The new office

When we moved here we thought we could convert part of the shed to an office. I think the Summer holidays finally decided it for Tony. Having to try and talk business on the phone in the same room as 4 boys and various cousins on holidays was challenging to say the least.

So work on the office began and within about a week we had a new room with carpet and all. Tony and the boys (Zach,Fletcher and Gil )worked really hard and did the whole thing themselves. Don't ask me about the ceiling going in. I'm trying to forget it ! haha
Tony even did the electricals! Amazes me :)
So now the desk in our lounge is a Lego collection centre and Tony has a man cave to escape to :)

17 Young men

This is a boy house for sure, but last night we had 17 young men sleep over as billets here for the southern Youth Convention of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They were soooo good. Such a credit to their families.

We had waffles ,every cereal ( it seemed) and classic chocolate milk for breakie.
I think everyone had a hot shower ??
Not sure how much sleep they had but I didn't hear anything after midnight.

They have a jam packed and funfilled weekend planned for them including a "fluoro" themed dance involving much fluoro paint ?? - they had to take a white tshirt that may not be cleaned again !:)

So grateful for belonging to the Lords true church on the earth that provides such awesome experiences for our precious youth.

Adoption

Broke my heart !

There is joy now as I visit with Isabel but still a hole in my heart that I have to somehow learn to mend ( I'm working on it )

It's hard to drive down Stoke street without the birds of sadness nesting in my heart.
It's a solemn drive and breath comes slowly.
I think that perhaps I would like to go back to that day and change things.

But it's not about me. It never has been.
It's about a beautiful baby girl who deserved to be
"reared by a father and mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity "
( taken from " The Family; A Proclamation to the World ")

There is so much I could say. But I felt I wanted to share that I have ALWAYS loved her and I always will !

America as it should be !

Tony is in America for a fencing show. Zach has gone to help out and have some fun.
I love the pics Tony sends me.
Gotta have me some of that cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory one day :)

And is that dog food or cereal ? Who is gonna eat that many fruit loops :)

Post note :)
Thanks for being SUCH a cute model Jenna and helping us see exactly how big those babies are :)
I'm thinking she is giving them the thumbs up for taste and that really it's a " follow the prophet" kind of thing to be prepared and have a food supply of yummy cereal on hand at all times ! :)
( although note for her mum Kristie - experienced in the ways of breakfast with 4 chiln - beware Dino bites cement themselves to any surface after an hour and will take much trouble to remove. She is currently on strike from this particular bulk buy cereal )
:)

20 years on

Me and my 5 baby's and one grandbaby.

So blessed to be able to visit with Isabel and Sophie.

Adoption can be a happily ever after.

Road trip to Devonport

To visit Miss Izzy and Mary -Jane
<3

A very cool (and accurate ) sundial
A handsome guy
and
No Logs allowed :)

Family night Bike ride and BBQ dinner

The plan:
Drive to the springs on Mt. Wellington.
Tony, Fletch and Gil ride their bikes down to the waterworks for a BBQ dinner.
Ammon , Josh and I drove there to find a good spot :)
Have a BBQ dinner and see what the night brings.

Twas such a fun night.
Kookaburras tried to eat our BBQ but it was fun to see them so close.
After dinner we sent the big boys back off down the hill and we met them at King Street Park where we had bike riding races and a Williams family night triathlon ( had to run off those greasy soso's !!)
And then Tony managed to get himself and ALL the boys on his bike and ride around the oval for a bit. I had a turn too. It was great fun. We have seen entire families hanging off a bike in China so Tony thought we could do it too.
Loved the warm evenings this summer.
Loved the time together.