New Years Eve

Due to shifting we missed spending Christmas with my brother in Ashvegas so we decided to see the New Year in with them. Packed the car with kids clothes and Dave's new road bike and off to Ashburton we go. We stopped off at Grandmas in Oamaru and the kids had a great time with Grandma reading stories to them and loading them up with lollies.

It seems to take longer to get to Ashburton than it does to drive back to Dunedin for some strange reason. However we finally make it to my brothers only to find they had gone away OOPS! sometimes surprises don't pay off. Luckily my nephew lives with them and he was home. So we made ourselves at home.

The kids are real townies and not use to animals. My brother has a life style block and has animals everywhere from Margaret the hen to Nick the horse. Cheri's race horse Chrystal recently gave birth to a massive foal and unfortunately the she died. Chester the foal is gorgeous and very friendly. Kate loved the horses but screamed at the cat and dogs. Nicholas also had a fascination with the horses he even walk through the paddock with horses in them without batting an eye lid but very stand offish when it came to the dogs and hens (strange children). Kate was very lucky she got to ride the pony and she couldn't stop talking about it.

My brother arrived home the next day and we still managed to see the new year in with him. I love my brother and his wife, I feel blessed to have such an awesome whanau.

The Wriggly Tooth

Nicholas is 6 years old now and since he was 5 I've been waiting with much anticipation for him to loose his first tooth. At least once a month I would get Nicholas to open his mouth and I would wiggle each tooth to see if one was ready ... alas none. However today I was investigating his mouth for cleanliness and there it was a wriggly front top tooth. Sooooooooo excited I told Nicholas and he wanted to feel and see. Proud as punch he runs to tell his dad and asks him how much will the tooth fairy give him.

Whilst I slept today Dave and Nicholas went to town for a little post Christmas shopping in which I scored a nice T-Shirt. Dave took Nicholas for a haircut and Dave informs me he was having a very interesting discussion with the hairdresser when all of a sudden he changes the subject and shows the hairdresser his wriggly tooth. Dave said it was very cute.

So our little man is growing up and as his teeth start to fall out we'll wait for his big teeth to come through. Dave worries that they will be crooked just like his were (Dave needed a plate when he was a young lad). When Dave was 18 he attacked himself with a file and smoothed the front of his teeth YES people Mere Male struck even back then. He went into his garage and put on some real loud heavy metal music and got a huge file and attacked his teeth (he thought they were too rough)OUCH!!!! is all I could think when he told me that story crazy MM!!!!

Christmas at the Finnie's 2009

Superhero finger puppets

Old McDonald had a farm finger puppets

Look at the camera Kate

Kate with her dolls house Yes Lego

What a beautiful Christmas day we had such a great time as a family. The weather was hot hot hot 32 degrees amazing. Awesome presents and great family dinner. But most of all we remember the birth of our wonderful Saviour Jesus Christ!!!!!

The Shift

Today we shifted into the new rented house. Thankfully throughout the week I had taken all the boxes over and set up house, so today was Dave's turn to bring the big furniture. We had help from the Missionaries, Craig, Mikey, Phil and Nicholas. It took two trips and all was done.

However the story leading up to the shift is somewhat funny with Mere Male Dave. He picks up the truck we hired and drives it back to Galloway Street (which is somewhat a narrow street), he then proceeds to pull up the drive with the truck but forgets that trucks are bigger hence they need to take a wider berth. Next you see Dave's car being squashed by the truck and the tyres on the truck start spinning. Dave thinking he is stuck on the kerb tries to give the truck more gas. We all wave at MM to stop, he looked puzzled so I approach him to tell him of his trouble. "the truck is on top of your car" MM "well can you back my car up" so I did, car saved from big truck and moreso MM some dents and scratches otherwise car still works. After a couple of attempts MM finally gets truck up the driveway. MM then tries to tell us that the reason he was having difficulties parking up was the dodgy clutch (YEAH RIGHT!!!)

