Tracieisland

2010-12-07T05:40:00.000Z

smile skippy!!

2010-04-20T04:19:00.002+01:00

Friday Night - Earthquake in Adelaide - small but scary all the same 3.8 but still shook our bed and walls!
MARK 13 v 8

2010-01-11T01:11:00.002Z

Copper Coast - York Penninsula

Moonta Bay was so nice - the water was so shallow and clear. Definately go back again.......

2009-10-28T08:17:00.000Z

Haircut aaahhh.............

2009-02-09T11:23:00.000Z

The terrible fires roar on tonight in Victoria and our hearts go out to all those that have lost loved ones;their
homes and all their treasured belongings. Whilst watching the news footage it struck me that the Australian people
have a tremendous community spirit that unites in times of tragedy. The countries leaders have had much compassion
towards the victims and they themselves are struggling to hide their emotions in the public eye.I am far from political but do recognize that measures that are being taken promptly to help the people in very
practical ways; being new to the country this is very comforting to know that the country's leaders look after its people in their hour of need.Please pray for all australians caught up in these awful conditions.I cannot even begin to comprehend what goes through the minds of the arsonists that start these fires.

2008-12-27T10:29:00.002Z

Great Christmas with caz and her family.
I love this picture............it's my friend Caz visiting from the uk - it was great catching up - time goes so quick.....

2008-11-19T03:20:00.002Z

HOORAY AT LAST THE LUMP IS GONE............NO MORE "EEKKKK WHAT"S THAT LUMP"? AWAKE THE WHOLE TIME...........HOW BRAVE AM I !!

2008-09-28T09:37:00.003+01:00

MAGPIES

Its magpie season here, this means they get a bit irrate at times; a friend had one swoop down and dive bomb the back of her head and it drew blood!!

Poor Claire went for a little bike ride and came flying through the door 10 mins later sheet white and shaking!! (still pushing bike)

Yes you've guessed it.............four magpies took an instant disliking for her and swooped her all the way home the poor girl was terrified!!

I didn't think she'd ever go out again but hayho off she went today Good job the wearing of a cycle helmet is compulsary here!!

I was advised if she sticks eyes on the back of a hat or helmet the magpies will leave her alone.

2008-08-18T01:03:00.003+01:00

The watoto children's choir from Uganda came to perform at our church last week and they were fantastic. They were the happiest children ever with beautiful smiles. The one thing that really moved me was that when each of them gave a small testimony of what had happened to them the other children sat and cried and others looked on in admiration. The stories were very sad but they were full of the spirit and very thankful for what God had done in their little lives to turn things around. They were all orphans and now live in basic homes with a new mum and 7 other children in each home. The homes are built by volunteers from lots of different churches around the world. The choir travels to raise money - its a fantastic ministry.

2008-08-04T10:09:00.003+01:00

Communicate GOD'S Word

I love this picture of Claire and her friend from the church . This picture has been blown up and is on a wall in the kids bible study room along with the yellow text.

We feel right at home in our new church - as can be seen in the picture Claires a lot happier too. Up until 7 weeks ago she wouldnt go to bible school at all; but now we have found a new church she is very happy.

2008-07-29T06:24:00.000+01:00

2008-07-29T06:20:00.000+01:00

2008-07-29T06:16:00.001+01:00

Look who decided to sit in the tree 150yds away from our house!!

2008-07-26T10:11:00.001+01:00

THIS ROO IS TAKING THE LAID BACK LIFESTYLE TO THE MAX !!

2008-06-18T11:58:00.002+01:00

This was sent to me today.....

How to Dance in the Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.
I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor'sappointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.
I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said,'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.'
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.
With all the jokes and fun that there are, sometimes theres one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.'Life isn't about how to survive the storm..... but how to dance in the rain.'

2008-06-11T08:08:00.002+01:00

SILLY ACCESSORY PARTY!! Well we have now been in Oz a year so we threw a party to celebrate last Saturday. The 31st was the day we left the uk........ How time flies.......
Our friends really made an effort with the dressing up which caused a lot of laughter.

2008-05-14T12:36:00.002+01:00

Yabby.....

Caught one of these whilst fishing, we put it in our pond yesterday (apparently they keep the ponds clean) I was amazed to see it had escaped this morning. I have been rather sheepishly gardening today!! but didnt see it !! Normally l just worry about spiders and snakes............

2008-05-12T13:12:00.000+01:00

A four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

2008-04-09T13:04:00.002+01:00

Hooray our Laura has passed her driving test !!

just 30 hrs of driving experience needed now before we let her out loose. Look out australia!!!!

Hows this for confidence:- OH l've got my driving test tomorrow and l'm going to pass.

Laura thats a bit over confident!!

No its not .....l am going to pass!!

Really pleased for her two down one to go and fortunately we've got a few years before the next one!!

2008-03-05T12:34:00.000Z

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished, but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. (Proverbs 13:11)

2008-03-05T12:27:00.002Z

Aquatics Week

Claire is having a fab week at school; she chose snorkling as her activity and is loving it.
The weather is very hot making the water crystal clear so shes seen lots of sea-life.
They go every day for a week ....what an experience.

2008-02-23T10:35:00.002Z

Luke did his first parachute jump this morning from 10,000 ft his friend from the uk is over and goes home on tuesday so they thought they'd end the 3 week trip on a high .... literally.
Luke loved it and is now looking to do the course to skydive on his own and buy a parachute ....a mother's worst nightmare !!!!!

2008-02-14T23:18:00.002Z

When things in your life seem too much to handle, when twenty-four hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. they agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes". The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

"Now", said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends and favourite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter - like your job, house and car. The sand is everything else...the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first" he continued " there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you."

"So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical check-ups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the drains. Take care of the golf balls first... the things that really matter. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked...it just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Think about it.

2008-01-23T23:33:00.000Z

WOMAN.......

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . a youth she's content to leave behind....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age....
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ... a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored...
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .. a feeling of control over her destiny...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to fall in love without losing herself..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to quit a job,
break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. . whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table.. or a charming Inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month ...
and a year...

2008-01-17T03:25:00.000Z

I love this verse;

He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing. (Job 8:21)

2008-01-02T13:21:00.000Z

New years eve was spent with our Scottish friends in the next road that had a HogMany Party. What an atmosphere; Margret had booked a bagpipe player and drummer to see the new year in, they played Amazing Grace it was faaaaaaabulous. I enjoyed myself so much and managed to dance the night away till the wee small hours and rolled in at 5am much to the embarrassment of our 11 year old!

2008-01-02T13:00:00.000Z

On the Road to no-where !

Between boxing day and new year we were invited to go to a place called 'Broken Hill' with only 2 hours notice we managed to get organized and set off for a 6 hour drive in land to the out back !! (i'm sure Andy only said yes cos he thought he could fix it when we got there)

Anyway what an amazing journey l couldn't even begin to put it into words. This photo was taken on the Mundi Mundi plains its proper cowboy country.

We visited where they filmed 'MadMax' and had a drink in the saloon there.

It was very hot (116)

We saw all sorts on the way kangeroos,emus,goats, and when we got there lots of bugs!!

We also saw whirly whirleys which are sand tornados that move across the ground but there is no wind at all; some are quite big...... very strange!

2007-12-25T12:34:00.000Z

MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

Well what a gift ........ we have finally found a fab church.

and our 'quiet first Christmas' we had expected, turned out to be not so quiet!!

Christmas eve we spent with new friends from church sharing big Christmas dinner and today has been great with a big Christmas lunch again with our fab neighbours.

I can honestly say l feel truly blessed......

2007-12-16T06:01:00.000Z

What old people do for fun...

Has me in stitches every time !!

