Thursday's Child

One Week in Paradise

2009-08-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

People may mock our not so pristine 2005 Dodge Caravan. But it managed to tote 6 people, 6 bikes, 4 buggy boards and a weeks worth of food from Fort Mill to Edisto Island, in relative comfort I might add!

With England not being such a large country; family holidays for me usually meant an hours drive, with at least 3 stops on the way to eat the sandwiches mum had made for the journey. So by the time we had traveled a whole 3 hours, we were all pretty wasted. So my first port of call was the hammock. I actually lay there for over an hour before I was discovered. I don't know if I have ever felt so relaxed. Of course, once the kids found out my little secret, I didn't get a smell in.

This was the view from the hammock as I lay looking over my feet. But then I looked up and about 2 feet above my head was a black and white spider the size of my hand. Unfortunately, I wasn't about to hang around for a photo shoot with the little fellow.

Not a lot to report, quite honestly. The pictures speak for themselves. We have spent hours each day being beach bums. Perhaps that's why I am loving this holiday so much.

My First Project!

2009-08-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not the most creative of people, but I figured I would like to try my hand at making a very basic blanket for my niece when her daughter was born in May.

It's not good to look at the detail of my handy-work, but I thoroughly enjoyed the process, found it very relaxing and loved the end result. (I am very easily pleased). But I loved the feel of the blanket and liked the colours.

Here's the finished product.

I shipped it off to England at a cost of $40 just to get it over there and told my mum to expect it at the beginning of May.

It never arrived. :o{

I tried very hard not to care. Told myself that the process of making it had been a blessing and I should just let it go. But at the back of my mind - I was disappointed my niece hadn't been able to give this to her baby, Katelyn.

Anyway - I had lost all hope of ever seeing the blanket again - when on Saturday 1st August a package arrived for me. My blanket had been returned.

I'm over the moon. :o}

Yet Another Summer Birthday Party

2009-08-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

Joseph's birthday is officially 29th October - but asked if this year he could have a summer birthday party, as he really wanted to have it at the pool. I couldn't see any reason why not - so I said 'yes'.

For those of you who know Joseph - he is often described as a proper English gentleman. Quiet and refined.

Honestly - you don't know him ;o). And when he gets with his friends - he really lets lose. AND I LOVE IT!!

Is Joseph actually getting bitten?

Whatever - he still has a smile on his face.

I think here - Joseph's friend is going in for a head lock.

Emily's friend Madison I think is fighting for her life, as her brother looks on.

This one definitely looks like a punch to the head.

And for the grand finale ......

Joseph said it was the best birthday party he's ever had!!!!

3 down - 1 to go!!

Back to the Lazy 5 Ranch

2009-07-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

We took Fanny, our Chinese exchange student, and Cassie, Emily's good friend who are both staying with us until the end of July, to the Lazy 5 Ranch.

This is a day out we always look forward to.

Some of the animals get a little over friendly in their excitement to get food.

I don't know if I'm going to have a visit from social services for endangering my children's lives - but we thoroughly enjoyed getting upclose to the animals.

And the things you see.

Em's First Decree

2009-07-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Emily's first decree after becoming a teenager, was that we needed to paint her room.

Not a job I particularly looked forward to without Oliver being here to help - but all my other little helpers were so excited, that we decided to get it done anyway.

Oliver hasn't seen it yet and perhaps on seeing this blog, and seeing the kiddies help, he may at this moment be having a heart attack.

But fear not - memories were made, we had a blast, and we have a very happy teenager in the house. AND WE DID A REALLY GOOD JOB.

Having had her room painted - Emily has decided to turn her room into a bit of a project. She is going to paint her skirting boards, sand down her bed side table and paint it, and take some pictures of her own to put on her walls. I'm very excited to see her take control like this. She even wants to spend some of the money she has earned babysitting, on new bedding.

Looking forward to posting the end result!

Happy Unbirthday to You

2009-07-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

I've never really seen the need to rush things. Take your time - nice and slow gets the job done properly.

