September!

A month to remember!

My eldest grandson turned 5!

My darling mother turned 84!

Here are my three sisters, their husbands, two of my brothers

 and me with Mum.

My youngest grandson turned 2!

He is very cute and sweet ♥

Mush! Mush!

Harnessing the dog power to save the legs!

Trick rider

These holidays from formal school have been a wonderful opportunity to take a breathe in our very hectic life.  I have got a lot done at home and been able to spend time with the family.

My youngest son's life is still turbulent and we are dubious to send him back to school

although he is determined to go.

My older son had a great break away with his Gold Coast friends.

Another week of holidays

Will it be enough!

The New Normal

I have been reminiscing about the "good old days"!

There was a time, back when I had only two children and we lived a little out of town on acreage, when we had a very routine but carefree life. Oh, it seems so long ago.  My older daughter learned to read and the two little girls played endless dress up and make believe games. No TV or internet but we spent a lot of time in the garden and we had chooks and geese. We got up early and went to bed early and all sat at the table for all of our meals. It was so idyllic.  I like to think of those times because it was fleeting and the storms of life since then have really given us a belting....

My younger son is at school now.  He has settled in very well.  Where the teachers had been concerned about his "social" life going to school after 8 1/2 years of being home educated  I felt all along that he would have no trouble fitting in but that keeping up with class work would be a challenge.

He has managed to find his way around easily, picked up a regular hand ball game in the lunch break, and signed himself up for the football team :-(

It is a school of almost 1200 students so I think it must be quite daunting.

Whether his mental health issues will be a thing of the past is not clear yet but he is

certainly dealing with things in general a lot better.

He is exhausted at night which is good.

My older son is struggling a little to get motivated doing his school work at home alone.

My having to be out of the house quite a bit at the moment is not helping but also

he would like to ditch school and start working.

(Lots of attitudes to deal with in both boys and sadly myself.)

So with a new home and with all the hectic-ness of our new schedules we

have found a new normal.

It is quieter and more orderly at home but we don't seem to be "at home" 

quite as much.

The twins!

It is difficult to grasp that my grandchildren are growing so quickly.

The twins were two a month ago.

They are both speaking well and very bright and energetic!

The youngest of the bunch will turn two in September.

Oh, where did the baby go?

They make me smile.

My daughter was telling me how her four year old has taken over giving thanks before meals since they moved out from here.  He is a great talker and uses the opportunity to be thankful for a long list of things each night :-)  When he finally winds up the three year old groans dramatically, "The End"!!!!

The same little four year old has been regaling his kindy teacher and the class, and us, with his dinosaur knowledge. When questions are put to him regarding a name or information he stands astride and declares, "I am a dinosaur expert."

Anyone with little people around will agree that the funny little ways they say things makes you smile.  Children seem to make you smile just for no real reason. Adults can use some lessons from those uncomplicated little beings!

We don't celebrate saints feast days here so last Thursday passed mostly unremarkably.  The teenagers being the only ones slightly interested :-) Seeing something on TV on tonight (Saturday) my hubby asked, "Oh, when is Valentine's Day?"  Haha.....he's a keeper all right!

I actually read a number of good, thought provoking posts around the blog world on husbands, wives and "love" in general.  In this age when many relationships are short lived it is encouraging to read the "good news" stories of lasting love and life time commitment. 

This clip has been doing the rounds but in case you haven't seen it I'm linking it.  I thought it was very special. ♥


What is real love?

A Half Century

Yes, I've made it!

Tomorrow is my fiftieth birthday!

Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful life. 

For an extraordinarily fantastic family. 

For the blessing of faithful, prayerful and supportive friends.

For healthy, beautiful children

For thriving, inquisitive grandchildren. 

And most amazing of all I am thankful that  ~

You have called me and redeemed me.

Amen

"Three little words"

You know from my blog that I am a genius ~ mwhahahahahhaha!!!
Truth is I am often ditzy and unco-ordinated.  It goes without saying that I don't read maps well :-)

So last week I ordered a new bed.  One of those bunks with double on the bottom and single on top.  The boys have been back to sharing a room since our daughter and family have been here and it was very crowded, so this seemed to be the best solution to give them some space.  The picture looked so nice!  The salesperson was very accommodating and we bargained a good price - alas, those "three little words" that I dread -
 Ready to assemble!

All you Ikea loving, allen key toting readers may well laugh...  But for me, this is no laughing matter.  It strikes fear in my heart even looking over the instructions!!!!  Fortunately, other members of the household are not deterred by such confusing pieces of paper and the bunks look just fine.