2007-12-10T10:16:00.000Z

BUSH FIRES !!

Whilst all the family went out shopping for my birthday present l experienced my first storm whilst living here!! There were great flashes of fork lightening and l did think that they looked low enough to be hitting the ground, then there was the rumbling thunder; it was so loud.

A little while later when the wind was really howling furiously l noticed smoke just over the hill from the balcony; then noticed a couple of helicopters and an light aircraft, the skies were grey and it really was quiet eerie as l didnt know what was happening. Gradually the two choppers were joined by eventually five more. It turned out that the lightening had struck the ground catching the grass alight and with the wind gusting it spread like wild fire (boom boom) l now know what that expression really means!!

Within a couple of hours they had got it under control by using the water from the reservoir thats not far from here. The emergency services are fantastic and l never fail to be impressed by their courage and speedy responce.

Unfortunately my camera couldnt focus that far but if you look closely you can see a few choppers.

2007-12-10T07:59:00.000Z

MY FIRST BIRTHDAY IN OZ.....

2007-12-04T11:54:00.000Z

NO THIS WASN'T DUE TO A NAGGING WIFE !!

2007-12-04T11:48:00.000Z

At least it feels like christmas at night!!!

It can't be christmas during the day its too hot!!!

2007-12-04T04:41:00.000Z

KOALA'S

It must be koala season! When we was returning home at 10 in the evening a loala was just sitting on the pavement.

This one crossed the road in front of Lukes car at night.

Lastly yesterday a mother and baby koala's were sitting in the tree at Claires school playground; Claire said they were so close and were fast asleep. AAAhhhh!!

This picture isnt very clear but its worth trying to post it you can just make it out if you look closely.

2007-11-22T01:27:00.000Z

CLAIRE'S SCHOOL FAIR !!

I managed to get volunteered for the face painting at the school fair and so claire had to be practiced on!!

I cant believe l felt so anxious about painting childrens faces -

Parents waited patiently; although l'm sure some of them thought we did it for a living and l felt the need to point out we were just volunteers raising money for the school fund!!

2007-11-22T01:20:00.000Z

Claire experienced her first ride on a camel and l dont think lve seen her laugh so much in ages!!

The camels were one of the school fair attractions.

2007-11-11T04:09:00.000Z

HOT HOT HOT !!

My goodness its hot today and its supposed to be spring. I've just read the temp.gauge thats in the garden under the shade and it reads 94. I'm not complaining honest !! just surprised. Its such a dry heat here - l ate my sandwich at lunchtime under the shade and when l picked up the second half the bread had dried out on the top half and l dont take that long eating!!
Well l think we've probably been here about 6 months now and have a better understanding of how things work here although l suspect that quite a few more changes are on the cards.
We still havent found a church we want to settle in yet; but are convinced our paths will be directed in the right direction.

We see everyones double here of people we knew in England its really odd when you are convinced you have seen someone but know that it can't possibly be them ........ well one of you may surprise me one day!!

I've now got used to seeing different road signs; pictures of koalas and kangaroos at the side of the road was funny to begin with and even funnier when you do actually see them!
The funniest one to date is the "don't stick your butt out of the window" and l have to say it did take me a while to realize the signs meant cigerette butt!!

2007-11-01T07:04:00.000Z

WHAT A SHOCK

What a day......l went to pick Claire up from school. It was pouring with rain; although shocking for here, thats not what l'm blogging about.
We were just coming out of the gate when a lad on a bike rode past and all of a sudden l noticed a car pulling into the school carpark and thought that bikes not stopping and neither is the car. Both myself and Claire screamed out but it was too late the enevitable happened and the car hit the lad who then went up on the bonnet and then back onto the ground. I ran over and said stay still with that he jumped up and was rather shocked, he was a bit heavy for me to lift and so he hobbled along with me towards the office. I then noticed a man and shouted can you come and carry this lad hes just been hit by a car; only to find that the man was the boys father, anyway an ambulance was called and hopfully he got away with cuts and bruise; although he may have broken his arm, l stayed and waited to give a statement to the police.
It really shakes you up seeing something like that - l really felt for the driver; although l dont think she could have been paying attention.
Just thankful it turned out as it did it could have been a lot worse.

2007-10-17T11:05:00.000+01:00

In the UK carp fishing is big business; so much so, that Andy always used padded mats to lay his caught fish on; before photographing and then weighing them,and then returned them carefully to the water.

Can you believe over here if you catch a carp your not allowed to return them to the water you have to kill them. If not your heavily fined the ozzies consider them vermine.

This would explain this fertilizer !! Dont think we'll be buying any......(yes they mash them up)

2007-10-15T12:29:00.000+01:00

We went to Granite island and had a shock when we saw a blue tongued lizard on the track !! Then saw another one just yards away!

2007-10-15T12:22:00.000+01:00

Saw our first brown snake - thankfuly it was dead on the road !! ...... sorry if your sqweemish !! or eating your tea !!

2007-09-24T05:13:00.000+01:00

AMAZING!!

Sunday evening, as the weather is warming up now we took the girls to the beach; its only a short drive away . Claire and Laura rolled up their shorts and were having a great laugh splashing around in the sea. Just then l overheard someone telling their children there were dolphins in close. I couldn't believe it as we looked about 30ft out a bottle nosed dolphin jumped up and splashed back down. Laura's face was a picture and Claire thought it was really exciting that they were so close. Well another new experience to add to the list !! We sat for some time and watched the sun set on the horizon and the odd dolphin show itself. The sun setting was a mass of egg orange and just droped beneath the shore line all of a sudden; so quickly, one minute theres a great big ball of orange and then just the red glow in the distance.

The guy next door said that the "ozzies partition God that they should live for a 200 years" because oz is so vast and has so much to see and do.........

2007-09-09T12:59:00.000+01:00

THIS WAS FAB !!
We went to Cleland wildlife park up in Mount Lofty regions.......and as the name suggests yes its very far up a very windey road !! I couldn't bear to look at the views as l was concentrating on keeping my toe nails clawed into the car mats!!
Apart from the blinding headache that l had all afternoon it was a great place to visit and we brought a family annual ticket for $73 that includes unlimited visits all year, a bag of feed per visit and 2 4 1 coffee in the cafe ....bargin, and we will definately be returning soon to see the rest of the park as we didn't get to see it all. We all fed the roo's and the girls and myself paid for photos with the koalas at $15 each still good value.

As you can see the computer is back up and running and so blogging and e-mailing is running fast and furious.....lots of catching up to do...

2007-08-16T15:24:00.000+01:00

WELL KEYS TOMMOROW.....

Finally we'll be moving into our own place tommorow at about midday. So hopefully we'll get a bit of normality of family life back.

I can't believe we've got so many belongings already and l have to give myself credit in the fact l've managed with a suitcase of clothes for 10 weeks....lol....

Claire seems to be happier at school and we havent had any tears of late so thats good, Laura has slipped straight into the ozzie way and Luke goes for his job training on Saturday and then he'll meet more people to socialize with.

We may not have internet to begin with at the new house but l'm hoping it wont be too long.

2007-08-05T11:28:00.000+01:00

I LOOK UP TO YOU OH GREAT ONE.......... Claire even insisted on having her hair done the same as Carla's for our meeting...........her face says it all.

2007-08-05T11:14:00.001+01:00

LOOK WHO I FOUND......

We drove up to where Andy and Carla live yesterday and it was soooooo good to see them - we shared a BBQ with them and their friends who they are staying with, Pete and Sindy and their children - what a friendly bunch.

Check out the rainbow arced over me and Carla - rainbows have been wonderful here; and a constant reminder of who's in charge.

It was great to catch up with Carla and compare notes...

