Kelly

Ramblings from Toushka: The Search for Grandpa

2010-09-12T12:27:00.000+10:00

Ramblings from Toushka: The Search for Grandpa

That's not fair!!! I want to hear the ending!!

2010-01-07T10:03:00.000+10:00

Click to head over to my NEW website.

NEW WEBSITE

2009-12-17T13:45:00.000+10:00

Please head over to my new website.

www.beafunmum.com

One of those special days

2009-07-01T18:21:00.004+10:00

Today, today, today was such a beautiful day. I dove into the country to visit a friend. As I came through the gate I was greeted by 3 acres of perfect grass.... sigh. My friend and I spent the whole day eating and playing with the children. The hightlight was the body painting.... check it out below. Today was just one of those special days .....

BODY PAINTING!!

"LOOK MUM!""What was Mum thinking when she let me do this?"

Royalty

2009-06-19T19:05:00.002+10:00

My Jamie (who is 3) comes up to me and says "Can I have a drink of water Your Majesty?"

This is a moment I want to remember.

What A Morning!

2009-06-10T08:45:00.003+10:00

It was just one of those mornings..... Do you want to hear about it? Probably not.... but I what to tell you anyway....

So, I get woken too early by my 3 year old "MUM, MUM, MUM!" she says. Far out, she has an extra loud voice at 5am in the morning. I drag myself out of bed to get her breakfast. My 3 year old, manages to wake up my 2 year old son who asks for a bottle.

Now, that is just the beginning.... so I rush around making lunches and making breakfast. Then my 8 year old gets hair in her mouth and vomits EVERYWHERE and my 5 year old tells me she does not have any clean uniforms for school. Then my husband rings from work (from night shift) and asks me to pick him up. Talk about multi-tasking.... After mopping up the vomit, putting a load of washing on, drying a uniform I threw everyone in the car....

OH JOY!

No wonder I look like this in the morning!

Whirlwind Weekend in New Zealand

2009-06-08T12:44:00.004+10:00

I have fallen in love with NZ. It is soooo beautiful. Matt and I covered quite a lot of ground even though I was only there for the weekend..... We explored Dunedin and the peninsula including Larnach Castle. We drove to Cromwell in Central Otago and stayed a night. We explored Queenstown and stopped at Alexandra for Lunch. We had a chance on our drives to talk about music, food, the kids, nature, God, photography, history and so many interesting things...... we had such a fun time :) It was just over too quick so I am already thinking about when I can visit next. *sigh*

Queenstown

Dunedin

Matt still wanted an icecream in the snow.... go figure????

Matthew being.... well.... Matthew

Loving the snow

"Don't you dare!"

Larnach Castle, Dunedin

Had a ball :)

Dressing up with Gem

2009-05-21T13:41:00.002+10:00

Anyone who spends a bit of time with Jamie soon realises that she has SO much personality and is so fun to interact with. I spent this morning dancing and singing with her at mainly music and dressing up this afternoon. I LOVE MY JOB!

Easter Bonnet Parade 2009

2009-04-12T13:56:00.008+10:00

What a great Parade....... the song that the girls walked to the parade was Easter Parade:

In your Easter bonnet
with all the frills upon it,
you'll be the grandest lady
in the Easter Parade!

I love that Judy Garland/Fred Estaire movie Easter Parade

Matt worked all night the night before but came anyway to watch the girls so the girls were thrilled about that.

We ate Hot Cross Buns for breakfast and there was even a coffee van at the school for me...... it was a really great morning. Matt came home and crashed after but was so glad to see the girls..... we don't like to miss any special moments like these.

First Day at a new school Jan 2009

2009-04-12T13:49:00.000+10:00

Holiday Adventures

2009-04-12T12:51:00.008+10:00

I LOVE HOLIDAYS....
We had such a ball with the children. Shazz ande Josh were there at the same time so that was special. The boys loved playing the Wii almost every night. Emma and Mark were up for a week and Bon and Josh visited for a few days as well. I have such fond memories of having holidays with my cousins so I am so glad that I can do the same for my children. Here are some photo's of some of our Holiday Adventures!

Matt grew a goatie...... I loved IT!

Adelaide and I wore the same outfit one day (and we did not even realise it!)
Pippi and Mum

The girls enjoyed the spa bath

Cute shirt my sisters and I found for son at Eumundi Markets

These next shots are from our 4 wheel drive trip to Double Island Point..... It was the highlight of the holiday for me

Harrison John loved the sand

Hamish giving Gem a ride

Adelaide enjoying the water

Pippi

Ah..... yes...... well

Bonnie, Sharron and Kelly (we missed Em)

Aunty Bon taking Harrison for a walk

Anni and Pippi

Adelaide caught the biggest fish of the day!

