Jellybeans and Gingerbread

Chloe, then and now:)

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February 2010

Laura 2010 February

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Declan 2010 February

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"Hurry up,
Mummy, I don't want to be late!"

Back from the brink of computer trouble

2010-02-28T14:45:00.000+10:00

I just found this email excerpt from the beginning of the Christmas holidays and thought I'd put it here for safe-keeping:

It is nice having Gary home again – another pair of arms, ears, etc. I have actually had two short trips out of the house without my sweet baby girl this week; nothing fancy just some odd jobs in town but hey, I was refreshed when I returned just the sameJ

Chloe and Declan are settling into holidays of the hot sort – dvd in the hottest part of the day; outside play or an outing with Gary in the late afternoon while I prepare (and eat my) dinner; abc kids from 8am if they remember till 10am (although, they’ve worked out that they can both choose a dvd for the middle of the day if they forego this privelageJ); frozen strawberries; frozen rockmelon sticks; frozen yogurts; ice-cold watermelon; extended storytime at bedtime; getting grubby and/ or wet downstairs; playtime with Gary; helping in the garden; Chloe having lots of cuddles and conversations with Laura; Boggle (Chloe and me); lots of making stuff; sorting and purging from toy boxes; making and flying paper gliders and kites; riding bikes under the house…

I think Laura is enjoying watching the kids and spending some time with Gary (usually in the hammock on the verandah). She and I seem to have hit a bit of a snag feeding wise. With the other two, I had an over abundance of milk and expressed from the very beginning so I had backup in the freezer. This time, however, I was so befuddled with post birth foggy brain, I couldn’t even work out how to fit expressing into the day or night. Now, I’m facing days and sometimes just feeds (on and off) when Laura seems to beg me for the breast, then promptly screams when I put her on and flat out refuses; hmm. ...

3 months later:

Laura's 1/2 a year old and going through a feeding frenzy - about 10-12 feeds; right now as I type, too. Wow. Also some supported sitting and starting to balance with her hands on the floor; banging toys; offering her dummy to Daddy; giggling when tickled, especially by Chloe and Daddy; fascinated by Declan, noses, necklaces and mouths and her doll, and a real delight!!

ABC of Holidays by Chloe and Declan - what we've done so far

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A - apple bobbing
   - aeroplane construction
B - backyard camping - this Sunday, weather permitting!
   - beach
C - Christmas carols
   - Christmas craft
D - Daddy Park (Ululah)
   - decorate Christmas tree
E - egg and spoon race
   - experiments
F - feed ducks
G - gingerbread house
   - games
   - glitter art
H - hand prints
   - Hervey Bay water park
   - Hervey Bay Aquatic Centre
I - ice-block making
  - ice-cream sundaes
  - ice biscuits
J - jump on the trampoline
K - kite-flying
L - looking at toy shops
M - marbles
N - Nanna fun
   - nature reserve
   - nailpolish
O - organise school supplies
P - painting
   - printing
   - puzzles
   - puddle play
Q - quiet play while Mummy, Daddy and Laura sleep - this idea submitted by Mummy!
R - robot-making
   - ride bikes
S - stained glass windows
   - secret message writing with lemon juice
   - swimming
   - spotlight game
   - scooters in Queen's Park
T - toast marshmallows
U - umbrella walk (with Mummy)
V - visit friends
W - what's missing? game
X - xray making
Y - yoghurt (frozen)
Z - Zzzzz (sleepover)

Laura meeting Unky Cam, Christmas

2009-12-26T15:06:00.001+10:00

Gold medallion recipient

2009-12-02T10:13:00.000+10:00

Chloe has been a star student for 6 out of 6 months

so she was one of about 24 students in Prep to Year 5

to receive this special wreathe, medallion and confetti shower last night at Junior Awards Night 2009.
We're very proud of her!!!!

Chloe at school

2009-11-27T15:35:00.000+10:00

DEAR - Drop Everything And Read

Chloe's teacher (Daddy) presenting her with this month's star award. No favouritsm - about a dozen recipients in her class. Chloe is always genuinely amazed that she gets one - "But I don't do anything different, Mummy"; "I don't try"... :)

Laura's toys

2009-11-27T14:02:00.000+10:00

Reminder to self - no Laura didn't have toys in the cot to sleep; this is only for supervised, interactive play!

Family Bible Verses

2009-11-27T12:20:00.000+10:00

I've been delaying this memorisation for a while, purely because I didn't know where to start. Then I found "Our Together - Time Bible" by Gwen Ellis which has 52 Bible devotions, with verses, activities, discussion and a short prayer for each. So we've started at the beginning:

After we learnt this one, we went to explore the animals and birds at a local nursery -but most had left:( Still, we enjoyed the time together!

To celebrate learning this verse, I taught Chloe and Declan how to do handpainted chocolates. I use to do these as gifts when I was in upper primary and highschool and still have a lot of moulds; 'though some have become quite brittle with age. We only used white chocolate and gel colours which Mum gifted me with recently (thanks again, Mum). (I can easily leave white chocolate;)!)
The verses are proving to be a bit long for Declan, so I use the devotion and discussion that goes with them for him, while Chloe and I keep each other accountable for learning the verse and reference. Gary's a bit snowed under at present, but I'm sure he'll join in as soon as he can - it was a joint decision to hide God's Word in our family's hearts.

This was a helpful verse for our third week, especially with Christmas around the corner. We have a certain 5 year old who is quite preoccupied with gifts this year - the receiving of predominantly. He has now come up with an idea of a gift to GIVE his older sister. Also, the kids are being encouraged at kids' time to share their pocket money to raise $15 for a pair of crtches for an overseas child who can't walk - they're nearly there:) Chloe is really excited at this - perhaps we could persue this with "Gifts of Compassion" or something similar.
We're going to celebrate by doing some more chocolates; the kids can eat 2 and give the rest away.

Ah, bliss.

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Sucking on fingers and a dummy,
ear on Mummy's chest,
held snuggly in the sling;
sound asleep.

Happiness is...

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talking to friends in the swing - ladybeetle, monkey, giraffe...

lots of things to watch...

bubbles to blow and let drip down your chin...

feeling fresh air on your skin after a big spill of Mummy milk:)

Giggles

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Froggy friends from Ferns' dam - Declan

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After play fun - yes, more fun at the Ferns'

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I had to ask, "Why are you still there if you're that cold?" The answer came in her next action: oh, of course, as an act of service:)

I'm proud of you wet one / cold Chloe!! Always looking out for the little and the vulnerable!

Pirate buddies contributing dinner

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Jacob, Declan, Elijah

Exploring at the Ferns' new bush retreat November 2009

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Prep orientation day - Declan

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While Mrs Croxon and Mr Fern led the group in dancing for morning exercise, Declan, like the rest of our family,

was a great deal more reserved. Song actions, groovy dance moves and rock band music playing and singing is fine for the family to see but it's harder to show that side in a public setting - even if you DO know the teacher this year... I wonder how long it will take him to be exuberant here. Please teachers be gentle with my bouncy, eager-to-please, sensitive, pretending-to-be-tough, thinking-about-God-when-he's-sad, seeking-to-know-what-it-is-to-be-a-boy boy...

Declan with his "Doggie"

Declan playing at Prep - magnets are a real hit with him this year.

Prep group orientation day

2009-11-26T11:54:00.003+10:00

Amby Baby Hammock

2009-11-26T11:45:00.000+10:00

Laura is spending a little more sleeptime here, especially when skin-on-skin means we're dripping in the heat! Most nights, I'll put her down after the other 2 are asleep (when the house is quiet enough) and she'll sleep here until 11pm or just after midnight. Sometimes, she'll have 40 winks during the day, too (a 20 minute nap). One morning, she slept here for 4 hours - I kept checking!!

Thankyou Mum for hiring it for us - it's lovely. Laura can lie on her side and I can sleep reassured!

Photos = November 5th

Chloe at about Laura's age

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Little Laura, October

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Sweet contentment....aaahh:)

Strength and security = bliss.

Hanging out...ahem, I mean "in" :)

Our children's faces...

2009-09-26T22:00:00.000+10:00

Laura at 4 weeks

Laura's here!

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Laura Cate having a Mummy-cuddle her first night.

Daddy and daughter - love at first snuggle!

God was so awesome! Miracle after miracle and in His perfect timing!

Laura Cate was born at 6:11pm on Thursday, 20th August. (Today is her EDD; 2 weeks later!) She weighed the same as Declan - 10lb 1oz (4565g), is 52cm long, has soft, velvety light brown hair (so far), a very pretty little face and is content and cuddly:)

Most of the photos in the collage (click on them to make them bigger) were taken straight after her birth while I was still in the birthing suite! I felt like it was the closest thing to a home birth because I laboured at home for so long and then had family and friends there an hour or so after (I only laboured in hospital from about 4:30pm onwards).

