Sons of Korah...

How awesome it is to listen to music and hear the words of my God at the same time!

I'm listening to Sons of Korah this morning. They write music to the Psalms.

What a great band and a great worship to my King!!

Have a great day all xxx

5 things I'm thankful for today:
1. Being in the presence of my God and His incredible might, power and love!
2. Sunday - my fave day of the week :)
3. A great time with friends last night, chatting deep into the night...
4. Family time today
5. That God is watching over every step I take...

Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip -
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber or sleep.

The Lord watches over you -
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forever more.

Praise God - how awesome is that!!!!

Ooh Squeeeaaalll......

That was a squeal of excitement in case you didn't realise...

In less than 2 hours (hopefully!) I will be in a small dark room with a strange instrument on my tummy....

Yep, we're off for our ultrasound and TO SEE MY BABY!!

I can't wait...

I had a dream last night that we saw a little willy.... lol... I hope we don't coz we want to be surprised... mind you, I'd be really excited if it was accidentally really obvious that there WASN'T a willy....

Watch this space...

* Edited to add... all went well! Baby is healthy and growing and was very active!! Its funny when you are trying to but also really trying not to see the sex as everything you see you think - ooh is that a little willy? hehe.. and I was listening out in case she said he or she too... hehe, but she said she didn't even see... baby is beautiful! And even a few days bigger than what we should be... so we are about 20 weeks... which hopefully means this one will come 'early' too - as they'll leave the due date the same...
I'm going to try to play with some of the photos tonight, see if I can come up with anything I like! And while the memories are really fresh :)

Re-assessing...

I've been receiving Ali Edwards' weekly newsletter, AEzine. And each week she really inspires me to look a bit deeper into my life and into my scrapbooking. This week's challenge is to create a personal creative 'manifesto' or mission statement really. By asking ourselves a few questions we should be able to see what our scrapbooking really is, why we do it etc. However, what my manifesto is and what I really want it to be are two separate things. I still struggle to create things that are 'me'. I don't even know what me or my style is. And I don't really think I like whatever it is anyways. My scrapping really is so empty. If I look through my albums (of which there really aren't many pages anyway) everything is so higglety-pigglety and it really doesn't really tell many stories. And that's NOT what I want my scrapping to be. I seem to be scrapping just for the sake of it lately, and I want to do it with more purpose.

So that's what I'm going to do. No more only-photo layouts with a nice smile or what-have-you - unless its really called for it. I want to get meaty and deep and record those MEMORIES that go with the pictures.

Erica Glover has ALWAYS inspired me with her journalling. Her layouts REALLY tell the stories - she's going to have so many wonderful things to look back on and not just pictures, but she'll be able to relive the memories too. And that's what I want.

So from now on, I'm planning my layouts ahead of time. Too many times I print pics I *think* I might want to scrap, not really thinking about colours or sizes I might want them when it comes to the actual scrapping part. And due to this, many of these pics don't end up being scrapped coz I just can't get inspired when I get em out. So I'm going to plan my sketches, photo sizes, and even colours ahead of time so I'm not just 'throwing' things together like I seem to do these days.

I want to be creative again.

I want to tell stories.

I want to capture the memories.

That's what scrapbooking is all about essentially isn't it??

A stinky surprise and sick of photocopying

Just some random bits and pieces from this week.

STILL hanging out for my girlfriend Michelle to give birth.. I'm not very patient. I'm just dying to see what she has and what they call it :) She is now 5 days overdue... when are you coming to meet us baby??? I'm waiting anxiously by the mobile for a text...

Had a not-so-wonderful surprise when I woke this morning... Eli had taken off his pooey nappy in bed... I'm sure you can guess what that meant. Yep, poo everywhere. He was rather excited and proud of himself I think... little terror... his poor teddy bear Blue didn't even escape so he went in the wash with the sheets, and is now just hanging around on the clothesline! And no, I didn't take any pics. there wasnt really as much poo smeared everywhere as you may think, it wasn't really photo worthy... but maybe I'll just take a piccie of Blue hanging on the line and can tell the story from that :) Good idea Nat!!

Spent a couple of hours at the church yesterday and a bit more at home, organising all the programs, rosters, resources for Hillz Kidz for this term - our kids ministry Friday afternoon program.... I'm sick of photocopying, sorting through papers and highlighting!

Having my ultrasound on Thursday. Really looking forward to seeing my baby :) But hopefully not 'too' much of him/her... we aren't going to find out the sex... we really enjoyed having the surprise with Elijah, even if sometimes I was a little impatient...

Finally have felt baby move this week! I was starting to get a bit worried, but a friend told me many women feel the baby later and later with each birth - something to do with a not so sensitive uterus - plus probably the extra 'padding' I have too! I'm sure he/she has a little wiggle most nights when I go to bed, but it was only because I was reading for 1/2 hour or so that I felt it I think :)

That's all for now, I think...

5 things I'm grateful for today:

1. Sunny weather for drying washing
2. The beautiful miracle of life, growing inside me :)
3. Being a christian - couldn't imagine my life without God now, such quality!
4. Time for a sleep/rest - like now
5. That I've done all the organising for Hillz Kidz - yay!!

I was tagged.... by someone!!

I'm sure someone tagged me with this one, can't for the life of me work out who, but anyways.... something to do huh...

A - Available/Single? sorry boys, I'm happily married. lol
B- Best Friend? I have a few - probably Lusi, Sal and Michelle (oh and course my hubby, he'd be number one, but you need your girls too)
C- Cake or Pie? CHEESE cake
D - Drink Of Choice? coffee, banana milkshake or smoothie
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? a shower!
F - Favorite Color? pink and green
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? worms, love the sour ones!
I - Indulgence? Greg getting up to the kids? Nah, never happens...
J - January Or February? not really sure, don't prefer either really
K - Kids & Their Names? Jaidyn and Elijah and 'peanut' or 'jellybean' (manufacturing!)
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? My relationship with God; family and friends
M - Marriage date? 14th August 2004
N - Number Of Siblings? 2 younger sisters
O - Oranges Or Apples? apples
P - Phobias/Fears? Spiders
Q - Favorite Quote: scripture - I can do all things who Christ who strengthens me - Phil 4:13
R - Real Hair Color? medium-dark brown - as it is now, haven't dyed it in a while
S - Season? definitely NOT summer - all the others are good
T - Tag 3 or 4 people? anyone who hasn't done it and can be bothered to :)
U - Unknown Fact About Me? I had a mild type of epilepsy as a child (don't remember a lot of my childhood either)
V - Vegetable you don’t like? brussell sprouts
W - Worst Habit? Laziness and procrastination
X - X-rays You’ve Had? just ultrasounds for pregnancies :)
Y - Your Favourite Food? chocolate, tacos, beef casserole, roasts!
Z - Zodiac Sign? Taurus but I don't beleive in that ho-hum

Found this...

In the KMart catalogue... looks like it would be a nice addition to my scrap space - in REAL need of some way to organise my stash, this looks perfect! I'm looking at the big one I think, or even the 3-drawer! The drawers would be 12x12 wouldn't they?? Not a bad price really either, is it??

Might go for a lookie at Kmart today and put it on layby :)

Well, its back to school. Must say its good to have a few hours of peace and quiet around here again.

Well there is SOME peace and quiet. Eli is teething a bit lately, driving me a bit bonkers. I don't have the energy for a whingy baby.

Heat is taking every ounce of energy I might have out of me. Been a real struggle to even do my housework this week. Much prefer to hide in my bedroom that has air-con.

Having my 18 week ultrasound on the 8th Feb. Surprised they got me in though, but a blessing none-the-less. Means don't have to fork out for a private consultation. Looking forward to seeing my baby :)

Am hoping its still alive in there actually. I haven't felt it move yet. I'm 18.5 weeks and I had definitely felt it by now with the last one, so praying that its just a bit lazy in this heat too maybe.

In the progress of planning a holiday. Have decided to postpone New Zealand for just Greg and I for our 5 yr anniversary (2.5 years time - enough to save?)... not disclosing where we are thinking of going yet, till its a bit further down the pipeworks.

Well, better go make Jaidyn a toasted sandwich. Can't be bothered to cook tonight.

Last week of the holidays

And well its really seemed like holidays to us around here, as Greg has had a week off too. So things have been super lazy around here! They always are when Greg is home, even on weekends.... the washing is even mounting up, oops!

Anyway, what have we done. Not a great deal as we're trying to save for a holiday to NZ in a couple of months, so we haven't much to spend...

