Oh, My, it has been a while...

A very quick "hello" to all the beautiful ladies out in blogland! Yes, if you were wondering, I am still alive. Obviously, I am not a "Multi-multi-tasker"!!! We had the Soccer Presentation last Saturday night; it was huge and a lot of fun and I'm so glad I put my hand up to take it on.... It's been a great experience! With educating the boys at home and all that went with organising a trophy night for 200 players, getting on the computer to do anything other than what had to be done, seemed like pure indulgence, and there was not time to indulge... My eyes feel like they are popping out of my head, but the 'adrenalin' must still be in my system, as sleeps avoiding me; I still feel like I have something to do!!!... Anyhoo, if my calculations are correct (!!!) my next post should be my 100th! So, I'll make it a goodie. To all those who know you are special to me, I'll be 'popping' over' in the next little while. Can't wait to see what you've all been up to! Blessings to you all! xxx

Spring Has Sprung!

... well, not officially, but it's not brrr in Brisbane, that's for sure and probably won't be again until next year... we are so spoilt with our beautiful climate. If you need a holiday, I've got just the destination for you!!!

So much has been happening since I last blogged, and that was certainly a while ago! I'm going to travel around blog world tomorrow night after my boys are in bed. Tonight I've been fine-tuning the Soccer Presentation Night for October 10 - there's alot to do when you're Event's Co-ordinator for the Club!!! The things we say yes to... ;) No, seriously, although there is stacks to do, I've enjoyed it, and it should be a fun night. I like it when everyone gets together to celebrate achievements, plus all the non-Christians of our Christian Club get to hear a message, and all glory to God!

That leads me to a question about a song I heard recently; it was about baseball, something most of us Aussies don't know too much about, but it was a fantastic, oomphee song, with a Christian tone to it, and it sounded very Steven Curtis-Chapman-like. Would anyone out there know which song I might be referring to??? If so, I'd love it if you could please let me know. When I heard it the other week, I had designs on getting our music group to sing it, only change it, of course, to 'Soccer', seeing that's what we're all about!!!

Does anyone's dog snore? Our Teddy does. Or his nose whistles. It's hilarious, but I'm so glad I don't have to sleep with him. He's lying beside me now, snoring and whistling! He's so cute!

Thank you to everyone who kindly commented on my last post. This past month has been tremendously hard and sad for my friend's family, and it's been difficult to be witness to that; she's fine, so she says... she's made the best decision for her life... even though, in her words, she knows she's doing the wrong thing (and I believe she was referring to the wrong thing from God's perspective)... I don't get it, and I don't really want to. I've seen her, I've remained firm in the fact that I love and care deeply for her, but I do not like what she's done, to herself or her family. Fortunately, she has a number of friends who are standing firm with her on that. Sadly, she's only really letting in the 'new' friend that has encouraged her to 'indulge' herself in this affair... I hope this has the happy, Godly ending we've all been praying for...

I received an email today called "Somebody's Raising Their Kid Right". I thought I'd share it with you:
One day a 6 (??? - my input!!) year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
Tommy: Yes.
Teacher: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
Tommy: Yes.
Teacher: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
Tommy: OK (... he returns...) Yes, I saw the sky.
Teacher: Did you see God up there?
Tommy: No
Teacher: That's my point. We can't see God because He isn't there. Possibly He just doesn't exist.
The little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.
The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
Tommy: Yes.
Little Girl: Do you see the grass?
Tommy: Yessss!
Little Girl: Did you see the sky?
Tommy: Yessssssssssssss!
Little Girl: Do you see the teacher?
Tommy: Yes.
Little Girl: Do you see her brain?
Tommy: No
Little Girl: Then, according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly may not have one!

"FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT" II Corinthians 5:7

Blessings to you all...

This is serious

I found blogs through my interest in Homeschooling. At that time in my life blogs were a God-send. I was reading about other peoples lives and connecting with them in what I still consider a safe way... kind of like cyberspace penpals. I liked it and needed the communcation as there was not alot of it going on around here...

Anyhoo, I started becoming conscious of the amount of time I was spending on the computer, which translates directly to the amount of time I spend away from my Husband, my Children, my responsiblities in the home. So, I knew I needed to limit that computer time, and I feel I've done so successfully. I do miss the regular communication, but I need to be disciplined for my sake, and everyone elses.

But... I used Facebook. I used it for my scrabble games on the internet, which I love. I'm a bit of a word nerd, and there was no game playing going on around here, and so I was wrapped when the internet became an option for that. I limited that time too, and really, that was pretty much all I used Facebook for. Then just recently I accepted and invited a few more friends, and even though I very rarely had any input into the thing, I'd check out a few things here and there.

One thing I was noticing was that the very friend that had started out with me on scrabble was spending an incredible amount of time on FB, doing quizzes that I thought were very 'highschool', chatting to people from her past that, even by her admissions, was not wise, and generally bordering on obsessing over what was said and done on FB.

This friend has been in my life a LONG time. I love her to bits. She's shared with me stuff that has been bothering her a while now and, with love and understanding, I have listened and also, where necessary, held her accountable to things... Obviously she has not liked this...

