Christmas 08

This Christmas we went to my brother in Ashburton, a first for us. Most years we spend it with Dave's mum but a change is as good as a holiday. So we had a early Christmas at home, we opened our presents thus we wouldn't have to take them on the trip. Stacey came over and we had a Christmas dinner with roast chicken etc... Nicholas had a great time opening his presents as well as Kate's. As predicted Nicholas liked Kate's toy and Kate liked the paper and the box. Dave and I generally have a competition of who gives each other the most and this year Dave won hands down (damn). When I looked under the tree there was only two presents so I got three but when it came to opening the present he had wrapped three presents in each of the two parcels that were under the tree I was tricked BIG TIME. We had a good time then it was off to bed early so we could get away on Christmas Eve. Alas Dave had to go for his run which took 3 hours grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr so leaving before 10am ended up being 2pm. We stopped off in Oamaru to Dave's mum and did presents with her and Gordon. WOW grandma did really well with gifts this year especially for Dave she knitted him a vest and it fitted (Dave's mum generally wings it and guesses the size of things and for Dave it always too small). Then it was off to Ashburton stopping briefly to drop off Big Ben's presents. We arrived at Pete's house about 7pm and when drove up the drive there sitting on the lawn was a bouncy castle Nicholas's eyes were half asleep before hand but now were fully bulging out and before we could say you can get out he was gone. Kate travelled very well good baby!!!

I was at two minds whether or not we should go to Pete's for Christmas Day because my family has such huge dynamics and Dave and I are the only ones who don't drink or smoke. Most family gatherings end in disaster i.e fighting, crying, abusive, especially after too many drinks. However we were here now and I could only make the best of the situation and pray to heavenly father for peace and calmness. Christmas morning was awesome watching Nicholas and Cory open their presents. Nicholas was so excited because he got a Kevin Levin car. Meanwhile in the kitchen it was buzzing with guest arriving 11 adults and 7 children to cater for all hands were on deck. Cheri and I had it under control and it all went really smooth. Once the wine and beers started to flow I was really nervous but alas not one fight or smart remark or nothing it was an anti climax (what a relief). Cheri said its the first time ever and my mum went home sobber amazing. Surely our presents couldn't have that much affect??? Cheri said it did. I really enjoyed Christmas and we shall go back next year for Christmas

Pulling Strings

As branch chorister I get to choose the hymns we will sing every Sunday its great fun. At conference Sherry asked me if we could sing 212 Far Far Away on Judeas Plain. I told her that was the plan and that I generally start the Christmas Programme with that song. During the week President Lydiate rang and told me that we wouldn't be doing the Christsmas programme until 21st. All I could think of was Sherry especially it was their last Sunday with us before the head back home to the USA. All week I was trying to find away to slot the hymn in without anyone noticing but on Saturday I text the hymns that did not include 212. On Sunday I got to church and explained to Sherry the dilema and that I was so sorry. I then noticed the hymn board had not changed from the morning session so I quickly started changing the numbers and I felt really bad that I couldn't do that hymn for Sherry so I plucked up some courage and explained to the President that Sherry and Eric were leaving us and that 212 was Sherry's hymn could we please do it today (crossing all fingers and toes) he said sure make it the closing hymn YES (I said inside). Sometime pulling strings does work YEAH! So here's to Sherry and Eric awesome couple and will miss them heaps. Lucky for blogging I shall be able to keep in contact with them and still enjoy her entertaining stories and photos.