We went to the movies to see 'Night at the Museum' last week. Spent most of our holiday budget there, with movie tickets for 3, then lunch at maccas and oops, Greg and I had coffee too.. lol. But was a great day together. We don't get a lot of days out together so I really do treasure them. And don't mind spending the money when we do get to go out together. It was a really enjoyable movie too!

We went for an afternoon swim and then a yummy dinner at Mum and Dad's on Tuesday. I don't have ANYTHING to swim in though so I always miss out... but the water was *too warm*, like a bath, a bit yuck. The dinner is always good though!

Jaidyn has had a couple of days at vacation care this week too. He's a great kid, but soooo full on and *loud* and we need our quiet time too!

I actually got a few shifts at the childcare centre again (did relief there when pregnant with Eli) so that was good. Greg babysat Elijah while I was there, bit of a funny role reversal - I cracked jokes about being a Stay-At-Home-Dad with him and all the things I need to get done in my day... of course I came home to a mess though!! Men!!

Yesterday Greg was given a day to himself as I trecked into the city with Sal and her kids (minus Alec)... was a great day out! The kids loved it all, there's really so much to see and do... and as kids do, they took so long really to get around everything so we'll have to go again to finish it off! Jai and Sal's kids (even 4yo Mitch) get on so well, so its a pleasure to take them together - no fighting or anything... and we'll definitely have to do it more often!

Also finally gave Sal the gift that the SOF girls put together for her and baby Cowper. She was so stoked! Here is a pic of the gift basket. Sal is such a wonderful friend, such an awesome woman of God and encourager and I feel so blessed that we could 'spoil' her a little. Enjoy it babe!

Oh, and this is the 'baby bouquet' and card I made for my friend's baby shower last Saturday. Thanks to Carol for running me through it step-by-step and to Ali Russell for some floristry tips too :) I'm pretty chuffed with how it turned out, but it was tedious work really, not quite sure if I want to venture into business there anymore, ha!

Last night Greg and I went to the Third Day concert! Rocked!! I was really tired from my huge day though, and was starting to flake early, lol. But they are sooo good live, and it was just so awesome to see so many people worshipping God together! Nothing like it! Makes me cry with happiness sometimes :)

This morning Greg went off for his first surfing expedition with a friend from church. So the kids and I drove up in the morning and met Greg up there. It was sooooo yucky yucky hot though! We went to the beach and decided to only have a quick dip as it was the middle of the day. We went to Currimundi Beach where there's a great inlet/river thing. So it was nice and shallow in parts, great for Eli to just sit around, and he even attempted crawling around in it a bit, but got a few mouthfuls of water too. I didn't get many 'decent' pics unfortunately - I thought there might have been some good ones but doesn't seem it :( Here are the only good ones, lol.

And I've *just* spoken to my friend Jayde from church, who informed me that her man finally popped the question yesterday - we've been anticipating it for a couple of months, wondering when he would!! So congratulations to Jayde and James!! They are looking at having a June wedding (ype, in 5 months time - plenty of time, lol!) so I'll be heavily pregnant - hopefully its earlier on in June and this baby doesn't come *too* early!! I'll have to get something cute to wear... not sure if my other good dress will stretch quite to 38 weeks!

5 things I'm thankful for today:
1. Cooler weather today - thank God, its been SO HOT here lately...
2. Spending time together as a family this week
3. Coffee
4. Good friends
5. Air-conditioning in my bedroom

Grrr, stupid blogger won't let me upload photos... again... how annoying!!

8 months old...

My darling Eli,

Well, somehow 8 months has come and gone. 8 months! Before too long we'll be celebrating your first birthday. You really are growing up just a little too quickly for my liking. Poor daddy somehow still thought you were 6 months old (silly Daddy!)... Mummy has been a bit naughty and didn't get around to writing you a letter at 7 months, so boy do I have a LOT to catch up on now. It's phenominal how much you have learnt in the last 2 months!

You have mastered crawling. This took a little while as you experimented with different ways to get around. For about a month it was a 'caterpillar' crawl where you would shoot your arms out in front of you, then get up on your haunches, then down again and then shoot your arms out again - well thats not a really great way of explaining it, but you looked like a caterpillar. You had not quite got the hang of moving your hands alternately yet. But you finally got the hang of it and then nothing could really stop you! Every now and then, you also crawl on your toes instead of your knees, or your own rendition of it with one knee and one foot!



















Then came sitting up. You mastered this after crawling. I knew you'd get it soon. First you were a little wobbly, and leaned way forward, but slowmy your back strengthened and straightened.

After that it was only a week or so of crawling before you discovered you could also pull yourself up on all the furniture... and this is really where all the injuries start with a baby I think! Now every morning I am greeted with big smiles peering out from between the bars or over the top of the cot... you stand in the corner and wait for someone to walk past trying to sneak into the toilet (that's me!) and then you make lots of noise just in case we didn't see you there!! Then of course smiles all round! (and usually a nice smelly nappy to boot too, hehe) It was funny there for a while when you'd worked out how to get up, but not how to get down, and you'd stand up against something (most often the coffee table) and whinge until I helped you down. But you have not got the hang of it, and crawl, pull yourself up and get down on furniture all over the house!

You experienced your first Christmas at 7 months old. As most babies do, I think you enjoyed the wrapping and boxes more than your presents. We opened our family presents at home before going to church, but you only made it through a couple before you just *had* to go back to bed - you could hardly keep your little eyes open darling! So of course we opened the rest for you. You enjoyed present-opening time at Nana's though, where we went to celebrate with lunch. And of course you got spoilt rotten. Lots of new toys, and you especially love the ones that make noises or songs...
Christmas time was extra special because you met your Aunty Shanny for the first time too, as she finally came home from her trip to Holland. It was so great to have her back and she is so smitten with you.



















My, there is so much to mention. You have just learnt soooo much lately. So what else?

You have started having sandwiches and other finger food. Sandwiches at lunchtime are a huge hit and its great to see you feeding yourself and making a huge mess! Nutella sandwiches are particularly messy - like in this photo. It was so funny to see, you had it everywhere!!


In the last week you have learnt to clap your hands and you are so chuffed with yourself. We were practising for a little while there, with Mummy holding your hands for you, but you have now got the hang of it yourself and love clapping now! You also get a huge kick out of the fuss we make when you do - its still quite a novelty.

You are starting to talk more and more, and I think we can almost say you are saying 'Dada' now. While its more in a long string of "dadadadadada", it is clearly 'da'... and of course Dad thinks its great!! No sign of 'mum-mum' yet though, :( You also seem to be trying to engage in conversation - if only you knew the words hey? You look at us and say 'eh?' like you're asking a question. Sometimes its to get our attention, sometimes after we ask you something.

You have sprouted your first tooth this week! I almost didn't notice it there. The second one is just there under the gum too, so won't be long. You have been a little cranky, grizzly and today even a little sick (cold-y, extra tired, extra cranky), which I think must be from the teething. For comfort, you stick your finger (sometimes your thumb) into the side of your mouth and chew on it.

You and Jai still love playing together. He blows raspberries on your tummy, or plays peek-a-boo, or shows you how to build something. You love climbing all over him (in fact everyone!) and you love pulling hair or noses or mouths - ouch!

Little tantrums are starting to make their way into your personality. And its usually if someone takes something off you that you shouldn't have (which you know!). You will chuck a little screamy tanty. Not quite the throwing youself on the floor just yet, but who knows if that will come - hopefully not!

Getting into things you know you shouldn't is one of your favourite games. You squeeze through the gap between the lounges (sometimes you have a scream if you can't fit!) and go for the power cords near Mummy's laptop; you seem to always get yourself caught in and underneath the dining chairs; you love the tower of the pc; you love to pull out the board games in the bottom of the bookshelf; you love to play in the curtains; you love playing under the coffee table or under your cot; and also the dirt in the potplant is great fun for you - sometimes you eat it, sometimes you just like to play with it in your hand and put it all over the floor. But you are learning the word 'No'. Gee, we have to use it enough. Doesn't stop you though. I can just tell you know what it means, but you ingore it and push your luck just that little further. Sometimes if we yell it a little loud you get a bit scared and have a little cry. Then of course we have to pick you up for a cuddle coz you're too cute.

Bathtime is one of your favourite times of day. And its so much easier now you're in the big bath. You love to splash around! You do this thing where you look like you're swimming or something, with your arms and legs flailing around. You are so intent on what you're doing, and we can't help but laugh! Then you chase your little floating toys around the bath, and shove them in your mouth! You still seem to think you can crawl in the bath, and dunk yourself or bang your head or something quite often. Daddy even has one particular one on his phone (he should have been watching you not taking a video huh!) Jaidyn often hops in the bath with you, but he doesn't get much room, poor thing!

