Documenting December Day 31 - Goodbye 2016

Well here we are...on the cusp of the New Year! 2017.  I am pretty sure its going to be a good one.  I am not sad that this year has come to an end.  While some good things have happened.....big parts of it were extremely tough going. I will not miss those parts.

2016 saw Jamie gain full-time employment and ministry. This makes me extremely happy and to see the person that I love...love what he is doing, to what God has called him to do, what he is born to do.  He is good at it. And that makes me happy. God also completely healed his hip and his back....which of course makes me happy too. God is good.

This year also saw us face our biggest challenge ever....to prepare us to move and not know where. We spent nearly four months of the year not knowing where we were gong to be living, two months not knowing when would move and living in limbo with nothing of our own around.  That was extremely unsettling and forced us to draw strength from God every single day. I will not lie...there are days that I did not at all cope and at time have felt utterly broken. We have faced financial stress and yet seen amazing miracles of provision at just the right time. One cannot deny God....when you are so dependent on Him.

I personally have faced intense personal struggles  including the breakdown of relationships that were once important to me and the hurt still hurts..it will for a long time. As the saying goes "If you love them let them go......" and that is where I am. There are seasons for everything...some are long and some are short but we can always learn something from all of them.

I have ended this year with this photo. I love it. It was taken at a time when all was right with our world before the hard stuff happened.  I am looking forward to having a new photo taken...very soon I hope.

Thank you all for reading and your encouragement and support. Many of you have contacted me personally and told me how much has spoken to you> I will continue on with my blog just not everyday. Love you all and may God bless you with an amazing 2017!

Love Sharni

Documenting December Day 30 - Sun Fun Take 2

Another day in the sun.....I am so not getting sick of this BUT I really really wish I was feeling 100%...then I too may have enjoyed having a go at paddle boarding. But no it wasn't too be...I had to be contect at watching my boys have a go.   They made it look so easy too!  It seems to be jellyfish season because there was loads of them in the water which put Jayden off from having a go...even though I promised to him that they were not Portugese Man of War and weren't destined to seek him out and kill him.  The little people enjoyed playing in the shallows collecting baby starfish and periwinkles (cats eyes).  They happily made 'homes' for them by carving out pools for them in the water...I am sure they appreciated that.

Surfer-son aka Casey (15) enjoyed some time in the waves this morning and is hoping to get out tomorrow morning as well.  I did toy with the idea of waking up really early like at 5am and heading up to the top of Te Mata peak to watch the sunrise.  Note I said 'toyed'.....I don't believe that will happen tomorrow morning....ours days have been long and we have stuffed in a lot...plus I am pretty sure the sea salt air makes you even more tired.

I spent some time in the early morning rays with a morning coffee with a book that I have been hanging out to read...like HANGING OUT....but up until recently it has been packed away.  Again I always marvel at the timing of God when it comes to the books that are given or recommended to me to read.  AGAIN I feel like the author is writing to me about me....in one chapter I literally had tears leaking out of my eyes.....but I think I will save that for another post because I think I am going to have more to say on that.

Tomorrow is New Years Eve....I have been thinking about the coming year and the goals I have for myself....I suppose you could call them New Years Resolutions.  Do you have any?  Did you manage to keep last years??

Documenting December Day 29 - A Birthday

I have only 3 more posts to do before I complete my goal of blogging everyday for 2016. Honestly I am quite excited about that for a number of reasons....first being its always a good feeling when you get to complete a goal that you have set for yourself. Second...I am actually looking forward to not HAVING to write something every day because there have been numerous times when I feel like I have nothing to say...(yes that does happen believe it or not) and thirdly I will enjoy a break from HAVING to do something that involves a screen.  I will continue to blog but I may just post two or three a week and when I feel like I have something halfway decent to say.

We celebrated a special girls birthday today...my lovely niece turned three! Yay!!  She enjoyed a very PINK and very FLAMINGO themed party complete with a pink flamingo cake and flamingo lanterns. Can you tell she is obsessed with Flamingos?   What I thought was particularly special and very precious is that her Great-Grandad made a trip out to spend some of the afternoon sharing her birthday with her.  He didn't seem to flinch or bat an eyelid when ALL of the children were blowing those hideous kazooka whistle things and enjoyed a cup of pink fizzy and a large piece of pink flamingo cake. Its was so beautiful!!

I have lost two girls to my sisters house tonight and gained an extra boy in return but at present I am enjoying some incredibly rare time when I have the house to myself apart from the two little people that are in bed. The others are off to the movies tonight seeing they missed out last night due to the theatre being sold out.

So I am off to have a hot cup of tea and am planning on watching a couple of documentaries or curling up with a book.  Ciao!!

 

Documenting December Day 28 - Sun Fun Day

In spite of me still not feeling 100% (well that sucks doesn't it) we headed into Hastings to Splash Planet, the Bays water park.  If you have never been I reckon its well worth the visit...stay all day as there is plenty to do from the little people right through to the bigger kids too.   My little people LOVED the lazy river while by big people thoroughly enjoyed the choice of water slides on offer. The resident choo choo train was a huge hit too.  I did venture in for a swim or two and braved a couple of the water slides....Gee I ROCK. But I more or less stayed with the towels and bags and hung out with the whoever was eating at the time or catching a bit of down time.

We seemed to have adopted a boy while we are here too....not that I am complaining...he is a cool kid.  My nephew is enjoying spending time with his cousins.  They all have gone off the movies with Jamie and my Mum this evening.  Seeing as Star Wars is not my thing I don't mind at all.  But I do have the challenge of putting at least two grumpy, over-tired and over-sunned little people to bed at a reasonably sensible time.

We are celebrating a 3rd birthday tomorrow which will be fun....I hear pass-the-parcel is on the menu. Yay!! I love kids birthday games. Oh I rumor has it there is fairy bread....come on thats everyones fav isn't it?

The weather isn't looking the greatest tomorrow but Jamie, my brother-in-law and the boys are hoping that they can squeeze in an evening fish off the beach.

Things that I am enjoying at the moment...chilled wine, fresh strawberries, Christmas ham off the bone and sun (of course).  What did you enjoy today??

Documenting December Day 27 - Summer Holiday

Day one of our summer holiday and boy is it summer down here.  33 degrees was the temperature guage as we enter the region and when I checked the thermometer at about 7pm it was still 27 or so degrees. When we got out of the car it was like stepping into an oven. We are melting. But oh it is so nice to be here. Sun, surf, sand, and BBQs with the odd water fight thrown in.

