September's Stories Day 1 - A Fruitful Kind of Day

Sometimes a girl has to do what a girl has to do. And I just had to eat this along with an extra coffee this afternoon. Its my afternoon team/dinner.  Not ticking all the food groups but I won't tell if you don't. Do you need me to tell you how yummy this was?

A fruitful day today. I spent sometime out of the house doing some Loving Arms work. I manage to wade through an enormous amount of sorting and putting away today. I definitely made a dent in my huge pile. I was definitely thanking God for the shelves too. Oh boy the amount of time I rolled buns in and out to put things away.

I met an amazing mama to be while dropping some newborn essentials to her.  We have helped nearly 100 mums and she is only the second mum that hasn't known what sex her baby was. Isn't that amazing?

I am having a rare night out tonight. Whats even more rare is that I am going to the movies. I just don't go to the movies. I am being blessed with the company of three fabulous women and we are off to a fundraiser. Its got to be good ah?

Thank you all to those who commented or sent me messages about yesterdays blog! Its very encouraging and I feel very blessed. Virtual hugs to you. xxx

August's Anecdotes Day 31 - Strength from Exodus

The Bible has been my source of comfort and strength over the past weeks or so now. I don't think it has ever spoken to me as much it has during this time. Nearly everyday what every I am reading I keep coming across the words "believe, trust and rely upon"!  Believe, Trust, Rely. We are nearly inside ten days until we are suppose to be out of this house. We have picked up the pace in our cleaning and sorting and making sure everything is right and in order for our landlords to move back in.

Truthfully, I feel like there is a battle gong on for my faith and trust. It definitely a moment by moment walk. One minute I am up and the next I am down and then I am up again. God and I have had loads of talking time lately. I have enjoyed it and He probably has too.  God must have big shoulders because one minute I am full of praise and joy and worship and the next I am angry.

A life by faith. Its what we as a couple and as a family are called to live.  Right in this moment this is the biggest mountain we have faced. Not only it the mountain standing in our way but there are myriad of other mountains that are standing right along with it.  Timing, finances, resources and other random personal struggles.

When I look back I can see God has never let us down and we have hundreds of miracles that we can recall to you. Each and every time God has come through for us and has not let us fall. So why do I, at times falter and doubt.   Oh I must know every promise and every scripture the points to His faithfulness and provision there is.....I know because I am constantly reminding God of them...you know just in case He has forgotten.

God will move. Like He has done every other time. It wasn't until Moses and the Israelite's had they feet paddling in the water of the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptian we bearing down on them from every other side.  It was then and only then did God move and part the way for them and blow their minds with a spectacular miracle.

We have no plan B. God is it.

"Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward!  Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the Israelite's shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.....The Egyptians shall know and realise that I am the Lord when I have gained honor and glory over Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen. And the Angel of God Who went before the host of Israel moved and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before them and stood behind them........Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night and made the sea dry land; and the waters were divided.  And the Israelite's went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right and on their left......And Israel say that great work which the Lord did against the Egyptians, and the people [reverently] feared the Lord and trusted in (relied on , remained steadfast to) the Lord and to His servant Moses.......................The Lord is my Strength and my Song, and He has become my Salvation; this is my God and I will praise Him, my father;s God and I will exalt Him. - Exodus 14:13 - 15:2

Sunrise this morning!\

August's Anecdotes Day 30 - When Your 2yr old Climbs a Tree!

This is what two of my kids were doing at 8am this morning, one was still even in her pjs.  They actually pretty much spent all day in that tree. Kaitlyn got progressively higher and higher as the day went on. I tried not to look too much.  Frankie taught herself to climb the ladder into the tree when no one was looking and was sitting in the tree all by herself as one stage. I think my heart stopped for a moment then. Of course she didn't see the big deal and did not want to get out of the tree...I mean why would you?  I find it staggering how much little people can learn just by watching and listening.  She obviously had been watching the others climb the ladder into the tree and thought that she would try it herself.

Today was a decidedly better day....thankfully. I manage to punch through an obscene amount of cleaning in the kitchen.  I thought I better keep pressing on in our preparation to shift.  I was finding it hard to get inspired seeing as we don't know where we are going yet. But there is nothing like cranking up the sounds and blasting music away with a coffee close by to get you motivated to clean. I usually hate cleaning but definitely was amped to do it today.

It was good. It took my thoughts off the happenings and stopped me from over-thinking things.  I even found some new worship songs to add to my playlist.

I loved that the weather was beautiful and practically called my kids by name to be outside for most of the day. Everyone feels better when the weather is happy don't you think?

August's Anecdotes Day 29 - Repost (because I can)

I NEED some chocolate!!!   Seeing today was an all-round hideous day...I am cheating and doing a repost of an past blog. Its my blog so I get to write the rules.....Maybe you will learn something new!!

1.  I was born 3 weeks premature and taken to a whole other hospital to be put in a New-born Unit.  My mother didn't get to see me for 5 days AND she was brought the wrong baby.  She wondered why I was a little darker than she imagined I would be. A very apologetic and flustered nurse came tearing in and took that baby off her a short while later.

2.  I walked down the aisle to the song Adiemus by Enya.

3.  I once was a volunteer ambulance officer.  Scary they let me behind the wheel.  After sitting and passing the driving test I ran over and squashed an orange witches hat going through some road works.

4.  If I was born a boy, my mother was going to call me Justin. Yes really!

5.  I had braces only on my top teeth. I signed an I.O.U to my parents stating that I would pay them back. I am now citing that an I.O.U signed by a minor isn't legally valid.