Matthew fishing with Gem

Matthew's puffer fish

The older children climed this huge dune

Shazz and Josh

Bonnie and Josh

Matthew and I

We also managed to squeeze in a trip on the Gympie Rattler

Hamish Adelaide Maddy

Isaac Pippi Gem

Sharron Kelly

Old World

There is somthing magical about steam trains

Our Stop
Harrison and Daddy
Cousins

On the way home Harrison fell asleep

That is a beautiful picture to finish this post on. What a blessing to have such a wonderful holiday.

Jamie turns 3

2009-04-12T12:06:00.005+10:00

Jamie Danielle is a fortunate girl. Her birthday this year, fell on the period that we were on holidays with Josh and Shazz and Bon and Josh so all her cousins were there (except Clancy) so we had a wonderful little party for her. She mostly received My Little Ponies (which she is really into) and Barbie Fairy Dolls. Gem has so much personality and I am sitting here thinking about some of the funny little things she says:

Once when she was in trouble and I sent her to her room so she crossed her hands over her chest and said "I'M A PRINCESS!" I was so shocked I laughed and laughed..... and then sent her to her room.

She asked for a kiss and I lent down and kissed her plump cheek and she said...... "No Mummy, Kiss my wips, my wips". She always likes kisses on the lips; I was happy to oblige.

She often makes us all laugh but when we laugh she promptly says "It's not funny!"

She is such a girly girl. When I dress up (which is not often these days) she wraps her arms around my legs and says "ohhhhhhh, Mum, you look so pretty!"

Sometimes she comes close to me and frames my face with her soft hands and strokes the sides of my face and smoothes my hair. I treasure her touch.

She loves dancing to music and singing. She appears to be very musical and always sings in tune and with the correct rhythm.

She is incredibly sassy...... we love her to bits

Back to Blogging

2009-04-12T12:03:00.002+10:00

Man it's been a while since I have actively been blogging....... I think facebook has taken away from Blogging a bit but I miss the journal aspect of Blogging. I feel inspired to do it a bit more often.... we shall see how that goes. I need to post some of the things that have happened over the last few months so get it up-to-date..... so here goes.....

My Little Boy Turns ONE!

2008-10-02T09:12:00.003+10:00

I can't believe how quickly this year has flown by. My Little boy is now 1 and no longer a baby. It is amazing how easily he has fit into our family and we all just adore him..... and HE KNOWS IT :)

Dad's Wedding

2008-09-25T08:26:00.006+10:00

What a busy weekend. The word I would summarise the weekend would be surreal. I guess you don't expect to be at your Fathers Wedding. Here are some snaps from the wedding.Did my hair in a 60s styleAdelaideMackenzie Jamie
Bonnie Sharron Kelly Emma
Go the Shoes

Too Cute

On the way home......

Adelaide Turns 7

2008-08-17T15:09:00.005+10:00

My precious Adelaide turned 7 on the 9th of August (the same day as my Dad's Birthday). We celebrated at Queens Park Toowoomba.

We had a great Day.

Face Painting Fun

Missing Mum - 2 Years on

2008-08-07T13:55:00.005+10:00

I miss my Mum more than I can say, and although this sad day marks our loss, the times I feel the grief most keenly are in the little everyday things. Precious moments, exciting tales and interesting facts, Mum always wanted to know about; Adelaide's intelligent conversations, Pippi's sass that makes me smile, Gems cheeky grins and boisterous laugh, Harrison deliciousness and sweet kisses. Sharing life’s highs and lows to someone who knows everything about you, and yet loves you just the way God made you is such a precious thing. Her Godly legacy lives on and we remember.

The kids all had a flower to put on the grave - they loved that!

Adelaide

Pippin

Jamie

Mum never got to meet her Grandchild Harrison John, but I know she would have LOVED IT that he was sitting on her grave.

Mum died 2 years ago on 17 July. You can read about it here.

School Holiday Sickness

2008-08-07T09:14:00.006+10:00

I had all these wonderful plans of things to do with the kids on the School holiday. The first week I did VBS which was a blast, however, it totally wrote that week off. For the second week I was excited about doing some day trips with the kids but I ended up in Hospital for 3 days with Pippin who had rotavirus and was admitted for dehydration - Poor Baby.

Rotavirus is a terrible virus that affects many children every year.

Josh and Shazz's 30th Birthday Party

2008-06-16T18:50:00.005+10:00

WHAT A BLAST! We had an absolute Ball at Josh and Shazz's Birthday Party held at the Summit Restaurant at Mt Coot-tha. Great Food, Great Company and NO KIDS! We did get home (after picking up the kids) at 2am and I was at Church at 9am the next morning (husbandless too-Matt had to head into work) - but it was soooo worth it. I think I have Super Woman Complex.

