A wedding, MORE grandchildren!!??? Talk about the Brady Bunch!

4th July
Our daughter and her fiance, Steve have announced their engagement and plan to be married on 7th November. This is the 'Brady' Bunch. Fortunatly Sam and Kaiden has just found a small unit on their own so it wont be quite as crowded.From the back Anna, Sam, Malachi(hers) & Nick (his) In the middle is Isaac (hers) Michelle, Steve and Ashley (his) and at the front is Kaiden (Sam's) and Tom(his)

PS Completely unrelated to any other subject
I may have mentioned that I used Mr Rudd's $900 to buy myself a new washing machine I decided to go for a front loader from Whirlpool. It was $750 - I received $75 back from my local council cause it was a 4 1/2 star water saver and $125 back from the NSW Government! Good deal? I thought so but wait........ there is more. Upon registering the warranty I was entered in a draw Whirlpool were having to give out 90 prizes in 90 days and guess what i won this ......A Kitchen Aid worth $790 retail!!!!! Can you believe it?

The Canberra Connection!

This year has been a tough one for Zach! He has been diagnosed with Crohns Disease and has spent most of his first year of high school in and out of hospital. We are praying for you Zach and know that you will come through this. (So will your mum too! lol - it has been hard for Belinda to juggle hospital visits along with all the usual wife/mum stuff)

Johnathan celebrated his 5th birthday in June and Samuel was 9 last week - we are looking forward to seeing you all next week! Yay, grandma will have some updated photos of you all. Jason has a promotion at work and starts his new duties next week - well done!

Kaiden's dedication - 7th June

Great family day! Kaiden looked gorgeous in the dress I had made for his mother all those years ago and worn by his aunt and uncles - He will hate this photo when he gets older I'm sure it will make an appearence at his 21st!! He enjoyed the ceromony so much and talked away to Pastor Doug even sucking Doug's fingers! Here he is with hisgreat grandfather Richard.

Work, Work and still more work!

In the lead-up to our holidays I have been fortunate to get some extra work with our local State Member of Parliament - the money is great but I'm getting tired .... I think I'm too old to be working full-time! There just doesn't seem to be enough time for all the important things - although I am managing to squeeze in the odd luncheon, or card amking day - lol. Just 4 more days til the holiday begins!!!

We were sad to say farewell to one of our workmates in early June - Cheryl has worked there for over 10 years. Around the table we have Ryan, Tim, Larissa, Julie, Josh, Cheryl, Hannah, Jenny, Judy and Rachel - (I was the photographer!!) This is my Riverina Family Chiropractic family.

Where does the time go?

So much has been happening since I last posted on here!!

Lets see if I can keep it in roughly chronological order so that it may be less confusing!!

In May I went to an all day crop and was so pleased to complete 15 layouts - nope - still have not scanned or taken photos!! Except for this one ....
Bad, Bad busy girl! lol Have been to several card making days tooI really enjoy our days both in Leeton at 'What's Scrappening' and the card making sessions with Sandra our 'Stampin Up' friend!

Time in Tumut

Friday 1st May saw us pack up 'Winnie' and head our for another weekend trip. Our destination this time was Tumut. The community there were putting on the Festival of the Falling Leaf and so there was a market day, Street Procession and Fireworks.

We travelled up on the Friday morning with our friends Fred and Jenny, enjoying a stop at Junee for lunch before heading on to Tumut.
We set up camp at the Riverglades Caravan Park and decided to go for a bike ride - to cut a long story short my bike needs a new back wheel as I fell on it! Never laughed so hard for a long time.

The Blakes arrived and set up their tents and by then it was time for tea. Plenty to eat and drink, plenty of conversation and time for bed.

Next morning the guys rode their bikes in the mountain bike challenges and us girls headed off to the markets, watched the street procession, had lunch in the park and retired to the caravan park for a nana nap. The Harris' joined us and we had a short happy hour at the van. Afterwards we went to watch the fireworks and came back for tea.

