Another year gone …

I can’t believe it is the last day of 2007. Wow. This year has gone so quickly, but it’s been a wonderful year! There have been many great moments and I honestly have so many things to be thankful for.

Tomorrow is the start of a new year. I don’t like traditional New Year’s Resolutions, but I always set myself goals. I try to make the most of the “new beginning” and decide on a few goals for myself.
I usually set myself personal goals (attitudes/behaviours, my relationships with others), spiritual goals (my relationship with God, church Ministry), career goals, physical goals (eating well, exercise, staying healthy), creative goals (scrapbooking, music, art), home/family goals (marriage, kids, home improvements, finances).
They are not “resolutions” because those are always so hard to keep. Instead, they are goals or “intentions”. In my opinion, it’s good to have something to work towards, to focus on, to strive for. And if I slip up, I haven’t failed. It’s just a reminder that I need to reassess things and then get back on track. As long as I’ve made progress by this time next year, I’ll be happy!

I love this quote:

It’s Up To You
If you think you’re a winner you’ll win,
If you dare to step out you’ll succeed.
Believe in your heart, have a purpose to start,
Aim to help fellow man in his need.
Thoughts of faith must replace every doubt,
Words of courage and you cannot fail.
If you stumble and fall, rise and stand ten feet tall,
You determine the course that you sail.
-Anon

Here’s to a fantastic 2008 for us all!!

Christmas 07

Wow, where have the past few days gone? Time has just flown by since my last post.

We had a lovely Christmas, which started on Christmas Eve with our family tradition of eating fish & chips for dinner at the beach.

After dinner, we got the boys into their PJs and headed to church for the Christmas Eve service, followed by a delicious supper. Since it was getting dark after that, we decided to drive around Panorama Court and Vista Motu to look at the Christmas lights before heading home. Ethan couldn’t believe that the people who lived in the houses were standing outside, handing out lollies and chocolates. He said “It’s so kind of those people to give us lollies, isn’t it?” and I said he was right. I’m so glad that he notices and appreciates small acts of kindness like that.
When we got home, we put out a glass of milk, a beer and cookies for Santa. And a carrot for the reindeer. The boys finally went to bed around 9.30pm, much later than their usual 7pm bedtime!

Next morning, they woke at 7am (a pretty dignified time, really). We heard Ethan going to the toilet before heading upstairs. Tyler hadn’t made any noise, so we thought he was still asleep. All of a sudden, we heard a little voice coming from his bedroom, saying “Ho! Ho! Ho!” … too cute!

The boys were SO excited to see if Santa had been. Ethan kept saying “Tyler, if the cookies are gone, it means Santa has been!” and they were SO amazed when they saw the empty glass & bottle, and the cookie crumbs! They loved everything in their Christmas stockings. We don’t spend much on our kids at Christmas time, because we don’t believe in spoiling them, and we want them to be grateful for what they get. They really loved their presents. Ethan was thrilled to get a SpongeBob DVD and a small bouncy ball – both were on his list. They also enjoyed giving presents to each other. Tyler got Ethan an ABC colouring book, and Ethan got Tyler some Mr Potato Head accessories.

We had lunch at my sister’s place with Mum, Dad and Grandma. It was a pretty relaxed BBQ lunch, which was really nice. The boys got new Moon Hoppers from Nana & Grandad so they played outside on those before the rain set in.

About 2.30pm, we packed up and set off for Whangarei.
We arrived at my MIL’s place around 4.30pm. TONS of presents awaited the boys, who got totally spoiled (as usual). We enjoyed a HUGE Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. It was so neat to have all 3 of Rob’s siblings there, with their spouses and children. And it was fun for Ethan & Tyler to have all their cousins around them. We attempted a photo of the cousins, and here’s the result:

(Eli, Brock, Georgia, Jet, Tyler, Ethan, Zoe and Amy)

On Boxing Day, we drove up to Teal Bay where Rob’s Dad and his partner Jenni were staying with her family in a holiday house. The kids swam at the beach and I got sunburnt – ouch! It was a gorgeous day.

All in all, we had a lovely Christmas. This year, the kids got fewer “toys” and more educational books & games instead (which I am happy about). We are having lots of fun learning how to play the new games together. Tyler also got a cricket set which they played with at Gran’s place on Christmas Day.

