Caravan Update

We actually got to go to the factory workshop where our caravan is being built the other day to see how it was coming along.

Our kitchen area.

Our Bedroom

The boys bunk beds

The deck on the side

It is all looking really good. The colours I chose are all looking good together and I can't wait to spend Easter in the caravan at our new site.

Kelly Tarltons

The boys Daycare have been doing an under water theme for the the term and so decided to take the older children to Auckland to Kelly Tarltons which is an underwater experience place with penguins and fish.

Unfortunately they went on a day that the boys were not attending daycare so if we wanted to join them we had to drive up seperately.

We decided to do this and also asked our friends Wendy and Eleanor to join us for the day.

So we had a road trip with 2 adults and 3 children, what fun!

We actually had a great day out. The kids were great in the car on the long drive north and they had a blast at Kelly Tarltons, they loved the sting ray and walking in the tunnel to see all the fish.

We even saw them diving in the tank and cleaning it out. The kids thought it was great to see someone in there!

Kelly Tarltons was built over 10 years ago under ground. They made a huge fish tank and then placed a tunnel through it so the fish are all swimming around you as you walk through. There is also an antarctic experience all about Scott Base and real live penguins in their own special built area.

How Cute

Steve and I are both Theatre Nurses and so we have some wonderful hats floating around the house.

I had one at work the other day and Alex found it.

Not sure if this is a Surgeon or Theatre Nurse in the making!?

366 Posts

Man I never realised how difficult it would be to get this goal.
We are half way through the 3rd month and already I am about 7 posts behind.
Ok I did leave my engagement post up as the main one for a week and never posted anything after it so everyone always came to that one first!

So why am I behind??
Time mainly, I think about things to post about and really should write them down so when I do get the chance to post I have a list to flow from. Although if you have pictures involved it just takes so long to up load them. Yes I know I should change their size so they don't take so long but hey in reality I just have to multi skill more.....set the pictures to up load and then do something around the hosue while they are loading..easy really when you know how.

Anyway, I am trying to reach my goal, still have lots of the year left, thus the reason I chose to do 366 posts and not one a day.
I will do it, I have faith in myself.

Hope your week goes well, mine is very busy, yes somethings I can blog about so you see them when I get 5 minutes to post.

Expo

I have just spent the whole weekend at an expo promoting Parents Centre.

I had lots of fun doing this, but man am I tired.

Today was quieter than yesterday but each day was still great.

It is fun promoting something you know so much about and are passionate about.

We have another expo in May that we are attending, so this was a good practice run for that, iron out a few kinks, see how things worked and whether we want to do them differently next time.

All good fun at the end of the day.

Happy Birthday

I heard on the radio today that Pam Ayres is 60.

Pam is a poet from England who writes the most humorous poems and my mum thinks she is great.

She writes poems about any old thing, and with her quaint accent they always sound so good.

So Happy Birthday to someone who makes us all laugh.

The Wall

There is a wall by a junction that we pass through everyday. And everyday as we are sitting at the lights Alex will pipe up and tell you that his daddy is going to get his ladder and bring it to the wall and then Alex will be able to climb over!

Not sure how this started, but it is so cute to have Alex planning how things are going to get done and who is going to do them.

Our Little Helpers

Our two little munchkins have really got into wanting to help us do things.

Ben is always planning what job myself or Steve can be doing next. How we will do it and also when!

Alex has just reached the stage of actually wanting to help you do something, like washing up or cooking the dinner.

We have fights in our house over who is placing the fish fingers on the oven tray to cook them and also who is going to stir the Mac Cheese when it is ready!

Shame they haven't yet learnt how to get the vacuum cleaner out when it is needed or how to clean the toilet? Maybe it will happen one day?

Although I am not going to hold my breath over it!

PS I Love You

Only when they started to advertise this movie did I know it was being made, or had been made.

I read the book last year, it took me several attempts to read it, but keep trying I did.

It was reasonable, not one of the all time greats but something to read none the less.

It was the authors first book.

So here I had the afternoon to myself to get all my reports done for the AGM tomorrow night at Parents Centre and I take myself off to the movies with my last free movie pass I had.

It never happens that I have an afternoon like that so it was a nice feeling, plus I also know that Steve would never of wanted to see this movie.

And after watching it I am glad I never sat him through it.

