mr and mrs hay

Last night at 11pm, 2pm UK time I was sitting at my computer waiting! I was waiting for my wonderful friends wedding. The live feed that if it wasn't for the great Gabe Taviano wouldn't be working. Thanks Gabe. I was wishing I was there to grace the aisle before her, to see her smile and to watch as she walked down the aisle to her husband to be. I was teary as I so wished I was there. I was excited as I knew she had been waiting for this day for a long time. I was nervous, I couldn't believe how nervous I was for her, a good WOW nervous.

I was trying to figure out how the Live Feed worked but couldn't, Gabe was on Skype I asked him if he could help and he did - so SP and I got to sit and watch our beautiful friend Caroline get married to her beloved Jeffrey.

It was so cool, us in Australia watching the church in London (pretty good seats I might add), waiting for the bridesmaids and Caroline to enter. I got to see a whole bunch of my friends enter the church as the camera looked down from the balcony - all of which I sent messages to to tell them I could see them ;)

The the moment arrived, the four bridesmaids entered and then Caroline, Jeff looked excited but nervous, they zoomed in - yay. I got to listen to the hymns, sing the hymns (not too loudly though - my neighbours were probably in bed), got to hear and watch them say there vows, exchange rings and be pronounced man and wife and of course the much anticipated 'kiss'..

Then we heard the sermon by an Irish man - he was good, I also cleaned my teeth during this part - hey they couldn't see me, probably a good job as by this point I was in my PJs ;) Then the signing of the registry and the recessional (Some Where Over the Rainbow). That was it, or at least that was it for me. I went to bed and they went on to celebrate.

It was a mixture of emotions - I was so thankful that I could watch but so sad that I couldn't be there. I woke up early knowing that all my friends would be there enjoying this special day and I longed to be there. BUT at least I got to watch the whole thing LIVE - can you believe it?!?! That just blows my mind! Thanks Matt S for sending this pic of the couple.

Congratulations Jeff and Caroline, I love you and can't wait to see you soon.

Friday Funny - Trigger Happy TV

I used to love this show in England, it makes me laugh out loud!

journaling

Yesterday was as follows:

Clean house - check.
Do clothes washing - check.
Do food shopping minus falling over in front of strangers and getting big bruise on right knee - check.
Have laundry and cabinet installed - check.
Play tennis with friend - check.
Beat said friend at tennis - check.
Go out for dinner with SP even though I didn't know he was going to take me out and it was a nice surprise - check.
Speak to Caroline who is getting married tomorrow - check.

Sooooo, yesterday was pretty crazy but I got heaps done - Hurrah for me!

I went rummaging around in our garage yesterday to find my old journals and voila - I found them. For some reason I have about four journals (none of which are full) from various times over the last 8 years, why I started new ones without finishing others I have no idea! Anyhoo, I flicked through them and found some of my entries from when I first arrived in Oz, it was cool to see how God has answered prayers and I must share some of them with you when I get time to sit and type a few out.

It can be so easy to forget the ways in which God has worked in my life, sometimes I wonder if and how I have changed so looking back was cool, I intend on going back and reading them over the next few days/weeks. Some of them are quite powerful prayers - I could hardly believe it was me, I mean the Holy Spirit (through me) who wrote them!

I used to be really good about writing in journals, I am not talking everyday but it was a heck of a lot more than I have done since being married. Please pray that I might be committed to writing things down, I find I articulate myself so much better when writing prayers and such down.

Journaling is a great way to Praise God, to come before him in prayer and to look at how he works in your life, I thoroughly recommend it.

Do you journal?

naughty racoon

hello, mama, love you love you

to go under or not to go under

I went to the dentist for a clean and a mini check up (which I didn't know I was getting) so it was a surprise when I found out I need to get all of my wisdom teeth out. I thought last year that I was going to get away with not having them out but no such luck...

I hate the dentist- I don't think there are too many people who like going to the dentist but I really really don't like it. I mean once I get there and get injected and stuff it ends up never been as bad as I imagine BUT still I really don't want to have them out...