The Beautiful Couple - Happy 30th BirthdaySisters
Boy Girl... Girl BoySo GREAT to get out without the kids
Girls have LOTS OF FUN
Super STARS

STARS of the Show

STARS in their eyes

OK... I am going to stop on the Star thing

City Views

Easter 2008

2008-03-30T14:25:00.011+10:00

We have had so many wonerful conversations with our children about Easter and the precious gift Jesus gave us when he died on the cross. It is exciting to see the children understanding more and more about what it all is about. The are understanding how Christ came to redeem us and the wonderful treasure of peace with God.

We decided not to go away at Easter. Instead we did some day trips. This is what we got up to.

We did some bike riding. The kids mostly rode actually but this is the only picture I got before the camera died. Later Adelaide quietly mentioned that perhaps it was not the wisest thing for such a big person to be riding her bike. I replied in agreement.

It was great to get on a horse again. I have not riden for about 10 years and boy it felt good to have a horse flying underneath me again. I have to say I was sore the next day - OUCH!!

Matt took the kids on a bearded dragon hunt...

they did not find a dragon...

but a SNAKE!!

Thought this was a beautiful picture to end the post on.

Phantom of the Opera

2008-03-28T10:15:00.005+10:00

AMAZING! WONDERFUL! LOVED IT! LOVED IT! The inital dissapointment of Phantom being performed by an understudy and not the Great Anthony Warlow was soon replaced by the amazement of the production.

I LOVED THE SHOES! TAKE A LOOK!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jamie

2008-01-15T13:42:00.000+10:00

Jamie's second birthday was a lot of fun. Every present she opened was coupled with a big oooooooh by Gem. We spent the day playing with all her lovely new gifts. Here is her cupcake tower.
Mum and Jamie
Candle!

Yum!

Merry, Merry Christmas

2007-12-30T11:11:00.000+10:00

The Burstows had a very busy Christmas. We spent the morning opening presens with Dad then went to Church at Minden, then on to Toowoomba for Lunch, then back to Marburg for Christmas night with my sisters. We had a ball, it is a riot now that our family has grown so big. There is 11 kids under 8 when we get together!! On Boxing day we went to Tamborine to visit with all my extended family which was lovely. Here is a few snaps:

Dear Tooth Fairy

2007-12-15T13:26:00.000+10:00

Adelaide has lost her FIRST tooth. A final pull from Dad loosened it from her gums and she was sooooo excited. I had this gorgeous tooth fairy book which is a bit of fun. That night Adelaide left her tooth in the special box and in the morning she found some money instead. It is so fun to do special things for the kids!

Happy Birthday Pippi

2007-12-04T18:56:00.000+10:00

Pippi is 4!

GRAMPY is home from Africia so we had an especially fun birthday. The kids enjoyed a motorbike ride, games and this beautiful cake. We love you Pippi!

Here we go round the Mulberry Bush

2007-11-16T15:05:00.000+10:00

A mothers nightmare! Three girls COVERED with mulberries, how can I ever get the stains out? When I see the girls like this I remind myself how beautiful it is that my children can go outside, run around and eat organic mulberries from the tree in our backyard - hang the stains! What a blessing!

The well-known children's nursery rhyme may have begun life as a song or chant by inmates of Wakefield prison, West Yorkshire, as they exercised around a mulberry bush within the prison grounds. The mulberry bush still thrives at the prison today.

If you want to hear the tune and sing along go to this link, the kids love it!

Australia Zoo

2007-11-12T14:04:00.000+10:00

We had a great holiday at Caloundra. It rained most of the week, but we still had stacks of fun. One of the highlights was Australia Zoo. Take a look at these pics

Little Prince

2007-10-18T16:35:00.000+10:00

I had a bit of a laugh at this. Adelaide made this crown the other day and gave it to Pippi. Pippi decided to put it on Harrison so he could be 'The Prince'. I wonder how many more times this boy will have to play 'Prince' with 3 older sisters?

Roses at Cedarbrook

2007-10-09T09:31:00.001+10:00

Mum loved roses. She and Dad planted at least 50 around Cedarbrook. Now the weather has warmed up, all these beautiful roses have come into bloom. Mum knew all the names, wish she was here to tell me.

Welcome Harrison John

2007-10-01T08:53:00.000+10:00

We are very proud to welcome our son Harrison John to our family. It was a lovely surprise to have a boy after three girls! The girls just adore him. Harrison arrived 1 week early on 11 September. He weighed 9 pounds 8 ounces (4.320kg). He had to spend some time under lights because he was jaundice. After 6 days in hospital we were both able to come home (I tell you I was busting to get out of there!). Everything is going so well.

Full Term - 39 Weeks

Harrison John 9 pounds 8.5 ounces

Highlights

Happy Father Day Dad in Africa

2007-09-02T08:27:00.001+10:00

Spring

2007-08-18T09:05:00.002+10:00

Yes, I know it is still winter but it feels like spring has come already. The girls are in shorts and tops and we have lovely warm days. I went and bought the girls a spring outfit. Don't they look cute! I love it when they are matching!