I'm sure there are more things I've forgotten too. You are just growing so fast right now. But I better get this finished before you are 9 months old my darling! We love you more and more each day. xxx

Making me happy...

Just thought a nice happy post would be great.

Things that are making me happy today:

* That we are going to an old friend's engagement party tonight, and I have a new top!

* That right now, Jaidyn is out at a b'day party and the baby is asleep, so there's peace and quiet...

* That today is overcast (yet hot :() so a good day for creating, which I have a bit of to do.

* That I have an awesome Father that provides everything I need in life.

* That I got a place in the Birthing Centre to have this baby - you can't imagine how relieved it makes me feel - what a good God!

* That I have made my bed, lol. Simple things huh.

* That I have so many wonderful friends that love me and support me.

* That my baby is amazing me everyday with things he does.

* That tomorrow Greg will be on holidays for 10 days!

* That I get to organise the games for a friends baby shower - fun fun!

Just a few bits and pieces, random but still making me smile and feel great today!

What's making you smile today? Feel free to share.

Nutella

I made the mistake of putting nutella on Elijah's sandwich for lunch today... and this is how he ended up...


(Can you tell we don't have a highchair yet, hehe, think we're getting one on loan this weekend hopefully!)
It's so cute watching him get it all over him, shove it in his cute little mouth. Nothing like your baby starting to eat big food! Oh, he's growing so fast!! Somebody stop him!

And this one just makes me laugh every time I look at it - just shoving it in his mouth! Heehee...

Today my boy learnt HOW TO CLAP! Oh its just so cute. I've been clapping his hands with him for a little while, and today he finally worked out how to do it himself. And he's just so chuffed with himself too, I can tell!

Ciao!!

From Tam

Stole this from Tam's blog (darn, I've forgotten how to link again). Was meaning to do this when I read it on hers, but then I forgot and just found it again. Even though its now the middle of January - gee, time flies doesn't it!! Anyways...

1. What did you do in 2006 that you’d never done before?
Saw my Mum in ICU (scary!), gave birth without drugs!, lead a ministry at church

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Most probably not. From what I remember there was (always is) losing weight. Well I was on the way with that after Eli was born, then I got pregnant again, so that one has to move a year - or just whenever I get there... there was being a better housewife - I think I'm 'improving', lately anyway, but I have highs and lows, so this one will be there again too... can't remember what else there was...

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Lots of people! ME for one; Karen, Tam, Erica

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, but we came close to losing my Mum.

5.What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006?
Organisation skills; a clean, decluttered house; a thinner waistline.

7. What dates from 2006 remain etched in your memory and why?
May 14 - Mothers Day, my b'day and the last day I spent with Mum before her op; May 21/22 - my labour and birth of my beautiful baby; May-July - my Mum in hospital.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Labouring and birthing with no drugs (unheard of for me, was never in my birth plan!); leading the kids ministry at church.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Weight loss

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
thankfully, No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Would say my camera, but that was JUST before 2006; ahhh... baby stuff probably - had fun getting bargains on ebay.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My Dad (oh, I'm gonna cry thinking about it!) - he just made me so proud of him and to be his daughter - the way he held himself through 3 months of hell while Mum was stuck in hospital, the way he stuck it out for friends and family, I won't forget it in a hurry... really need to scrap that actually...

13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Not sure.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Oh, who knows!! Nowhere in particular, and definitely not to our savings account where more should have gone, so we can go on afamily holiday this year!!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Having a baby.

16. What song will always remind you of 2006?
Don't know.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
Happier, but also more stressed, lol; fatter or about the same considering I was preg then too; probably poorer, although now we are saving some... lol.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Spent more time with God, exercise.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Yep, same as Tam - time on the computer, eek... eating bad foods too...

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
We spent it with my family at my Mum and Dad's house - both sisters were home too, which wasn't meant to be so...

21. What was your favorite TV program?
Lost.

22. What was the best book you read?
Ummm, not sure. Probably 'Black' by Ted Dekker, which I've just picked up again - good vs evil fiction - lovin it... but had forgotten it so reading it again...

23. What was your greatest musical discovery of 2006?
The christian band Third Day - going to see them in concert next week - yay!!

24. What did you want and get?
A new fridge, some awesome new friends

25. What did you want and not get?
A clean house (lol yep same here Tam), a scrapping style lol, a smaller waistline.

26. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
It was Mothers Day also so spent the day at my Mum and Dad's. I turned 24. It was just before Mum went into hospital.

27. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006?
Maternity and plus size :( :( want that to change!!

28. What kept you sane?
The internet, Scrap of Faith, awesome friends like Lusi who just know what I'm talking about and let me vent (like yesterday, thanks a lot babe!), God!!

29. What political issue stirred you the most?
Don't really follow it. Blah.

30. Who was the best new person you met?
My baby Elijah, followed by great new friends, Sal and Lusi (but haven't really 'met' her)

One little word...

Ok, so I'm a little behind now on this one, but it really plagued me for a good week before I really sat down and worked it out.

Ali Edwards' AEzine last week involved us thinking about and picking a word that summed up what we want for the year, or what we want to do, or want from ourselves for the year.

I thought about this a lot, as I really wanted the 'perfect' word, something deep and profound, lol. But in searching I also realised that everything I want to acheive this year is diverse and cannot really all fit under one word.

(Sorry SOF girls, this next bit is pulled almost word-for-word from my post on forum)
So after some time in the Word, and asking God what He wants me to focus on, I really felt Him challenging me to make GIVE my word for 2007. To be honest, it WAS the first word that came to my mind about a week ago when I read about this on Tam's blog. It's the word I keep coming back to, or moreso God keeps pulling me back to.

So I did a few scripture searches. The best of the lot comes from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
'Remember this, whoever sows sparingly, will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctant or under compulsion, FOR GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER.....
11 you will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. this service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God...'

So through giving, we are thanking God for the indescribable gift He gave us of Jesus Christ.

I believe God is particularly talking to me in this scripture about my giving to Him, by honouring my tithe. Of late months, we haven't tithed, and we know that hardships with finances only follow this decision. And we KNOW that in giving we receive and receive abundantly.... so God is telling me to honour that tithe with thanksgiving in my heart and with a generous attitute to Him...

Another scripture: 2 Cor 8:9 - 'For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.'
Wow, what a challenge that one is!! Through my poverty, I can make others rich..??

Anyway, I beleive this how I need to address GIVE:

1. GIVING to God....
... my tithe
... my time
... my burdens
... my fears
... my petitions
... my praise and thanksgiving
... my prayers
... my ALL

2. GIVING to Others....
... financially, who are in need
... my time, building on my friendships
... my love and support, who need a friend
... encouragement in their Walk with the Lord or their self-worth
... gifts, that show I care and I appreciate them

3. GIVING to my Family....
... my ALL
... my time
... my dedication
... my appreciation
... my attention
... my God-given gifts and as a Mum and Wife
... my LOVE

4. GIVING to Myself....
... time with my Lord
... permission to not be perfect
... 'me' time
... freedom to discover my own scrapping style
... acceptance for who I am
... strength through Christ Jesus

WOW! That was awesome!! It seems GIVE really IS my word. That all just tumbled out of my spirit. I'm so excited to embrace this in 2007.

So my question each morning to the Lord will be: Father, how can I GIVE today??
Today's answer to that question - Give time, dedication, energy to my kids today & Give time to God through some devotion time.

Have a great day. Would love to hear what your 'word' for the year will be... if you've done this task, if not, check out Ali's blog, www.aliedwards.typepad.com

The cuteness (more pics)

My little man is now well and truly standing up on furniture and in his cot, so yesterday while I saw him happy and standing in his cot, I thought I'd take the opportunity to take some snaps.

He's just cute enough to gobble him all up!

And a couple of him crawling too:

A big Saturday!

Had a rather huge eventful afternoon and evening yesterday, and lots of pics to share too.