Life at the Finnie's

Its 19 days til Christmas where has the year gone. Well life at the Finnie's has been rather hectic and stressful. Last week Dave saw a section in Mornington for sale. It was on a slope however the section itself was flat and Dave felt he could build on it. We were both really excited and like Dave and I we rushed in and put a offer on it 60,000 which was rejected but 68,000 later it was accepted they had it on the market for 79,000 so it was a good purchase. Dave immediately started to draw up plans a two storey pole house. However when Dave started estimating the cost and then we got an agent around to value our house the figures were not adding up well for us. Furthermore dave found out the road down to the section was a private and that would require us to have a keyhole driveway as you cannot back out onto a private road. It also mean't that we would be responsible for the maintenance of the road, Dave could just see lots of $$$$$$$ so we decided to pull out of the contract. Although I was a little sad about it I know the most important thing to me is a stressed free husband. The good news is hopefully in the near future the old kitchen will go and a new one installed. I'll enjoy designing it myself. School is nearly over for Nicholas and they are practicing for the concert which is next week I'm looking forward to that. I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to the school holidays as this will be the first time I will have Nicholas at home with me the whole time. When he was at Montessori they only closed for two weeks and then the kids all went back and that was long enough for me and for Nicholas. School holidays run for about 6 weeks Yipes what will we do??? Kate has started walking around the furniture and enjoys moving around crawling eveywhere and attempting to climb the stairs. Stacey has decided to go flatting for a month I wouldn't mind or worry so much if she was flatting with other LDS but she's not and from what she tells me its party party party life I'm not happy about it and will worry heaps but I know I have to let her go sometime to stand on her own two feet. Last week was conference and I missed most of it but the concert was great and had a good time Sunday was wonderful and the choir sang beautiful thanks to our awesome chorister. Last night we had Dave's works dinner at the musem it was lovely setting the meal was great (its free). Then its off to work and I'm doing 4 nights this week I must remember never to say yes to things unless I check it out first. I was brave and went to see the dentist last week (haven't been for 3 years) he was pleased with my hygiene I had one new filling and he wants to replace 3 old ones $600 worth. I wish we could find cheap fillings online. Well we are heading to Ashvegas for Xmas with my brother should be good and then the last week in January we are heading up to Glendhu Bay for our first ever camping trip now that will be interesting watch the space for the post. Hope everyone has a great Christmas break and remember what Christmas is truly about

How do you protect your kids from school?

My Nicholas has just started school and I am amazed of all that he has learned. However I am just as shocked of the things not so good he has learned. The first two weeks he was talking to me about this game he plays at school called "Kissy, Kissy Girls" I asked him what that game was. He replied thats when all the girls chase the boys and kiss them. They seem to play this game playtime lunchtime everyday. I talked to another mum about this and she didn't seem to be to worried about it. Today I talked to a dad who's daugther has been forced to play the game. He said his daughter is stressed about it all. I suppose its all about being accepted and if you don't seem to follow everyone else then your deemed "different" I agreed with the dad I certainly find this game totally unacceptable and I keep telling Nicholas this however, I'm not sure whether he is being up front with me when he says he doesn't play that game anymore. Furthermore we were having dinner on Tuesday night and I was telling Nicholas he should be eating his dinner to which he replied ïf you say that again I will F... ya!!!"Dave and I were stunned I couldn't believe it. My first thought was do I make an issue of this or do I just assume he doesn't know what he is saying? No i need to make an isssue I would hate him to talk to anyone else like that so Dave put him in time out because he refuse to apologies. After 5 minutes he came back into the kitchen and still refused to apologies. So off to the sink and with the soap dispenser I asked him to stick out his tongue. Tears soon flowed ( I didn't put the soap on) and I just explained that was a really really bad word and he must never say it ever again. I finished with a cuddle and that I loved him. Its hard to imagine it was only two months ago when he was at Montessori playing in the sandpit or swinging on the swings all those innocent games and now 6 weeks into school he has changed. I so wish I had the patients to home school. I have only spoken on those two matters there are other things he does now which he learn't from the play ground. He's only 5years old what will he be learning by the time he's 10 I shudder to think!!!

Principal's Award

On Friday I went to Nicholas's school assembly. Today they were presenting their art work to the school. They have been learning about Monet who is a famous french painter (I didn't know that until Nicholas told me). Wow they were really amazing I couldn't believe how 5 year olds could be so artisitic they did a great job. The PTA are making calendars to sell and the childrens Monet work is the main picture great Xmas presents. Room 8 class I think they would be 7 year olds they made robot mask and did a robot dance to crazy frog it was really funny. I don't remember my school days being that cool. Anyway it was time to give out the Principal Awards to the children who had achieved during the week. The names were read out and blow me down Nicholas Finnie's name was called out Wow! my little man was getting an award. I watched him as he had to get up in front of the whole school and shake hands with the prinicpal you could tell he was a little nervous (ok alot) as he shuffled along the floor head down and chewing his collar with a really silly look on his face. I had to contain myself not to leap out of my chair and cheer him on (very hard to do). After assembly he ran to me with his certificate proud as ever. He was awarded it for great swimming. Well done Nicholas!!!