Soooooo - little Oliver's (OJ's) 9th birthday was in March.

We had his birthday party this week.

But - it was a great success!!

Sadly, dad Oliver is out of town and has missed both OJ's and Emily's birthday parties. So here I am recording what I can.

The kids made marshmallow guns out of cut up pipes and joints. They were a great success and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time!

It wouldn't be a party without delicious chocolate cake. Home made by Harris Teeter!!

Then off to the pool to relax!

We do love you OJ!!!!

There's a Teenager in the House!!

2009-07-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Emily turned 13 today. AM I REALLY OLD ENOUGH FOR A TEENAGER?

Well I guess I'm old enough - but not sure I'm ready.
<

Ever since Emily came out of the womb, she has been begging to get her ears pierced. I had always said she could get them done when she turned 13 - thinking 13 would never come.....

Nothing like having good friends over to share in your special day!

Fun and games in the basement.

Nothing like shoving your face in some lovely moist chocolate cake! Home made by Harris Teeter!!

Is this enough suncream mum?

What a great way to end the day!

Getting to Know You

2009-07-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Took us a little while to decide whether or not to have an Exchange Student from china. But we took the plunge when Oliver came back from a business trip to China and we thought it might be a good experience.

The kids particularly have been really looking forward to our 'student' coming. I wasn't sure if having her for the whole 3 weeks would be a good idea. We did have the chance to just have her for a week and a half. Anyway - we found out that Oliver would be away for the 3 weeks the student would be here - so we decided to have her for the whole time.

Well, the time was here before we knew it and Fanny arrived on Tuesday of this week.

I love Fanny. I feel like I have known her all my life. Emily was the most excited to have her in our home. Here they are together working on an assignment that Fanny had been given from school.

Then Cassie, Emily's very good friend from church, joined us on Friday. She will also be staying with us until the end of July. As you can imagine - Emily is having a blast.

I think life's going to seem way too quiet when Fanny and Cassie leave at the end of the month.

Perhaps we should try for a couple of more kids when you get back Oliver.

I Love Lucy

2009-06-24T17:45:00.000-07:00

When our family were living in NZ - we had just had our 3rd child, OJ. I remember one evening, not long after OJ was born, discussing whether or not we would have a fourth child. I was thinking there was probably another one waiting; Oliver wasn't so sure. Anyway, the decision was kind of taken out of our hands, because as we were having this discussion, I, all of a sudden felt nauseous, ran upstairs and threw up. I was already pregnant with Lucy.

Lucy has been a character ever since she came out! She has really made her mark on our family and we love her to bits. But talk about a girl with her own mind.

Anyway, today was 'get your flippin bedrooms tidy, day'. Emily, 12 and already a working woman, wasn't around as she was babysitting a neighbours children. Joseph had his room done in about an hour and a half. OJ wasn't too far behind - he was done in about 2 hours. Lucy was painfully slow. I was so tempted to go in and do it for her. But I figured she would never learn to pick up after herself if I did. So I left her to it.

She would flit around the house, get drinks, chat with her brothers, tease her brothers, complain she was hungry - even fold the towels and laundry for me, as a 'surprise', which was wonderful. But getting her to do her room was almost impossible. Anyway, after about 5 hours - she had done a fairly decent job, so I went in and we finished up together.

Lucy and OJ decided to sleep in OJ's room tonight so they could play Uno. So I went in to her bedroom to put a toy in her drawer under her bed. And there I discovered her little secret.

If you're going to be sneaky enough to shove everything under your bed and in your bedside cabinet - why let it take 5 hours?

Father's Day

2009-06-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

This is how Oliver's day began. The best treat we could give to Oliver for Father's Day is to let him sleep in.

We were all very excited about Father's Day.
The kids had made cards for their dad and they had practised some silly songs to sing to him. They had made him a lovely hot chocolate and a pink lemonade (so he had options). He had a lovely, sticky breakfast bun and it was all delivered to him on a nice tray.

Unfortunately, before Oliver got to enjoy his tasty treats - disaster struck.