6.  I am house-keeping challenged. In other words I suck at house keeping! I do try really hard but I find there are many many things that I would rather be doing.

7.  My childhood best friend was a girl called Jillian and she born on the same day as me. We would call ourselves 'birthday twins'.   Funnily enough our mothers used to buy us more or less the same presents for birthdays and Christmas.

8.  My nickname as a kid was 'Cyril' which seems bizarre now that I know a man named Cyril.

9.  I quite frequently get words mixed up.  For example today I asked Jamie if he wanted me to vacuum a part of the lawns for him.

10.  When I was a kid I wanted to change my name to 'Jamie'!  Now isn't that hilarious since I married a Jamie.

11. I wanted to be New Zealands first policewoman dog handler.  Even though I don't really like dogs and find the dark a little scary.  Stupid goal really!

12. I am a Great Aunt nine times over!

13. I am afraid of Crickets, Wetas and Cockroaches.  They will induce a panic attack if they catch me unaware.

14. I once forgot my baby in the meat section of the supermarket.  Yes just left him there, all by himself asleep in his pram while I carried on pushing the trolley.  It wasn't until Jayden asked me where Jesse was, a whole two aisles later.  The scary thing is that I couldn't remember where I had left him. I had to run through the supermarket looking for him.  And there he was asleep completely oblivious to the fact that his mother left him with the steaks and sausages!  I am not sure if it was a good thing but no one had noticed either!

15.  I am quite partial to a bit of Country and Western Music from time to time. I quite like Randy Travis and once did a puppet show at school to the song 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton

16.  I came third in a heat in a lip syncing competition.  Performing  'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor and I won a heat in another competition with my partner in crime (Brigitte) performing 'The Phantom of the Opera' by Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. We so ROCKED!!

17.  I am writing a book.  Goodness knows when it will be finished but at least its in progress

18.  I frequently get the words to songs wrong and I mean way wrong.  But I am sure half the population does too.  You know like ' I've got shoes they're made of plywood" instead of "I've got chills they're multiplying" or "Just brush your teeth before you leave me baby" instead of "Just touch my check before you leave me baby"  and "There's a bathroom on the right" instead of "There's a bad moon on the rise".  There, my embarrassing secret is out!

19. I can spot a pregnant women from a freakishly long way off!  I amaze even myself at times!

20. I have not grown in height since I was 12 years old. I am a massive 160cm. (5ft 3inch)

So there you have it. 20 Random facts about me!  Did you learn anything?  I certainly gave myself a laugh while thinking about all the quirky things I do or have done.  I am not weird because I KNOW that everyone of us has their own strange and wonderful things that they do, are and say. 

 I am actually quite normal!

August's Anecdotes Day 28 - Finding a New Groove

If you have been following along lately you will know that I recently weaned Frankie (nearly two). Surprisingly its been quite a smooth process throughout. Phew! Thursday night was our last feed together and for the past two night Jamie has been putting her to bed, therefore I didn't have to deal with any tears etc she might of had. Tonight however, Jamie and all the older kids are out which left just me and the two younger ones at home to do the bedtime routine.  I was determined for it to go smoothly. The photo is of Frankie and I lying on our tummy's watching her favourite cartoon before bed...finding a new kind of groove.

I am so pleased that she didn't get upset with me and at not being able to feed. She asked and I just said that they were all gone because she had drunk them all. She put her hand in my shirt and lay down and closed her eyes. NO TEARS from her (or me)! Yay!  I really couldn't have asked for a smoother process at all. So now its two kids in bed asleep and the house is so quiet. Is this what normal houses sounds like?

A nice Sunday today...some other random happenings included having to go across and down the road to where I saw mama-cat carry her last kitten, knock on their door and ask to rummage through their yard to find a litter of kittens. Little Tart. Fortunately we found them. I hope she doesn't try to move them again.

Jamie preached an awesome message this morning on 'Prayer'. What I heard was fantastic as I was in and out with a little person who only at the very end decided to climb up me and nestle in my arms and go to sleep. Bless her.  I love listening to him preach.....I still get overwhelmed at it though...never in a million years would I have seen us where we are.  That's what happens when you walk with God I suppose.

Happy Sunday people!

August Anecdotes Day 27 - Daily Update

I can see why they say in the movie or photography business that you shouldn't work with animals (or children but I think that is a bit mean). Getting a non-blurry photo of this furry friend was near impossible. But that aside....isn't he CUTE! Actually we have cute as wee kittens are a few days shy of four weeks old.  The worst thing about having kittens is having to keep Frankie away from them because as  you can imagine she likes to love them a lot, with all her energy and all her strength...its quite intense really!  So if we want to continue to have five kittens we must keep her away from them. She is however super sneaky and can find her way outside when we aren't looking and heads on into where they are.

Ok ok so I'll admit I really didn't have anything to say tonight. Nothing of any great interest really. I didn't take any inspiring photos to nudge me in the right direction.  We are down two kids tonight and the house is so quiet. It is also getting more and more weird living here. Today I got home to find that Jamie had shifted furniture around, cleaned walls and packed more things away. Pretty soon it will be like we are living in a motel.  So just in case you were all wondering because I am sure some of you are because I get asked it all the time...no our new house hasn't presented itself to us yet. We are still waiting. No more comments on that.