Proud as punch.Cheeky!How cute am I?

More Spring-time Fun

Adelaide's 6th Birthday

2007-08-13T10:28:00.003+10:00

Adelaide is 6! We had a lovely party for her. The kids enjoyed a jumping Castle, Bubble machine and lots and lots of yummy food.

I love you my Adelaide, Happy Birthday precious!

Fun Times

2007-07-30T13:40:00.000+10:00

Matt and I had planned to buy a trampoline for the girls as a combined Christmas present this year. At the end of the Target Toy Sale they were selling the display trampoline for $100 less than the already reduced price so I snapped it up. But alas, there was no Layby so we had it delivered straight away. It stayed in the garage for a few days until I thought - what a waste it sitting there when the girls could be using it and having fun times. So we put it up and the girls have just loved it! It means they won't get a combined Christmas present this year (just individual ones) but I think it was worth giving early. The first thing Adelaide asks when she gets home is "Can I go play outsde on the trampoline!" I don't see her and Pippi until dinnertime.

The trampoline is a huge and fits 120kg so Matt has enjoyed it as much as the kids I think.

Big smiles.Wild hair.And lots and lots of fun!

Pregnant

2007-07-12T13:38:00.000+10:00

I am HUGE this time round! I am 31 weeks and already feel full term. We are really looking forward to meeting this baby soon. The girls say they are hoping for a girl. Pippi thinks boys are 'stinky'. I have had to prepare them that God may give us a boy or girl so we will have to be happy with whatever He decides.

A Heap of Fun

2007-05-15T12:28:00.000+10:00

We had a great time with Rich and Cate last week when they came to visit from Newcastle. As you can imagine, we had a riot of a time with 6 kids under 5 in one house! Hightlights include cricket on the green, Queens Park Ipswich and Southbank Brisbane. Thanks for coming Sharps! Go visit the Sharps blog http://sharpyshares.blogspot.com

Our Monkey

2007-05-14T09:06:00.001+10:00

Our Adelaide loves the outdoors; she is always running about, climbing trees and playing with Sassy the dog. It has finially caught up with her. She has fallen out of a tree and broken both bones in her left arm.

The broken arm has not slowed Adelaide down a bit. She has compensated marvelously. We gave her a fairy snowdome for being so brave.

Small Achievements

2007-05-09T09:38:00.000+10:00

Adelaide riding her bike without training wheels.

Pippi riding her bike.

Jamie is walking!

Easter Bonnet Parade

2007-04-13T09:54:00.000+10:00

Pippi has settled into Kindy so well this year. She is so fortunate to be going to the same Kindy as her cousin Anni. Here are some shots from the Easter Bonnet Parade.

Moving

2007-04-12T14:33:00.000+10:00

We have moved AGAIN! My Dad has gone to Africa for 12 months to build an orphanage in Lesotho Click here http://www.beautifulgatelesotho.org/ to find out some more information about the project. He asked us if we would move to Cedarbrook to live and look after the animals. So in January we moved. It has been difficult being in Mum and Dad's home but nice as well. It is a beautiful home surrounded by a running creek, mountians and tons of trees.

I am actually inside the house taking this picture. There are three of these huge windows side by side along the back of the house. It is just magic to sit here in the morning while havinga cup of tea.

Here is some more magic.

If you want my new address details or my email, leave a comment and I will get them to you.

Adelaide's First Day at School

2007-01-22T11:50:00.000+10:00

As a Mother, there are so many special moments to experience everyday. However, there are some moments that just blow you away and bring tears to your eyes. One of these moments was when I gave birth to Adelaide and first held her in my arms. I could not believe I was holding another life in my arms. This week, I watched my baby go to school. I must admit, I cried. Adelaide, on the other hand, was bright and ready to take the world. I am so proud of my girl; she is brave, kind, loyal, bright, serious and always willing to tackle a challenge head on. One part of my life with Adelaide has past and will never return. I have beauiful memories of beautiful days with Adelaide, and while we still spend lots of time together still, things will never be quite the same.

Jamie's Dedication/Birthday

2007-01-07T15:00:00.000+10:00

Jamie Danielle is One!

Her Birthday fell on a Sunday so we used the opportunity to Dedicate her to God on this day as well. Dad took the service so it was very special service.

Afterwards we had a lunch at Bon's house, situated beside the Brisbane river.

The kids had a great time playing games and eating cake.

Presents!

YAY!!!!