I am still battling a bad head cold which is not so good seeing we are off to Splash Planet (the local water park) for the day to celebrate a special nieces 3rd birthday. I am really hoping that I will be a least a little better tomorrow....I mean you can't go to Splash Planet and not go down a water slide or float around the lazy river.  I will definitely be having a ride on the train that circles the park all day.

I am enjoying my kids hanging out with their cousins, cousins that they only get to see a few times of the year.  Its like one giant party here...isn't that just classic summer though.  Yay for our awesome house-sitter too.....its really nice knowing there is someone hanging out in your house!!

Are you on a summer holiday at the moment? Or are you on a winter holiday?? Where are you?  

Documenting December Day 26 - Scripture Reflections

I am not very well today. Miss Frankie-pants ( 2) has developed a Christmas cold and bless her...decided to share it with me. I love her. We decided to take the day and slow it down and relax in our preparation and packing for the next five nights away. Jamie took the other five children to the movies today which was a real treat...even Jesse (4) got to go for the first time ever.  He fell asleep halfway through it. Bless him.

You know when you slow down some....it gives you a chance to reflect and think back on some stuff. I have made no secret that this year has been a big year....we have had a lot happen.  Things that I am still trying to process. I opened my bible in what seems like FAR too long and it was like coming home. Of course it is...because that is where I belong...immersed in His Word and His Love.  I read the last few things that I wrote in my diary and the last two scriptures could quite possibly sum up 2016. God gave me the following verse as we were in our last days of living in our home of 8 years with no where to go.

"You shall not need to fight in this battle; take your positions, stand still and see the deliverance of the Lord [who is] with you....Fear not nor be dismayed." - 2 Chronicles 20:17

I can't say I completely listened to the last part of that scripture...I dismayed plenty of times. But it was so bang on...we did not need to fight for our break through we just had to wait and watch the Lord do His thing.

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint you. Though it tarry, wait [ earnestly] for it because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day."  - Habakkuk 2:3

God gave me this verse as we were preparing to move in with our friends for what was to be two weeks and actually ended up two months. Never for a moment did I think we would be in limbo for so long. But His answer to our prayer did not deceive us nor did it disappoint us.

Just reading those two verses reminded me once again how good God actually is!!

Documenting December Day 25 - Christmas Day

Christmas Day 2016. Its been a good day. For us it started with a 630am wake up call from the kids...which I thought was pretty reasonable. For us Christmas has never really had much focus on Santa but on Jesus and family. So before church this morning we squeezed on a rather raucous breakfast ( could we ever be anything but raucous I don't think so) together..of Pancakes and for the little people Fruit Loops and bubbly Grape Juice. Now don't judge its Christmas!

Church this morning was incredibly special. It was such a treat to see so many visitors and other members of the community joining us for the service...plus its super special to see the people that we do life with on Christmas Day. It was only a short service of 45mins then back home to open presents and eat more yummy food.

A rather lazy afternoon followed where the kids played with all their new stuff! And then we venture off in the car to Jamies brothers and my besties house for a relaxed BBQ dinner. It was a good day....a happy day.  Its Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you all xx

Documenting December Day 24 - Christmas Eve

Well here we are...Christmas Eve. Phewee! We got there in the end. We just enjoyed Pizza Hut pizza for dinner as we all watched 'Shrek the Halls' together.

The kids will be opening up their Christmas Eve pressies...which is ALWAYS new PJs. Although the older boys get new underwear seeing as they don't do PJs anymore.

Here's us...Christmas Eve 2016!

Until tomorrow.....Merry Christmas!

Documenting December Day 23 - Shopping Day

Rightly or wrongly we left most of our shopping for Christmas until today, last the minute.  Jamie and I were armed and dangerous and seriously on mission. With our list and a pen in hand we ventured into the city expecting a day of crowds and lines and grumpy people BUT we were pleasantly surprised. While the city was busy its wasn't insanely busy and I didn't encounter too many grumpy people. So I now can say we have 95% percent finished our Christmas shopping. Yeah baby!

Obviously the highlight of the day is not just nearly finishing off our shopping but being able to spend the day just the two of us, for the whole entire day. Added bonus!

Christmas is a time is definitely a time of giving. This year is the first year all my kids have bought presents for each other and for us and I have NO IDEA what anyone is getting from anyone. I am more than a little excited but also a little nervous about this concept.  I am can't wait to see what they have thought about and bought for each person.

I was blessed with this super basket of yumminess from one of the wonderful ladies I work for in myt  role as a Maternity Consumer Representitive for our region.  I can't wait to delve into it over the next days.  Its was very exciting to get this in the mail. I never get exciting mail!!!!

Two more sleeps people....who is excited!!

Documenting December Day 22 - A Time to Celebrate

Ok just a short one tonight as its date night...which usually means homemade pizza night enjoyed with a chilled cider. Its extra special tonight as its the end of the working year for Jamie which means we get to have him home and more or less to ourselves until the 16th Jan. Whoop whoop.

The kids always eat separate to us on date night so while they enjoyed their dinner we snacked on yumminess. We spent some time talking through parts of our year and some of the struggles we have been through....we will do that on and off until the end of the year.  Doing this is almost closure to the year. Come the new year I am sure we will be looking forward to seeing what 2017 will bring for us.

We are off shopping tomorrow...yes I know...cutting it a bit fine and we will probably be in town with half the country but thats what happens when you have a crazy life and you are waiting for a babysitter.

We will be armed with our list of who to buy for and ideas. So we are on a mission! BUT first I am having a breakfast date with a really cool chick!! So looking forward to that!

Documenting December Day 21 - Counting Down

Nevermind Christmas Day...we around here are counting down until Jamie is on holiday. Just one half day tomorrow and then he is done for the year! Yehaaa!   I don't feel like we have stopped all year....hence I am so looking forward to him being on holiday. Hopefully we can stop for a time. We are heading off to the beach, (to my mums) for a time after Christmas and then we are heading bush for a time too....thats where we can really switch off because there is nothing there..no power, no cell phone coverage and no running water. You can't help but relax.

Casey (15) spent some time today down at a friends workshop finishing off a project. I thought it turned out brillantly dont' you think? Now for those who are looking at this and are wondering what you are looking at....now this is a gaming/computer chair made from the bottom of your everyday computer chair and an old car seat.  Isn't that just cool??!!