We shared the sad news of Meg from Pats blog and l was glad to be with people who felt the same.

Couldn't quite get my head around the fact that we were on the other side of the world and had met up.

Thanks Carla and Andy for a lovely afternoon.

2007-08-02T06:18:00.000+01:00

DETAILS FOR HELEN......LOL

Sorry Helen.......yes it was a long time finding a house but finally we got in just in time and managed to secure this one.
Nothing like what we would normally buy but we did say we were coming here to see changes........don't know that it will feel normal for some time not getting up thinking l've got to move a pile of bricks or push a wheelbarrow.....LOL; and it will be lovely to see Andy take it a bit easier.
Now for the details as l was a bit vague on the last post; it has four beds a large rumpus upstairs and not quite a year old and a flat block of land unusual in the hills......and room for a pool should we decide to have one more piccys soon.

2007-07-31T14:36:00.000+01:00

Hooray we're moving.........17th August.......

2007-07-24T12:27:00.000+01:00

SCHOOL???????

Well Claire decided that after the two week break from school she didn't want to go back. I thought, oh she'll get over it but, No......all weekend she kept saying l'm not going, l hate it there, l havent got any friends, they dont speak or play, well this went on and when it got to Sunday evening we had lots of tears and by the time it had got to Monday morning she looked terrible and the crying started, so there l was walking her round and standing by the classroom, both of us in tears.....
Claire knows an english girl that goes to another school nearby and so today we took Claire and enrolled her there; at least she'll know a face in the playground and is a lot more enthusiastic about going, even if l have had to pay out for another uniform.......this one is green and yellow and has a wide brimmed hat, she looks proper ozzie....
I know that l should have been firmer but under the circumstances, no house yet, missing friends ect. l found it too upsetting to see her so unhappy about something l could change.
Just hope we find a house near the schools LOL
so we should all be happy bunnies tommorow morning.

2007-07-11T14:17:00.000+01:00

WHAT A DECISION......

The first property we looked at reminded me so much of home but it was rather expensive in my opinion......

we have looked at many properties since and they really fly off the market here as the demand is so high......meaning vendors can name their prices.

We managed to get in a property before the open day and managed to secure our offer we now have about 12 hrs left of the cooling off period it would be a home short term and eventually an investment property to let; but would enable us to have our own space for now....

Cant decide to follow my head or my heart ?

Large family home backing onto golfcourse near kids schools V 4 bed bungalow
15 mins from school but half the price.

mmmmmmmmm...........

2007-07-03T14:36:00.000+01:00

2007-07-02T13:52:00.000+01:00

Andy getting close with the koala......yes its real !!

2007-07-01T10:02:00.000+01:00

These roos were so lovely and when we fed them they were so gentle, they use their little paws to hold your hands whilst feeding them. Can you believe that it only cost $41 to get in for 2 adults 2 students and one child that equates to £17 so we thought bargain !!
At one point loads of roos came hopping over and we had about 50 around us, some had baby roos in their pouches they were so sweet.

2007-07-01T09:54:00.000+01:00

We took Claire to meet some ozzie wildlife. All of a sudden this bird landed on her head!!

2007-06-15T12:06:00.000+01:00

Got a new car to run about in.......yes l had to pick something familier.....Ford !!
I will get something bigger when lm a bit more confidence on the big roads here.
I had to drive it back from the dealership so l was sweating a bit as it was the first
time l drove here l dont know who was more nervous me or Andy following!!

Place to live next.

PS Large oil patch not leaking from my car !! LOL

2007-06-12T12:48:00.000+01:00

Claire with her cousins she recently met. Monice and Loulou

2007-06-12T12:44:00.000+01:00

Andys cousins for dinner.......what a view!!

2007-06-12T12:40:00.000+01:00

this is the opposite direction of Hallett Cove.

2007-06-12T12:35:00.000+01:00

this is Hallett Cove on a winter day !!

We quite like this area but have a lot of places to look yet.......

2007-06-08T13:31:00.000+01:00

Gooday

Well here l am ....... arrived safe and sound. We had a really good flight very very long but can t compliment Singapore airlines enough. The food and service was brilliant. Singapore airport was great we booked into the transit hotel for an 8 hour block to have a sleep and shower and then to look around the airport shops to stretch our legs before the second haul of the journey.......... well thats the way we planned it but Claire had other ideas she had slept on the plane and so didnt want to sleep at the airport so while everyone else had a sleep l was walking round like a zombie with Claire with no currency to spend; we soon went and got the others up, changed some money up. It seemed a shame to miss seeing Singapore airport its a great airport to have a look around.
Saying our goodbyes was awful and l think we all under-estimated how sad we would feel. Even as the aircraft landed l had an enormous feeling of,what am l doing?Driving away from the airport l had an awful feeling that l d made a mistake and felt that l wouldn t be able to settle and when l looked in front of the road there was a massive rainbow so that made me feel a whole lot better and l m sure the jetlag had a lot to do with the way l was feeling.hoping to put some pictures on soon.Staying with rellies at the mo but have managed to sort out medicare, ambulance cover, australian driving licences, activated bank accounts ect.Cars and house next.bye for nowtracie

2007-05-24T21:54:00.000+01:00

Well we now have an empty house the container was filled to the brim we couldnt fit one of the single beds in so that wasnt too bad. This week has been quite comical in terms of making do.

2007-05-24T21:44:00.000+01:00

all boxed up and ready to go ......

2007-04-29T17:14:00.000+01:00

CHUCK AWAY CHARLIE !!

Well the shippers are now booked and so from now on l look at things and think do l want you enough to take you to the other side of the world !! (husband & children exempt of course !!) (well most of the time!!)
In all seriousness l have been going through paperwork......lots of paperwork .....bearing in mind we have moved a couple of times now recently and you would have thought that we wouldn't have been moving unecessary items; but yes the filing cabinet just gets picked up and placed in its new destination hence to say l had kept every statement of every kind from when we first set up home together!!! yes thats phone bills, tv licences, bank statements etc. Andy volunteered for feeding the shredding machine..........only he hadn't realized the lengthy process it was going to be. (shredder kept overheating and cutting out!!)
Its a bit like life really ............l wonder how much baggage we actually sruggle to carry round for years and years.
This will be a time of new beginnings as we go off to our new destination; and may we not be in such a hurry to replace the clutter!!

2007-04-20T21:57:00.000+01:00

WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT !!

Well Lukes car was to be recovered yesterday......... we got a call to say that unfortunately it couldn't be pulled onto the truck as somebody had set it on fire and all that was left was the shell !! the tyres had melted !! Poor old Luke....... his train journeys will be permanent from now until we go now.
He wont get any insurance for it as he'd have to pay the £150 excess and then pay the remainder of the insurance that he'd been paying in instalements up till now (3rd party fire & theft £1200 and thats driving on my insurance!! the cars only worth £500)
Claire said to me in the car when l told her.........well don't take this the wrong way mum; but at least he won't have to sell it now !!
Thats one way of looking at it!!

2007-04-17T23:05:00.000+01:00

WHATS IMPORTANT

Luke was out driving at the weekend with a lad that is also emigrating to oz soon, he was heading to burnham very late on a very Windy back road; he was driving too fast round a sharp bend and managed to end up spinning backwards into a ditch and writing his car off. Thankfully no-one was injured and hopefully he will have learnt a hard lesson,the car missed a telegraph pole amazingly and how they walked away can only be by the grace of God. The car is being pulled out the ditch by winch tomorrow so we'll see if anything can be salvaged ! He'd just spent that evening telling friends of ours how much he loved having that little car and the freedom it gave him.
l still just can't get over the fact that they both walked away uninjured and thank God for his protection.
When l went to see the car l had my little niece who's five in the car and she was asking lots of 'little person questions' like "is Luke sad ?" and "was l in the car?"
after quite a few of these questions it went very quiet then all of a sudden she said out of the blue "oh I'm glad Luke's not dead" this spoke volumes to me and put the whole thing in perspective.