Frankie seems fine from not having now two nights without being fed before bed. I have yet to put her to bed myself yet maybe in a day or two. But she seems to be coping just fine...she just maybe putting her hand down my top to 'touch them', a little more often than she used to.

Til tomorrow night where I hope I more to say....peace out!

August Anecdotes Day 26 - A Precious Gift

Last night as many of you know I finished breastfeeding after ten years (when you count up all the months and add them together).  It was a momentous occasion for me. Flick back through to yesterdays blog and have a read if you want to.

I had made a joke with Jamie about thinking that the occasion called for a piece of jewelry or a tattoo.  I would never get a tattoo anyway because I don't think it would suit one and I am a bit chicken about the pain.

Anyway last night after the little people were in bed, Jamie came out with a package in his hands and sheepishly presented it to me. I opened it to find a gorgeous necklace with a beautiful pendant. Of course the first thing I did was cry (just a little). He told me that he was proud of me and then thanked me for doing such a wonderful job growing, nourishing and bringing up our children. He said that he knew how difficult this transition was for me and how much I will miss having a baby around and breast feeding. He felt too that it needed a piece of jewelry to mark the occasion.  Of course I spent quite a while sobbing and not being able to speak. (Jamie is very used to that) He also went on to tell me that the ladies in the jewelers teared up too when he told them the reason he was buying me something. Probably the first time they had heard that reason. There is no doubt that I have a very very special, amazing and loving husband. One of the best!! Especially when I know how much of a sacrifice it was for him to buy me this gift.

Thank you for your lovely words, those who took the time to message me. I know that I am not the only one that feel these types of things so deeply.

Hoping that tonight's bedtime will go swimmingly for both Frankie and me and we can move smoothly on to the next stage of our life.

August Anecdotes Day 25 - The Last Feed EVER!

Be warned breastfeeding post ahead!
Ok tonight is the night. Tonight is the LAST FEED EVER. The last time that I feed Frankie and highly unlikely that I breast feed again. Wow! I am finding it difficult to really put into words how exactly I am feeling. But definitely sad is one feeling.  I have always enjoyed breastfeeding and the closeness to my child that it brings. It is an intimate act and one filled with unconditional love.  I will certainly miss it. Every time I have been pregnant I have always looked forward to being able to breastfeed again. The giving over of part of myself to nourish and nurture another.

I have breast fed for (if you add up all the months) ten years. Ten Years. That is nearly a quarter of my life. I think that is pretty impressive and certainly a good effort.  A pat on the back for me I think.

I am not sure how Frankie will go tomorrow  night. I have been feeding her just before bed for a few weeks in preparation. I know she enjoys this time as much as I do. Just me and her, together. Its been a special time.  So come tomorrow Jamie might have to put her to bed which he has done plenty of times in the past and she has been fine. She will be fine just as I will be too.

The end of an era. I will no longer have to work out whether I can go to something in case I am not back in time to feed. I will no longer have to plan what I am going to wear for ease of access. Times are changing and I'll have to get used to it.

I am looking forward to going away in a few weeks with some fabulous women to a conference. I am looking forward to be able to hang out with my bestie for the weekend sometime soon. Silver-lining and all.

Please excuse the photo..not the most attractive pic of me but hey I was ready for bed!

August's Anecdotes Day 24 - Downtime

I have been trying really hard lately to feed me. No not with food I certainly do not need to try hard with that...it comes all to easy. I love food. I also actually love to read. Growing up I would read well into the night, every single night. But like I said lately its something I don't have a lot of time for. And when I do read its usually a teaching or leadership or church type of book. Not that there is anything wrong with that at all. But I really do enjoy a good novel.  I went through a period of time where I would get frustrated with novels and struggled to find a good book with a strong story-line and equally strong characters. It also seemed as though every book I picked up someone would die and I hate that.  So I took myself off to the library and got some books out and have been making an effort to read a novel in my downtime. Not that I have a lot of it but its all about making in happen.

I usually read while I am putting Frankie down to sleep during the day and have always read doing this. Now when she is getting ready to bed she says "book" which means I have to get my book and take her to bed. By golly she is so cute.

So the book of choice at the moment is a novel by one of my favourite Christian authors. She usually does series but this is just a stand alone novel of hers and completely different from her others. Actually one of my all-time favourite and life changing series is by her - "The Red River Series". I have read it about three times and could easily read it again.

So I stole a few moments over a cup of coffee this afternoon to read a few more chapters. OH Hello me...I have missed you!!

August's Anecdotes Day 23 - My Favourite Tree

I spent a lot of time reflecting today.  For one thing what has been our home for eight years no longer feels like our home anymore. We are so much in limbo, there is so much packed away and so much we can't do its a little sad and feels very weird.  Take the past few days for instance, its been sunny and warm and beautiful. Its been leaning itself towards getting out in the garden to pull of few weeds or prepare for spring planting. Of course we can't do this for we are preparing to leave. I am sad.

I don't really like change all that much but apparently its something I need to learn to embrace as I certainly been given loads of opportunities over the past few years to learn to love it.  I am not feeling like that just yet and certainly not today.

I am however determined to past this test with flying colours (and boy I am certainly being tested) because I do not want to be having to sit this test again.  So I am aiming for an A++

This is one of my favourite trees. Is that weird that I have a favourite tree? I can see it from the lounge and the dining room. I also get to gaze at it while sitting on the deck in the sun. I truly was breath-taken at its blazing red beauty during sunset and the closure of the day.