So now I have to decide - in the chair or out for the count in the hospital? I have heard from people who have had both - neither are all that appealing. I have never been under General before so I don't know what that's like and I hate all the tools they put in your mouth in the chair, they makes me gag, it will be especially bad with wisdom teeth as they are right at the back and not easy to get too.

Please pray that I wouldn't be too scared, I hate things like this and I find it totally freaks me out!

spoilt weekend

I was very very spoilt this weekend, two of my beautiful friends Nic B and Mrs Lairdy had told me to keep Saturday free as they had a birthday surprise for me. Yes it was my birthday in May - but if I can still get surprises in July then that is VERY cool!

So SP was told to drop me off at a secret location - where I met up with the girls, they immediately took me to Ella Bache where they had booked me in for an hour massage - it was SO NICE!! An hour later they came and picked me up with a 'Hazelnut Latte' from Starbucks -my favourite and some beautiful Singapore Orchids (like the ones I had in my bouquet - my favourite). They then drove me to the beach where we had a glass of wine and lunch, it was so lovely to hang out with my friends and to be soooooo spoilt... The lunch ended with lattes and a cake to share with a candle and with them singing me Happy Birthday! I loved that they were singing me Happy Birthday in July and everyone around must have thought it was my birthday too - tee hee. It was fun and I felt very special. I love those girls, they are very dear to me and I treasure their friendship.

After that we I went to pick up my 'pre-ordered' copy of Harry Potter 7, couldn't wait to get it open and start reading it so I started in the car and that was where SP lost me for a while, well for an hour or so as we had Goldy and Kym over for dinner and to watch the Swans v the Eagles. I made Shepherd's Pie, we ate chatted, had general good times other than the Swans lost ;( It was fun to have the girls over...

Sunday consisted quite simply of me reading Harry Potter, stopping occasionally for food and water and church but mainly reading. I loved the book, I loved the ending and I have to say I was a little bit teary too. My lovely husband was very patient with me reading all day.

Sad news flash! Ruth and AB are leaving church to go to another church in the Shire, it was announced last night at church. As sad as I am that they will be leaving us I know that this is God's will as he given them this new job. I believe that God has grown our friendship and I pray that he continues to grow it despite the distance. It is very exciting and scary I am sure for the Barry's but I am thankful for both AB and Ruth who have/are serving us well at CIM, the friends that they have become and the gift of sharing in their lovely boys lives ;)

serious flooding in england

My Mum called to tell me about the terrible flooding in Worcestershire (where I am from), she took some pictures of it when she was 'wading' home. Their house is OK thankfully but there are many homes that have been damaged by the floods. Click here and here to read more!

just finished harry potter and the deathly hallows....

.....it is probably my favourite out of them all.

jk rowling a christian?

On the eve of the release of 7th and final Harry Potter book I was interested to here that JK Rowling professes to being a Christian, now I know there are a lot of people who do and aren't really, so yesterday I had a look on the internet and found a few articles, here is one from a number of years ago!

JK Rowling a Christian?

I guess only God truly know the hearts of his people but I wonder if she is!

ouch

I just went to do the food shopping, I went to the fruit and veg place first and as I was leaving with my 3 bags I slipped and fell on my knee - OUCH!

I could have cried it really hurt - AND I felt silly, it's always embarrassing falling over in front of strangers.... So I wanted to cry but I didn't because I am tough and I jumped up like a yo-yo, a few people checked to see if I was ok which was nice.. I had slipped on some wet on the floor..

I imagine another nice bruise will appear soon. The one on my arm is gone so at least that's something.