I was quite spoiled this year and got a nice stash of goodies! Satin PJs, jewellery, slippers, a new top, 3 Scrapbooking mags, scrapbooking papers, acrylic stamps, a book, chocolates, moisturiser … AND … a ticket to the Matchbox Twenty concert in April!! Thanks, sis!! I am really looking forward to going with you!

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, I want to wish all my readers a very blessed and joyous Christmas!

In our family, we believe that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Sure, we still have Santa Claus and Christmas stockings and all that jazz. But if you ask my boys about Christmas, they will tell you that baby Jesus was born at Christmas time. Ethan will say “We give presents to each other because it is Jesus’ birthday, and we are all very special to him” (his words, not mine).
I want my boys to always put Jesus before Santa.

I found this today, and I thought I’d share it:

Why Jesus is better than Santa

*Santa lives at the North Pole … JESUS is everywhere.

*Santa rides in a sleigh … JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

*Santa comes but once a year … JESUS is an ever present help.

*Santa fills your stockings with goodies … JESUS supplies all your needs.

*You have to wait in line to see Santa … JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

*Santa lets you sit on his lap … JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

*Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hello, little boy (or girl), what’s your name?” … JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our history and future. He even knows how many hairs are on our head.

*Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly … JESUS has a heart full of love.

*All Santa can offer is HO HO HO … JESUS offers Health, Help and Hope.

*Santa says “You better not cry” … JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”

*Santa’s little helpers make toys … JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

*Santa may make you chuckle but … JESUS gives you a joy that is your strength.

*While Santa puts gifts under your tree … JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

Christmas is close!

Only a few more days until Christmas! The house is abuzz with Christmas preparations.

I finished my Christmas shopping last month, but the presents weren’t wrapped until this week. I did most of it in one evening. No fancy wrapping or tags this year, as most of the presents are for kids (ours, neices & nephews, friends’ children, etc). The adults in my family and Rob’s family do the “Secret Santa” thing, where each person pulls a name from a hat and buys only for that person. We’ve been doing it for 3 or 4 years and it’s absolutely brilliant. Makes shopping so much easier! In my family, we also write “wish lists” and then Mum photocopies them for everybody, so it’s impossible to go wrong!

Christmas baking is high on my list of priorities at the moment. I usually give baking to our friends for Christmas. This year I have purchased really cute Christmas biscuit tins which I will be filling with Chocolate Chip Cookies, Snickerdoodles, Chocolate Shortbread, Debbie’s Spicy Nuts and Tanya’s Peanut Butter Balls. Today I made the Spicy Nuts, Peanut Butter Balls and Snickerdoodles. Tomorrow I’ll make the other stuff.

On Christmas Day this year, lunch will be at my sister’s place with Mum, Dad & Grandma. Then later that afternoon, we’ll drive up to Whangarei (a 2-hour drive) for Christmas dinner with Rob’s family!
We used to do that (i.e. have lunch here and then drive up to Whangarei for dinner) a lot BC [before children] but this will be the first time we’ve done it since having the kids. Hopefully they’ll be really tired and will sleep most of the way. It’s going to be a long day for them, but they’ll really enjoy having Christmas with all 6 of their cousins, and staying a few nights at Gran’s place.

The only thing we haven’t done (and haven’t managed to book into our schedule) is driving around looking at the Christmas lights. It’s a bit of a logistical nightmare, really. Our kids go to bed at 7pm, and it doesn’t get dark here until almost 9pm. Keeping them up late every now and then is fine, but I don’t like tiring them out too much right before Christmas.
I think it’s really neat that some people decorate their houses here, but it really is one of those winter Christmas traditions stolen from the Northern Hemisphere. Spending the early evening driving around looking at Christmas lights simply doesn’t work in the summertime. Just like roasting chestnuts on an open fire, or building Frosty the Snowman in the back yard. You don’t catch us doing much of that. At this time of year, we’re more likely to be grilling sausages on the BBQ, or building sandcastles at the beach!

