Activity Day - Recognition Evening

It seems as though the last week's activities have all been centered around my church calling. That isn't exactly true, but it has taken much of my time and thought. This weeks activity was in preparation for next week's 'Recognition Evening'. Recognising the children's achievements and goals accumplished is an important part of the programme, so we thought we'd have an evening celebrating them, awarding them certificates and watching them sing and dance. They all love High School Musical, so I thought why not teach them a dance routein and the song so they can perform it. I huge thank you to everyone who has helped out - esp. Lauren, Sarah and Nick. The children are incredible, they seem to remember everything, all the dance moves, just fantastic. I'm so impressed with the boys, getting involved and enjoying themselves.

My scrapbook page is a lame attempt to recreate the High School Musical cover, with all the children from this week's activity. They were so impressed when I told them my camera could take their picture whilst in mid-air, so we had a go. Managed to capture most of them. Such good fun. I'm sure the parents will enjoy looking at this picture. Poor Callum at the front, just couldn't find a good picture that I'd taken of him, never mind.

Tuesday Night Activities

We had so much fun last night at our activity day that I just had to scrapbook a picture. The children all came dressed up and really got into the spirit of things. So glad they did, we all had so much fun. I hope they took from it the creativity that can come from books and how blessed me are to have freedom to read. Just can't imagine where I would be personally without literature. I love to read, trying to pick a favourite book is like trying to pick a best friend, I just couldn't, I love so many, and all for different reasons. I love books!

Happy Halloween

We've had such a fun time as a family this evening. The boys have been talking about Halloween for ages. It's not such a big tradition in this country, as hard as that might be to believe. It tends to be more scary than family orientated and unfortunately those that do like to celebrate with fun, sweets and pumpkins are criticised. The boys wanted to dress up (very unusual for Jarom) - Jarom as Horrid Henry's dark avenger and Tayler was a cross between Darth Maul 'Star wars' and Superman. We had our own fun as a family and bobbed for apples, carved our pumpkin and watched 'Harry Potter'. The boys had a great time. We only had two 'trick or treaters' and we had some sweets in and wished them a very happy Halloween. We live in a very family friendly neighbourhood and it was great to see dad's out with their children.

Having investigated and done my own research today on the traditions associated with Halloween, it appears to be an amalgamation of several ancient celebrations both celebrating the season and where spirits return to earth for 48 hours - both good and bad for a second chance to 'do what they do'. It's only today's modern slant that has made it evil. I found this quote from Rev George Loane, I liked what he said about Halloween and the celebration of All Saints day. He said - "It was derived originally from an ancient Pagan festival, it has become part of our culture and generally it's an innocent excuse for people to have a good time. Literally, of course, it is the eve of All Hallows - a preparation for the observance tomorrow of the Feast of All Hallows or All Saints. That feast gives the assurance that there is a state of being that stretches beyond our life here on this earth - an affirmation of the essential spiritual nature of human life. People are made for more than can be experienced over our lifetime spent in this world... So this Christian season brings us a comforting reminder that there is a destiny designed for us humans that assures us of a continuing existence."

Although I am not of the same faith as this man I recognise that he has found inspiration in a tradition of the past, he recognises that we can find goodness everywhere that can lift us and strengthen our faith. I agree with that. Unfortunately England seems to be loosing much of it's faith and spirituality and with it the simple fun traditions and neighbourly kindness of celebrations such as Halloween.

October

Well, finally got around to scrap booking and organising. I've spent the day tidying the office. I am so grateful for the office space, I'm just not so grateful that it's the messiest room in the house and constantly needs cleaning and tidying. At least I've had some time to myself today to do it whilst the boys have been at school. I am very blessed. I do miss them a little today, as it's the first day back after the holidays, but I try not to show it. Don't want them to get the tiniest hint that I don't want them to go or I'll never get them out of the door in the morning. They'll be home soon and we'll be able to sit together and have some quality time doing homework.

'Tag' You're it!

Well, I've been 'tagged', haven't played that game for sooo long. So here they are pictures from when I was 18. In fact these were all taken the week before my birthday, but I think that still counts. All were taken in Missouri USA, from the best holiday I've ever had! Such great memories, glad I have a few pictures to remember it by.

A walk in the woods

Yesterday we took the boys to the local woods for a bike ride and a play before church. I took along the camera and took some nice pics. I was really pleased with the lighting and it was a really overcast day. I'm slowly getting used to the camera. It's taking some time - this light stuff isn't easy!

