Friday fun!

What one busy crazy fun Friday. It began at 6am... like all our Fridays a the moment... but this one was different. We had to be at school by 7.15 as the culture group was having a shared breakfast. They got sponsorship from local stores to provide bread, cereal, sausage, bacon, Milo, milk, beans and spaghetti... The kids loved it. They fed the siblings and parents too. I got to lunchtime and thought 'I'd better eat' and then remembered the reason I wasn't hungry.

At lunch-time the kids had a shared lunch and parents were invited to join them. I spent lunch with Josh and he showed me a lot of the work he had been doing this term - I had spent Tues lunchtime with Joseph as they have had concerts at lunchtime all week. After lunch the school put on a concert with all the classes performing but also there were some individual items. Joseph and Josh both performed Maori songs for Maori language week.

Joseph singing a Maori hand action song

Josh singing a song about Maori colours

In the evening was the school disco. I had bought tickets for them the week before and they had refunded the ticket I bought for Anna-Maria as they said no non-school children were allowed. That really upset the kids. Especially Josh. He really has a strong sense of justice and fairness (I don't suppose that has anything to do with having a lawyer for a father). They kids were so upset we encouraged them to write a letter to the principle of the school about it.... so they did, in their own words...Joseph even added a picture of how he felt... Excuse the spelling mistakes... they are 5 and 7 yrs old.

Josh wrote:
Dere Mr Hewscon I thour that our valu this term is kindness    we are not being kind Because you will not let my sistere come to the Disco.    IT IS Not Kind or Fer!    Or scool moto is Be Kind Be Safe Be Fer!


Joseph wrote:
Der Mr Hewson I jus fond out that kindy kids cant cum to the disco    my sistr was very exuted but when we got the tcket the said she cayldnt come   that is not fair or kind    from Joseph

The pic was



Before we left Joshua had a plan. He said "I know... if they don't let Anna-Maria in, then none of us will go. Joseph wasn't keen on that idea as his heart was set on going and having a fun time with his friends. I was really pleased to see how much they (especially Josh) cared about their sister. We took her anyway, she got in and she had a blast. I think they (the school board) were concerned that parents would leave their pre-schoolers there and take off... as if!!! It was like a noisy, crazy zoo!! The kids spent all their pocket money on lollies, juice, and glowing necklaces, bracelets and rings.





Anna-Maria was sooo happy to be able to go!



Joseph had all the moves!!!



Family Home Evening fun

In our church we are encouraged to have family night every Monday night. Its a time to get together sing songs, share each others news, have a lesson, play games... and the chldren's all time favourite part ... eat dessert.


One of our all-time favourite family home evenings was reading the kids the story of Captain Moroni and the title of Liberty. This was always one of my favourite stories... and Captain Moroni is such a heroic freedom fighter it appeals to the nature of our boys. After we read the story we gave the kids an old sheet which they were able to act out the story and rip their coat and write "Freedom" on it. They then attached these pieces of cloth to broomsticks/mops and paraded round the house holding them.

The kids had a blast making and waving them around. Some of the best FHE's have been the simplest.   :)

The best 3 dates

1. The first date (Aug 2000)

When Tane first asked me on a date I turned him down (go-karting). I turned down the 2nd (Salsa dancing)and 3rd dates also (a trip to the beach). I'm not sure if I turned down any others (he will remember though).

I decided I'd go on one date and then I could say 'no' once and for all. So he took me to dinner at Mecca in Mission Bay. I had been told by others that he wouldn't pay for my date so I didn't take my wallet.

When we got to the restaurant I didn't want to order anything. So he ate a really nice thai beef salad, while I just watched. We then went to see X-men, for which he had already bought tickets for. I had a pretty good time but I had already made up my mind... there would be no more dates (famous last words).

I was right... there were no more dates (for about 4 months)

Obviously Mecca in Mission Bay now is a special place for us... I've forgotten how many times we've eaten there. 

2. Piha (early Dec 2000)

Tane's favourite beach is Piha... he loves to bodyboard there.

This was not supposed to be a date but it ended up being one. It all began one saturday morning when I got a phonecall from Tane. He was going to take us (me and a friend) out to the airport to see some friends off back to the States. However he had an acident riding his bike. I really wanted to go (at this time I didn't drive and didn't own a car, so Tane was frequently driver for me, my sister and a few other friends). I managed to convince him to still take me (although I do not think he needed much convincing).