The whole family has had to have a go at sitting on it and checking it out.  Its rather comfy.  

As we countdown to Christmas I am reaping the benefits of living in town. Most of my kids have been able to walk into town accompanied by big brother Jayden to do some Christmas shopping.  They even stopped by and order a pizza by themselves and ate it for lunch. I haven't had to go anywhere which also means I don't have a clue what they have bought anyone.  I have had to let all notions of needing to know go and embrace the fact that they are all growing up and becoming their own person.  Needless to say I am looking forward to see what everyone is getting from them all!

Documenting December Day 20 - A Christmas Pantomime

We could of quite easily stayed home tonight but we didn't. I certainly didn't want to miss being a part of something fun and having the opportunity to serve our community once more plus another dose of Christmas fun is always good.  

So after a challenging day I took the older five kids out to a Christmas Pantomime at church.....where I got my fill of meeting and greeting people.  It was a REALLY good evening and the play was fantastic which was excellent at getting the kids (and adults) interacting with them.  The best part though was seeing my girls totally starstruck...its like they were actual famous people.  They got to meet them, have their photos taken with them and EVEN go backstage. They were so cute!

They are already planning next years event in their heads.  It was so worth the effort just to see them so animated. As everyone left, I noticed everyone was smiling and laughing in their family groups. That made me heart happy as so many people when I see them in town...look stressed and sad. Christmas is for happy, laughter, family, friends and fun. And that was what tonight was for so many.

So blessed!!

Documenting December Day 19 - Knitted Memories

Isn't this guy just a wee bit cute??  I have the perfect home for this guy...I wonder where the others will go. I lost count unpacking all his relations and putting them into their tempoary house until they too get a little person that will love them to pieces.  Well hopefully not pieces but you catch my drift ah?  This guy and all his relatives were knitted by an amazing lady of 92 for Loving Arms to give to the little people we help out.  Bless her cotton socks!

There is something about knitted toys, cardys or vests. They bring back memories of my Grandma on my mums side....I can seeing her sitting in the kitchen at her spinning wheel or hear the clicks of her knitting needles as they whizz something into being. When I knit my needles certainly don't whizz...actually I don't think they even click....I am far too slow for that which is probably why I don't knit very often and when I do its usually tiny baby things because anything bigger takes way too long.

I remember my favourite childhood toy was a hand-knitted Father Christmas which I think my Grandma knitted me. I got a Father Christmas and my sister got a snowman I think. Father Christmas went everywhere with me. My mum just reminded me of the time I left him in a motel room in Takaka in the South Island and we had to get him posted back to us.  He was that special!  I also remember when the time came when I said goodbye to him. I am not entirely sure how old I was but I remember saying a sad goodbye as I put him in the barrel with a heap of other toys to give to the poor children that didn't have any toys.  Really when I think about that now...no one would of wanted a very very loved matted homemade Father Christmas that had lost his nose and sported a dirty beard.  But at the time I believed I was doing a very noble thing.  Tears come to my eyes as I think about that now. My sister still has a hand-knitted lambie that has literally traveled the world with her. I am a little jealous she still has him.

I do so hope this guy and all his friends make it to a home and into the arms of someone that will love them as much as I loved my hand-knitted Father Christmas.

Documenting December Day 18 - Where I Needed to Be

Before I start I just had to share this awesome platter Casey (15) made for dessert.  Someone got a Churro maker for Christmas!!  He even plated up for us to make it extra special.....yummo! So divine I thought is was worth a mention.

I always look forward to Sunday...Sunday mean church and not only worshiping our amazing God but also being with our 'family' or (church family). New friends, old friends, friends that have been with us through the best of times and the worst of times. Friends that stood and prayed through a miscarriage with us. Friends that have cried through a job loss, Friends that have celebrated wins and goals reached. Friends that have helped, provided for us. served with us, laughed with us, encouraged and lamented with us. Friends that are like family.

Today however I missed church, Everyone else went and I didn't. But even though I was disappointed... I was exactly where I was suppose to be. At home. At home snuggled on the couch with a hot drink and toast and cuddled up to my son Jesse (4). He did not have a good morning. He was angry, sad and generally peeved off with the world that not even the promise of it being 'Sundae Sunday' in kids church could make him change his mind and come out from under the bed. So I stayed home with him...Jesse and I.  Doing exactly what I was meant to be doing right then...being his mama. We did good.

Documenting December Day 17 - Family Christmas

Doesn't this photo say it all!  This wee guy...is exhausted! Fallen asleep midway through a last minute sandwich and trying desperately to hold onto his present that he has re-wrapped that he got from a special Aunty and Uncle.  You can't see here but he has the blue twinkle lights glowing in his room.

We had Jamie's family Christmas here today....it was a great time catching up with family members that we don't get to see everyday.... a load of laughs and good food.

I feel like I have been saying this often lately but I am exhausted. Frankie woke at 430am this morning and decided it was time to get up for breakfast.....needless to say I downed a few coffees this morning.

Just a short one tonight....I need to lie down.

Documenting December Day 16 - My Mission

Urgh we are STILL having issues with getting our Wifi sorted....isn't this ridiculous?!  But to their credit they have given both Jamie and I over 20gig of data each so I can continue one with my life and hot spot the laptop to my phone.   I am actually surprised at how much I use my phone for throughout the course of my day.

Among other things I spent a couple of hours here.....well not in this particular part of the building but here as in the Hospital. This part of the Waikato Hospital is called the Elizabeth Rothwell Building and is home to the regions secondary and tertiary maternity care facility.  This part of the building was my home for seven weeks over 13 years ago as I waiting for my second son Jayden to be born. On forced bedrest due to Placenta problems and had to ask permission to leave the floor. Needless to say it was a hideous. Not only was my second son born here...delivered by people wearing white gumboots...but was also the birth place of my first son Casey and my last child/daughter Frankie a little over two years ago.

This is not a place I would choose to birth my babies but for their own reasons here was the best place for them to be born. For many many women this too is their place of birthing whether chosen voluntarily or not. My mission, along with the people that I met with today (and all the other meeting I have the privilege of attending) is to ensure that the care that they receive here is the best care. Care that is compassionate, kind and respectful.  That is my mission...we do have ways to go but we will get there...I am determined for the women that I represent that every single one of them will have "Options, Respect and Support" that is right for them. (I saw that on a T-shirt once and fell in love with it)  Compassion makes the world of difference.