The Wonder Of Christmas

2006-12-28T13:06:00.000+10:00

As the girls grow they enjoy Christmas time more and more. Christmas Day was huge for the Burstow Clan. Adelaide was up early and ran into my room and exclaimed "It's Christmas!". I replied "Did you see your present at the end of your bed?" her eyes grew very wide and she raced back to her room. We bought both the girls bikes this Christmas as well as a cubby house which should keep them entertained for hours! After opening presents we headed off for church and then to Toowoomba for Matt's family's gathering. After a couple of hours we had to leave for Mt Tamborine (about 2 hours away) for dinner with my family. We stayed a couple of nights. It is lovely to catch up with all my cousins and their children.

Ahh, but now Christmas is over and I am very keen to get everything back to normal, the tree is down, toys packed away and if i see any more chicken and ham I will scream! This Christmas was hard without Mum, but the children kept me going. Mum went home for Christmas.

Mackenzie Renee is 3!

2006-12-11T12:07:00.000+10:00

Matthew and I laughed and laughed when we made Pip's cake becuase we thought it looked like Scottie Dog instead of a horse. But Pippi seemed happy with it so that is what counts.

After dinner I gave the kids glow sticks and they played in the backyard in the dark - they had a ball!

This activity kept the children occupied for an hour while the adults had a chat inside.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR PRECIOUS MACKENZIE RENEE!

Anniversary

2006-11-28T16:19:00.000+10:00

Can't believe 7 years have gone by! Matthew and I celebrated our Anniversary by going to Mt Cootha (the place where Matthew proposed). We had a lovely 3 course dinner followed by a beautiful walk where we gazed over the Brisbane City Lights.

Henri's Wild Party

2006-11-10T14:04:00.000+10:00

OK MOTHERS, JUST A WARNING. THE FOLLOWING PICTURES CONTAIN CHILDREN HOLDING SNAKES.

My nephew Henri turned 6 and my wonderful sister Bonnie arranged for reptiles to come to the party as well. The kids had an absolute ball (as you can imagine). Surprisingly, the kids were really relaxed and all of them wanted to hold and touch the snakes and lizards (there was also 1 croc as well!). Best Party the kids have ever been to!

HOLIDAYS

2006-10-06T09:27:00.000+10:00

I won't be posting for a couple of weeks while we are on holidays at the Sunshine Coast. Our family have have been looking forward to this all year! I'll have plenty of fun photo's when I come back. Untill then... God Bless.

Members of the Family

2006-10-05T11:33:00.000+10:00

I want to introduce you to the 'other' members of our family. Isn't it funny how old, small, stuffed toys can get under your skin. I have spent countless hours searching for a lost loved one. They can be a blessing and a curse. They are

TED LAMIE PEEP RUMBLE and PINK BLANKET

TED was given to me by Mum and Dad when I was 3 when I had an operation. I actually remember the first time I saw him; I fell in love with him right away. The nurses dressed him up in scrubs, just like me, and he came into the operation room with me. Until now, I still have him sitting on my bed, even though I have grown, my Ted represents comfort and love and is very special to me.

LAMIE's life was not so glamorous; he came from very humble beginnings. He was given to Adelaide in a pile of second hand toys that her Aunty Shazz got from Lifeline. He looked like he had never been played with, almost new. Adelaide seemed to single him out when she was but 4 months and she can not part with him 5 years later. LAMIE has a little cot beside her bed and she carefully puts him to bed every night. He is certainly looking the worst for wear now, but is very loved.

PEEP has had an interesting life. Originally, PEEP was the underdog as Pippi was given 2, very similar bunnies, and PEEP was actually second best. One day when Matthew was looking after the girls (of course it had to happen then) he came back without Bunny. We look everywhere for it and tried to console her with PEEP but poor PEEP was rejected. Matthew and I were up all night with Pippi. I decided to try and track down another bunny that looked exactly the same as her original bunny. Well, I finally found one, in America, so I paid way too much for it and it arrived 2 weeks later. But in that time, the underdog PEEP, made his move. Very subtlety PEEP became the favorite without us even realising. When excitedly I opened the box from America with Pippi, it was very anticlimactic. Pippi liked the bunny but it was PEEP who stayed by her side.

RUMBLE and PINK BLANKET. Hmm... not sure which one is winning with Jamie. Rumble is soft, bright and yellow and goes to bed with Jamie every night. But so does PINK BLANKET, and Jamie loves to have it over her face. She loves to play with the little tag at the bottom of RUMBLE. On the other hand, her PINK BLANKET has a soft satin edge and she has this right over her mouth and loves the soft feel. I have a feeling that PINK BLANKET might win over as it has helped me through many a night or a long car trip. Time will tell.

So now you are introduced to the 'other' members of our family. When I spend an hour pulling the house apart to look for a dirty toy I think "What am I doing this for?”. In the middle of the night with a crying child in my arms, I have my answer.

