me!!"<br />
<br />
<em>grunt... grunt</em><br />
<br />
"No really! Eeew!!"<br />
<br />
"Just get changed and come back to bed."<br />
<br />
"Dude, it's through two blankets, a sheet and a puddle on our bed."<br />
<br />
"Get out, really?... Oh man."<br />
<br />
"This is so gross"<br />
<br />
I got changed, found new sheets and blankets and remade the bed... around Adam, who decided it was too cold to move. <br />
<br />
Snap was unceremoniously thrown out of our room, and the door shut soundly.<br />
<br />
Back in bed, as Adam snuggled up, I asked<br />
<br />
"What time is it?"<br />
<br />
"Bit after 4."<br />
<br />
"Your cat sucks."Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-7239244466268766652011-05-20T20:58:00.003+09:302011-05-20T21:04:55.223+09:30When Seasons Change<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">I've almost forgotten what it's like to have seasons.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Where I live, we have two... The Wet, and The Dry.<br />
<br />
Pretty self explanatory.<br />
<br />
We are in The Dry at the moment. Unlike down south, where the seasons gradually morph into the next, with beautiful shades of orange to silver grays; to have brilliant clusters of green emerge to live exultantly in the sunshine and so on and so on it goes... We go from hot, humid rain to... none.</div><div align="left"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Dry this year came quickly, with it's one crisp morning, and left just as promptly. Sure, there's still no rain and the humidity is consideraby less, but it's dry, and hot, and we won't see any rain until November.</div></div><div align="left"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I lament the lack of variety. </div></div><div align="left"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But it's helpful that I only need to buy one uniform for the kids, and the equivalent of cold weather clothes is along sleeved cotton shirt. I'm forever grateful as to the handiness of always knowing how to dress in the mornings.</div></div><div align="left"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I never did learn how to layer properly. ;)</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thegypsymama.com/category/five-minute-friday/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_lCeOMfY0_fQ/TWly2m-jN_I/AAAAAAAAFEY/k8HJ__cvkws/s200/5%20minute%20friday.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The rules:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2. Link back to </span><a href="http://thegypsymama.com/2011/05/five-minute-friday-when-seasons-change/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lisa-Jo</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> and invite others to join in.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3. Go buck wild with encouragement for the five minuter who linked up before you.</span></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-88291164544583980202011-05-15T16:16:00.000+09:302011-05-15T16:16:27.606+09:30A week of statuses...<strong>monday:</strong><br />
<ol><li>The weather is so confused today.</li>
<li>Oh yay! I would much rather see the Saints play in their traditional guernsey than any other :)</li>
<li>CSI Miami is just too darn easy to call. It's not even sport.</li>
</ol><br />
<strong>tuesday</strong>:<br />
<ol><li>Hilarious moment for the day: Credit card chick rings me and asks me to please stop paying my card on time so she doesn't have to call me every two months to offer me more money :D</li>
<li>only 52 more days until the half way mark of my New Years Resolution. 130 days without coke/caffeine so far!</li>
</ol><strong>friday</strong>:<br />
<ol><li>I just tried to warm myself up by holding my hands over the toaster.</li>
<li>ABC News Update: Police say suicide bombing outside paramilitary force academy in Pakistan has killed at least 50 people <a href="http://bit.ly/mwHkJ4">http://bit.ly/mwHkJ4</a></li>
<li>Well, hubby is on his way to men's camp and I am alone for the weekend. I'd be more upset about this if I wasn't aware this means I have sole control over the remote for 48 hours.</li>
<li>Dear Penney, Thank you so much for your email. I am sure you are very lovely, but I would rather not see the naked picture of you you so kindly attached. Thanks anyway. Delete.</li>
<li> My lips are chapping. This is not cool.</li>
<li>"God is the friend of silence." ~ Mother Theresa</li>
</ol><strong>saturday</strong>:<br />
<ol><li>My CAT just caught a freaking SNAKE. I think it was a young King brown? Maybe a pygmy? It was about 20cm long and when I was able to get him to drop it, it tried to go me! I smashed it's head, and the cat seems completely ok... Should I call a vet?</li>
