Holidays

All is packed and ready... tomorrow morning we embark on our trip over east. We have to get up at 4am, so we're ready for the limousine to pick us up at 4:15 to get to the airport on time for our 6:10 am flight.....EXCITED????? You bet we are!!!!

Christmas 2008

As church bells ring out across the earth

to herald once more the Christ Child's birth,
may you be blessed in a most special way
With the joy that came on that first
Christmas day!!
Best wishes for a warm and wonderful Christmas.

We began our day celebrating the best gift received, going to church and hearing about the birth of our precious Saviour!! What a wonderful, undeserved gift He has given to us.
The rest of our day was spent relaxing with the family that was still here, Mum and Chris, Andrew and Michelle with Owen and Madyson and us. It was a very relaxing day of playing games, eating, and swimming in the pool and socializing. I'd also bought 4 gingerbread houses from Ikea for the kids to decorate and they all (including the big kids, right Andrew and Michelle??!!) had a great time of decorating. The house smelled like gingerbread for the rest of the day

Tis the Season

Wow, time flies when you're busy, busy, busy!!! Last week was one of those weeks, flatout but lots to celebrate and be grateful for!!

Saturday December 6th

Today our baby turned 5. Happy birthday Travis!! He told me that he is no longer a baby now, so I have to have another one... Hmmm...food for thought!! He was spoiled rotten with lots of gifts, including a brand new, bright yellow bike!! I guess, you're virtually garaunteed lots of prezzies when you live in a large family. We were spoiled with a wonderful day to celebrate our ray of sunshine in our family. We thank God for blessing us with Travis. He is still a quiet kid and not super confident outside of his comfort zone, but he lickety skips everywhere when he's happy. For dinner we went to the foreshore to eat some pizza, although it was a bit too cold and windy to stay there for very long. We're looking forward to his birthday party on Wednesday with Ethan and Chase.
Cody was out all day; first he went to Rottnest Island from 6:30am 'til 5pm, spending the day swimming, snorkelling and cycling with the Baldivis and Rockingham youth. From there he went straight to a Tassie band reunion in Armadale. Talk about a hectic social life!! But he had a fantastic time although he did come home with what looks like a coral cut; it's been rather sore. He also has his DVD's from tassie, photos and videos.
Wade was also busy on Saturday and went to Calvin's birthday party where they were taken paintballing. He had an awesome time and was quite proud to show off his bruises he got from being hit!!

Sunday December 7th
On Sunday morning we went to Armadale to witness Frank being installed as a deacon. That was quite enjoyable, and Rev Huizenga had an uplifting sermon on how elders and deacons are a gift to us; the purpose and the profit of having elders and deacons. After coffee at the church we popped in to mum and dad's for some lunch and more socialising before it was time to head back to Baldivis for our Christmas feast at church.
After the afternoon service we stayed at church for soup and sandwiches, and then had a lovely evening of singing carols, and listening to the musical talent within our congregation. Between the carols we could listen to a small "choir" sing 3 songs, all our school band kids got together and played 2 Christmas pieces and mum played a recorder piece with the piano. It all sounded lovely. The evening ended after all the kids received a book and a lolly bag as a gift from the social committee. It was a very enjoyable evening, something we hope to continue in the future.
That evening our Suburban was picked up (we'd packed it full of our camping gear on Saturday already...I'm hoping we haven't forgotten too much!!) and taken to the truck depot where it began it's trek to Melbourne early Monday morning. We're happy to say that it arrived there safely and is now under the care of people we know there, who will meet us at the airport when we arrive!

Monday December 8th
Today was another day of celebration as we could welcome Wade into the world of teenagers. Yup, Wade is now officially a TEEN!!! He had a real teen birthday: couldn't show too much enthusiasm for anything. It wasn't that long ago that he was so excited to see prezzies that he'd jump up and down and clap his hands in excitement even if the prezzies weren't for him!! Oh how times change. A Calvin and Hobbes book brought a response from him, as did his surfing lessons he's booked in for and a Wii fishing game; at least we did get some positive reactions from him!!.... the rest of his gifts needed a bit of work (goggles too small, books already read...) but we got there in the end, and he had a quiet but enjoyable day. After school Linda and the kids came over for some cake and company, and for dinner we went to Hungry Jack's, followed by an evening of fishing on the Wii.