How we saw God's Hand at work:

* My waters started breaking Tuesday night at 10pm - ish; the hospital told me over the phone that I had 72 hours from that point - however, when I arrived on Thursday, they said it should have been more like 18 hours - had I been told this initially, intervention would have been more likely or else Iwould have had to fight to keep to the natural birth plan - stress I'm glad to have avoided:)

* The contractions were spread over time - 4 hours a week and a half before; 6 hours the weekend before; about 21 hours Tuesday until Wednesday morning, then nothing while we all rested and recovered including a good night's sleep Wednesday night, and some family time for us and for Saminda's family Thursday morning, then sudden active labour beginning at 1:20pm Thursday, just as Mum arrived from Brisbane, Mrs B went home after spending a few days here on call to watch the other two children and I had just finished talking with Saminda's midwife, Claire, who had helped us so much with pregnancy and birth plan and prayed for us.

* When Saminda asked me if I thought I could make it to the hospital (taking a few steps at a time in between long and strong and close contractions), I asked God directly and was told "you're safe to go to the hospital" and we made it, complete with contractions and breathing while Gary drove the Fern's comfy big car, and Saminda helped me breathe and focus - God's Peace was with us.

* On arrival at the front of the hospital, we were greeted by a young man who I later met in the special care nursery with his wife and newborn son. He offered to help me get into the wheelchair in between contractions. It also turned out he is a Christian - his wife used to go to the Nazarene church and recognised Gary - what a small world and an encouragement to each other with our babies in SCN.

* Pulling up in the wheelchair at the nurses' station in maternity, we were told that Angela was going to look after us - the same midwife who helped Declan be born 5 years ago! I remember actually coming out of contraction-focus and saying something like "YES! THANK-YOU" and Gary or Saminda commenting that that'd been the first smile on my face all afternoon! Angela was again very respectful of my birth plan and basically just let us be; I think she was in the background a fair bit but also attending to other things cause she was in charge that shift.

* Initially, Angela couldn't find Laura's heartbeat through my tummy. Thankfully, I was lying with my back to the monitor cause Samindsa said it was quite scary seeing SILENCE coming up on the screen. Even so, the 2 contractions it took for it to be found were the most excruciating ever; I was only aware something was amiss because Angela asked me if I had felt bub moving that day and she was asking me to move (ugh!!) into a different position - I felt like a lead log so this was a momentous task at that stage! Once she'd found Laura's heartbeat, though, I felt God's Peace despite the pain and continued visualising her coming down the birth canal.

* I had just verbalised "How much longer?" (I don't remember Angela's reply) but audibly (inside) heard God say "this is it - she'll be here with this one!!" And just as He said, she came in one contraction. I wasn't breathing slow enough until Saminda uttered the words (she felt from God), "breathe like you're asleep". Instantly, I felt my whole body relax and it was as though I was asleep - I knew God was bringing her into the world at that moment and I
could completely trust Him and let Him bring forth life!

* After a few moments with her, realising that she was indeed "Laura" and not a boy (we didn't have a boy's name; although Chloe and I liked "Samuel - heard by God"), she needed some oxygen to help her light breathing along (her hands were turning pale). So Angela and Saminda
(and a paediatrician lady) took her to the corner bed, with Saminda praying audibly over her just like I did with William, wondering where the words and confidence were coming from. We didn't know it at the time, but Mychel had been urged to pray specifically for Laura's breathing that afternoon; all this and I had perfect peace that all would be well- afterall, God had already declared we would have victory, hence Laura's name was such a good fit.

* Laura was returned to me for some skin on skin connection as we looked into each other's eyes for as long as we could, held hands and I stroked her face and head and she had two really good "feeds" while still in the birthing room - what a champion! Gary held his baby girl tight; Saminda marvelled as she held Laura after waiting and praying with me so long; Helen arrived for a relieved cry and a cuddle of this long awaited blessing; Mum arrived with Chloe and Declan, fed, bathed and dressed for bed; Chloe had her much anticipated nurse; Declan had his question answered about whether Laura would hold fingers tightly in her hand (though he was too shy to find out himself at that stage and in that environment)... and at about half past eight, with two older children falling asleep, and Saminda and Helen already gone, Gary went with Mum and the kids. Laura went to be checked in the Special Care Nursery for infection, etc and I gratefully accepted Angela's help to shower and refresh (after being in the same spot for 4 hours!).

* I asked Angela if I was going to a shared or single room. She said she wasn't sure but that she was just rearranging rooms... she returned shortly and announced I had a single room - something I'd dared not even hope for, but that I cherished, especially as I spent a lot of the night awake, getting to know our beautiful Laura and marvelling at God's Hand at work - again.

* After a sleepless few days, God sent my favourite midwife so far, Marion, to look after us, do Laura's hearing test (after her shift had finished!), and to discharge us - she's so caring and understanding, even to the way she touched my shoulder - it was like having a hug from a friend and made me feel like I was more than a number/ patient. I met her first when she was just finishing her training after Chloe was born - I remember the caring, gentle way she explained how to hand express when I was extremely sore, learning to feed.

Ready and waiting...

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Still here - June-July 2009

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Ally update

2009-06-12T16:24:00.000+10:00

Not only did we have a lovely visit with Ally the night she came out of hospital, but she and my brother visited us in Maryborough-land Thursday night! I even took a video of her walking and bending - still so amazed at her healing. Catheters etc are still making life interesting but Ally is handling them so well - she's an inspiration, for sure! Ally is back at work for a couple of hours most days - is taking what she can do to keep her financial situation healthier:)

This photo is of Ally trying a comfy position the night we visited in Brisbane.

Ponderings with photos

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I love this photo of Gary and I holding hands! A joining as a team; working on things together; solidarity; commitment; unity; LOVE!
Chloe and Saraya set up and enjoyed a tea party under the poinciana tree in or front yard - the delicasies were coered at this stage were covered with a tablecloth due to inclement weather but "the show must go on" ; complete with a very large umbrella as the rain came down heavier:)
This is my suddenly mature 8 year-old; I have so much more respect for Chloe and her personality and faith and courage since we went through the hospital dental operation - God certainly walked through with both of us and I think we're closer because of it:)

This photo was tken on Mothers' Day at Queen's Park.

Pop-Bruce recently introduced Chloe and Declan to the wonders of carpentry (with the hot glue gun, paddlepop sticks, coping saw and other assorted goodies) and a simple power drill (shown here taking apart a dvd player - and then reassembling it after looking at the tiny components). Thank-you so much Pop-Bruce:)

Winter with us

2009-06-12T14:07:00.000+10:00

Marshmallow snow-folk to mark the first weekend of winter.

Declan's "own cooking" using my Nanna's recipe for passionfruit cordial.

Ally's rehab update: Wednesday 20th May

2009-05-20T21:05:00.001+10:00

Ally is doing well in the rehab unit (aside from pain and missing her vegan meals!)

She is one of 40 patients and is the only one who can walk!

She seems to be having more intense physio (twice a day from what I can gather) and is learning to juggle her medication. The hardest ones to take are those she has to wake during the night for (as well as still changing the catheter every 4 hours).

We hope to see her this weekend but Brisbane and South East Queensland have had some really bad flooding so we'll have to see if we can get through - the forecast for Brisbane currently suggests there'll be rain all over the weekend... we'll see what the next few days bring! Mum's (not so) secretly hoping we'll be stranded there and delay going home for a bit;)!

Ally has a weekend pass to go home but then has to return until Tuesday.

I'm sorry my updates have been a bit sporadic - for some reason, our computer decides, at its own will, whether or not to even register that there is a keyboard attached - I can't believe how dependent on this computer I've become - me of all people, as un-computer-savvy as I am. At least I can still use the mouse to read emails and blogs - I just can't reply or leave comments until the keyboard is "acknowledged". Does anyone have an idea as to what's going on and how I can fix this irritation?

Till next time!

Ally's change of plans

2009-05-15T09:15:00.000+10:00

Suddenly, there's a bed available at P.A.'s spinal rehab unit.

So, after the elation of going home news yesterday, staff wanted to move her straight to P.A. instead of sending her home. However, her attentive doctor was able to plead her case to spend the night at home before going to P.A. this morning.

Mum collected her from hospital and they spent their evening shopping for supplies, a takeaway and relaxing with a DVD, I think.

Actually being at home wasn't what Ally had expected. Coming home to a dirty house that had been locked up for weeks meant the house was smelly and dark; the kitchen was covered with dirty and clean dishes, plants were uncared for, etc. Mum had asked Ally's housemate to make sure the house was clean for Ally's arrival but, as Ally explained, it was probably better than it had been but not exactly what she or Mum would call "clean":(

Mum worked on the kitchen last night and they pottered a bit this morning, before heading to Sassafrass (Ally's workplace) for a late breakfast.

After the initial shock and upset of changed plans (or perhaps in the midst of it!), Ally realises that going to the spinal rehab unit will help her work out how to integrate all her different medications (there are at least 11 times for various things in addition to changing the catheter every 4 hours and taking care of the bowel). As Ally mentioned this morning, she won't get a full night's sleep until the whole bowel/ bladder thing is sorted out - I hope this can happen this week - I know God can do the impossible and He can bring His peace into the midst of chaos, regardless of the timing of things.

Another blessing to come from the rehab unit is that an O.T. will visit Ally's house and work with her specifically to help organise "helps" - I'm not sure yet if there'll be a purchase or hire cost for these - we'll wait and see.

Speaking of needing to wait and see...

Oh, and maybe, just maybe, a friend, "M" could visit Ally at P.A. this week - so many of us longing for this for Ally and him... Wink, wink!! When Ally was discharged yesterday, there wasn't time for a proper goodbye. Ahh :) :)

Loving you Ally and looking forward sooo much to seeing you next weekend - the kids are counting the days, too.