<li>Well. Having four movies ready and waiting for them wasn't enough to get the kids doing their chores. They can't start watching until they finish, and bedtime is 8:00 At the rate they are going, they won't even manage one. *sigh* I give up.</li>
<li>CSI rerun night. Perfect laundry folding tv :)</li>
</ol><strong>sunday</strong>:<br />
<ol><li>Carl Butler is totally bringing it this morning :)</li>
<li>I certainly wouldn't want to watch Dumbo while trippin' high. Just sayin'.</li>
</ol>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-5486552323994869722011-04-26T16:06:00.000+09:302011-04-26T16:06:16.448+09:30The last few weeks worth of party stories1. Beth suddenly ended up in hospital with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastoiditis">potentially serious condition</a> nearly two weeks ago, and we were there for 4 days. I am so thankful for antibiotics... even if after 4 days her poor vein gave up the ghost and collapsed at the last minute.<br />
<br />
2. My iPhone took a dip in the toilet. I had it in my back pocket and completely forgot about it. Hence, I was phoneless while in the hospital. I nearly lost my mind through boredom. And missed out on sending through some awesome tweets.<br />
<br />
3. On the upside, I finally got <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/one-thousand-gifts-book/">Ann's book</a> finished. I loved it. Will need to go through it again, once I get it back from the ladies I've loaned it out to already.<br />
<br />
4. Turns out, I now need to use my glasses to read as well... could not figure out why recently I could never focus on a book properly. Apparently, even the slightest bit of out of focus-ness (my own word, isn't it special?) makes it difficult to concentrate on the text.<br />
<br />
5. Adam and I are dieting again... although the hospital thing and Easter kind of interrupted.<br />
<br />
6. I was all set to exersise for the first time in forever the other day. The house was clean, the kids were in front of a movie... and the dang thing wouldn't work. Pretty sure that a chord has been pulled loose during the move. Yeah... the one 4 months ago. Ahem.<br />
<br />
7. Adam has so far gotten both his assignments in on time. Just. Nothing like urgency to help time management.<br />
<br />
8. I have started planning and shopping for Amy's 5th birthday party which isn't too far away. Even Adam's getting excited about this one. Nothing quite like throwing a tea party :)<br />
<br />
9. My lap top is all but expired. One of the kids half pulled the plug out of the wall, and I think it fried itself trying to stay connected. It's a definite now that we'll be getting a new one at tax time, and paying some smart person to transfer all our stuff over.<br />
<br />
10. Since we are grown ups and all, with responsibilities and a little bit of debt left, we've had to concede that our America trip won't be happening this year. Saaaaaad. With the things that have happened early on in this year that required immediate monetary attention, we have not been able to keep up with our planned payment/saving budget. Boo hiss. Perhaps the same time next year, though.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-6376517574422822232011-04-11T00:09:00.000+09:302011-04-11T00:09:52.679+09:30MemoriumShe was pregnant with her second <a href="http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2010/04/10/138491_ntnews.html">when they found It</a> in her breast.<br />
<br />
She had It cut out and continued with a less aggressive treatment during her pregnancy and he arrived whole and healthy on April Fools Day 2010, one day afer my own Cora took her first breath of air.<br />
<br />
She started radiation.<br />
<br />
They found It in her liver, hidden by pregnancy and gave her a hopeful 15 years, tops.<br />
<br />
So she lived. And she loved. She mothered. She saw her baby turn one.<br />
<br />
A routine MRI three weeks ago found It on her brain and made her realise she wouldn't have that long, that she would go Home much sooner than she ever thought. That in itself wasn't so awful, it was watching motherhood slip away from her grasp was what caused her the most pain. She wouldn't... she <em>couldn't</em> be there for her children.<br />
<br />
Her baby would never know her.<br />
<br />
She was prepared to leave, as much as one can. Her God was her comfort, and her Boss.<br />
<br />
