Ardern Farm

2010-02-03T00:20:00.000-08:00

Gosh its been a couple of months since I have updated this blog. Sop Happy New Year everyone. Here are a few photos from our holidays in January.

Took Night Fever out for an overnight stay off the Islands round Tauranga. Had a lovely day fishing just before putting it back on the mooring in Te Puna. The kids are quite confident with steering the boat now and are very relaxed while on board. It actually lulls Ryan to sleep!

Went to Ohope Beach in search of "Moko the Dolphin" who moved up from Gisborne area to reside in the waters near Whakatane. We hired a couple of Kayaks from the beach as we didnt bring Grants one with us and paddled the kids out over the surf until we found him along with other people in their boats and on the surfboards. It was great fun and we enjoying having him swim under our kayaks and toy with the surfers on their boards.

Kids are back to school now and they seem fairly happy with their teachers and new classes.

Mercy

2009-11-11T00:45:00.000-08:00

So just when you think your angel wings can be hung up for another year, they are straight back out again ready for another walk. This time for Mercy Ministries which is a wonderful organisation who house young women with eating disorders and other issues. There was a fabulous turn out of ladies at the Mount Beach and thanks Ang for warming us up at the start. Those muscle really got a good stretching... mainly my laughter muscles.

Pink Walks

2009-11-11T00:37:00.000-08:00

October was a great month for sponsored walks. Once again we adorned ourselves in Pink tutus and feathers to walk the streets of Tauranga for 2009's Breast Cancer Walk. over 5000 girls (and some guys!) turned up to parade the streets. We had our resident photographer on the rooftop once again to capture the starting moments.

There are more photos as the night goes on, but I think they got conveniently lost....

New Editions

2009-10-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

We have two new editions to Ardern Farm: Bubble and Squeak. Two female guinea pigs.

Happy Birthday Mouse

2009-09-29T01:12:00.000-07:00

Our little Mouse turned 7. Yay. Birthdays in our house always seems to last a week, the kids always get there moneys worth out of it! Started with a couple of girlfriends around after school last Thursday (day of actual birthday), to get pavalova and icecream for afternoon tea (they couldnt believe their eyes when I brought it out!) and then movies to see "UP" which was surprisingly good. Having seen the trailer for it, I wasnt really that interested, but the movie itself was so lovely. I have to say I have never cried in a childrens movie before, but I had several occasions when little tears trickled down my face (of course quickly disguised as something else "oh a fly landed on my face"). Then dropped girls off and picked up Daddy and went to McD's for tea. On Saturday Emily got picked up by G's parents to go shopping with birthday money and then a treat at a cafe. On Sunday we had the oldies (Grandp's) around for afternoon tea and Emily made a desert for us all.

It was quite funny because we had talked all week about this desert and all the ingredients needed to make it and had to make meringues the night before and then shop for more ingredients the next day, by the time it was made and ready to serve, she had completely gone off it, and didnt even want to see it getting served! You can lead a horse to water.....

We also cooked our dinner down the back one night, with sausages on sticks and bun at the ready! Great fun!

Tarnished Divas

2009-09-02T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok, its been a long time since I blogged... I get the picture everyone....

Its been a cool month, we have had lovely snippets of time together with family and friends. The most recent being the Tarnished Frocks and Divas show at Baycourt which was a breathtaking experience. The ladies who put that show together deserve an award. Its was classy and very professional. Will be booking in for the next one in 2 years. Thanks to Dad who join us on the Roof top carpark for our photoshoot.

When the show had finished, all the young chicks piked out and rang their hubbys to come and get them, but Mum and I hit the town and joined the other Divas at Bravo who were stopping in their to wet the whistle before attending the evening show. We glided in the door and recieved comments from the other ladies. Oh man we looked good! Special time was had with me and my Marmie as we shared a Bravo desert platter. You cant put a price on that. She has the most sparkly eyes, and even though she has had her share of unhappiness, her eyes tell the story that it doesnt matter anymore and each day is a gift. I like that.

I was blessed twice in the same month to share time with my other Parent too. Dad invited me to go and see the Bethlehem Art Exhibition, which consisted of lunch at Decor first and a nice time in the sunshine talking. Another invaluable moment.

Took the family on Sunday to the Exhibition as well, which was a challenge in itself. I usually take the kids each year, but first time hubby had come with us. Will leave him at home next time. Since the eldest has turned 9, he thinks hes an adult now and doesnt have to do what I say. He had a melt down about going to the Exhibt so I wrote a 30 paged questioneer for them to answer relating to paintings they had to find. This proved popular and a reward was had at the cafe afterwards.

Spring is here, yay and life is good.

Winter Holidays

2009-07-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ok so the bin lids were rubbish (ha get it?) but well worth trying. The lid part was too grippy and it didn't slide very well. But guess what did work well: Grants 1988 garage sale snowboard hes never used. Yep that slid the slopes like a 1960's ford prefect car bonnet. Ryan actually got quite good at it, and lots of Hollywood tumbles were had! Our camera packed a sad in the cold, hence I have a few photos taken on the handy cam (what a great little device). Snowman/women made by the kiddies.

Went right up into Whakapapa via the shuttle and joined the cues of people waiting at the chairlifts to get into Happy Valley (sounds likes a mental institution) which was fun as I had never been on a chairlift before. Gosh you have to be prepared as they file you into place and whoop, it swoops you up and before you know it you are dangling down a very step cliff. We all had smiles on our faces. Its serious business though up at the ski fields. Everyone has all the right gears and man, it was busy. We stood around with our mouths open for a while like stunned mullets feeling quite outta place but enjoying the atmosphere. It certainly was a complete change of scene to what we would normally do on holidays. Grant needed a break and it proved to be just the thing. The beauty of the snow mountains was just breathtaking.

So mid afternoon came around and it was time to head down the mountain for a hot drink at the Chateau and a game of pool. Ryan eyed that table up last year and this year, we put it into action.

RYANS BIRTHDAY

After 1000kms of driving in 4 days, we arrived home to get ready for Ryans 9th birthday. Decided on an afternoon at the Rock House with a friend. Have to say, I think Emily enjoyed it more, she was up and down those walls like a spider monkey. Ryan was a little more hesitant but got the hang of it at the end. They have this great glow in the dark minigolf area as well, which is sooo much fun for the kids. Would recommend it.

We celebrated with family that weekend as well, with a Star Wars Chocolate Log cake. Yum yum.

Love your smile Ryan, you are so comfortable in front of the camera. xxx

Snow Bound

2009-07-09T12:12:00.001-07:00

Yippie we are off to the snow. But first you need a super special home made taboggan to swoop swoop down the hills in. What to do? hmmm, I looked in the shops to see what they were selling, but all too expensive and, well not that flash. Asked my facebook friends, what do you use? replies: a car bonnet. Thanks Uncle Graeme, might give that idea a miss.

So, stopped by Payless Plastics and found that they sell rubbish bin lids on their own for $3.50 each. Ok, that could be fun. So heres how you make a special kids taboogan.

Things you need:

Rubbish bin lid, one swimming noodle, cable ties, old wetsuit material, straping. (you guys all have those things lying around aye.)

Step one: Get a rubbish bin, and saw the dome off the centre and swap it around to the otherside so it wedges in and then hotglue it (love my hotglue gun!).

Step two: Cut noodle in half and hotglue to one side of lid then make 3 holes and cable tie it on for extra security.

Step three: Hotglue sections of wetsuit material (I used an old pair of kayaking pants which had holes in it, cut it up and created a comfy base.

Step four: sew some handles from straping and cable tie these to the lid for a handle at the front.

Look out for us on the slopes, wheeeeee.........