Ally is going home today - Thursday!

2009-05-14T08:59:00.000+10:00

Less than a month after being hospitalised with a broken back, Ally is well enough to go home to her cats! I am still amazed at the miracle of her walking and doing stairs, let alone her being well enough to go home... I am so grateful for this miracle!!

Ally has learnt to self-catheter, can actually "feel" something happening down there (is still numb around her thighs, but has been gifted with some helps in regard to this, so she doesn't have to buy too much when she goes home `cause there's a fair list of supplies she needs to be comfortable and to function effectively.)

Regarding the P.A.'s spinal rehab unit, the waiting list is still really long, but the doctor is looking into her going as an outpatient. As Ally said this morning, there are people in the unit who aren't capable of doing nearly as much as she can (for instance those are need help to lift their hands, etc). But it could be a wise idea to pop in and let them make sure there aren't any bad habits forming; it's still quite tricky to keep her pelvis straight but... the big news is...

she can dance - Ally style!! Yay!!

She's still working towards being able to hop! And she can't do demi-pointe yet - in Ally-speak, that means that when she reaches up to get something, she remembers that she's not quite up to balancing on tiptoes yet!

Oh, and it doesn't hurt to laugh as much any more!

The stitches inside are those that dissolve on their own, but she has two other wounds that need to heal. The major one had it's strips removed yesteday and is healing well, so she now has what Mum jokingly calls her zip-mark... but the chest wound isn't repairing that well because the person who removed the tube forgot to apply something called ?"steri-strips" and only dressed it.

So what does Ally need? If you're interested, I have a partial list of ideas with which we can help:

* foam wedges from Clark Rubber to recline on- she's trying pillows, figuring they'll be cheaper at this initial stage - I'm not sure of the correct angle, but there must be ways around that:)

* cooking meals could be interesting for a while; she is Vegan so lots of fresh vegies and fruit, raw nuts etc;
there's a soy-based protein drink in tetra packs from Woolies - she needs to drink 5 of these a day so her body has the right nutrients to heal;

* specifically: cashews and macadamias, avocados, figs(in season), mandarins, tomatoes

* from a health food shop: vegan chocolate-coated cranberries

* At the supermarket the other day, I found a vegan brand called Mrs May's naturals. This looks like a kind of bite-size cereal- made with fruit and nuts

* her favourite meals come from a small cafe near the Coffee Club on Logan Road at Mount Gravatt that is open 11am-8:30pm Mon-Sat, called The Loving Hut. They have vegetarian and vegan meals (please make sure Ally has vegan meals) that cost $9.90, snacks from $4.50-$7, soups and salads from $5.50 to $6.90, and sweets including cakes $3.50 and ice-cream $5.50. By the way, I just want to mention that, while this cafe looks lovely, I don't agree with its "religious" links... just so you know!

Thanks so much for your love, care, concern and prayers.

Love you Ally!

Mothers' Day Breakfast 2009

2009-05-10T16:29:00.001+10:00

Declan's imagination - May 2009

2009-05-10T14:05:00.000+10:00

"Mummy, please don't hang up my dinosaur sheets on the line

- they might jump off onto the other clothes!!!!"

Ally news. Wednesday, 6th May

2009-05-06T20:37:00.000+10:00

I spoke to Ally today and she has some good news! She had a really good session with physio today: walked up and down stairs (I still can't believe I'm writing this about my sister who could literally LEAP up stairs prior to this! AND I am amazed that she CAN do this after only 2 weeks - what a miracle!!!!) Ally said she can walk without needing the rails going UP but is still a bit "clunky" going down and needs rails for this at the moment... Needless to say, she has exceedingly high expectations of herself but I, for one, am SOOOO proud of her!

Tomorrow's session with the physio will include putting some marks down to encourage her to take longer strides with her left foot; currently, she's limping a bit...but it's all progress, isn't it!

Ally has also been given a kind of pillow to allow her to sit and, as long as her feet can be lifted up a bit, she should be able to manage a wheelchair. She has been told by the doctors previously that she can get one; now she's just waiting for one to become available for her. She said that she has previously been able to sit for up to 3 hours at a time; but then, suddenly, she couldn't sit at all for some reason.

Some things remain a mystery; one of which is how this all happened. It looks like we'll never know this side of Heaven:) and will just have to take all the good out of it and run with it (following Ally's positive example!)

As expected, Ally still has "blue" days when things are hard to take - who wouldn't?! And there is still a fair bit of really intense pain around her lower back area and her body is still lacking control in this area...

I often wonder what her nights are like; what goes through her mind as she lies awake, or sleeps. I am praying for protection, for comfort and peace that passes all understanding to guard her mind and her heart...

Love you Ally!

Red birthday (!) with Saminda and Mychel

2009-05-02T22:11:00.000+10:00

This is the delightful morning tea provided by Saminda and Mychel for my birthday. Unfortunately, my brain mustn't have been quite switched on in the photography department (the photo of Mychel was so dark!) I'm still getting used to having to switch off from continuous mode to use the flash; it's usually in this mode to make sure I can get just the right expression/ movement of my kids! But it doesn't work with the flash...I'll learn.

Saminda had also prepared a chocolate and raspberry cake - more "Mmm-mm's"! We also realised after I arrived that we had spontaneously worn red (my favourite colour, at the moment!) somewhere, including the children!

I really appreciated this morning get-together, even more so when I realised Saminda had had a mere 2 hours sleep, with sick children and a sick husband.

It was also a time to "breathe" and be among some really supportive friends, with the news of Ally so freshly in mind.

Homemade goodies

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Declan's drawing of a toy pelican (above) and his painting of a vacuum cleaner (below).

More celebrations

2009-05-02T21:51:00.000+10:00

More sweet treats from the kids: chocolate drops, jaffas, freckles and the giant freckle. These were from Mary Delicious, an old-fashioned lolly shop in the heritage precinct in town.

Gary found these hair accessories to replace ordinary headbands; I'm really enjoying different things for my hair these days, now that I've decided to grow it. It makes a nice change from a bob and really short hair. I've even bought myself a hair-dryer!! Believe me, that is astonishing!

More delightul drawings from my dear ones...

Celebrations - my birthday

2009-05-02T21:47:00.000+10:00

Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE my kids' drawings...

This year, the kids were so excited about GIVING gifts; it really thrilled me!

Gary surprised me with a digital photo frame. I'd looked at them but thought we'd never have one - just so indulgent:) I warned him that he'd now be on display 'cause I take most of the photos!

Something fun made from the lollies Chloe gave me; a giant freckle and 3 giant jaffas -

Mmm-mmm!

My birthday celebrations Monday, 27th April

2009-05-02T21:42:00.000+10:00

Above: Look how many gorgeous gifts my family lavished on me! And Declan insisted that surely I'd like some more! (His birthday tradition is to have his gifts distributed in a treasure hunt:))

Above: Gary indulged us with this mouth-watering mudcake. While he and the kids sang,"Happy Birthday" and I blew out the three candles, I wasn't allowed to have any for breakfast! However, when I woke up and finally made my way to the kitchen, Gary had given me a sample of the sour cream/ chocolate ganache-type icing!Mmmmm, that made me smile.

Above: Gary was up at 5:30am (bear in mnd this was a school day!) decorating the cake, arranging gifts, and dangerously(?) teetering on a chair on the table to get these beautiful balloons up on the fan - wow! Needless to say, they're still there (away from Ginger's claws, too, which could be a very good thing!)

Above: an early morning (hurry up and open your presents, Mummy!) with my 2 (actually 3) children.

Awesome Ally Necklace

2009-05-02T21:34:00.001+10:00

I'm wearing this necklace to keep Ally in mind (and as a symbol of her being close to my heart!)

If you'd like one, I'd be happy to make you one; Chloe has also made one to give Ally (she has called Ally "Lardie" since the beginning just so you know!)

Quick Ally Update, Tuesday, 28th April, 2009

2009-04-28T06:31:00.000+10:00

Dad rang last night to wish me a Happy Birthday (more on that later) and said he'd just come back from seeing Ally. The doctors hope to move her to the P.A. Hospital spinal unit a.s.a.p. to help with some distressing issues that are delaying her being discharged. We hope that these experts can give Ally the hope and practical help she needs. I also hope that she will continue to benefit from the supportive srvices of other specialists from what can only be described as a heart-wrenching trauma. Please continue to keep her close to your heart and prayers.

Awesome Ally Update

2009-04-27T09:02:00.000+10:00

I've just spoken with my beautiful sister (Monday 27th April 9am). Tears from both of us...

Yesterday, she walked around a bit with the help of a walker. She is also now able to get up and be showered instead of having a bed bath. Most of her tubes have been removed, just a catheter and an iv line remain.

There are things I can't write about... please understand. Just know that some feelings and functions still need to return. And pray for strength and comfort and healing (physical and emotional). Ally is in a tough spot; this morning when the doctors' visited, there were murmurings of not going home just yet; of her life having to change; of little things that are challenges at the moment like being able to get her legs into the shower (both her shower and Mum's is a shower over the bath); and I'm not sure how she'll cope with stairs at this stage.