                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My third grandson turned three today! They are all growing up so very quickly, it is hard to fathom where the years are racing to.  GS 3 is one of those absolutely gorgeous cute little boys who is into every conceivable mischief he can find!  So I can finish this brief post with those other three little words ~  "I Love You" ♥♥

Three Amigos!
Birthday boy in the middle.

The twins check out the new quad bike

Looking Back....

You know what it is like.  You plan and organise every detail for a big event, like your wedding, and then blip.....in the blink of an eye it is all over.  There's a high, then a sort of deflation right afterwards.  Then, as time goes by you remember the great event with happy satisfaction and it is stored away in the archive of happy, golden memories that will always be treasured.

So it is with the great family Centenary Celebration!  We've had lovely thank you emails from many of the travelling relatives.  I notice this is mostly the older generation, and remind myself to be more diligent in sending Thank you notes and encouraging the children to do so. I wrote an article for the Local Paper and was thrilled that they edited it very little and printed all four photos that I sent.  It was a full page article on Saturday, so everyone was very thrilled!

Our littlest grandchild had his first birthday on the day of the reunion, so we celebrated jointly with his dad, on the Monday public holiday.

He is such a cute little fellow and despite being a little off colour

had a wonderful day being the centre of attention!

Birthday Boys!

My two boys had a great week  with their friends at the Gold Coast.  As they all get older, start jobs etc.  it is becoming more difficult to plan times when they can all meet up.  They really enjoyed it, as always, and also got to meet more of the boys new friends.  The reality is that over time their lives will diverge more and more.  "Jasmine" their mother is a special friend of mine and I relished the short space of time we had to catch up on Friday when we collected the boys.  She is one of those rare to find friends with whom I can immediately fall back into conversation.  It is almost as if we just took up where we left off about 12 months ago! I pray that our children will enjoy the same closeness of fellowship in years to come.

Friday was my mother-in-law's 80th birthday!  She is a very with it woman with a lot still to offer and enjoy.  She still teaches music students (piano) and I think she will do so for as long as possible.  It is her great passion and I think it keeps her going!

We had a lovely family dinner at a Community Sports Club in Sunnybank.  Everyone was there except my two girls and their children.  I loved meeting two great nephews who we had not met before. Hubby and I made a very quick two day trip for the occasion but we hope to go back again soon for a longer visit.

Nana had a wonderful 80th surrounded by her family.
Here she rides happily back to the car park and enjoys the well wishes.

So, after all the excitement of the September holidays we have now to get back into school mode.  I can scarcely believe that Term 4 is on us already.  We always find the heat of first and fourth terms challenging.  This will be the first summer term for many years where we are not doing swimming on Fridays.  Perhaps I'll incorporate that anyway.  There are end of year events to think about and school work returns and .............

Have a great week everyone, especially if you too are back to school.
Remember to hug your children. Try not to  let those precious opportunities pass, when you can show your love, grace and forgiveness to others.  Life is so short.
I am reminding myself to send that note of thanks or comfort and share a little of the blessings which God bestows.

It's fun galore being four!

My eldest grandchild is four today!

He asked for a volcano cake!

Mum and Aunty did a great job of it.

There she blows!

The baby of the bunch and the little girl twin.

This inside play ground is a great place for littlies to play.

Let me outa here!

We declared a half day of school and headed to a joint called "The Crazy Joker"  to celebrate GS1's fourth birthday.

It is a fabulous indoor playground and a good place to keep an eye on small, mobile people.  That takes some doing at parks etc when we have all six grandchildren in tow.  My big boys are very co-operative even though they are too old for this equipment.

I can hardly believe the way the last four years have flown.

Have a great week everyone.

The "Lois" Project

 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2 Timothy 1:5

Aren't the above verses beautiful....special.  What a tremendous blessing to see generations called and believing in the Lord!  For many years now I have sort to be like the faithful mother of Timothy and to raise our children in the faith which we profess.  In Timothy was found that faith and love for the Lord.  Eunice and her mother Lois must have come to trust and believe that Jesus was that promised Messiah for whom they had longed and waited.

My children were brought into the Covenant because of the faith professed by their parents.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call

Acts 2:39

.  Much to my grief, though some profess faith, they are still reluctant to commit whole heartedly to follow the Lord.  While there is life, there is hope and I still pray earnestly for them and try to lead by example.

In my last post I spoke of the difficulty in accepting that my little grandchildren will soon be going out into the wide, wonderful world of education.  Their parents are doing a wonderful job in their raising, and they must make the decisions about the way they will be educated.  I commit them daily to Lord for his protection.