It was different, well done considering I knew the story line and I can totally see how that poor guy in Christchurch fell a sleep during it when seeing it with his girlfriend. Totally different thing but some guy fell a sleep whilst watching this and his girlfriend got so annoyed at him she left him there sleeping and he got locked in the cinema. When he woke at 3am he set off the alarms trying to get out and the police were called!

This is definitely not a bloke movie, but a good thing to watch when there is nothing else. Some very sexy men in it and some beautiful scenes of Ireland.

So snuggle down with the popcorn when your man is away and watch it in the comfort of your own living room.

Favours

One of the joys of planning a wedding is organising all the little bits.

Wedding favours is one of those such things.

Now who ever came up with the idea of giving gifts to those that attend your wedding? I thought they were meant to bring you gifts?

I do remember at all the weddings I attended in England we always got a little sample of Sugared Almonds, I am sure this because someone had a deal with a dentist, near half broke your teeth trying to eat them!

So the big question is how do you find something different that hasn't been done too often before, that won't break the budget but stayes within your theme?

Do we have personalised chocolates?

Candles?

Gift Boxes?

Or some other little favour to say thank you for attending?

The joys of planning a wedding!

Why We Love Children

1. A nursery school pupil told his teacher he'd found a cat, but it was dead.
'How do you know that the cat was dead?' she asked her pupil.
'Because I pissed in its ear and it didn't move,' answered the child innocently.
'You did WHAT?' the teacher exclaimed in surprise.
'You know,' explained the boy, 'I leaned over and went 'Pssst' and it didn't move'

2. A small boy is sent to bed by his father.
Five minutes later.....'Da-ad....
''What?'' I'm thirsty. Can you bring a drink of water?
''No, You had your chance. Lights out.
'Five minutes later: 'Da-aaaad.....
''WHAT?''I'm THIRSTY. Can I have a drink of water??''
I told you NO! If you ask again, I'll have to smack you!!'
Five minutes later......'Daaaa-aaaad.....
''WHAT!''When you come in to smack me, can you bring a drink of water?'

3. An exasperated mother, whose son was always getting into mischief, finally asked him
'How do you expect to get into Heaven?'
The boy thought it over and said,
'Well, I'll run in and out and in and out and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says,
'For Heaven'ssake, Dylan, come in or stay out!''

4. One summer evening during a violent thunderstorm a mother was tucking her son into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice,
'Mummy, will you sleep with me tonight?'
The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug.
'I can't dear,' she said. 'I have to sleep in Daddy's room.'
A long silence was broken at last by his shaky little voice:
'The big sissy.'

5. It was that time, during the Sunday morning service, for the children's sermon.
All the children were invited to come forward.
One little girl was wearing a particularly pretty dress and, as she sat down, the minister leaned over and said,
'That is a very pretty dress. Is it your Easter Dress?'
The little girl replied, directly into the minister's clip-on microphone,
'Yes, and my Mum says it's a bitch to iron.'

6. When I was six months pregnant with my third child, my three year old came into the room when I was just getting ready to get into the shower.
She said, 'Mummy, you are getting fat!'
I replied, 'Yes, honey, remember Mummy has a baby growing in her tummy.'
'I know,' she replied, but what's growing in your bum?'

7. A little boy was doing his math homework.
He said to himself, 'Two plus five, that son of a bitch is seven. Three plus six, that son of a bitch is nine....'
His mother heard what he was saying and gasped, 'What are you doing?'
The little boy answered, 'I'm doing my math homework, Mum.''
And this is how your teacher taught you to do it?' the mother asked
'Yes,' he answered.
Infuriated, the mother asked the teacher the next day, 'What are you teaching my son in math?'
The teacher replied, 'Right now, we are learning addition.'
The mother asked, 'And are you teaching them to say two plus two, that son of a bitch is four?'
After the teacher stopped laughing, she answered,
'What I taught them was, two plus two, THE SUM OF WHICH, is four.'

Dress

Today I sadly had my first encounter with panic over something to do with the wedding.

Only one of the most major areas - the dress!

The lady in the shop told me what I wanted was out of style and I would never find it anywhere. She suggested I find a picture (nie impossible) and take it to a designer to make!

If I could actually find a picture that would help. If I could find a paper pattern from the fabric store that would help to, it seems that if you want to get married these days you have to want to wear strapless and that is it!