This little light of mine

2009-06-17T22:14:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday night I was invited to attend a special concert at girls brigade. E6 is just loving being a part of a girls group. Last week they performed the concert to the Elderly at Aspen House. We shared in a cup of tea and yummies afterwards

On Wednesday our Poppies enjoyed lunch at the Sebel to celebrate Katey Sparkles 40th Birthday. Shes so gorgeous with her flowing blonde hair and varrr....VOOOOMMMM passion for life. We loves ya Katey Special Girl.

Bryces Farewell - Piano Burning No.2

2009-06-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

Catch us on You Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzEHCOk2gQM

The big freeze

2009-06-02T15:09:00.000-07:00

So what does one do when your heatpump frosts up early hours of the morning? Well I rang the heatpump people this morning and they said, oh that particular model does seem to do that, theres a fault in it. Turn the setting onto cold and run it for 5 mins to defrost. Ok, so you want me to blow really cold frosted air into the house and see how we feel after that. Hey thanks for recommending it to us......Anyway, apparently if we ran it over with a car we could get insurance for it and get a new model. Sounds straightforward...... I'll be back in a minute.........

Meanwhile, when your kids have colds and they hate going to school on freezing days etc, the best thing is a facial. Hmmm, unfortunately not a facial for me... but for the kids. Dont they look pampered!

Bye Bye kittens

2009-05-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

So nearly 8 weeks have passed since Lucy popped her babies out. I really didnt think I would become so attached to them, we purposly didnt give them any names, because you know what happens when you do....

So I was very surprised at the interest from the public when it came time to selling them. The little grey and white one which looks just like Lucy was very popular. Infact I could have sold her 20 times over. It was a bun fight with some some people turning quite nasty when they missed out on seeing and buying him. Whats that all about? Anyway, they have all found new homes now, the first two left yesterday morning. I lovingly put together a travel box for them as they made a long journey to Napier. Heres the last photos I have of them, they were snuggled in Emily dressup box. The new owner is going to love them to pieces and its nice they will be together.

So two down, two to go on Saturday.

Happy Birthday

2009-04-29T00:09:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we celebrated Grants 40th Birthday. Yay, now hes finally caught up to me.... well, as he reminded me, he will never catch up to me... darn!

Amongst the generous gifts were a Cessna flight lesson, a gyro helicopter flight, gift vouchers, electric outboard motor, ticket to The Pink Floyd Experience and a live rat in a cage. Yes, hard to know what to do with that last one, but thanks Nathan! With the gift vouchers he has purchased a new flat screen monitor for his computer. Very nice. Thank you everyone, it was a special day.

Happy Birthday Sweetie

Fishing for Easter

2009-04-15T17:13:00.000-07:00

Wow, Easter turned on some fab weather for us and so our two boys got invited to spend a day fishing off Motiti on a friends boat. Ryan had been out on this boat before, just outside the entrance, but not this far out, so sealegs was on the breakfast menu.

Husband said to expect them back around 5pm but by 5.30pm I got a phone call to say they were still at Motiti and the fishing just wasnt slowing down! They reluctantly left sometime after 6pm when they had their quoter.

Anyway the final result was more fish than you should poke with a stick and a very very happy boy who caught snapper galore and two kingfish (his first time!!!).

Hug me Tender

2009-04-06T21:09:00.000-07:00

Will you still love me, tomoooorrrow.....

Swings and Roundabouts

2009-04-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

I love how girls help other girls out. We don't owe each other anything, we are just there for each other because one day it will be your turn and someone will suprise you with their generosity.

I have been in the process of re-writing my website http://www.ardernfarm.com/ to make it more user friendly and approachable. I wanted to do a photo shoot of this seasons new fascinators and asked my friend Becki if she would mind modelling for me. No problem, she said, so on Friday morning last week she rocks up to my place in dramatic makeup and a strapless frock! I got the coffee ready and we took off down the back of my place to sit in amongst the greenery! The sun shone beautifully and we captures some fantastic shots.

I even dressed her up as a bride!!! She was so easy to work with and I appreciated every minute of her time.

So the next day I was asked to come and help run a stall at the Womens Expo selling a fantastic top which you can wear 21 different ways (or is it 22 or 23.... we kept finding new ways!!!) and it was so much fun to help another fellow girl out.

Meanwhile, a girlfriends Grandmother had died and she needed to fly to Wellington and stay overnight on Monday, so I volunteered to stay at her place and look after her 3 boys and get them off to school the next day. That was the simple plan. The complicated plan took effect when I arrived there Monday afternoon to find the eldest boy had been home on his own vomitting all day (hes 14yrs old ... whew). Poor kid continued to vomit into the night as I looked after the remaining 2 boys plus my two who were there waiting for Dad to pick them up.

In the process, the downstairs toilet broke, we discovered the Council was shutting off the water that night and we really, really needed to use the "flush" action, so hauled bucket of water into the house to "manually flush" when the water got turned off. Yeah you gotta love it!

Kittens!

2009-03-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

Waddaya know, early hours of Tuesday morning I awoke to tiny meows coming from underneath our bed! I had heard her settle down there in the middle of the night. She had been staking out good places for the last few days and one of them seemed to be there, so I had laid newspapers down incase. It was so blimin exciting, in the dark you could here a little meow and lick, lick, lick and chew chew (for the faint hearted, dont read on...). Cats are so clean but owhh so disgusting at the same time. They eat the placenta as it comes out and chew off the umbilical cord and lick those little kittens till they shine. It really was an amazing thing to watch. She actually purred while birthing, no screaming for an epidural, no swearing at the father, no signs of panic or distress. She hummed her way through 4 babies and then stood there and meowed at them like, hang, what am I supposed to do with ya now! That bit I could relate to.

Well day 4 and she is loving being a mum. I have transferred her babies into a box and tucked it in our wardbrobe where it is warm and dark and private. Lucy just hops in and out when she wants and sometimes just sits beside the box and looks in. Just like us watching a sleeping baby. Last night I observed her feeding and honostly, she had a smile on her face, the kids agreed. She purrs and humms while they are feeding, no cracked sore bleeding nipples, just gorgeousness! Oh to be a cat mummy.

I wasnt too sure if letting her get pregnant was a good idea, as she is so young, but now, seeing her taking such great pleasure in her babies and loving it, I think its almost mean not to let your pets experience breeding just once. Ive never seen her so happy. Maybe its like that with us too!

Ryan started crying the morning they were born saying he didnt want the babies taken off Lucy, as she would be so sad and how proud he was of her for producing 4 babies. Is this kid going to be a great Daddy or what!!!!

Anyway, more to the point, anyone want a kitten????

FAT CAT

2009-03-18T20:47:00.000-07:00

The cat sat on the mat and it was fat. Yep all of that is true, but this is not a year one reading lesson, its about our Year one slapper of a catten (kitten/cat) which has got itself knocked up. Ok, so as the Mum, I should have taught her about birth control, or abstinence, or the way we look at night when out on the prowl . She used to stay close to home when young, spent alot of time lying on the end of our beds enjoying the company. Listened to all her commands and obeyed them, had afternoon sleeps. Then when she got a bit older she discovered that there was a whole new world outside at night time, one she loved to explore and would spend all night out, coming home looking like something the cat just dragged in (get it? haha) and once the sun rose, would find a happy place to sleep all day. Its sounding all too familiar.

So about 6 weeks ago I noticed she was a bit off, vomitted up her food a few times (goodness do cats actually get morning sickness???) and had gone a bit lethargic. She had gone through a stage of constipation, tummy would get fat, then back to normal for a bit. Should have given her some iron tablets... then I noticed the tummy getting firmer and fatter. I actually had a dream that she had puked kitty buscuits all over the kitchen floor, like heaps of them and I looked at her and she was really thin again. I was kinda relieved but kinda sad at the same time. (more to the point, its sad that I dream about kitten puke) Anyway, woke up.... cat still fat.