I so love my life!!!

Documenting December Day 15 - A Normal Kind of Day

I thought that I would share this pic with you today. For two reasons  1. Because isn't this the weirdest place for a cat to sleep (he has been sleeping inside the chimney)  and 2. because it was the only picture I took today....which is a good thing. Good because that means we had a normal family day...normal being with nothing extra on...no Christmas Tree forest. No meetings, No nothing. Its just been us for the entire day.....whoa....its been a long time coming but oh so good. OH yeah I need to mention I had some beautiful people come and clean my house for me too......that is worth a mention too don't you think.  And they did do a great job too!!!  Thank you...you know who you are!

Our family time consisted of trying to get our house in some kind of working order for this coming Saturday which is Jamie's side of family Christmas Day. It goes for the entire day and is FULL ON ALL DAY with good food and good (albeit crazy company).  Its always a good day.

I have a busy day tomorrow not only do we have shopping for all the food for Saturday but I am in and out all day with other bits and pieces and a huge chuck of my afternoon is filled with a meeting in Hamilton...which I may add I am seriously looking forward to.  I love getting together with other people that are all focused on the same thing...improving Maternity Care and making sure that the women that are being care for are getting the very best of care available.   I think you could tell by now that this is something that I am super super passionate about.

Its been a good day.

Documenting December Day 14 - A Wonderful Feeling

Wow ...what a fantastic three nights it has been. I am certainly feeling Christmasized now. How could I not after spending the past few days literally surrounded by Christmas Trees, twinkling lights and Christmas music.  I am feeling tired, oh so tired but so warm and happy inside.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to host, bless and interact with those in our community....and even more being able to serve alongside some very selfless people.

A couple of the things I loved the most was watching the kids hang their handmade crosses on the community tree, watching the rest-home minibuses drive into the car-park and its residents pile out to enjoy a festive night out, meeting one particular Dad of four bring his kids back for a second night because they had such a good time, watching people take voting for their favourite tree SOOOO seriously, sharing some of the stories about the trees with people that visited and listening to the kiddies tell me which one was their favourite.

I marveled at how many people were surprised that the refreshments were complimentary, and how many people lingered for a long while just enjoying the atmosphere.

This was Loving Arms tree this year......I thought that I would go with something different this year seeing as I went with pretty pastel colours last year. I thought the bright colours on white look great. All these toys are part of our Loving Arms stock...and we give out two or three in each of our bundles to our new mums for their new babies.

Looking forward to next years one!!

Documenting December Day 13 - Serving

Seriously I just love love love nights like tonight. All in together, everybody serving alongside others. Everyone has their preferences and what they like to do and what they are good at. Some like to be on the BBQ, some would prefer to direct the traffic, some like to help out the kiddies with crafts, some like to serve coffee, tea and cake and others like me just love to chat, mingle and strike up conversation with complete strangers. I know that is certainly not everyone's cup of tea at all but I seriously LOVE it.

But most of all I love serving alongside awesome enthusiastic people, people who are there with the same goal which is to create a atmosphere that is welcoming, relaxed and fun for our communtiy. When everyone is serving all in together its like being in one giant happy family, everyone is laughing, having a good time even though they are there to do a job.  Working with someone else is always ten times more fun and happy people are contagious.

Tonight was the second night of Tree Awamutu....boy I have sore feet now and feel like I  need a jolly good massage and sleep...a really long sleep.  Can't wait until tomorrow night...just after my sleep.

Just two of the most awesomest ladies I know...How blessed am I?!

Documenting December Day 12 - A Celebration of Trees

Tonight was the first night of Tree Awamutu....our church's very own Pop-Up Christmas Tree forest filled with original Christmas Trees from the all corners of the community.  What a night it was too! I was so wonderful to see so many people coming through the doors to enjoy the Christmas trees, the choir singing, the cup of tea, the refreshments and the company.

Children...children always get to me....they are so special.  I love how they just enjoy and take in the wonder of it all. They so loved making and decorating their wooden crosses and stepping up the steps to hang theirs on the giant Christmas tree. I love watching them peer over the top of the bench at all the Christmas goodies with their giant eyes just waiting to be offered one....and when they are they go straight for the biggest one.  I love it because that is what I would do.

It was a great night. A great night of being able to serve our community in such a festive way.  I can't wait for tomorrow night...and the next!

Documenting December Day 11 - Christmas Tree ...Finally!

We finally got our Christmas tree this afternoon!  Finally. Now it feels like we have finally made our new house...our home.  All decorated...for how long I don't know as a certain little two year old will keep pulling them off.  

We managed to plow through a whole heap more boxes today and also shifted something around. We can walk through the lounge now without standing on flatten boxes or stepping around unpacked boxes. So we are making progress...slowly.  As long as the living area is in working order for this coming Saturday as we have a family Christmas here. Exciting times.

So a short post tonight because I have only just sat down.

Blessings....to you xx

Documenting December Day 10 - Concerned

Today was the Christmas Parade here in town. We were able to walk there for the first time ever because it was literally the block over from us.....we are that close to town. If I had a pull-along cart I could walk to do my grocery shopping. The kids loved it of course but every year I come away thinking they could do better in the whole Santa department. Let's just say he is never very jolly.

More unpacking today....I think I have finally finished my kitchen boxes....I had so many!  On to various other boxes and bags.....I did discover something particularly concerning though. I unpacked a couple of bags and found that we have 17 toothbrushes in the bathroom draw. There is only 9 of us. Why so many I ask. AND I discovered that there are at least three green toothbrushes. My toothbrush is green. I use a green toothbrush.....does someone else use a green toothbrush too???? Which green one is mine? Ewww I am actually too scared to ask in fear of what I might find out.

Tomorrow everyone is getting new toothbrushes. Full stop!

I also met the elderly lady from next door. She came and introduced herself and blessed us all with a huge batch of biscuits. I guess she has seen all the kids. I feel she will be totally ok to live next to....she herself had 11 children has 27 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She will get us.

Documenting December Day 9 - Unpacking our Life

I spent a very large portion of the Day day unpacking boxes which contain our lives.  I never would of thought we had so much stuff AND we culled a whole heaps twice while packing up. So I am making a cull again and being extra ruthless. I have to condense my kitchen as I have less cupboard space. I am going to have to get really creative at finding ways to store extra linen and ALL our school stuff.