After the farewells a friend of mine wanted me to go back to her place, but I felt bad to leave Tane when he was not supposed to be driving. My friend and I drove back with him. He suddenly asked if we wanted to go to Piha... why not?? this is non-threatening just 3 friends going to the beach.

As we drove out there I began to realise how much my friend and Tane had in common. I thought they would make a pretty good match.

I spent most of my time taking photographs of the beautiful scenery and did not spend much time with Tane. By the time we were going home it was getting dark and I was getting tired. I thought to myself, 'either I start a conversation or I go to sleep.'

So I asked Tane a question: "when were you converted to the church?"... His reply "When I was eight... I was baptised...

"No, when were you really converted?" And then came an answer that would change my life. An answer which made me come to realise that Tane was not the man I had judged him to be.

Having been raised in the church, I have always wondered if I would have accepted the gospel if it had been presented to me later in life. That nights I heard how Tane's parents had not been to church since he was a baby... that he was baptised because of missionary efforts, he attended youth because of faithful youth leaders... which lead to him going to church college and being involved with further acticvities where he could feel the spirit and develop a testimony. I was amazed that he had saved for his mission and gone while his parents were less-active, with no family pushing him, that he had come back home and was still strong in the church.

Our conversation lasted a long time... long after the 40 minute ride home from Piha... and needless to say... from that moment... I was hooked.

3. Matapouri

Tane and I started dating in Dec 2000. For New Years our YSA friends had already organised a trip to Matapouri. We camped on land belonging to our friends - the Waetfords. By this time I was head over heels for Tane and he for me. We spent lots of time lazing on beautiful beaches and spending lots of time together. We went to some beautiful beaches: Whales Bay, Sandy Bay and Mermaids lagoon.  We had a blast. We had dinner on New Years Eve at a restaurant called Snapper Rock at Tutakaka... and returned there several times since including on our Honeymoon - again really good food. The remainder of New Years Eve was spent dancing away to Jared Waetford's sound system in their makeshift camp dance area.

This trip started a tradition which we continued most years until we moved from Auckland. Each year, even when Josh was 3 months and then when Joseph was 2 months, we ventured up there for a week.

So there you have it, 3 great dates that have lead us on this crazy adventure so far...

Making friends

Ella-Rose is at a much more fun age at the moment (from her sibling's point of view). She now really cracks up laughing at their silly antics. She even tolerates them holding her - as long as she is not tired.

Joseph thought it would be fun to try sunnies on Ella-Rose

Cuddles before bed

The 2 girls

Fun with the kids

Just a few pics of the fun stuff the kids have been getting up to this week.

Ella-Rose had her first slide... and enjoyed it.

The kids in the school sandpit and playground after school.

Anna-Maria wanted me to paint her face like a cat. We only have red facepaint and black eyeliner so this was the result.

I took Anna-Maria to Kindy-gym. Its for an hour where they let all the pre-school kids have a play on the gyn equipment. Anna-Maria loved it.

Ella-Rose was not so keen on making happy faces when she was ready for a sleep.

But she was happy having cuddles with Josh before church.

Where's the baby??

 I came into the lounge to check on Ella-Rose while making dinner, and after a quick scan of the room could not find her...It only took a few seconds to discover where she was... The other little rascals (specifically which one it was I do not know but I have my suspicions Joseph!) had placed the washing basket over her head. She was pretty content about the whole thing. Poor little prisoner.

Practice makes perfect or at least very close to it

"Practice makes perfect."
"The more you practice the better you get."
I think I sound like a broken record.

This week did not start out pleasant. Mondays are pretty busy usually, but this Monday was very difficult. Most particularly as I had a hard time motivating a certain son to practice the piano. He is really quite capable, he really enjoys it... but there is something about trying to motivate him to play his piano pieces 3 times over when he has already sat for most of the day at school. It just doesn't work. I should have realised that but I just kept pushing him... in the end I was incredibly angry, shouted at him...and I did not feel good.

I sat down with Tane and we made a plan. It was really hard to motivate any of the kids to do anything after school. They usually have a bit of spelling, maths and reading homework. Reading is not a problem with any of them, but the other stuff can take ages... and there wasn't enough time to even enjoy being with the kids...

The plan went like this. We all get up at 6am, have scriptures then breakfast, then Josh does his piano practice, while the other two get ready for school, and then Joseph does his homework while Josh gets ready for school. Somewhere in the mix there they also pack most of their own school lunch and get their bags ready.