She stays closer to home and doesnt go out at nights any more. Now all she does is sleep all day and sleep all night and is actually waddling. The kids and i watched her tummy yesterday and you could actually see the babies moving, its was really cool. I put my hands there and felt kicks and wriggles.

Oh who couldnt resist that gorgeous kitten face..... but hey, lets face it, its not that end the boys are interested in aye! So like life.

I hope I will be a good midwife, I have some experience!

Rain, rain go away....

2009-03-01T00:56:00.000-08:00

I welcomed the rain over the weekend, well actually it was more than just rain aye, wee bit of a storm. Enough to stop husband from doing his harbour kayaking trip which he has been planning for ages, got cancelled last weekend too because of the blinkin rain.

A stream runs through the back of our place and when it rains heavily, coupled with a high tide, it can quite often flood, so the kids took off down the back to see if we were going to float away or not. The wind was howling and there was driving rain, but it didnt stop them, crazy kids, spent the next 20 mins "drinking" the rain while completely drenched and loving it.

Dilemmia: I need to move my bookcase which stores my fascinators from the hallway and into my office. The hallway has continued to spew overflow that my office just cant hold. Its now got

ridiculous so I hatched a plan in my head in the early hours of this morning while I was awake, to get that bookcase outta the hallway.

First of all, I need to move a glass coffee table in my office which has no other purpose but to hold crap on top of it, nothing special, just a mish mash of "stuff". Rats, it holds a big long box of ostrich feathers underneath it, so where is that going to go.... stuff it under my workbench.

Ok, to get the coffee table out of the office it needs to go somewhere in the kitchen seated area. To make space for that the 3 seater sofa will have to go back into the lounge, before that can happen, the 2 seater will have to come out of the lounge and swap with the three seater. To fit the 3 seater into the space the 2 seater was in, I have to move the kids bookshelf in the corner. Quick pow wow with the kids, yep, they dont mind. Ok where is that going to go?

Into the kids room, before I can move the kids bookshelf out of the lounge, I have to rearrange the kids present "not working very well" makeshift stack of books already on their set of draws. Right, shove all thoses off, unload the downstairs one and haul it upstairs and start again. Actually I was really surprised as the kids just loved setting it all up and categorised the books and labelled them and was so proud of the final result. Little did they know it was the last piece in the gigantic puzzle of mine to just get my flippin bookshelf out of the hallway!

So kids bookshelf moved, 3 seater in place, 2 seater in kitchen area, coffee table out of office into kitchen...... just got to get the last single sofa seat out of my office and squeezed somewhere into the kitchen area again so I can move the bookcase through the door.......

.....easy.

Winery Tour Concert

2009-02-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

Op Shop, Anika Moa, Dave Dobbin

After praying for rain clouds to head towards Auckland, we finally saw a break in the sky.... yeah, the sun came out, the heat stepped up a notch and we packed up a picnic tea and headed for the Tauranga Domain to join a billionty other people for the More FM Winery Tour Concert.

I found a great spot just by the portaloos, funny how that area was free, but a good view of the stage. We were joined by G's bro and wife, Katey sparkles and Co and Nik. Kates' Danny boy was part of the crew.

We moshed in the pit with all the other drunk girls, and forgot we were nearly 40 somethings for about an hour. The two youngest amongst us crashed for the second half of the concert (couldnt handle the pace us oldies set!!!) nah, poor kids, they had to do the pack down after we all left. Actually.... still dont feel sorry for them.

You can fill in your own caption for the photo above:

Kate "___________________________ "

Frazer " ____________________________ "

Realised at the end of the night that most of our photos were taken in front of the portaloos. So here is one for ya girls, Raratonga instead!

Out of the mouths of babes

2009-02-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

Found this on E6's whiteboard. Kids are great at being honost.

Long Hot Summer

2009-01-31T13:53:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love outdoor entertaining? As the day settles down, mossys biting your ankles, kids squealing and splashing in the pool, wine, good food and family to share it with.

Cousins enjoying the pool (best thing we bought all summer!)

Ready for dinner? We sure are hungry after our swim!

Husbands eldest brother and wife.

Good wine, yummy salads.

After coffee and desert, its time to bring the wigs out and play

"what family member do I most look like?"

Orthopedic surgeon or headbanger?

And when the day is over, and you have bounced and jumped and swam and ate and played and ate some more, you fall asleep on a giant dog who joined you in your top bunk bed.

Fat

2009-01-26T00:26:00.000-08:00

Fat, you just cant escape it. I have gained 1.5 kgs in the last couple of months and its just not wanting to part with my body, no matter how much I have asked it to. Its invited itself in, but its not welcome. I am thinking of throwing it a leaving party. I hope it turns up.

I have had some issues with my eyes and contact lenses and hayfever etc over the last month or so, and I finally got my act together and made an appointment with my optomotrist. I had notice a small lump forming on one part of my eye ball and it seemed to be irritating me when I had lenses in. So I was a tad concerned that I might be growing something nasty on my eyeball, oh no, my mind was quickly put to rest as I went through the rigorus eye examination. Oh thats fine she said, its just a small tissue of FAT growing.

Isnt that just brilliant..... not even my eyes balls can escape it.

Today I took off over to the Mount early this morning to cheer on a friend who bravely entered the Bendon Womens Triathlon. As I was looking out for her, I just became emotional about the fact that alot of these women were stepping out of their comfort zone and running this race. There were ladies with backsides like hippos, 65+ years old, all squeezed into little lycra suits which looked like they were screeming to bust apart at the seams. I just admired them for:
A: getting into a suit like that in the first place,
B: actually taking part in the competition
C: for letting us look at their wobbly bobbly peices bouncing away
D: for looking like they didnt care cause they were doing something normally unachieveable.

So we all have FAT, guess it keeps us warm at night in winter, Also if we accidently fell into a large hole in the ground and no one found us for days our body would just naturally start to eat the fat so lovingly storied in our bodies to feed us while we waited for rescue. Maybe we should actually thank our bodies for doing that for us. But I must say, I am actually peeved that my husband has better looking legs than I have, why didnt God give them cellulite?

Meanwhile, I did three days in a row of boogie boarding with the kids at the surf beach and my muscles felt like I had done a big work out. It wasnt hard work at the time, in fact it was a lot of fun and I was mainly the one going "wheeeeeeeee, watch out, whheeeeeeee" as I got a good wave right into the shoreline. Good way to exercise and have fun at the same time. Roll on our long hot summer!!!!

Birthdays Galore

2009-01-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

Well this weekend was full of exciting events, started off Friday evening with a lovely time in the backyard of Beckis garden, drinking mojitos and champers with lovely company and delicious food. Kids bounced till dark on the castle, we sat around a fire as the heat of the day disappeared and ate Nigellas rockyroad, with Angelcake cupcakes and later on devoured a fabulous spit roast.

Unfortunately I was so caught up in the conversations and drink, I completely forgot to take a photo of the Birthday girl!!! But got great photos of Miss Sparkles and her Bulldog.

The following night was Grants Uncles 60th Birthday Party (twin brothers celebrating) and it was a great event held on his Uncles property in Papamoa. Another uncle had made a career out of playing the steel guitar and has played with Patsy Rigger etc. The band they used to be involved with some years ago havent played together in over 40 years ago. They managed to get hold of the old band members (most in Australia now) who came out for the event and put the band back together. Its been a long time since all the brothers have been in the same place together, so it was a bit of a family reunion at the same time.

It was a beautiful evening, everyone brought along deck chairs, picnic rugs, and food to share. I would say well over 100 people turned up.

A purpose built dance floor kept everyone on their toes (my daughter was the last one still dancing at midnight!) She asked if she could keep dancing until we had packed everything away in the car!!

I was commissioned to video the whole evening, so didnt take too many photos, but have about 90mins of great footage taken over the evening. Wonderful memories to look back on. Thanks Graeme, what a party!