A three day turn around trip to the specialist turned into hospice care and yesterday, peacefully, with her husband by her side, it turned into Eternity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstBf-hd9Ck61O8IFggAhiFIuzbJd5MlJEOKpun2kQ7AXC-rCde1HtqUnXJa-WnVwa4bLnGSK519InwVrIivoXayR7sitKrsGSTsHnJM2fBMX9P5iwfH2CtzQzVGc0H4N4qMnaudLWHxsM/s1600/krysti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjstBf-hd9Ck61O8IFggAhiFIuzbJd5MlJEOKpun2kQ7AXC-rCde1HtqUnXJa-WnVwa4bLnGSK519InwVrIivoXayR7sitKrsGSTsHnJM2fBMX9P5iwfH2CtzQzVGc0H4N4qMnaudLWHxsM/s320/krysti.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">See you later Krysti.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Miss you for now.</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-18865767743429759032011-04-10T00:44:00.000+09:302011-04-10T00:44:40.717+09:30decaffeinated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ5HReljyHnOds5TBt7Cjstu3-TbVo36y5Mg1voZfpBklSfjWuFYKz7sCA-lLRQIVSriZoT6JU1I99tS_n58ArOhAc2ZRqCf4QNv9YqZH_GbEwrqhyphenhyphenFLurIRFXQPWiFSk8yDxwLBBHhB3/s1600/Coke+Free+Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQ5HReljyHnOds5TBt7Cjstu3-TbVo36y5Mg1voZfpBklSfjWuFYKz7sCA-lLRQIVSriZoT6JU1I99tS_n58ArOhAc2ZRqCf4QNv9YqZH_GbEwrqhyphenhyphenFLurIRFXQPWiFSk8yDxwLBBHhB3/s1600/Coke+Free+Sign.jpg" /></a></div><br />
On a whim a few days before new years, I sent this tweet:<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><strong><em>I think I might give up coke for New Year</em></strong></div><br />
<br />
And so I did. As of midnight January 1st, 2011, I pledged to not drink coke in any form for a year.<br />
<br />
And today, it's been 100 days since I've had any.<br />
<br />
I'm proud of me. I'm pleased to be able to say "i told you so" to a number of people who thought I couldn't do it ;)<br />
<br />
But I must be honest.<br />
<br />
<em>It's been really hard</em>.<br />
<br />
I think it's been more difficult to fight the <em>habit</em> of drinking coke and the immediate mood lifter (for a little while) it would give me, than actually missing the taste. <br />
<br />
Some things really make me want one.<br />
<br />
Fueling the car<br />
When the kids stress me out<br />
Music practice on Thursdays<br />
When I'm bored<br />
When I'm hungry<br />
<br />
While I'm finding it easier to push through those cravings, they don't seem to be going away very much.<br />
<br />
I don't think I've lost weight.<br />
<br />
I don't think my skin is any better.<br />
<br />
I'm not sleeping any different.<br />
<br />
Why am I doing this again? :D<br />
<br />
But, I will see it through. Maybe at the end of the year I'll be able to see a little more clearly.<br />
<br />
265 days to go.<br />
<br />
<div align="right"><strong><em> How are you going with your New Year resolutions (if you made any)?</em></strong></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-60855788119988140602011-04-08T10:40:00.002+09:302011-04-08T11:03:17.923+09:30VernacularWe have certain turns of phrase our children use that not only do I not correct, but that I actually use in real life sometimes, simply because I think they are endearing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"my like"<br />
<em>I like</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"yes my am"<br />
<em>Yes I am</em> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"He 'let' me" <br />
<em>Instead of He 'made' me</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Didnae" <br />
<em>didn't</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"ehther one" <br />
<em>other one</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hewy" <br />
<em>heavy</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Love you much"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Doc-dot" <br />
<em>doctor</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"I can't think my brain" <br />
<em>I can't remember</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Prettiful</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I use them in public with people I don't know. Sometimes without realising, sometimes on purpose. I love our little words, and sometimes I think they convey more affection simply because they are just ours.<br />
<br />
My brothers, sister and I still use words from when we were children, (and so do our parents!) and I actually have to think to say it correctly, the two most common being "torlet" instead of toilet and "awevolit" which it one word for three... all of it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><strong><em>Do you have any family words? I'd love to hear them!</em></strong></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-50178718736200661942011-04-06T23:55:00.000+09:302011-04-06T23:55:31.784+09:30TuckeredIt's 11:30 pm and I'm up all alone, stuffing my face with brie and sun dried tomatoes.<br />
<br />
It's the only time I can eat anything without someone watching me, or crying because they wants some. Or both at the same time.<br />
<br />
It's my own little mummy utopia.<br />
<br />
I've been cleaning out my camera, you know, being all organised and stuff, and putting the photos into the correct files and deleting all the fuzzy ones that make people look like The Scream.<br />
<br />
I found these doozies, and thought you might laugh as much as we did.<br />
<br />
Background story:<br />
<br />
We had friends and their small daughter over for dinner, and we had allowed the children to stay up past their bedtime. <br />