Tuesday December 9th
Another packed day. I went to the Steel Tree Cafe with the other school volunteers for our annual morning tea; translate: stuff yourself full of cake and then spend the rest of the day trying to work it off. But it sure tasted good!! I felt a little guily going this year as I didn't do as much as I should have - what with Brett being sick and injured, and other things popping up, I missed a number of sessions in the library, but I really enjoy being there so hopefully next year I can do a little better...
The middle schoolers - Cody, Wade, Jessica and Meagan spent the afternoon ice-skating as a school excursion. They all came home with blisters but they had a hoot. Especially watching the teachers wobble on the ice!!
Helen and Mick and the 2 little boys came over for a quick dinner. Mick went to work with Dave, to learn the ropes before we head off on holidays and Mick begins work in the dark!! So Helen also came down with dinner in hand. It was really appreciated as it's nice to get off my sore foot especially in the evenings! They didn't stay for very long since we had the final men's club meeting here at 7:45 and Nathan and Tyler were ready for bed. I think the men enjoyed themselves because they didn't go home 'til quite late!!

Wednesday December 10th
At last the day arrived for Brett's orthopedics appointment in Fremantle. We were hoping the pin would be taken out, but weren't sure if he would need another cast put on. Well, we arrived and they sent us in to have his cast taken off, then sent to the x-ray department to see what's been happening. Brett was really cute; fascinated with the 'saw' they used to cut off the cast and then commenting loudly on how light his arm was - he had to hold his arm down!! He can be such a clown. He carefully cradled his arm with his other hand while we went off for the x-ray and then waited to see the doctor again. Good news! The break is healing fantastically, his arm is nice and straight now, although there is still a little bump where the break was, so all they had to do was take out the pin. Well, the doctor could have warned Brett that it would hurt. They just assured him that it would feel like a pinch...yeah right!! He screamed the place down for 5 minutes. Poor kid, it really hurt - the pin went right through the bones and nerves...no kidding it hurt!! But he was quite happy to be rid of the cast, although I've still been trying to wrap him up with cotton wool. Now he can swim again and jump on the trampoline again... although he still writes with his left hand. I think after this experience he'll be ambidextrous!!
After the whole orthopedics ordeal we popped in to say happy birthday to Helen. It's great to be able to celebrate birthdays with family. I miss the ones that still live far away....
Then Andrew and Michelle and the kids came over for dinner and stayed in the evening to play a few games. We had to try out Cody's new Seafarer's game that we've kept hidden until his birthday since we got back from Canada!! Unfortunately, I didn't win...boohoo

Thursday December 11th
Today it was my turn. First it was back to the Steel Tree cafe for a morning breakfast with the ladies from our church. A most enjoyable morning with nearly 30 of us showing up and spending a morning together. It's always awesome to see how such different people can get along by the grace of God. No, I would not choose all these women as my friends and yet God has given them all a special place in my life. For that I'm truly grateful.
After breakfast, or shall we say brunch, I had to head off to see my specialist. He took a look at my foot and said it looked really good although a part of the incision was still gaping and bleeding a little. I wasn't as enthusiastic, as walking is still a problem, but he seemed to think my healing was coming along nicely, even though I was suffering a little from 'phantom' pains. My brain still thinks my nerve is still there. Apparently that should settle down in the next few weeks, and a week later I must say it is feeling much better although still a little bruised.
While I was taking a day for myself Wade, Jessica and Meagan were off on another school excursion, this time to sci-tech. They're quickly packing in their last few excursions before the end of school!! But they're not complaining. A break from school work is always enjoyed!!