I got told I was an older lady, with children and was out of touch with styles today!

Not sure what all this had to do with finding a dress for my first and last wedding but hey there you go.

After sobbing with my Aunty and Sister-in-Law in Rotorua, we finally got things sorted and would you believe the style I want is perfect for me and can be made very simply and effortlessly.

I also got a makeup and hair person at the same time so things are falling back into place again.

All I Want for Christmas....

Well I did want a ring...but oh look I just got that.

So I will tell you about the other thing I want....

A charm bracelet, but not just any, a Pandora Charm Bracelet.

Now I never had a charm bracelet as a little girl, but these ones are so me.

Ideal for all sorts of occassions to receive the beads or charms, would make gift time so easy, yet expensive.

I had just mentioned to Steve that I know what I want for Christmas, his response was that I had received more than my fair share this year with my ring.

But a girl can always dream, although having just checked out the price I will be dreaming for many a year to come.

House

The house is coming along nicely.

The kitchen is stripped and we are now waiting for the new kitchen to be delivered and installed. This is happening the week after Easter.

In the mean time we are all helping to get the place sorted.

Our little helpers are so good at stripping the walls for us.

What a Week

This last week has been busy but in that time I think I have secured a venue for the ceremony, afternoon tea and evening reception!

How is that for the first week of being engaged?!

You may remember my 2 posts about the Hamilton Gardens? Well this is where we are going to hold our wedding.

Now ok we are holding it in September, which to all you readers up north is similar to your March time, so may be a lovely day but will still be slightly cold.

But I think the gardens will be beautiful even at this time of year. The picture below shows you the inside of the greenhouse where the ceremony will take place.

Nothing too fancy, just a celebrant and a small ceremony. Everyone will stand whilst it takes place and then they will go off to the pavilion for afternoon tea. Then they will be free to wander around the gardens before the evening reception.

Will keep you posted of things as they happen.

Party Blog

Them wonderful people over at 5minutesformum are hosting a party. Go check them out and meet some new people.

I am the mum to 2 gorgeous little boys, who one minute I want to have adopted and then the next want to love for ever. They are a delight and even though I find it hard work I wouldn't change anything.

This year is going to be very busy for us as we have just brought a new house and are replacing the kitchen in it prior to moving in. It also needs decorating throughout the whole house!

To add to this my partner of 8 years has just proposed to me and so now we are planning our wedding for September.

I post about anything that is going on with us, funny, cute, interesting or weird. I like having an avenue to just say what I like. It also gives my family a chance to catch up with what we are doing as they do not live close to us. My parents are currently living in Dubai and we are in New Zealand. So blogging helps them see what the boys are up to.

So much going on and I know the year will just disappear so fast but in that time I will have fun getting to know lots more people out there in the world.

So get your party going cause I'm on my way over.

OMG

I was trying to think of a wonderful thing to say, the right line or phrase, but nothing comes to mind, so I will just try simple and honest....

Steve proposed to me last night

I said yes

We are getting married in September

The ring is a beautiful yellow gold with 3 square diamonds set on the top. They are decoratively set on the top not within the ring. Very difficult to explain so have included a picture.

Don't seem to be able to get a great picture, but you can get the general feel etc

Ring is a little large so have to take it to get resized today.

He was all very lovely about it, took me out for a drink and then during the evening got down on one knee and asked me.

He had even asked my parents! Just like I wanted (but that is another story)

So know we just have the pleasure of telling everyone in the family. My parents know and so do my best friends but difficult to come home at 11pm and start calling people, so a wonderful job to do today.

Just Beads

You may remember the beautiful necklace I got given by my friends and colleagues in Auckland when I left last year.

The necklace consisted of 3 strands with a large pendant at the base. It is beautiful but too much for me to wear, plus it is very heavy.

Up the road from our house here in Hamilton is a 'Just Bead It' shop, which sells everything you need to make jewellery. A friend mentioned to me that maybe I might consider taking it to them and getting it seperated into 2 smaller necklaces that I might stand a chance at wearing.

Great idea I thought, so I took it up to them and their answer was sure you can do that no problem, with you being the thing.

So I did as instructed and have ended up with 2 gorgeous necklaces which I have had the pleasure of wearing many times since then.

Unfortunately this got me onto the designing front and the next thing I know I have developed another hobby.