<br />
<em>Way</em> past. <br />
<br />
As in, I'm pretty sure it was 10-ish when these pics were taken.<br />
<br />
We'd sent the kids to the bathroom to do thier teeth-drink-toilet-wash your face routine, and to put themselves to bed. Which they did, with relatively little hassle. <br />
<br />
All was quiet, except I could hear the faucet still running, so I, of course, went to go turn it off.<br />
<br />
And thus began the "You guys! you totally have to come see this!" frantic whispering and gesturing...<br />
<br />
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I think the boy was a wee bit tuckered out. :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-91877964529806100482011-04-04T13:48:00.000+09:302011-04-04T13:48:47.495+09:30ProcrastinationI know I should be doing my 1000 things post today, but it suddenly struck me that it is now April, and I haven't even so much as looked at reading a book from the list over there.<br />
<br />
Oh dear.<br />
<br />
I'm actually finding it hard to read anything at the moment. I used to be a huge reader, but now I'm finding myself having to re-read paragraphs may times just to know I've got it. I'm thinking I must be out of practice.<br />
<br />
And of course, I look at that and think, I really need to re design my blog. Gosh knows why. <br />
<br />
I've thought of a new thing to write about here... but I really should write about the things I've already said I would. <br />
<br />
I should also clean my house.<br />
<br />
But... the things I've thought of posting about...<br />
<br />
It's Amy's turn this year for a birthday party. She loves to have tea parties, so I'm going to put together a "high tea on the lawns" afternoon for her. You know, get them all dressed up and drinking cordial poured from tea pots into tea cups. I thought I could blog about the preparations I make for it... the stuff I buy, the things I make... setting up... and so on and so forth. <br />
<br />
Adam and I have a pretty funky story... if I get his permission, I might go all <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman</a> on you and write it out. Hopefully it will bless someone.<br />
<br />
Since it really is a party here, I need to post more about the funny things that happen. Like how Adam convinced Troy to eat a teaspoon of coffee grinds yesterday by telling him "it's just like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milo_(drink)">Milo</a>". Or how the circuit breaker has broken, and now our family of 8 has had no running water for three days. You know... run of the mill kind of stuff for our family ;)<br />
<br />
I have a post for the 10th brewing... and I expect many congratulations and the like. <br />
<br />
No, I'm not pregnant. <br />
<br />
Surprisingly.<br />
<br />
But I am hugely proud of myself. It's a huge accomplishment, and I hope you won't think me silly for it.<br />
<br />
I have been a bad blogger. But I've been praying, and talking to God, and I think we've figured a few things out with regards to it, and perhaps even sussed out a little vision.<br />
<br />
I might have to stop here... I just had to go and save Cora. She got her fingers caught in the toilet seat after dropping her bottle into the bowl.<br />
<br />
Twice.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-24706107192291856802011-03-31T14:44:00.000+09:302011-03-31T14:44:02.906+09:30365 days... and nearly as many photosIt is so hard to believe it's been a year.<br />
<br />
It is so hard to believe it's <em>only</em> been a year.<br />
<br />
Cora was born smiling, and hasn't stopped. She laughs all day and is the absolute delight of my world.<br />
<br />
Let's take a jog down memory lane...<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And today...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Love you, baby girl. How <em>wonderful</em> life is while you're in the world!<br />
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-57131569334192345972011-03-29T11:24:00.003+09:302011-03-29T12:25:20.282+09:30Colour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnSNqRInGKz92Ig-fw4p9rkig3An8KtSxODLc4SFKltLNyOwpZG6jrmPluDxoWg4sNdEiBdOcl_giiDDjtB98qVpQAwSJtvAIz0lm0B_gzDc2m1VL6mUmqrHtKhpIiOoAep2EoShLqR_H/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnSNqRInGKz92Ig-fw4p9rkig3An8KtSxODLc4SFKltLNyOwpZG6jrmPluDxoWg4sNdEiBdOcl_giiDDjtB98qVpQAwSJtvAIz0lm0B_gzDc2m1VL6mUmqrHtKhpIiOoAep2EoShLqR_H/s320/IMG_0750.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">My Colour inspiration board :)</span></div><br />
I've been away in Sydney for the <a href="http://colourconference.com/">Colour conference</a>.<br />
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I love it so.<br />
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My heart is full. It is expanded, it is broken, it is renewed. I can't explain it, so I won't even try. <br />