Rob is out Christmas shopping tonight, and he was last night too (until after 11pm). Typical male - always leaves it to the last minute and then wonders why the mall is so busy! Anyway, since I’m alone for the evening I’m off to watch Notting Hill on TV3!

School’s out!

School is over for the year!
Because Ethan loves school so much, I’m a little sad that it’s over. But it will definitely be nice to have a break from making lunches, school runs, homework, etc.

Ethan will be moving up to Year 2 next year. His birthday is 27 May but he started school on 6 June, so a decision had to be made about whether he would do Year 1 or Year 2. The school’s cut-off date is around 1 June, so he was right on the “edge”. His teacher decided he should go up, and we were happy with that. He is already reading at the level of a 6.5-year-old, so I know he’ll cope perfectly well with the academic side of things. He’s also grown a whole lot in confidence and independence, so I’m not worried about the maturity aspect either. I’m sure he’ll be just fine.

We received Ethan’s school report on Tuesday, and what a glowing report it was! Not a single negative thing in it! I thought I’d share the last section – “General Comments” – as it really sums up how well Ethan has adapted to school and how much he has grown in 6 months:

“Ethan is a conscientious pupil who has made excellent academic progress since entering school. He is learning to take risks with his learning and understand that it is alright to make mistakes. He interacts nicely with his peers and has developed some lovely friendships within the class. He responds to encouragement and praise and is quietly proud of his achievements. He is always helpful and polite towards both his teachers and peers. I look forward to being able to hear about and follow his progress in the years ahead. It has been a pleasure having Ethan in my class.”

Proud? You betcha!

Last week Ethan gave Mrs Steel the “Teacher Survival Kit” I made, and she was completely blown away. In Ethan’s words, she “cried out loud”. Which is true! The next day she told me that she had cried everytime she showed it to another teacher (and by the sound of things, it was seen by most of the staff). She absolutely loved it, which made me (and Ethan!) very happy.

Yesterday was the last day of school. Ethan got to meet his new teacher for 2008, Mrs Nicholson. He described her as “quite skinny, with rectangle-shaped glasses and yellow hair”. He seems really excited about being in her class. I’m glad, because I honestly thought he would struggle with saying goodbye to Mrs Steel. He is definitely going to miss her, but he’s obviously got enough confidence and maturity to realise that he’s moving on to something new.

Ethan will have 2 of his very good friends in his class next year. They are both lovely and polite boys and I know their mums really well. We are all thrilled that they are in the same class. Because Ethan’s class this year had an intake from early April to late June, only 9 of the 22 children are going up to Year 2; the rest are staying in Year 1. And of those 9, only 3 will be in Ethan’s class next year; the other 6 will be in a different Year 2 class.
In some ways it is a real shame that the class had to be split up, because they were all so close and got along with each other so well. But on the other hand, it will be good for Ethan to make some new friends next year.

He’s excited, which is wonderful. But I’m not sure he understands that he’s on holiday for 6 weeks!

Deck The Halls

Remember the sneak peeks I posted last week? Want to see more?

Here is my Design Team work. Featuring “Deck the Halls”, the December kit from Scrapbook Essentials …

ALTERED SNOWFLAKE

This was fun to make! I covered the chipboard snowflake with patterned paper, and then “pimped” it, LOL.
I used lots of Kindy Glitz, punched snowflakes from glittery paper, rhinestones, sequins, beads and K&Co Glitter Chipboard letters. Pretty!

SANTA’S LEFTOVERS

The instructions for this layout are in the kit. I used the chipboard scallop to make a 3D “plate” for the photo, and I think it really makes the bottle & glass jump out of the page.

Journalling: Evidence of Santa.
When we wake on Christmas day, this is what we see on our table. Proof that Santa was actually in our living room, delivering our presents. The boys are always amazed to see the empty glass & bottle, the cookie crumbs, and remnants of the carrot left out for the reindeer. Last year, Santa even left a note. Addressed to Ethan & Tyler. More proof, in case it is needed.
Santa’s leftovers … they’re part of the magic!

A JOY TO GIVE

This was my first time stamping with bubble wrap! I also added some Kindy Glitz which you can’t really see in the photo, but it really adds to the effect.

Journalling: Christmas 2006. I just love how cute Ethan’s gifts for Tyler & Daddy look under the tree!