Proud Mum

Although Nicholas's performance for the primary presentation was lacking somewhat, I was so proud of him today when he got home from school. This is what he said Nicholas: "Mum guess what?" Me: "What" Nicholas: " I'm in a new reading group now and look at my book its level 7" Me: "No way How can you go from level 3 last week to level 7 this week?" Nicholas: "Don't know but Ms Gray said I'm a good reader" Me: "Wow you are so cleaver" Nicholas: "And mum guess What?" Me: "What" Nicholas: "This book is easy watch me......" What a joy and oh so proud of him. He has settled into school like a duck to water now and is doing really well. Nicholas's teacher Ms Gray loves seeing how excited and enthusiastic Nicholas is at reading time, long may it continue... Awesome Nicholas great work!!!!!!

Primary Presentation

It's over thank goodness, yes the Primary Presentation was held yesterday and it was more stressful than usual. First I receive a phone call from Kim (primary president) to tell me that a certain family were not going to be there due to illness. I wouldn't usually panick but the child in that family was my lead soloist so the anxiety kicked in a little. Approximately half n hour later my friend Amiee rings saying her son had jammed his fingers in the door and that they were off to the doctors and would be late ARRRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHHH!! thats 4 children not going to be there. I quickly prayed that all would be ok!!!!!!! Arrived at church and most of the children were sitting up the front. The chapel was very hot especially up the front my initial thought heat and children sitting for an hour is not a good combination. I quickly asked Matapihi if he would do the solo but he was too shy. So I asked Jamie the conversation went like this:

Me: "Jamie how confident are you to do the solo part for I am a child of God"

Jamie: (no hesitation) " I'm really confident where are the words"

Me: "I will have them by the mic"

Jamie: "ok"

This awesome child who is 7 or 8 years old was my life saver and she did a wonderful job, I am so grateful and admire confident children.

This years theme was I am a child of God. The primary children had a goal to learn and memorise all 8 songs I am a child of God, Tell me the stories of Jesus, If the Saviour stood beside me, Home, We thank thee O God for a Prophet, I love to see the temple, When Jesus Christ was baptised and Called to Serve. They did a great job and most of the children achieved this goal. As the music leader I thought it might be a tall order to fill but I was so proud of them.

Its so hard conducting the children ages ranging from 4years to 12years. Getting the children to sit still and not swing on the chairs is impossible and some struggle more than others. As I was conducting little Jonty was picking his nose and was just about to eat it I can him the Yuck look and he tries to hid it behind his back and covers his eyes only to repeat it again a few minutes later. Meanwhile up the back my son Nicholas either had a sugar fix that I don't know about but he couldn't sit still to save himself and when it came to singing the songs he would hide in the corner then it came to his talk which we had practice at home and he knew it decided to pull the shy card and did not speak even when his dad went up to help him (I was not a happy mum). Its amazing how much you see conducting and all I wanted to do was yell "stop that" "sit still" "Please don't do that" Some of my facial expression helped but you know children they know that your'er not going to stop the flow to start over again.

After it was over a sense of relief came over me however I felt that it didn't go as smoothly as last years. Next year I will try a better strategy to teach them as the hand signals are too distracting for the congregation that they watched me instead of the children.

The highlight for me was out of the 30 primary children 23 of them are boys and getting boys to sing at the best of times is a mission but they did it. After the presentation we headed off to normal class and I gave them the option of singing any primary song most opted to sing the primary presentation songs. So now I can chill and start thinking about next year...................

Great Weekend

My weekend was fantastic (despite the lack of sleep). Friday I baked banana chocolate chip muffins and anzac biscuits and had left over lollipops these were my treats for when the trick or treats come knocking but no-one came oh well never mind more for us. Watched Monster House with Dave and Nicholas but fell asleep near the end (blast). Woke on Saturday morning and because I had done all my housework on Friday I could just rest which was a good thing as Kate was awake a couple of times during the night (cutting teeth). Dave went for his usual 3 hour run and I got prepared to go to the Botanical Garden to meet up with the ladies from church. I was really excited I haven't been to relief society activities for a very long time and when you are in Primary you tend to miss out on things. Great time at the gardens the funny thing there was watching Annemarie pull out her thermus of hot milo and pour several cups full inside the cafe there. Sunday church and as always I love going to church thanks Heavenly Father for so many blessings

Kate eats plastic!!!!