As an aside, did you know that her name means "helper and defender of mankind" ? Totally appropriate, isnt it?!

I'm going to try to find (or make) something beautiful to brighten her space. She's in a ward with at least 2 other spinal patients (both women). One is in extraordinary pain (headgear, etc) and the other has had two vertebrae damaged (the first op she had was the same as Ally's and went OK but the next op, there was something that went wrong, but I understand she's still a fairly positive person to have around.)

Ally herself, feels blessed in a lot of ways and has a positive and strong heritage, especially from Nanna, who was told at 23 that her paralysis would mean she wouldn't walk again or use her hands, etc. She persevered, sometimes crawling around ,dragging herself up to do the washing, looking after young children, having babies, etc, and teaching herself to use her hands, one knuckle at a time, until she was proficient at knitting, sewing, cooking, millinery (hat making), caring for the family, friends, and her home... Ally has this same determination, this same drive and the same compassionate Father in Heaven who longs to draw her through all this, and will be with her always, just as He was with Nanna. He will be her rock. I know cause He is mine.

Ally update - Friday

2009-04-24T21:43:00.000+10:00

After a rugged start to the day, Ally has rallied with the help of a lot of support staff, family and a good friend. It's a bit overwhelming having so many people constantly around all doing and asking different things but I think she's coping remarkably. She's very optimistic about walking again and soon. The physios helped her get up today - twice, and she's tried walking (albeit with straight legs). She's a very determined, gutsy young lady and, like her Nanna before her, will work very hard on all of this.

From what I understand, one of the biggest challenges at the moment is regularly taking deep breaths - she had another x-ray of her lungs today but doesn't know the result of this yet. Her haemoglobin is still low, too, so she's having another blood transfusion to help with this.

If you're thinking of phoning or visiting, it's a good idea to phone Mum first - she has a good idea about what Ally's up to:)

2009-04-24T21:37:00.000+10:00

"Hello I am Chloe. I had cross country on the 24/4/09.The preps and year ones had to run around the oval that is at the back of the school. The year twos had to run around the boundree fance. and the year threes had to run all around the oval that is at the back of the school AND the year threes also had to run next to the boundree fence.I got really taiedafter all that running around. For dinner on the 24/4/09 I had aavarcardoe sanmich. I'v hade a great day. "

I just had to include this! Chloe asked tonight if she could write a blog, too. Like mother, like daughter. I figure the writing practice will be a bonus and a great creative outlet, too (for posterity:)). However, she wants us to go through and correct her misspellings, etc, which I think will be a shame in a way:)

Anyway, this was the first official post on my other blog which was my first attempt at blogging over a year ago, and which I was wondering what to do with. It has only recently been ?reopened for access. We'll see how we go.

What will these hands do?

2009-04-23T20:21:00.000+10:00

I can hardly wait to hold these hands!

2009-04-23T20:19:00.000+10:00

Pondering...

2009-04-23T20:17:00.000+10:00

I'm looking forward to having a snuggle with these arms, just like I do with the other older Baby B's!!

A curled up little one cosy and safe and secure...

What will she ache for? What will be her passion?

Musings

2009-04-23T20:15:00.000+10:00

Where will these legs and feet take her?

What will she use her mind for?

Introducing... Hmmm... we'll keep you posted on her name as we reach agreement:)

2009-04-23T20:13:00.000+10:00

Beauty-full!

Amazing intricacy... what will she stand for? What will be her strengths?

Miracles

2009-04-23T15:07:00.000+10:00

Want to see (and hear) another miracle?

Click on the April Rose button, wait a while, and smile, knowing God can do the impossible and still leave doctors speechless!

Update after Ally's surgery - Thursday, 10:45am

2009-04-23T10:48:00.000+10:00

She's looking good.

About to go for x-rays to check her lung is working properly; needs to practise deep breathing - hurts- and something she's always found difficult.

It was a five hour operation; has a nice long "zip" down her side. Surgeon is pleased with result. He took out the "floating rib" to gain access through the front, removed the smashed pieces, replaced it with part of the rib, wired it up and put a cage around (there's still a little fracture left but he put some "stuff" on that to help it heal).

Ally's able to move her legs slightly - still has her legs wrapped in stockings and pads from the op. Still has pins and needles in her feet.

She will be in hospital for probably 5 days then a couple of weeks at home. After about 4 weeks, the doctor expects she'll be able to do light duties!! She'll have a brace fitted to stop her bending (apparently they've already worked out what kind of person she is - bouncy, sparkly, always on the move, etc...) :) which she'll need to wear for about 6 weeks.

All in all, some amazing results! And Mum said she can already at least one greater purpose in it:)

My brother and Mum are off to Ally's workplace for some morning tea and to let them know how she is, and perhaps find out a bit more of what happened Tuesday night:)

Update on Ally, my sister

2009-04-23T00:23:00.000+10:00

It's 12:15am (Thursday-just!) and Mum's just rung.

Ally is back in the ward - no one came to tell them so they don't know how long she's been there; the nurses don't know anything about the op. and the surgeons have gone home; but we're presuming that because Mum and Dad weren't sought out that everything will be okay. Don't know if she can move anything - she's too drowsy.
Mum will go back in the morning when she (Mum) wakes up (if she's allowed re visiting hours) and will ring me either when she gets there or when she's spoken to a doctor.
I haven't spoken to Dad - could hear him on his mobile in the background while I was talking to Mum- but I guess we'll talk in the morning.

Mum said she (Ally) looks "good" / okay".
Mum will need to pick Cameron up from the airport at around 9 in the morning - hope the doctor doesn't do his rounds while she or Dad aren't there. Still, I guess I may be able to call the hospital myself tomorrow.

Thanks for caring,
Cathy

One of my favourite ways to commune with my Heavenly Father.

2009-04-22T21:25:00.000+10:00

Some key songs from a lovely CD, "Soaking in His love Vol2":

GOD WILL MAKE A WAY (by Don Moen)

God will make a way where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me

He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side

With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way, He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness He'll lead me

And rivers in the desert will I see

Heaven and earth will fade but His Word will still remain

He will do something new today.

MY TIMES ARE IN YOUR HANDS (I TRUST IN YOU) (by John de Jong)

My times are in Your hands

I trust in You

Your love will never fail

I trust in You

Even though the mountains fall into the sea

I trust in You

Even if the stars should fall and all the world is shaken

When I can't see the way

I trust in You

I believe the things You say

I trust in You

Even when I'm sinking down beneath the waves

I trust in You

I know that You will lift me up and put my feet on solid ground

Everyday, You're faithful

New mercy from above

Like a tree in Your temple

Surrounded by the strong walls of your love.

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS ( by Helen H. Lemmel)

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth

Will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace.

Ally,my gorgeous sister, July 2008

2009-04-22T21:19:00.000+10:00

Ally, my sparkly sister, January 2009

2009-04-22T20:50:00.000+10:00

Please pray.

2009-04-22T20:22:00.000+10:00

My little sister,Ally, has smashed her lowest vertebrae (L1) and is currently in theatre "to stabilise it".

The facts:

She is 29 years old.

She doesn't know how it happened.

She doesn't know when it happened.

She woke around 1am this morning (Wednesday), in incredible pain under her high story house on a pile of dirt unable to move.

She called out and a neighbour found her and called the ambulance.

She went to RBH Emergency Dept and has been there all day in a great deal of pain, even with strong painkillers.

There doesn't appear to be any sign of violence.

My mother has been there with her since Ally finally called her at 5am this morning.

My father is also currently at the hospital, waiting for her to come out of theatre (she went in at 5pm and it's now 9pm). He will call as soon as she's out to update me.

My brother, Cameron, will be flying to Brisbane tomorrow morning to stay until Sunday evening.

I'm waiting to hear before I make any decisions about heading to Brisbane (the how and when are a little complicated, to say the least, but if I need to, I know all will be okay.)

This feels like an awful dream; like I'm writing about someone else; not my bubbly, dynamic sister who brightens everybody's world just by being in it.

I want to post some more photos of grown-up Ally with her smile 'cause I know a lot of people have met her on occasions and want you to be able to put name to a face:).

More soon.

Instructions for Easter Story Cookies

2009-04-14T19:56:00.000+10:00

YOU NEED:
1 cup of whole pecans
1 tsp vinegar
pinch of salt
plastic bag
masking tape
3 egg whites
1 cup sugar
baking paper
Bible

Preheat oven to 150C (This is important - don't wait until you are half done with the recipe! ) Place pecans in plastic bag and let the children beat them with a wooden spoon to break them into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp vinegar into a small mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it then add a pinch to the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetising. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the clolour white reminds us of the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto baking paper-covered tray. Explain that each mound represents the rock tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Matthew 27:57-60.

Put the tray into the oven. Close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the door. (We did this fo the kids becauseteoven was still too hot for the kids to touch.) Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open he oven dor and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to fnd the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

NOTE: I'm not sure that "cookies" or "biscuits" are the right word for these morsels; they're more like meringes, but I guess that would give the game away too soon:)

Declan's concentrating faces, fingers and little boys legs with mossie bites, scratches and scrapes

2009-04-14T16:19:00.000+10:00

My children's hands and Declan's concentrating faces

2009-04-14T16:14:00.000+10:00

Experiments, climbing the tree, water play

2009-04-14T16:08:00.000+10:00

Chloe climbing the poinciana - yes, with the aide of the extension ladder (gulp) and yes, in a skirt!!