New House

The highlight of the shift:

1. The piano didn't get broken, thanks to a unilateral thinking Elder.
2. It took two trips
3. I was totally organised in both houses
4. I was awake for over 24 hours (due to working the nightshift)
5. MM's car

We are so happy we are in our new home and everything is unpacked and has a place (well from my point of view) The garage is Dave's department. Now I can relax and wait for MM to build our new home. Thank you to those who helped it was awesome. That is the greatest thing about being in the church helpers come at a drop of a hat its amazing.

I

Mere Male

Now don't get me wrong I do love my husband and I think he is awesome ra ra ra etc. But sometimes he can be a Mere Male. When we sold our house the posession date for our place is the 15th Jan 2010. That's great he says that will give us time to find a place and we will be able to take our time shifting save us some money by doing it ourselves etc. I'm thinking thats great for me cause I'm working 4 nights a week and its school holidays etc. No need to stress about the shift at all.

Finding a place to rent in Mosgiel has somewhat been a mission. Rental properties are very rare and the ones we looked at were dumps and I can't believe they want $280-300 p/week rent. Looking in the paper an executive home for rent appears we ring we saw we took. Its a big 4 bedroom home only 4years old, its perfect for us. Dave excited that we have a home makes a drastic decision to move in Christmas Eve and the whole lets just take our time has suddenly turned into lets move now people go go go!!!

Today we drove out to pick up the key for the new house and on our way pack he informs me that he'll get the power to our old home disconnected on the 23rd Dec???? My response was somewhat abrupt "Are you crazy?" How am I suppose to clean the house completely if you switch off the power? Answer from Mere Male Just boil the jug to get hot water...................

The Lene's

These are the "Lene's" we all use to work in a team together, at the Mosgiel woollen mill factory(a factory that made balls of wool for knitting). We were the twisting/winding team, a process where you take strands of yarn and twist them together hence 2ply or 3ply balls of wool. We were all made redundant in 2000. Since then we have different careers and have kept in touch thanks to Jackie every few months.

However due to our busy lives it has been at least 6 months since our last outing. Thankfully tonight we were all free and we all went out for a Xmas dinner in Mosgiel. It was really nice catching up with the girls. The cool thing about moving to Mosgiel is being able to see these lovely ladies more not to mention my other awesome friends. Let me tell you a little bit about each person:

First and foremost Maurene (Mo or Edna) she was our team leader and an awesome boss. She is a legend and she still works at a rolled oats factory in the packing dept and how old is this lovely lady you ask? ............. she is 76yrs that's right 76 she is totally amazing. For her 70th birthday she got a green alien tattoo on her thigh.

Irene (Renne 70yrs) the golfer. Irene always smells really nice. I always remember walking by her machine and she would always have a beautiful scent about her. So everyday I would go over just to say hi just so I could smell her. She is retired and loves playing golf and looking after her grandchildren. She always wants me to join her church so I can sing with her in the choir.

Marlene (mid-late 50's) The seamstress always keen to be involved with everything and anything. Currently she works in a factory that makes wigs.

Debbie (Deblene) mid 40's. Mother of 1 child and heaps of animals. She looks after everyone pets while they go away on holiday. One particular dog lives with them 335 days of the year whilst the other 30 days the dog lives with the owner when they come over from Japan for a holiday (crazy). At one time she held down 4 jobs a workaholic.

Raylene (Rayls mid-late 50's) The green fingers/renovator and home bus owner. The adventurer who until recently lived in their bus and travels the country. The party goer and sing star queen (apart from me)

Last and certainly not least the loveliest of them all my Barbie girl:

Jackie (the baby of the group) The organiser she always kept us informed of special events coming up at work. Always reminded us of how many days til Xmas or payday or daylight savings not to mention her wedding. Kept a strict diary and totally hates mice/rats. The shy one who after a bit of persuasion convinced her to go in Stars in their Eyes with me and be Barbie whilst I played Ken to which we lip sync the Barbie Girl song. That started a tradition for following years. We've been Danny and Sandy from Grease and the rocky horror picture show act and the Village people YMCA. Jackie always thinks of others always remembers every Lene's birthday and always sends us a cards/gift. We've had some fun nights out on the town and she is a great friend to have. I love her heaps.

