IN 12 Weeks

I'll be home in Australia. My sister is getting married in October so I'm coming Home a little earlier to spend some time with the family. I'll be booking my flights this week...YAY.... and I plan to fly the around the 21st September. I'm so excited, I'm looking forward to lots of cuppas and chats with all my great friends New and Old.

Holidays

School is out for the Summer on Thursdays and I'm dreading it, I think it is more the fact that a Mike is going to be away for nearly half of the holidays and we aren't going anywhere for a break. I need some ideas to keep me going for 7 weeks...3 of those on my own. Please Please help from going insane...

A new record..

I have been blogging since 2006 and today I have posted more this month than I have in any year 2006 -36 posts , 2007 - 20 posts and 2008 - 40 posts. I say well done to me. Thanks Simione for the blog off.....even if I am loseing I'm blogging way more than ever!!

Markus at 5mths

As I promised Here are some pictures of Markie boy at 5mths

What can you do with 2 empty coke bottles???

We went to the Highland Festival last weekend, they had Luis Palau speaking, great family activities and band playing. We had a great time with some of Mike's students, these are the pictures of Alyssa playing along to the bands. It was so loud that you could feel it in your chest, and she found a great way to pass the time and entertain us to...Just wish I had the video camera.

Got to love that face...

Why ??

am I blogging at 4 am, I'm heading off to bed to see if I can get a few more hour sleep in before Markus is up. The Sun is already up but I'm going back to bed!!!

The News!!

Well I have been quiet over the past couple off weeks. There are two reason,

One being that I'm indexing a book for Mike which is sapping every spare (and not so spare) moment that I have, it takes about an hr to do about 8 pages.

The second being that I have been getting over the disappointment of Mike being turned down for the job in Australia. And I didn't want to post really bad and emotional posts and not very nice things about some people.

2 weeks ago we had the dreaded phone call that left our world shattered, reason that I won't post but at this stage we are not coming home .. to Zion, the promised land as Mike calls it...

At first I was very depressed.. I think I cried for 3days. I have been very angry and frustrated with how things happened. I have really questioned God as to WHY we have to go threw such an awful thing. Why when all the door seem to be opening that we get so close and then it all went pear shaped. I am still angry, but I am praying to be able to overcome it. We are continuing to pray about where God wants us. We feel so very blessed by all our great friends here who have sad that they are sorry we aren't going but I thrill that we are staying. We feel really loved and cared for. So today I will be playing catchup on post and see how many more I can do for the blog off end today.

New Book

A copy of one of Mike's new books arrived this week, it is so exciting seeing the fruit of all the hour he puts in behind that lap top. So go check out , 'Are you the one Who is to come' , you can read a little more about it on Mike's blog

Well done honey

5 Months

Markus was 5 months old this past Wednesday. This little man has brought much joy and blessing into our home. The past 5mth have been hard, with more sleepless night than I care to count (including tonight 1.11am and I'm on the net), nights and day of worry as to what to do, many tears on my side not knowing what he needs and wants. But the smile and coos and chatter make it all worth it.

What is he up to now....... well

• Can roll from tummy to back
• and back to tummy
• Is pushing forward with his feet
• almost sitting up
• has 2 teeth
• loves to chatter
• with stop crying if you take him outside
• loves talking to his sisters in the car
• is on 2 meals a day, lunch and dinner
• so far have tried, apple, pear, rice cereal, and carrot
• is now full bottle fed.. :(
• has a pretty good routine.....most of the time
• would rather talk to someone then play with a toy
• Cries when mummy comes into the room, whats with that??
• is almost out of size 3-6 clothes (size'00' for the Aussies)
• His favourite thing is his feet, don't you know they are so much fun.
• if finally enjoying bath time

I'll post a picture in the morning of Markus at 5mths.