Hot Dog

2009-01-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

My goodness its hot, muggy, lazy type weather and the only thing that works to relieve the heat is to soak in a pool, right? Well thats pretty much all we did while in Gisborne during our first week of the year. It was great spending time with Brother/sister in law in their territory at long last. Been 8 years since we last visited them. They always make the trip up to Tauranga for Christmas, its a long haul, but worth it in the end.

Husband and bro went out deep sea fishing and came home with a catch of Gem fish (I'd never heard of them before) but my goodness, after they have been smoke, they have to be the most delicious fish ever!

Uncle Robert has built himself a great outdoor fish filting bench, proper stainless sink top with cover. Cool aye!

Our Christmas Day

2008-12-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well the weather did its thing and shone beautifully. We started off our day with breakfast (each gets their own) and a cuppa, then we read the Christmas story (R8 read the story this year) and then its presents time. Its quite civilised in our house, each person takes a turn to open a present and we ohh and arhh over it for a while then move onto the next persons.

Next we headed for my Mum and Dads place for nibbles and another cuppa, did the presents for the kids etc then headed for husbands Mum and Dads place (they live within 5 mins of each other so thats handy!).

We were joined by husbands two brothers and their wives and kids. We had finger food for lunch which worked quite well. Cousins played with each other and had a great time.

We sat down for a BBQ dinner about 6pm in the courtyard, eating marinated meat, sausages, garlic prawns, salads, breads etc. Yum.

Another Christmas Day done, we give thanks for the many blessings of healthy kids, families being together and food on our tables. This year we remembered the wonderful memories of Popel who passed away in August.

Roll on the New Year!

The week before christmad and all through the Bay

2008-12-21T22:09:00.000-08:00

What a great week its been leading up to Christmas, yes i am feeling a bit of pressure that the lead up to Christmas brings, but only from a work point of view (last minute orders for Boxing Day Races fascinators) everything else is tickity boo.

Last Sunday we got an invite to share Pina Coladas and Margaritas with good friends of ours before they left New Zealand to travel over to Europe for the School holidays. You're allowed to drink Pina Coladas before lunch arent you?

Had a funny experience with my new breadmaker (bought for my birthday). I think I might have put one extra tspn of yeast in the mixture than I should have. Oh dear, I watched it rise, then rise some more, then keep rising, then the lid from the breadmaker started to open and the bread continued to rise and it had nowhere to go so squashed up onto the inside of the lid and over the sides.
Then the baking cycle came on thank goodness and well, this is the final result!

Had a lovely evening with some of my poppy friends who are just so delicious to be with. We cant help but laugh, come up with crazy ideas and all collapse on the same sofa together while helping ourselves to 2nds, 3rds (and even 4ths) of deserts. mwah, mwah.

Join two more girlfriends today with their children to have a shared Christmas lunch along with exchange of lovely gifts (usually something foody! thanks Caroline for the awesome handmade chocolates and christmas decorations, and Jo for your hospitality at your place and wine with chocolate. Oh how a girl can never turn that down! Tried to take a civilised photo of the kids but they had consumed too much suger by that stage! So now its a down hill jog to Christmas Day. The kids got into the festive mood last week and added Santa beards while in the bath! Little cuties!

Whose for a laugh...

2008-12-08T23:04:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we decided to put up the tree, reluctantly dragged it out of the shed and said to the kids, go for it! We always put on a christmas CD and sing songs while decorating it. This time was no exception. The only change this year was our new edition to the family "Lucy" who decided that the tinsle and christmas decorations looked like alot of fun to play with.

So she jumped inside the tree and swiped at us every time we put a decoration on the tree.

Husband and I headed up to Auckland the following weekend to attend a Christmas Function as a guest with Fujitzu. We stayed with my cousin, the boys took off early in the morning to jump on a boat to go fishing, so K and I joined a church coffee group and proceeded to making Gingerbread houses. If you havent done this sort of thing before, I dont suggest you start! Oh my goodness, I can glue fascinators together but dont ask me to glue a gingerbread house together. The sides collapsed, the roof fell in, my cousins little boy kept eating the sides of her house before it was even put together! It was fun though. Then it was off to the Comedy Club in Queens Street for dinner and a show! Great fun.

Now, what would Christmas be if you didnt get the poppies together and "pretend" to make Christmas Wreaths for ya door while downing cupcakes, champers and chocolate rockyroad along with gorgeous wreath shaped bread.

Brigade Prizegiving

2008-11-27T00:48:00.000-08:00

Tuesday night was a combined Prizegiving Night for ICONZ and Girls Brigade. It was soooo lovely seeing both my kids proudly standing up in front of the church in their smart uniform and being proud of who they are.

I'm so pleased for them, love seeing them learn and get excited about stuff. They will miss being there while the holidays are on. Although Emily misses being at school when the holidays are on so go figure.

Birthday week

2008-11-20T12:19:00.000-08:00

Years ago I wouldnt have thought I could be happy about turning 42, (I had a crisis about turning 30 for goodness sake....wouldnt let Mum put the no. 30 on my cake amongst other things.....) but things have changed in recent times. I welcome any year that follows the next, because now I know it is a gift to be alive, to have my health and to be with my husband and beautiful children.

So I say bring it on.....

I love my friends who are so generous with their love and time and thoughtfulness. I love that my husband and children want to have me as their wife and mummy, I love that my parents support me in all the crazy things I do with un-faulted attention. I love that I dont sweat the little things and take each day as it comes and accept people for their differences...... I hate my increasing waistline, I hate my wrinkles, I hate my housework and messy everything, I hate having to produce food everyday for hungry mouths, I hate frizzy hair days..... but you know what, the things I hate can all be fixed, (just need to have lipo, facelift and a maid), but to have the love of your friends and family is sooo much more precious than saggy things, so my hates just pale in comparision to my loves. I love my life, I couldnt be more happy with what I have.

My week started with lunch downtown with two special ladies who bought me lunch, and beautiful little trinkets and pamper vouchers.(girls just know what other girls like aye!!)

Then the next day my two kids started my birthday off with fascinators in their hair and feathers on sticks. They are so like their mother!!!!

Tuesday was my actual birthday and I spent it on my own which sounds weird but after having partied during the weekend (mamma Mia yay!!!!), I actually enjoyed the peace and just "me" time. Went and saw Brideshead Revisted which was lovely. Ate lunch on the beach at the mount, shopped at Save Mart and picked kids up from school. Husband returned home early so we took kids to McD's for tea and then off to ICONZ. Met up with Mum, Dad, my sister and had tea and desert at Bravo. Lovely time.

Fab Five

On Thursday Katey Sparkles organised a lunch for me in her secret garden. What a treat, hats and bubbles, salads and cupcakes. What more could a girl want.

Meanwhile E6 has decided to enter yet another competition at school (as if Maungatapu Idol wasnt enough!!!) and has auditioned for "So you think you can dance"..... yep wouldnt you know it, she got through her audition and is into the semi-finals. You go girl, I love how she makes the most of every opportunity!!!

Mamma Mia, what a Weekend.

2008-11-15T23:50:00.000-08:00

What does one do when Mamma Mia is finally released onto DVD... well you go and buy it with the sounds track to match......Hmmm, its really one of those movies to be shared.... ok. lets have a girls weekend away and celebrate its release.

......but where do you go when there is only a 24 hour window of possibility to get 5 girls together? Pukehina of course, its the next best thing to Greece!

Ok so if we cant holiday in Greece itself, we need to pretend we are there, so a menu was planned around Greek food and there you have it.... one special "Mamma Mia" girls night away.... It really was more of a "release" of the girls than a release of the DVD!

Oh and a weekend away just wouldnt be the same without wigs and boas.

Next morning Saz created a feast for our eyes (and tummys) with salmon eggs bene. Oh yumm, so much better than any cafe could do.......