So there you have it, the story of the "Lene's" I am blessed to these fantastic women in my life and treasure their friendship immensely...

Kiddy Treats

Chocolate/Caramel Muffins

Last year I made treats for all of Nicholas's class and this year is no exception. I finished my nightshift and went to the supermarket to get supplies. Once I had taken Nicholas to school and Kate to daycare I set about making 20 chocolate caramel muffins and decorated them with mini M&Ms. I also love to give the teacher a small something too. I made her truffles and chocolate dipped strawberries. This took me to 11.30am to complete and then I went up to catch a couple of hours sleep. When I awoke I quickly made up loot bags with the muffins and candy canes and balloons packed them in my Christmas basket to deliver them to school.

Teachers treats

A basket of treats

When I got to school the children eyes all lit up and they were very excited. Miss Lawless had the children sit in a circle and I handed out the treats. Thinking they would leave the treats til after school alas they all dived into the bags and devoured the muffin in seconds (boys mostly) the girls just picked off the m&m. Then Miss Lawless asked the children if they wanted to say anything to me. Lots of hands went up and the thanking began. I thanked them all for being such awesome children and for being Nicholas's friend. I will miss this school alot its been a special journey and I hope the next school is just as good. Look out Elmgrove here we come.

Music Recital

Nicholas is in his second year of music lessons through the Yamaha Music School. Its amazing how much he has learnt in two years. Last year he could play songs with one hand and this year he is playing with both hands. On Sunday the school had there music recital it was held at the Otago Museum and there was a big audience. Nicholas's class consists of 4 boys and 4 girls. They start by singing the musical piece in solfege and then they play the piece on the keyboards. This years musical item was I'm a little teapot. The children stood at attention to start singing to the piano but instead of singing in solfege they all started singing the words to the song. Jenny (teacher) had to stop them and they started again.

Then it was sitting at their keyboards to play the piece to the audience. The difficult thing about this and successful in the performance was the children played at the same time and they stayed together throughout the whole song, which for eight 6year old children is amazing.

I must remember to get Nicholas a more formal set of attire to wear next year (he was the only one in shorts and tee shirt) note the boy next to him they were all dressed very formal oops!!!!!

Well done Nicholas I am so proud of what you have achieved this year and I love listening to you playing. I am really excited about next year as you progress into the extension class.

Jig-saw King

Nicholas loves jig-saw puzzles and he is very very clever at them. He is so cleaver that when he has done a puzzle a few time he then sets another challenge for himself. Thats right he does the puzzle, picture down. I find this incredible and I asked him how do you know which piece is right? Nicholas replies because it fits mum. AMAZING!!!

Please note he is wearing my shoes.

Kate's First Bobby Clip

That's right people its taken 21 months but at last I can finally put a clip in Kate 08 hair. Please note it does not last long in her hair because she keeps pulling it off. But the proof is in the picture. Hopefully I can teach Kate to leave them in her hair for an hour at least

The Awesome Drawing

A few blogs ago I wrote about our lovely boarder Alison. Well we miss her very much. Before she left, she gave us a drawing of the children. She drew them from two separate photos and I know exactly which photos they are. Nicholas is at Moeraki beach when that photo was taken and I had just finished telling him not to get wet but surprise surprise he forgets the meaning of NOT TO!!! hence the cheeky smile/laugh. Kate is holding her new push chair and it is her birthday. I just found this picture so awesome and Alison is so talented. I decided to get in professionally framed (which cost a bomb). Anyway I picked it up and it was well worth it. We all love it thank you Alison!!

Brother and Sister Love

Nicholas was playing on the computer when his loving sister decided she wanted to play/watch with her big brother. At first it started out very friendly but the more Nicholas ignored her the more she annoyed him it was so funny.

Kate: Hi Nicholas what you doing?

Nicholas: Concentrate on the game!

Kate: Can I play with you Nicholas?

Nicholas: Do I have too just ignore her.

Kate: Please play with me Nicholas

Nicholas: Just ignore her she'll go away soon

Kate: What would happen if I pulled his ear?

Nicholas: Don't do it Kate!