Yesterday afternoon I had lunch with two of my old highschool friends, Kim and Jem. Jem now lives in Melbourne and is up visiting family over Christmas break; and Kim I had lost contact with and finally managed to find her again after 2 years! I'm so thankful for that! Had a wonderful afternoon with these two girlies, talking about what's been happening in our lives recently - lots, with babies, boys, new love and parenting issues! It was so wonderful to catch up, and laugh and laugh over funny memories of days gone. And the wonderful thing was, that even though I hadn't seen them for a while, things hadn't changed (Even after 2 years!) We could still talk like before, still laugh, still share. Such a wonderful 4 hours (the people in the restaurant I'm sure thought we were a little strange!!)... here are some piccies:

With Jem:

With Kim:The 3 of us:

Last night we went to a friend from church's 21st party. The theme was 'night at the races' so we got all spiffed up - girls in dresses, heels and fascinators, and boys in spiffy suits. We bought Greg a new pinstripe suit (which he needed for weddings, functions anyway) so he looked super sexy!!

Here are a couple of pics - didn't really get a great deal of good ones - crappy lighting really... and Happy Birthday Jayde!

Greg and I:

With Michelle:

Congratulations Sal and Mark!!

... on the safe arrival of little Cowper Mark!!

Born at 6.36am this morning. But he's been anticipated for a couple of days now. I'm so very excited and happy for you guys and cannot wait to meet this little man!! (hopefully tomorrow!)

Photos to come. I will definitely be taking my camera - and well hopefully he is awake.

Both Mum and Bub are doing well.

He's learning so much

Well, after reading Kathie's blog mainly, I realise that I really do not record enough of what's happening in the growings of my baby.

And well this month has been HUGE so far and really its only half-over (he's almost 7.5 months old). So I though I should put a few little updates here.

Well he finally started crawling 'properly' a couple of weeks ago now (so that will make the 7 month letter when I actually finish writing it - its half-done..). But boy, what a difference a crawling baby makes to the household. Gee, I have to be on my toes all the time huh. Thankfully there is nothing dangerous or really bad that he can get into, but being the inquisitive baby (and boy!) that he is, he gets into anything that doesn't look like his toys. And I'm suress he knows he shouldn't be touching it, in fact, yep I'm convinced he knows! And I guess that makes it all the more fun for him.

His favourite places to go are:
The computer - with the tower on the floor he loves to go straight for the big power button and the cords hanging out the side... hmmm, might have to do something about that...
My bedroom - if the door is open he likes to explore there, and as Greg doesn't really keep the floor on his side of bed clean, who knows what he'll find there!
When the Christmas tree was up - on a coffee table - he liked to get in under it and find the power cords for the lights. Oh, you would move him back to the mat with his toys and he'd get straight back under that table!


To anything - plates, cups, remotes etc that get left on the floor! He especially likes remotes and it seems we have like 100!
His rocker - he likees to crawl all over it, get legs and arms stuck in the handles straps, get under it (and stuck there!)
Oh, and the board games on the bottom shelf of the bookcase - he particularly likes to pull out Cranium and Guess Who (the smaller boxes) and crawl all over Guess Who.
Oh - and this i edited to add that I forgot the indoor plant! Oh my, little terror - today he got into it twice and ATE the dirt! Eek... as Greg said when I told him, I don't think we can have a plant indoors anymore!!

Its so funny really, the places he goes. I think I will have to get some more pics and have to do a layout on this actually!!

This week he has also mastered sitting up. Back is almost straight now, not quite, but he can sit without using his hands on the floor for support now. And its so cute.

ALSO, he's started pulling himself up on some of the furniture... Oh dear!! Already!! And as we have wood floors, this is more toruble than good, as he falls over much of the time. Have to be right there with him when he's exploring in this manner. He now likes the teachest/toybox the best - best height for him I suppose. He pull himself up no problems, but then I think he realises he can't get down so he whinges there (or he falls). He's fine when there's someone right there with him though. He has also tried the couch but its that little big higher, and he hasn't quite got it yet.

When we were at my Mum's on New Years Day, he discovered their stairs (that go up from the living area) and decided he wanted to climb them! Well of course Dad got his new camcorder out and we have it on video. He got up 4 stairs! He's only 7 months old!! Growing up far too quickly this one! And no fear really. Yikes.....

His favourite toys right now seem to be his tower of rings that come off and on. He likes to chew the top of the pole, lol. And the rings seem to always get stuck under the couch... gggrrr... and he also loves a couple of toys that make sounds. A caterpillar that has buttons you press with numbers, shapes, letters etc and say the name of each. Jaidyn likes that a little more than Eli though I think... and a set of keys with a few sound buttons too. The keys are detached right now and the sound part seems to be in his bed. We often hear it when he wakes up and is playing by himseslf in there. The other night, when he was asleep, Greg went past to the bathroom and heard the lady's voice say 'car'... he said it gave him a bit of a fright and didn't quite know who was in there with him! Lol, he rolls onto in his sleep sometimes I guess... but I do try to move them all out of the way.

He is getting a very cheeky boy indeed. I tell you, ther personality really shines from about 6 months old! He smiles like all the time - unless he's whinging, which he's also developed well - and its this cute big cheesy grin too. In fact, even when he's grizzly its cute coz his little mouth stretches to a long line almost and his little cheeks chub up - so cute!!

Oh well, now that I'm started I could go on forever with my boy! Oops. But I'll stop now. I really must take some new pics though!

Rain!

Have woken this morning to beautiful, glorious rain. Its just gorgeous. I'm sitting out on the balcony, just watching the rain and web-surfing on the laptop - how relaxing!

I didn't have much planned for today, so I think I'll have a look through the scrapping supplies and see what I can come up with. I'm in need of some new papers, so I'm not sure I have much that matches - or even any photos really, but its the right weather for it huh!

Shall sit Jaidyn down with some craft, a DVD or his computer game and should be able to create something today! Have ideas about the New Year swimming around in my head, so might be a good place to start and I think I have the paper for it too.

Had a nice lazy day yesterday - so lazy the washing didn't make it to the line, again, oops.

Chatted to my two lovely girls Lusi and Sal. Unfortunately my chat with Lus was just not long enough, but I just called her to thank her for the beuaitful gift she sent me, just coz she loves me - a Joyce Meyer book and tucked inside my Elsie autograph... maybe I can plan a way to scrap that too huh. Talked to Sal for 2 hours - I think that's a record, gee Sal, do you ever shut up? lol We had lots to talk about though and I love talking God stuff with Sal, she's so zealous about it all!

So, not much to report really. I have a half-finished letter to Elijah for his 7th month which I should really finish too.

Hope you all have a nice day!

5 things I'm thankful for today (gee I haven't done this in a while):

1. Beautiful rain!
2. That I have made so many wonderful friends through blogland and SOF
3. That I will be doing a class again soon for SOF, and I look forward to creating again.
4. That Jesus is my best friend and only a conversation away (or a thought!)
5. Scrapping day!

Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007

Well, a Happy New Year to you all.

I must make a terrible confession - I didn't make it till midnight last night. Yep, I'm getting old huh! I will blame the pregnancy... hehe... we went to friend's for a nice quiet night (the mens decision really) - we had a great BBQ dinner, then cracked out the Poker - Texas Holdem style. I'm not really 'into' poker, I find it a little boring, but I think I lasted an hour or so at least. But by 10.30pm I was bored of Poker and tired as. Something that 5.30am starts and a couple of Midori Illusions didn't help! So I piked! Yep! So to Tam and Lusi, I didn't even make it to your New Year - Greg told me I had two texts when he woke me at 2am to drive home (of course he had far too many drinks to drive!).. but thanks girls :)
So hope you all had a good one. We had a good time, but yep, I didn't make it to see the new year in. I haven't missed it in many years, so must be getting old!

Well, I guess I'll use this post as a bit of a wrap-up of 2006 and a lead-into 2007.

2006 was a HUGE year in my family. It seems they get more 'eventful' each year... so here's a hopefully quick run-through:

2006 was a year of new community... as we had just moved to the Northside of Brisbane, to our new church family. And I think the best move we've made. We are so at home in this church and this community. Love it here!

2006 was a year of new milestones... as my first baby Jaidyn started at big school. He looked so grown up in his uniform first day, oh my! He loves school, and putting him in this year was the best decision ever, he was so ready (although he seems to have my not-so-attentive, a-bit-to-talkative trait!).

2006 was a year of adventure... as my baby sister headed to Holland for a year's exchange. We missed her so much in the 10 months she was gone, but she got such a wonderful life and travel experience - went to so many places! Lucky duck!

2006 was a year of stretching the heart-strings and bonds of my family... as we went through almost losing my Mum in an operation-gone-wrong. Then came 3 months of her being in hospital. Frustration was one key emotion felt at this time. I will never forget the strength of my Dad though, and my respect and love for him grew so much stronger seeing him be so dedicated and unselfish for Mum. It was a hard few months, but our family pulled together and we made it through. Mum is now at home and well and truly in recovery mode. And we hope she has no more hospital stays in the near future!