Missing Newcastle

2006-09-27T09:35:00.000+10:00

I am so happy to be in Queensland, close to family and to my Dad. This said, Matthew and I have spent most of our married life in Newcaltle. Two of our three children were born in Newcastle so it has occupied a huge chunk of our life. We also miss our many wonderful friends. I reckon Newcastle is one of Australia's best kept secrets. It is a beautiful place to live, not too big, not too small. It has the most beautiful beaches, wineries and is close to Sydney too. Our family loves to walk and we spent many hours exploring Newcaslte with the girls. Walking along the breakwall (pictured below) is like walking in the middle of the ocean. Lake Macquarie also has many beauitful walking tracks. Matt had some of these photo's put in a frame so we can remember all the special times we had. Memories are treasures.

Coconut Bread

2006-09-14T12:42:00.000+10:00

I don't find cooking with the kids the safest to do at times :) The one recipe that I find really easy with not too many ingredients is Coconut Bread. I loved it growing up, so much so, that Mum renamed it in her recipe book to Kelly's Coconut Bread. Here the recipe:

1 Cup SR Flour
1 Cup Coconut
1/2 Cup Sugar
3/4 Cup Milk

Just mix it all together and pop it in the oven for about 40 min on 170 Degress C.

Slice and serve with warm with Butter - MMMMMMMMMMMM

Here the girls are mixing.

Pippi has such a sing song voice. She just started singing as she mixed. I was glad I was able to catch a little of it. Notice the spill, then the rubbing it into the bench and then on to her shirt - so precious!

Of course licking the bowl is the best bit!

Enjoy - YUM YUM YUM

My Beautiful Girls on Fathers Day

2006-09-11T15:29:00.000+10:00

My Wonderful Dad

2006-09-05T09:17:00.000+10:00

I could not be more proud of my Dad. Things have been so hard and yet he just shines with strength. His faith in God is inspiring. He leads and preaches often at church as an Elder and is involved in the youth group, he is going to Africa to build an Orphanage in October, he often rings us girls to see if we are ok, he keeps me in stock of fresh eggs and fills up bottles of fresh tank water for me to take home, he takes the kids for motorbike rides and gives them treats. My Wonderful Dad.

Dad took us all out for dinner to Plainlands Hotel to thank us all for our support (totally unnecessary but just like Dad, always giving). We often go to Plainlands to meet up together, to support each other and just to be together. Plainlands is the central point between all of us and there is this beautiful Hotel smack bang in the middle of nowhere. The food is wonderful so it is a great meeting point http://www.plainlandhotel.com/.

My oldest sister Bonnie and her husband Josh (Or Olly as we call him)

My second sister Sharron and her husband Josh

Me and my husband Matthew

My little sister Emma and her husband Mark

After a scrumptious Dinner the men played pool - Dad won by the way.

And us girls had a chat.

As always, there is something missing without Mum but we still had a lovely time.

Rascal

2006-08-31T15:38:00.000+10:00

My Mackenzie Renée is such a rascal. Look away for just a second and this is what could happen. She decided to decorate herself with thick green pen!

Dr Matthew

2006-08-31T10:28:00.000+10:00

For those of you who know Matthew, you'll know him to be an easy going, casual and open guy. He has no pretenses, carries no airs and he accepts people without judgment. People are surprised when they seem him all spruced up for work, he looks so Doctorish (I know that is not a word). He looked so gorgeous this morning that I had to take a few snaps (Matthew just rolls his eyes).

For an update on Matthew-He did not get into the surgical training program for next year. We are actually relieved about this. With all the stress this year we don't feel ready for the pressure that doing the training next year would bring. We feel this is confirmation from God at this point. We won't move next year (YAY) but will be staying on here in Ipswich, close to Dad and family. Matthew is not exactly sure he wants to to Surgery yet, so it is all good. He has next year to decide what he wants to continue on with.

Soccer Season 2006

2006-08-23T08:41:00.000+10:00

Matthew loves playing soccer. He takes it very seriously. He tries to make every game, even when he works. One morning he was at work at 6.00am so he could get his round done at the hospital in time to play soccer - Crazy! He playes with his Dad and his brother-in-law for the City North Crushers as part of the Queensland Baptist Soccer Club. (pictured above with his Dad)

Pip loves to run out with Dad before the game.

Matthew playes defence - nice follow through.

The kids love to watch Matthew play. They have a great time with the other kids there so we make it a familiy event.

Mackenzie and Adelaide with their Aunties

I have really enjoyed watching Matthew play soccer and the kids enjoy the time outside. This said, I have to admit I am looking forward to having soccer season finished so I can have Saturdays back - until next year.

For information of results for City North Crushers go to http://www.qbsa.org.au

Birthday Overflow

2006-08-19T10:41:00.000+10:00

I have been reliving my childhood with all this Barbie stuff! I am such a girl! Adelaide has loved all her presents - What a fortunate girl. Barbie Pegasus seems to be the theme for this birthday (although this was not planned). I got it all for such a bargain! A girls dream come true :).