One of those days

I had one of those days today... I managed to loose/misplace both my debit and credit cards. I dropped my debit card coming out of Tesco and some kind stranger handed it in. And my credit card well it was in Markus' car seat, why ?? who knows. But I'm glad to have found them both before I had a trolley full of groceries and without having to cancel the cards. Having dropped my card at Tesco in Inverness, I had rare chance to head into town in the evening, and because Tesco is open 24hr there was no time limit, it was really nice to just look around instead of doing a race and grab. But the best bit by far was driving home at 10.45pm seeing the sun setting behind the mountains, the sky was streaked with pink and orange, so calming and peaceful. What a great opportunity to stop and marvel at the wonder of God's beautiful creation.

Just watched...

Australia, I really liked it !!!

Vote against Same Sex marriage in Australia

Friends please go to this site and vote against, we as a Christian body need to have our voice heard.

Catch up...Sports Days

We had Lexy's school sports last Monday and Alyssa's on the Wednesday. I think that things like this are to see just how competitive the parents are, because the kids have a blast sitting with their friends talking and playing to their hearts content.
On Monday the weather was good (if 14c and windy is good) so they could have if outside. Lys, Markus and I went down to watch. Lexy did really well , she took a 2 1st and a 2nds. And not to forget all the participation stickers.
On Wednesday it was a rotten day it was really windy and wet, so they crammed us all in the hall for the nursery sport, this was for the 3 and 4 yr old so not so many people. Mike was able to get the morning off work and join us. Alyssa had a blast and she tells me that she won EVERY race because she got a sticker for every race, she took a a 1st, 2 2nds and a 3rd. Mike talk me into doing the parents race this year. We had to go about 20 meters with bean bag on our heads and holding an egg and spoon. I raced well if i say so myself, taking 2nd. Yay to me. Mike did the dads race and took 1st, but I have been told that he cheated by holding the egg. I couldn't see so I don't know, but that could be right!
Here are a fews Picture of the days, I have video too if I can ever work out how to put it on you tube!!

Go Lexy... forgot to take my camera to school so was only able to get the after shots


Well done!

Markus Slept threw and good part of Alyssa's sports

Lyss and her friend A doing the buddy race...apparently the 3 leg race is too dangerous to do now!

The Monkey race, I love this Picture, Alyssa is the one just over the finish line with the black leggings on, love the legs mid air!

Run baby, run

Look at us!!!

Wow so grown up!!

lightest day of 2009....

...... today we had 18hr 4min of daylight, now you don't get that in Australia. It's 10.45pm now and it's still twilight outside.

first food!!

With a baby in the house there doesn't seem to go a week without a first and this weeks choice is FOOD!!!!

Waiting for a new experience!!! YYYAAAYYY!!!
In his bumbo...isn't he cute.

"What this stuff mum??"

"Do you really want me to put that in my month mum?"

The Staff..

On Saturday night we went to a concert night to celebrate the end of year for HTC. And on the night Hector the principle of the college wrote a poem about the staff, really funny, particularly the verse about Mike so I have go myself a copy and here you go.... now try doing it with a strong Scottish accent!!

Now, on the staff, we also have
Our own ‘banana bender’;
Some words that would describe him – NOT!
Are ‘quiet’, ‘shy’ and ‘tender’.

He used to be an N. T. guy,
But now things are confusing.
Last week he bought a Hebrew book
- Staff find it quite amusing.

It seems that in that land below
The one they call ‘down under’
The N. T. comes before the old
It really makes you wonder.

He used to be a Baptist too
But now he’s with the Sprinklers;
That Aussie call has turned his soul
And taken off his blinkers...

Big thank Hector!!

The Teeth.

I thought since people like my folks don't get to see the small milestone I thought I'd get a picture of Markus' new teeth...Well I tried and I tried and ....

AND I TRIED

AND I TIRED

AND I TIRED

AND HERE WE HAVE 2 LITTLE PEARLY WHITES!!!

Tummy Sleeper

Marky Boy..as he has become known.. has become a tummy sleeper. Quite by fluke really, he has learnt to roll from back to front but as yet not from front to back. So he rolls and he just has to stay there. Here he is at his late afternoon nap today...... Ain't he just so cute and soooo loveable??? and not to mention big??