Playing with my new camera - the miracle of water droplets in a perfect line following each other to make a flood in the sandpit while Chloe (ahem) waters the plants (?)

Nanna gave the children a magnet set with which to conduct various experiments- right up their alley at them moment; thefavourite so far is flying a rocketship through a background- sky picture... "Cool"

Family Time in the garden on Good Friday

2009-04-14T15:50:00.000+10:00

Ginger looking oh so cute!

Baby B is hiding down here in my emerging bump - the next scan is this Friday - we're hoping to find out if we've been blessed with a boy or girl:)

Gary renovating the second garden for the week- this in the front garden under the poinciana tree and (below) the clearing of the side of the house which we had hitherto referred to as the jungle; maybe one day, we could find some larger pavers to make a path down here; currently, though, Chloe has plans for a secret garden .

More reflections on Good Friday amongst our Creator's amazing masterpieces.

2009-04-14T15:40:00.000+10:00

Ginger exhausted after his bird-watching and tree scrambling adventures, collapsed under the prunings Gary was preparing for the rubbish.

Declan's discovery of a brick' s drawing capacity on the pavers. Also, I love the tenacity of this lone nasturtium plant growing though the pavers - what a wonder!

Ginger up the tree watching 2 birds who were having the time of their lives taunting him .

Fun with a new camera I love macro photography - it gives me such a buzz to capture God's masterpieces in such detail and clarity.

Easter - Good Friday happenings

2009-04-14T15:22:00.000+10:00

Gary makes Hot Cross Buns on Good Friday; this year, they were ready for afternoon tea; delicious! Oh and Chloe piped the crosses on them this year. She was happily munching on them until we mentioned the crosses were made out of flour and water, which you can also use for glue; this stopped her in her tracks for a while but she's now eating them again ( I wrapped the leftovers individually and put them into the freezer) :)

Sandpit thrills: major digging constructions to build an island.

Mum and I both read heaps during her week-long visit this time: "The Forgotten Garden" was the title we were pouring over, mostly!

Drawing on some found garden edging with pieces of rock and brick, after being inspired by Declan's discovery of the same drawing implement on the paved path earlier (see below).

Easter Family Time

2009-04-14T14:42:00.001+10:00

Drumroll please... meringues that are (supposed to be ) hollow / empty in the middle just like the empty tomb (except ours needed a bit more cooking :), oh well.)

Sunday morning: opening the seal to reveal the surprise like the tomb had the seal removed.

Resurrection cookie mixture

What? Who are these two? Makes you look twice, doesn't it? They thought it was absolutely hilarious!!!!

Easter celebrations

2009-04-14T09:41:00.000+10:00

Happy Hamper from Nanna - lots of yummies to share - thanks Mum!
Note the butterfly label - I really think this is a great idea for Easter with the cocoon becoming empty like the tomb and new life being given, like our new life with Jesus - a miracle...

Here's Declan's favourite "King George and the Ducky".

Gary enjoys Candy Eggs so I buy one for him as soon as they arrive on the shop shelves (just after Valentine's Day). The shops don't tend to order in too many any more because they tend to break so easily. Gary also hinted (heavily :)) this year that he'd like a Darrel Lea Rocky Road egg. I have heaps of chocolate moulds from when I was twelve and I used to make painted chocolates for family and friends, and I realised I'd really like to do some with the children now. However, I couldn't justify a lot MORE chocolate, so I decided to make just two - one for Gary and one for my Mum. I used the Green's eating chocolate instead of cooking compound chocolate and filled Gary's with a strip of Darrel Lea Rocky Road chopped into chunks and mini licorice allsorts for Mum's.

Look what Gary bought me!!!! More chocolate for less $$ - not hollow like eggs, but a celebration all the same - I'm wondering what Dairy Milk would be like in my newly acquired favourite chocolate self-saucing pudding recipe; hope the cool rainy weather keeps up 'cause I may be able to try it out:) It's from the Women's Weekly Winter Favourites which Saminda gave me last year for my birthday (actually 1 year plus 14 days ago ;)

It serves 6 or so and takes about an hour and a half (which includes an hour's cooking time)..

50g dark eating chocolate

60g butter chopped

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/3 cup (160ml) milk

1 cup (150g) self-raising flour

1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar

1/2 cup (100g) firmly packed brown sugar

1 egg, beaten lightly

icing sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat oven to moderate (180C/ 160C fan-forced). Grease a 1.5litre (6-cup capacity) ovenproof dish.

2. Combine chocolate, butter, sifted cocoa and milk in medium saucepan. Stir over low heat until chocolate is melted.

3. Sift flour into large bowl, stir n sugars. Add chocolate mixture and egg; mix well. Spread mixture into prepared dish.

FUDGE SAUCE:

1 1/2 cups (375ml) water

50g butter, chopped

1/2 cup (100g) firmly packed brown sugar

1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder

Combine water, butter, sugar and sifted cocoa in small saucepan; stir over low heat, without boiling, until combined.

Pour fudge sauce over the back of aspoon over urface of pudding. Bake in moderate oven 45 minutes or until firm.

Serve dusted with icing sugar.

********** Not suitable to freeze. Chocolate mixture and fudge sauce suitable to microwave.

ENJOY!

Easter happenings

2009-04-14T08:49:00.000+10:00

King and Queen for a day (well, a few moments:)

Chloe's (too hard to eat) "favourite" type of egg:) for breakfast!!

We gave the children a copy of their favourite Veggie Tales DVDs - Chloe's are Daniel and the Lion's Den (for the story) and Esther (for the story and the song Esther sings) - both on the same DVD

Praying

2009-03-29T08:37:00.000+10:00

Feeling so... well, everything, actually - but for some other Mummies - click on the Stellan button to find out more; and follow link to Audrey's story then the link to her cousin, Luke. Grab a hanky and weep knowing that God is in control and that even tragedy can spur on our faith and be full of beauty because of ohers' reliance on Him. I'm even more convinced now that even tiny babies can change the world for the better; they can make a BIG difference.

Pregnancy update

2009-03-22T20:17:00.000+10:00

Okay... (to self) deep breath...

It's time!

Time for what?

To reveal how I'm going:

This photo was about 12 weeks- over a month ago now. And things have kind of changed - I've had to not only begin to wear the belly belt but I'm in between the smallest and middle sized part AT 16 WEEKS!!! I'm grateful for the belly bands I bought earlier, too, because they're now needed to cover not only the belly- midriff part but the zip where the belly belt is. This is the first pregnancy which I've actually had enough pants with buttons to be able to use it.

Unbeknownst to most, I've also got those "badge of honour" stretch marks and I'm going through that earie feeling of stretching skin...

I still have nausea in the morning / during the night but at least I haven't actually been vomitting this time:)...

I'm short of breath quite a bit...

My nose and throat feel kind of stuffy, especially in the morning and late evening...

I go from feeling freezing (wanting to stay dressed in my flannie pjs and newly acquired soft and cuddly dressing gown / robe all day - something I can't bring myself to do to meet the school bus in the morning:)) to being sooo hot I'm changed into a tank top and shorts, and then back again (Before and after yesterday's party, I was asleep in aforementioned PJs!)...

I'm already finding I need to be careful how I sit, stand and change position, and as for sleeping - well, I've taken Claire Hall's advice and taught myself to sleep on my left side, but it requires several "aides" to keep me there and comfy ( pillow between the legs, a rolled up towel+sheet behind my back, a lavender eye pillow to help me breathe deeply and relax, especially around 3-6am when I'm an insomniac after finally succumbing to a visit to the toilet; and a hot water bottle either at my back or other places)...

My blood pressure isn't high, thankfully; rather I need to increase my salt intake slightly (and only for this trimester) to help my blood pressure which registers low when I stand - hence the giddiness!...

Aching "milk-producers", but grateful that things are kicking in in this area - I love breastfeeding:)...

And absolute fatigue and here's where the rubber hits the road, so to speak:

Emotionally, I'm feeling spent, especially the last few days. I feel as though my life needs to slow down even more, and I'm wondering how to do that. I want to be able to cope -with everything, mind you. I want to be able to keep helping those who need help. I want to put more effort into my marriage, my kids, my God-given creativity, my girly girliness(!!), I want to have everything ready for the baby NOW because pregnancy has previously been harder on my body than giving birth and having a newborn.

I know Gary will be around for the last few weeks to help me but I'd love for that time to be a really special time for Declan and his Daddy in particular before he starts Prep next year and is away from home 5 days a week. I'd also really like Gary to have a well-deserved rest during this time after being such a diligent, committed and caring teacher for 10+ years. (Even as I write this, it's 9pm and he's out at school preparing for the week:)

I'm feeling lonely and somewhat isolated. I don't know what I'd do without Saminda and our very frequent phone catch-ups and DMCs during Playschool!! And it's been great to watch Declan and Elijah develop their mateship with full-on adventures as pirates, astronauts, and overall protectors...But I don't want to wear out my welcome, even with someone as close as a sister.

I want to connect better but I'm tired and sad and not very good company: I actually think I need help to cope with this stage in my life but I'm finding it hard to say that in real life, and then what do I need help with? I'm not exactly sure...