To top off my trip to the shops, I went to the supermarket and I put my other bags in the trolley and then went through the barrier (that only opens one way to let you IN), turns out I had a trolley with a dodgy wheel!! Grrr it made this really annoying noise, I was going to go back out and get a new one but you can't go out the way you come in and after my little trip I just couldn't be bothered to walk all the way around to get a new one. So me and my dodgy wheeled noisy trolley did the shopping together, I giggled occasionally because even though it was highly annoying it was slightly amusing.

bit n bobs

As you can see from the pictures below our beautiful niece came to visit us on Saturday - with her Mum and Dad of course ;)

I cooked a roast dinner and we chatted, got cuddles, took a zillion pictures (that was me) and just chilled out. It was lovely to have them over. Jassie is a lot more aware now and starting to smile - she is adorable. We are hoping to go down to SP's parents at the beginning of August - so we will get to see her again then. Yay!

Today I am off and we have the plumber putting in pipes for our internal laundry - at the moment I have to go to a little room at the bottom of our building to do it, this is OK but it will be good to have it all fitted inside so I don't have to go outside lugging wet laundry back and forth. As the plumber was coming early it meant I got up and got half of my housework done before 9am = RESULT! He has to turn the water of though plus I need some cleaning products from the shops so I will have to finish when he is gone.

Tonight I am going to meet Hannah, as I have not seen her for ages and ages. She now goes to morning church so I don't see her in the evenings. She works in an area which has lots of great restaurants so we are going to check one of them out - it will be fun!

My hands are like ice, it is so cold here at the moment, I am talking England cold this last week. I brought a nice bit furry purple blanket on the weekend so in the evenings I have been snuggling under that - it is so warm, soft and cosy.

SP took me to see Transformers (Robots in Disguise)! I went kicking and screaming not really in the mood, like a big brat, as I really wanted to stay home and read Harry P BUT he wanted me to go and so I did. Can I just say it was really good - funny and great special effects, if you are after deep story line - this isn't the film for that but if you are after fun and action with amazing special effects then see this...

Hmmm... what else what else.... Not much else going on!

I hope you all have a great Thursday!

Jasmine Grace Pics

How cute is my little niece! My sister-in-law and her hubby came for dinner on Saturday night and so I got some kisses and cuddles from little Jassie. Very precious!

book 4 down, 5 and 6 to go

I have just finished reading book 4 in the Harry Potter series, I am up to book 5 - the biggest book in the series and then there is book 6, another big one. I am going to try and get through as much as I can this week before the 7th book arrives on Saturday, not sure if I can do it but I would put off reading book 7 for up to a week if I think I can. So be sure not to tell me what happens just in case I make it through them all ;)

the zimmers "my generation"

warning: rude hand gesture at end so don't watch if offended by that!

h/t Kymmy!

missing friends

Last night I got a text message from two of my best buddies in England Jen S (2nd from right)and Caroline B (far right), both girls were bridesmaids at my wedding and I adore them both very much. They had just had Caroline's Hens Night and wanted to Skype me, we chatted for a while, giggled and talked about her wedding. They are hoping to Skype me on the day of the wedding as they are getting ready so I can be part of the day - this is so lovely, and I know Jen and Matt will take video to show me when they come out for another wedding of some other beautiful friends - Christine and Paul ;)

Caroline is getting married in just under 2 weeks, she asked me to be a bridesmaid but it was a bit hard for us to go out as SP wouldn't have been able to come because of work plus we just went to England in Dec/Jan. So Jen S is getting to stand in for me as bridesmaid - I know she will do a great job. We made the decision a while ago not to go, it was a hard decision to make and although I know it was the right one, the nearer my beautiful friends wedding gets, the harder it is to know I won't be there. It makes me sad to miss out on such a special day for such a special friend BUT as I keep having to remind myself we have a lifetime to share and enjoy each others friendship and to share in the ups and 'hards' of marriage. It still makes it hard to be away from home and it is moments like this where I want to be in England so I don't miss out on major events in both my friends and families lives.