SO far SO good.... The mornings turned out to be a lot more organised. I usually had done a load of washing and had the dishwasher on by the time we went to school. Not sure if we can keep it up during the winter months... but it did wonders for Joshua's piano practice. He whipped through his pieces in probably a third of the time it would take him after school, and he then would carry on practicing favourite pieces he had learnt in previous lessons. AMAZING!!

It has meant in the evenings we can relax more... the kids can read more AND they go to sleep earlier! which was another motivating factor to make the change.

By Saturday night I was sitting in the theatre watching a ballet (The tales of Beatrix Potter) with the 3 older kids. They were entranced. It was a local production with children ranging from about 4 to adults. The kids had friends in the show which made it even more exciting. As I sat there with the kids I felt extremely happy. Seeing their excited faces, watching them bounce up and down on their chairs to the music was a lot of fun.

When we arrived an elderly lady was sitting next to Joseph, he was jumping up and down on his seat and asked her "Are you excited?" She replied "Yes". It was evident that he was though as he started reading the programme over her shoulder. She didn't mind and explained all the scenes and acts to him.

It was such an awesome way to end what had started out to be a difficult week. I guess the kids are not the only ones who need to practice... I mean being a mother is pretty hard, I'm the first to admit it, but with 4 of them I certainly am getting a LOT of practice!

Moments that matter most

As I watched this video clip today I though to myself "What moments matter most to me?" I realised that all the moments in my life have been special because they have been moments shared with my family. Even moments of personal achievement have only been significant because my family have been there with me.

Holding my baby in my arms for the first time... feeling the thinness of the veil, smelling the newborn smell, and watching the infant open their eyes for the first time... squinting against the harsh light. When Joshua was placed in my arms, it felt so lovely, but also so foreign. I was full of excitement mixed with uncertainty. Would I be a good mother? Would I live up to all my own expectations? And where was the instruction manual? By the time Ella-Rose was born my heart was simply full of joy and appreciation for yet another beautiful child becoming part of our family. I had changed a lot in those 6 years since Joshua was born, I felt like I had loved her for a thousand years the moment she was placed in my arms.

Being sealed to Tane for time and eternity. It was so special... over 10 years ago... and yet it feels but a moment ago. I remember walking up the temple steps with my dad to where Tane was waiting for me, and he told me I looked beautiful. That meant the world to me. Then kneeling across the altar and looking into his eyes. I love going to the temple and doing sealings. Each time we do my heart recaptures those emotions, yet they are more powerful with time.

Watching my children laugh and laugh and laugh as they play. - Anna-Maria often get the giggles while she is swinging or jumping on the trampoline. Joseph has been a bundle of laughs since he was born. He always smiles. Even when he is angry, he can't help but burst into laughter a second or two later. Joshua is developing a quick wit and he sometimes has me in stitches. 

Tane and I graduating from our degrees. We had meant to finish together, but as we had 3 children along the way... I finished 3 years after Tane. He waited to graduate for 3 years so we could graduate together. Why was it such a special moment? For many reasons. 

My parents were there... and I owe them so much for their support of me in obtaining the best education I could. I remember wanting to give up during my last 6 months and Tane told me how disappointed my parents would be if I did. I reaslised this was so true and more than my desire to achieve for myself was my desire to show them that all their support and sacrifices they had given  since I was little was worth it. 

Tane and I graduated together. Tane had been such a big support. Since we were married he was adamant that I would finish my education, he valued mine as valuable as his own (although when we were engaged and I told him the size of my student loan he nearly drove us off the road).

The kids were there. My education was important, but having my kids there made it very special. They got to be a part of the excitement and I hope I have set an example to them of their potential.

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child. We went on a visit to the firestation, and Anna-Maria was fascinated by a flock of birds that kept circling the sky around the firestation.

Seeing Ella-Rose grow from day to day, develop new skills. At the moment she is saying 'dadadada'. She really loves her Daddy a lot. She gets so excited when Tane comes home from work.

Watching Anna-Maria dancing. She loves it. We went to the pools on Saturday and after we were dressed and waiting for the boys, she practiced her skipping and galloping up and down the corridor.

Watching the boys do the in Haka in Kapa Haka group at school.

The kids helping out around the house with a smile on their face.

Helping the kids learn to write... at 7am in the morning when it is -1.5 degrees celcius outside but 24 degrees inside. :)

Reading stories to the kids, snuggling, kisses and saying goodnight.