To be honest I have been struggling with continuing on with reaching my goal of blogging everyday for a year. Part of me needs to reach my goal and the other part finds it overwhelming and at times I am at a loss for what to share. I don't feel overly interesting at times. But I will carry on for now because I really do appreciate you all and the encouragement, support and comments I get from you. You are all inspiring and beautiful in all very different ways. xxx

August's Anecdotes Day 22 - Dessert

You know how some people are just super talented at making good looking food.  Food that you can taste before even tasting it. Food that makes you want to dive in and forget that you are suppose to be being good. Well good went way out the window tonight! Check this out! Yummy!! Actually yummy doesn't even do this justice....it was so good, there are no words.

I think she named it a 'Deconstructed Lemon Meringue Pie' and it was presented in a giant vase. Oh boy....I didn't think I had room for dessert after dinner (and seconds....a little on the greedy side I know) but after seeing this well what is a girl to do. Say no? I don't think so!

We had a casual potluck dinner for the ladies at church tonight. Bring your favourite dinner or dessert type of thing. Fortunately there was just as many mains as desserts so it was an even spread.  A lovely night had my all I believe.  I think food always relaxes and brings out the best and the greediness in people.

Seriously some people are just super amazing in the kitchen and I am always envious of what comes out of their kitchens. Especially when it looks like this!!

August's Anecdotes Day 21 - I am a Cry Baby

Does anyone else here cry at EVERYTHING? Like I mean EVERYTHING? From ads on TV, to Olympic races, amazing preaching, cute as comments on Facebook posts to Christmas parades to stories that you read your kid,s to video clips, to instagram posts, to books especially when they end because I may miss the characters.   I cry at anything and everything. The kids are no longer surprised at or get upset at me crying nor is my husband. Its just me.  I cry at beauty like this sunset yesterday. Wasn't it stunning? Again I will miss it. But LONG to see a new sunset whereever our house will be.

I just need to think of precious friendships and how much they mean and I tear up. Seriously some days I do not know how I function as an adult. I think I may cry more than my nearly two year old. Is this normal? Please say yes.

Sunday. What a beauty of a day! I spent some of the afternoon basking in the winter sun reading the word seeing I was in the creche at church today. I enjoyed my time and oh the sun. I definitely got a fill of Vitamin D today.

How was your Sunday? Did you have sun? Please tell me that you too cry because you finish a book and may miss the characters!

August's Anecdotes Day 20 - From Vision to This

If you are on Facebook and you 'like' a page called Loving Arms, you will know that some exciting things happened today.  Today we got some long awaited shelving installed into our storage container which will make things so much easier for sorting, packing and putting together our wonderful bundles for our communities most vulnerable.

Loving Arms was founded over two years ago now to assist new mums, their babies and ultimately their families by providing clothing, nappies and other baby essentials that maybe required.  I haven't checked yet but I don't think we are that far from having helped out 100 mums.

From a midnight vision to where we are now is a HUGE journey. HUGE. And I don't believe that we are at the finish line yet. The need out there is great, far greater than most people realise or maybe even want to know.  It has certainly opened up my eyes to a world that you only hear about on the news and maybe read on a Facebook post.

So our shelving went in and it was certainly a community effort. Materials donated by a building supply store and labour and expertise by a super duper awesome friend who totally rocks for giving up his Saturday to install it.

I am humbled. Humbled by the people that serve, volunteer and have bought into the vision. Humbled by the greater community that continually donate clothes and other items. Humbled by the encouragement and support. Humbled by the network of professionals that support us and refer mums to us and most of all humbled by the mums and their families that let us into their lives, even if it just for a fleeting moment. Some have become lovely friends, some are never to be seen or heard from again and thats ok. Most are so very very thankful.

This. His Hands and  Feet. Loving them until they ask why.

Keep up to date on Facebook if you like. xx

August's Anecdotes Day 19 - Comfort Food

Every now and then you just need to bake something yummy don't you? There are certainly foods for me that are just comforting and grounding. Banana Chocolate Chip muffins are one of those, as is Chocolate Chip Biscuits and Chocolate Cake. Can you tell that I have a weakness for chocolate.  We may be in the throes of packing and sorting but there is always time and room to bake. And to eat.

We had dinner with friends tonight. Nice comfy friends. laughs and conversation. Again grounding and comforting and strengthening.

We all need people and things that will stablize us when things and circumstances are crazy and chaotic. Things that will always stay the same and will leave you feeling that all is well in the world.

I would love to hear what you find comforting especially if you have any delicious recipes to share!!

Short and sweet tonight. I am tired and we have a big day tomorrow. Hopefully I'll remember to take some photos to show you.

Bless you xx

August Anecdotes Day 18 - Waiting waiting waiting

I am amazed, totally amazed that we are over half way through August now. Seriously I am sure someone is speeding up the clock.  But that also means that its NEARLY spring and I am so excited about that.  Hands up who else is.

It was such a beautiful day today and I spent a lot of time sitting out in the sun reading. Such bliss!

We packed up Casey's room today, shifted him into the other boys room so there is now four boys in one room. Fart city! We wiped down the walls, cleaned the windows and skirting boards. Vacuumed. Then we stacked up all the boxes that we have packed up into that room and shut the door. One room done. It certainly doesn't to long when there is a number of you cleaning up a storm.  We are slowly ticking off our to do list and the next two days we will get even more done. I think Jamie is planning to water blast the outside tomorrow. Waiting waiting waiting.