But as I always say - God has me here for a reason and I do love it here, he has blessed me with great friends who I would likewise miss if I lived in England, if I only I could get all my lovely friends/family to either come and live here or come and live in England. Ahhhhh that would be nice.

note to self: start working on getting ALL friends and family to live in the same part of the world near me!

harry potter

Last night Ruth and I went to watch the 5th Harry Potter - is was really good, probably one of the best ones, although this one is even darker and you can't help but feel sorry for Harry. It was helpful to be reminded of some of the things that happen in this book although they obviously can't fit the whole book into a 2 1/2 hour movie! I wish they could and then I would be up to date in no time. Ruth does a good review on her blog!

It was even more enjoyable to hang out with Ruth in her last weeks of pregnancy, I am getting more and more excited to meet baby 'E'.. We had some good catch up time over dinner, on the way to and from the movies and she graciously drove me home - which was also an opportunity to de-brief on the movie and talk talk talk some more, we prayed and then it was off to bed for me and a drive home then bed for her. Thanks Ruth - it was a fab evening!

stuff

We have 'Crumpet Control' on our toaster and I used it for the first time today. It doesn't control the number of crumpets we are allowed to eat it controls the temperature so it cooks the crumpets just right.

I found out today that my hubby doesn't like crumpets.

The good news is - I DO like crumpets.

Last night SP and I went to watch 'Fantastic 4 - Rise of the Silver Surfer' - it was a fun movie, a no-brainer action movie and just what we needed.

Tonight I am off to watch the 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' with Ruth and I can't wait. She is having her 5th baby next month so I am hoping she doesn't have it while we are at the movies. I have been present at two births so I guess that almost makes me an expert - she will be in safe hands if she does ;)

SP and I are both having a hard time getting up in the mornings as we are so so tired, we are going to bed pretty early so it's not like we are having late nights - we need a holiday me thinks.

We are going on holiday in September, the first two weeks to New Zealand and I can't wait. A week in Queenstown which is meant to be delightful, maybe some skiing and then driving up to the top of the South Island popping over to the North Island and visiting a good friend who I used to live with in London. Did I mention I CAN'T WAIT? If anyone knows of any places we should check out - let me know!

We haven't been going to the gym and I feel yuck. We are planning our return next week.

No bible study for two weeks, and as much as I love it is good to be able to take a break from preparing for and doing bible study. We have just started the book of Revelation I really enjoy doing this book a lot. In a previous group when I was in we did it and it was fun - challenging but fun. Please pray that we might have wisdom in not getting to drenched in the imagery/symbolism - we want to look at it but not get so involved that we forget the big picture.

It's Wednesday which means I am off tomorrow - WOO HOOT!

Happy Wednesday!

impressive

tagged

I was tagged by Soph.

I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.

1. Each player blogs eight random facts/habits about themselves.

2. At the end of your blog, choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

3. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Here's my list:

1. I play with my hair a lot especially when it's soft and just washed, I tickle my nose with it and tie it in little knots. Strange but true!

2. When I was growing up I thought I was part American because my cousins lived there. I'm not American at all.

3. I get the coldest hands and feet - I must have bad circulation.

4. Sometimes when I am home alone at night, I check under the bed and behind the doors to makes sure no-one is hiding ready to get me. You know - like the Boogie Man.

5. I can make one eye go cross eyed while keeping the other one looking straight in front.

6. Whenever I get sick, I always think worse case scenario. eg sore stomach = stomach cancer. What a little optimist eh!

7. I love cheese and would eat it on everything if I didn't want to die at a young age. eg I put cheese on some soups and popcorn (not toffee popcorn just the regular type)

8. I suck all the chocolate off maltesers before eating the bit in the middle and I always do that two maltesers at a time.

I tag Dave.

calvin's birthday blake

It is John Calvin's birthday today. Here is a little birthday blake to celebrate.

the harry potter dilemma continues......