I probably need people to stand with me; to help me laugh; to help me let out my pent-up tears; to love the process of pregnancy as I journey through it; I AM overweight so pregnancy doesn't look on me like it looks in the books or on sites as a beautiful blossoming belly that is well-defined as `baby' - quite frankly, I endured so many humiliating times because people (strangers and acquaintances) asked me when I was due or if I was expecting - before I was pregnant. I feel like a whale, and I'm grieving (again) that my dream of being a classy pregnant one just isn't to be.

I'm grieving that it isn't twins (no, I'm not insane - I just dreamed we would have 2 boys and 2 girls).

I'm grieving because last year when "Cathy becoming pregnant" was on my friends' prayer lists, there was so much encouraging talk about not being alone in pregnancy; of having an incredible support network; but, for a whole variety of reasons, this now feels like a delicate spider's web that has endured some very rough weather and strong winds - emotionally, I'm hanging on by a thread - actually, by 4 threads - to my Heavenly Father (Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit"), to my husband, to my family, and my kindred spirits - sisters in Christ. For these, I'm grateful.

I'm unsure about the actual birth this time. Talking to a midwife yesterday at the party who works at Hervey Bay hospital (and who I first met in hospital after Declan's birth:)), she remorsefully explained that so many things were different now, for the worse. I treasured Saminda's home birth last year and wondered if we could go this way, too but with an impending law about midwives making homebirth virtually impossible, I'm grieving the lack of options available; the lack of choice BUT I also know that I know that I know that God, my Heavenly Father has had His Hand on both my previous births and that this one will be no exception !

There are others in "blogland" who are going through extraordinarily tough times; Cora's parents being the ones that come to mind as an example, so it seems rather egocentric and selfish to actually post this; but at the same time, I hope that my daughter/s down the track realise that this is real; that the story of my life isn't all smiles and that it's okay if, when it's their turn, to go through these seasons; that its normal; that, no matter what, God promises to walk with us through the hard times, implying that He'll get us safely to the other side not leave us there to sink.

Family Night Friday March 20th, 2009

2009-03-21T08:56:00.000+10:00

Gary organised smores; a couple of Morning Coffee biscuits with 2 toasted marshmallows and a piece of "Furry Friends" chocolate sandwiched or squished in between until the chocolate melts - YUM. The kids really enjoyed finding sticks, turning them into "glowsticks", and making patterns in the air like we do with sparklers. I tried to take a photo of myself to prove I was there, too, but they didn't turn out at all (ahem) complimentary... It was lovely, especially because there was a nip in the air and it began to rain ever so gently - we were set up in the carport away from the rain.

It was a relaxing way to end a week, which, for me, has been full-on:
* taking Chloe to the dentist on Monday;
* spending most of the day on Tuesday doing the groceries (yes, it takes a long time but at least I can still do it - good muscle tone developing in the arms:) then a growing time at "Nurture", the ladies' group that happens every fortnight at Belinda's with Mychel as leader and Saminda there for the first time this year;
* Wednesday was 6 hours in the kids' room and 2 hours doing the play verandah and vacuuming;
* Thursday was a lovely morning with the Fern boys and Declan, giving Saminda time to breathe;
* then Friday (finally feeling awake after 12:30pm!), cleaning the toilet, washing up, doing 3 loads of laundry, bringing up one dry load, sorting and folding and putting away, supervising Declan's bodypaint, reading Max Lucado's "If Only I Had A Green Nose", after Declan declared he wanted a green nose!, feeding us both, supervising what he calls "pin play" when he takes my sewing pins and sticks them into somewhere soft - his preference was the couch but we agreed on the small red cushion, making dinner, walking to town to do some banking, pick up some school books for Chloe and a mended cushion for Gary's classroom - I might put in here that I had a protesting little boy who didn't want to walk and didn't give up his protest until we reached our first stop in Bazaar Street - 7 blocks from home:( - at least the walk home was happier:) and dozing upright while Declan watched some Charlie and Lola on DVD from Saminda (thank-you for knowing I needed this!!) and resting on the bed during Playschool - I wish that went longer!!!

Today being Saturday, I've been awake since 5- ish, breakfasted and ... am blogging -Yay!! Rock and Roll is playing through the DVD player while the kids play - Declan with pin play again, Chloe with Amy, one of her large dolls from Nanna. Gary, I think, is reading. We have a birthday party to go to from 11am-1pm and we have to remember to vote. Dinner is leftovers and I'm dearly hoping for a sleep this afternoon and maybe a well-worn girly classic this evening. Happy Saturday to all!

Face (and Body) Paint Friday

2009-03-21T08:05:00.000+10:00

Spotlight on Chloe...and friends:)

2009-03-14T22:17:00.000+10:00

2009-03-14T20:52:00.001+10:00

Gary and I took Chloe to see "The Wizard of Oz" stage production this afternoon with Mr Fern as the lion and Saraya as a sweet little munchkin. It was fantastic and it has caused me to reflect on the opportunities I had as I was growing up:
* private tuition for ballet (3 years),
piano (3 years),
violin (8 years),
horse-riding (4 years),
Speech and Drama (11 years-AMEB and Trinity College),
swimming (learn to swim classes then later 3 years of intense training),
tennis (1 year, I think)

* Girls' Brigade (1 year),
Guides (4 years),
horse-riding week-long camps at Mt Tambourine,

* extra-curricular school activities: school orchestras (8 years),
school choir (4 years),
Concert Choir (combined with Boys' Grammar) (3 years),
ISCF (4 years- and including Surf Camp, Study Camp, Discipleship Camp and Schoolies),
Interact (1 year),
German dancing, Japanese dancing (2 1/2 years),
netball (which I didn't like at either of 2 schools,
softball, which I did),
ran (and lost:)) the 1500m 3 years running because my house was awarded 1 point for participation- I just had to survive and just qualify for a jogging pace- go England house!!!

* director / coordinator/ actress for regularly-performing church drama group,
church choir (alto),
youth orchestra and youth choir,
youth group,
co-leader of Yr 4-7 weekly group,
organising camps and excursions, interactive lessons, craft, music for them,
organising outreach concerts and events,
Youth Encounters, prayer retreats, and other youth group camps, Leadership Team for Youth Group

* Christian clowning course, and over 50 performances over 5 years in 5 towns,
amateur theatre prodution of the English comedy "As Long As They're Happy", playing a 16-year old head-over-heels with a swooner,
dressing as Sandy in "Grease" and miming and dancing to "You're The One That I Want - Oo, Oo, Ooo" :),
and as Marilyn Monroe doing "Diamonds Are A Girls' Best Friend" , (and yes, I have proof of these daring, out-of-character dramatic pursuits:)

* School play in a competition at the Arts Theatre as one of the leads in a play about the suffragettes -- I loooovvveedd this, but didn't feel alternative enough to take drama in Senior - something I regret - instead doing English, German, French, Maths in Society, and Ancient and Modern History... something else I now very much regret is not following through on sitting for my letters in Speech and Drama- I had prepared for 2 years for Year 7 and pulled out under stress in my final year of Uni, during my final prac and the graduation of the Clowning course - everything was culminating in the same end-of-year time frame, and I figured I'd be able to pick it up again later - not realising as I do now that, should one move to Maryborough, it would not be an option - I never dreamt I'd leave Brisbane - how things change!

I'm grateful to my parents for this endless list of opportunties- the cost, the driving, the $10,000p.a. for my highschool education at Brisbane Girls' Grammar, the patience of listening to practices and lines and ideas; amidst all this, I also wonder about my own children and the opportunities we'll be able to expose them to; how will they find their niche if we can't manage to find the affordable, available opportunities?
Still, they're young, and I'm sure God has great things for them...The first song they listen to as they go to sleep is "God will make a way where there seems to be no way-He works in ways we cannot see - He will make a way for me - He will make a way".. Reminder to self: have faith; we're in the palm of His Hand:)

Happiness is...

2009-02-24T14:48:00.000+10:00

Going to school...

A cup of tea - pink or peppermint...

Licking the bowl:) ...

First real party dress Chloe age 5

Dressing up... Chloe age 4

Blessed with pregnancy

2009-02-04T10:10:00.000+10:00

The last post (the quiz) was an experiment to see if blogger would let me back - I haven't been able to publish anything for months!!!! I'm not sure how photos will go but I'll try them later.
For now, I have some catching up to do!