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The speakers this year were amazing. <a href="http://jeannemayo.com/blog/">Jeanne Mayo</a> was hilarious, and so, so poignant; I have no words for <a href="http://twitter.com/craiggroeschel">Craig Groeschel</a> except he has two new hard core fans in this house, and <a href="http://twitter.com/LisaBevere">Lisa Bevere</a>... oh my word. I love her so. Go out and buy Lioness Arising. All women should read it. <br />
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I am so grateful that I am able to go to this conference every year. So blessed that Adam takes vacation time off work to watch the kidlets for me.<br />
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There were something like 35 countries represented at Colour this year. So I encourage all women to go... save up, get your church to sponsor you, whatever it takes. Get there. Here is the <a href="http://colourconference.com/early-sydney-2012">link to register</a> for next years conference... <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">Beth Moore</a> and <a href="http://www.goingbeyond.com/blog">Priscilla Shirer</a> will be there!!! I nearly died when I found out. Also on that page is one of the sessions from Conference2 (I got to Conference 1), so you can see just what is in store for you when you come! <br />
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I'm already registered for next year, and I would love to see some others there! Since I register with a group, let me know if you decide to come along, and I'll let you know how to do that so we can sit together. Coz that's half the fun :)<br />
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Oh, and you'll get to see things like this...<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">I know I need to catch up with my 1000 gift posts... My computer blinked out on me again, then I went away. So now I'm home, I have been compiling 3 weeks worth. I did have one ready to go the week I went away, but it can wait until then :)</span></em>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7717470810828300161.post-32692670226027891482011-03-13T16:14:00.000+09:302011-03-13T16:14:54.310+09:30Limping throughMy computer has decided to pack it in again, which vexes me greatly (channeling Mrs Bennett there for a moment) so I am quickly using Adam's work laptop while he's having his routine Sunday after church nap.<br />
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<em>ssshhhhhh</em><br />
<br />
We're hoping to limp mine through until July (tax time here) and then buy a new one. Our one is only about 3 years old, I think, but boy has it been given a work out. It was the computer we used for the words on Sunday morning for about 2 years before the church bought their own, so it's travelled a lot. It seems that the power jack is well and truly on it's way out... sometimes I can gumby it up to work for a little while... and then I do something stupid like leave it on the couch and the kids pull the cord out funny and then it decides not to turn on any more. Oh, and the battery is <em>fried</em>. I thin it runs for about half an hour without being plugged into the wall.<br />
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So, we are thinking of moving onto a Mac, since we like Steve Job's opinion on p0rn, and think that should be rewarded with support. If you have a mac, which model did you choose and why? What do you love about it? Anything that's not so great we should know about? How long did it take you to get used to using it after a pc? To me, it all seems inside out and back-to-front!<br />
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Hopefully I will be able to still do my 1000 gifts post tomorrow, and then after that, I shall be in Sydney attending the Colour Conference run by Hillsong. I really really <em>really</em> love this conference. It's difficult to put it into words why it's so amazing... I hope one day everyone will be able to experience it in some way.<br />
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So, if you can spare a few thoughts and prayers for Adam as he has the week with the kids all on his lonesome... he's an extraordinary father, and more than capable parent, but it can be tough when there's no break (or adult conversation) for an extended period of time.<br />
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Oh, random fact... I dyed my hair. But I take a crap photo, so there isn't any proof.<br />
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Hopefully, when I get home I'll be able to take another look at the lappy and get it running again, even if it's just enough to dump everything onto an external hard drive for the new one :)Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01481525160306170298noreply@blogger.com2