Saturday Dec 13th
Another evening of celebrations. All the family got together for a late afternoon, early dinner at the beach to celebrate the birthdays. It was nice to see that everyone could come. Even Dren and JB came up. They actually came Friday afternoon and slept over at our house. We always have a good time together, although the evenings tend to be too late, something we suffer for the next day.... But I think these moments of lack of sleep are worth the bonding times we can have!!
After the beach thing, our kids were fed, so mum could come over and babysit for us while we went to a builder's Christmas dinner. We went to a little restaraunt in Mandurah where we had an absolutely delicious dinner. I had a huge piece of steak cooked just right and then at the end we were given a cheesecake for desser. Well, everyone saw their cake and laughed and wondered how they were supposed to eat that as well. The pieces were HUGE!! I think the staff did it on purpose because they were all giggling at our reactions as well. I had to socialise with people I had never met before which I always find a little difficult, but I had Dave with me so the evening was great!!

After this hectic week, I can't wait for our holidays. Only 2 more weeks to go!!!!

My Sore Paw

Well, here I sit feeling sorry for myself because I have a sore paw...On Tuesday I went in to hospital to have my Morton's neuroma - your what??!!! - nerve and 'scar' tissure around the nerve removed from my left foot. It was done very quickly... I went in to theatre at 11 and by 3:30 I was home already feeling a little drowsy but not too bad. The nurses didn't even let me catch up on much needed sleep. Up and at 'em, no mucking around!! But yesterday morning I realised the local anesthetic they used had worn off....... I'm allowed to hobble around on my heel but that's awkward so today I'm getting my hands on some crutches (thanks Linda!) so I can move around a little better. I asked the doctor how much I could do, and he said the pain would be a good indicator. He was right!! It's not very comfortable to have my foot down yet. But my consolation... every day is another day closer to complete recovery! Yeeaaahhhh I might be able to walk without pain soon...

Birthdays

Cody and I celebrated our birthdays on the 10th and 14th. Cody had a very quiet day: prezzies in the morning (although he did get spoiled with Seafarers, snorkelling gear, computer games (zoo tycoon trio pack and Age of empires trio pack) a Calvin and Hobbes book and a number of other things). After school he got to try out his new prezzies, for dinner we had spaghetti and then he had club in the evening. We're still hoping to organise a party for him with his friends. Since my birthday was on Friday, that weekend didn't work...
Friday I was spoiled on my birthday. The kids all pitched in and bought me a Wii with a few games (hmm, I'm not sure if it was just for me!! but we're all enjoying it!!) I got a beautiful new frying pan, a bamix, a handbag, a slowcooker recipe book and some more stuff. During the day Dave and I went to the 4WD and camping show to get some things for our upcoming holiday. Then in the evening we had 7 couples come over and spent the evening playing Party Bridge. It was sooooo much fun, I forgot to take any photos, and our guests left just before 2 am!!! Saturday I had to haul my tired body out of bed to prepare for the family invasion. Everyone made it here for dinner and we had an enjoyable time with 12 adults and 23 kids where we could celebrate a few birthdays: Cody, Marg, Lauren and JB. What a blessing to have so much family around and enjoying eachother's company!! I can't wait til next year when we'll all be together!!!

Well, I've finally got my hands on a computer so I'll quickly send a note out. No, we haven't disappeared off the planet. Our study is currently being renovated and so we have no computers at home. All of a sudden you realise how much you rely on these silly things!!
We had a very enjoyable 2 weeks of school holidays with a day of kayaking, a day at King's Park and a trip to the zoo. For the rest we chilled out at home, the kids had lots of sleepovers either at home or away and we just enjoyed some time of relaxation.

Buddies at King's Park Having fun on the dinosaurs




Playing pooh sticks with bark boats...No we won't get wet!

Well, not much anyway!!

And finally watching the water fountains.