For starters, after over a year of praying for another pregnancy, we have our little miracle!!
On New Year's day, I gave each of our family a gift and, unbeknownst to the others, I bought myself a pregnancy test. You see, in Toowoomba, God showed me with what I can only describe as spiritual eyes, a belly on ME that was very much pregnant. I could barely believe it- I kept looking down and saying, "Are you sure God, really? Really? Are you showing me what's in there? Really?" Anyway, I kept this revelation to myself "pondering it in my heart" - afterall, I've been through two phantom pregnancies so who would believe me? Then on Christmas day, I asked Ally to put her hand on my tummy and smiled at her; she smiled and said that it could be wind; I agreed, smiling and decided to wait to test until New Year's morning. When the day finally came, I had a feeling of utmost relief when I saw the double stripe! I was also a little suspicious if the test was completely accurate (I think I was still trying to protect myself from the rollercoaster of disappointment). Added to this was an immediate curiosity about who was growing inside of me and a sense of deep-hearted praise for my heavenly Father... and then I had to smile - I used the computer to calulate my estimated due date - 9/9/09!! How cool!
I told Gary by showing him the test in the front of my new 2009 diary. At first, he didn't understand what the stripes meant but when I explained what was going on he said a smiley "Wow" and gradually increased in mischievousness throughout the morning eg giving some ridiculous (and some possible) name suggestions, declaring that we'd have to save for a new car now and that we'll really have to clear the spare room!
Gary decided he wanted to keep the news to ourselves for a while (not even telling Chloe and Declan) which was so hard. I did ask permission to tell Saminda, though, cause she knew I was waiting on results from a test this time. She was overjoyed and declared that she'd be here for me no matter what and forever. It was really hard not to tell anyone, and some guessed because of my utter exhaustion; I slept all day for 3 or 4 days at one point and I kept having a couple of sleeps each day over the holidays - the beauty of having Gary at home with the kids. Of course, now that school has gone back, I have to fit in with that, although Chloe starts on the bus toay and even wants to walk down the driveway herself (I imagined I'd be meeting her at the gate!! I think I'll still keep an eye open for her maybe from the bedroom window - maybe with a lens in front of my face:) - we'll see). Chloe said this morning that it doesn't matter anymore if I'm still asleep at pick up time cause I'll have some extra time; she'll be picked up at the front gate by Mark Bryant (bus driver, school chaplain and church friend) at 8:15am and dropped off again at 3:20pm - that's earlier than the time I usually leave school. Mind you, I'm going to miss the mums' comaraderi and connection time, and catching up with Gary after school, before heading home... we'll see how we go, I guess.

When we told Chloe and Declan after my doctor visit to confirm it, Declan didn't really understand but Chloe thought Gary was up to his usual joking way and said, "No we're not?!" It took a bit of convincing that we weren't joking and when she finally cottoned on; she was smiling and a bit shocked. Since then, the questions have been coming regularly and Declan has asked if there's really a baby growing inside my tummy, so I guess he's processing it in his own time and way.

A mothering-type quiz

2009-02-04T10:06:00.000+10:00

My type is the INFP mother and, yes, I agree with so any of my friends, this is quite accurate - it's based on a the Meyer-Briggs personality test:

“Inside our children, I believe, is a truth that tells them what’s best for them. I am always listening for that truth.”

Aware, astute, and understanding, the INFP mother is sensitive to her child’s needs, feelings, and perceptions. By observing and listening to the cues of the whole child, she is “tuned in” and naturally develops an intuitive feel for what he or she needs. Responsive and helpful as well, she tends patiently to those needs as they arise.
The INFP mother is comfortable letting her children follow their own course of development and make their own choices. She offers encouragement and uses her insights to head off trouble and difficult issues.
The INFP mother takes vicarious pleasure giving her children good experiences and watching them enjoy childhood. She’s happiest creating pleasant, memorable times for the whole family.
Learn More about Your Mothering Style andHow to Use Personality Type Day-to-Day to Enrich Family Relationships!

http://www.motherstyles.com/quiz_results.asp

A good belly laugh!

2008-08-31T20:21:00.000+10:00

I just had to share what made me laugh, and laugh, and laugh today!

I had escaped to the bedroom this afternoon to ostensibly "read and relax" for 10 minutes before taking the children for a bike ride with friends around what Chloe started calling "the Daddy park". Gary came in to read, too, and I made the comment that, although I hadn't told the children where I was going, they hadn't missed me yet and that I had been there for 7 MINUTES:) The sense of sneaky freedom made me smile!!

Then came "foghorn" aka Declan, yelling from the other side of the house, "Mummy... Mummy... where are you Mummy?" I had to laugh a little and, although the thought crossed my mind about not answering, I ended up telling him and he came racing in. (Mental note: I LOVE it when my kids come rushing to welcome me home after market day morning shopping, or I pick them up from Grandma and Grandpa's, etc).

"What can you do with me Mummy?"

"I'm reading for 5 minutes"

"My will lie here with you, 'cause my cold. My be warm here, next to you!"

And this is where I started to feel a giggle wiggle up from my middle..."You need to lie still" (I knew I was asking the impossible but I thought I'd give it a try anyway!)

"My will lie still right here... Move over Mummy... more!"

"Please."

"Please move"

The window was open and I was in short sleeves and I was a bit cool, so my thinking was that it would be nice to have a snuggle with my 4- in -15 -days'- time- boy. Hmmmm, it lasted all of four seconds and the cheery chatter was on. This is an excerpt:

"It hurts my eyes when my shut them."

Daddy: "Then don't close them so tightly... no, don't squeeze them, just let them fall like this...yes, that's better (the facial expressions were, meanwhile, cracking me up!) He put his head down for another few seconds -no exaggeration- then it was on again...

"Mummy, my going to lie on top of your tummy"

"That's how you used to go to sleep when you were a baby" (Can you tell it's that reflecting-upon-4-years-ago kind of time..:) Declan liked this idea and proceeded to try and get himself comfortable, while using me like a beanbag (how do I explain that there are bits of me that really hurt when he uses his knees, elbows and chin to prod- I say it so often I feel like a broken record!!)

He chopped and changed positions umpteen times, with such funny faces while he tried not to squeeze his eyes that I finally bubbled over and laughed. He laughed with me, and locked my gaze with those engaging eyes of his, which made me laugh and laugh. I was just treasuring the moment, when ..."Laugh again Mummy" caused a bittersweet reaction on my part; I obliged and, returning the intrigued gaze, enjoyed the belly laughs (keep in mind , by this stage, he was lying across my belly!!)

Later, though, as we rose to get ready for the bike ride, looking for shoes, drink bottles, and all that mundane, necessary life stuff, I was thinking about what a precious moment I had just enjoyed. I remember that there have been times like this with Chloe, too ('though Chloe will lie still on the bed for a snuggle:) ) And, there have been rare occassions when I can remember being in uncontrollable silly sessions with Gary.

I want to laugh more with my husband.

I want to laugh more with my children.

I want to laugh more.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-20T22:34:00.000+10:00

Guess who!

I still love gingham, though not in my wardrobe:)

What an oval-shaped, milk chocolate and an orange-filled truffle say about me:)

2008-08-17T20:23:00.000+10:00

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sweet, mellow, and easily satisfied.You don't like anything too intense and dramatic.Deep down, you're a kid at heart... and you're nostalgic for the past.You are mellow, spiritual, and philosophical.You are a true humanitarian. You enjoy helping people.Your heart can be too open at times. You sometimes over-extend yourself.You love to be the center of attention. You enjoy entertaining your friends.You feel lost when no one is interested in you... You're too interesting to be ignored.

This was fun -it was from www.blogthings.com/thechocolateoracle/

One-handed post:)

2008-08-06T17:21:00.000+10:00

With one precious princess on my lap having a nurse-mummy hug, I need something simple!. So here goes, a one-word-answer challenge .................
1. Cell phone? Unused
2. Significant other? GG
3. Hair? needing colour!
4. Mother? strong
5. Father?doctor
6. Favorite thing? time
7. Dream last night?housework!
8. Favorite drink?peppermint tea with half tsp of sugar
9. Dream/goal?lots
10. Room I'm in?breezeway
11. Church? journeys
12. Fear? trust
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? fireplace with rain on iron roof
15. What I'm not? extrovert
16. Muffins? Texas
17. Wish list item? Panasonic Lumix (the new one released in Feb)
18. Where did you grow up?Daisy Hill, Brisbane
19. Last thing I did? talk with my children
20. What are you wearing? favourite red shoes
21. TV? Friday night movie
22.Pets? Golden Retriever adult girl one day
23. Computer? want to know how to use it better
24. Life? joy-full
25. Mood? content
26. Missing someone? Nanna
27. Car? old but reliable
28. Not wearing? jumper - Brrrr!
29. Favorite store? 2nd hand
30. Summer? homemade sorbets
31. Love someone? sooo many
32. Favorite color? Red
33. Last time you laughed? today
34. Last time you cried? this week
35. Who will repost? Theresa?

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-16T23:01:00.000+10:00

The view from a window

2008-06-25T13:23:00.000+10:00

I spend so much time in the kitchen that this is one of my greatest, yet simplest treasures: a peaceful view from the kitchen windows! This is the window behind the kitchen sink (I'm not responsible for the peacock in stained glass but it is an arty addition!) Washing up, for me, is a time of reflection and "looking out", even if it's only for a couple of seconds at a time, when my little Mummy helpers are volunteering (and chatting incessantly:) I might add). The view is of the Community Garden being constructed next door and the Baptist Church behind the fence. It's awesome on Sunday mornings when we can hear the church starting at 9am - often the songs are the same as what we'll sing half an hour later when we start our own service half an hour later in town! It's also a great reminder as we're busy getting ready for church as to why we're actually going and creates a sense of anticipation (for me anyway; Gary has already left to go to Prayer Meeting at 8:30am:).

I also enjoy the bougainvillea when it's in bloom over our carport (although the Community Garden committee don't appreciate it's shade casting qualities and keep chopping it back. Nevermind!