One of the kiddies accidently knocked over the tray that was resting next to Oliver.

This picture was taken when some of the stuff had already been cleaned up. But you get the idea!!

No point in crying over spilt milk (or hot chocolate and lemonade). We still had a lovely morning :o)

HEY LAWALS - TURN THE TV OFF

2009-06-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

I always really look forward to the summer break. I love the choice I have to lie in or to get up. I love it that I don't have to make pack lunches every morning. I love getting to chill with the kids. As we say in England - a change is as good as a rest.

But love my kids as I do - their squabbling drives me a bit nuts.

So I thought about what the problem could be. TURN THE TV OFF came the reply.

I was letting the kids watch way too much TV. In my mind I was justifying the fact that they need to relax. But I was finding the kids were arguing more and more.

I think the TV was making them brain-dead and cranky - but guess whose in charge around here! So I decided to make the terrifying decision to tell my kids - TURN THE TV OFF!!!!!

During school time, we only watch tv Friday evenings and Saturdays. And so I decided that I needed to cut down the 'tele' watching and see if my nice kids would re-emerge. And they did. I don't think tv is a bad thing. I have some very fond memories of cuddling up on the sofa with the whole family, watching a great film. But too much of anything.......

Anyway, we've had a great couple of days. Limited time watching tv and limited time on the computer has definitely improved the atmosphere in our home.

2009-06-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

Just played Monopoly for 3 hours with Lucy and OJ. It was a really good game. One minute OJ had loads a' money. He was even giving it away because he felt sorry for us. Then he had no money - and was complaining that he had given us some and wanted it back. It was hilarious. Lucy is completely prideful ;o) She was skint at the beginning of the game, constantly begging for money and complaining about losing - and then she became the richest. She would dance around the room singing this 'I'm in Moneyville' song whilst kicking her legs like she was on Broadway. Of course, she wasn't giving any of her money away!! Safe to say I am definitely the most humble Monopoly player in the family :o)

A Day at the Zoo

2009-06-16T12:35:00.000-07:00

What a pleasant day it has been today. From everyone busily helping me get the picnic packed this morning, to getting home and crashing - I have loved every minute.

We saw some freaky faces

Lucy literally had a staring competition with a lizard.
I think he liked her!

And we did get some great tips on hair do's.

They Made it Through the Night!!

2009-06-16T04:38:00.000-07:00

Well I was pretty impressed that all 3 of them made it through the night.

I personally like sleeping in my dry comfy bed. Emily slept in my room last night. It was nice to have some special time with her. Whooped her at UNO though!!

I'm so glad my kids enjoyed their camping experience.

Wonder how long it will last??

2009-06-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Joseph, OJ and Lucy have been planning to camp out in the back garden for a few weeks now. They couldn't wait for the summer holidays to begin. Unfortunately Joseph got a stiff neck last week - and so their very detailed plans had to be postponed.

Here we are setting up. I don't know if it is just me - but I note a hint of sarcasm in Emily's voice as she video's us setting up.

You will notice a lack of Emily in the pictures. She has hightailed it to the pool.

She always was a sensible child.

Oliver is going to be doing a lot of travelling - so I promised I would try and blog more so he can keep up on what we are doing.

So here we are Oliver. The tent actually went up.

It's funny what you can do when you have to. I've never set up a tent in my life. That's Oliver's job!

Hey you never know - maybe when I go on girls camp for a few days - he'll discover what a vacuum cleaner does!!

Naaahhhh!!

Don't know if you can see the sweat dripping off the kids. It's rather hot in the tent.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

2009-06-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

I wasn't in the best of moods last Saturday. Oliver must know me well. He came in from working outside with a gift from my garden. My first two zucchini's. I was ecstatic. I am constantly amazed at how little effort on my part can produce so much.

I LOVE MY GARDEN!!!

It started off like this.

Now look at it!

Latest Sport

2009-06-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

The things you do when you have too much time on your hands

Oliver managed to perfect the new sport

Rock a Bye Baby

2009-05-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

Don't ya just love 'em when they're asleep!!