SANTA PHOBIA

Something a bit different for me. I don’t usually do layouts with so few embellishments and so much white space.

Journalling: Nobody really expects their child to be afraid of Santa, but Ethan was quite terrified of the big guy in red.
This was Ethan’s 2nd Christmas, and he was 18 months old.
Our coffee group had a picnic and my Dad dressed up as Santa for the kids.
If only Ethan had known it was Grandad behind that white beard; he would have been fine!

18 hours and a wedding

My cousin Hayley got married on Saturday. In Wellington. That’s about 9 hours drive from here.

We left at 4am on Thursday morning. It was our first really looooong car trip with the boys (read: longer than about 4 hours).

Here’s how things unfolded:

* wake boys up at 4am and bundle them into the car.
* drive for 2 1/2 hours.
* stop in Cambridge for breakfast.
* drive for 2 1/2 hours.
* stop in Waiouru for morning tea.
* drive for 2 1/2 hours.
* stop in Levin for lunch.
* drive for 1 1/2 hours.
* arrive in Wellington at 3.30pm.

For those who don’t like maths, that’s NINE HOURS of driving time.

The boys slept off-and-on throughout the day (well, Tyler did … Ethan had a short 1-hour sleep in the afternoon). My sister and Dad travelled down in a separate car, so the boys had turns going with them (Mum had already flown down to Wellington the previous Sunday to spend some extra time with her family).

We (me, Rob, Ethan, Tyler, Mum, Dad and Leah) rented a house in Tawa for 4 nights. It was a big bonus to discover the house had broadband internet access, not to mention heaps of toys (lego) and DVDs for the kids.
We spent quite a bit of our time catching up with family, and of course attending the wedding on Saturday, but we also found time to do a few other “touristy” things.

On Friday we visited Te Papa. The boys just loved the Whale exhibition, especially being able to crawl into the ventricles of a whale heart (a life-sized replica)! While at Te Papa, we met Kelly for a coffee, which was just lovely! Unfortunately I forgot to get a photo of the 2 of us. But I really enjoyed meeting her, she is such a bubbly and friendly person! After spending a couple of hours at the museum, we took the boys up the Cable Car. They LOVED it.

Saturday was the wedding, and it was an absolutely gorgeous day. At the church, Tyler was a VERY naughty little ratbag and decided he didn’t want to sit nicely or be quiet. Strange, because he is used to sitting (relatively) quietly in church every Sunday! Unfortunately Rob missed a lot of the ceremony because he was sitting out in the carpark with Tyler, who was in “time out” in the car!!
Thankfully Tyler behaved better at the reception, which was a picnic at Aotea Lagoon. I’ve never been to a picnic wedding reception before but it is a FABULOUS idea! Each picnic basket was packed with enough food for 4 guests, and they were all named. There was even special “kid” food in our basket for Ethan & Tyler.

It was such a HOT afternoon, so there were lots of sunburnt wedding guests, and even members of the wedding party! My cousin Ashleigh (one of the bridesmaids) said that when the photographer wanted to get close-up shots of the necklaces, she was the only available model because hers was the only torso that wasn’t bright pink!

One of the lovely things about Hayley’s wedding was meeting Beverley! It is such a small world! Beverley is good friends with Hayley and her family. It was so nice to meet Beverley, she’s just a gorgeous person. Here is a photo of the 2 of us:

One of me and my lil’ sister:

How about one of me and my man:

And here’s the funniest shot of the day … our lame attempt at a family photo:

Ethan, who usually LOVES to have his photo taken, was just NOT interested at all! There is actually a better one of us where we are all smiling (except for Ethan) but I really love this one!! Thanks for taking it, Beverley!!

Here are a few shots from the wedding.

The happy couple:

The Best family, from L to R: Elliot, Ashleigh, Lauryn, Dave, Hayley, Lynne, Steve, Kim, Ryan, Jack (Paige was asleep):

Later that afternoon, we decided to drive out to Titahi Bay (where Hayley’s parents live) to check out the beach. I was SO stinking hot, I swore I would go for a swim. But when we got there, the wind had picked up a little. And the water was f.r.e.e.z.i.n.g. But the boys still had a quick splash/swim/paddle.