On Friday Kate had to go and get her immunisation jab. We were waiting for the nurse and so to amuse Kate I gave her my perfume bottle to chew/suck on. The nurse came and we progressed to the treatment room. I took the perfume bottle off her and laid her down to take off her nappy. All of a sudden Kate starts to choke/gag I sat her up and she was not looking good (inside I was saying get a nurse/doctor, wait I am a nurse!!!!) Lucky a real nurse was in the room and took Kate off me and gave her some back slaps nothing seem to merge from her mouth and she stopped the choking cough gag carry on and was breathing and made sounds (whew!!!!!!!). We carried on with the injection when I noticed the plastic sticker on my perfume bottle was gone, could Kate have swallowed the lable???? It's a waiting game now and searching her poo's begins. I'll keep you poooooooosted................

Family Traditions

Lately Dave and I have been talking about family traditions. As a child I don't have any memories of family traditions only family violence. Dave couldn't remember any traditions either. So we decided to start our own tradition with our family. So on Saturday we went out and bought a tent and heaps of camping gear and we are going to go camping this Christmas and every other Christmas and create awesome family memories as we watch Nicholas and Kate grow up. We were lucky that most of the shops were having a huge camping gear sale. Dave loves to shop at Kathmandhu so off we went and managed to buy 1 large dome tent, 3 deck chairs, 1 double airbed, 2 single airbeds, 1 latern, 3 sleeping bags and a electric air pump a total cost of $950 WHAT a Bargin a saving of $660. We are all very excited Nicholas keeps asking us are we going camping today how bout tomorrow. Dave has never really had good experience when it comes to camping (school camps were a disaster for Dave). I had great experience I love school camps we did real cool stuff and when I left school approx 18-19years old I was asked to go and be a camp mum for my old school Kurow Area it was a blast and I got to experience both sides of the spectrum i.e. the student side and the adult side. Huxley camps were the best.

Dave has never been to Wanaka so this Christmas we will head up to Wanaka for our first family holiday. Glendhu bay looks like a good camp site. I can't wait and hopefully we can gather other families to come camping as well and that could be a tradition as well. Oooooooo this could be the start of a wonderful adventure............................

Pizza Hut saga

Just to put an end to the pizza hut saga I received my money back ( a week later) and no free pizza. I wish I had had more guts in speaking up for my rights as a consumer. Oh they are so lucky I didn't take Ange with me (wish I had of though). Anyway on Friday 10/10/08 Nicholas and I wanted Pizza for tea so I decided to try Hells Pizza. The name didn't do it for me but there service was fantastic I ordered online it told me the time it would be ready to pick up 6.03 I arrived at 6.05 and it was waiting for me. The pizza itself was beautiful unlike pizza hut more dough and less filling way more filling. I really enjoyed it and the kumura chips with garlic mayo was soooo good. So thats where I will buy my pizza unless another pizza place is better BUT no more will I buy from Pizza Hut................... (rip off)

First Day of School

My first day roll call "Kiaora Nicholas"

Nicholas started school and what an emotional day. On one hand we were excited and yet we were scared. Nicholas looked at us and said "mum, dad I wish I could go back to Montessori I'm scared" Well I lost the plot and cried and gave him a big cuddle. After the tears I pulled myself together and the reassuring speech came. At 8.35am bag on back we set off up the road to school, it felt strange not getting into the car and driving him to Montessori. Nicholas, Kate and myself walked took 5 min to get to school very handy. We got to the classroom and Ms Gray was there to greet us and another boy who was also starting. Holding back the tears was a mission for me and the other boys mum. The routine was morning tea in chair bag, drink bottle in the crate, sweatshirt in the basket, books in the chair bag, school bag with lunch box on named hook.The school bell rang and the children came in sat on the mat Nicholas and Mackay (new boy) followed suite. Ms Gray welcomed everyone back and introduced the two newby. I watched as Nicholas scanned over the kids he recognised a girl from Montessori but he was looking for his buddy Trevor-Shane he wasn't there. I sensed some anxiety and gave him thumbs up he smiled. I stayed until 10.15 Kate had had enough being quiet, so I grit my teeth and put my brave face on and left. It was a long walk home tears running down my face (the policeman driving past) looked concerned. I couldn't wait until 2pm to get my little man. Lucky I was tired so Kate and I slept from 1100 til 1330 Yeah!! lets go and get Nicholas. Arrived to see him doing printing in his new book the letter "i" today easy for Nicholas although it could have been neater. Ms Gray was pleased with him and he had one part of the day where he asked for me but Ms Gray distracted him quickly. First day at school and homework already (tough). Reading and learning words. We walked home holding hands "did you miss me mum" "VERY much" "I was a little bit scared but I felt better when Trevor-Shane came he was my buddy and showed me around" For family home evening we watched a slideshow of Nicholas's first day at school (Ms Gray had organised someone to take photos throughout the day and gave me a CD so cool). I'm so glad that it all went well for Nicholas and he's looking forward to day two....................