2009-05-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

This is how Oliver (son, not husband) spent his Sunday evening. Well done Oliver!!! (I just don't have the patience)

He was doing this whilst I read to the family.

This is the book that we are reading. All life has stopped. We had snacks when we got home from church so that we wouldn't have to take long eating or cleaning up afterwards. House is in chaos. But we can't stop reading. I catch the kids trying to read on - and they catch me. We have all now given a solemn promise that we will be patient and only read together!! But it is killing us all - because life has a way of moving on, and all the Lawals want to do right now is read read read.

I highly recommend this book to everyone and anyone. If you like Fantasy, then no matter what your age - this is the book for you. I am 39 and my youngest child is 7 and we are all engrossed.

Why dad travels

2009-05-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

I don't know if from previous entries I have made - some of you have wondered why my husband travels so much. Well perhaps this explains it.

Lessons of Life from a Dog

2009-05-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

I threw a Bridal Shower tonight for a friend of mine - and at around 9.55 pm as we were just cleaning up , and people were leaving - I let my little dog Molly out for her usually 'call of nature'. Everyone left and I decided to send photo's of the evening to those who had been at the party. At around 10.35 pm I decided it was time to go to bed, so I called for Molly to go for one last 'wee' before bed. I couldn't find her. Then I remembered I had never actually let her in after the first one. I went to the back door and there she was waiting patiently for me. She came in as if I were the best person in the world. If my husband had locked me out and forgotten about me - I wouldn't have spoken to him for a month. But my dog comes in with nothing but gratitude. Eeeh, I've still got a long way to go. Even my dog's more righteous!

Strawberry Picking

2009-05-02T12:23:00.000-07:00

From this

To this

To This!!! Mmmmmmmm. (Yes I like a little strawberry with my sugar)

And This

2009-05-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

Whilst in my front yard - I came upon Peter. My foot and he were about to meet intimately. Luckily I spotted him at the last minute. He was so cute, I had to keep him just long enough for my kids to meet him, name him, and ask incessantly if we could keep him.

Here we are setting him free.

14 Years Later ....

2009-04-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

Four kids on, 4 countries on - here we are celebrating our 14th wedding anniversary! With the ups and downs of life, it was great to get away to Ashville for the weekend. Just the two of us!! It is the second time in our 14 years together that we have had a weekend alone without our kiddies and it was needed, appreciated and will long be remembered as a cherished moment with my husband.

Here we are, attached by the feet, floating lazily along the French Broad River.

Forgot our suncream - so our legs are a bit frazzled - but no pain no gain!

This is where the story begins! Traditional English wedding attire. No laughing please!

To check out what my kids got up to whilst we were away - take a look at Devin and Caroline's blog in My Blog List. You can tell they really missed us!

Compromise

2009-04-23T03:13:00.000-07:00

I have always said that Oliver's little car won't appear on my blog. Might seem a bit strange to some - but I have my reasons ;o{ Anyway, the reason we went to the car show was not only to look at some beautiful cars, but also to enter his in a competition. Apart from us having a lovely time, basking in the hot sun and getting fried, Oliver's car did actually win his class. I didn't want to put this picture on my blog because Oliver's car was on it, but Oliver came up with an ingenious way for me to show the proud moment, without me having to 'show off' his car. I guess marriage is full of compromise :o)

Confident Chap!

2009-04-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons I love Oliver is because of his confidence. We went as a family to a car show on Saturday. Great day out. He remembered, just as we were getting into the car, that there would be a pinewood derby at the show - and he thought he'd enter. So this is what he came up with. Just look at it next to the other cars! But he said he would enter and enter he did!

Your car can't be more than 9 inches long - and because the tape measure is part of the car, he was able to actually extend the tape measure so that his car measured exactly 9 inches. Am I wrong in thinking that women carry too much guilt to do this kind of thing? We'd be all apologies. But not my Oliver. He'd have extended the whole length of the track if he could. Anyway Oliver - you did us proud!