2006 was a year of new life... as we welcomed Elijah Christopher Mardon into the world on Monday 22nd May @ 6.15am. What a beautiful thing the birth of a baby is and he has brought nothing but joy to this family. I love nothing more than being a SAHM to him and watching Jaidyn and Eli bond and play together. Eli was born while Mum was in hospital, and she didn't see him until he was 6 weeks old. It was a little unfamiliar and sad not having Mum around when I first had him and came home etc. I really look forward to that again with the next one.

2006 was a year of promotion and new responsibility... as Greg was finally promoted to a Store Manager for ALDI. We had been waiting a short while for this, so it was greatly appreciated when it finally came. In saying that, it's been a tough few months with Greg working long hours, having many staffing problems and I guess all the sorts of things that managers have to deal with. But he is really good at what he does and he thrives on the responsibility and leading his team. I am so very proud of him!

2006 was a year of visiting with family... In April we travelled down to Mt Gambier SA to stay with Greg's parents for a while. It was a lovely relaxing time, enjoying family and the little 'sights' of the town. On the way home we stopped in at Melbourne to see my cousins and also a couple of friends. In July, we had visits from both Greg's parents again and my Nana, to see Elijah (and Nana to see Mum too). Nana has been down again for Christmas, so its been a pretty good year with family. My BIL Jeremy is living with us at the moment, so its great to spend some time with him too. The only one we didn't see was Andrea, hopefully won't be too far between seeing her again...

2006 was a year of new challenges... as I stepped into leadership in our church, heading up the Children's Ministries. I still have much to learn about organisation and the 'business' behind it all, but God is certainly taking me through all that, teaching me new things and beign with me all the time so I don't fall too hard. I've found it very challenging at times, but also love it, and it is such a need in our church, so I just pray that God dontinues to bless me in this, and take it to the next level this year!

2006 was a year of new friendships... I have met some of the most amazing women this year. First of all was my wonderful friend Lusi, whom I just stumbled upon through a blog we both visited. Who would have known that God had such a rich friendship in store for us both. In no more than 6 months we have laughed, cried and prayed together, sharing each others lives, families and testimonies of what God has done in our lives. I love this girl so much and I hope that 2007 brings us together to actually meet in person. Love you Lus.
One other amazing friend I've made this year is Sal. We were brought together in July, so again, less than 6 months ago, when she started the Scrap of Faith community, again through a mutual friend. Sal and I have got rather close this year, and our friendship is rooted very deeply in God, in the SOF community and in sharing the gospel with others. I love you too Sal, and look forward to what God has in store for our friendship in 2007.
I have also made many new friendships at Scrap of Faith. This is 'my home' now, I can't go a day without visiting the forums, and seeing what's happening in the lives of my christian girls there. We have all grown quite a close bunch and I know these girls are always there for me, for prayer, for guidance and for spiritual advice or building me up in my faith. Love you girls too!

2006 was a year of new depth in God... as I've seen my walk with Him and my spiritual life grow more than I could ever have imagined. Where I am now, and where I was this time last year seem so distantly apart. I have truly learnt so much, laid so much at the cross and grown so much in every aspect of my christian life. I feel so much fuller in my God, so much closer to Christ Jesus, but of course still so far from the perfection that He is. I am excited to see where He takes me in 2007. What an honour it is to be in the kingdom of my God and in Christ Jesus. More love in Him than I could ever have imagined anywhere else.

2006 was a year of exciting milestones for friends... I've seen one of my highschool girlfriends, Erinna finally get married this year to a wonderufl man Scott. I've seen two more old school friends get engaged, congrats to Lou and Jordan and Roxy and Robin. Hayley, a friend from uni is pregnant with her first baby, how exciting, as are Ben and Michelle who are to welcome their baby in only a month. I've had many friends have babies this year - Karen with Jacob, Tam with Diesel, Erica with McKenna, Katherine with Elara and more. What a wonderful year!

And finally, 2006 was a year of new excitement for us... as we found out we are pregnant AGAIN! We are so overjoyed though, and know this is God's plan. Two babies only a little over a year apart. I'll probably go a bit mad, but I'll love em so much and I know God will get me through it! We are so excited for July 1 to come around and welcome a new baby into this family.

What agreat year my family has had. Ups and downs. Hardships and joys! But that's what life is all about isn't it. I really look forward to life in 2007. And, if you've made it this far, good on you, and I wish you the very best to come in 2007 too and hope you acheive all you set out to.

My Mantra this year - With God, all thing are possible!

(Well blogger doesn't seem to want to let me upload any pics - again - such seems the story of blogger - maybe I should switch users.... so can't upload any sorry!)

Happy Birthday Baby!!

A big Happy 26th Birthday to my man today!

Love this guy! And here's a few reasons why (I'll have to show him for extra brownie points too huh):

* He always says how much he loves me and says I'm beautiful. Always makes me feel good about myself :)

* He works very hard and very long hours to make money and take care of this family.

* He has a quirky sense of humour and makes me laugh.

* He loves his family and his kids and I know he does the best he knows how to do!

* Did I mention how hard he works for this family!? I really appreciate that!

* He loves the Lord and tries to serve him to the best of his abilities.

* He loves many of the same things I love doing - laughing, being with friends, playing games etc.

* He makes cute babies :D

* And most important of all, he has a CUTE BUTT. hee hee hee

Love you baby! Have a great day!!

Balloons

Good morning!

While we were pottering around this morning about 6.30am I heard a really strange sound like a - well I don't know what - and we went outside to investigate, where we saw right above our house, these!

By the time we said Wow and I ran to get the camera, they'd moved, so I ran back to get the zoom lens and got these pics. They must have been right over our house when I first heard them! Jaidyn and I have both never seen a balloon this close to us!

Anyway, thankyou everyone for all your comments on my last post. Lol, I didn't know I had so many visitors still, gee, my blog must be pretty boring otherwise for no-one to want to comment, lol. Please do!

Well, today we are up early again, and for once, I've done most of my housework (well what I'm actually going to do today!) done already. So we will actually get to the shops on time this morning I imagine! Going to exchange some Chrissie pressies, and pick up Greg something little for his b'day tomorrow (have already got him a bar fridge with his parents).

The I'm taking the boys to Currimundi Beach after lunch with some friends from church. Should be a good afternoon, so I'll try to get some pics too. Haven't got any of Eli at a beach yet, although we did take him on our overcast holiday a couple of months ago.

Not sure what we're doing for New Years yet - if anything! Its Greg's b'day so cooking bacon and eggs for breaky, yumm.... and he wants to sleep in so we might skip church this week too, have a really nice lazy day.

Hope you all have a happy Saturday and New Years too, whatever you do!

Success

Why does 'being successful' seem to depend on what job you have or how much money you make?
Or if you own a house or a nice car?
And how does/did the enemy make me feel like I'm not successful because I don't have these things? (nasty piece of work)

I was at my grandparents yesterday and Aunt and Uncle and Mum and Dad chatted about all us kids - and other cousins too -what we're doing with our lives etc. And somehow in it all, I started feeling that what I do and how I've chosen to have kids first and all that, well that its not as 'good' as maybe what my cousins are doing by having a good-paying job and buying houses etc.. don't you just love it how the devil seems to make us feel crap. don't worry, God got in my ear pretty quick and affirmed my life choices - ultimately because I have life in Him! - and it made me think why I AM successful!! So here goes:

I am successful because I finished a degree, while mostly a single mum, trying to support myself and my son!

I am successful because I moved out young and have supported myself and my son well.

I am successful because I have a great marriage.

I am successful because I have two great kids and I enjoy my time with them, and they fill my life with joy.

I am successful because I have deep friendships with people that care very much about me and my family.

I am successful because I have a ministry and I am a leader in my church.

I am successful because I have good relationships with my family members.

I am successful because I enjoy a hobby and do it well (when I do).

And most of all, I am successful because I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, He lives inside me. He provides all my needs, and at the end of time, I will not be able to take my job, money, house with me to Heaven, but will be judged on the difference I made on earth in people and in the Kingdom of God, and hopefully I will hear my God say 'Well done, good and faithful servant'....

So there! I am successful! And mostly through Christ my Lord!

Happy Christmas!

So I hope you all had a wonderful, blessed and very fun day yesterday for Christmas Day, celebrating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ!

Mine was crazy, but wonderful all the same! (being pregnant I was double tired!)