On Sunday we enjoyed a BBQ lunch at my cousin Kim’s place, with all the family (except Hayley & Dave, who were on their way to Rarotonga for their honeymoon).

Monday morning was another early start.

* wake boys up at 4am and bundle them into the car.
* drive for 2 1/2 hours.
* stop in Taihape for breakfast.
* drive for 2 hours.
* stop in Taupo to visit Huka Falls and watch the bungy jumpers.
* drive for 2 hours.
* stop in Hamilton for lunch.
* drive for 2 1/2 hours.
* arrive home at 4.30pm.

That’s another NINE HOURS of driving.

Grand total = 18 hours (and that’s not including all the driving we did once we GOT to Wellington).

The boys did the same sort of thing as they did on the way down. They slept off-and-on, and had turns going in Nana & Grandad’s car.
Needless to say, I am completely exhausted. I shared the driving with Rob, but didn’t really sleep much when I was a passenger. Not sure when I’ll catch up on extra sleep. Probably never.

Anyway, here are a few more photos. Because I feel like sharing s’more photos.

Playing “soldiers” at the Army Museum:

On the Cable Car:

At Huka Falls:

The Variety Show

Last month, Teeni and I created the Live Poet’s Society, and set each other a writing assignment.

The “flexible” deadline for this is Friday (Dec 14), but since I am going away tomorrow, I am posting mine now!
Teeni’s assignment is also up HERE, and you absolutely MUST go and read it!! It’s brilliant. I can’t say much without giving anything away, so GO AND READ IT!

To refresh your memories, here is the assignment that Teeni set me:

The Variety Show - The setting is a late-night sound stage in New York City, and I am your host, Teeni Frowney (haha – get the reference to Guy Smiley from Sesame Street fame?). I’ve just come back from commercial and am joking with my sidekick, TGH, and I am about to introduce your act…take it away! Hint: Please cover what your special talent/act is, what ensues, and the audience’s reaction to it all.

And here’s my finished piece:

—————–

“So, TGH, I think we’re all dying to know what the letters in your name stand for. Trusty Garden Hose? Tile Gap Heating? Toronto General Hospital?”
“You know, for someone whose last name is `Frowney’, you’re a pretty funny gal!”

Howls of laughter fill the room.

“Well, I think that’s more than enough comedic entertainment for now, don‘t you Teeni? Anyway, this next act should have you reaching for the tissues.”
“Yes, but will we be wiping away tears of pain because we can’t bear to listen any longer?”
“You just can’t help yourself, can you?”
“Sorry, TGH. But you have to remember, I am a famous stand-up comedian.”
“Famous where? At the local Kindergarten Open Day?”

Stifled giggles can be heard, presumably from members of the audience not wishing to draw attention to themselves. The giggles are accompanied by several loud guffaws from a few individuals who simply can’t contain their laughter.

“How rude! I can assure you that parents of Kindergarteners appreciate a good joke when they hear one. Unlike somebody else I know …”
“Oh, I appreciate a good joke. That’s why I’ll be watching re-runs of Spin City when I get home tonight.”
“Good one, TGH. But we all know you‘ve got a huge crush on Michael J. Fox.”

An obviously hastily-created fabric banner emblazoned with the words “I love Mike the Fox” bobs up and down amongst the crowd.

“Time to change the subject, I think. After all, this is supposed to be a family show! You really should introduce the next act.”
“Yes, I should. She’s been waiting in the wings for long enough now. I’m very pleased to introduce — performing for the first time in the Big Apple — Amelia Auckland!”

Sonorous applause echoes through the room, as the much-talked-about girl from “Down Under” sedately walks onto the bare stage. She wears a black dress and carries a single yellow rose. As she approaches the microphone, jazz music begins to play softly. Gradually the melody becomes louder until the enchanting minor strains of Gershwin‘s “Summertime” can be clearly heard from every corner of the auditorium. She opens her mouth, and begins to sing.
Her captivating mezzo-soprano voice fills the air.
“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.”

The room is hushed into submission from the very first note. All eyes are on the stage. They are watching the girl in black, but they are listening to the voice of an angel.
The song continues; a familiar lilting melody. It seems to be over too quickly, and eventually she breathes out the final line:
“So hush, little baby, don’t you cry.”