Kate: That got his attention!!!! Nicholas: Okay I'm listening!!!!

Kate: That was fun

Nicholas: Not impressed!!!!

Helper of the year

Today while I was putting away the books at school the children were all sitting in the central area watching a video. When I finished doing my book duty I sat down to watch the video with the children. Once it finished Mrs Gray stood up the front and asked me to come up I looked at her strangely. Mrs Gray said Paula we want to embarrass you. Feeling my face get warm I went to the front. Mrs Gray spoke to the children about how I had help out of the school all year putting away books everyday and helping out at discovery time every Friday and PMP every Tuesday and they wanted to thank me. Then she pulled out a big card and gave it to me and the children gave me a big clap it made me cry. I will miss helping out at the school its been awesome to be able to give my time and feel apart of Nicholas's education. It was nice to know all the junior children by name and they always say hello to Kate and myself every morning.

The card design is from sewing wool around the letters. Some of the children done the sewing themselves Nicholas did the letter "T" It was appropriate for me because at discovery time I was always in charge of the sewing table. I loved sitting there and getting to know the children and I use to hear some fascinating stories. Inside all the children had written their names and drawn me a picture on their own individual card so cool.

Ben leaves us

Today Ben is leaving us and going back to work on his dads dairy farm. I am feeling very sad and that somehow I failed him as a mum again. His time with us has been one of ups and downs. The ups was him being baptised and joining the church. Getting to know my son has been a journey in its self one I will treasure.

Ben left school this year and unfortunately he is one of those statistics (fallen through the cracks) with no qualifications. So when he came to live with us getting him a job was going to prove a little difficult. However despite all the odds Ben managed to get a job at McDonald's thanks to Hakopa clan. The job started out alright with regular shifts however as time went by work dwindled off and that concerned me. I found out that he hated working there and some managers treat staff poorly. Ben was struggling with keeping up with tasks. I knew it would be only a matter of time before they would dismiss him. Meanwhile when you don't work and have too much time up your sleeve you tend to find things to occupy your time for Ben he wasn't using his time wisely and manager to get into a little trouble.

We decided to try and look for a new job for him and went around lots of places. We managed to get some application forms to fill out. Then last weekend he went back to his dads to celebrate his grandads 70th and I think he realised that he missed the farm life and so he came back to us and made the decision to move back to the farm.

We shall miss him alot (although I wont miss the big piles of washing he brings to me at the end of the week despite asking him everyday if he had washing).

Kids say the darnest things

Tonight at dinner we were trying to get Nicholas to eat zucchini. Dave: Come on Nicholas its good for ya Nicholas: Nah Dave/Mum: It will make you strong Nicholas: Nah Mum: its like gherkins but sweeter Nicholas: Nah Dave: Oh well Nicholas obviously doesn't want to be strong Nicholas: Dad I'm not a superhero and I'm not fighting criminals tonight Conclusion: No zuchinni past his lips

A house to Rent Finally

Since selling we have been looking for a rental property in Mosgiel. Well what a mission its been why you ask? There are very few houses available in Mosgiel to rent. Everyday I would look on trade me property and would find 5 homes maxs and most of them were 1 or 2 bedrooms. Saturdays newspaper would generate 4 properties tops. Problem 2 was we need a home in January and most properties are available now. Problem 3 the ones we viewed were dumps I wouldn't even put my cow in it (if I had a cow).

Finally a property came up on trade me, possession date mid Jan (perfect), 3bdrm (perfect), located in Bush Road (perfect as the section is not far thus great for Dave building) and it looked very tidy. We must have this property no matter what!!!!! Dave makes enquiries about the property and she informs us other people are interested (BLAST!!!) Real estate agent informs Dave money talks so we offer more.

Meanwhile our dearest friends are also looking for a rental property and you guessed it the other people interested in the same property are our friends after a conversation with my friend(double blast). BUT wait the Saturday newspaper has an executive property available so after conference we headed out to Mosgiel to view the house. WOW!!! this is the one for us and so Dave paid the man a weeks rent to hold it for us and we officially take over on the 23rd this month.

Hopefully with us out of the picture for the other property our dearest friends will get that one and so win win all round.