Another thing about this window is that my kids and I sometimes go next door to the garden (with their permission) and they play on the swing or climb the tree or admire the vegies or play in the sand or with frisbees and balls (we have a very tree-y ard so not ideal for this kind of play) and , if I need to return home to check on dinner, I can still supervise.

Sometimes, we even take the bikes and the "rocket" over to the tennis courts behind the Community Garden. (The Community Garden is using the land next door that also belongs to the Baptist Church, as do the tennis courts) There's something I really like about all this community feeling. We're made quite welcome by the church to pop over etc (my husband has taught the pastor's son for a few years) and I love the idea that my kids are going to grow up with these fun-loving memories of living next to a church that welcomes them... I also have similar memories of hearing hymns etc emanating from the Baptist Church down the road from my Nanna's house at Upper Mt Gravatt (My Mum walked to her wedding with red carpet down the footpath!)

All this from one window! Phew!

2008-06-24T22:01:00.000+10:00

The simple pleasure of drinking water from a beautiful, lady-like glass! I don't know what reminder techniques others use to help them to keep up their fluid intake, but this is mine; it's become a real association- I never drink anything else from it and I don't let anyone else use it; perhaps that's a bit immature or selfish but it really is a simple pleasure!!

There's something incredibly satisfying about cannisters, isn't there!

I've started baking fruit cakes for lunchboxes (at Chloe's request) and the brown paper in this tin brings back fond memories of my Nanna's baking, too:)

Speaking of simple blessings: a drawer full and overflowing with fresh fruit and vegies from Market day causes me to feel I'm doing a rewarding thing for my family when I go to the markets before school rain, hail or shine or billowing gales!! I love Thursdays!! I try to cook/bake on Thursdays, too, when everything's fresh and then pop prepared meals or part thereof into the freezer until I need them! No wonder Declan loves to "help make" -we do a lot of cooking together and he's really quite skilled, now, at pouring, sifting, mixing (gently Bentley!!:))

Gingerbread house

2008-06-24T21:55:00.000+10:00

Finally... a photo of one of my gingerbread houses (2007):)

Happy Snaps

2008-06-21T21:29:00.000+10:00

Here are a few of my latest Happy Snaps (I'm not sure why they've gone higgledy-piggledy, out of order:( Sorry! The photo of the newspapers is actually a Chloe/Declan creation of a campfire to go with their tent which you can see in the background with the pink cushion as the comfy floor.

This week, Declan has declared that he wants to grow up to be Daddy; not just any daddy but his Daddy! He wants to "talk like Daddy" and "do everything Daddy does":) I don't know who's more chuffed!

This photo was taken after we'd washed Declan's hair and he was enjoying his slicked back look. Add to this with what he calls his "groovy" sunglasses and he'll tell you he looks "like a rockstar":) There are some older sister influences there!!

And, as for this older sister, this is Chloe being presented with a special first-week-of-winter dessert... a marshmallow snowman. These are fast becoming a tradition after we made them for a Christmas in July gathering a few years ago. We skewer a giant marshmallow, then a regular one, then a mini "mallow bake". Sometimes, I sneak another half marshmallow in as the brim of a hat under the mini marshmallow :).

'Tis a gift to be simple...

2008-06-21T20:48:00.000+10:00

I love taking photos of simple everyday pleasures. I wish my grandparents had been able to do this, too. I'm really interested in what I guess is called "social or domestic history"; things used around the house, what bedrooms look like at different stages of our children's development; favourite books and movies, the price of food and what food packages look like, views from windows, the changing facades of local streets, favourite play spaces, parks and games, etc.

Red in the Rain

2008-05-30T15:21:00.000+10:00

We didn't go to Moppets today because of really heavy rain. Today was going to be red day at Moppets where we were going to all wear red, eat red, paint with red on a feetpainting mural, listen to the reading of the Playschool's Red Book, and play with red playdough! Declan was disappointed that we couldn't go, so we decided to have some red fun at home! After sending Chloe off to school with Gary, washing up, playing trains (the Little red Engine That Could!), having two attempts to get a roaring fire going, bringing up five loads of rained-on-as-I-ran wood, putting on loads of wet-the-bed-last-night- and the last few days' washing,bringing the most significant pieces upstairs to dry in front of the fire, and both of us changing from our PJ's into suitable-to-get-wet clothes, we ventured out to the street for Declan's all-time favourite rainy day activity - "floating boats". Declan soon gave up the idea of carrying the little purple umbrella, and preferred instead to run up and down the footpath in his long-sleeved green digger shirt and green undies, to select great leaf boats both big and small! I could just about feel the joy in the air as he raced to the drain to watch the leaves go over the edge of the rushing waterfall-like part into the racing water below! The noise of the water gushing was amazingly loud and there was even a leaf-blocked fountain happening at the entrance to the drain! We spent about 20 minutes down the road (Chloe wants to do it again this afternoon after school - I wonder if I can muster the courage for the cold again!!) before saying "goodbye" to the boats, hanging up another load of washing while Declan had an "in-between swing" under the house, then we headed up stairs to get dry and cosily "dressed" into some more PJ's for some warmer activities!
Declan played some more train adventures while I prepared some red food and drink for an 11:30 am mostly-early-lunch ( I was exhausted after being awake with one of the other children in the last 7 hours of the night's "sleeptime":)?!!) We had "red moons" (sundried tomato flavoured rice cakes, craisins, red apple in boats, strawberry jam sandwiches, "red tuna" (sundried tomato and onion flavoured tuna) and the special treat of red fruit juice cordial as our "red tea". I hoped that would then mean story and rest time but Declan had other ideas - not being tired out yet, we decided he could watch something while I caught up on a few extra things ( and tried to catch some zzzzzz's in front of the fire). However, it turned out that Declan was still hungry, so some extra un-red fruit was consummed (banana, kiwifruit, sultanas and extra craisins!) while we watched the end of Pippi Longstocking on video from the library (We've just finished the chapter book on loan from the Ferns!) Both the children really enjoy Pippi's capabilities,and insist that she really does have a mum and dad which is interesting - in the book it's implied she doesn't but in the cartoon movie, it shows her dad returning from sea. When reading the book, I also omitted the ghoulish parts of her birthday - there's no desire on my part to have this as part of our family imaginings although Gary is waiting desperately for the children to be old enough for his own made-up versions...?!

Anyway, we read Duck at the Door and Little Bear's Trousers (which are, coincidentley, red) and then Declan finally finished playing on his bed about 2pm and is still asleep 2 hours later - I'll wake him in a minute- and I enjoyed an hour's cosy sleep - ahhh:)

Stuart's bringing Chloe home any minute now and I need to think about dinner for tonight and wake Declan, but it's been really nice to put all this in writing rather than just composing it in my head:) What an adventurous stay-at-home-mum-day!!

Family photos

2008-05-22T20:59:00.000+10:00

This is a newspaper photo of me with my two children last year at Sunday in the Park.

My husband, Gary, presenting awards to his class last year. I took heaps of photos of him as he was talking trying to get that one fabulous photo, but the light/ shadow thing didn't exactly work, did it?!!

2008-04-07T21:47:00.000+10:00

There were so many titles I could have given this journal! I sat down and brainstormed things that came to mind about our family: favourites, reputations, personality traits, food, faith, fun, alliteration for our surname, interests... honestly, I feel the creativity being celebrated just in choosing a name. But then, I tend to choose any kind of name for its meaning and sound and poetic qualities! Whether it's the name of a child, a nickname, a children's group, a favourite location or family tradition or, when I get around to it... a scrapbook page!:)

Jellybeans are like the multi-coloured aspects of life. There's a variety, a sweetness to life that I want to capture in my journal. Jellybeans will encourage me to show all of life's colours so that the record of my memories will be real, not just rose-coloured!

Jellybeans are also chewy, or you can just slowly enjoy them; I want to remember moments and ideas like morsels to chew on and meditate on.

Jellybeans are just slightly(!) onomatopaeic (not sure if that's correct spelling, Mum). Declan bounces so much and Chloe loves the (what she used to call the jumpoline) trampoline so much, that I needed to include this to remind me of our jumping rhyme:
"Jumping, jumping, jumping jellybeans
Jumping, jumping, Jack;
Jumping, jumping jumping jellybeans
Jumping, jumping Jack."

And, of course, no explanation would be complete without acknowledging how popular jellybeans are with Gary :)

The Gingerbread part, for me, evokes images of family rituals and traditions, decorated with all the details of daily life. I'm thinking initiallyof the gingerbread houses we do each year at Christmas; the way the designs in architecture and decorations are changing from year to year, depending on the children's ages (and choice of favourite lolly!) just like the changes that show up in the year by year and month by month records of growth.

Cooking gingerbread men has also been a favourite childhood pasttime for both me and our children. After five years of reading my sister's copy of The Gingerbread Man, where you pass a cardboard cutout through the pages, it finally fell off it's stringa couple of weeks ago - it has been loved so much!

Gingerbread always smells so nice. It reminds me of "the spice of life" -the things that transform life from the mundane to the memorable! It also reminds me to keep an acronym in mind as we raise our family (from a Heritage Builders course we did a long time ago): A.R.O.M.A:

A Affection
R Respect
O Order
M Merriment
A Affirmation

So there you have it... the poetic reasoning (so far) behind a rather unusual title...well, it makes me smile!