Adelaide misses her friends from Newcastle. She was so thrilled to receive some gifts in the mail. Thanks Becca & Emily for the beads - as you can see she has made a beautiful necklace, earrings and bracelet.
Thanks Zeb & Nat for the hair bands. You were right Zeb, Adelaide thought they were excellent! See how nice this one looks in her hair.

Ben, Joel and Toby - Adelaide really needed some new clothes and as you can see (above) the skirt is just adorable. Plus she was over the moon about the ring, very Adelaide!

Thanks you so much for being a part of Adelaide's birthday.

Happy 5th Birthday Adelaide

2006-08-06T15:32:00.000+10:00

Adelaide Chanelle is 5 on 9 August 2006!

We had a lovely morning at Brassall Park to celebrate Adelaide's Birthday. The park is a great place for the kids to ride their bikes. I am so glad Dad was there to make sure the kids were unharmed as they did some pretty wild things. Take a look!

Grampy gave her these fairy wings, they are so cute. Nanna and Gramps gave her the beautiful outfit.

Adelaide was so excited about her party she was up at 4.30am! I was not happy to see her at that time!! She went back to bed for 30 min and then an hour later was wondering why the morning was taking so long! Finally, the time arrived.

She had a lovely morning. Still can't believe my little girl is 5.

Thank you for your kindness

2006-07-31T11:54:00.000+10:00

I just want to say how much I have appreciated everyone thoughts and prayers over this hard time. I can't tell how much your words of kindness have meant. They have encouraged and comforted me.

God Bless You.

Settling in

2006-07-31T10:35:00.000+10:00

We have felt Gods leading to move churches. We now attend Minden Baptist Church, which is the Church Matthew and I got married at 7 years ago! I feel excited about the move. Next to the church is where Mum is buried so it is a pretty special place. Dad and Bonnie go to the church as well. We are starting to settle into Ipswich.

Here is a picture of our house. Our new car is parked in the front.

We are surrounded by beautiful bushland. Here are the views from our front yard. It is lovely to walk out the front door to be greeted with the beautiful trees. I am always reminded of God's almighty power through his creation. I have always LOVED trees, I love to climb them and I love looking at them.

Our back yard is huge. Here is a little peek at the rock wall at the back behind Jamie.

We live close to the Amberley RAAF Base. Every couple of weeks F1-11 jets do training over our house. Matthew and the kids love it. The planes seem so close when they fly over. Matt has managed to get a few shots.

Matt has planted some Spinach for me.

We have put the girls swing on the side of the house. It is mostly always in the shade so the girls use it all the time.

Have to put this one of our little girl - HOW CUTE IS SHE!

All in all, we are starting to settle in our new home and surroundings and are looking forward to getting into our new church. I feel very privileged to take up where Mum left off and am going to lead her bible study. I feel inadequate but with God's strength, I can do all things.

In the Loving Memory of Dianne Jennifer Long

2006-07-27T12:09:00.000+10:00

29 June 1955 - Monday 17 July 2006 - Aged 51 Years

She is my mother, my mentor, my confident and my friend. I have written this poem but I still cannot say what she means to me, but I have tried.

What you mean to me

Because of you I have life
And understand the mystery of existence and God entwined
But more you give to me, your child
Your example of love, your strength, your forte of mind
In times of hardship you stand true and smile
Faith in God endures strong and refined
I honour you, I admire you, I thank you, I am beguiled
This is what you mean to me.

I rise up and call you blessed
My mentor, my mother, my friend everyday
I can see the beautiful answer to prayer
Of your faithful years of living the Way
God’s promise is true I declare
You have given such a Godly heritage and I pray
The same for those in my care
This is what you mean to me.

Mother of my heart, I honour you now
You love my husband like a son
And my children in the most beautiful way
Their hearts you won
We will miss you more than I can say
You will never be outdone
But are in our hearts to stay
This is what you mean to me.

I love you forever
Nothing can separate this bond
No distance can divide this love
Not anything can mar our friendship
Nought hardship, troubles or death
In a word or in a line I cannot tell
In a whisper or a glance I cannot say
In a hug or in a kiss I cannot proclaim
In a letter or in a card I cannot write
What you mean to me.

All I can do is give glory to God on high
And promise to follow Him forever
To always do right, to love mercy sublime
To live humbly for Our God ever and ever
To diligently read His word and pray all through time
This promise will, I endeavour
Be more treasured than a speech or rhyme
My mother, you will always be, you mean everything to me.

Dad wanted us all to do a tribute at Mum's funeral, which was really tough. How can you give tribute to such an amazing woman in such a short speech. Above is what I wrote for Mum. The funeral was a lovely tribute to Mum and gave glory to God. That is what Mum would have wanted.