PS Still think the 6 bedroom estate would have been awesome to share with our friends!!!!!

District Conference

This years District Conference was different from previous conferences that I have attended. Different because we didn't get to share a meal or do the Saturday night concert. Instead our concert slot was replaced with the adult session. (not impressed)

Conference hot topic was about unity. All three speakers were amazing and their talks linked together beautifully. The Mission President then wanted us to ask him question anything we liked. Would I ask him why we didn't have the concert????? (could I ????) Well after two or three questions from others from the congregation I built up enough courage to ask. His answer I felt was vague and to me his answer was "because I said so"

When I think about the hot topic of unity, the meal together and the concert is the unity part. Having all the other branches in Otago/Southland come together is awesome. The meal allows us to mingle and talk to the other people from other branches and the concert again allows us to have fun and watch the talented and the not so talented. I don't believe it takes away the spiritual feeling that the President suggested, but that's just my opinion.

Sunday session was spiritually up lifting as usual and the choir was amazing. Kate taught us well and she is so amazing. I was called as a councilor in the District Young Woman's (yikes what have I let myself in for??) I really hope this calling doesn't take me away from the one calling I truly love, my primary singers.

Apart from the disappointment of no concert or meal, conference overall was great

Going Going Gone

Yesterday our house was auctioned. I personally wouldn't recomend this system because its just to stressful. The real estate agent arrived and informed us that 5 people were going to be at the auction that sounded exciting. However Patrick also thought the house would not sell at auction..... depressing. Dave and I and the kids went for a drive just so the people could view the house one more time before the auction started. On returning we ventured upstairs to wait. As the auctioneer started off Dave and I looked at each other as the first bid of $260 000 went but then for ages it was just being repeated over and over then 270.... 275....... 280........ 285........ 290.......... and then no more bids. Our bubble burst as the auctioneer called it quits. No new house in Mosgiel and no being close to my friends. Patrick told us that we'll put a price on the house and see what happens over the next three weeks. Dave and I drove out to the Amende to pick up my Ben and we checked out the section that we may not be able to buy and I felt real glum. Later on at home the phone rang Dave answered it was Patrick he had a buyer who was prepared to give us a little more money $306 to be exact and Dave said yep that will be enough and so the house is sold and the next journey begins. Mosgiel here we come YEAH!!!!!!!

End of an Era

Nanna and I have been visiting teacher companions for 4 years and just recently the relief society have had a reshuffle thus my companionship with Nanna has ended. Today we visited our sisters for the final time and it was really emotional for me. I have had 4 years of being with the most spiritual, loving, kind, and humble person. Nanna is always giving she is selfless and I have been able to learn so much from her and the sisters we have visited. I'll always remember my first few visits to a less active sister..... Her husband would always grunt and then take himself off outside. Now he always says hi to me and smiles and he always acknowledges Kate even though he still thinks she a boy, and although he never took part in our discussions he would quietly sit in the lounge and ponder over the newspaper but I'm sure he was listening to us chat about the gospel and our Saviour. The rapport I built with this couple was amazing and so today as I thanked them for allowing me into their home I did shed a couple of public tears. So as one chapter ends another one begins and so I look forward to visiting new sisters with my new companion.

Tee Ball Frustration

Nicholas has joined the schools Tee-ball team and yes you guessed it somehow, somewhere in a conversation with a school teacher I became the coach of this team. I even told the teacher I'm not a kind coach and I don't believe in praise unless they deserve it and I'm really tough and that the player of the day will go to the person who deserves it not because they're in the team. To my amazement the teacher said you'll be perfect??????

So now I'm tee-ball coach with 12 children "LET THE FUN BEGIN" I have practices at lunchtime on Wednesday and overall my team is really good considering most of the players are first timers.