I was recently reminded that when the Israelites rebelled in the wilderness, a whole generation of the Jews perished.  But God... who is rich in mercy and long suffering, spared all those Covenant children under the age of 20 years.  His mercy and grace to His people is everlasting.  Oh, what influence a Godly grandparent can be. 

I know that all who are mothers and grandmothers will share with me the great longing to see their loved ones brought into the Kingdom.  Those of us who do not have children have such a privilege to also serve the Lord in influencing the young people in their circle.  It has been much on my mind and heart that we are not to be fearful but trusting. The Lord is on my side, what can man do unto me!

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
Proverbs 17:6

The Getting of Wisdom

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

My heart breaks for kids tonight, when I see on the news that schools are  banning  them from cartwheeling, doing the splits, high fiving and "human contact".

 HUMAN CONTACT!!!!!!   Pllllleeeeeeeeeeze.  What is this world coming to.  When I worked in a Kindy (in the olden days :-)  most of the children came from happy two parent homes and those 3 & 4 year olds still loved a cuddle from the teachers.  One of my cousins who started teaching in a 1/2 class room spent a lot of the day listening and comforting small children.  Many had not had breakfast, many were dealing with domestic stress and just needed adult reassurence. She still teaches and finds it incredible that there is a no-contact rule even if it is good contact. 
I am finding it hard to come to terms with the fact that my two eldest grandsons are heading to Kindy in the New Year.  They will be four years old and are really excited.  Mumma cannot get her head around these small boys beginning their out-of-home education so young.  The more I am hearing of the new National Curriculum the more I fear for these little guys.  Apparently Queensland has been behind the other states and now they are making high demands from children right from Prep.

If you have had experience in the public schools, perhaps you can comment on this trend which is designed to increase the literacy rate in Australia.  Most home schoolers would agree that ramming stuff into small heads which are not ready for it can be disastrous.  Though we might follow curricula  and do formal work quite early, most of us are encouraging lots of outside play.  Yes, cartwheels!  Walking the fence and climbing trees. We also dish out hugs when necessary and often when it is not!

In a generation where some children seem to fail to mature or ever grow up, it seems very sad to take real childhood and all its golden memories  and learning experiences away from our youngsters, while they really are just children.

I love that my daughters are actively encouraging their children to play with risks allowed.  They are allowing them to make judgements and weigh up the consequences.  That means they also witness them falling, scraping knees and having their pride wounded.  The built- in life lessons gained from being allowed to play.  They get a good dose of dirt too, which is helping I am sure to build up their immune systems.

 I pray they will both be fine out in the big bad   scary exciting world of learning but as a mother who did not send any of them off anywhere until they were in their teens, it holds many dangers and snares to me.  Oh, don't even let me get started about bullying!

Lord protect them.





GS 2 gave me this beautiful letter today!
xoxox



The Little People Who Have Stolen my Heart ♥

Can you believe that this time last year I was in a Brisbane hospital, sad and home sick and missing the birth of my daughter's twins?  Here they are on their first birthday!  My daughter is sane and while missing the first few days of their lives, I now see them every day.  It is amazing to watch them grow and their little personalities blossom.  Thank you Lord for these precious little ones.

 ♥♥

Here are our six delighful grandchildren.  Two three year olds, two year old, two one year olds

 and nine months

♥♥♥♥♥♥

The baby of the bunch is quite a character and already poses for the camera!

♥

The precious little family who live with Mumma and Grandad and make

each day a new adventure.

♥♥♥♥

The bigger children tried to blow out the candles with gusto,

before the twins could get to it!

♥

"Thou shalt see thy children's children"

Mumma is mine.....

I do wish I had been one of those organised and far sighted mothers who recorded all the sweet little things that the children said as they were growing up.  Often now those cute sayings come to me and make me smile.  Also, I am, getting a good deal of new ones to add to the repertoire from the grand children.  Should I be recording them now so that as my brain deteriorates I will have them on record? Perhaps I should start that off very soon.

One night, on Mother's Day in fact, one of my boys kindly offered to rub my dear old aching feet which sometimes swell.  (I think he was motivated by the swollen ankles that day.)  Of course his enthusiasm  waned in short time but the kids were all making jokes around that ad on TV where the islander lady is giving a massage to Rhonda (The highly acclaimed driver from the  AAMI insurance ad for those who do not know).  The masseuse is giving a wonderfully vigorous foot massage and tells Rhonda that she has a great brake foot!  The other ladies come flocking around trying to get Rhonda's business but this determined woman says possessively. "Rhonda is mine.  Rhonda is mine."