..... with 12 days to go until the 7th Harry Potter book comes out it is apparent that there is NO WAY I am going to finish reading the two thirds of the 4th book and the mammoth 5th and 6th book by then - unless I quit my job and don't sleep for 12 days. I mean I do love Harry Potter but not that much ;)

So I have a choice, to finish reading the books in sequence and then read the 7th book once I am done. Or to just stop where I am once the 7th book comes out and start reading that, but after a conversation with a guy who works in my office about book 6 I realise I hardly remember it - OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, he also told me that is would be awful if someone told me what happened before I read it....

So anyhoo what to do what to do, I know in the scheme of things it's not the end of the world but I don't know what to do!

On a happy note I am hopefully going to watch the 5th movie with Ruth tomorrow night if we can get tickets - how fun!

feels like home

It's raining, it's pouring,
the old man is snoring!

We prayed for it and now we have it!! Rain, rain, rain and some more rain to go with that buckets loads of rain we have been getting. What an answer to prayer, I am also glad that we have been acknowledging and thanking God for this rain at church, as the whole of Australia was praying for it. I know for me, I can be quick to pray for something and slow to thank God if and when he answers my prayers in the affirmative. So it is great to be thankful for this great answered prayer.

I can be quick to grumble about the rain, I mean I grew up in a country where is rains A LOT but it never used to really chuck it down like it does here, it was more consistent dribble... I really don't mind the rain too much as long as I don't' really have to go out in it, I like it if I can watch movies and drink tea on my sofa with a nice warm blanket. BUT, rather than grumbling about the rain I am seeing it more as a blessing from God - a relief from the drought. There are still many places that need rain and so we need to keep praying for God to continue to provide rain for these places, also pray for the farmers who have been severly affected by the drought (and those who still are) that the rain might mean great change for them.

Let's rejoice in the knowledge that God listens to his people, he cares for them and let's pray many people might acknowledge that this rain is from his hand...

forget russell crowe...

... meet tyson! Friday Funny!

celebrity spot

I was just on the phone to my friend and waiting to have hot choc with another friend when lo and behold, Mr Oscar Winner Russell 'Gladiator' Crowe of Gladiator/Beautiful Mind fame and his son walked passed me.

When I lived in London I used to see famous people quite frequently but I haven't seen so many since being here. Eric Bana and some minor TV stars is all, but I think Russell is a good one to add to my 'celebrity spotting's'.

nixter is......

..... not very happy, she was meant to be hanging out with the lovely Ruth tonight but had to turn around and come home

I was on my way but SP called to tell me I should probably turn around as they had shut lanes on the Harbour Bridge due to bad weather and the traffic was really really bad ;(

We have re-scheduled though which is good, but I was very much looking forward to tonight. Oh well not much I can do, it would have been worse to get stuck in traffic for hours and not be able to turn back...

Hope all that commute via the Harbour Bridge get home without too much hassle.

freaky pics - be warned!

there are few normal ones at the end so you remember what I really look like ;)

to be continued...

.... so this morning 'proper' bus shows up, I got on and see two people running to get on the bus. Bus driving starts to pull away as a man is 'dipping' his bus card, 'dipping' man says 'wait, there are still people to get on', (they were literally only about 10 metres away), I also shout out 'wait' as I didn't hear the man at the front say it and bus driver shouts out 'it's not my fault they are late'. They weren't even late, the bus was a minute or so early - NOT LATE.

Things like that make me so mad so I called up the 1300 number to complain because if that was me (nearly was yesterday - sort of!) I would be so annoyed as buses only come every 30-40 minutes from that bus stop.

I guess you were right Haydn.

It got me thinking that as Christians should we complain or should we go about our business doing 'everything without complaining or arguing' Phil 2:14? . As I worked and kind of still do in customer service for a long long time bad customer service and rudeness really gets me wound up. I often will say something 'complain' if really necessary, but should I? I know this is an extreme example but Jesus who was taken to the cross to die for the sins of the world did so without 'complaining or arguing' and so when I think of that the things that wind me up pale into insignificance.

BUT if someone is treated unfairly or if you receive bad customer service should we say something? I know there are many extremes of someone being treated badly/bad customer and I guess if you see someone beating someone up and you are a guy then you should go and help that person but what about the day to day things like what happened today?