Saturday arrives and we gather at diamond 14 and meet the opposition. They appeared to be a well oiled machine due to the uniforms they were wearing. Now each side keeps tabs of their own teams scoring (which is stupid needs a partial scorer). But the game goes on and the Mornington Majors (my team) played so well great feilding and we are very lucky to have a solid Samoan boy who can hit, so our batting was awesome. The game continues and each time we got the score card back from the opposition they would just score all 9 players got home. This was not right (here comes the competitive side of me). The last innings they were batting, bases were loaded final batsman steps up to the plate hits the ball and we field very well i.e. ball was sent home this means players are out. When I got the score card the lady had score all 9 kids home. She then informed me it was a draw "REALLY I SAID" she left and I was standing there in disbelife and to top it off they took our ball. I was not happy so I took the score card to the officials and told them the play and they informed she was wrong and so 3 runs were taken off. New score Mornington Majors 23 Cardinals 20. Win to us!!!

The frustrating thing about this game is no-one knows the rules or they make them up and dodgy scoring. My team will be back to triumph next Saturday.

Movie Night

Horrified that Hoyts was not showing My Sisters Keeper we had to resort to Rialto. Lucky for me I had a couple of free beeies thus meant we could go for nothing (love freebies). Anticipating that the theatre would be busy I went down in the morning to get the tickets.

Ange picked me up and I was excited having a girls night out and that Ange had made homemade treats???? Taking our seats and Ange breaks out the treats they came packaged and she had named them Kit Kats and Maltessa and M&M Ange had been a busy girl. She also introduced me to Bundys Apple juice very very nice.

My main concern about this movie was visualising Cameron Diaz in a serious role due to I've only seen her in Charlies Angels (which I hated). Anyway movie begins and here are the highlights for me:

• It made me cry more than once
• Looking at Ange in horror at the intimacy part (how did that happen Ange?)
• Ange smiling at me with that your're funny Paula look
• The father taking a stand against mum and taking Kate to the beach
• Cameron Diaz can act in a serious role (a new respect for her)
• Wanting to slap the mum for her stubborness
• Watching a row of ladies beside me blow their noses all together and then laugh
• The treats
• I really loved this movie
• Great Awesome company

The only thing I didn't like was the dying girls name Kate and its purely because I have a Kate and the thought of my Kate dying was too sad too bare.

Kate's Big Day

Yesterday Kate 08 was admitted to hospital to have an adenoidectomy and grommets inserted. We arrived at the Mercy Hospital (private) at 07:15 am we were greeted by a lovely nurse who was going to look after us for the day.

Being a nurse myself and working in an hospital setting the first thing that stood out for me was the surroundings and the atmosphere. The hospital just seemed very clean and bright and calm. The staff looked very professional in manner and presentation. The nurse had time for us and I just wanted to apply for a job there. Why did it seem so different from the public system? Does money really make a difference even with the way people present themselves? Trust me I have seen nurses at my work place turn up dressed so scruffy its really embarrassing one nurse even wore ug boots to work (slipper boots), some have face piercing and others you wonder when they last cleaned their uniform. Not at this hospital even the cleaning lady was well groomed. Anyway back to the real reason for this blog baby Kate. As usual Kate had her frown on and no way was she going to smile. It was like her little brain was processing ever move and thinking about why this? and why that? The nurse put cream on both hands and covered them with clear film (this cream numbs the area for cannulation). Kate watched intensely and after kept looking at her hands and looking at me before she would say YUCKY! She then would try and wipe her hands and she also went over to the sink and asked to "wash hands" very cute. How could we distract her from her hands? Then the nurse bought out a blue ride on car which instantly grabbed Kate attention thus for the next hour while we waited for her operation I was pushing her around in this awesome car. At 9am the orderly came to take us to theatre. My mothers nerves kicked into gear and as we entered into the theatre room my heart was pounding. I sat up on the bed and held baby Kate close as they attempted to cannula her. Kate was wonderful unfortunately the doctors two attempts failed. This meant they had to gas her to sleep and that was not a great feeling or very nice to witness. Kate was breathing in the gas but as she began to drift she started to fight the feeling of falling asleep an then the kicking started and the redness in her face was horrible it took three of us to hold her tight and then all of a sudden she collapsed in my arms. Watching her limp little body been taken away from me and laying her on the table was the hardest moment for me. I stayed to make sure she was breathing and her heart rate was showing on the monitor then I kissed her precious little face and left with a huge lump in my throat and being a brave mum. The surgeon told me it should be a 30min procedure so when 40 mins went by I was slightly worried and then 50min and finally 55 min the surgeon came out and told me that all was well and that her adenoids took a little longer due to the size they were 60% bigger than normal and obstructing Kate's airway. He also mention she was very congested in her airway and thus she needed suctioning. Finally he assured me she should improve in a couple of days and she was on her way to recovery. I couldn't wait to hold her in my arms however I had to wait 20min more before I could see her. She wasn't a happy little girl as I entered recovery she was very dopey, screaming and kicking and totally beside herself. I held her tight and tried to calm her down but she wasn't having a bar of me either this meant they had to give her some drugs to calm her down. She instantly went back to sleep and as I looked at her she had blood coming out of her nose and she needed to be suctioned due to the mucous blood coming from her mouth. Now I'm a nurse and this is stuff I see most days but it was hard for me to watch my baby go through. Slowly she came around and she was more calmer and when I offered her boobee she was a lot more settled. So 1 hour later Kate and I are wheeled back to the day unit to recover some more and so I spent the afternoon in bed cuddling baby Kate until she was happy enough that she wanted a ride in the blue car. Kate and I left the hospital at 3pm and already she doesn't snore anymore and she seems a lot happier.