Thanks girls for a special weekend....

Up a creek with a paddle

2008-11-08T00:16:00.000-08:00

So yesterday was the start of yet another adventure for my husband. Whitianga to Tauranga by sea kayak. They loaded up at Waimarino and headed North to start their adventure. Spent the night at a Camping ground in Whitianga and set off at 8am this morning. Arrived at Hot Water Beach for lunch, then paddled off again to Boat Harbour. This is were they are camping the night.

Its great for him to have the tent out again, this was part of the reason we bought such a great tent for his trip to France. It needed to be compact enough to load onto a bike and also into a kayak so it was worth investing in the right one. We found a great compact zero degree sleeping bag this week too. Its proven to be just the right one. More updates tomorrow.

Live Your Dreams

2008-11-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

I sit here with so many thoughts plowing through my head, contemplating the days ahead of me, but only taking each minute as it comes. I had the excruciating experience of attending another funeral, the 2nd in 3 months. This one was different. This one was a young man still with half his life ahead of him. As I sat and watched photos of him appeared on a screen, I couldnt help but feel disppear for a life half lead. He always had a smile and cared deeply for those around him. He accepted everyone and was kind to the core. The men that got up and paid a tribute to him cried... nows thats gotta say something.

Today, I am questioning my feelings of pain that still dwell within me when I think about him. I realise that he played an important part in my life in those early years. As a first boyfriend, he was attentive, all consuming, caring and over endulgent. The pedalstool couldnt have been placed any higher with me on it.... I was lucky to have experienced this. It occured to me this morning that with him gone, its taken a part of me and my history with it. I feel partly buried with him and maybe some guilt for not fullfilling his dream way back then. I also would have liked to have visited him... I feel like I didnt get to say goodbye. I wonder if he knows that....

As I listened to the tributes paid to him, I kept thinking about how wonderful it would be for him to hear all these things, why do we wait until someone is dead before we acknowledge what we love about them so much. So, my friends, share with one another what we love about them and how much they mean to us.

Robert was diagnosed with cancer in June and died in October. Good grief, we dont know what is around the corner, take every day as a miracle from God, hug your kids more, love your partner more, dont just dream, live your dreams.

My husband is heading off to participate in one of his dreams, to paddle part of the North Island with 8 other people. Yes I know, hes just biked in France, now hes doing something he really enjoys which is Kayaking. Hes off on Friday to start in Whitianga and will paddle to Tauranga over 5 days. They will camp along the coastline each night and fish during the day as they make their way towards Tauranga. He knows you dont turn down experiences like this now, so again, he goes with my blessing.

See ya my friend

2008-10-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

Received sad news that a dear friend passed away of cancer this afternoon (aged 43). He was my first boyfriend and a really lovely person. We had a lot of fun times together as teenagers. We parted ways eventually and he ended up marrying Gina and had three children ages around 8 to 2 years. I am feeling grief for those children and Gina who have lost a Daddy and a husband.

Even though I have tears for you today, I know that Robert is in our Lords arms, which is a much better place to be than suffering this dreadful cancer that claims so many of our family and friends.

Robert...you've made it faithful one, now you can rest in His garden, the place that has been made for you... I know you believed strongly in what God has to offer us when we die, I bet its better than you thought.... love to you x.

THINK PINK

2008-10-22T14:52:00.001-07:00

Well this last weekend has just rolled into this week and whew, what a blast its been....

Start on Friday last week with a trip to Auckland to celebrate our 10th Wedding Anniversary. Kids were safely tucked away at Mum and Dads, off we went for a 2 night stay at the Duxton Hotel in Auckland. Car broke down right outside the front doors of the 5 star Duxton.. oh shame.. had to push it out of the way while we rang AA... meanwhile scuttled to the back of the hotel with our two free drink vouchers pretending we knew nothing about it. Apparently my battery had completely died, so that got replaced and our car got put in the underground carpark. Whew! Looked out our balcony window to see the Sky tower all lit up in Pink!!

Next day it was off to the Phantom of the Opera at the Civic Theatre, oh it was so beautifully done up and what a magical show! I have seen it before in London in my early 20's but honostly, it was hard to remember it, but this time around, I soaked up every bit as my skin tingled and a few tears were shead.... blimey that means I am getting old doesnt it!

We then met up with my two cousins and their partners as it was my cousins 40th party that night. We popped Champagne in the hotel prior to leaving for the function venue. Swung into town for a fed at Wagamama - yum yum and then attempted getting 6 of us into a cab up to the function. Great time was had, even if the ipod did shuffle aye Kay!

Next morning off to Newmarket for brunch - hmmm salmon eggs benedict......

So once back in Tauranga it was all on for getting our group of 40 girls all cupcaked and ready for the Breast Cancer walk on Wednesday.

Caroline, Jo and Me!

Me, Nush,

Ang and Kate

The Cupcake Team

After many hours working out what T-shirt what going to fit who --- (Ang you still have it babe!), then we had a few ironing parties (thanks Katie Sparkled for party number one - loved the Limoncello, choc fudge muffins and icecream to follow - that had to be the best part of the party!!!) and then thanks for Jo for ironing party number two .... The result was a fabulous T-shirt saying "You are delicious, whatever your cup size" Thanks Ang for the wonderful idea and all your motivation to make it a fabulous event. Look at us.... Whoaaaaaa!!!!!!

It was amazing seeing so many women out in the streets of Tauranga, all cheering and whooping and having a fab time with decorated boobs an' all. Loved it!

Also special thanks to Ang for making us all a "boob" cupcake to take home and for Kate and her kids for packaging them up. What a labour of love xxxx

My silent dedication of the night went to Sonia Tyler-Davies who lost the battle to Breast Cancer nearly 2 years ago, you inspired soooooooo many women and your website is still heavy with entries from those who loved you. I think of you most weeks and how courageous you were...... smiling till the last day. God be with you Sonia.

The holidays are over...

2008-10-13T00:57:00.000-07:00

Well it feels like an age since I last blogged, had a wee holiday from blogging while enjoying time with the kids. Started off with a hiss and a roar, off to Auckland with a girlfriend and her son the same age as R8, negotiating the Auckland motorways to stay at her sister-in-laws place in Helensville (well 15 kms out the back of Helensville). It was a long way to travel each day but a beautiful oasis of a farm with new born goats, calves and ducks etc to be seen. Aunty Linda took the kids on the 4 wheeler up into the highlands to go seek out any more new borns and the kids came back with squeals of delight and stories non stop about baby goats the size of little puppies, tiny calves and a family of ducks with ducklings.

We visited Kelly Tarltons and enjoyed everything there, even saw the giant squid! Not that the photo above reflects that, but it was pretty impressive! This beautiful little turtle just swam around looking very closely at us. He was really showing off (or trying to tell us he wants out!!).

They have a great educational room now in the penquin section. That wasnt there when I last visited about 3-4 years ago. Then it was off to the Zoo the next day, dodging rain clouds and strong gusts of wind.

All in all, we had a great time, exhausting, but wonderful. My friend and I decided it was quite handy having a 2 mother to 3 children ratio. Kind of like having the nanny along for the ride! So today was back to school, E6 was very pleased about that, R8 a little reserved but both came home with smiles and stories to tell.

Last week of term - whew!

2008-09-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

Its been a funny week with Maungatapu Idol finals, Ryans Prose Reading competition and more family birthday celebrations.

E6 and her Divas got up on stage once again and performed to their fans. It was E's actual Birthday so made it special for her. Great performance, but noticed less animation than in previous performances, maybe the Divas were "over it!" (they were just on FIRE at the semi-finals!) anyway, they came 2nd which was a fabulous effort considering they were up against 8 and 9 year olds too. Gutzy girls, very proud of them.