I made a bracelet for each of my cousins daughters for Christmas and a necklace for my Sister-in-law. I have also made 2 more necklaces for myself.

Delicate but perfect for me.

Leap Year

So would you propose on Feb 29?

I often wonder where this folklore/legend/mith came from? Here are a few answers I found on the web, all pretty much the same answer, but interesting just the same.

As you will see in this post, I won't be proposing today, but good luck to all who do.

Answer #1
In 1288, Queen Margaret of Scotland decreed that in a leap year, a woman could pop the question to any man, so long as he was single.

Should he refuse such an offer, he should be fined pounds 1.
Alternatively, the lady could claim a silk gown as compensation.

According to Nancy Fenton, the head of marketing at webwedding.co.uk, this was the origin of the phrase "scarlet woman". "In order to propose on a leap year, the woman had to wear a red petticoat sticking out under her skirt," Ms Fenton explains.

"This meant that it was bad luck for the man to refuse."

Answer #2
Rules of courtship are quite different these days (and much less strict), but long ago women who were hoping to marry had to wait for their beaus to propose.
They were not "allowed" to pop the question themselves, except on one day: on a leap year (February 29th) -- also known as Sadie Hawkins Day -- which occurs every four years.
The tradition dates back hundreds of years, to when the leap year was not recognized by English law; the day was simply "leapt over" and ignored.
Since it had no legal status, formal traditions did not apply on this day.
Consequently, women who were not content to wait for a proposal took advantage of this anomaly and popped the question themselves.
It was also thought that since leap year corrected the discrepancy between the calendar year (365 days) and the time it takes for the earth to complete one orbit of the sun (365 days and 6 hours), it was an opportunity for women to correct a tradition that was one-sided and unfair.
Go ladies of yore!

Why Parents Drink

The boss wondered why one of his most valued employees had not phoned in sick one day. Having an urgent problem with one of the main computers, he dialed the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper.

" Hello " "Is your daddy home?" he asked.
" Yes ," whispered the small voice.

May I talk with him?"
The child whispered, " No ."

Surprised and wanting to talk with an adult, the boss asked,
"Is your Mommy there?"
" Yes ."

"May I talk with her?"
Again the small voice whispered, " No"

“Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked,
"Is anybody else there?"
" Yes ," whispered the child, "a policeman ".

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked,
"May I speak with the policeman?"
" No, he's busy ", whispered the child.

"Busy doing what?"
" Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the Fireman ," came the whispered answer.

Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background through the earpiece on the phone, the boss asked,
"What is that noise?"
" A helicopter " answered the whispering voice.

"What ! is going on there?" demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive.
Again, whispering, the child answered, " The search team just landed a helicopter ."

Alarmed, concerned and a little frustrated the boss asked,
"What are they searching for?"

Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle...

"ME ."

New Toy for Me

Finally after 6 months of saying I needed this I went out and brought myself one.

A new phone that is. My old one finally died a sad death on me.

This new one has all the bells and whistles, not that I needed all that, but that is what they all come with nowadays!

So, blue tooth, MP3 player, radio, camera and calendar later I have a pretty cute phone.

It is a Nokia 6234, easy to use and so nice to look at.

Funny Feelings

Alex has taken to crouching up on his chair when he is eating.
This is fine apart from of course he cuts of the circulation to his feet!
Of course nothing major because he just ends up with Pins and Needles in his feet, or at least that feeling anyway.

A couple of weeks ago I told him what the feeling was when he was complaining his feet felt funny and yester day after breakfast he came running to find me to inform me he had 'pins needle mummy'

It was so cute that he remembered.

Ben Never Forgets

For dinner the other evening I made Corn Beef Pie (I will add the recipe as it is yum)
Now this was a slight experiment as the boys have never really taken to this and I decided it was time they tried it again.

Alex ploughed into it along with red sauce and plum sauce.

Me I usually have HP Sauce or Plum Sauce, same as Steve.

Ben took one look at what was on his plate and immediately informed us that this is what we had for lunch when Uncle Peter came to visit in Auckland.

Well blow me down with a feather, how does the boy remember this stuff, because Peter came to lunch when we were fixing the house up to sell, so we are talking June or July last YEAR.

Even I couldn't tell you if that was the last time we had the pie, I could tell you what we had to eat when Peter was there but how did a 4 1/2 yr old remember that.