Whose in Charge?!?!

2009-04-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Oliver is away in England this week. I know the children miss their daddy, so I always try and make this a special time for them, and I normally allow them to sleep in my room at night and we read a book together. But the last few times they've slept in my room - it has been such a mess that this time I said - 'One child each night can sleep in my room'. 'We'll still read together, but after that, the other 3 children must go!!!' So after my very firm instructions to my children - I went to the bathroom to get ready for bed. I WAS NO MORE THAN 5 MINUTES. This is what I can back to. They'd even managed to silently move a mattress into my room! WHOSE IN CHARGE HERE???

Miss My Hubby

2009-04-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Came home the other evening to my hubby serenading me. He thought it would be hilarious to give himself a mustache, just to add to the ambiance. He knows how much I love a mustache!!!(sorry to all those out there with mustaches - nothing personal). BUT I HATE THEM!!! Well I thought I'd have the last laugh. I went upstairs and hid all his razors. Thought I'd give him a day to sweat it out. Sadly the next day - after a bit of rooting around - he managed to find a razor and shave it off. I'll do better next time Oliver!!!!!

Anyway - now he's away again - and I miss him. Looking forward to having you back at the weekend Ol.

We're not dramatic - it really was scary!!!

2009-04-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

We had such a great day at the Lazy 5 Ranch. Lots of screaming and drama - but we loved it! Well, most of us did!

Good catch
I just love those teeth!
Want a kiss?
I do love my kids
I love it that Emily is learning to be a little more demonstrative with Joseph. So cute.
Emily, you might be squeezing a little too hard sweetie pie!
All right - what's going on??
Emily - let go of your brother!
I blame her father!!!

2009-04-05T16:47:00.000-07:00

Loved General Conference weekend.
Loved the inspired messages from our church leaders.
Loved being with my family.
Loved the fabulous weather.
I have so much to be grateful for. So much to live up to!

The only one that didn't have such a great time was Molly.

Fun in the Sun

2009-04-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Oliver and I decided to plant a Japanese Maple. Oliver!! Oliver!!!. Oh, there you are.
Some may call it jetlag from his recent trip to Berlin. There are other choice words that I could call it!
I was just teasing!! Look at him go! Now there's no stopping him.
Molly felt the whole proceedings were very immature.

Sweet Bread Recipe

2009-04-02T07:59:00.001-07:00

I love a good recipe - and yesterday I made a sweet bread and added cranberries and blueberries. Really enjoyed it so - thought I'd share ....

3 large eggs (room temperature)
1/4 cup + 3 1/2 Tbs Water
6 Tbs sour cream
6 Tbs butter
6 Tbs granulated sugar
4 1/2 cups bread flour
1 Tbs yeast
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup frozen blueberries
3 Tbs wheat gluten (not necessary if you don't have any - but helps make your bread light)

Place ingredients in bread machine on dough cycle. Take out and cut dough in half. Split between two bread pans that have been lightly sprayed with oil. Cook for about 35 to 40 minutes on 350 degrees.

PMS

2009-04-02T07:19:00.001-07:00

I am 40 next year and I am noticing as the months roll into years that my PMS is getting a little more intense. I have always taken medication in the form of M&M's, but even that doesn't seem to be helping lately. So today I went online to see if there was anything I could do to help my family!!! I am not one to take over the counter medicine easily - I just don't think that pharmaceutical companies have my best interest at heart, so I wondered if there was a more natural approach to helping me with my dreaded HORMONES. For anyone out there who also 'suffers' with PMS, I thought I would share what I found.

Neptune Krill Oil, Magnesium and Iodine taken daily.

Now you have to understand that there was a book explaining all the ins and outs of these products - and my blog is not the place. But the Author of the book is Andrew P Jones MD, and the name of the book is 'The All Natural Cure For your PMS.

If it doesn't work - try M&Ms

I don't ask for much

2009-04-01T05:49:00.001-07:00

This is Caro!

I like Caro!!!
This is how much I have left!!