2007-04-07T23:01:00.000+01:00

What a difference a few months can make.....
What a surprise l had .............mum turned up from Spain to see us before we go off to oz...........shes between her treatments and l think her doctor would have a fit if he knew what shes been up to in the two week break before her radiation treatment........mums the word!!

Today has been rather emotional, particulally for Claire who is so attached to my mum, she rarely left her side.

Mum mostly wears a wig when out and a bobble hat in bed; l really didn't think l would cope with seeing her like this but she just gets on with it all saying that there are a lot of people worst off than her.

Just 6 weeks worth of 10min daily treatments of radiotherapy to go I'm praying that she will get the all clear and life will return to normal as soon as poss.

Mum told me she prays regulally, she attended church with me and previously asked me to send her a bible the week before she turned up, she has had a J.Witness lady visiting regulally of late and l'm praying that she won't be influenced in the wrong direction.

Its a case of remembering who's in charge !!

It was really good to see her and she house will seem very quiet in the next few days........

2007-03-24T23:14:00.000Z

Three Things in Life.

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back - Time,Words and Opportunity.

Three things in life that may never be lost - Peace, Hope and Honesty.

Three things in life that are most valuable - Love, Self-confidence and Friends.

Three things in life that are never certain - Dreams, Success and Fortune.

Three things that make a man - Hard Work, Sincerity and Commitment.

Three things in life that can destroy a man - Wine, Pride and Anger.

Three things that are constant - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2007-03-23T21:29:00.000Z

THE HEADTEACHER'S CUP !!

Sitting in the assembly and Miss Dawson announced "and the person who deserves the headteachers cup is someone who is always laughing and smiling".................at this point all the children were turning round saying "that'll be Claire then!!"..................... l can think of worst things to be remebered for; l just hope she'll be as happy in her new school in Adelaide. That cup is a prize trophy for a week only................ we get to keep the smile!

The children have been studying poetry.........
Claire had to write a poem for homework;

Lawfordmead is the greatest school,
we all join together in the central hall.

Boys and girls sit along in a line,
We all sing a song and everythings fine.

Miss Dawson is fair and rarely gets cross,
All the teachers know that she is the boss.

There's always lots of things to do,
and the teachers assistants will help you.

In May when l am going away,
l'll be on that plane nearly a day.

Lawford friends is what l'll miss,
l'll say goodbye with a fairwell kiss!

This has been put on the classroom door.

2007-03-05T21:49:00.000Z

AUSTRALIA SO FAR.......

I have to confess that just lately my blogs seem a little on the vague side not mentioning anything of the details of all that is going on at the moment.
the small matter of moving to the other side of the world having gained permanent resident visas that are non dependant of securing jobs on a arrival, we now just have the small detail of selling the property that we brought as a project to do up whilst we were waiting to obtain the visas. At one point we didn't even think that going was going to become real it just seemed one of those distant dreams always out of reach!
Over time we have progressed from stage to stage and God has revealed himself in many ways to us over the last couple of years. for instance way back in the beginnings of our dream we used to say "Oz" was just "pie in the sky" this phrase isn't a normal comment for us but one in which we got used to saying, one day a christian mag arrived through the door saying across the front of a large picture of a pie "pie in the sky and eating it too" this was to be the beginning of a very long journey of many signs and wonders (too many to mention)
We have got to the stage whereas life seems very much of a roller coaster ride we really want the house to sell and put it on the market in January, we've not had a great deal of interest to cut a long story short and we don't do the patient thing too well..........we had almost got to a point of believing that we had come this far in achieving the unbelievable to imagining that all these decisions and circumstances had in fact been in vain. We have had lots of encouraging words from God through various sources and l really wished that l had been updating my blog regularly with them as l received them but alas when your in the thick of it all it does seem too much bother to share such detail in case we had invariably got it all wrong.
l have gone rather round the houses to tell of how things seem to be happening.........
Saturday:- l had had enough and had woke feeling like a considerable cloud of doom was over me in fact l could off cryed....chatted things through with Andy ...went into shower and said to God that l was beginning to feel that l was having a blocking affect on everything because l was feeling anxious about the move and just to get a viewing would really reveal that we hadn't got it all so wrong......came out of the shower to hear Andy confirming an appointment for that very afternoon.....amazing and looked up and said that was quick!! l am making light of this situation but it had a profound effect on me knowing that God had heard.
Like a dog with a bone...... l have buried it many times only to dig it back up again and continue to worry and become anxious about the whole situation! So this morning there we were becoming anxious again and wondering if God really would step into our world and did he really have control over this situation knowing of the time deadline and the fact we have booked one way flights in faith!!
After much discussing how we thought it should be happening we decided to pray and poured our hearts out as to how we really felt........during the prayer we asked God to speak and confirm that we were doing the right thing and that even if he could sent someone to confirm either way as we were finding it increasingly difficult not being able to chat things through in a personal way hearing Gods voice......well about 5 Min's later there was a knock on the door and l was expecting my cousin so just thought l would open the door to her but no; there stood Andy Ford who also is moving to Adelaide in June and is really optimistic about the place.......he said oh hi was just passing and thought l would pop in. I was gobsmacked and called my Andy in from the garden explaining that Gods messenger had arrived !! We just couldn't believe the timing and sat and chatted about all our issues the main one being that we didn't know what to do about the house. After great fellowship Andy left and the telephone rang to say that we are too have another viewing on Wednesday. A man who's in rented (brilliant position) its hard not to let your mind run away but we have learnt that this is all about Gods timing not ours and no matter what happens he has revealed himself to us in such a real way and we are just to trust him.

I forgot to say that another major issue was the fact that our daughter Lauras exams are due in May/June and that because our deadline date is the beginning of June we had to book the flights and could see no way round her missing some of the exams resulting in very poor qualifications meaning that the last two years will have been wasted. I wrote to her head of year (christian) and explained the situation and that we believed that Laura would have to try and take some courses once out in oz but felt that this could not be avoided and that we hoped he would continue to support Laura in what was ultimately our decision in potentailly wrecking her education. The head of year rang to confirm that he had recieved and read my letter and to inform me of the possibility of Laura sitting her exams in Adelaide when she arrives, this is an amazing outcome we don't as yet know how it will turn out but know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God must be in this because its a situation that we have considered many times and felt so awful about; particulally as Laura is the one who isn't that keen on the idea of moving.
Again Gods hand!

The scripture that he keeps revealing to us is Proverbs 3 V 5
Trust in the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and lean not on your own understanding.
Also this afternoon God really spoke through Joyce Myers ministries it was called "when God when" it was so apt for us it was amazing.

So no; l have no news as yet, but know that l have a Father in heaven that is looking out for me and that knows the timing of all things; l read today "God is never late" it also said "he is very rarely early either"!!
I know this is a massively long blog for me and if anyone has made it this far through it; l hope that you will have an understanding of where I'm coming from and conclude that Our God is a Faithful God.
from Tracie

2007-02-28T10:34:00.000Z

THIS ONE IS MY FAVOURITE !!