She steps back from the microphone, tears glistening in her eyes. There is not a doubt in the mind of any patron that this song has significance for her. No-one knows why, but there is an undeniable magic in the air. They all feel a deep connection to the songstress. A young girl far from her home. A young girl with no fame, no fortune, and definitely no “free ticket”. A young girl with just a voice, and a song.

The audience is silent for some time. There seems to be an unspoken realisation that applause would not be appropriate. Nevertheless, the appreciation in the room is obvious. The joking and laughter is forgotten. The previously light-hearted mood of the evening is lost in a sequestered haze of emotion and feeling.

Amelia Auckland calmly leaves the stage. She is not the type to stand basking in the glory of her performance. She has done what she came to do — sing.

Host Teeni Frowney and her sidekick, TGH, return to the stage. They appear to be rendered speechless. Suddenly, Teeni pulls out an enormous red handkerchief with white polka dots. She dabs at her eyes, and composes herself.
“TGH, when you said the next act would be a tear jerker, I was silently scoffing. But I have to say, you were right!”
“The girl has a voice, that’s for sure.”
“I’m so lost for words that I think we need to get some feedback from our audience. What do you think?”
“That’s a great idea, Teeni.”

The comperes head down the steps off to the side of the stage, as bright spotlights follow their delicate movements. They reach the first row of the audience, and the soft yellow beams come to rest on the face of a young man in seat A2.
“Sir, can I ask what you thought of that performance?”
The young man appears shy. He hesitates as the microphone is held in front of his face. Finally he clears his throat, and says, “During that song, I was taken back to my childhood. One of my earliest memories is lying in my bed, barely 3 years old, and listening to my mother sing that very song as I drifted off to sleep.”

As the microphone continues down the row, similar sentiments are expressed. Some people speak of the first time they heard the song. Others speak of the last time they heard it. Their speech is a testimony; it is clear that the performance has touched the hearts of the audience in a profound way.

Teeni Frowney’s eyes scan the capacity crowd. She is aware that there will be no more performances tonight, despite the pre-specified plan to close the evening with a comedy skit poking fun at one of New York’s most famous billionaires.
Instead, she quietly returns to the stage and recites the words of Percy Bysshe Shelley:

“Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory.
Odors, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.”

Lights fade. Curtains close. The night is over.

————————

NB. I used my “Soap Opera Name”, Amelia Auckland. That’s because the character in the story is me, but only 50%. The other 50% is fictional. I’m definitely not that good a singer!

I’d love to hear any feedback on my piece! Good or bad, I’m keen to get your opinions. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this. It would have been nice to write something a bit longer, but I would have needed a lot more time.

Teeni, thanks for setting such a great assignment!!

Sticky Lemon Slice

I can’t remember where I got this recipe, but I made it for the first time on Saturday night. And it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E. (if I do say so myself). Honestly, this is a totally *kick-butt* lemon slice!!

225g butter, softened (8 ounces or 2 sticks)
70g icing sugar (2 1/2 ounces)
275g flour (10 ounces)
400g sugar (14 ounces)
4 eggs, beaten
4 Tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
zest of 2 lemons
90mL lemon juice (3 fl. ounces)

Place butter in a bowl and beat until whipped. Add icing sugar and beat until creamy. Sprinkle over first measure of flour and mix well, until mixture forms a ball.
Press dough into a greased and well-lined Swiss roll tin.
Bake at 170C for 15 min.
Beat sugar and eggs together. Sprinkle over second measure of flour, baking powder, zest and juice. Mix together.
NB. This mixture will be very runny. This is okay. There is no need to panic or fret (like I did).
Pour mixture on top of base and bake for 30-35 min.
Cool in tin then dust with icing sugar and cut into 28 squares.

Sneak peeks …

I’ve been busy working with “Deck the Halls”, the gorgeous December kit from Scrapbook Essentials.

All the Design Team work will be in the gallery on Saturday, but here are a few sneak peeks for you …

Sneaky, sneaky.

I won’t be able to show my finished projects on my blog until the 17th or 18th, because we’re off to Wellington on Thursday for my cousin’s wedding!