Man he amazes us sometimes with the things he remembers.

Makes me realise I will have to be very careful what I do when Steve is at work because I think I have a little spy amongst us who will report all back to Steve!

Recipe as promised:

Potato & Corn Beef Wedge

Ingredients
4-5 medium potatos, peeled and cooked
340g can Corn Beef
1-2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup finely chopped spring onions
2 cups grated cheese
4 eggs
1 tbsp hot mustard or wholegrain mustard
ground black pepper


Method
Preheat oven to 180c
Grease and paper line a 23cm loose bottom cake tin
Mix all ingredients together apart from 1/2 cup of cheese
Pile into the greased tin, sprinkle remaining cheese on top
Bake for 45mins. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 mins before turning out.
Slice and serve with salad and sauces/chutney

Recipe came from www.foodinaminute.co.nz
Hope you enjoy

New Thing

Apart from stripping out the kitchen we have managed to do one more improvement on the house.

Steve has fixed the door stop on the back door.

Hot Air

One morning last week as Steve got up for work, he told me about the balloons in the sky. As Alex was snoozing with us he woke too and so him and I went outside in our Pj's and watched the balloons going over.
It was so quiet and peaceful you could hear them turn on the gas!

Boats

When we were at the Hamilton Gardens one time there was a model boat display on the lake. The boys thought this was great fun and had a lovely time studying the boats and watching them in action

So if we move this piece here and put that over there do you think anyone will notice?

Dahlia Pictures

Finally blogger has let me add the pictures to my Dahlia blog
So go check them out here
It has only taken 3 attempts!

The Tree

When we drove home from shopping today we found this

Now the weather is not as happy sunny as it was last week, but it is only persitent wet, not storms or showers.

So maybe someone said boo to the tree and it fell over in fright?

Good thing about it was that we didn't like the tree anyway and it was going to get taken out, but just not as soon as this. Maybe it didn't want to stick around and see what we had planned for it.

So house with the tree

And house now without the tree

Songs on the Radio

I have the radio on at every possible moment, sometimes I do like the quiet, but I enjoy hearing the songs etc and also singing along!
As with anything a new song will come on that I am taken with and so I get into it and am always singing it when ever it is on.
Now of course Ben has grown up with Classic Hits on the radio, although Alex has as well, and I remember the day early last year when Ben sang along to the theme ad for the radio station, it had Steve and I in fits of laughter. He had been hearing it since before he was born!

Well Ben now knows that mummy sings along to certain songs (well all songs really) and therefore when they come on the radio there are suddenly big shouts of "it's your song mummy"
The first song for them to do this too was Mika - Grace Kelly, don't ask why I liked this song, but I fell for it from the first moment I heard it, it was catchy and fun and I now even have the album.
This last few months my song has been Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry.
I was even lucky enough to see her sing this live at the Police Concert in January, as she was one of the opening acts.
Of course I know the words to these 2 songs rather well so singing along in the car is easy, but what makes it even more fun is when you have a 4 year old in the back seat attempting to sing along with you.
Ben has only done this twice so far, once when he was with just me and then yesterday on the way to work. Steve of course had never heard this and was wetting himself with laughter at Ben squeaking along to Fergie.
He doesn't know all the words, just some of the chorus and the last words on some of the lines. So you hear him mumbling something and then saying the last word.

It is so cute. Definitely one of those feel good things that your kids do.