You can buy it in Germany!

My beloved is in Germany this week. Apparently he may not be able to bring some back because his suitcase is full!

Well honey, ditch the shoes - and bring me back some Caro. OR THE CAR GETS IT!!!

Green Frogs

2009-04-01T01:34:00.000-07:00

My hubby says that a person should 'swallow a green frog every morning'. For those who are as confused as I was when I first heard him say it - he means get one of your jobs done early, that you just don't want to, but should. Well, Oliver is away in Germany at the moment, and whilst the 'cat is away, the mice will play' so to speak, and I got this urge to watch Twilight. I never ever watch tv during the day. In fact, I would get rid of the TV if I could. But, this was a big urge - so I went and rented it. But my conscience, being a lot bigger than my husbands - who really wouldn't have cared if I had watched it or not, I decided that I had to swallow some green frogs before my relaxation began.

So the jobs that have been weighing on my mind were the vegetable plot, and the basement. Aaaaagghhh, does no-one pity me?!?!?!? Especially the basement. All the skirting boards (baseboards) need painting, two doors, the bathroom ceiling and a window frame. And just look at my veggie plot!!

So yesterday I donned my 'wellies' and went to work in the garden. As you can see in less than one hour, I had finished the top part of the plot. (Ooh, Oliver will probably read this - soooo...., in less than 4 hours I had finished the top part of the plot). I was very impressed. Then I went to the basement and taped all the things that need painting. Along with the usual homey things that a mum does each day - you know, the kitchen after the kids have left, the washing in, washing out, washing away, and vacuuming the living room - I sat down conscience free to watch Twilight!

So I thought I would commit myself to anyone who actually reads this stuff - that I will get some of my green frogs eaten today and will begin painting. (But honestly, I have learned that having someone chew on a frog with you is so much easier than doing it alone). Therefore, I am really missing Oliver right now.

Who Says You Can't Teach Old Dogs New Tricks?!?

2009-03-31T04:02:00.000-07:00

God's Gifts

2009-03-31T02:49:00.000-07:00

This is probably a bit of an odd addition to my blog. But nature has always moved me. Last night as I was trying to organise some of my photo's, I came across these. I thought about how this is the everyday stuff that God made for us. The stuff we take for granted. The plants are the weeds that we tend to walk over or walk by on our way to the roses. Maybe there's a lesson in life somewhere in there.

Archery Tournament

2009-03-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

So proud of my girl. Emily shot in an Archery Tournament on Friday. She shot fabulously. Last year at the Tournament, with over 200 students competing, she came 2nd in the girls - we were thrilled. This year Oliver and I were able to go down and support her and it was such fun watching her whoop any of her previously existing scores. She was so disappointed that she wasn't placed this year - (she is a little more competitive than her mum, and of course she didn't go down there to lose). But this year there were Middle and High schools competing so we know the competition was a lot tougher. But not a bad thing. I look forward to her practicing over the summer and going back to shoot it out again next year.

Be Prepared!

2009-03-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

For many years now I have known the importance of food storage and generally getting prepared for whatever life throws at you. But knowing the importance and actually doing anything about it are two very different things. It possibly hasn't helped with us moving countries and having to leave the food that we have built up behind. But when we moved to the states at the end of 2005, I felt a real urge to get my food storage started. Honestly, I felt a little overwhelmed and didn't really know where to begin. That has always been my biggest problem. I see the end result - and know I need to achieve it, but forget that I don't need to do it all in one day.

So I started small. Buying extra stuff each week and if we did get any spare money, Oliver and I decided to put it into buying more for our storage. And I can see that we have been blessed. Our storage is getting bigger slowly but surely.

You don't need to be a Latter Day Saint (Mormon) to believe in getting prepared for the future. It is purely common sense, as our economic times are telling us. But our church has been telling its members and anyone else who is willing to listen to get their lives in order, to get out of debt and get in a 3 months supply of the foods that they normally eat and a years worth of long-term foods such as wheat and rice and beans.