I phoned her last week and spoke to her for a short while about this-and-that and all was well. I phoned her yesterday and her husband answered. It was an unusual time for him to answer the phone so I asked if he'd been sick and not worked... He sounded surprised that I hadn't heard anything, and then, through the most heart-wrenching sobs, told me that my best friend had left her family in the middle of the night... Her 6 year old and her 4 year old had to wake up to the news that their mother was gone...

I'm still reeling from this news, but last night, after talking to her Husband for a long time and then talking to mine, I came to the conclusion that, for my friend, Facebook has been nothing but detrimental. She's been able to dredge up people from her past who needed to remain there, and she's been tempted each time she's logged on, and selfishly succumbed to it. I was so angry and upset last night that I closed down my account with Facebook. My Husband's never liked me being on it, but has trusted me with it; but learning what has happened in my friend's situation has been shattering.

About a month ago, when we were away together, I walked into the room we were sharing when I thought she was asleep. In the dark I heard her say, "OK, bye, I'll talk to you later". I apologised and asked if I I'd disturbed her, thinking she was talking to her husband. But she denied she was even talking on the phone, which tweaked my suspicion... I went to her, told her I loved her and that I was not deaf and asked her directly if she was talking to somone she shouldn't be talking to. She said she was and I listened to her as she justified things. I gave her my thoughts, we discussed things a bit more, and she assured me she was going to do the right thing... After our weekend away, I've not heard too much from her. But, I've seen her stupidity on Facebook and seen the comments from the people who are making that stupidity ok, these people who don't really know her, or have her and her families best interest at heart. I couldn't bare any more, so I've done the best thing, and 'shut up shop'.

I know Facebook works for alot of people. The friend I've just mentioned, her Husband uses it for God's purpose, as I know others do, and I know of others who just love the quick notes to friends and the little support it offers throughout the day. That's great! But, I think, like everything, there's a sinister side to Facebook. My friend has some complex issues going on, and through Facebook she's been able to indulge some of her neediness, and that is SO not good.

I've really spilled my thoughts out in this post, but I beseech you, if you are not already doing it, use Facebook openly and honestly in your home. Make it a point to share with your Husband/Wife who it is you're friends with, and don't go checking out your past, 'cos it will bite you on the behind in a big way, and it won't be pretty.

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Thinking of all my special blog-pals dotted around the world, and hoping all is well and happy in your neck-of-the-woods. I'll be visiting tomorrow night!!!

Our new addition to the family...

This is Teddy...

"Teddy Bear Smoochie Pooch", officially.

He's a 10 week old Maltese x Shih Tzu, with a bit of Poodle... apparently.

He's really cute and sweet, and after a week of living under our roof - though not yet potty-trained - we are very, very fond of him.

He likes to sleep on his own little bed,

between these two boys (above and below),

who think that arrangement is the bees knees.

(although I'm yet to be convinced...

even though he is a good type of dog for allergy sufferers,

like my eldest, it goes against my grain to have an animal sleep inside, let alone a bedroom... hmmm...)

He really is delightful and fun to watch, especially at my parent's place, where he does somersaults down the hill in the long green grass and then doesn't know which way is up, it would seem!!!

Teddy liked the beach, although the water was a tad cold for his wee little paws...

and when he'd had enough he happily cuddled up to his

Mama, who he loves, 'cos she buys him

bling!!!

Check out his lead... he has a matching collar, of course!

Are dogs your 'thing'? Or are you a cat person?

(I know you are, Sharon!!!)

Dogs are Eli's 'thing', that's for sure

(even though he still loves and looks after his Guineas)

They go together well, don't they?!!!

(Teddy's pulling his smoochie, ready-for-a-kiss face...

His colouring reminds me in a way of Cookies and Cream!!! ;)! hahaha

Blessings...

Brrrrrrrisbane is Brrrrrrrrrrr!

I went outside the other morning to tend to my chicks and my eyes were drawn to this little delight! I would so love a camera that captured every rain drop, but I think my little aim-and-shoot did ok. And the scent!!! From Heaven...

I spent the long weekend, this one just gone, on a three-day get-away with four girlfriends. We took our scrapbooking gear, lots of movies and music, food, wine and chocolate, and left our 'troubles' behind... Bliss...

here's a few of us, relaxing in the spa. It was "fuffers" when we got out, but oh, what a way to unwind...

Do I look relaxed???

Or just plain tired?... (more to the point, I think...)

I got loads of uninterrupted sleep, though... Thank you, LORD!

It was good to get away and recharge.

We've booked again for same time next year!!! A few of us thought it should happen bi-annually, one of us - and it wasn't me - thought once a month sounded good, but she's dreaming!!! ;)

What dreams for relaxing do you have?

And have they, or can they, or have you planned for them to, come true... soon?

Dream on, Girls!

And God Bless!

From the girl who's now wearing lots of socks on her 'frozen' tootsies (that's "toes", in case you were wondering!!!) Winter has hit us, and it's a wee bit chilly...

OK... It's lunchtime... I've been back and forth to my desk in the school room all morning... I've been calling Eli, or I'll go to him, and tell him it's time to get cracking with his bookwork...