But I know that all this will take time. I know this. But as long as my pile of flattened boxes keeps growing then I am happy.

We are all sleeping in our respective beds/bedrooms tonight....so praying everyone will sleep well.

Documenting December Day 8 - We Are Home

God is good. So good.

We are finally in our new home. Finally. I am tired but happy. Sitting in a sea of unpacked boxes and chaos that is moving but happy. We decided to all sleep on the floor in the lounge tonight just to be a family in our own home.....something to celebrate we thought.

We have been mightily blessed today....yes it rained but we had so many people here to help us move and unpack. We had fresh homemade muffins delivered to our door almost on arrival and a simply divine hot dinner delivered to us at dinner time. So blessed. So very blessed.

Yes our journey has been long. The wait has been long. We have learnt a lot and we are so eternally grateful for ourvdear friends who took us in for what set out to be three weeks tops but turned into two months. We are so blessed.

We are home. Thank you Jesus.

Documenting December Day 7 - Unexpected Gift

Not the greatest days I have ever had... but you get that.  I did however get a lovely surprise phone call from the manager of the local supermarket saying I had been nominated for a gift card and they chose me! Needless to say I was more than a little stoked and of course I cried...like sobbed into the phone which of course made the lady cry too. Sharing's caring they say. Sorry kind lady.

This unexpected blessing came at the perfect time seeing as we move tomorrow which means we are going to have to restock our pantry and fridge because we got down to the bare minimum before we moved into here.  What a way to add to my Christmas spirit!!

We spent a large portion of the day cleaning and packing and getting ourselves ready for the big shift tomorrow. Very much looking forward to it but certainly more looking forward to it being over as well.

Its my besties birthday tomorrow.....oh how I wish I could spend the day with her....well at least time for a coffee and a chai latte....perhaps at the cute little cafe we found squirreled away down a hidden lane.

What are you doing tomorrow? Any exciting plans??

Documenting December Day 6 - Two more sleeps

There is only two more sleeps, two more and we will be in our new home. I am both excited and exhausted.  Its almost like that final few pushes when you are in labour and your baby is about to be born into the world. They are the hardest because you are the tired-est. (Is that even a word?) You can't wait to hold your precious babe in your arms yet it seems like an eternity until it can happen.

Meanwhile the kids are in waiting. I can entertain myself as there is plenty to do. Loving Arms is busy, I have Christmas stuff to do and there is always housework to get done.  One of the things the kids have been entertaining themselves with is chalk drawings on concrete. They are on to there second bucket of chalk.

I made fashionable the game of four square even though I had to google the rules of the game. Yes google has rules for four square! When I play this I may or may not get a little loud and little on the competitive side...especially when I am playing against my husband seeing as he ALWAYS wins every game I play against him.

Summer has finallly come and its been so beautiful here over the last few days.....I am hoping at the very least the rain will stay away while we move on Thursday. Its a very busy season for us over the next couple of weeks....I am trying really hard to work out when we will squeeze in picking up our Christmas tree.

Have you got yours up?  Do you get competitive and loud during games?

Documenting December Day 5 - The Big 4 Years!

Our youngest wee man turned four today!  And boy was he excited and why wouldn't he be.....its not everyday you have a birthday and get a whole day dedicated to having fun.   Everything that we did today was Jesse's favourite things to do. Scooters, Cocoa Pops, toys, Xbox, skatepark, swimming pools, food, cake and pizza in the park....what a day!

I would not describe our Jesse as quiet and predictable....more like loud and in your face BUT only when he gets to know you. Before that he will hide and watch from a distance. He has the most sensitive ears ever....will block them for the weirdest things ever...like a motorbike going past to flushing of the toilet. He is super fixated on trucks, diggers and tractors.  The child that was born upside down underneath fairy lights and the glow of the Christmas tree. Jesse is a real joy germ and has the craziest sense of humor and runs everywhere. He is always asking us if we are happy and closes his day by saying "Best Teams Mum" or "Best Teams Dad".  He love love loves to 'huggle' and would do so all night if he could.

Jesse...you light up our world, keep us on our toes, make us laugh and melts our hearts....every single day! We are blessed.

Documenting December Day 4 - A Home

Well even though that we have known for a wee while now...I can FINALLY share our exciting news with you all....WE HAVE A HOME!  Yep we have signed all the proper paper work and have a moving day which is this coming Thursday the 8th of December. We are all very excited as you can imagine.

A beautiful story about this house and how it came to be ours. We had made a list of everything we needed and wanted in a house, then committed it before God and continued to thank God for his provision.  Many of you know that we were without a house right up until the day we moved out in mid September and ended up spending three week in Jamie's brothers house. When three weeks was up we were again without a house and very VERY kind friends offered up a bed (well nine actually) in their house....the day we were moving out of the first temporary house we got a call from an acquaintance saying that she had been praying for us and that she felt to ring a friend of hers and ask her about her rentals....and low and behold her friend had a house...AND the other cool thing is that it was on the very street that Jamie and I used to walk down and would comment "This is a nice street...it would be nice to live on here"! Fancy that!

Yes its been a long time coming....slightly over two month but today is was made official.  We have plenty of space with 6 bedrooms, two and half lounges, two bathroom and three toilets. I may just lose some kids!

Thank you all who have been praying for us during this part of our journey.....They have been felt. Praise God indeed.

Documenting December Day 3 - Christmas Shopping

This is the sight post-Christmas shopping. Just a nice relaxed afternoon with a spot of cards and colouring in.  We decided to be brave and venture into the city with ALL seven kids.  Yes I know...I heard you all have a sharp intake of breath.  BUT it actually went incredibly well....I think if you have no expectation of the outing at all then you aren't going to be disappointed or get stressed.  So we only achieved maybe 50 percent of what we needed to but thats OK we still have time to sort it. Christmas is still 22 sleep away.

Shopping with all the kids is not something we do very often so taking them into the city and into a busy mall decorated with evergreens, twinkling lights and shiny baubles and filled with harassed Christmas shoppers ....well you can imagine it can't you.   They were in awe and also very well behaved (surprisingly).   Although Jesse couldn't quite understand why he couldn't just keep popping things that he took a fancy to into the shopping basket.

So big tick from me...on a successful family trip to the city....for a spot of Christmas shopping.