Showing the new ones around the school

Sharing news with Trevor-Shane Mat time

Reading Time point to the words Nicholas Printing time Nicholas, Mackay and JT Library Time

YEAH!! PLAY TIME!!

Aniversary No 6

Well today I have been a member of the church for 6 years and what a wonderful 6 years its been. Yesterday Dave and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary (although we both forgot as we were both so distracted with Nicholas 5th birthday). I find it hard to believe that its been 6 years the things Dave and I have done: the birth of Nicholas, Shifted 5 times, Dave built us a brand new house Going to the Temple being sealed for eternity and the birth of Kate those are the highlights there are many more. Although Dave and I have been together 13 years in total the last 6 years would have to be the best. We've grown as husband and wife (instead of two living together) I get what it truly means to be married and being sealed for eternity is the icing on the cake. To think I didn't want to be married again!!! Oh how lucky I was to have such awesome missionaries and friends to convince me otherwise. I am so grateful for the church and for my Saviour because I know that if it wasn't for them Dave and I would not be together today. How blessed I feel, my it continue on now and forever.................... Love you Dave!!!!!!!!!!!!

PIZZA HUT RIP OFF

Tuesday my husband Dave flew away to Windy Wellington and so that left Nicholas and I at home alone for tea. What could we have now the our health freak of a daddy had left??? Nicholas wanted pizza and then I remembered its TUESDAY!!! that's missionary tea night and Dave was not there. Good idea Nicholas lets order the missionaries and us a pizza then the missionaries can take the pizza and go home. I couldn't be bothered packing all the kids up in the car so I thought why not get it delivered. So online I go and all went well half n hour later the pizza arrives. Nicholas and I stuffed our face and then the phone went???? Hello my name is Katrina from Pizza Hut how are you this evening." fine thanks the pizza is great I said. "Yes I'm ringing to inform you that due to technical complication we couldn't process your payment via your credit card" Oh I said. "Yes would it be possible to pay by cash" Well no I don't have any. "Well would it be possible for you to drive to the south Pizza hut branch and pay by eft post?' "I will give you a discount lets say two pizza's for $15.00 (originally $29.00 for delivery)." Okay that shall be fine I'll go down once I've finished my tea. "Thanks so much and for ordering from Pizza Hut you have a good evening." So after Nicholas and I had had our fill (Nicholas wanted to save two pieces for his dad) I packed the kids into the car and off we went to Pizza Hut South to pay our $15.00 and drove home feeling a little ripped off. Thursday was payday so I checked my bank accounts and blow n behold Pizza Hut had charged me $31.00 on my credit card I search for a credit by alas it was not there so now my original $29.00 pizza's had now cost me $46.00 OH I FEEL SO RIPPED OFF. Hey Ange what advice do you suggest???? I'm so angry

Public Speaking

A month ago I was asked if I would give a talk at church. I smiled at brother Anderson and said sure love too (not). Give me a song no worries I'll sing to the world no problem but talking is another issue. My topic was on obedience and enduring to the end. I immediately thought back to my days at Polytech whilst doing my degree in nursing and thought about those assignments I had to write and how it took alot of effort, tears and stress. I'm not the best writer and my grammer is somewhat short fall. My boss at work during my time at poly would sometimes read my assignments and laugh saying "Paula you write like you talk" thank heavens someone introduced me to thesaurus. My tutors always wrote on my assignments that my language was too basic and that I needed to write academically. So thesaurus became my life line by changing words like but to however or furthermore or here's a good one I would use moreover soon my assignments became I suppose academic. The hours of researching a topic and then trying to write it on paper was so hard I would spend weeks to get the 1500 word essay finished. Whilst some of my class mates would write the essay the nightbefore its due and still manage to get A+ for me it was C+ or if I was lucky a B. One student always told me C's gets degree's. I'm so glad those days are over (for now anyway).

So here I was faced with this talk and stress, anxiety kicked in. Lucky my husband was able to help me. The great thing about giving this talk was I learn't something about obeying god and Jesus Christ I have always thought that I had better obey them or who knows what punishment they will dish out to me, when really I should obey the commandments etc willingly because I love and want to serve god and Jesus Christ.