My bucket list

 I have always loved history and geography so my bucket list is essentially a list of places to visit. So here is my bucket list (not necessarily in order).

We would love to take a round-the-world trip with the family to visit the following places:

UK - London, catch-up with family

France - Normandy, Paris,

Italy - Rome, Pompeii, Venice

Germany - Berlin, Visit Annemieke

Turkey - Gallipoli

Hawaii - surfing

Vietnam and Cambodia

Egypt

USA - New York, Palmyra, Nauvoo, Salt Lake City, Disneyland

Cook Islands- visit family

Peru - Cuzco, Inca trail

Australia - Cairns - the Great Barrier reef

Do volunteer medical work in developing county - probably when the kids have left home.

Learn to surf

Inspired by My Mum

Today at church we had a brilliant speaker who spoke on Elder Quentin L. Cooks talk LDS women are incredible

As I listened to this talk I immediately thought about my own mum. She is one of my best friends. She means the world to me. She is one of the most dedicated, patient, Christ-like women I know. Becoming a mother myself makes me love my mum even more as I think about the sacrifices she has made for our family over the past almost 30 years.

She is one of the most self-less people I know - although I know she does not see it that way. You see I have a brother who we all love dearly, but he can be quite difficult to look after at times. He has an intellectual disability. She has had to do the majority of care for him for about 17 years... and it is a thankless task most of the time. No paycheck or recognition comes with this job which is harder than most, yet she does it day in, day out, because he is her son, because she loves him.

She was always at home when we were growing up which was great. She was always there to help with assignments, she encouraged us to do our very best in all that we did. Despite our very modest circumstances, she made sure we made the most of the opportunities we had, which for me was playing the flute and participating in the orchestra. She didn't drive, so would take us on the bus across town to get there.

She cooked, cleaned, cooked, cleaned, cooked and cleaned... I now know what that is like, it can be completely defeating to look through the once tidy house and see it completely upside down. I must admit it is very satisfying having a clean house... I just wish it would stay that way.

I remember driving my mum crazy when we were little. I kept coming up with these crazy ideas that I wanted to trick my mum. First I thought I'd trick her into thinking that it was snowing in the house, so Angela and I ripped up white paper into tiny pieces and spread it all through the lounge. We then hid behind the couch to hide till she came in. The Angela would jump out and say 'we ripped up paper to make it look like snow'. I always got cross with her because I thought if it wasn't for Angela telling her we would have had her fooled.

The other brilliant idea was to 'trick' her into thinking the house was on fire, so we cut up lots of yellow paper to look like flames. Again we hid behind the couch and again Angela 'ruined' the surprise by telling mum what we had done.

The other thing that really did drive her crazy was when we would take balls of wool and tie it like a spiders web round our entire room. We would tie it to everything. I think once she couldn't even open the door because it was tied closed to every other peice of furniture in the house. She was pretty mad about that... but our excuse was that we didn't want our teddies to get hurt if they fell out of bed so we made a safety net. I don't think she bought it.

Most importantly, my mum instilled in me a love of the Saviour Jesus Christ and nurtured the beginnings of a testimony of the restored gospel. We had scriptures and family home evening and family prayers, not perfectly, not daily or religiously, but just as regularly as an incredible LDS mother could manage. I did not realise it until I was an adult, but by small and simple means she made sure the spirit of the Lord was in our home.

When we were younger and stayed with family members, they would sometimes take us with them to the pub or club. We would play with other children in the playground, but I never felt comfortable. Looking back now, I realise that what I was missing was the spirit that was ever present in our home. As a child I often wondered why I did not feel the spirit, and church did not feel that much different from home. Now as I look back it was because the spirit was ever-present at home and at church and it was only when I was away from these environments that I felt the absence of the spirit.  What a blessing it was to be brought up in such an enviroment. I only hope that my children will feel the same spirit in my own home.

My mum is a righteous and strong women, she has endured much. Today I was described by the sister giving her talk as being "steadfast". I am steadfast because I have had a mother who has been steadfast all my life in the face of all the difficulties she has had, she has always moved forward with faith. I also know that she is who she is because she also had a mother who likewise continues to move forward with faith - my Grandma Rae. My aunty Ruth and sister Angela are also women who are incredible LDS women. It is such a blessing and privilege to be surrounded by such women.

It is because of my mum that I am the person I am today. I agree with Abraham Lincoln who said "All that I am I owe to my angel mother."