New Camera

Well, we finally did it. Took the plunge and bought a super duper all singing all dancing digital SLR. And I love it. I now have to try and work out how to use the thing. Sounds crazy doesn't it. I was never blessed to own a camera until recently, but I seriously love photography. Having the real deal now is just incredible. I knew it was going to be hard, and one day if I practice real hard - the perfect exposure will be there every time I point and shoot. Looking forward to that day! But right now my brain hurts a little with all the stuff I'm trying to remember!

My boy was baptised!

Jarom's baptism went so well on Sunday, we all had a wonderful time. The chapel was packed, I didn't expect so many people to come. We had promised everyone chocolate fudge cake afterwards, that may have helped.

Jarom had arranged the programme and had wanted people he loved and knew to take part. He asked Tayler (his brother) to speak about Jesus. He gave the most hilarious talk all in his own words which he had memorized. We were so proud. He's a little performer though, and once he knew he had the attention of over a 100 people he was in his element. He told of Jesus being killed by the bad guys, and Jesus performing miracles like walking on the water and calming the storm. He said 'Peace, peace be still' about 5 times by which time the whole congregation were in hysterics.

Auntie Katy also spoke, Jacob Munday, Danika and Jonathan Beale his cousins too. Everyone bore a different testimony about the principles of the gospel. It was wonderful. The Spirit was very strong. Jarom was baptised by Jason and it was witnessed by Tim & Josh Morgan (world's best home teachers!) Jenni Burton and Emma Smith conducted and played the music. Emma played the most beautiful piece of music by Paul Cardall - Baptism. It was wonderful.

Jarom's confirmation was wonderful too and he was given a beautiful blessing. We closed the service with all the men & boys singing 'Armies of Helaman' from the stand. It was truly amazing and all for our boy! How blessed we are to have a son like Jarom. So talented and clever and sensitive too. We love you buddie!

My little run away!

I've now lost count of the amount of times Tayler has done a runner on me, and today he decided to add again to the stress and worry I have when he's off! This morning I lost him whilst we were in the school playground once again. It didn't help that he was wearing his school uniform ready for this afternoon, so everywhere was a sea of white and blue, sometimes I could spot him in his jeans, but not today. He has no fear and a mind of his own. In some ways I don't want to squash his confidence with 'stranger danger' worries, but I just can't take the stress anymore when I loose him! My stay safe rules are - 1) stay where you can see mummy (then I can hopefully see him too, it's not fool proof I know, but if he can't grasp that, he's never going to get stay where I can see you!) 2) Ask before you go anywhere (nope this one doesn't seem to be working either, my boys haven't learnt the concept of asking, it's demand and whine!) I usually enlist as many mother's as possible to man every exit and search for him. I'm well experienced at organising a search party now ranging from beaches, parks and supermarkets to leisure centres, school playgrounds and garden centres. You name it, I've probably lost Tayler there.

So today when I found him sitting on the assault course at the furthest end of the playground to where I was standing I really let rip. Probably not a great idea as our head master was showing around new pupils and parents at the same time, within hearing range, but I was so worried and felt I needed to try and hit it home to my son that he's done this one time to many times and I am mad! Well my "I'm really, really, really cross with you! This is very, very, very naughty" had the desired effect and his little face started to pout and then the crying starts. Good I'm thinking, maybe he's got the message. But no, instead of - "I'm so sorry mummy, I'll never do it again" I get - "I'm so sad, when you get cross at me, you're so naughty. My Jesus is not happy with you!" What is a mother to do! I'm in support of leashes for children and Global Positioning Systems anything that helps me keep track of my son. I'll never know how I managed more than my two boys, it's a miracle I never lost any of them. In my defense I'd say I was quite a vigilant mother, well you'd be if you'd lost Tayler as many times as I have, but what do you do with a little Houdini?

Tayler's First Day At School

Just had to scrapbook this momentous day - Tayler's first day at school. He had a great time and took it all in his stride. The teacher's commented on what a great little boy he is. Hopefully it will stay that way. Tayler is only at school in the afternoon for the next week, then mornings, then full time. I'm so looking forward to a little space to myself, I have so much office work to do it's unbelievable. The scrapbooking kit I used was from 2peas and the photo frames are from Heather Ann Designs.