Saturday night I sat up until midnight polishing the last pieces. Everyone had gone to bed so I couldn't run it by anyone to see if it sounded okay. Sunday came I was sitting at home reading over the talk and stressing about it. So I decided to go and support Dave who was running the full marathon (first time) and yes it was on the Sabbath day but supporting him really help take my mind off it for a while. Dave finished 14th out of 159 with a time of 3hrs 6min and 3sec (AMAZING). Now because he had finish sooner than anticipated we were able to get home and make it to church on time. Dave appreciated the support and so he said now its his turn to support me. I knew Sherry and Phil were also talking on so I thought if I go first and my talk was a total flop then at least Sherry and Phil's talk will take the focus off it. Sitting waiting for my name to be called "BLAST" Sherry was the first speaker President Gaskill could see the nervousness on my face as well as the disappointment that I would be second speaker he smiled at me (which didn't help my cause). Sherry's talk was awesome very clear logical and to the point. I started reading mine again and thought well I've done my best and hopefully the spirit will guide me. I was sweating and so hot and so glad when the talk was over. Dave said it was a great talk which was a relief as I did tend to talk about him a lot. Meanwhile Andy Gillies whispered you talk way better than you sing (not to sure about that). Roy Jenner commented that I do tend to talk about my family a lot and seem to put it out there. To which Andy replied that's what makes it more realistic. I hope my next talk will be in three years time when hopefully I will have more knowledge and confidence.........................

Thank Goodness for IT Daughter

Here I am been sitting here for at 2 hours trying my hardest to work out how I could get my favourite people/bloggers on my page so I could just access them when ever I wanted. I tried several ways oh my gosh much frustration and then in walks my wonderful daughter Stacey. She sensed the frustration I was experiencing (maybe because I was not talking nice to the computer). She asks me what's up I explain my problem and she paused click the mouse a couple of times and in a few seconds she had done it. She was off out the door when I said "hang on how did you do that?" With much patients she showed me so easy once you know how. So now good people I can read all your stories YEAH.

This week the family has been down with the coughs and colds and haven't ventured out much. My mother in law is still staying with us and its great having her. Gordon (her husband) took a turn for the worse on Tuesday but has since bounced back and hopefully is on the up (providing mum doesn't wash her hair). I took Nicholas to the doctor yesterday as his coughing was driving me insane and to my amazement the doctor informed me his ears were raging with infection and one ear on the brink of bursting and yet he never complained he was sore. I told Dave and he said well actually he did mention it the other night WOOPS never mind the AB's are in the system doing its deed. I wasn't feeling that flash myself and for a moment I thought I had the dreaded norovirus that has been spreading rapidly at work but false alarm thank goodness.

5 weeks to go and Nicholas will be at school, time surely does fly. I must say I am feeling rather emotional about it and although he is at Montessorri 4 days a week, so things wont change that much, I still have a lump in my throat just thinking about it. This is an end of another chapter and the start of a new one. I felt secure knowing that Nicholas is one of the big boys at Montessorri and he didn't have to worry about being bullied or picked on but school means he's the small fish in a real big pond and the challenges he will face I pray and hope he'll cope. So for the next year or so my insecurity will be high and over protected mum will kick in.

He had his first school visit on Wednesday and so Nicholas, Kate and myself walked up to Mornington Primary. Standing on the footpath we looked up at the school to me it looked big, I'm sure to Nicholas it must have looked huge. Now the school is not pushchair friendly (alot of stairs) so it was a matter of carrying the pushchair up and up. We approached his classroom and we had a few more stairs that needed climbing so Nicholas went on in front whilst I carried the pushchair with Kate in it. I turned to see where Nicholas had gone I couldn't find him (PANICK) then out came Ms Gray and she pointed me to the mat where Nicholas had walked straight into the classroom found his old buddy from Montessorri Trevor-Shane and was sitting arms folded legs crossed listening to the story being read to them. Ms Gray said "he's made himself at home already" I stayed and watched and it was hard to hold back the tears ( I let a few run out though). Nicholas approached me and said you can go now mum I'll be fine you pick me up at 3. As it was 2.50 I wasn't about to lug Kate and pushchair down only to come back up so I said to Nicholas next visit you can stay by yourself........

The mullet!!!!

