Happy Birthday Malachi !

We celebrated Malachi's 9th birthday - it was on Friday 1st May and we got together for a family dinner on the Thursday night as Richard and I were leaving for a weekend at Tumut on the Friday.
I love these times together - just 'low-key' family traditions that celebrate not only the occassion but us, as a family.

It's 'that' time of month!

Yes, the last Wednesday of the month has rolled around again and so Michelle, Sam (Kaiden of course) and I headed off to Leeton for our monthly 'sanity' break! We have been attending the card making classes for a long time, making a real day of it. It is a 55km trip to get there and we have lunch after the class and fit it some shopping if we have time.

Today we made 2 cards guided by Su, our long-suffering teacher and guide. The first is a note card and would be great for an invitation because you could put a RSVP slip in behind the purple card or a gift card or money if you used it as a birthday card.



The other card is stamped using a two step stamping method and then embossed. I found it hard to offset the image and the mats - I usually like things to line up!!



If you are ever in Leeton NSW, call in to What's Scrappening and say hello to Su and Julie - great service!!

It Snowed!!!!

Last weekend we went up to Oldina Lodge at Falls Creek in Victoria for a staff retreat. It was expected to be very cold but nothing like what eventuated!! After starting to rain on the Friday afternoon (which made for a scary trip up the mountain in the fog and rain), raining all day Saturday, we awoke Sunday morning to a blanket of snow!

There was only a few centimetres so I decided to go for a walk - after about 15 minutes it started to come down heavier and I quickly lost my bearings and retraced my footprints, just barely visible in the deepening snow. Most of the photos I've taken were from behind the glass in the upstairs window - the best way to look at the snow - in the warmth and comfort with a roaring fire behind me!














After lunch we headed home very slowly down the mountain ... such a beautiful sight.


Some of the things that I learned from the retreat:

• The body can defend or grow - but it cannot do both at the same time!
• That health is Optimum physical, mental and social well being and not necessarily the absence of disease.
• There is no such thing as failure, there are only results.
• Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there - Will Rogers.
• Have positive goals and not negative ones.
• Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.

I was challenged to be more aware of the decisions I make and to this end I have decided on a few goals;

To live a more satisfying life I will:

1. Count my blessings
2. Practice random acts of kindness
3. Savour life's joys
4. Thank a mentor
5. Learn to forgive
6. Invest time in friends and family
7. Take care of my body
8. Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardship

It was a good weekend -and I was reminded that people pray for me and care for me
"So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 ( Thanks Judy!)

Easter Blessings

We were able to have a few days over Easter to spend out at the lake - as you can see from the new banner photo - this was the view from our motorome. Even though it wasn't as peaceful this time - due to the Australian Jet Sprint Boat finals being run next door and a 21st birthday bash (even louder than the jet boats! lol) it was still a time of recharge and renew!


Spent time rowing around the lake in my new little kayak and having some of the family visit with us made for an enjoyable time. Richard and I took the kayak out each day and I enjoyed seeing the lake from a different angle - from behind his back - lol.

Michelle has a few lessons (and a few bruises!) on how (not) to row from Tim - a very patient teacher!We were treated to some spectactular sunrises and sunsets - and you know how much I love taking photos of them!




On Saturday evening we were able to attend the launch of a new CD by local singer-songwriter (and excellent chiropractor lol) Ryan Day It was brilliant and I enjoyed it so much - Go Ryan!!

All in all - a great weekend!

Isaac's Birthday

Isaac celebrated his 11th birthday 2 weeks ago - yes I know I'm a slack Grandma - I've only just gotten around to uploading the photos!
He had 3 school friends around to join in our family dinner.

He proudly showed of all his presents and enjoyed his special meal, marinated chicken and fried rice. The 'birthday cake' was lots of little cupcakes, vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and creme - very yummy!

Another Layout!!!!!

Here's Layout No:3 for the year - at this rate I'll be scrappin til I'm ninty!! Oh well it doesn't matter - at least I will have acheived this much.

Keeping right up with my simple is completed theme, this layout is of the time we spent in Canberra with our other grand son's - we had a wonderful time with them saling around Lake Burley Griffin.

We hadn't sailed around the lake before so it was good to see all the familar icons from a different perspective.
The boys were a little apprehensive at first but soon settled in and enjoyed their trip.

It's been awhile....

.... since I posted to my blog.

The events that have devastated our nation in the last weeks have been on every one's mind. My heart goes out to those that have lost everything in the Victorian Bush fires - I cannot imagine what you must be going through or how you are coping with the overwhelming sense of loss. Even here, 400+ kms north we experienced the smoke from the fires!

To those in Queensland and NSW who are experiencing such terrible floods - you are in my thoughts and prayers as well. Having grown up in a flood prone area and experiencing many floods, I do know what you are going through and the next weeks and months will be hard to imagine for you too as you start to pick up the pieces.

To our farmers in this area and many parts of our country we have entered the 12th year of drought, I wish I had more words of encouragement but what else can I say except that I pray for an end to this and that God will heal our land.

The wonderful thing has been to see Australians unite as they battle the different 'enemies' together. It has warmed my heart to see such love and caring. The words of a song written by Jenny Ellis has comforted and strengthen me on many occasions as it does now. We can choose to let the disasters take over our lives or we can pick ourselves up and choose life. As I watched so many people on television who had every right to be bitter and angry, instead chose to be supportive, encouraging and thankful for what they 'do' have - what role models they have become. So often we get caught up in the 'trappings' of life and forget what is really important - love, friendship, family, faith - this will see us through!

'I cling to you Lord
For You are my life
And the length of my days
I love you Lord
And I'll obey Your voice
And walk in Your Ways

I choose life and I choose blessing
I choose to live abundantly by Your grace
I will walk in Your goodness
And live in the light of Your face.
You are my Lord, my rock, my salvation
My hope, my peace and my joy
You say, You'll never leave me or forsake me
I'm the apple of Your eye."

Circumcise my heart Lord
May it be open to you
Circumcise my heart Lord
Make it brand new
That I may hear Your voice
and know Your ways
That I might love You more
And seek your face

Copyright Jenny Ellis 2003
Grace Christian Fellowship