Following day it was back to the school to see R8 compete in a Prose Reading Competition (never heard of Prose reading up until last week - did I miss that section at school???) so he bravely stood up in front of the middle school to read a book given to him by my parents and he did so well. Didnt get a placement (all the Y4 kids did!) but another gutzy effort by my kids.

So after alot of performances this week, the kids decided to put on their own "unpressured" performance using my wigs. R8 was by far the most dramatic, somehow enjoying his role of being a "lady". Should one be concerned or just enroll him in the drama club at school!!! Funny thing is, he really suited not only the wigs, but my glasses as well.....

Happy Birthday to you

2008-09-21T16:11:00.000-07:00

E5 is E6, weeeee, its fab to be six, especially when your Mummy says "hey, lets have a cupcake party" because all of Mummys friends are right into cupcake parties at the mo.... so thats what we will do, be trendy, be fashionable and change the Birthday Cake to a layered cupcake cake! With the help of Mrs J cupcakes (and mine with the burnt bottoms!), we pulled off the party of the year at our place. E's gorgeous Diva girlfriends squealed and clapped all the way through E's party. I even over heard one child say, "this is the best party ever"..... oh to the Mothers delight.....

Attention Mothers - I found a fabulous way to organise the games. Write down on a piece of paper the name of an activity and fold it up and put into a balloon then blow it up and number it. We had 5 balloon all with an activity inside. Then you keep bringing all the kids back to the balloon every time you want to start a new game, the balloon gets popped, more squeals, and they all rush for the piece of paper and off you go to the next activity. If you want their attention again during the party you just yellow out "balloon time" and they all come running!!!

We had a bouncy castle on the lawn and it really work to keep them busy in between activities. We finished off with a play on the big tree swing down the back and icecreams. Pity I didnt get any photos of that! I hope the little darling all slept well that night!

On Sunday we met up with all the relatives in Kulium Park for a picnic and play. Beautiful day, more running around, lots more muffins, homemade pizza (I know, I know - who is this mother???)and left over party treats. Think I may have eaten more than the kids! Thats what my jeans are telling me this morning.

Finished off the day with hamburgers and chips down the back, with a mashmellows on sticks roasted on husbands fire while he got rid of tree branches . R8 came up with a game where you jump on the swing with your marshmellow on a really long stick and then swing over to the fire to catch a flame! THere was more laughing than success..... Not sure who slept better last night! I love seeing the kids having awesome experiences, just simple stuff but memorable.

Semi-Finals

2008-09-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

So the Maungatapu Idol Semi-finals got underway last week, with our 5 divas singing their little hearts out once again (High School Musical - Start of something new).... oh they were so gorgeous and everyone enjoyed the performance. They set up a voting system where you had to "vote" with a gold coin donation for the performers you liked the best. Wouldnt you know it, E5's group got the most money and now they are off to the Finals! Oh to be 5....

Surfs Up!

2008-09-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we met up with G39's eldest brother and wife at the surfing reef to "catch some waves dude". G39's brother surfs fairly regularly, but G hasnt been surfing for maybe 13-15 years. Hey its just like riding a bike isnt it?Meanwhile sister-in-law and I sat on the beach with the cuzzies enjoying the sand. It was about 4pm and the sun was heading down, which put a beautiful glow on the beach, simply stunning... it must be summer, right?

Whats the verdict? "Its Bl**dy freezing, I just aint as fit as I used to be, this wetsuit is 2 sizes to small but I still got it, aye babe"!
.........Yep honey, you still got it, whatever it is/was, I'm sure you still have it!!!

Yay! Photos!

2008-09-04T22:15:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, while he was away, it was hard to just receive a text message every 24hrs and not be able to talk or e-mail or get photos sent through. I am such a Photo girl. So.... the last few days has been wonderful, looking through all the photos taken, really helps to visualise the whole thing.We looked at alot of tent designs before he left and this one seemed to work very well. He has commented on how large our house is after living in this little home for so many weeks.

Not the most attractive tan, you should have stayed a bit longer at that nudist camp aye!

(photo above) Totally love this photo taken at the Louvre, is so typical of Paris.

He was really suprised at how helpful the policewomen were in Bordeaux, although wondered how they could get their work done in this uniform. Wouldnt be alot of high speed chasing, maybe the crims would actually hang around rather than run away, dunno, but he did his best to do something "illegal"....

Off yer bike

2008-09-03T01:37:00.000-07:00

I went to the airport last night to pick up my husband but I couldnt find him.... but I did find a man who resembled my husband but was thiner, browner, smellier and looking a bit dazed. Decided he would do, and took him home with me.... he he, oh lovely to have him return safely in one peice. There is something lovely about reuniting after so long.

He carefully choose some presents for us which was very kind as he really had no room in his luggage. Miss E got a very swish pink handbag from Paris.....

Mstr R got a fancy watch from Bordeaux ....

and I got a beautiful piece of art to wear around my neck.....

Take the good with the bad

2008-08-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

Good news: E5 and 4 of her school buddies entered their School Idol competition last week (this is a year One class!) and sang a song from High School Musical and won their heat of the competition! That means onto the finals with the rest of the hopefuls! They were soooooo gorgeous up there, they had worked out all the actions and costumes. So proud of my little girl. Hopefully Daddy is going to be home in time to watch the finals.

Bad news: Well not really baaaaad news but I went to pick R8 up from school on Friday and I noticed as he was walking towards me that one side of his face was a bit bigger than the other! Oh dear, he had collided with another student as they were both going around the same corner - in opposite directions. Result - black eye. Now Grandma will know all about how that feels, after having just broken her nose and ended up with two black eyes!

The last photo was taken 3 days later, the brusing is significant now but the swelling has gone down.

Cycle on

2008-08-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Ok so next part of route mapped out.

(Photo above) Charrou t0 Angouleme 72km. (camped out in garden of Kiwi singer from local bar)

(photo above) Angouleme to Aubeterre - 50km (this is where all the excitment began!)

Got a very excited text from G39 saying he has had his best time yet. After a long and hard day they cycled into the village of Aubeterre. Built in the shape of an amphitheatre this former stronghold is now classified as one of France's prettiest villages.

The most outstanding and impressive monument in Aubeterre is the underground church of St Jean, known as the monolithic church, loacated on the cliff which overhangs the Dronne. Carved entirely out of the rock, the main nave reaches a height of 20 m. At height of 15 m, the nave is bordered by a triforium and can be reached by a stairway carved out of the rock.

Said he swam in the river, drank wine and had a great conversation with a local school teacher in french for about 3 hours. Best time yet. Pity they have to leave in the morning.

Curiosity nearly killed the cat

2008-08-25T02:37:00.000-07:00

Cat fell down the toilet today... then puked up a giant lump of undigested kitty buscuits with fur . One way to quickly loose weight I guess. And here I was thinking I just needed to do pilates. That was todays highlights. I'll spare you the photos.

Are we there yet?

2008-08-23T17:51:00.000-07:00

Every 24hrs I get a txt fromG39 with their latest destination. Not much you can say on txt messages so I am sure the stories will roll out when he returns. Its been hard work each day getting back on the bike and powering through to the next destination. Each day is a challenge. When he looks back on it, hes going to wonder how he did it!

I have been mapping the journey so far so see the photos below.

(Photo above) Paris to Toury - 90kms (stayed in nudist camp!)

(photo above) Toury to Beaugency - 60km (head winds, sore hips, back and bum)

(photo above) Beaugency to Limeray - 62km (very cold at night and in morning then really hot in afternoon - sunburnt)

(photo above) Limeray to Tours - 32km (pain in hips and back much better - saw many cave houses still inhabited)

(photo above) Tours to Dange Saint Roman - 54km (taken some great photos - his tents feeling like his home now - cold pizza and beans for tea, hmmm).