So in the midst of all this packing and waiting we are still doing schooling, albeit no big massive topics. One of my kids folded the towels today (at my request) and then after came to me and said

"Mum do you know what 6 x 4 is?"
 I said "yes, do you?"
"24" was the reply
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"Well I made six piles of four towels each and that equals 24" was the proud statement.

Ah I love this real life math and real life learning! Quite simple really.

How was your Thursday? Did you get out and enjoy the sun?

August's Anecdotes Day 17 - Faith and Trust

I captured this shot of Jesse watching the sunrise. I love it so much. We often watch for the sun to 'wake up' and get out of bed. Yes I am up that early. As much as I hate getting out of bed USUALLY when I am up and about I am glad that I did. Especially when you have glorious displays like this.

It makes me wonder where, in a few weeks or so, what our view will be and if we will get to see the sunrise. 

Faith. Its a simple concept but often difficult to master and its no secret that we are facing a very big test of faith...possibly the biggest yet.  As I was reading my bible today I came across the story of Elijah and Ahab (1 Kings 18) I was really encouraged by it. There is definitely a sermon in what I read today. Here is a couple of points that really spoke to me:-

After three years of famine and no rain

1) Elijah heard the sound of abundance of rain (v41) yet it still hadn't rained yet. He was listening intently to what God was saying and was speaking it out even though it hadn't happened yet.

2) Elijah went up and humbled himself and continually worshiped God (v42)

3) Elijah told his servant to go and look for signs of rain, he did this six times and each time there was nothing but on the 7th time there was a small rain cloud in the distance. He then told Ahab to get ready for the rain was coming (v43) He kept on believing inspite of negative reports.

4) A little while later the heavens opened and there was great rain that poured down on the land (v44)

In summary for me

1) We have heard God speak and we are believing for it and speaking it out even though it hasn't happened yet.

2) We are continuing with our worship and thanksgiving to God - for He is good.

3) We will continue to wait and watch for our "rain cloud" and continue to get ready for our breakthrough.

4) When the heavens 'open' and God moves bringing our new home into sight, we will be victorious and ever so thankful. (and 

Isn't that an awesome piece of encouragement for not only me but for everyone who is facing a trial or a test of faith right now.  Xxx

August's Anecdotes Day 16 - Real World Real Learning

Being a mother of four boys and four home-schooled boys I have long known that the inner workings of boys brains are beyond me....far beyond me. What I think is odd or weird or not entirely normal....well apparently it's just what boys do. Lets take their play fighting as example, bearing in mind that I grew up in a nice peaceful house full of girls. Play fighting....where anything goes, anytime and anywhere. It can turn serious at a moments notice and then back to play fighting just as quick.  Mostly I cope with it and sometimes not but none the less I can't watch. Whats worse is that they play fight with Jamie each trying to 'win' against Dad.  Its so strange...why can't they just read a book? or colour in?

Casey is growing fast and the time where its me "teaching" him is long been and gone. Now its more of a facilitator, guide and encourager. He has more of a 'hands on' approach to learning and loves to get out there and do it. He certainly doesn't want to read and write about it.

So embracing that he is about to start work experience alongside a very dear friend and one of his mentors. Someone who we trust and love and more importantly someone who has a friendship and interest with and in Casey's life. Jamie and I recognise that we can't give him all the experience that he needs or wants because we don't possess those skills so for a while...Fridays is all about outsourcing expertise and exposure as he learns something of the building trade. Something we are so very grateful for. Very grateful. I think I am as excited as he is.

Real world, Real learning.

August's Anecdotes Day 15 - A Hot Date

Today started out like any other Monday around here....that was until one, my kids discovered the Olympics on TV and two, we had unexpected blessing gifted to us specifically for us to go out for lunch together...just my hot hubby and I. Kid free. I need not say anymore ah?  Anyone who hangs out with any amount of kids 24/7 will know and understand that when one is given the opportunity then one takes it without delay. Which is of course exactly what we did.  I felt particularly adult-like getting dressed to go and meet my husband for lunch.

Check out lunch!!

Yummo!!  And made all the more delicious because of the company.  It was nice to just hang out together outside of the house and away from normal everyday-ness. Plus to top it all off the day was beautiful and not like winter at all. Certainly seemed like spring was in the air today!  Which by the way is only officially only 16 more days away. Your welcome!

August's Anecdotes Day 14 - In Limbo

This photo pretty much sums up our life at the moment. These boxes are in residence in the hallway but most of them are in the boys bedroom packed up against one wall but are slowly spilling out and taking over the rest of their bedroom.

We are in limbo. Neither here nor there and let me tell you its not a fun place to be. There is not a lot left we can pack because everything that is still out we pretty much use on a daily basis.  So here we are waiting. Waiting on God to move for us as there is nothing else that we can humanly do to find us a home to move into.

So my friends keep watching this space as I am positive that one day soon I'll have some very exciting news to share with you. For God has got this! He totally has!

August's Anecdotes Day 13 - A 60th

Today we celebrated a very special lady and her reaching a milestone worth celebrating. We celebrated my mother-in-law turning 6o. Bless her. Linda, Mother of 10, Grandmother to 16 (and a half) Friend to many. Daughter of the King, Lover of all things Amish, music, books and family. Passionate advocate and Respite Carer for children with special needs. Carrot cake eater and tea drinker. And All round fabulous woman. Happy Birthday Linda.