Thursday October 23
On October 23 Brett went to school and at recess time fell off the fort and broke his arm. Apparently the kids were playing dodge on the fort, and he had just thrown the ball and stepped back to run away but stepped into thin air... his arm was very badly broken, both bones snapped clean in half and moved (apparently his arm had a beautiful S-bend to it). I, unfortunately was at our annual Woman's League day, and had put my phone in the car so as not to be disturbed during our meeting!! The school got a hold of Dave who took Brett to the hospital. I made it there just on time before we had to take him to Fremantle (a bigger hospital, with better pediatric facility) because he needed a general anesthetic to pull the bones back into alignment. Thursday evening at 7 pm Brett finally had his op done. He did very well, his only complaint was the fact that he was hungry. Fasting from 10:30 onwards was really hard for him!!! As soon as he came back down to the ward Dave bought him some Hungry Jack's which he rapidly scoffed down. We were told that the bones were very loose, so to be careful...yeah, right!! I think the doctors may have forgotten they were dealing with an active 6 year old boy!! Two weeks later, and 3 x-rays later, they decided the bones had moved too much so last Thursday, Nov 6th he went back to theatre and they inserted some pins into his bones to help fuse them together. He had a lot of pain after the surgery, and needed 8 doses of Phentenol every 3 minutes until his pain was under control in the recovery room. The hospital was really good; I got to go into the theatre room with Brett both times, and hold his hand until he was knocked out, and then they called us both straight into the recovery room as he was waking up. The staff were really good to us. Now we hope and pray that Brett's arm can begin healing. Tomorrow we go back for another check up and I'm hoping they'll put his arm into a full cast. Up until now he's had his arm in a backslab or a half cast. Then he can finally go back to school. I think he's missed out enough this year!!

Soccer Carnival 2008

Saturday September 20th was the final day for the soccer season and we farewelled the season in grand style!! Dave, Cody, Wade, Meagan and Brett all played their respective games. (Jessica missed out because last week she hurt her arm, and she was also on the losing team this year!) Besides the soccer matches that lasted all day, from 9 'til 4:15, there were fundraising stalls and lots of fun things to do and loads of yummy things to eat. The Sumba stall did a roaring trade with their fresh donuts and cinnamon scrolls... they have got to be the most delicious scrolls around. The Rev stayed their all night to prepare his scrumptious fare. Did I mention how delicious they were?? His stall is definitely an icon of the soccer carnival!!

Dave at his best

Our stall where we did a roaring trade selling lollies and more lollies!

Wade on the Gladiator

Brett's in the background, concentrating hard

Brett's team for the year. Uncle Willem was one of his coaches.

It's always fun watching the junior boys...Cody is # 10 and Wade's #2

Wade being acrobatic on the field.

Cody and Wade's team

Brett having a go on the gladiator...notice his tongue??!!

Jessica on the dunking machine...

Help, I didn't really want to go in!!

Clowns

Travis waited patiently for his face painting

Waiting in line for the bouncy castle.

Bouncy castles and bungee slam dunk

And Dave hard at work as a committee member!!

Now that the soccer season is over 'til next year we look forward to free Saturdays. Since Dave's the president of the soccer committee he has spent a lot of time preparing and planning for each Saturday, and this final day has taken up most of the committee's time for the last 2 weeks and beyond. Dave and the boys were also responsible for marking out the fields each week, so that took time as well. And now we all look forward to having Dave "back" again. But, all said and done, it was a very successful and enjoyable day!

Book Parade

Last week the school celebrated reading by having a book week. The finale was a book parade where all the children could dress up as their favourite book character and show their book and costume to everyone. Everyone dressed up really nicely, the principal making a great Jester and Brooke's teacher was the wicked witch from Snow White.
Lining up, ready for the parade!

Doesn't Travis make a gorgeous Franklin??

And you can't miss Wally

A beautiful Mandie - the honours go to mum for spending lots of time adjusting the pattern to fit Brooke beautifully. Thanks mum!!

At the end of the day a tired Franklin still fiddles with his hair while he has his drink.

Australian Wildflowers

Just some wildflower shots from Warrdagga:

I'm always amazed at the beauty in our harsh country!!