2007-02-28T10:20:00.000Z

2007-02-22T14:53:00.000Z

WELL I DIDN'T KNOW THAT !
In the 1400's a law was set forth that a man was not allowed to beat his wife with a stick thicker than his thumb. Hence we have "the rule of thumb ".
Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden"...and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language
The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the US Treasury.
Men can read smaller print than women can; women can hear better.
Coca-Cola was originally green .
It is impossible to lick your elbow.
The average number of people airborne over the US in any given hour: 61,000
Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair
The first novel ever written on a typewriter: Tom Sawyer
Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king in history: Spades - King David Hearts - Charlemagne Clubs - Alexander , the Great Diamonds - Julius Caesar
111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
If a statue in the park, of a person on a horse and the horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until you would find the letter "A"? A. One thousand
Q. What do bullet-proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser printers all have in common? A. All invented by women.
Q. What is the only food that doesn't spoil? A. Honey
In Shakespeare 's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... "goodnight, sleep tight."
It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts... So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them "Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down." It's where we get the phrase "mind your P's and Q's"
Many years ago in England , pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim, or handle, of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service. "Wet your whistle" is the phrase inspired by this practice.
~~~~~~~~~~~ AND FINALLY~~~~~~~~~~~~

At least 75% of people who read this will try to lick their elbow!!!!!!

2007-02-21T10:50:00.000Z

Just to say mums cemo went well she was able to have it. they didn't give her such a strong dose so her tongue hopefully wont get so bad this time, she said she's eating well so hopefully will put a bit of weight on now. One more to go!! then the radiation daily treatment will start.
thanks to all who prayed may God bless you all.

2007-02-16T12:31:00.000Z

please remember my mum for monday she went to have her cemo last week and ended up having to have a blood transfusion that meant she was there for nine hours.
they had such a job with her viens that they did say she may have to have a central line in her chest.
I had a text yesterday to say that she is feeling a little better as she has been able to eat something which she hasn't done in ages because her tongue is so sore; she now has medication for this too.
I really hope Monday goes better for her, its quite a way to the hospital for her to have such delays when things don't go as planned.
I havent been able to mention the flights just yet to her - bit difficult to share something like that in these circumstances.
keep you all posted!
from Tracie

2007-02-16T12:29:00.000Z

BOOKED THE FLIGHTS!!
31ST MAY AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

2007-02-08T22:54:00.000Z

UPDATE

House:
Well its still on the market - we don't do the patient thing too well - we are considering just booking the flights for the June deadline and if nothing has happened between now and then we'll have to address the issue then!!
The housing market has really slowed down at the moment and quite a lot of properties have come on the market locally - typical - l have to constantly remind myself its in Gods timing not mine (with God all things are possible)

Mum:
Spoke to my mum on Tuesday she was feeling really low and unwell, she has loads of ulsers over her tongue that are incredibly sore and hasn't been able to eat for some time; she is even struggling with thin soups and says she is sick of them.
Mum said she has another cemo on 14th; last time the line wasn't in the vein correctly and she spent all that time in pain and didn't tell the nurse as she just thought that is how it is. The girl in the next bed told the nurse in spainish mum was in pain and they took the line out and then couldn't get it in again,she said her veins are beginning to collapse so they may have to put in a central line into her chest. I found talking to her really difficult being so far away - Andy says just to go and see her, but l don't think l can cope with seeing her so poorly, bald, and then having to leave and fly back.

Other stuff:
I'm trying to spend the waiting sorting through stuff - tonight l found my wedding dress and can't believe how tiny it is. claire tried it on and couldn't do it up and then l couldn't resist to try it on; looked lovely from the front but had a great big gap at the back l was quite shocked !! especially as l had our son Luke six months previous to wearing it.......yes l know completely round the wrong way ....God hadn't intervened at that stage but looking back was obviously steering us in his direction. I can still to this day hear "it won't last" well it has for 18 years so far thank God! Oooooh ark at me getting all high and mighty!!!

Did anyone see that documentary about young carers in the week. I was really heartbroken with the blind couple that had all those children and the two older girls looking after all the younger ones. The 12 year old had just seemed to turn her emotions off completely even saying she didn't like hugs at all and she didn't want any children of her own eventually. I'll end this topic its just too sad.

I've found a forum about people moving to Australia and its been great, theres so much info. on it and lots of like minded people in different stages of the visa process.

Well l'll end here - please remember to pray for my mum she just has 2 cemos left and then starts the next phase of treatment.
will update any news.
from Tracie.

2007-01-27T16:57:00.000Z

This made me smile!

A dietitian was once addressing a large audience in Chicago. "The material we put into our stomachs is enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago.""Red meat is awful. Soft drinks erode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. Vegetables can be disastrous, and none of us realizes the long-termharm caused by the germs in our drinking water."But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have or will eat it.Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years after eating it?"A 75 year old man in the front row stood up and said, " Wedding cake."

2007-01-25T11:27:00.000Z

Just to let you know mountain mama and Merle can't access your blogs at the mo so hello to you both andtrust your both well
. God Bless
from Tracie

2007-01-23T13:45:00.000Z

THE WRONG END OF THE STICK !!

Claire came home from school yesterday rather excited at the prospect of doing a project. The teacher had said they could choose their own choice of person but gave a few pointers as regards to the project content. I was busy cooking dinner and suggested that Claire think about who she'd like to write about and to research some info on the internet.
I suggested the late Steve Erwin as he was Australian and l thought she might pick up a few useful facts about oz at the same time; Claire too thought this was a brilliant idea.
Things were coming along nicely; she kept showing me bits of info and asking for advice as to which bits to include and what facts were useful.
Claire had now eaten her tea and had hastely returned to the computer to continue her project she was really enthuasiastic, l was still at the table eating.
All of a sudden she shouts though.....MUM WHAT DOES PI**ED MEAN?
After nearly choking on my crumble! l shouted back I BEG YOUR PARDON !!
So she shouts a little louder.....I SAID.... WHAT DOES PI**ED MEAN?
No l hadn't heard it wrong!! and continue to shout back...CLAIRE THAT'S A RUDE WORD AND DON'T LET ME HEAR YOU SAY IT AGAIN.
I hear her say IS IT? slightly quieter and sounding a bit mistified....but again says OK I WON'T SAY IT, BUT WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
I say why do you want to know?
She says... well, because it says it here!
(l'm now thinking oh my goodness aren't we going to have some fun whwn we get over there, l did read that in some areas the ozzies refer to the brits as 'pomme ba**ards' .... charming l thought!! and thought this web page Claires on is probably not appropriate!!)
I now reluctantly drop my spoon in bowl and make my way to Claire.
I say calmly, show me what your reading about Claire...............she says equally as calmly... Look mum it says here about when Steve died; the stingray "pierced" his heart!!!!!!!!!! isn't that horrible mum? she followed by saying she did want to put that bit in!! I cut across her words and said thats fine Claire, put it in just make sure you pronounce it correctly when your reading it aloud to the class, she couldn't believe what l thought she meant!!!
If l had gone to investigate sooner instead of filling my face l could have saved the confusion but as usual it did give us a good laugh!!

2007-01-21T15:19:00.000Z

Cleaning and more cleaning !!

Well the paint and brushes have now been replaced with cloths and cleaning products.
The house is now on the market, when it sells we will be moving over to Australia. Sounds so easy if you say it quick enough!!
So in the time that we are waiting everything has to be sorted through.
All of Andy's tools have to be cleaned ready for shipping, so we've been sitting in the garage with rags and toothbrushes and scrubbing and polishing anything and everything to do with building. Some of us have more patience than others in these areas!! Who'd have thought that you could get such a sense of achievement from making grotty old tools .....sparkle!