I also snapped this shot off this afternoon at her party.  Casey and two of his Uncles who we don't see nearly enough.  These two have been a big part of Casey life ever since he was born. From cuddling him as a newborn, to playing game after game with him as a young boy to now. Casey (15) and on his own journey into manhood, he knows he has these two (and others) cheering him on from the sidelines.

You gotta love big families ah?!

NB// Casey is looking a little "off" in this photo. He was suffering from concussion after a bit of a rough game of soccer where he got knocked out. Who knew that soccer could get so physical?

August's Anecdotes Day 12 - Family Movie Night

Not too much to say tonight and I better be quick as its 'Family Movie Night' and we are settling down to watch The Jungle Book.  The kids have been hanging out to watch it something bad.  Not to sure how long the little ones will last as its already nearly 7pm.  We might be carrying some to bed later.

We had quite a busy and productive day here with more packing and sorting with a spot of cleaning thrown in. We have one big outside job to go which is the water blasting. It was done in time for the wedding we had here at the beginning of the year so it shouldn't take too long.  Jamie and I went around the house today and made a list of the things we needed to do in each room. It certainly feels a lot more manageable on a list.

So the update on the oven is that it was an element blew and needed to be replaced...so easy fixed. The dishwasher on the other hand has well and truly bitten the dust. So we are still washing dishes for our family of nine like we have done for months and months now.

Slowly but surely we are getting ourselves ready to move when the time comes. All in anticipation and faith. Really really looking forward to seeing what God has for us. Really really.

August's Anecdotes Day 11 - All Worthwhile

Heya! So apparently a number of you thought yesterdays blog was pretty cute. I thought so too but then again I am unashamedly biased and all.  She is pretty cute even when she has tipped porridge all over the kitchen floor. The other thing that a number of you commented on was the way that it was handled by me her mother. So calm and Ok with it.  I feel like I should comment on this.

Yes I did really react like I said I did but lease know that if this had been one of my older kids I definitely wouldn't of reacted the way I did. In fact I probably would of had a meltdown and growled and carried on ranting about "how I couldn't believe my life has come to this" or "how come stuff like this has to happen to me" Blah blah blah. You know crazy stuff like that.

But one of the great advantages of having a larger than average sized family is that 1) I have become so use to walking in and seeing some kind of crisis or mess, that very little will bring me to the fore mentioned level.  2) I have learnt when kids are just being kids, when a near two year old is just being two and can put things into perspective. And 3) I have learnt to recognize when kids are being naughty and she wasn't.  Again all advantages of having numerous occasion to learn these things. One of my biggest regrets is not knowing back then, what I know now.  We are all on a learning journey and rest assured I still am.

We are still dealing with colds and flu around here and now its Jesse's turn. Poor boys has been lying on the couch all day so we definitely know he is sick because he NEVER just lies there. He has been needing loads of 'huggles' all day and time with his Dad or me just sitting with him.  This is heart melting. My baby boy, just wanting me (or his Dad) and that we could give that to him. Because today he wanted nothing else..... it makes the all crazy stuff worthwhile!

August's Anecdotes Day 10 - Porridge Angels

$3.79 Yep that is how much it cost for Miss Frankie to have the time of her life this afternoon.  This is also what happens when you leave the pantry door open and her unsupervised for more than five mins. Porridge Angels...you know like snow angels but with porridge.

When I saw that she had emptied the entire porridge container onto the kitchen floor and was playing in it happily....well what else could you do?  You grab a camera thats what and start filming and snapping photos off. Lucky for me she is such a photo-lover.

After I had taken a heap of photos I told her that we should clean it up and she grabbed the vacuum that pretty much lives in the lounge all day and turned it on and then proceeded to have even more fun at vacuuming it all up.

This best $3.79 spent I think.

So just a short one tonight. I am tired because I have been up since 530am.  Its now my bedtime. Goodnight!

August's Anecdotes Day 9 - Our Go-to-Dinner

Go-to-Dinners. You know the ones that you always have the ingredients for and are always available on stand-by when everything turns to custard or you just run out of time and/or dinner mojo. Tonight well I certainly don't have the mojo plus our Tuesdays are pretty busy with people in and out all evening. So I usually bring out one of our go-to dinners. There isn't anything to spectacular about tonight's go-to-dinner....American Hot-dogs.  In fact if I am completely honest I don't actually even like them and feel a little guilty for feeding them to the kids being the highly processed crap that they are BUT they all love them and they all eat them....so on that note....WINNING.

Frankie, bless her, decided that she loved me so much that she would share her bugs with me. So I aren't feeling the best today but am determined that I will not succumb to getting sick again.  Nope not me.

For those that have been wondering, we are still on the look out for a new home to live in. We did have a possible house but on investigation it had zero section and Jamie and I really couldn't do that to our kids.  They need space to run around and play soccer plus we need space to be able to send the kids outside, for a vege garden and grass to mow. We are true blue kiwis after all.

We are absolutely confident that God has something just right for us, so no we are not worried. We are continuing to pray and thanking God for our new home and that he will reveal it in his absolute perfect timing.  We all know that His timing is perfect. History proves that to us. We just have to remember those circumstances that we witnessed God moving and coming through for us in His timing and have absolute faith and trust that He will do it again. For God does not fail us. He cannot fail.