100 Things about me

1. I was born in Southampton, England in the same hospital as most of my relatives, and where I went to visit my cousin after she was born when I was 15.
2. We left there when I was 5.
3. I have one baby brother
4. When I was 7 we moved to Kuwait, yes the place of the Gulf War.
5. When I was 11 we moved to Jordan.
6. That was when I went to Boarding School in England.
7. I stayed there for 6 years and loved every minute of it.
8. In that time my parents lived in England, France and America.
9. I learnt to play the clarinet at school
10. I still have my clarinet
11. I can still play if I try really hard!
12. When I finished school in England my parents were still in the US so I joined them.
13. I went to High School Band Camp in 87
14. Although I never got to play in the High School Band as I never started High School
15. I was going to be a Junior at Wapakoneta, Ohio High School
16. My father got asked to leave the US due to being an Illegal Alien with no current visa!
17. I could have stayed as my visa was current for 5 more month
18. But I was only 16
19. So my parents said no!
20. I got my first job in McDonalds
21. I worked part time whilst doing a pre nursing course
22. But then decided against training to be a nurse
23. And worked in McDonalds full time
24. In 1991 decided I was now ready to be a nurse
25. So in March of 92 started my nurse training in Wolverhampton
26. Finished my training in 95
27. Started working in Theatres and have not looked back
28. All my patient's are a sleep!
29. During my time in Wolverhampton I hung out with the Mormons
30. I was the most active non member of Wednesfield Ward
31. I went to Firesides, had home evenings and learnt a lot
32. Decided to move to New Zealand in Sept 97
33. 6 months later I arrived in Auckland on Valentines Day 1998
34. I have been in NZ for 10 years, WOW
35. Look what I have achieved in my time here
36. I worked at Auckland Hospital
37. I stayed with them on and off for just over 9 1/2 year
38. I met Steve at work
39. It took me 2 years to agree to date him
40. I have now been with him for 8 years
41. He never wanted children
42. He is 9 years older than me
43. Almost a different generation
44. But that is what makes it work
45. I managed to convince him to have kids
46. Both our boys were planned
47. I wanted girls
48. So knew we would end up with boys
49. When I went into labour with Ben, Steve was sure it was Braxton Hicks
50. And was sure it was a false alarm
51. I convinced him otherwise
52. When I was pregnant with Alex I still wanted a girl
53. Steve wanted to know what we were having
54. So we checked at the 18 week scan, it was pretty obvious
55. I sat up and cried
56. I didn't want 2 boys
57. I wouldn't change them now for all the tea in China
58. Well maybe on some days
59. But the feeling passes quite quickly
60. I love my boys but am not a suitable SAHM, I love having 5 minutes to myself at work.
61. We are only having 2, no more, although I would have liked more, but that has now all been sorted.
62. I am a stubborn independant scorpion
63. And I sometimes wonder how Steve puts up with me being so controlling of everything
64. I love coke but not diet coke
65. I love Pepsi Max but not Pepsi? Go figure!
66. I don't drink alcohol
67. Only because I haven't found anything I like
68. But I am addicted to sugar
69. But not chocolate
70. If it was a choice between a big bar of chocolate or a box of chocolates
71. The box of chocolates would win
72. I like the variety in the box
73. I am not a vegetable person
74. Although my parents will tell you it is because I don't like anything green!
75. I am a fussy eater
76. Our new house is my 38 address in 37 years
77. I am talkative
78. Which helps because with moving around a lot I don't know many locals
79. But have some great old friends all over the world
80. I hate txt language
81. And the fact kids don't know punctuation or grammer anymore
82. I love writing on the computer
83. But feel it is a shame people don't hand write things much anymore
84. Long live the postman
85. I quilt
86. I cross stitch
87. Or at least I use to before kids
88. I can't draw or paint
89. I love craft
90. My new hobby is blogging
91. I can't stand reality tv
92. But love CSI, Brother's and Sister's, Dancing with The Stars
93. I love going to the movies
94. But due to kids haven't been for months
95. I hate movies with high body counts
96. Give me a great feel good movie anytime
97. Or romance
98. My favorite author is Danielle Steel
99. I have volunteered with Parents Centre for the past 5 years
100. I am currently President of Hamilton Parents Centre

The Kitchen

We took over the keys for the house yesterday and already Steve has been hard at work!

This evening he had a mate come round and help him out, so when the boys were in bed I went up and had a look.

The house by the way is all of 100 metres from where we are currently living, so can see each house from each drive way, so boys were quite safe.

This is how the kitchen was on Tuesday when we took over

This is the kitchen now

Can I change my mind and say I liked the old one? Think I would get shot if I did!

Although I am having such fun designing our new kitchen.

Our House

Today the new house, or Happy House as the boys keep calling it is officially ours.

We got the keys at 8.30am today and the kitchen people were in there measuring at 8.40am!

Yea for us.

Teddy Bears Picnic

Hamilton Parents Centre organises inconjunction with Barnardos a Teddy Bears Picnic in the park each year.
It is part of the Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival, but this year was the 13th year it had been running.

To us it is our major fundraiser, we organise it all and we get to keep the funds made at the end.

So this was my first involvement and it was a blast. We were lucky with the weather but only just, there were a few trickles of rain, but nothing that didn't just cool everyone down.