Last week was just a blur. She died Monday 17 Jul at 3.01pm. It was a painful and emotional day. Tuesday I was numb. Wednesday I hit rock bottom. Thursday was surreal and Friday we said goodbye at her funereal. This week the reality and finality of loosing Mum has set in. I often think “I'll ask Mum” or “I’ll tell Mum that” or “Mum would love to hear that about the girls”. I have to check my self - she is no longer here. She is no longer here .... there is a big void in my life.

Our Mum and Grandmama will be greatly missed

Matthew misses Mum's long Medical chats, company and love.
Adelaide misses her Grandmama terribly and worries about Grampy and wants to look after him.
Pippa often says "I miss Grandmama" and then "Grandmama is in heaven with Jesus". Amen
I show Jamie this picture on the wall beside her cot and she smiles, just like this, everytime.
Mum said to me before she died "I feel sad the kids won't remember me". After thinking for a moment I replied "Yes, they won't remember you, but they will KNOW you". I will make sure my children know what a wonderful, beautiful, Godly person she was and how much she loved them.

Camping - Peach Trees - Jimna

2006-07-11T15:17:00.000+10:00

July 2006 - Jimna State Forest - Peach Tree Camping Ground - Queensland

We had a little camping trip last week for a couple of days. The spot is just past Kilcoy in the Jimna State Forest. We camped with Bon and Josh who are a bit more set up than we are which is always helpful. It was FREEZING at night, but beautiful and warm during the day.

Here is Anni and Pippa looking at the Kangaroos (They are so cute together - only 3 months apart)

The fire was warm at nights, we sang songs and ate marshmellows - YUM.

Jamie, sweetly sitting in the backpack. The man himself. Nice background.
As you can imagine, Adelaide LOVED going camping.

Graduation

2006-06-22T09:55:00.000+10:00

We had a lovely time in Newcastle recently when we came down for Matthew's graduation. My Mum and Dad were able to come, as well as Matthew's parents. It was a very special time. I am so proud of Matthew - it is a great achievement!

We had a little unit on the beach where we stayed for a few days with my parents. Matthew's parents came down for the day and we all went out to dinner to Scratchleys. It was a particularly special time, and as you can imagine at the moment, storing up memories is so important.

Matthew's parents (Above)

My Parents (Above)

It was a HUGE weekend but we had a blast. The kids had an absolute ball. Adelaide and Mackenzie stayed at Georgina's house for the afternoon and then Paul and Robyn's house for the evening. Jamie stayed with us. All in all, we had a fabulous time, filled with memories.

Sorry about this Paul (I know you'll want to kill me for it)!!

We got to catch up with quite a few friends! (Cate & Me)

Matthew update

2006-06-22T09:47:00.000+10:00

Matthew is working very hard. He has applied for BST (Basic Surgical Training) for next year and will be contacted for an interview in the next couple of weeks. We will know by early August if he has a position. We will probably need to move to Brisbane if he does get in. It is pretty competitive so we will see what happens. He is certainly looking in that direction though.

Keep on keeping on

2006-06-21T16:13:00.000+10:00

Well things have been tough these last few weeks and I guess they will get even tougher still. I feel so blessed to have the children. Even though things around me are falling apart my children can still make me laugh. Here are some pics of the girls after they found my sunglasses in my bag.

Here is a beautiful picture of our Jamie Danielle. All Smiles.

Adelaide recently had some photos done at Preschool.... and here it is.....I must admit she is pretty cute!!

Here is Jamie and her cousin Hamish. They are about 6 months apart. Their nicknames are "Little Ham & Little Jam"

I know so many of you are praying for Mum and our family and I really apreciate it. Mum is fading everyday but our faith and trust is in God and we hold on to that. The phrase that keeps coming to mee is "keep on keeping on" and that is exactly what I do. Just keep holding on, keep walking the walk. Here is a beautiful picture of Adelaide and Mum just after Mothers Day (Adelaide gave her this cushion for Mothers Day).

Thanks again for your love and prayers.

My Family

2006-05-05T09:59:00.000+10:00

I feel so blessed to have my girls and my husband. Here are some pictures of them.

Adelaide Chanelle is on the Left. She is 4 ½
Jamie Danielle is in the middle. She is 4 months
Mackenzie Renee is on the Right. She is 2 ½

It is pretty amazing to look at my three beautiful children. I am always reminded of God's wonder when I see the miracle of life

Times goes so quickly. I often say to Matthew "When did we do this? Have three children?" I don't remember when we had time!Here is Matty and the girls. A lot of people make comments like "Matthew must want a boy". It is very annoying. Matthew is absolutely wrapped in his 3 girls and would not dream of having anything different. Here you can see them having some fun, or as Matt calls it "Rough Rumble"

Plus girls have lots of FUN!!

Picture

2006-05-04T15:56:00.000+10:00

First Time

2006-05-04T15:16:00.000+10:00

What a great idea! Such a great way to keep in contact with friends. I'll give it a go.