Sunday the weather was again beautiful and after a walk around the wetlands area, we packed up and drove out to Blowering Dam. Such a beautiful area and just perfect for a picnic lunch. On the way home we stopped into the liquorice factory at Junee for some supplies! A great weekend!!

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

Layout No 2!

It's February already and I've only managed 2 layouts for the year!

Oh well, as a good friend tells me, You aren't behind!

I have just stated scrapping some of the photos we took at Christmas 2007!! Iy was done for a monthly challenge that the lss in Leeton ( 'What's Scrappening') runs - You buy a kit for $5 and follow the 'rules' and then their customers judge the winner. Last month it was Michelle's turn to win the $20 voucher with her beautiful journal.

I've cut the bottom of this scan, but you get the idea - simple, quick - my motto for the moment.

Update on the box in a bag!

After making the box in a bag I decided that this would make a nice present for a work-mate who is turning 40! (I hope she doesn't read my blog!!)

I have made matching tags for other staff to write birthday messages on added lots of bling and it all fits beautifully inside the bag.

I am very pleased with how it has all turned out.

Box in a Bag

My project for today - to make a 'box in a bag'. My friend (and Stampin Up! Demonstrator) Sandra had posted the directions for this on her blog ( http://www.sandrawetzel.com/blog.html ) and I had been meaning to try it ever since I had seen it. I just used some old papers I had here - didn't want to muck up the 'good' stuff until I was sure I understood the directions.I'm quite happy with the results!

We went over to Leeton yesterday for a card making class and learnt some 3D techniques - A bit fiddley but fun to do Sorry the photos aren't straight but you get the idea!

Another Great Weekend - Happy Australia Day!!

Had another great weekend - as well as celebrating the Australia Day weekend, we celebrated grand daughter Sam's 18th birthday at the lake on Saturday - mostly with her father's family - we haven't done that since she was about 2. She had a wonderful time celebrating with her families!

Anna & Isaac stayed the night with us in the van and our family came back out for tea on Sunday night along with some other friends - very low key but most enjoyable.

I even took the canoe out for a row around the lake Monday morning - no photos though.... I'm the photographer!! Lol

So now I'm washing and catching up with emails, downloading photos.. You know... all the important stuff!!

Change in the Wind?

As I listened to Barack Obama give his speech at his inauguration I couldn't help but see the parallels between America and Australia. It is time that we also as a nation need to realise that we have serious challenges ahead and that we must chose hope over fear, and unity of conflict. May God bless him as he leads his nation into the future.

He said, ( in part, you can see it here ) ....

America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

Serious challenges

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

We have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

I have finally scrapped!!

My first layout for 2009!

I had forgotten how to scrap - it has been so long, so its not my best effort but with the help of the sketch from www.pencillines.com (sketch 117) I have managed this simple layout.

The photos was taken last Christmas - yes 2007, I'm THAT far behind!! It is Zachary ( Jason & Belinda's eldest) and Isaac, (the eldest of Michelle's boys)

I really need to make an effort to do a little bit more scrapping - it is very satisfying and I love looking through our family history.

Choices

I was thinking today - yes I do that occassionally! As I sorted through papers etc to get together for the accountant - they were in a mess - it gave me plenty of time to think.

Our lives are a sum of the choices that we make each day - some days we make good, wise choices and other days our choices leave a lot to be desired.

We can choose life and blessing,living each day abundantly, or we can focus on the negative things that happens to us all. This year I have resolved to live abundantly - to concentrate on all the wonderful people that are in my life, all the blessings that I have and know that I am loved beyond measure.

(I have also resolved not to let my papers get in such a mess again! lol)

Isn't he gorgeous?

Kaiden is growing so quickly!

I looked after him for a couple of hours yesterday - he slept most of the time but he was awake long enough to play with Grandma's camera!

He is nine weeks old and is growing steadily - Sam is doing a wonderful job as a mum and Kaiden is thriving with all the love and attention he gets from his extended family.