On Saturday morning I awoke to the usual sound of Kate singing in her cot (really cute!!) Like every morning my pillow always seems to have heaps of hair (I mean heaps) I run my hands through it and end up with hunks of hair in my hand YUCK!!! I decided I had had enough so off I go to Just Cuts to have my hair soughted. I am very trust worthy and they are hairdresses I don't tell them how to do their job. As I watched them razor cut my hair which by the way does not feel nice I was thinking to myself am I doing the right thing???? What would Amiee and Ange say???? (deep down I knew they would be shaking there heads). 40 minutes later the hairdresses shows me the finish product. Noooooooooo I had done the wrong thing!!! I did not feel good at all. I pay and left feeling ripped off and sorry for myself. I went straight home and tried to do it up better. Dave arrives home from his 3 hour run and I knew from his face he didn't like it but being the tactful man that he is the comment was "oh you had a haircut" Later that day we went out to the Amende's for Caitlyn birthday and Phil comment was "why did you cut your hair" Amiee's facial expression's said it all and nanna was speechless. Leon arrived and he liked it but Leon notices things and being Leon will always say something nice. I then come to work and no-one even notices the hair cut (or they thought it was so bad they didn't say anything). Sunday I go to church and their was a mixture of feelings. The best comment came from Matthew Coby who politely asked if I had done something to my hair? I said yes I've had a haircut to which he replied "Mmmm" I thoughts so. I said is that Mmmm a good or bad? He then goes on to say "well it looks like a MULLET" My worst nightmare had been confirmed and when I told Dave he nodded his head saying I hate to say it darling but it does. OH NO what have I done I hope it grows back quick soon. Or maybe I should just whack it all off and start again??? I shall ponder over it for a couple of days..............................

Stubbornist!!!!

Here I am again at work doing a Saturday night which means I shall be tired at church. Hopefully the children will be angels and behave???? My title stubbornist has me a little irritated. Over the last two weeks my wonderful mother in law Dale has been staying with us due to her husband being critically ill in ICU. Apparently about a two months ago Gordon was not feeling that well but refused to go to the doctor (typical male) Then things still weren't right and still he didn't go to the point he was vomitting alot at home and stuck in bed etc. Then mum finally had the on call doctor come and hence he was taken to hospital in Oamaru where they found a bowel obstruction so he was rushed to Dunedin Hospital for a 7 hour operation and since the operation he has had to return back to surgery and consequently he is so so sick not sure what the outcome will be yet. Anyway today (Saturday 23/08/08) we went to Caitlyn's birthday party WOW 2 years old time sure does fly. Awesome party. However, Nanna Amende looked pale and dreadful and not herself at all. Apparently she has had a nasty cough (very chesty) for the last week and she too refuses to go see the doctor. Consequently from all the coughing she has pulled a muscle which makes it so painful to cough and bless her or she is worried about was not being able to make it to church tomorrow. I ask myself WHY!!!! I'm sure heavenly father doesn't want us to suffer unnecessarily thus doctors were created. I pray and hope that they both recover soon and I hope nanna goes to the doctor on Monday if she is not better or I'll be taking her myself!!!

Nightshift

Well another week has come and gone and here I am at work on the nightshift. Started out busy but now I have a bit of time to catch up on my blog page. Another great day at church although primary was quiet as a few children away with illness and our councillors were MIA. Nanna Amende not well first time I've known her to be sick. She is a true legend I love her to bits and though she may not be my biological nanna I still slot her into my family. Nanna Amende is so giving, kind, hard working and many more attributes. We are companions for visiting our sisters once a month its awesome going with her. We visit Sister Bet Thompson and both ladies are very spiritual people. Their knowledge of the gospel is outstanding and I am such a novice its great listening to them both bounce scriptures off one another. I learn so much from that visit every month. My family are fighting off bugs, Stacey is the worst with coughing and blowing her hooter she sounds very chesty. Meanwhile Nicholas was not sounding that flash on Saturday night so he asked his daddy for a blessing. I just love it when Nicholas asks things spiritually from his dad. He really believe's that his dad will heal him (Sunday morning he runs into our room and thanks his dad for making him better so he can go to church) Kate has a runny nose and her eye is looking yucky so hopefully she is sleeping peacefully for her dad tonight. My trademe suite looked rather lovely and I'm pleased I bought it. However I need to ban myself from that site as I have a problem with looking at pretty things and buying them especially for Kate 08. Sometimes I get a bargin and then there are those times when.... So I must refrain from that site for at least a month. A new elder has arrived he comes from Tonga gave a lovely talk, actually all talks at church today were good. Uncle Phil arrives home today he's been gone for 4 weeks in the UK Amiee will be so excited to have him home. suppose to be going to a hangi at Manu and Fiona tonight but with the kids under the weather and me working another nightshift I had better stay indoors. I have invited them for tea at our house on Tuesday. Sun at last what a relief its been so wet wet wet and bitterly cold. Its great to know Spring is around the corner. Well too tired to think of anything else and I had better retain the energy I have for the rest of this shift for my patients so until next time keep watching the space ....................... PS The 2008 Beiing Olympics has started really exciting stuff I love it oh and Mama Mia was awesome loved it too BYE.....