Top tip ......little bowl of warm water a squirt of washing up liquid and a few spoons of white vinegar and lots of elbow grease (bad joke there as elbow is extremely painful at the minute!!) in all seriousness though the top tip is true so give it a try.
We have to enter Australia before June thats when our visas state we have to be in the country, if the house doesn't sell quickly then we will have to go on a holiday there first to activate the visas but we would much prefer to just travel the one-way, we've prayed about the situation and have to leave it in God's hands and his timing; this too sounds easy if you say it quickly!!
God knows how impatient we are in these matters and having to keep the house tidy constantly is an added bonus!! not!!

Claire came out with another of her classics today..........
I bet by the time we get to Australia, we will just get there..... and that will be the day Jesus decides to come back and take us all up with him!!
Well what can l say!!

2007-01-11T22:58:00.000Z

Another blonde moment !!

coming home from the school with Claire....
Claire says oh mum did dad tell you that the sand in Australia is like silk, his cousin told him.
Yes your dad told me; thats great....
Can we where our shoes, or do we have to take them off....??
What do you mean Claire?
Can we wear our shoes on the sand?
Masses of laughing..... and the question, Are you being serious?
Claire answers......yes.............well we might get it dirty!!!!!!!!!

she says the funniest things.

2007-01-10T16:36:00.000Z

Anything worth buying in the sales?

My Laura was standing beside this bargain box when one of her friends thought it would be a laugh to nudge her.................she lost her balance and ended up in the bottom and couldn't get out!!

2007-01-08T20:28:00.000Z

CLIMBED A MOUNTAIN!!

Had a great time at the LakeDistrict at christmas; in fact it was the best christmas in ages We went on a "moderate" walk!!! 4/5 miles l was told; and nobody told me anything about a mountain!! well you'd probably consider it a big hill !! but listen to me,it was a mountain in my book (it was more than 20ft!!)
They kept telling me what an achievment l would have when l got down which is of no comfort when your toes are clawing the insides of your insoles and the only thing your looking out for at every opportunity is a collection bin for unwanted dirty underwear!! the thing that really got to me was the fact l wasn't awarded a bravery badge at the finish post, l did get the standardry family shot as evidence of the momenteous occasion when reaching the top!!
I have a strong inbuilt sense to feel safe at every occasion especially when accompanying young children in very steep places (its a maternal thing) but yes l made it and am here to tell the tale, although at times it was a close call!! and being particulally snotty to ones husband brought a little comfort in such difficult circumstances; especially as he played a part in picking the route whilst in the tourist info place.
I have to include a piccy just to re-live the moment again and to remember "All things are possible"
If anything my trip made me realise how 'comfortable' l have become in everyday living. to be out in Gods creation in the elements made me feel very vunrable at times, l suppose because l have become so unaccustomed in such areas; but to feel the wind blowing through your hair at the top of a mountain and take in the view was such an experience.

2006-12-15T11:59:00.000Z

This made me laugh!

There was a man who worked for the Post Office whose job it was to process all the mail that had illegible addresses. One day, a letter came addressed in shaky handwriting to God, with no actual address. He thought he should open it to see what it was about. The letter read:

"Dear God, I am an 83 year old widow, living on a very small pension. Yesterday someone stole my purse. It had £100 in it, which was all the money I had until my next pension check. Next Sunday is Christmas, and I had invited two of my friends over for dinner. Without that money, I have nothing to buy food with. I have no family to turn to, and you are my only hope. Can you please help me?
Sincerely,
Edna
The postal worker was touched. He showed the letter to all the other workers. Each one dug into his or her wallet and came up with a few pounds. By the time he made the rounds, he had collected £96, which they put into an envelope and sent to the woman. The rest of the day, all the workers felt a warm glow thinking of Edna and the dinner she would be able to share with her friends. Christmas came and went. A few days later, another letter came from the same old lady to God.
All the workers gathered around while the letter was opened. It read, "Dear God, How can I ever thank you enough for what you did for me? Because of your gift of love, I was able to fix a glorious dinner for my friends. We had a very nice day and I told my friends of your wonderful gift. By the way, there was £4 missing. I think it must have been those rotten sods at the Post Office.
Sincerely yours,
Edna

2006-12-14T20:53:00.000Z

Queue Conversations!!!!

After reading Helens blog about the conversation in the queue it reminded me of an incident a little while back. I wrote out the whole story on Helens comment and low and behold just as l was finishing it mid-sentence the whole thing dissappeared so l thought because of the nature of the story l would give it plenty of blog viewing instead !!!

So here goes........picture the scene l'm taking a brisk walk to the local shop with Claire(9 at the time) and the topic of conversation emerged about the devil ! starting with claire asking "mum who's satan?"
it kind of caught me unawares......l replied saying that satan is the devil and not very nice.
she asked where did he come from? i explained that he was a fallen angel..........angel she says are you sure; as you can imagine we had quite a chat where l spent most of it reaching in the depths of my christian knowledge way back at the back of my brain, l'm ashamed to say.. she said do you believe in the devil? in which l replied l believed there is a devil but prefere to concentrate on God. The conversation kind of fizzled out and we continued walking and eventually arrived a the shop.
We've now filled the basket and are standing in the queue when Claire says rather loudly; mum you know you believe in satan...........in which l abruptly said "CLAIRE" No thats not right...... and then thought l can't explain this one simply enough and ended up just pathetically saying Claire we'll continue this conversation outside. I bet the other queue members were dying to turn around to see who was standing there!!! These things always seem to happen when your ill-prepared don't they? or is it just me!!!!!!!!!!
It does make me giggle when l think about it; as did Helens blog that inspired this.
This is my second attempt to post this - lets see if the gremlins have left the computer yet!!!!

2006-12-07T21:36:00.000Z

Another birthday over !

well today is my birthday and it has been lovely having a day together with Andy not doing any building or decorating work!! On Tuesday we went to see Evita in London with friends; it was fab.
Today we went off shopping which was nice as its something we very rarely do.
I needed some woolies to take to the Lake District as l had given lots of clothes to the charity shop thinking l wouldn't need them in Oz as hopefully it won't be too long before a container will be loaded up.
My mum has not been too good as she has had an upset stomach since she started her cemo and her hair is now falling out, she has no appertite but she goes on Monday for the second lot of treatment and is going to ask if theres anything she can have for the upset tummy. Lets hope she gets an english speaking doctor although she has got a friend to type out all her questions in Spainish!!
My dad who also lives in Spain (not with my mum) has got to go into hospital and have a hernia op in January; and my brother Mog has got to go in again and have his hand operated on again as the last op wasn't successful.
So all in all; they're all having something done !!
This was funny today as l had brought a new necklace and ear-rings for our theartre trip and was wearing them again today; as l was trying lots of jumpers on and off l had lost one of the earings and on noticing on the way home in the car l felt really dissappointed...........alas when l pulled on the drive the earing was hanging from the necklace so that was a nice surprise !!

2006-11-28T23:01:00.000Z

I rang my mum a day after she had started the cemo (Wed) and she was on a high and was making curtains and allsorts.
My brother texted me to say that she wasn't feeling too good and l have since spoken to my mum this evening, she has spent two days between her bed and the loo; she sounded quite low, l found this really upsetting especially not being able to just pop to her and just be able to do the little things. I stressed that she really has got to try and rest more as l'm sure the abundance of energy she had was too build her up for what was about to surface, she doesn't make a good patient at the best of times, she lives alone but does have an older sister nearby and my eldest brother a 40 min drive away so shes not totally alone over there but it's still hard being this far away, she says that her appertite has gone out of the window.