I know there is a way to say things and being rude isn't the answer, we need to be examples and lights for Jesus. So if and when we do complain or state when we are upset then we need to do it in a 'speak the truth in love' manner.

Anyway, just a few thoughts.

What do you think? Is it worth it or should we just walk away.

human being recall notice

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured,
regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary
and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units' code
names Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same
defect in all subsequent units.

This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal
Non-Morality" or as it is more commonly known and primarily
expressed, "S.I.N."

Some other symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, Who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect,
is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to
correct this SIN defect.

The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to
bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs.
There is no additional fee required!

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the
REPENTANCE procedure. Next , download ATONEMENT from
the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers'
Instruction Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of
these fixes.

WARNING:
Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction,
voids any Manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers
and problems too numerous to list and, will result in the human
unit being permanently impounded.

For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER:
The human being units NOT responding to this recall action will
have to be scrapped in the furnace.

The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter The Maker's facility,
Heaven, so as to prevent contamination of that facility.

Thank you for your PROMPT attention!,

GOD,The Maker
P.S.
Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important
RECALL Notice

my nose is like the 'tower of lebanon'

at least it is in this picture. I am 'sic' for taking photos on our iMac I love the funny things you can do to your face. Keeps me entertained for hours.

follow that bus

They have greatly reduced the number of buses that go from the two roads near where I live and so you have to make sure you are on time to catch the right bus. So this morning I was nice and early and shortly after I arrived a bus turned up, I was about to get on and the bus driver asked where I was going and I told him the city. He said he wasn't going there so I didn't get on and waited for the proper 'I'm going to the city' bus to arrive. As I was waiting three other girls arrived, the bus that I tried to get on moved forward to make room for the 'proper' bus. A few minutes later said 'proper' bus drove right past us all and we just watched it gobsmacked it hadn't stopped!

We looked bewildered at each other for a few seconds and then the other bus driver told us to jump on his bus and he would take us to 'proper I didn't stop at the bus stop to pick you up' bus. We all jumped on and I said 'Follow that Bus'! It was so funny, myself and the other three girls were giggling and about three bus stops later our bus stopped in front of 'proper' bus and we jumped on, explaining that he had forgotten to stop at our stop to pick us up, he apologised and we all took our seats, destination - the city!

The End.

my big bruise

life and stuff

I have been busy busy busy..

- Work has been heaps busy and a bit stressful but there is light at the end of the tunnel and all the stress is coming to an end as we have gotten lots done this last week, it's a busy time but God is doing amazing things..

- Thursday was the last Adventure Club of the term, it was fun and we played football (soccer). It was good fun and good to get all warmed up as it was super cold. I took an absolute biff though and I also took 2 kids out with me, not bad considering there were only about 6 there - that's a 1/3. I have a MASSIVE bruise on my arm now - Nice! but it was worth it, we had fun! No children were harmed during my crash with them!

- Yesterday I went to have a make-up trial at the 'MAC' counter, it was fun and I ended up purchasing a few items. Since living in Oz I haven't been wearing much make-up - but I have decided I am going to start wearing it a little more and so it was time for a make-up bag 'make over'.

- I brought 3 CD's yesterday - Pink, Christina Aguilera and Michael Buble's new album = sweet!

- SP has been working really hard, he is working on quite a high profile job and he has a lot of responsibility so he has had a few nights getting home later than usual and he is at work today. It won't be for too much longer but please pray for him as he works his little heart out!

- Because of above I decided to take SP out on a date night last night. I took him to a 'Belgian Beer Cafe' we had muscles, chips and beer = yum, yum and yum! After dinner we came home and watched the Wallabies beat the New Zealanders - Woo Hoot!

- Not much else going on - we are hopefully going to visit a friend who has been sick and is now out of hospital early this arvo and then church tonight, I am looking forward to the next installment on James....

Hope you are all having a super weekend!