Anyway, the church certainly practices what it preaches as this article shows. If you want more information on our views or help getting started please send me a comment and I'll do my best to get more info. I feel so strongly about this and just want the world to know.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/408/story/629338.html

Sultan's Ride

2009-03-26T04:35:00.000-07:00

Family back home don't get to see my kids progress, and that's one of the main reasons I started this blog. So here is Joseph playing The Sultan's Ride. I am very proud of him.

Tribute to my best friend

2009-03-25T08:02:00.001-07:00

This is absolutely my last blog of the day. I DO HAVE A LIFE YA KNOW!!!!

This morning I misplaced $400. Not a sum to be sniffed at. I searched the whole house. Every nook and cranny. It was no-where to be found. Oliver has been telling me for months that he isn't too confident that I have so much cash around. He's concerned that it might get lost or stolen. So with a little trepidation, I went down to the basement (he works from home) and told him of my dilemna.

His reaction was, 'Oh dear'. (very English). But even after saying that, he apologised and said, "sorry, I didn't mean to sound condescending". (which he didn't).

After almost 14 years of marriage - I want to say how I appreciate that I can approach my husband about my mistakes. Of course we've had to work at these things, just like any other couple. But his reaction made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I felt bad enough about what I had done - without someone else bearing down on me.

I love you Oliver and just wanted the world to know that you are a good man and I'm glad you're mine!!!!

As a little addition - I just found the money! PHEW

Thought for the Day

2009-03-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this quote by President Monson.

He counselled:

You be the one to make a stand for right, even if you stand alone. Have the moral courage to be a light for others to follow. There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with the confidence that you are worthy to do so.

Oh Poop!

2009-03-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

I really am embarrassed mum!

It won't happen again, I promise!

Back to being pampered

Homework

2009-03-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

How many places can you find to do your homework?

2009-03-23T03:38:00.000-07:00

With church being in the afternoon, I have been feeling a little dissatisfied with my Sunday mornings. So after reading an article in 'The Friend' about a family doing Sunday Stations, we decided we'd give it a go. So we do 10 minute stations and then rotate. It was great.

Station #1: Write an email or letter to a family member or friend.

Station #2: For Lucy it was drawing something uplifting, this week she drew a picture of the family being together forever. For the the boys they will work on their Religious Knot for scouting, and for Emily she will work on her Personal Progress.

Station #3: Writing in your journal

Station #4: Reading something uplifting with mum, either The Friend or New Era.

2009-03-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

It's taken me a week to figure out how to get pictures onto the left hand side of the page - and now I've started, I just can't stop.

Heck how did that one get there.

Funny, I seem to have figured out how to put them on -
I just can't seem to delete.

But since that picture is up - I hope none of you are laughing at my husband. Because laughing at people is rude, especially when someone is poorly, and my husband was very poorly on that day!

Robin Hood or Maid Marion

2009-03-19T05:57:00.000-07:00

Emily and Joseph have been having a verbal competition. Who is fastest; Emily with her bow and arrow, or Joseph with his sword. I told them that there was no use talking about it - we needed to see some action. So here it is:

What an Experience

2009-03-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

What a fabulous experience for my kids. My neighbour, pictured there in the top photo, was asked to raise 'Bucky' when he was only 2 days old, after authorities found his mother dead. Bucky ended up living in our garden (yard for you locals), and we got to bottle feed him every day. He has now been returned to the wild and visits on occasion where we can view him at a distance.

Fun in the snow

2009-03-19T05:32:00.000-07:00

It does make me laugh that school was cancelled for this amount of snow - but hey, the kids had a blast!

Treat yourself

2009-03-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

I find that when I look too far ahead - I get discouraged. For example, if I think about jogging every day for the rest of my life, I just want to sleep. So, I am slowly learning to take it one day at a time.

I did jog again this morning - and although I am walking like John Wayne, I'm glad I did it.

I am finding - as I draw nearer to 40 that I need more balance in my life; hence the jogging. Exercise has never really been a part of my life, and not one that comes naturally to me. But another area that I am trying to improve in, is my general health and the way I look.