I attended church last sunday and really felt touched. Ann got up and spoke about God being there holding our hands as we do with little ones and said that even though we may fall God's always there and its ok because we're under his covering, also another lady spoke of a vision of running a race and jumping the hurdles and as l sat there l could picture the hurdles of life and really felt that my hurdles were so close together that l didn't even have a chance of a good run up between them (in fact l actually felt like running up and pushing them all over!!) but to hear that God is right there with me; running the race, if you like. i found this really comforting.........my very own cheerleader ..........God himself.
This is amazing as l was sitting here sharing these thoughts l really felt the need to get out my baptismal text and here it is .................Duet:31v8............The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged......................Wow........... what timing!
l did intend on updating on other news but l think l'll leave it there.

2006-11-21T12:48:00.000Z

Just to update......mum started her cemo today, she said that the type they have put her on is the one that is very rarely prescribed over here as it is very expensive; it just so happened that the hospital that she attends is the only one in the her area that gives that treatment because of its success rate. What a blessing.
Have included a picture so that all those praying for her now can see who they've been praying for.

2006-11-18T22:43:00.000Z

Well it's been a funny old week really......

l don't know what it is about saturday's!! - this morning Laura went off fishing. Andy went off to get some building materials and so l thought l'd get up and make an early start on painting the new room ceiling; anyway l shot up into the loft to get the paint and roller and came down would you believe the wrong way round as l was carrying the paint!! hence to say my foot slipped off the runner and fortunately l slid vertically down the ladder as if it was a shoot.......ouch...my back and bottom didn't miss the ladder steps.......hence l have a really stiff back, but as they say count your blessings it could have been a lot worse - picture it, 'sitting in casualty covered in white emulsion'!!

Laura came home from fishing early today because Kyle had forgotten his flask his grandad dropped it down at the lake for him; Laura turned to say hello to Kyles grandad just as Kyle pulled out of a fish, with that the heavy large lead weight came flying up from the water and hit Lauras nose and mouth and the hook went up her nose,she said her nose really bled because of the bang, and is really sore because she had to get the hook out.....ouch.........but as they say..... count your blessings......could have been another possible casualty trip !!

Last but not least Luke our son finally got his first car on the road; after waiting a week for an insurance cover note to come through, so that he could get his road tax. Anyway he'd only been on the road a while when l got a call to say everything was fine but he'd understirred round a sharp bend and had hit a verge - but a farmer had pulled the car out. The car was still driveable !! Just a little damaged.......and this one is easy to count our blessings because it could have been a lot worse. It probably done Luke a favour; although he's sensible l do think they trully believe their invinsible at his age, it must have shaken him up not to mention his pride being a little bruised!!

On the subject of "mum" she rang yesterday to say that she had been to the hospital on friday to have the scans the doctor had requested, she will go on Monday to have a consultation with the doctor to discuss her treatment - l'm hoping that she will get the same doctor as before as he spoke perfect english and she felt really comfortable with him. I've collected lots of imfo from the web on cemo to send out to her to read up on. Thanks to the many people that have continued to pray for her - l so appreciate it - and will continue to update when l hear any news.

I know all the silly mishaps that l began talking about sound like l'm "moan a minute" woman; but l do think that we just must focus on the good stuff....l sometimes forget that we got our Aussie visas not so long ago, something that we worked hard towards for a number of months. I've been so caught up on all the negative stuff going on that l have been completely forgetting who's in charge of all things; We prayed all those months ago that if God wanted us in Oz then to open all the doors for us, He knows all things and we just have to trust, when we prayed right back in the beginning we didn't know all what would unfold, but God did and the doors still continued to open and for the first time in ages l actually felt a bolt of excitment go through me at the thought of moving to the other side of the world to our new adventure! that feeling hasn't happened in ages, and it was good!

2006-11-13T12:17:00.000Z

Following in her mothers footsteps......

My daughter Laura went fishing with her boyfriend on Saturday. When l came downstairs to the kitchen after she'd gone l noticed the lid of the flask next to the kettle; but the flask and cup were gone. It had been early when she left. l thought, l hope she hasnt taken the flask without putting the lid on but resided to the fact that she must have used another lid !!
In the evening Laura returned home with the giggles to a point that l thought had she been drinking; eventually she managed to tell me what a day she'd had.......
Firstly as mentioned, she'd made the flask and only screwed the cup on the top so it emptied the majority of the contents into her bag and her boyfriends grandads car!
When they caught the first fish they got the landing net out and managed to snap it!
Laura was then invited to tea back at Kyle's granparents house, she sat at the table and managed to knock over her can of coke, it not only went all over the table cloth it seeped into the pile of napkins and wasted them all! his nan cleared it all up and removed the cover saying don't worry Laura it was an accident. They had their tea and then Laura and Kyle were on their way to his room; Kyle was messing about and turned on the top of stairs and pretended to do a karate kick not realizing that Laura had another can of coke opened in her hand.....hence to say he caught it with his foot and it went up in the air and all down the stairs..........Laura was so embarrassed .......l bet his nan was so cross......as they dropped Laura home she ran in to get Kyle's MP3 player, she ran out to the car; Kyle had his hand waiting out the top of the car window, Laura hadn't noticed it and quickly pulled the car door open nearly ripping his hand off !!
Wonder if she'll get asked back !!
Apparently Kyle said his nan knocked over her drink on her return home!!
l'm glad l'm not the only one that has days like that.
Lauras birthday is Wednesday l wonder what she'll get?
A plastic beaker with a lid perhaps!!

2006-11-07T18:19:00.000Z

UPDATE FROM MY MUM

My mum rang yesterday and told me that she had gone to the hospital to have her radiotheraphy. A nice english speaking doctor throughly examined her and she was told that she wouldn't be having radiotheraphy after all because of the size of the cancerous tumour they removed; this means that she will have to have 5 months of cemotheraphy. My mum is obviously upset about the situation, he also informed her that it could return, she doesn't know when the treatment will start they are going to write to inform her, we joked about wigs and stuff but we were both covering up what was really going on in our heads. My brother said that he will arrange transport for mum when shes having all this done, but mum naively thought she'd be able to go on the bus!
l can't quite make out why she wasn't told this news when she went for the results with the surgeon and was given the all clear.
It was only last week that l had began to run around confessing what a great answer to prayer we'd all had, and how good life seemed to be at the mo.
l have been feeling really unwell myself since friday and am on antibiotics now; it may be those that are making me feel so ill now. On thursday l have a hospital appointment to attend so would appreciate your prayers. Wont go into the details as God knows the situation, but really hate these appointments.... my own little miracle would be great.......if anyone has a direct line..........only joking but would really appreciate your prayers.
with thanks
Tracie

2006-10-31T20:34:00.000Z

MMMMMMMMMMMM Chocolate!!

Sunday turned out to be trully a day of rest .......l've probably overdone everything of late and spent Sunday in bed feeling really lousy until late afternoon. A visit to the local shop resulted in a pack of nine flakes amongst many other items going into the basket. For those that don't know me, l havent really got a sweet tooth and am not into eating lots of chocolate.......savoury items is a different story!......anyway we all had a flake each 9 - 5 = 4 so then a while later me and andy sneaked two more upstairs and ate them.......wellll it would only rot their young teeth !!
4 - 2 = 2 Claire our youngest daughter went off to bed at bedtime, and then Laura our eldest daughter asked Andy if she could have another flake. Laura came up and asked me if l wanted a cuppa and a flake and l said yes please - l came back downstairs to find a cuppa sitting next to a flake on the fire surround so picked them up and began to munch my way through my third flake of the day!! and drank my tea........do you ever feel as though your being watched? Andy then asked where his half was????? l couldn't stop laughing because l generally thought he was having a laugh.........he then said l can't believe you think thats funny, and you have no remorse......he looked quite serious for such a clown at this point, and l was now doing a mental sum of all the flakes that had been dished out that day, and sure enough we were supposed to be sharing it ........in my defence Laura had asked if l wanted a flake and she hadn't realised there were only two, so Andy had said to her that him and me would share one (basically because we'd already sneaked the ones earlier)