August's Anecdotes Day 8 - The Woes of Weaning

My baby (21mth) is a snot factory. Yep just when I are no longer feeding her throughout the night she gets a really heavy cold. So whereas before she would sleep on and off all not, snuffling away I could comfort her and nourish her poor sick body with myself and she would get all that goodness and all those great antibodies to help her heal. But now, now I can't and I am sad.  I think what is worse is that she doesn't even ask for it at night anymore. She is quite content to just put her hand into my top have cuddle and kisses. Oh I wanted this don't get me wrong, it was definitely time but with it being relatively easy and her getting sick I am pining for when I could snuggle her with ease and she would feel better in an instant. I guess I will just have to get used to just having her arm around my neck and her tiny wee body molded into mine. I am still for now feeding her once during the day before her daytime sleep and just before bedtime.

Along with her being down with a seriously heavy cold, I have two others with one too. Not so much fun and something I really didn't need to be dealing with. Oh winter be gone! I am really praying that no one else will get it!

The other thing I certainly didn't need to happen is my oven decided it didn't want to be an oven anymore and not heat up. It did this completely randomly. I baked cinnamon pinwheels and the girls made brownie together fun. I put a chook onto roast and what do you know....no heat. Which not only meant no roast chicken, no roast veges and no fresh buns. I admit I even called the dumb oven a few bad names. I am not impressed. Just what you don't want when you are about to move out! Whats worse, is that our landlord replaced the last oven about three/four years ago for doing the exact same thing!

Nothing else is allowed to happen. Nope, not now. Enough is enough.

August's Anecdotes Day 7 - Inspire

Do you have people in your life that just inspire you, either close to you or just people who perhaps you just vaguely know but watch their lives from a far? I do. I have oodles. I would say that possibly all of them don't even know that they just by them being who they are, what they stand for are inspiring me, influencing the way I choose to live and are a such an encouragement to me. Most of these people are just normal everyday people going about their normal everyday lives. One or two are famous and are game-changers at home on the world stage but most are just like you.

So who or what things inspire you? Is it people? Art? Nature? Music? It is books?

One of the things that inspire me are peoples passion to make the world, their world, our world better. They are out there doing what they can with what they have to make our world better. I am always in awe of how different we all are, how different God has made us and that such different things can drive people to take risks. To not always be playing it safe. To be different. To be stand out and to stand up.

To those that inspire me....thank you.......but really to everyone keep living true to yourself, to your real self, keep your passion on, keep standing up and standing out. I know that the struggle is real at times....but keep going.

August's Anecdote Day 6 - Home Comforts

Are you like me and just about tearing your hair out over this weather? Its been raining here for what I am pretty sure is 4 weeks. Yes thats right 4 weeks of rain. Rain. Which means everything is wet and muddy and one can no longer dry their towels on the line. Which is actually a pretty big thing here in New Zealand. The majority of the population use a washing line, an outside washing line to dry their clothes on. Just not this month. I haven't known it to be this wet for a VERY long time. Today has been different though, it been freezing cold with it. Up until now the temperature this winter has actually been quite mild. But with the huge dump of snow just a wee way south from here, temperatures have plummeted to frosty levels. My poor kids got a bit cold playing soccer this morning.

So today was most definitely an inside day. The fire stoked up constantly and for me probably one too many coffees and cups of tea.  I also spent some time stocking up the biscuit tins because one always needs a cookie to have with a hot drink. Add to that, the kids are always ferreting in the biscuits tins for something to eat. So on the menu today was Choc chip biscuits, a double batch. As soon as I haul out the big mixing bowl they come out of the woodwork to 'help' but really that means eat the mixture as I go and pinch choc chips out of the container.

This winter weather always means board game and Rummikub is still the game of the moment. I think I played everyone one of my kids at least once.  Kaitlyn beat me and beat me good. Actually I don't even think I won one game today. I very rarely win. But in saying that I am a terrible winner I never let anyone forget it. Perhaps thats why I don't win at all.

Are you surviving this weather? What is the weather like where you are?

August's Anecdote Day 5 - Friday and Friends

Did you know that running in hail is not really that much fun? And did you also know that you feel like twerp when cars drive past you while you are running in the hail because you know that they are probably thinking and even saying out loud to themselves "what an idiot!" I know this because I have said the same thing to myself when I have driven past people doing the same thing. Really it is pretty idiotic to tell the truth. Hail hurts. Hail is cold. Its really dumb. But to all those who drove past me this afternoon know this....It was not hailing when I left nor in fact was it raining. It was actually sunny believe it or not. So I am not really that much of an idiot as you think.

Today is Friday. I had been hanging out for today because I knew I was getting together with good friends for a casual dinner, a few drinks and a whole barrel of laughs. And tonight did not disappoint me either. True therapy after a week of wet weather, kids with cabin fever and the pressure of packing and cleaning always in the back of your mind. Thank you God no one is sick at present.

Everyone leads busy lives and we all have our own pressures, struggles and commitments so we need to be purposeful in booking nights like tonight in and making sure nothing stands in the way of getting together. Like I said its therapy. As long as the kids are fed, watered, happy and safe...then we to are happy and are free to enjoy the evening. So its well past nine thirty as we are putting out little people to bed. They will go sleep eventually and possibly be grumpy tomorrow but for now who cares. I, for one am thankful and content with sore abs from laughing so much.