I don't like spending a lot of money on beauty products - as I don't think they work. But here is a routine I am getting in to and I find that for me, I am seeing the benefits.

So this morning, before getting into the shower, I heated up a 1/4 cup of olive oil and over the sink, I poured it over my dry hair. I massage it into my scalp and hair. Now for a 'deep' moisturising experience, you can wrap a warm towel around your head and keep it on for 20 minutes. I didn't have time this morning. So after massaging it in my hair for a minute I washed it out thoroughly and then conditioned my hair as normal. (I have done this on my girls hair too, with great results.)

Then I use equal portions of olive oil and brown sugar, and in the shower I use it as a facial scrub. I have to be gentle because it is very abrasive - but it is excellent. The dry patches that I used to have on my face (that would show up most when I had put foundation on), are now completely gone.

I didn't do it this morning, but a few times a week, I heat up honey and put it on my face and leave it on for about 1/2 an hour.

I have combination skin and I found that my overall skin condition is a lot more even. But I don't know if it is the scrub or the honey, but I have to presume it is a combination of the two.

For some, this may be nothing new - but to be honest, I wish someone had told me about this years ago!

Sometimes you should just stay in bed!

2009-03-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

Just popped into Harris Teeter to grab some fruit and veg. There was another gentleman at the apples along side me. I turned and put my bananas in my trolley and continued choosing some juicy green apples. He said 'excuse me'. Well I could see I wasn't in his way, and he wasn't in mine - so I just said 'no problem'. Then he said 'excuse me', again, 'but your putting your food into my trolley'. We both laughed, and I apologised. I transferred my stuff from his trolley to mine. Then he said 'actually, your taking my food too'.

I knew I shouldn't have exercised this morning!

2009-03-16T06:30:00.001-07:00

I've had my very first comments. I can hardly believe it I am so excited. I feel all ....... BLOGGED!!!!!

2009-03-16T05:48:00.000-07:00

I abused my body terribly this morning; or so it tells me. 'What did I do to deserve this', I hear it say. I woke up this morning feeling that I needed some exercise. So I went jogging/walking. Isn't it meant to make you feel better? Aren't I meant to come home feeling enthused about life. Isn't my mind supposed to be clearer.

I just want to sleep!!!!

Okay, okay - I had a shower and got ready for the day, and in hindsight, it probably was a good thing to do. But I just think too much of a good thing 'n' all that. Certainly don't want to over do it!!!!!!!!

Women's gifts

2009-03-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a great book called The Incredible Gifts of Women by Barbara Barrington Jones. I liked some of the gems I read and thought I'd share them:

The gift of Happiness:

When you continually look to the future for your happiness, you guarantee you'll never be happy.

Wherever You Are - Be There

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

This reminds me of the wonderful quote in the all wise film, Kung Fu Panda:

The past is history, the future a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it is called the present.

2009-03-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

Monday's child is fair of face,
Tuesday's child is full of grace,
Wednesday's child is full of woe,
Thursday's child has far to go.
Friday's child is loving and giving,
Saturday's child works hard for a living,
But the child born on the Sabbath Day,
Is fair and wise and good and gay.

1st attempt

2009-03-14T17:42:00.000-07:00

Sat here in my basement with my friend Tiff. Bless her heart, she is patiently teaching me how to set up my blog. I'm actually quite excited. I have so many friends and family that I don't keep up with - that hopefully I can have a central location where all my friends and family can keep up with me!

I'd like to remember this moment. Tiff and I are sat 'blogging' whilst our husbands practice for a 'gig' they will be playing at at the end of March. I have chocolate in front of me, my feet up and life is good.

Wasn't really sure how I'd feel about blogging - but I can see that it could be fairly easy for me to get addicted. Oliver, my husband has been trying to get me to do this for a while. I think he now may regret it. They'll be no house cleaning, no meals cooked!! Just blogging, blogging, blogging. I've just got to figure out how to get some pictures up of my babies! One step at a time.