Why??

I fail to see why we are paying 101.9pence a litre for petrol??? I'm gob smacked to say the least. It cost me £44 ($89 AUD) to fill our little 4 cylinder car today.

Pod casts??

I'm after some pod casts and sermons to put on my shuffle ........ Any suggestions??

Patience

I think i have had all the Patience I can bear......but still I have to wait and be patience. I think I might crack under the pressure. I'm snappy at my family and i don't want to be, I feel flat. I have no control over the situation, I don't want to be in control. I just want to know YES or NO!!! I want to move on with life, make descions that we have been wait to make.

Well sorry for the rant....if your were here I'd be crying on your shoulder I'm sure.

And we have...

................Another tooth. Markus cut his second tooth today, I just want to hit the pause button so I can enjoy him a little more. He is growing at lightening speed, next thing I know he'll be off to school.

I am thankful for...

Things haven't been going that great here at the moment, but I am trying very hard not to dewell on the hard things in life but What I have, so here is a list of what I am thankful for today.

• a baby who sleeps all night
• a hubby who loves the LORD
• and how loves me very much and tells me everyday!!
• family that want to live near us
• my amazing friends in Scotland who love me just as I am
• a warm and lovely home
• no long lasting affects from Michael Meningitis
• being able to hear my lovely daughter playing her viola....even if it doesn't always sound great
• for the smile my baby girl give me first thing in the morning
• Fresh and healthy food to feed my loved ones
• A supportive and encouraging church family
• The love in my boys eyes when he sees me coming
• the warm sunshine from today that dried my clothes and warmed my bones
• the ability to help others in need
• The fact there people want us in Australia
• Friends who are near and friends who are far
• The Internet to be able keep in touch with those on the other side of the world
• A great phone deal so that I can talk to my mum nearly everyday
• The snuggles from my little girl
• The smell of the beautiful flowers that have constantly been in my house for the past 6wks
• That my children want to go to church
• for the 2 church families we now have
• AND not to forget a wonderfully, loving and gracious Heavenly father, who sent his son to die for little old me!!!!

Good night

Markus says "nighty night"

Well,

I'm tired and it has been a very emotional day today, so I'm not up to posting much. But I do know that God is in control even when we feel that things aren't, and feel very at peace about it. I'll post tomorrow..

Let this be a lesson..

I learnt a very important lesson tonight...

Always use oven mitts to get things from the microwave!!

I was being lazy and thought that I would get the rice from the microwave just with my fingers... well let me tell you my fingers today did not hold up and the whole bowl of hot cooked rice meet an untimely end on the floor. And if you don't laugh at things like this you cry... I laughed !!! May you learn from my mistake!!

King Julian Anyone.

Tonight is the Truth trackers (kids club run by the Free Church) break up party, and Madagascar is the theme. So this afternoon Lexy and I (mainly I) set to work on King Julian's costume. I thought I'd be able to find a printable face mask but NOOOO!! such luck so I had to draw free hand. I think we did good, it took ages to even find a good picture of his face. Lexy was thrilled with the results.

" I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT,

I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT,

I LIKE TO MOVE IT!!!

King Julian and Gloria.... and not to forget Alyssa!!

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

I have decided......

.....that having the kids home from school today wasn't a good thing. We all needed our own space today and we all rubbed each other the wrong way, but tomorrow is another day a fresh start.

Breast Aware.

In our church we have a wonderful lady Heather who is a breast specialist and tonight we used that as an opportunity for an outreach. She spoke on breast awareness and also gave her testimony on being a Christan Doctor. All women have breast, and we all need to be more aware of what to look for. The 5 key points for the night were.

1. Know what is normal for YOU
2. Know what changes to look for
3. LOOK!!! and FEEL!!
4. Report any changes to you GP without delay
5. Attend routine breast screens if you are over 50.

It was a great evening with about 30 women attending...And there was Coffee and Cake at the end..Yum!!!