Documenting December Day 2 - A Birthday

This guy. Happy Birthday to this guy! I can't tell you how super duper special he is....very proud and very blessed to be doing life with him....even if its been a roller coaster ride. We are blessed. So very blessed. He is amazing husband, fabulous father and an awesome friend. I have had the privilege to be able to watch and listen first-hand to his growth in God and witness him stepping into what God has called him to.

Now isn't he one hot preacher hubby??

Documenting December Day 1 - Here We Are Again

So its official today is a milestone...I have been blogging everyday for an entire year. Yes I started this journey Documenting my December and haven't stopped since.  It is my goal to blog everyday for an entire year and now I have done it BUT rest assured I will not leave you hanging I will continue everyday until the end of the calendar year...because that would make it nice and tidy wouldn't it plus apparently their are some of you who enjoy reading what me and my crazy family are up to.  I will revisit the frequency of my blogs in the new year as it has been a bit of a mission at times to get one out every single day not to mention thinking of what to write about some days.

Advent starts today...and while I had romantic ideas of what that would look like for us this year...none of them came to fruition BUT we have remain in true tradition for at least a little bit.  The kids all receive their Christmas Advent Calendars today. Yes even the big kids.....well it just wouldn't be Christmas would it.

Next year I am determine to be in a better place and more organised.  Have you started a tradition yet?
Do you have advent calendars?

November's Notes Day 30 - Planning

Hands up who else has a planner for next year!?  I have three or four things already marked in my diary for next year...I don't know whether to laugh or cry.  Part of me want to let 2016 run its course and finish. The other part of me wants 2017 to hurry up and arrive. Its 50/50 at the moment and what won will win out depends entirely on how I am feeling at the moment.

What about you? How has 2016 been for you?  I said at a recent event that I was sharing at that if I thought 2015 was bad well 2016 was a whole other ball game.  2016 has not been terribly kind to me.

But here we are barreling towards the end of it and I will be holding my breath to see where and what 2017 will bring us.

Have you got plans in your diary already for the up and coming year?  How are you feeling about 2017? Exciting? or just Meh?

November's Notes Day 29 - Gearing Up for Christmas

Searching through some photos for inspiration of what to write tonight and I found this. I think it was sent to me from a friend in Germany.....doesn't ooze Christmas-ness.  Its only two days until the beginning of December which is usually the beginning of our advent family activities.  I best be getting the kids some of those advent Christmas Calendars....any excuse for chocolate in the morning ah?

We are trucking along with Christmas shopping and feeling a little more organised in that sense than we usually are.  So I am very pleased about that. The kids have done the draw to see who is buying for who already and have been given strict instructions to get their thinking caps on.

I spent some time down at Loving Arms HQ today...sorting and putting away stock and clothes and having a clean out. Its getting a pretty tight fit in there even though we have help out four mums this week and I was able to move on a couple of the bigger items today.  Just a few more boxes of clothes to put away and larger items to find a spot for.   Anyone want a highchair??  Change table??  Please....

November's Notes Day 28 - Flashback

I came across this today. Don't we look so young? We were 21 in this picture and engaged to be married. I laugh at myself having blonde hair, not at all my natural colour but obviously at the time I thought it looked good.  A lot can happen in 18 years....like married for nearly 17 years and 7 kids!

We were attending my graduation ceremony of my Bachelors Degree in Nursing. Even the fact that once upon a time I was a nurse seems so bizarre.....like it was a lifetime ago.   I spent just over two years working as a nurse first in Burns and Plastics and then in Cardiac Care.  So even though the time I in paid employment wasn't even as long as I spent in study...I don't for a moment believe that my degree has been wasted. I have used my knowledge and experience as a nurse in so many aspects of my life. From bringing up my own children to being the go-to-person for many people who would ring me for an opinion or stop me and ask me about something.

My nursing taught me how to question, how to decipher and most of all has taught me the ins and outs of how the medical system works. This knowledge is so valuable to me now seeing I am part of a taskforce that is set to improve the maternity care for the women in our region.  As frustrating as I am finding the process and where the service is...I am loving that I am helping to make a difference in women's lives...even if it is only indirectly.

God NEVER wastes anything or any part of ones life.....if you let Him He will use everything in some way for good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

November's Notes Day 27 - Where is Summer?

Can I just say that I am sick of this weather?!  Can I just say that? Seriously its suppose to be summer in three or so days and.....well its not displaying any kind of summer tendencies. I am simply not happy!

In the Hawkes Bay where its sunny ALOT...you got a decent summer...probably almost too summery. We are talking drought prone weather... good for wine...not so good for the water table or any other kind of farming.  Summers were long and hot and dry. They start in late October and end around the end of March. Not here...summer is SLOW in coming. October is always a terribly windy month, followed by November which is very average spring-like. December well ...I am waiting for summer to kick into gear.

Man I sound so old moaning about the weather don't I?  But the weather does not do anything for the mood of people nor anything for my kiddies.  Summer will look completely different for us....not that I want to keep going on about it but not having a pool literally outside our back door will be a challenge for the kids this summer.  I wonder if I can make something exciting out of the sprinkler for them? Frankie and Jesse will probably be ok with this but somehow I don't think the older kids will be satisfied with having to run through the sprinkler in the backyard.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to keep cool this summer...like actually cool and also my cool? Go!

PS this photo doesn't do the big black clouds any justice at all!

November's Notes Day 26 - Breaking Tradition

So if you have been reading for a while you will know that we aren't in a place where we can keep up with our normal traditions.  As frustrating as this is there is nothing we can do about it so we thought at least we could do something reasonably similar...lest we have to get a fake Christmas Tree. Which is a big NO NO according to my husband.

Today we decided that we would pay a visit to our favourite Christmas Tree farm and tag our Christmas tree for whenever we are in our own place.  We braved the big black clouds, the wind and the threatening rain and spent a considerable amount of time choosing the 'perfect' tree. For those who do this too will know that nature does not provide the 'perfect' tree but these are pretty close to it. After a few family arguments about whose tree was best we decided on one and Jamie dutifully tied our number around it and took our bearings so that in a few weeks we could find it.

I am trying to not to worry too much about when we will have the tree in our own house or the fact that right now I don't even know where all the Christmas tree decorations are.  They could be in one of four places.

How are you doing with your Christmas planning?  Are you catching some Christmas spirit? Real or fake?

November's Notes Day 25 - Hello Little Man

So there we have it...bye bye my gorgeous wee baby...hello handsome little man. He is stoked with his new haircut and tells me he now looks like 'Daddy'.  Wow I just can't stop looking at him....he looks so different. So grown up.....I suppose he is going to be 4 very very soon.