August's Anecdotes Day 4 - My Current Read

This is my current read or actually its my current re-read. Translating God by Shawn Bolz. I have already read this once and loved it but all my other books on the bookshelf were packed by an over zealous and enthusiastic son and left me with a very limited number that had gone rouge from their place on in the book case. This was one of them. Needless to say its good, VERY GOOD. And absolutely perfect to get my thoughts off myself and our current situation and on to the bigger picture.  It truly calls us to love as He loved and to see others how He sees them. We need to LOVE well and this book encourages this and also helps us to seek His voice for ourselves and for others around us. That is the big picture.  You know just a little light reading while I am feeding Frankie to sleep for her daytime nap. Its the only time I am alone and its quiet.

I would love to hear about what you are reading at the moment or if you have any great recommendations. I LOVE to read but sadly at this point in my life I really struggle to find time to do it. Its the way I learn and the way I am inspired. So hit me with some goodies!!

August's Anecdotes Day 3 - How to Get Kids to Eat!

Check these out! Don't they look cool! Cute! A friend delivered them to us a very scrummy meal complete with sneakily hidden veges so the kids don't notice and will chow it down. Obviously my friend knows how kids think because she bought these along with it. Aren't they just so cool.  They are up there with the alphabet noodles you used to put in vege soup. We used to try and spell out our names with them.

Isn't it amazing that if you cut food into shapes kids will eat them more readily.   I use a heart shape cutter to cut the centre out of bread to fry an egg inside of. We all call it an Egg in a Nest or An Egg in Bed.  My girls love that especially if they get to eat the fried heart shaped piece of bread.

My boys love it when I cut their sandwiches into the shapes of dinosaurs...don't worry I actually have a cutter for that.  I am not that talented. You get two dinosaurs out of one sandwich. I am pretty sure they are called Brachiosaurus or Long Neck if any of your kids used to be Land Before Time watchers.

Speaking of food and eating, I bit the bullet and weaned Frankie off her night time feeding. And PRAISE GOD it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It probably the thing I hate the most about parenting but we did. She woke at 0030hrs and we cuddled with her hand down my top and she slept until 0300hrs and woke and grizzled on and off for an hour and a half. In the end I told there was no more at night time and she got mad at me and rolled over and went to sleep (granted in my bed but thats ok) and slept until 7am. She was extra snuggly and cuddly today but thats to be expected. They always are. So only two days feeds to go. But not right now.

August's Anecdotes Day 2 - Packing with Kids

You know I really surprised myself today and I packed 6 boxes. Three out of the kitchen and three out of the school cupboard and my wardrobe. The reason being is that I get terribly distracted when doing things like packing. Distracted by the very things that I am packing. "Ooooo I remember this" or "hey I haven't seen this for a while" or "what the hang is this and where did it come from?" Is usually how my time goes. I have to confess that I did sit and start sorting stamps until my 15 year old surferson came in and told me I was weird. Yeah maybe not weird but more than a little sentimental.  I figure I must be if I still have squirreled away the sugar flowers from the top of our wedding cake and the wall hanging that I made when I was like 8 and the birthday present that I bought for my Grandma when I was about that same age and paid $10.50 for with my own pocket money.

So packing the kitchen was an experience with little people hanging around. No sooner did I wrap and pack then one of them would unpack and unwrap. I managed packed most of the glassware today but did leave three wine glasses out for Friday night dinner with friends.  It was a long morning so that made it all the more better. So I was pretty pleased when they decided to make a giant hut in the lounge that used every spare blanket we had.  Every morning when I pull open the blinds I hold my breath to see what my view will be so I can drink it in and etch it on my memory. Today's was a corker. So stunning.

All this unpacking left Frankie pretty tuckered out and needing a second sleep only five mins after she woke from her first one. She is just so snuggly.

How was your day? Did you manage to get some washing out on the line?

August's Anecdotes Day 1 - Bedtime Trials

Seriously sometimes I need to look a cute photos like this to remind me that it is all worth it. I have just had one of those crazy nights, I am actually thinking to check in the mirror for grey hairs. 

Bedtime took AGES tonight and left me wondering if Jesse made himself and his sister a coffee instead of a milo this afternoon. I thought that they would of been exhausted after a late night out last night. I am trying not to feed Frankie to sleep at night, feeding her out in the lounge and then putting her to bed. When I do this she wants me to sing (on repeat) Wheels on the Bus. I hate that song. She loves it. She wins. Half an hour later of me singing, her kissing me and her trying to help herself to me....she finally rolled over and went to sleep. I kept praying for patience because I'm out at the moment.

Jesse took another half an hour, he likes to 'huggle', kiss, pee and have drinks of water and then spent his half an hour reenacting scenes from Kung Fu Panda 3 and PJ Mask.....Super cat speed...super lizard grip.....and skadoosh! Please God top me up with patience! NOW!

Sophie, the night owl, after me pleading with her to just for tonight pleeeeease just go to sleep and not call out and not get out of bed. She comes in crying because she misses this house......WE HAVEN'T EVEN LEFT YET!!! Deep breath.....(praying) GOD you need to move now and make me ROCK this moment. Let me handle this right even though I want to actually throw a tantrum...or have a Chernobyl as my older kids say.  Well I thought I did quite well inspite of my lack of patience which clearly meant God felt sorry for me (and for her). We hugged, kissed, prayed and talked about how I was going to miss living here to but it was an adventure moving into a new house. Ten ticks for me!

I then FINALLY made my way out to the dining room to discover .......cat vomit. My life is so awesome right now are you not just so jealous!!??? Don't you just want my life? I bet you do. But photos like the one below make my smile and love my life all over again. Jesse is learning to put on his own socks. Don't you love the cheeky facials?

Til tomorrow....