More teeth

Markus is cutting more teeth and boy do we know it. He screamed for an hr and half this afternoon, even the offer of the much loved b-feed wouldn't settle our little mite. Any tips??? PLEASE!!!! I think we may have another tooth in the morning.

I hate...

waking sleeping children. I had to wake both Markus and Alyssa to take lexy to met the bus to go to the roller-bowl. Now Alyssa is grumpy!!

I got flowers today.....

From my lovely hubby. THANKS HONEY

Chocolate sauce???

While Mike was away he sent a message to one of his students, I think you know who you are.

Tomorrow.....

No school..... I can't decided if I'm happy about it or not. The school is closed so it can be used as a voting station for the European election.

No Hospital today... warning-gross content

I have an infected cyst (yes it is gross) normally smaller than a pea now bigger than a £2 coin or 50cent piece, which is very very painful. I have waited for Mike to come home to have it looked at. Because the last couple of times it has flared up I have been sent to hospital to have it drained. This morning I made my doc appointment fully expect to be making my 4th trip to hospital since Markus was born, but no the doc stuck a needle in it and drained the puss and lots of it too (yes gross). Is it sad that I was kind of disappointed that I didn't get to go? I was really looking forward to having a rest.

I MADE IT!!!!

It did I survived 12 day .... long days... on my own with 3 kids while Mike was in Australia. I think I might fall heap now :)

I just wanted to say a big thanks to all my great friends and family for all the love, prayer and help while Mike has been in away.

Mellow Meatballs

Last week a wonderful friend brought over some dinner, which is good I was so sick eating easy meals. There just wasn't much point in making huge meals to have the girls turn their nose up at. So what i got was MELLOW MEATBALLS and they are amazing. I found someone else who has already posted the recipe so follow the link and get cooking you won't be disappointed.

Viola

Last night Lexy's string club had a recital....ever heard a hall full of 9-12yr old playing string..viola, violin, and cello. Well not the best sound in the world but boy they put all their heart into it and it wasn't to bad. By far the best song of the night was Mamma Mia, it sounded amazing. Then all the Kids from Lexy's school played the Conon Waltz, because the school is called Conon Primary. By all the night was enjoyable evening. The 2 little one did well for the 1 hr and Mike, well he was at home in Bed.

I was toward the back with baby in arms so these are all the photos i managed to get....Lexy is the one with the pink head band!

Mike's home

Well my man is home...and comes bringing gifts. What did i get....

Australia the movie from Mum...thanks can't wait to watch it.
McLeod's Daughter season 3 & 4 ....Thanks for getting them for me court
Cross earrings from the brother in law
green top from the mother in law
Cd's from Simone...big thanks for that
And lots of great food from home.
Tim Tams, but only 2 packets :(
Cherry Ripes
Twisties
BBQ shapes
Madura Tea
And not to forget 1kg of Milo

I'm sitting drinking madura tea and eating a cherry ripe now......aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

2hrs 15min....

and he will be home...Anyone would think I was excited.

I forgot to say..

He rolled over this morning too..... It's a big day in the world of Markus

We have teeth...

Well Markus does anyway. Today at 4mth 1 week & 2days old he cut his first tooth with another not far behind. He has beaten his sisters who both had teeth at 5mth.

My Get up and go, got up and went....

I think knowing that Mike is home is a little over 18hrs time has meant that I can start dropping the ball. I'm tired and in Pain, I'm ready to hand it all over to Mike. He said to me on the phone that other day "you know I'll be tired when I get home"....WHAT!!! and I'm not!! I told him that well "I'm going to hospital when you get home" (yes again). It seem that the only way I can get a rest around here is to go to hospital. That will be 4 hospital stays in since Markus was born.

21 hrs

Mike arrives back home in just 21 hrs. He has been in Australia for the past 12days to meet with guys at a college and have an interview for a job. But I just missed my man, looking forward to seeing tomorrow. We are all counting.

We'll keep you posted onthe outcome!!!

Blog-off

Over on Simone's blog there has been a challenge put forward for a blog off. So I'm going to try and see how I do. I doubt I'll win but I can try....so let the race begin.....