When my son ditched me my 3 1/2 year old grandson came over and began to ever so gently rub my feet.  "Mumma is mine" he grinned up at the older boys,  What a precious little man!

An hundred times a day I have to smile at the questions and sweet observations of the little folk around me.
Can you credit that the twins will be one in another few weeks??!!  They are running everywhere now and particularly the little princess is saying a few words.  She is a little feisty.  Her blue eyed brother is a much more laid back nature but they can both roar if they feel they are not being heard or understood!  The littlest grandie is like a koala.  Very cute and cuddly.  He is crawling everywhere and pulling himself so will not be left out for very much longer.

We were without the computer all last week.  It was a good reminder to me just how much time can be frittered away in front of the screen.  However, I sit here now and feel I'd like to stay up late and catch up on all the blog posts and articles I have missed in that time.  I hope to get to read at your place soon :-)
Since there are five of us who use this poor old computer, time limitations are always a factor.

Wishing you all a wonderful and productive week.  I know that I have a number of appointments and my mum has a small op this week so there will be interuptions but Lord willing, we will cover all that is necessary.

"But what does the Lord require of thee but to live justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8

You've got a friend...

One of the ironies of blogging is that when you have a lot going on and plenty of  fodder for blogging, you just don't have the time to sit and write it all down.  Then when things quieten down your head is devoid of anything interesting to say. Such is life!

We started back to school today.  I felt ready but I think my boys still have some sleep deprivation after their week long holiday.  They were not so enthusiastic!  My hubby and the boys had the second week in Brisbane visiting family and friends.  It made the house a little quieter, less cooking, less washing, but we still had a busy time here.

The twins are walking!! clapping, and generally into everything!  My youngest little grandson is crawling as well.  All three babies cut their first teeth last week. Oh!  they are just so clever!  The littlest man is quite sick at the moment and had an emergency run to the hospital yesterday with a seriously high temp.  He gave my daughter quiet a scare as his breathing suddenly became so shallow and he was going blue.  He is still miserable and hot, but it seems to be under control.  That daughter, his mother, gave us a few big frights when she was little.  She would spike a high temp from nowhere and then start convulsing.  They were very scary days!

Precious cargo!
It's not often the three of them travel together.
Aren't they the cutest??!!


Yesterday, Monday, we took a Student Free Day :-)  to get a little more organised before starting the term.  I mentioned to a friend that we were going to do this and she very kindly offered to come and help.  I've mentioned before how I really don't see a lot of my real life friends at the moment.  Most of them are either in the same position as me, homeschooling and with grandchildren or they still have little ones of their own at home.  It is special to have a coffee date or lunch with one of them or one of my sisters..  Anyhow Petunia is of Dutch decent and if you know any Dutch ladies you know that they are not only know to be stubborn but they are meticulous house keepers!  This I am not.  So we had a delightful morning, Petunia tackling a few of the bigger jobs that I find hard these days, and me puttering around with bits and pieces that needed doing.   It was a lovely morning.  Now, Tuesday night, you can hardly tell where we have been but I know that at least part of the house was tidy ~  for just a little while :-)

Everyone should have a terrific friend like mine!

Have a wonderful week, bloggy friends, especially those starting a new term of school.

For the Children's Sake

I admit to a major weakness.  My Achilles Heal.  That area in which I am overly soft and smitten and which has proved to be a heart breaker for me over and over.  My obsession, passion, for my children has oft times stood in the way of my objectivity and at times made me a less than effective mother.  I hope that it has also resulted in a strong bond and affection between mother and children, and forgiveness on their part for occasions when I should not have spared the rod.  Fortunately, I don't think I irrevocably spoiled any child.  Can we love them too much?  Yes, if we make an idol of them and put them before our great first love, Christ.

Now, I have a new generation of children to bestow love upon!  Being a grandparent is a wonderful privilege in life.  An opportunity to influence another generation for Lord.  With these children I do  not need to mete out discipline, though I try to remain firm when I care for them.  The Lord has graciously given me the  last fifteen months with four of my six grandchildren living right here with us.  What a challenge and a blessing it has been!

This week my daughter has finalised the mediation concerning her four children and the agreed upon visits with their father.  How difficult this is for her I can only imagine but I know that my own nerves and doubts and fears have battled within me.  I have a new appreciation for families that are seeking to share custody and raise children in divided households.

As my daughter pointed out to me, her responsibility is to do what is best.....for the children.
As always, I will pray for these special little people.  When they are with us I will hold them close and show my love in every possibl way.  I just need to trust that God will protect them and that their father also wants what is best for them.

¹⁵And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
 ¹⁶But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
 ¹⁷Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.