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Where have the years gone? Our 'baby' celebrates her 35th Birthday today!

It doesn't seem all that long ago to me that we were celebrating her birth, her first day at school, and all the other milestone that happen over the years.

Happy Birthday, Shell - we love you and are so proud of all you have acheived. Bless you heaps!

Love Mum & Dad
(Michelle and her family: l to r at back Michelle,Isaac and Malachi
front: Anna, Sam and Kaiden)

More Getting Away From It All

Friday we packed the motorhome again and headed off 30 kms away to a little place on the Murrumbidgge River called Darlington Point. We were joined by some friends for a 'chill out' weekend.

I went for a few walks alongside the river - seriously lacking in water! The others went bike riding but I haven't figured out how to take photos while riding a bike (just an excuse really- lol) so I stuck to the walking.

Saturday evening we set off for a little walk over the bridge to the pub for a drink before heading to a new resturant that has the most wonderful Italian food - Riverdestra. After eating WAY too much we walked home and continued our evening under the stars.

We plan on taking lots more such weekends this year.

R & R at Lake Wyangan

Rest and relaxation was the order of the day (week) after we returned from Canberra.

We called in at home to restock the van and headed out to Lake Wyangan and had the van set up and tea organised by dark. It was a wonderful relaxing time.

We had a visit from the rest of the family on New Year's Day - they enjoyed the sailing the kids spent most of their time in the water either sailing, swimming or canoeing.

A good start to the new year.

Canberra

On Boxing Day, we packed up our motorhome and travelled over to Canberra to visit our family there.

We were blessed to spend time with our 3 grandsons. We took them on a cruise around Lake Burley Griffin. As first they were very apprehensive but soon were in their element. We had lunch on banks at the sailing club overlooking the lake.

What is it about new babies?

There seems to be something about new babies that bring out the best in us.

Is it a desire to nurture new life or maybe the maternal instinct is stirred? There is a freshness, a beginning, I guess like the New Year ahead, the promise of things to come.

This photo was taken on Christmas day - Kaiden's first Christmas with us - it was so nice to have our first great grandchild celebrate with us. I think he looked a little stunned with all the proceedings of 'present giving time'

He continues to do well - has put on weight and at eight weeks old is starting to interact with us all.

Such a nice age!!

Persevere

My word for 2009!!!! I have been doing a little reading and this word has been cropping up quite a lot!
I read this in the Word For Today last Friday.

It's said that Walt Disney's request for a loan was rejected by 301 banks before he finally got a "yes". But because he refused to quit, he built the world's most famous theme park.
So, this year remember two things: (1) Perseverance is needed to win the prize. At a sales convention the manager said to 2000 of his firm's sales force, "Did the Wright brothers ever quit?" "No!" they responded. "Did Charles Lindburg ever quit?" "No!" they shouted. "Did Lance Armstrong ever quit?" "No!" they bellowed. "Did Thorndike McKester ever quit?" There was a long, confused silence. Then a salesperson shouted, "Who in the world is Thorndike McKester? Nobody's ever heard of him." The sales manager snapped back, "Of course you haven't - that's because he quit!" Quitters never win, and winners never quit.
(2) Perseverance turns adversity into advancement. Paul writes, "Everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News" (Philp 1:12 NLT). Paul didn't give up - he rose up! How did he do it? He found the benefit to him personally that comes from every trial. One Christian author writes: "Today we're obsessed with speed, but God is more interested in strength and stability. We want the quick fix, the shortcut, the on-the-spot solution. We want a sermon, a seminar or an experience that will instantly resolve all problems, remove all temptation and release us from all growing pains. But real maturity is never the result of a single experience, no matter how powerful or moving." Growth is gradual. The Bible says, "And we...are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord" (2 Cor 3:18 NIV).

Last year was a real time of testing but I realised the importance of moving on, of persevering even when all around is not looking good. So , 2009, for me is going to be consolidating that moving onwards, looking ahead and not to what has passed! Yay 2009!