The kids loved all the entertainment and it looked like there was some fun had by all the teddy bears too.
It was a long day for everyone. I got there at 7.30am and the boys got there at 9. We left at about 4.30pm after cleaning up.

Ben had a great time, he got to see The Funky Monkeys, a local kids entertainment group who have been on the tv.

So all in all a great cheap day out. Looking forward to being part of it again next year.

Dahlia's

Couple of weeks ago we went walked to the gardens to see the flowers.

It was not the greatest family outing we have had, but I wanted to see the flowers.

And they were quite impressive as well.

Now I know my dad likes Dahlias so I took some pictures so he could see the size and colour of the ones in the show, even though the camera does not do them any honour.

Important Day

Happy Valentines Day

This is not really a day I celebrate, not that I don't believe in it, but I still can't understand paying double the amount for flowers that I could buy in 2 days time for half the price!

But, I do celebrate this day because it is the day I arrived in New Zealand on my huge mission to live in another country.

And would you believe that today I have been in New Zealand for 10 years! It felt so nice at 11am to realise I had been here exactly 10 years.

And when I look at what I have achieved in those last 10 years.....I have a wonderful man by my side, 2 gorgeous little boys and a lovely new house. Who could want more.

Counting

Alex can count from 1 to 10. He is so clever.

There he was helping me make cookies and he told me I had to stop mixing when he got to 10 and with that he just started counting from 1 right through to 10.

I had never heard him do that before, so we rang Grandma in Dubai and he counted the same for her on the phone.

What a clever little man we have.

Mummy goes Red

I got bored and so I went red, hair colour that is!

This is not the first time I have gone a red shade, and would you believe I got the biggest compliment the next day....

The lady in the kitchen shop noticed I had had my hair coloured and told me it made me look younger.

Now who could ask for anything better than that to make the day go well.

New Job

Today was my first day.
I nervously went to the hospital this morning and had a ball.
It all came rushing back and didn't take me long to feel like I was helping even though I didn't know where anything was!

Being a private place then morning and afternon tea was provided, they even stopped the list at one stage so we could have tea. All very civilised!

It was nice and gentle, not like public work. I think I have made the right choice and look forward to getting into the swing of things as the weeks go by.

Caravan Update

The nice man from the caravan company came and spent 2 hours with me yesterday going over the plan of our new caravan.
We looked at every fine detail, chose the colours for the window frames, the roof, the curtains, the walls, the ceilings, the kitchen cupboards and the carpet.
It was a mamouth task but I loved it.
I have gone for green, with a mixed colour curtain and a pretty plain beige carpet, one that will be forgiving of a little bit of dirt. And considering where it will be I didn't want to worry about a little bit of dirt all the time.

he then came back in the evening and said that if we signed here now we could hopefully have it ready before Easter! So I signed on the line and then transfered the deposit to them last night.
Lets just say 25% was rather a lot of money, but we have waited 4 years for this so we are not too worried as we haven't rushed into this.

Will keep you posted with updates as Les said we will be able to go and see it one Saturday as it is being built, so will take the camera. We will also then take pictures as it is being put on the site in March.

Bugs and Things

Yesterday morning I took Ben to the Hearing Clinic. We are a very small amount concerned about his speech. There are quite a few times that Alex is better at talking than he is, more in the way it is said.

So the first step is to get his hearing checked, he has managed so far to miss out on all the checks done at his Daycares.

Anyway, all was fine and he apparently has perfect hearing for a 4 1/2 year old. So no worries there.

The thing that did worry me though was the office we were in.

As we stood in the reception area waiting to check in I happen to notice about 6 rather big crickets scuttling across the floor of the centre!

Now I am not a bug person, nor an insect person come to think about it, I just plain don't like anything that crawls!

Now Kent and Leisy I am sorry, I know you love them, but I don't. I have no problem cohabiting with them on the planet as long as they stay in their garden and I am in the house, and if I am in the garden well they just have to stay well clear of me!

So to go into this office where they are everywhere and no one seems to be taking any notice just threw me.

So I mentioned when we checked in if they realised that they had black things crawling all over their office....Yes they did, apparently there was an infestation of them outside and because of the weather they were all heading inside.

So there we are sitting in the office, Ben is doing so well having his test done and I am freaking out as another cricket runs past my shoe!

Was I ever glad to get out of there!