Stock Taking

My first week on holiday and I decided to help the school with the annual school library stock take. Apparently it took a week last year and so more helpers would be appreciated. Monday morning arrives Kate is off to daycare and so I'm free to help out all day. Nicholas and I walked to school and my routine is to put away the reading books and then I would be free to help in the library. WOW the 8 baskets were over flowing with books to put away because the teachers had changed the reading groups thus it meant a new lot of books were needed and the old ones put back. I knew this would delay me helping in the library fortunately I have put away the books for a long time now and so I practically know where all the books live and 1 hour later all books were away and the row of boxes in order and flush with the shelf edge (because I have OCD it has to look perfect). Then it was off to the senior block to see if they had journals to put away and alas there were however not as many.

So I reach the library about 10am and three ladies were hard out taking books off shelves and opening the pages to be scanned and dusting shelves and then putting them back. The whole time I was helping all I could think about was if I was the libriarian I would make some drastic changes:

1. Put the bar codes on the back of the book (saves opening them)
2. Put the bar codes on the spine and then get a portable scanner and just walk around the library
3. Print off a list of books that have not been issued in the last 15year and cull them out even 10 years (so many many old old books)
4. Turn the books around so the spine of the books are showing thus the children can see all the books on the shelves not just the first front on book.

• Move the Librarian desk thus the sun doesn't shine on the scanner and then the scanner would work properly.

We worked at a steady pace that by 3pm we had counted over half the library. The Librarian was ecstatic and she had a feeling we could be finished by Wednesday. I on the other hand wanted to be finished by Tuesday 3pm. The best thing about the day was convincing the libriarian with support from a teacher to change the books around so all the books spines were seen. I left feeling dusty and accomplished.

Tuesday morning we started at 9am and as predicted we were finished at 2:55pm. The library looks great and I must admit I really had a great time.

2009 Primary Presentation

You could say I am glowing and a very proud proud music leader. The primary presentation was very successful. Its just so rewarding to see all the hard work the children put in throughout the year finally come to ahead. So many great comments afterwards from the congregation made it even moreso wonderful. Highlights for me were:

• The children were all in one place not spread out thus I could see them and their voices were more powerful. (thanks A for encouraging me to speak up)
• The two solo boys remembered the words to their song
• The harmonies were amazing
• P finally opened her mouth and I could hear her (I love seeing someone who is so quiet and at times shy develop into a confident girl who can stand up and sing in front of a congregation and that quiet voice is heard)
• The children remembered all the songs with out the words even the little ones gave it there all
• A. made an awesome puzzle that when put together made a house
• My hand action were kept to a minimum (I think??? still need to work on that)
• Two sleeping sunbeams at the end of primary

This is my fourth presentation completed now and the children keep getting better and better. I have already looked at next years presentation and I have ordered the CD so I can be prepared. I never thought I would like this calling but I love it love it so much and the thought of being released would be devastating (although I know it will happen one day). Teaching our children about the gospel through music is such a rewarding responsibility. I am so grateful for my calling and that I have such awesome children to teach and for great primary leaders who support me. Bring on next year!!!!!!!