(Photo above) Dange St Romain to Poitiers 47km (staying 2 nights - went into town to see old roman built Notre Dame - 11th century. Had a conversation with an old guy for about an hour in French.

So thats it so far. Only 234km to go! Easy.

Is it hot in here??

2008-08-17T02:22:00.000-07:00

Reports back from Paris tell me that G is blown away with the history and age of things in Paris. Visited the Louvre, saw Mona, and looked over manuscripts that were 3000 years old. Its is mind blowing really, because NZ is relatively new. To get your head wrapped around the time it took to build the Louvre - 200 years. Good grief, thats almost 3 generations of lifetimes.

So after 3 days of playing tourist in Paris, G and parents have packed up camp, laided their bikes and have started on the 1st leg of the journey towards Bordeaux. Just a gentle ride today, only 55kms!

Got a txt this morning 9.30am (11.30pm french time), "Looooonnnngg day, spending the night in a caravan at a nudist camp with communial shower - dont care, too tired...."

Not much more you can say to that....

On another note, E5 attended her Girls Brigade parade at St Peters this morning. Oh so proud, she performed in a play in front of everyone too. Its awesome to see her growing up and maturing with these girls and learning neat skills.

Special Friends

2008-08-14T17:18:00.001-07:00

I cant even begin to find the right words to express my feelings to the people around me who have acknowledged the place I am in right now, you have phoned me with a listening ear, texted me at bedtime to make sure I am ok, sung me songs, offered their time, and had angels turn up at my door with flowers and chocolate cake! Wow, these gorgeous friends of mine are truely special people. Its funny because as women, we like to take care of each other, but sometimes we feel like its just not enough and we want to provide more, but our own personal circumstances cant allow us to give any more of ourselves. Heres the thing... you only need to do one thing from YOU, as someone else will provide their special thing from THEM. We dont have to be EVERYTHING to our friends, we just need to be SOMETHING!

One act of kindness is invaluable.

Here are the words written on a note delivered with my goodies this morning:

Psalm 119 v 73-77

Your hands made me and formed me, give me understanding to learn your commands.

May those who fear you rejoice when they see me for I have put my hope in your words. I know, oh Lord, that your laws are righteous and in faithfulness you have afflicated me.

May your unfailing love be my confort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I might live, for your law is my delight.

Farewell Popel

2008-08-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

Today was Popels funeral. An incredibly hard event to attend, when so many people loved this inspirational man. These photos are for you husband, and to share with your Mum and Dad. We missed you terribly today.

You should be very proud of your brothers/sons, they did a wonderful job of representing the family and looked so smart in their suits. Yes Robert actually found a suit jacket in Gisborne on his way up for 10 bucks! We had a great time telling stories over a cup of tea and food. Most of them were of his strong character, excellent seamanship and love for fishing. Then it was off to Pyes Pa Cemetary. The weather started to brew up a storm. We all said, arhhh, he would have loved this! Great day for a sail!

Mama did incredibly well, always supported by someone from the family. Umbrellas got blown back and forth, and ground got soggy, our feet got wet and we all smiled and said - yep, this is Popel sort of weather! Just because its raining, doesnt mean you give up, keep trying in all conditions! The heavens cried with us.

Husband, you'll like to know that Mr Hocklberry was there, how kind. Irene and Neil too. We love you and we know you are having a "Popel" sort of adventure, so carry on and enjoy the journey. Many hugs to you and your parents. xxxxx

p.s. special thanks to my angel friend who filmed the whole event for us, she willingly gave her time for love. Thanks also to those who sent text messages to me and even sang songs over blogs! Thank you Mrs Jackson, so special.

Arh Paris....

2008-08-13T02:01:00.000-07:00

Yey the bike is fixed, repackaged and G has returned to France after 5 days in Germany and has reunited with his Parents. They are staying at a campsite just out of Paris for about 3 days before venturing off into the French countryside. On the menu last night was chicken and wine and then pitch the tent, blow up the mattress, stick in airplugs, take a pill and hope to sleep!

Text this morning said mattress has slow leak but mostly stayed up! Hurray. On the agenda today is the Effiel Tower!!!!

Dont mention the war

2008-08-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

Proof he is there! Karlsruhe and Strasburgh. The guy fishing is catching bream.

Notice the African guy trying to sell them his goods, you find them everywhere, always on the look out for tourists. Beautiful buildings in the background. Having lived in Britain/Europe for a number of years, I can relate to what hes experiencing. ooohhhh, europe, I love it!!!

Looky here....

2008-08-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

This blog entry is an FYI for husband and Mum and Dad. Thought you might like to know that while you are away in sunnier lands, we are still freezing! Temperatures over night - 1 degree. Yes only 1. Also, guess whose hosting Breakfast with Pipa, are yes, Jack Tame. We thought he would be a good option while Paul Hentry was away and there you go. Actually makes Pipa look like the old one for a change! Anyway husband, I knew you would be missing her!

So on a different note again, G39's bike has finally turned up, well its arrived, but as G put it " it looks like they have thrown it out of the plane and then run it over with a tank". So the next news is, can it be repaired??? Who said travelling wasnt any fun!

Have your cake and eat it too

2008-08-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

The last 5 days have been difficult and stressful for me since husband left for Europe. At one point I was texting Germany in the middle of the night to get them to connect with him in France as he couldnt get hold of them, and I could, from NZ... technology is pretty amazing. 3 days after he left, I waved my Mum and Dad off at the same airport as they are off to Australia for a month. So with both sets of Grandparents gone and a husband gone, its left a big hole in our life. So after 2 days of travelling, loosing his bike, death of a grandfather and now hes had to visit the doctor and has broncitis... I just wondered what on earth could go wrong next. Thank goodness for Skype....

But today we were blessed.... greatly blessed. My friend Katie Sparkles heard my cry and offered time out at her place. Now let me explain to you how important it is to be available to your friends, she just let us be, and we sat in the sunshine of her secret garden, eating fudgy chocolate cake and talked and cried and painted nails and talked some more. Time with her has given me the energy to face this week ahead of me. Mwah you gorgeous girl, thank you for listening and thank you for your special sharing. I treasure it all deeply .... you sparkled my day and gave me just what I needed. xxxxx

So close, yet so far away

2008-08-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

Well after 42 hours of travelling, G39 has finally reached his first destination. A place called Karlsruhe in Germany. Very good friends of ours moved there last year so they are kindly taking him under their wing until he gets himself round the right way again! It will be awesome for him to see them in their German environment and learn a bit more about Steiger International. They are a bunch of radicals, so G39 may end up leaving Germany with bright orange hair and a tattoo!

Meanwhile, Qantas lost his bike.... fortunately he had most of his personal stuff in his hand luggage to get him by for the next 4 days. Fingers crossed it gets delivered to him before he returns to Paris. A bike trip just aint the same without the bike!

p.s. on a sad note, his Grandfather died this afternoon. I was able to Skype him and tell him face-to-face rather than through texting. Wow that was hard. Its been a very emotional week for us all. His plans now lie in the balance ...

Tauranga to Germany.....

2008-08-05T17:47:00.000-07:00

The day started early, all packed up ready to go, kissed the kids goodbye at school, drove to Tauranga airport with tears rolling down our cheeks ... this is hard....

Checked in the bike, 21kgs but they let it pass, whew...

Time for a coffee before the flight leaves. My Mum and Dad dropped in to farewell G39 and to hold my hand.... arent they great!

See ya honey... you've got a long way to go...

bye bye .... see you in September xxxx

On yer bike

2008-08-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

The count down is on.... G39 is almost ready to leave on his grand adventure... biking through France. Yes biking, not motorbiking, push biking.... from Paris to Bordeaux. He has been invited to join his Parents who are biking from Amsterdam to Barcelona. Mad? maybe.... courageous... definately. Oh and by the way, he wont be staying at some quaint little B&B in the French countryside or some flash villa... oh no, he is taking a tent, an inflatable mattress and his bike. They are aiming to do around 60-80km a day.