I sent him off with his Dad and his older brothers for a 'boys' haircut time.  I think he would of liked being including in that.  I took one long last look at him as I buckled him into his car seat...I am pretty sure he thinks I was loopy because I kept staring at him and touching his hair...hoping to embed the memory of his beautiful hair into my brain.

So now we have a little man in the family and while I will miss his hair I am stoked that he loves it and that he looks so handsome too.

I officially started my Christmas shopping today...wahoo! Go me. Perhaps I might get Christmassy after all and to top it all off tonight I am out for a Christmas Dessert evening and judging by the few pictures I have seen of desserts being made for tonight, I will NOT need to eat dinner and should wear extra stretchy pants to accommodate all that yumminess.

November's Notes Day 24 - Battle Weary

I am feeling quite shattered today, shattered and discouraged. Battle weary.  I feel I need lessons on how to leave things at the 'office' and not continue on thinking about things long after they have been discussed. I had a meeting today and it wasn't pretty. Not at all. I knew that it may have been a little heated but I feel like I have been run over by a bus.

I don't feel like we are making any kind of difference or progress at all. Everything takes soooo long. And changing culture apparently takes even longer.  I am not impressed.

So needless to say I was pleased to get home today, to the safety and cosy-ness of my family.  I may or may not have even bought myself a treat on the way home.

This guy...goes away with friends this weekend....I am sure he will have a good time. The rest of them....well we'll be ferrying some of them around to birthday parties and I have my first Christmas/ End of year celebration tomorrow night...how did that happen?

November's Notes Day 23 - Bye Bye Hair

*Sad Face* This handsome man has decided that he wants his haircut. Eek. This mama doesn't want to cut his hair but I have always said that I'll leave it to grow until he asks for it to be cut. So now that he has asked...I guess we are getting it cut. Hair cut is booked for Friday 10am. He is going to look so so different, so grown up.  I have thoroughly enjoyed having his curly locks grow down his back. But I think lately his hair has been annoying him and he has been getting really hot especially at night.

I have asked him numerous times if he still wants to get it cut and I have tied it up so he knows what he might look like and yes...he still wants it cut. Well OK then...I guess I'll have to get used to it.

This journey with his hair has always been about respect. Just like ones body I believe that children should have say over what happens to them, how they want their hair and the clothes they wear. I don't believe they should be made to kiss or hug anyone hello or goodbye, I cringe inside when I see people pick up kids and hug them when they don't know them and you can clearly see that the child feels uncomfortable and struggles to get away.

For too long this has been the norm in our society, the norm where children are seen as lesser than adults. Now I think the tide is turning and more and more people are becoming aware of children's rights, human rights really.

So come Friday this little man will look completely different and I will have to be OK with that...eventually.

November's Notes Day 22 - Grateful

I opened this remarkable packaged today. It came all the way from the Netherlands. Isn't that amazing? A group of crafty ladies decided to knit and crochets, warm hats and beautiful toys for the babies that we help through Loving Arms.  I find that quite remarkable.  The need to help, the need to give can surpass obstacles such as distance and oceans if you really want to.  I truly believe that its in us...that need to do good, to help those less fortunate or situations that stirs our heart.  Sometimes people just don't know where to start or even where to look or perhaps they don't think that they could possibly make a difference. But I encourage and urge....you can. Just do it. Start somewhere. Do something. You don't have to be special just passionate.

I haven't been feeling the greatest in myself lately...this part of our journey as a family....has been LONG and I am struggling to find the purpose in it. Don't get me wrong am extremely extremely grateful for where we are and for our friends that have so graciously opened up their home to us. So thankful. I mean anyone who will welcome 9 people into their space deserves a medal of their own don't you think?

At least we are enjoying some sunny weather for a change...that makes things a little better. How are things in your neck of the woods?

November's Notes Day 21 - Faces

A little quirk of mine and I know that I am not the only one that does this. I make faces or figures or animals out of everyday objects or patterns that I see around the place.  It sounds weird I know but I assure you from time to time this comes out in a conversation and I find that I am not the only one who does this.  

Ever since I was a little girl I have been making shapes and seeing figures in the cork floor of my parents bathroom, in the curtain pattern in the bedroom of a past house or the knots in the wood of the ceiling in the house we are currently living in.

If you have even lay on your back and made shapes out of the clouds in the sky then you will have some idea of what I am talking about...its just a little more extreme. Faces are very easy to see in cars if you want to have a try at this....The old Ford Falcons look like Great White Sharks and Chryslers look like Bulldogs and there is one but for the life of me I can't remember what its called but it looks like an Axolotl. 

Anyway I thought I would take a photo of a face today and share it with you, This is a 'face' that I have been seeing every day since we have been living here.  Can  you see it too?  Now tell me how many do you see tomorrow?

November's Notes Day 20 - Him and I

I think we may have started a new tradition...him and I. Him of course being Jamie my hot preacher hubby.  For the past few Sundays we have been able to sneak out for a sneaky lunch/coffee date just the two of us. Sneaky because sometimes we actually have to sneak out from under the kids noses because of course they just want to come with us.

Today we went out for a light lunch for a chance to connect, reflect over the past week and weekend and nut out the goings on in the up-coming week and perhaps even chat about future dreams we may have. Today we talked a lot about Christmas and what that might look like for us. I have been a little homesick over the past little while, not all the time but certainly from time to time.  I didn't know what was wrong with me until I worked out that perhaps I was homesick and then it suddenly dawned on me that I don't actually have a home to be homesick for. Well that wasn't a pretty moment at all.

We are coming up to a very full part of the year and in a couple of weeks time we have a couple of more birthdays to celebrate too....the last ones for the year. Add a Christmas Parade, Christmas parties, among other things and you have a very full, fun but very full month or so.

So we figure its pretty important to be making space to connect with just the two of us because its pretty important for us to be on the same page as each other in order for the next few weeks to be able to run smoothly

Doesn't lunch look delicious!!

November's Notes Day 19 - Back Down to Earth

Just in case I got even the slightest little of big head after the last couple of days...my today would deflated any of that kind of business and would of brought me back down to earth if indeed I had my head in the clouds. Today couldn't of been normal even if it tried.  The funny thing about being labelled 'amazing' or 'super women' is that I am so not.  Today consisted of buying cat biscuits, scoring a super amazing bargain on chocolate yogurt and washing floors.  I don't think superwomen would of done any of that.  I also changed dirty nappies, wiped snotty faces, negotiated screen time, plastered bleeding toes and chased a certain two year old up the driveway lest a policewoman had to bring her back again. Yes that did actually happen.