Elijah's first Christmas and what an exciting time. Unfortunately he went back to bed right in the middle of opening presents, poor little tike couldn't keep his little eyes open any longer, but he did get to 'open' a couple of gifts first (and we opened the others, he is only 7 months anyway). Did manage to get a few cute pics of him throughout the day - in all his presents having a grea time - mainly with the paper - and in his custom-fixed (paperclip job) christmas hat! so cute!



We all got spoilt! My gorgeous husband bought me a beautiful big cross necklace with cubic zirconias in it (he said he could have got diamonds but the cross was so small, but I'm happy with this gorgeous one I have!) He even hid it in a ultrasonic jewelery cleaner he got to go with it - and to clean my rings and glasses too. From my babies I got a bottle of perfume - Still by JLo. I haven't had a real perfume in ages, so its nice to feel pampered! I also got another perfume - Echo Woman - from my sisters. And some clothes, shoes, books - what else could a girl want for Christmas I say! Thoroughly spoilt rotten by my beautiful family :)

We started at church, and I did the christmas message this year. First time I've really done anything like that but I stayed in my comfort zone and did a kids story that the adults enjoyed too :) Apparently I did ok, so I'm glad of that!

We had a great lunch and afternoon at my parents house. My sister and her boyfriend were slaving away in the kitchen from 8am cooking a yummy roast turkey and many other treats. Always eat so much on Christmas! Unfortunately I was sick last Friday so I don't think I (my stomach!) was quite back to my normal self, so didn't eat as much as I might have normally - which is probably a good thing!

As a first ever for me, we spent the evening with friends! We took the long walk a few houses down the street to our friends Marty and Melinda's and just had a chill-out relazing evening, a few left-overs and great company. I bought Greg the game Cranium so we played a round of that too. The kids had a ball playing around and Jai wa still wide awake at 10.30pm when we came home - sooo late for him - needless to say he slept in till 7:40am this morning!

This afternoon we are having friends around for a relaxing BBQ and games afternoon! So I better shoot off and clean this dump up!

Merry Christmas to you all!

Been a while...

Well, its been a couple of weeks since I blogged. Been a bit busy chaotic around here, and then wasn't sure what to really blog about, so just didn't bother!

Week before Christmas craziness happening here. Have still got a fair bit of Christmas shopping to do - hopefully a bit today and the rest tomorrow. Still have Greg, Elijah, my two sisters, and grandparents to buy for. Usually just give the grandparents something photo-related, but I don't have my family photo yet, so not sure I'll be able to do anything there. (Deb, if you're reading, do you have time to email me that pic pretty please??)

School holidays have started well here. On Monday took Jaidyn to the movies with a girlfriend down the street and her 4 kids... was an interesting morning getting kids in and out of cars, forgetting Eli's bottle, so having to occupy him other ways till the movie finished. He was fairly well-behaved considering. We went to see 'Open Season'. Pretty good, but not high on my fave kids movies really. The kids all enjoyed it though - even Eli was quite enthralled by the big screen - he seems to like TV - must be just like his brother there...

Jai has a couple of sleep-overs at his grandparents this week, going to the airport to pick up my grandmother who will be down for Christmas, he's got a b'day party this morning and going to Vacation Care tomorrow to do some christmas cooking. He'll be exhausted by the weekend and hopefully I will have had enough time to myself to finish the christmas shopping!

Mum's been back in hospital again, but cam out yesterday. This time it was an infection (absys) which may have come up from the last op, but its all good now, and she's just gotta wait the time it all takes to heal now.

Am off to get my hair done this arvo. Definitely needs something before Christmas. Not sure if I'll get anything overly different though. Am trying a new girl at the salon - a friend of a friend who also has curly hair and says she does a good job, and she's much cheaper coz she's just finished her apprenticeship I think. So we'll see how she goes.... and hope it still looks decent! Oh, and some nice clean eyebrows too! Will be looking all smashing (well as much as possible) for my christmas photos.

Elijah is growing up so fast. He's well and truly getting around now. Not really crawling 'properly' yet, but he moves alright, especially if he's got his mind on reaching something in particular - usually something he shouldn't be into!
He is also starting to sit up this week. He's done this all on his own, so we're happy that he's starting, as everyone has been saying he's doing it all backwards - as long as he does it right! He does a lot of standing on his feet, well straightening his legs, when he's on all fours - sticking his cute little butt in the air, hehe... so cute!!

Well, will try to upload some pics later maybe. Don't have a lot, but a couple. Tried to take a photo shoot of the boys last week, which was mainly a flop. but hopefully I can get at least one half-decent one out of them...

Off to get showered and ready to take Jaidyn to his friend's party - and buy a gift on the way, oops...

Random catch-up

Well I have lots of little things to say so I'll just do it in dot-form I think.

* Thanks for the prayers and well wishes for my Mum. The op went really well, better than expected I think, and she's slowly recovering in hospital. She's quite happy that she got a little tummy tuck out of this too (they pulled her skin/fat over the wound and joined it to the other side - no more hole in her stomach I assume). will appreciate ongoing prayers for recovery, thanks.

* Poor hubby has had a dreadfully long week. His assistand manager (Greg is manager) resigned on Monday, so he's had to try to cover 50 hours in the store. Instead of 50 hours, he's done about 70 this week and he's SO EXHAUSTED!! So he'll be sleeping and lazing around most of today no doubt... still gonna try to get him to church though. And I hope the next coming weeks (still with no assistant manager - AND this close to Christmas) are not as bad for him. The poor dear. He already works so hard.

* We went to the local Christmas Carols last night. Love em! We almost didn't go, as Greg didn't want to (after working 70 hours) and I was not so happy going without my hubby, but he changed his mind and we trundled down there with our candles in cups and Jaidyn wearing a Santa Hat and Eli wearing (sometimes) some reindeer ears).... and had a good time. I just love Christmas carols, so I'm so glad we went. As its organised by the local churches, there's a great emphasis on the birth of Jesus still, so that was so good to see - and a small message from one of the pastors about Christ, what he meant to the world and how easy it is to give our hearts to Him. Greg spent the evening pouring hot wax onto his finger tho, to make a 'finger glove' - someting he said he used to do when he was a kid, but still, he was there.... lol... teaching all the children how to pour hot wax onto your hands - thanks Greg!

* Had a big storm here last week and it whipped up so fast all the windows and doors were still open. Needless to say, the computer got wet, and the keyboard is stuffed. (I'm using the mac right now) I think Greg trundled down to find the old keyboard off my old computer, so hopefully we won't have to buy a new one this close to Xmas when there's not exactly any money!!

* Had a nice day yesterday scrapping with Sarah, one of the SOF girl's daughters (my age almost) who came to the big crop we had in Bris in Sept. It was great to have a good girly chat about lots of stuff, and we even got a bit of scrapping done. I didn't finish mine of course, so that will be a challenge in itself to do this week! I do like this one though so want to get it all done!

* Trying to organise a street christmas party this year. We have friends from church in our street so together we're inviting the street down to the park at the bottom of our street for a quick and easy sausage sizzle and iceblocks (provided). hopefully we'll get a few of the street people come along so we can meet them all - have only met a couple of ppl so far and would like to make it more.

* Just last night realised there's only 3 weeks till Christmas... eek.... and we have a fair few presents that need to be POSTED... so I have to get my butt into gear this week and get these ones away!

* Need to take some more photos of my boys. Haven't taken any of Eli in about a month so need to do that.... and I was thinking, with their Santa Hat and reindeer antlers, a good excuse!!

* Putting the Xmas tree up this arvo - yay! Hoping Greg can put pur icicle lights up on the verandah too... last year we had them on the edge of the roof, but without owning a ladder ,they stayed there till March, so we're thinking somewhere more accessible this year.

* Eli is very nearly crawling! He is 'caterpillaring' along the floor, slowly, but he does get there. He hasn't quite got the idea that he has to move his hands at alternate times, so he gets up on his knees then moves forward onto his belly to move a bit further along the floor. Or sometimes he just slides along the floor. I'm sure he'll get the hang of his hands soon enough.

* He's also started making a really cute 'kissy' noise this week. He kinda sucks on his tongue a bit I think, but I'm trying to associate it with kisses for him. So I say "kiss?" and do a proper kissy noise, or just imitate what he's doing to try to get him to do it again. He does it all the time, but with all the hours Greg's been doing this week, he hasn't seen it yet - hopefully he'll have a few 'kisses' for his daddy today.

* Ooh, got Kim Archer's Christmas Extravaganza this week - yay! Can't wait to see what she has in store for us :) Hopefully I'll get a few little gift ideas out of it.