Now packing up his bike is no easy task....

Tires need deflating, racks need removing, pedals off, axles secured, wheels dismantled...

Until you can fit a bike into a bag that can go on a plane....

....and thats how its done!

Have a great trip Husband and Daddy... we will miss you over the next month, but we know you are going to have an adventure of a lifetime... you go with our blessing and love. xxx

Mamma Mia Mania

2008-07-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Mamma mia, here I go again....My my, how can I resist you?

News Flash - girls go crazy in Bay City Cinema - It must be Mamma Mia Mania!

Knowing me, knowing you (ah-haa)...There is nothing we can do
But have a fun night out
To sing and shout … we love Mamma Mia!!!
I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay....Ain't it sad

And still there never seems to be a single penny left for me .. Except for tonight!....

In my dreams I have a plan, to see Mamma Mia if I can..... I wouldn't have to work at all, I'd fool around and have a ball...

Tuesday night and the lights are low....Looking out for the place to go.....Where they play the right music, getting in the swing......You come in to do your thing......Anybody could be that girl........Night is young and the music's high........With a few feather boas, everything is fine.......You're in the mood for a dance.....And when you get the chance...

You are the Dancing Queens, young and sweet only 30 something's.....

You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life ....See those girls, watch their scene, dig in the Dancing Queens!!!

Honey honey, touch me, baby, ah-hah, honey honey....Honey honey, hold me, baby, ah-hah, honey honey....You look like a movie star(You look like a movie star), ...But I know just who you are(I know just who you are), ...you are my fabulous friends, oh you make me crazy!

Let me hear you sing once more like you did before...Sing a new song, Tau and Angie....Try once more like you did before....Sing a new song, you buncha crazies!

falafel anyone?

Thank you girls for a fantabulous night out ..... mwah mwah, lova ya all.....

p.s. thanks to the husbands who did the ICONZ drop offs and picks up to make our night possible. mwah to you too, we cant live without ya!!!

Young at heart ...

2008-07-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated my older sisters birthday yesterday with family....

Conversation in the car in the way to school this morning:

R8: Wow Aunty C is really old now aye, 45, thats really old.

Me: Yeah I suppose it does sound old, do you think she looks 45 ?

R8: no, she looks like shes in her 20's

Me: Arrww, Aunty C would love to know you said that...

R8: She looks MUCH younger than YOU mummy

Me: Yes, well people have always thought i looked older than my sister

R8: well you do, you DEFINATELY look like your in your 40's.

All I want for Christmas....

2008-07-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

E5's long awaited tooth has finally come out. The tooth fairy even visited during the day to deliver money under her pillow. I think she liked the smell of the pancakes we were making that day ... 3 teeth down, 17 to go!

8 is Great!

2008-07-13T16:17:00.001-07:00

R7 is now R8! Hurray... we had a nice family time on Saturday celebrating his 8th birthday. Lots of eating, talking, eating and some more talking.

A birthday wouldnt be complete without Lego or Knex to keep the mind creative!

and if you want to be a Paleontologist then you need Dinosaur Books!!!!

and the birthing of new dino babies!

Snow Off

2008-07-10T16:17:00.000-07:00

This week R7 and E5 took a trip to the snow for the very first time. Actually it was the first time for me too and I loved it. We had perfect weather and the road were clear, after many of them having been closed last week. We stopped in Taupo for two nights and visited my friend Sarah who has just moved down from Auckland. Our kids really enjoyed catching up with Sarahs kids and both of them said they wished they were their brothers and sisters. Awrhhh...

On Wednesday we headed to the mountain in search of snow! Boy did we find it! Wow what a magical place. I couldnt stop saying "WOW", it was 100% perfect weather and my video camera did overtime. Kids used a very old boogieboard which came from my Grandmothers house in Whangamata (probably 1960's) and it was the best thing ever. Very sturdy, and ridges on the bottom and two handles at the front. R7 got very clever with his snowboarding technics and mastered quite a few slopes. E5 decided she wanted to reach the top of the mountain.... she nearly got there!

The day ended with R7 crashing into a rock and injuring his knee, he limped off the snow with a blood grazed knee which seemed to add to the excitement. As we were about to leave The Chataeu to head back to Taupo, i discovered a flat tyre! Phoned AA and they said it would take over an hour to get to us. I wanted to get off the mountain before night fall so found an angel (disgused as an English gentleman) who kindly changed our tyre and got us back on the road again. Whew!

Disco Fever!

2008-06-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

R7 and E5 disco danced the night away on Thursday evening to an array of top 10 songs... wows, things have changed since my days at school. These kids get to boogie to Justin Timberlake, Christine Aguilera music and then a bit of Stop Drop and Roll with the Deceptikonz. The schools deputy Principal is leaving so they made the theme "Mr Laurence" so kids could come dressed like him. I fossicked into the back of Grants wardrobe to reveal a couple of 80's leather ties and put that around their necks... guess who both won a prize for best dressed!!!!!

2008-06-21T23:43:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager, I took to knitting, cant remember why... my Mum might know, but I just grabbed some needles one day and choose some wool and away I went. I kind of liked the way it created something so quickly and you got great results. Never been any good with patterns (or recipies for that matter!) so usually knitted without a pattern and went with the flow. Created quite a number of jerseys with colourful pieces on them and wore with pride. Remember walking through Victoria Park Market in Auckland one day and a lady asked me were I got my jersey from. I told her I made it myself and she asked if I would knit some for her shop. I was 17 or 18 I think, and not really prepared to spend all my waking hours knitting as it was more a hobbie so said "no thanks".

I havent knitted for years, but once pregnant with my first child, I picked it up again and choose some beautiful mohair wool at the Kaimai Wool Shed and whipped up another jersey. Wore it about 5 times and discovered the fluff kept getting in my contact lenses, so to the back of the draw it went. I found it a few weeks ago and decided it was too nice to ignore, so have spent the last week pulling it apart to reknit into a poncho for Emily.

Hopefully in the next few days you will see a photo of the finished product, on Emily. We both went down town and found buttons etc to put on it to dress it up a bit. So watch this space.....

Meet the Family

2008-06-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to the Family. I have two delicious children, R7 who is an inventor, creative, loves dinosaurs and Star Wars, and is snuggly and thoughtful.... and E5 she is a magnificant artist, a girlie girl, ballet dancer, helpful and loving... then G39, my handsome husband, guitarist, kayaker, also creative, IT guru, fishing/boating nut, and my best pal. Then there is me.. M41, researcher, realist, laidback, messy, creative and happy in my own skin (but only if I looked like Elle McPherson!)

Our newest family member is Lucy, she is a persian chinchilla kitten. She is very well behaved, has soft bites and paddy paws, dances often, snuggles lots and we love her. She is now 8 wks old.

Here is a photo of E5 with Lucy.

Here is a photo of R7 with Lucy

The kids made a scratching post for Lucy in the weekend with Daddy so she would leave Daddys Stereo speakers alone!!!! It works, she loves it.

The start of something new...

2008-06-18T14:24:00.000-07:00

I am comfortable with sitting at my computer and typing away, its something I have been doing for many years, I even have a website http://www.ardernfarm.com/, but I am not comfortable with exposing my daily rants and raves, family photos, my likes and dislikes on a public blog. But, having been inspired by ***beautiful friends*** who have created gorgeous blogs, I have been thinking this could be a great idea for my kids to be involved. It kind of makes them famous in a way, if you can see yourself on the computer, then so can the world. My thoughts behind this is to inspire the kids to take their own photos, write their own words and share with the world and friends what they have been doing.

So here I am, learning as I go, be gentle with me.... this is my first time!