Children keep you real. They keep you humbled and they keep you from ever thinking you might have the parenting thing sussed out. I don't and I don't think I ever will. Children I think have an uncanny ability to know when you think it might be safe to be on cruise mode....like a radar.....then they launch out surprise attacks from out of nowhere....all to keep you from getting a big head.

I do not have a big head...in fact...I am not anymore amazing than the next person. Crazier perhaps but not amazing.

That is all today...plus I have no photo of anybody with a big head...so I'll bless you with a pic of the cat biscuits that I bought today.  Aren't you lucky.

November's Notes Day 18 - Humbled

Last night was so much fun. Especially once I had got through the official part of the evening.  But then again...it was really a privilege to see and hear all the other award recipients and learn what they had been doing for their communities and the milestones they had achieved. It was definitely humbling to be in a room full of amazing people doing amazing things all because they see a need and because they have passion.

Fortunately I didn't have to go first because that would of been VERY awkward as I was totally unaware that I had to make a speech. If I had gone first well AWKWARD! So very fortunately for me I was a little way done the line up so I had time to formulate something to say in my head before I received the award.  It was really interested to hear a some of what whoever nominated me had written because I had completely no idea.  I was very blessed so have so many of my family and friends along to help support me....because I truly was very nervous.

We continued on celebrating well into the evening with a yummy dinner out complete with an obscene amount of noise and laughter. They say that laughter is good for the soul and oh boy it is.

November's Notes Day 17 - On Celebrating

I thought that I would get in early and blog now before everything gets busy crazy and I don't really want to have to do it tonight when I get home.  So as awkward as I feel about it all and incredibly nervous I am off to receive an award, a Local Hero Award for my work in the community through Loving Arms.

I am blessed to be able to have my family and friends to be coming with me, hopefully to hold my hand and maybe clap or two.

I am not comfortable being in this kind of centre of attention. I have no problem with being in the centre of attention and speaking in front of people...if its on my terms and I have control over it. You know like presenting a concept, sharing a message or MCing an evening. But when its this kind of attention I want to hide. But there will be no hiding tonight.

Please don't get me wrong I am incredibly grateful and EXTREMELY humbled by the nomination and being selected. I just hope everyone knows that its just not about me...that many people have come together, supported, donated, encouraged and volunteered their time in order for Loving Arms to have accomplished what it has.

What I am looking forward to is getting a little dressed up and playing adult with some of my family and friends and enjoying their company for the night.  We are going to have some fun! Hopefully I'll get a nice photo like this one out of it and I can post it tomorrow.

November's Notes Day 16 - 39 Days

My loving son announced this morning that it was 40 sleeps until Christmas. I promptly told him to shut up and go outside. How did that even happen? I am not in anyway shape or form prepared even just a little bit for Christmas this year. I am hoping that I will find some Christmas spirit soon or the family is in trouble.

Then when I popped into visit with a friend today she informed me that is actually 39 sleeps not 40!
Last year I swore I was going to be more organised and onto it with my Christmas prep. I was going to even start in September. Clearly I had no idea that we were going to be without a home to get all Christmassy in.  Its our family tradition to all go out and pick our Christmas tree on the 1st Dec. That won't be happening this year. I am not sure when that will happen yet. I did dare to breathe a mention of having a fake one this year but was quickly shot down in flames for even thinking of it.

The kids have been asking me about our Christmas advent and whether or not we are going to have one this year. See if I started in September I would of been on to it and have it all organised. So I guess over the next few week until December I will have to put some serious effort into Christmas planning and finding me some Christmas spirit. Perhaps I'll watch a Christmas movie or two.

How are you doing with Christmas planning this year?

Ps Pic is not of any tree of ours but one I pinch off the internet.

November's Notes Day 15 - This Guy

I have been spending a fair bit of one on one time with this guy lately.  Not going anywhere or doing anything exciting but just him and I.   He finally got his braces on last week and today he had some baby teeth out. He handled it like a pro...me on the other hand...well I was terrible. Nervous, I couldn't watch and felt a little sick when she was explaining all the things that could go wrong. Strange that I felt like that seeing once upon a time I was a nurse AND even did a wee stint in Maxilla-facial surgery as a theatre nurse. I hate teeth especially wiggly ones. Ewww. But like I said he handled it like a pro. Puffy numb face and all.

Jamie should be home tomorrow or Thursday morning at the latest.  It has been wet and crazy windy here and I think they are getting drenched down where they have gone hunting.  They haven't had any luck yet...maybe tomorrow if the rain lets up. I am very much looking forward to him coming home.

Only two more sleeps until my mum comes up and I get to hang out and celebrate with family and friends.

Short post tonight...my feet are cold and I need to go to bed. xx

November's Notes Day 14 - Strange Day

Wow just wow! What a day!  Has anyone else just had the weirdest day ever? I have. Even now as I think back to everything that has happened today I am just amazed I made it until bedtime without crying. Weird and Crazy.

I suppose any day that starts with a major earthquake is never going to be normal is it? I was awake for it and lay there wondering what on earth Frankie was doing to cause the bed to rock so violently. It wasn't until I got out of bed and felt the ground roll beneath my feet that I figured out it was a earthquake. I made my way around the house to check on all the kids. All but one slept through the doors creaking backwards and forwards, the neighbors pool sloshing around and the dogs going crazy.  Having grown up in the Hawkes Bay where earthquakes are not uncommon I wasn't too alarmed but it did cross my mind to wonder at what point should I wake the kids to take cover if needed.

I couldn't sleep after that, I lay there wondering if we would feel another, if Jamie and his brother were ok (they are out of cell phone coverage) and if my family down country closer to the epicentre were ok.  I finally fell asleep a wee while after until my Mum rang to tell me that they down there had been evacuated to a civil defence post at 3 o'clock in the morning due to a Tsunami warning. So of course I couldn't sleep after that and spent a lot of time on and off social media and live news updates. They were allowed back to there house early this morning after the warning had been lifted.

The kids were very much out of sorts today. Frankie true to form fell asleep almost on top of the vacuum cleaner.  Only two more nights (hopefully) until Jamie gets back. Its a little unnerving not to have him here at the time.