Think that's quite enough. If you made it to the end, good for you! Happy Sunday :) :)

5 Things that make me happy today:
1. That Mum's operation went well - and that God is working in her body right now!!
2. Its Sunday! Love Sundays :)
3. Christmas Carols :) Love the traditions of Christmas...
4. Greg is finally home to spend some time with us today :) If he doesn't sleep most of it
5. I'm cooking a ROAST tonight - now that hasn't been done in years!! Wish me luck :)

Prayers for my Mum...

To all those who pray, or whatever you might do, can you please have my Mum in your prayers, thoughts etc, today and tomorrow...

Mum is going back into hospital for an elective surgery to try and fix a few things that haven't healed properly from her ordeal in June.

So its a kinda scary thing, after what happened last time. I know how *freak* that accident was then, but I just ask you pray for guidance and direction for the surgeons, and that Mum feels the awesome power of God and His comfort and angels around her as she goes into hospital today.

Would also love you to consider my Dad especially and my family in your prayers. Dad was very stressed out last time, and I can only imagine how he must be feeling deep down this time (although he hasn't let anything on to Mum, which is probably good)... probably a little scared... so I just ask for God's angels to wrap their arms around him too, and for him to feel peace.

And my little sis is home now. She was away for everything that happened last time.. so I just ask for prayers for her too...

Nat xx

Babies everywhere!

For a moment there, I thought I was going to have this pregnancy to myself. By to myself, I mean, not sharing it with any friends - with Eli, I was sharing my pregnancy (down to a few weeks) with my friends Erica and Karen. So far now, I have two friends due in Jan and Feb, but still that's the majority of my pregnancy to myself.... however yesterday at church, some other friends announced that they are expecting #5, she is due 19 July, so there's 3 weeks difference....

And this morning my good friend Hayley, whom I've been friends with from uni for the last 5 years told me her and her boyf are expecting #1.... she is due around the 29 July... (this is me and Hails)


So it seems I will be pregnant with two good friends. A good thing though coz we can share stories etc and have little babies at the same time too. Thankfully also, my baby is due first again, yes... no way I want to be heavily pregnant, uncomfortable etc when close friends 'get rid' of their load! heehee

So congrats to Melinda and Hayley. They don't read my blog, I don't think, but anyways!

P.S. Was so great to see my sister yesterday, but strangely enough, having her thre just fel so normal that it didn't seem like she's been gone for 9 or 10 months... Roast was good too... yummm...

Have a fantastic day!
Today I'm having lunch at the shops with my Mum and both sisters, this will be something we have not done in a realllllly long time, so will be great! And I might do a spot of Christmas shopping if I can.

Nat xx

So excited!!

As I type, my sister is now BACK IN THE COUNTRY! Can't WAIT to see her today! It's been 10 long months without seeing my baby sister, and she will get to meet her little nephew today too!

No doubt she'll have terrible jetlag (30 hours on a plane, yuck!) so I think Mum's gonna let her sleep a few hours this morning, then we are going over this arvo to see her! Apparently I heard Mum is making roast tonight, and as yet, we haven't been invited to stay for dinner, but that's gonna change! How rude! I'll giver her a call when they get home from airport... I don't mind making vegies or what-have-you to accompany... mmmm... roast....

So stay tuned for some photos of my wonderful sister and us, soon.

In other little news tid-bits, I got a couple of new clothes yesterday - yaya, sooo needed. Had a looky at the maternity stuff, but seeing as I'm not 'showing' yet (well no more than my already fat gut, hehe) I just look terribly fat in them, so will wait till the new year when showing a little... But I got one top that is super long (in the 'tunic' type style that's popular, so will be able to wear that in my pregnancy anyway, and a cute black dress, for wearing to Xmas party, Elijah's dedication and maybe Christmas day too... and its got room for belly to grow too...

We put up the gate and staircase barriers yesterday, so we're all ready for Eli to crawl now - he won't fall down the stairs! Its not overly pretty, with masonite and big ugly clamps at the top, but it was the cheapest option and with only 4 weeks till Xmas (and not much of the shopping done) we need to save as much $$ as we can... maybe we'll find another option in Jan, or just put up with it!

Greg and I watched 'Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Mans' Chest' last night... what is with that ending? Obviously they're making the next one! Still good flick though - I really enjoy these ones, funny, good eye candy and some adventure too!

So, off to church today. Greg now has every Sunday off work, so that is so great! He's been on the sound desk the last 2 weeks, so will be good to get to sit with him and friends today.

Thought I better do a 'thankful' list, it's been a while.. today I'm thankful for:

1. My sister coming home!!
2. Family
3. Greg having Sundays off - yay!
4. That I'm mostly over morning sickness
5. Going to church to worship my God - love Sundays!

Have a great day all xxx

Jaidyn's birthday

Well, I really meant to post this on Monday, then Tuesday, then Wednesday, you get the picture. So now my boy is 6! I can hardly believe it. Where did 6 years go? How did he get SO BIG? Where did my baby go? I guess a Mummy's gotta let em grow up some time, but I do still like to baby him *sometimes*... a Mum's priveledge?

So he had a super fun couple of days for his birthday and got spoilt rotten of course. His birthday was actually Monday, but on Sunday we went over to Mum and Dad's for an afternoon tea, with my Gran and Pop too, and Jaidyn's other grandparents. He got so many things. Yay! Keeping him busy this week and outta my hair!

(We've been playing Guess Who EVERY afternoon after school this week. Thankfully he's gone to Nana's for a sleepover so SHE can play it with him... good game though, loved it when I was a kid...)

We let him have one of our presents one day early, a really cool Pirates of the Carribean costume. At first he was a little unsure of it (silly boy!) and didn't want to try it on, but after he had a swim he put it on and boy did he look swarve! Just look at this little man:

I had all sorts of problems with the cake! Eek, I'm just NOT a cake mum! LOL... I made two (coz we were going to ajdust the hat to be a bandana instead) but when cutting it, it all crumbled. So I chucked a little tantrum, threw the cake (onto the bench) and called Greg in tears. So wonderful DH came to the rescue and said he would do the cake. Now really it was only the whole cutting it bit that I dread, can't do, hate! So Greg managed to cut the circle cake into a pirate hat and head, and he also iced it too, then I helped with the lolly decorations - easy bit! We were actually quite happy with how it came out... this is as good as they get in this household!

On Monday, Jai got the rest of his presents from us (an outfit and book, how boring, lol) and from Greg's family. Then off to school he went, taking some of his goodies to show of course!

I played the wonderful Mum and made cupcakes for all his classmates and took them in just before they all went home, so I felt so proud of my little man (and me!) then.... had no dramas with the cupcakes - I CAN do cupcakes.... they were just iced with one smarty on each though, easy.

So yep, my little boy is now 6, growing up faster and faster! Love you darling!!

6 months old...

My darling little Eli,

You are now 6 months old. Oh my! Where has that 6 months gone? It seems like only a few weeks ago that we brought you home from hospital, a tiny little thing so dependent on us for everything. But now you are growing more and more each day, learning new things all the time and amazing us with your cuteness every day.

The last month has brought so many new experiences into your life. You seem to have grown and developed so much since you were 5 months old.

Probably the biggest milestone you are so close to now is crawling. At 6 months! Oh my, do I have my work cut out for me now! You don't quite have the hang of moving your arms and legs yet (thank goodness!), but are up on all fours and starting to 'rock' a little. At first, you found you could get up on your toes, in this cute little pose that I think looks like some pilates move! Your cute little bottom stuck up in the air... then you found how to get from your toes to your knees. And you do this a lot now. I love to just watch you - you reach for your little toys, and I can just imagine you're wanting so much to get there, but just can't figure out how! I am so proud to see you get from your tummy to all-fours. How clever you are! I know it will only be a matter of a week or so now and you'll be getting around the house, so Daddy and I are looking into getting the stairs barricaded with a gate or maybe popping you in a nice big playpen.

You love to talk and your gorgeous little high-pitched squeals of delight and excitement can be heard all over the house (and probably the neighbours house too!). In the last week or so, you've started what actually sounds more like a word... you say "Ahh-b" and the 'b' bit you stick your tongue out like blowing a raspberry. So cute! Daddy caught it on video on his phone and we love to watch it over and over.

You are particularly vocal with your brother Jaidyn. You two get on so well. He loves to talk to you, read to you, tell you about his toys, watch movies with you (you look at the TV a little!), and especially blow raspberries on your belly, which you think is just the funniest thing! One of your favourite times of the day is when we go to pick up Jaidyn from school. When I say "let's go pick up Jai", I am sure you are knowing what I'm saying, or just that you know the name 'Jai' now. He gets the biggest smile and excited little kick from you when he gets in the car.