Each time, for three hours now, he's telling me he'll be there soon, he's just doing 'this' or 'that'. What's the 'this' or 'that'?

Housework!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He's finding jobs to do!!!

His room is now spotless, he's tidied the play area in the lounge - motivating his brother along the way to help him!!!, he's straightened up the verandah, swept it, tended to his animals (Guinea Pigs - all 7 of them, 3 baby chicks, and 2 hermit crabs), cleaned their hutches, emptied the dishwasher, and has now started on his cupboards (I'm hearing alot of banging and action... maybe he's renovating!... he's hooked on a renovation show on TV at the moment).

I'm going to end up with the tidiest house I've had in ages, and he's still going to have his work completed by the end of the day. But I bet that's not what he's been thinking... dear, sweet, angel of a boy who dances to the beat of his own drum... He's thinking he's scoring points with me and that work will be put aside for the day... I'm a Mummy first and then his educator, and I'm feeling a little bit smug at the mo ;)... 'Cause the Mummy in me will let him clean and initiate his own activity for the morning... but the teacher in me will crack that whip!

Wooooshka!

"Yeah!" for Mummy!!!

I'll go scrounge around for some food to feed the weary boy and get him motivated for some cognitive action!!! Maybe I've had it all wrong... maybe he works better in the afternoon... maybe he actually likes helping out in the home, if only I just let him use his initiative... maybe I will have the clean and tidy house of my dreams with smart, happy children growing up in it!!!

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Gone Fishing!

The Merry Month of May

OK... Having uploaded these photos in a kind of random order, with the view to arranging them once they were done, I find myself in the wee hours of the morning unable to do just that... arrange. The little doovy won't move the photo the way it did when I last added a photo to my blog. Have things been changed again? Or is this just happening because it's late and I really should be in bed??? So... can you please scroll to the bottom of this post, and then come back up again... Then it should be in order... Which makes me think, why didn't I just upload them the other way around??? Oh, gracious! You regular readers should be used to me by now... Remember when I realised what ;) & :o & :( & :) meant? hahahahahaha ;) I'm just a little slow on the uptake, that's all...

It has been bucketing down with rain for 2 days now, and apparently will be this way for a few more days to come. It is now close to our winter (for those of you whose days are heating up) and it's been really strange hearing thunder while it's cold. I don't ever remember thunder and lightening at any other time than Summer... But then I have a memory like a seive, which is why I have to write everything down!!!

So, today we enjoyed some fun in the rain.

Actually, we had a ball!

And then 'disaster' struck!!!... ;)

(I'm not really laughing at my little boy... not really!!!)

Sam falling out of the bucket full of rain water.

I needed to be videoing this!

Time for a warm bath...

Remember, we're going backwards now...!!! (o dear!)

Going back up the drive after our walk in the rain...

Thank goodness for boots with tread.

Our neighbour's front entrance this morning...

The boys walking down the driveway to inspect the flood...

Singin' in the rain... and he was...

"I love running in the rain..."

to a sweet little tune,

over and over and over again...

The boys on the decent...

Stomping in the mud.
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THE SCHOOL ROOM

Storage area

(my birthday present, a printer that does everything 'cept meals and laundry!!!, sits now between the stereo and cash register on the cabinet)

The room is a tight fit, but functioning nicely...

... Sammo's desk for "Kindy School"...

...Eli's desk...

... My desk...

Take a look what I found on my desk today (below), having not thought about the conversation Eli and I had last week in the car... He asked me what I wanted most in this world, and I answered that I wanted us all to be happy together, working well together, and learning together... He wasn't satisfied with my answer, telling me it had to be something I could hold. Telling him I would happily hold what I said in my heart forever did not cut it for him. So, I asked him to tell me what it is that he wants. He told me, and the first 2 answers (for there were 5 things!!!) gave me warm fuzzies!!! He is such a dear boy! He wants a baby; the child has the most serene look on his face when there's a little one around...I told him to write it in my notebook, and I'm glad I did !

I don't know that a baby and the drumset would go all that well together, though.... ;)

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Oh, here is my computer that is now back in it's rightful place on my desk, after all the technical doodads were put in place to accommodate it in the school room. It is such a functional room, and I am just loving the busyness of it, and how we all work so well in it, when we are in it... So much of our time for school is spent out and about, but, yes, we're still learning, 'cause it doesn't always have to happen on a chair behind a desk...

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And here is my Birthday Rose!

How gorgeous is that!!!

Thanks to all who sent their wishes my way... I had a lovely day... Soccer in the morning, followed by Yum Cha with my parents for lunch, then an afternoon at New Farm Park in the city by the Brisbane River, playing with the children and eating cupcakes.

Hope this finds you all well.

God Bless!

A Day in May

Bike riding in Dayboro, a little town to the west of us...

Eli taking time to talk to a local...

Sam swinging high, and cracking up laughing,

at the park up the hill from us, overlooking the dam...

Back at Dayboro, puffed after a bike ride,
but one of us with enough energy to be cheeky...
"I said SMILE!"

(said the person in the floppy hat, who is being sun-smart!!!)