I'm blaming my blood sugar levels they must have been so low !!! l was only replacing them and must have needed it am l convincing anyone yet ?

what a can of worms l've now opened Claire has just read this over my shoulder and wants to know why everyone is eating sneaky flakes after shes gone to bed !!!!

l just looked for a flake picture to put on the blog and Claire piped up saying yer go on pick the one with three afterall all three of you was stuffing your faces with them !! Time for bed l think!!

2006-10-26T21:36:00.000+01:00

A LITTLE BLACK DRESS !!

this made me laugh.........picture this we've popped to matalan as Claire has birthday money to spend.........

"ooh look claire this little black velvet dress is lovely why don't you try it on"
"oh ok"
we head to the changing rooms where claire puts the dress on and pulls back the curtain.
"claire that looks lovely, doesn't it Ester (claires friend)
"does it"
curtain closes!
conversation now continues through curtain...
"claire have your friends got any birthday parties coming up it would be lovely for one of those"
"no, there all in May l think"
mmmmm"what about a school disco is that coming up soon?"
"don't know - they havent said"
air of dis-interest l feel and think well shes obviously not bothered so l'll not comment anymore.Just then..
"oh oh l know where l can where this dress"
"oh good where?"
"a funeral..........it is black"
LOL .... "claire your not going to a funeral"
"oh yer"..........LOL
after all that, she didn't buy the dress and can you believe she got up today and said she wished she'd have brought the dress now !!

2006-10-21T14:52:00.000+01:00

Great News!!

Yesterday was such a good day.......

Firstly l had a phone call from my brother in Spain to say that he was at the hospital with my mum for her results of the lymph glands they took out along with the cancer; they have said that she won't need cemo as they feel that they removed the lump completely and even better the lymph gland shows no signs that any of the cancer spread, so mum just has to go back for some radiotherapy and hormone treatment............fantastic news and it was great to witness the fact that lots of people were praying about the whole situation for her including one individual who fasted and prayed (May God bless that person)

The other fab news was that Luke; our son, passed his driving test, it was his second attempt. I did tell him that all the best drivers pass second time !!

The rest of the day was spent with my cousin shopping for some retail therapy, only after all that good news l didn't feel l needed to buy a thing !!
A note of advice don't shop in your highest heels even if they are your favourites!!...very sore feet ....all in the name of fashion..... as the saying goes.

2006-10-01T15:28:00.000+01:00

BUSY BUSY !!

Well just packing my bags ..........last minute.com!! normally l'm much more organized.........wellll more than today then!!
If l'm honest if l havent packed a bag because then l could stay in denial that l was actually going anywhere !! needs must and all that; so please pray that all will go well. I've had some real crappy struggling dreams this week and do feel a little anxious about leaving my bunch at home and enduring the week ahead. Last trip l felt l was floating on prayer so hopefully that'll happen this time, Gods timing always seems to be perfect. So here l stand expectant........not literally of course !!!
Well back to the ironing board l go .....bye for now!

2006-09-25T14:58:00.000+01:00

GREAT NEWS

Mum rang me at wait for it 6am!!!!! the other morning by what she thought was mistake she was turning the alarm on her mobile off and managed to ring me (nice early morning call!) whilst on the phone mum had said that when enquiring as to when her op would be she was told that she may have to wait another six months.
My mums friend who speaks spainish rang and went bananas at them and told them that it was too long to wait and that they were playing with mums life.
After mums call l felt really burdened and actually sick with worry at the thought of mum having to wait that long; as the doctor l heard the diagnosis from with mum on my last visit, wanted to know why mum had waited so long (she hadn't realized that mum had been waiting for an appointment for 8 months)
anyway Andy suggested that praying was the only thing to do as it was the only thing we could do in the circumstances, so bless him he prayed that the burden would be lifted from us and mum would get her op date. Miraculasly l then went bsack off to sleep and was awoken byu the usual alarm.
Later that day as l walked past the lotto stand in the shop l said to my claire right claire pick one of those lotto number cards up something that isn't a usual thing for me to say. Her responce was "why do you want one of those?" l said well claire you can pick some numbers for nan and if you win enough money you can pay for nans operation and treatment privately. (Terrible example - l know what your all thinking!!) anyway claire got home ticked the little boxes and turned and said "all
done" she then put her hands together and said "right God we need this to win enough money so l can pay for my nans operation" l laughed. l said right claire we'll take that back to the shop tommorow and pay the £1 (claire didnt even realize you have to pay a pound and put it though a machine - oh to be that naive again)
Tommorow came and mum rang first thing and said "get a pen l've got my date for my op" and wait for it no its not months away its next Tuesday well she goes into hospital on the monday to be prepared.
What a fantastic blessing - god is so good - L will be travelling early on Monday with my brother Mog to arrive in time to go to the hospital with mum and will stay just a week. The children won't be coming along as l will spend a lot of time at the hospital and they'll be bored. L travel back early hours of Luke and Lauras birthday so this week will be full of organizing !! thanks again all those praying - he's hears.

2006-09-18T16:25:00.000+01:00

BLESSED

Thanks to everyone that remembered mog my brother. He had his op on Friday....chapperoned by his big sister !! Even was allowed to go right to the theartre doors - Andy did remind me that Mog is a grown adult!!
He will go tommorrow to see how it all went and find out what was actually done.
Its quite painful but he has some good strong painkillers.
He really was blessed in there.......l went to see about a TV card for him to watch whilst in his 'own' room and was actually thinking that it was quite outrageous that you should have to pay for such a small luxury whilst convalesing, we went out for some fresh air and for mog to pollute some !! ( a cigerette) on the way back in l opened the door and we found a ten pound note screwed up on the floor!! l thought oh that'll pay for the TV card !! Then later after mogs op l wheeled him round to the card machine on the ward and left him with the nurse to sort out the card and when she tryed to put the money in there was already a five pound note in it and the nurse said oh it must be your lucky day we'll use this one and if anyone complains you can just give them back the money so he watched the TV for free and then handed the card in on his departure for someone else to use.
So all went well hopefully he'll make a speedy recovery and be able to return to his previous job soon.

2006-09-13T12:28:00.000+01:00

MOG'S OP !!
Good job me and my brother mog didn't fly out to Spain on Sunday; (re. read weds blog) mogs hand op has been brought forward to Friday, so please pray that everything will go as planned and there will be no complications, and that it will repair and heal really quickly; mog has loads on his plate at the mo !
thanks bloggers

2006-09-11T22:21:00.000+01:00

BACK AT SCHOOL !!

Claire came out of school today really excited and said "Guess what mum ....we did PE all afternoon and guess what we did?"
l said tell me .....
she said "we learnt streak dancing and we will be learning it every monday"
she then went on to say "after streak dancing we did dribbling"
stopping the conversation at this point; l established that in fact she will be learning "street dancing" on mondays followed by "football" !!
she does make me laugh........they grow up so fast......

2006-09-06T23:03:00.000+01:00

WELL WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT !!

Today l was supposed to book my flight to go and be with my mum for her op as l was about to book the flight on line, would you believe a message appeared saying "a problem has occurred" so l thought oh well l'll book it later - well later came and l thought l must book that flight before it goes and went back on line, found the flight and was about to book it when l heard my mobile ring; it was my Laura to say that she was on her way home early, when hanging up l noticed a message.......it was from mum saying that she had been for the cat scan results at tyhe hospital and had double checked her op date and the hospital knew nothng about it and couldn't say who'd rang with those details.......very strange !! and very frustrating for mum so she's back to waiting for that phone call.........good job l hadn't been able to book the flights earlier!!
I found that really amazing and won't be so quick to moan about technology next time,l think that was God's hand at work there........well would you believe it !!