You also love it when Daddy gets home from work. Sometimes he is rather late, so you don't get to see him before you go to bed, but most nights you are still awake. Its so special for me to watch. You are often getting whingy come 6.30pm but when Daddy walks in the door, your face lights up. And when he picks you up, you are happy again. You often like to have a little chat to him too, telling him about our day no doubt. I know it makes Daddy feel very special too.

Your little giggle would have to be the most precious sound. You are now starting to really get the hang of peek-a-boo too, and you love to be the one who comes out of hiding! Mummy throws your little blankie over your head and says "Where's Eli?" and your little hands pull it down so you can see me - "There you are!"... you kick and flail your arms around and smile and sometimes laugh too. You are also very ticklish and giggle and giggle when we tickle your little tummy.

You are still sleeping for at least 30 minutes every 3-hour feeding cycle. I don't know if this is still normal at 6 months, but you still get sleepy and have a little nap. And I feel blessed. You probably have one or two 'good' 1-1.5 hour naps too, and at the moment I'm trying to get a little sleep in there too if I can - usually after lunch time. You sleep soundly all through the night. I usually have to get up and move you and give you back your dummy once or twice in the early morning as you are moving around so much now and often get yourself in weird and seemingly uncomfortable positions in bed, plus I like to put your sheet back over you.

You love your food. At the moment, you are having a morning bottle, then after your sleep you have a bowl of rice cereal mixed with fruit. Often you'll still want more so you'll have the rest of the fruit tin too. We haven't introduced anything for lunch yet, apart form the bottles which you still have every 3 hours or so, but sometimes you'll chew on a rusk stick. For dinner you have a plate of yummy home-cooked vegies, usually followed by a tin of fruit or custard. Your little belly sticks out so much after that. So cute! A fat little pookoo. You often eye off our food when we're eating and have at times tried to grab Daddy's beer too!

You are still a dummy boy. Although you're not obsessed with it, you do like to have it to calm you down, and when you go to sleep, even if you often spit it out when you're asleep. Your thumb creeps into your mouth sometimes too, but its more of a thing to chew on when you're happy. Your hand doesn't curl into a fist like most thumb-suckers, but is splayed with just your thumb in your mouth, chewing and sucking away. Nana is not impressed when she sees it though, and she says, "no grandson of mine is going to suck his thumb" in her funny Nana, not-serious voice.

Exciting news in our house this month. We have found out we're having another baby! You are going to be a big brother! Which is quite a strange thing to think, when you are just a baby yourself. You will be just over one year old when your baby sister or brother arrives. So you better promise to be a good boy for Mummy coz I might just go a little crazy!

You are definitely a huge part of this family and this household now. Its bizarre to think what life was like before you - a little quieter maybe, a few less grey hairs too no doubt... but we love you so much my darling and that love only grows deeper every day. I pray that God continues to bless this little family, and that His plans for you are great my little Elijah. Afterall, you do have quite a biblical name to live up to. But I don't doubt at all that you'll do great things for His Kingdom.

All my love, Mummy xxx

I hate morning sickness!

Blah! That's how I'm feeling. Haven't thrown up, so you may think I have it *easy*. But I get yucky headaches that just won't go away! And it makes them worse when I have two kids to run after (of which the older is very *loud*), plus a husband to cook for, and a house that needs to be cleaned every now and then. Yuck. Poo. Poo. Poo.

In other news, my little man is starting to try crawling I think! He's getting up on his toes now, and he seems to enjoy doing this, and thinks he's pretty clever.

Yuck, crawling. That means I have to watch him ever more closely, blergh. AND we need to get our butt into gear and get the gate for the stairs and some sort of barrier so he doesn't fall down from the space between the railings.

And these ones, just coz he's cute!

We have a due date!

And its 1st July 2007. Which makes me 6 weeks, 5 days along. I will be 7 weeks on Sunday! Cool! I am not really shocked with this coz it was about 6 weeks when I got the sickness with Elijah - so that's why I thought I was about that far along!

Super exciting!! OMG my bladder was soooooo killing me, I thought I was gonna wee all over the place! heehee... ended up having to do it interally anyway. Nice!! Not... nah, I'm not really bothered by these things....

I did get to see my little peanut! It had a head!! And that was about all you could make out - a little peanut with a head!! LOL.. I think somehow 'peanut' might stick as a nickname if I'm not careful! heehee

So yep, super exciting. We're having a baby on July 1. Now I wonder if this one will be early or late - early again I hope! I hate carrying over!

Oh Tam, thanks for the head-up about the pram. I will keep my eye out for a cheap price... even so, don't know if $500 is feasible even! But I guess to get a GREAT pram that you use over and over and over, and with the extra $1000 this year in mat payment, we'll have a bit to play around with, coz we won't have to buy a lot else!!

Ciao girls!!

Scan today!!

So excited. In about and hour and a half, I will get to see my baby for the first time, well my 'peanut' coz that's probably what it will look like this young. So I will find out how far along I am... I have this tiny little fear inside me though, that they won't find anything! And that I'm not pregnant... despite two positive tests and morning sickness... I'm sure there's a baby there, I just have that tiny fear inside me - NO! That is not from God!! He has blessed me with a child, a child that I get to meet (kinda) this morning. I've never had a scan this early before, so its really exciting. And I'm excited to see how close I am to Hayley and another friend who's having a baby next year too!! We could all be having babies together!!

So yep, hating this morning sickness though. Blah! Over it! The mornings have been rather pooey, which then means I'm in a lazy mood for most of the day, and NOTHING is getting done around here! Yesterday I was back to normal in the arvo/night, so I'm hoping its going away... Also thinking the headaches are from caffeine withdrawal as I haven't had any coffee for 3 days now - now going from 4 a day - none I'm sure will do my system in and its throwing headaches at me!

Well, better get ready! Can't wait! I hope Eli behaves himself...

So, we get to pick names again! Yay!

We have to organise what on earth we are going to do with rooms - will Eli go in with Jai? OR until bubs is about 5 months old and sleeping through soundly... what to do, what to do?

And, we have to find a pram again. I would *really love* one of the Phil & Ted E3s so that I can put both bubbas in, but don't think we'll be paying $650 so I'll have to pray and pray about it and keep my eyes open on Ebay for one!!

Anyway, off to finish getting dressed!
Have a great day all

5 Things I'm thankful for today:
1. Modern technology so I can actually SEE my baby today!
2. Ginger & lemongrass tea, yummm...
3. All the awesome girls who have supported me already in having these babies so close together
4. God, just in general coz He rocks!!
5. That He is with me every minute of every day, and that He wouldn't give me anything I couldn't handle :)

Bad blogger!

Gosh, I've been a slack one haven't I! Been almost 2 weeks since I blogged.

I did Kim Archer's gorgeous class this morning, and I was so please that I actually kept up and got it finished, minus my journalling... I will need to do that soon though, or it will get forgotten forever... here it is anyway... I chose 'Who would have imagined.. I would be the mother of boys... coming from a family of only girls, I never ever thought that I could maybe never have a daughter myself, and that I might just have boys! Good thing to journal about I think...

So thanks Kim for this class!
I had a ball!



















In other news, uh... gosh, what have I been doing for the last 2 weeks...

A bit of a plug for my online class at Scrap of Faith. We are doing a Prayer Journal, but you could probably make it any kind of notebook, if you're not a Christian. We'll be using the yummy Junkitz papers, and altering a journal, complete with coverpages to make different sections in your journal... you could use it for an inspiration journal too I guess... Anyway, its on Saturday night 18th November @ 7.30pm AEDST, so if you're in Qld, that will be 6.30pm! Check out the website if you're interested... classes are $10 each, and $5 of this goes to charity, so you'd be helping our local community too! You can also purchase a class kit from Scrap Pile online store.

Did some cropping with Sal and Amy last Friday night and had a great night, even if I got not much done, and I was sooo tired.

Speaking of last Friday, did something else too..... involving a test with a 'two line' result.... yep I'm pregnant again! Its sinking and we're really excited again! But I'll surely have my hands full with two little babies - about 13 months apart I reckon... I'm off for a scan to work out my dates on Friday, and really looking forward to seeing 'my baby' even though it won't look like much this young. I'm thinking I'm betwen 4-6 weeks along, as I got sick about that time last time with Eli. So yep, Ive been trying totake it easy, get lots of rest, and eating lotsof all things ginger!

Take care all xxx