Kate 08

August already and Kate is 5 months old where has the time gone?? So let me introduce my precious daughter Kate Sarah Finnie. Kate was born March 6th 2008 (hence the name Kate 08) Her name was given to her by her brother Nicholas even before we knew she was a girl. Dave and I had other names we liked but Nicholas was adament that she was a girl and her name was going to be Kate!! Lucky for him when we found out it was a girl I was so relieved as it might have been a problem having a son named Kate. The pregnancy was a typical Paula pregnancy sick, uncomfortable, swollen ankles etc and giving birth was not something I was really looking forward too. My previous three births were not the straight forward type. Nicholas being a C-section, Ben should have been a C-section but not and the complication of not having one is another whole story and Stacey it took her 3 1/2 weeks overdue before they forced her out. Why would this birth be any different? Thursday 6th March at 2am I woke uncomfortable and needing to pee I didn't feel right (all previous births I was induced) so going into labour was something of a new experience I kept asking myself is this it?? By 6am I knew it really was it!! I rang my midwife she told me not to panick and to meet her at Queen Mary at 7am. So I woke everyone up and off we went. Here is a photo of the last moment of having my bump.

At 8am things were going well my midwife told us that Kate would be with us by lunchtime. Nicholas was getting rather impatient as 4 year old boys do and became a little annoying for a person preparing herself to give birth. So Dave and I decided he should go hang out with his buddies at Montessorri. We had time for Dave to shoot up the road and be back in time for the grand entry. Stacey would look after me until then which was awesome having my eldest daughter there to see her baby sister be born. So Dave and Nicholas left at 8.30am and Stacey held my hand ( I should have cut my nails). Within 15min of leaving things were happening faster than anticipated I knew then that Dave was going to miss the birth. So Stacey was my coach and she was fantastic very supportive and I'm sure she'll never forget those moments. At 0900am Kate Sarah Finnie was born Stacey cut the cord and before I could say how is she, she was tossed into my arms. She felt so hot and soft and she was perfect.

0905am Dave walks in and was thrilled she had arrived safely and everyone was great. Weighing in at 8lb 12oz I was amazed that I didn't need stitches and I only used the gas at the end I was so proud of myself and to experience a "normal" delivery was an awesome feeling. With the midwife happy all was well I was able to go home. So at 1130am my dearest friend/sister Annemarie bought in the carseat and we left the hospital. We stopped at Montessorri to pick up Nicholas who was so excited to finally see his sister and just kissed her heaps rather over the top but cute. By 1230pm Kate was tucked up in her bed and I was laying on the couch thinking what a busy morning it had been............

3 hours old

And so 5 month older and my how she has grown and smiling heaps and rolling. I have tried to start solids but not interested. Nicholas is still OTT with her and loves her to bits even more so now that she laughs at him when he plays peek-a-boo. Last month she was blessed by her daddy which was so special and beautiful. Well more stories will follow so until next time.....

Kate Sarah Finnie

5 months

Well its Sunday and had a great day at church. I got up to bear my testimony which was awesome. Although I may have embarrassed my husband a little, it was still great to tell the members of the how far Dave and I have come since joining the greatest and true church. Our lives are full and happy (not to say we don't have issues) we do but we can work through them together as a family. Tonight I was practising on the piano as I'm trying to teach myself (its really hard) and then Dave wanted to sing along with me which is sweet but at this stage of learning having someone singing in your ear really puts you off but we managed to have fun with it. Dave is putting Nicholas to bed and Kate is lying on the flooring working out under her gym before I give her a top up and tuck her down for the night. Then its off to work for me while everyone sleeps I'll take care of my patients and hopefully Kate will sleep all night for her dad. Well until next time watch the space........