School Disco

Tonight Nicholas had his school disco. It was dress up and so Nicholas had a conversation with me:

Nicholas: Mum I need you to go to the Warehouse and get me a costume for the disco please

Mum: Why don't you go as Ben 10?

Nicholas: Mum that's last years costume dahhhhhhhhhh! I need a new one.

Mum: how bout you go as a vampire like dad did?

Nicholas: No that will scare the girls

So off to the Warehouse we go. Nicholas continues:

Nicholas: Mum mum lets get the transformer costume

mum looks at the price

Mum: NO WAY that's too expensive its $70

Nicholas: Muuuuuuuummmmmmmmm I don't think so its only $69

Of course he was right but still now way he was getting the costume. Lucky he found Buzz Light Year and more my price range.

The disco was fun but I'm sure the children don't really know what a disco is about because 90% of them just run around the hall screaming and yelling and its only the teachers and some of the older girls who dance.

I tried to get Nicholas to dance with me but no-way he just avoided me like the plague. On our way home I asked Nicholas the following:

Me: How come you didn't want to dance with me?

Nicholas: cause

Me: Cause why?

Nicholas: just cause

Me: that's not an answer

Nicholas: boys don't dance its embarrassing and especially with their mum!!!

me: but you dance with me at home and dad dances with us

Nicholas: yeah but you and dad are silly people

End of conversation

Public vs Private

So Kate has been unwell for months with constant ear infections thus on going treatment with anit biotics. Last week Kate had an ear infection puss/swollen eyes and a very annoying cough that made her vomit. I had her at the doctors and they referred us to the ENT specialist.

So today we had an appointment with the ENT specialist. He checked her over and told us that she definitely needed grommet's. Money bags (Dave) quick to ask how much?? The specialist wrote the quote: just grommets $1500 however she may need her adenoids removed that will cost approx $2500. Dave calculator works over time!!!! Dave asked could we go via the public system? Specialist: of course let me find out when we could schedule her in ....................... We could see her April/May next year. I frown at Dave and shake my head nooooooooooooooo. Dave then asks if we went private how soon would Kate have to wait???? Specialist replies yep no problem we could do her next week.

Unbelievable how money talks in the health sector. I am somewhat grateful that both Dave and I work and that we are able to afford the surgery. I feel for those families who children suffer and have to wait its just not good enough!!!!

So Kate has her surgery next Thursday and I really hope she starts to get better. I'm so OVER IT!!! and I'm sure Kate is too.

Farewell Alison

Today Alison left our home for good. She is off to sunny Nelson to study the weta (creepy things). A sad day for our family because we have enjoyed having Alison live with us. Here are some bullet points we love about her:

• She is very quiet (she frighten me a few times as I didn't even know she was in the room)
• She looked after our children (thus Dave and I could go out on regular dates)
• She has a strong awesome faith in the gospel (always kept us honest esp on fasting Sundays)
• she wasn't scared of creepy crawlies (I could rely on Alison to get rid of spiders etc)
• She never complained (NEVER!!!)
• she was always on my side (sometimes I think she didn't want to be!!!)
• She always read stories to Kate when I needed to get dinner ready
• She never complained about my cooking (again never)
• She always paid her rent on time (Dave very happy man)
• She was great company for me (I'll miss our chats)
• She introduced us to Flight of the Concords and House
• She was so helpful
• Very very talented (artist) she sketched a beautiful picture of the children (up and coming post picture is being framed at present)

I could rave on but I think to sum Alison up she is a very honest, humble, kind, loving person.

She came to us as a boarder, she leaves us as our daughter we love her and wish her all the best for the future.

Open Home

The House

Today we had our first open home. Conveniently Kate was not well and so Dave stayed home to look after her. Whilst I was at church Dave prepared the house for the open home WOW!! he did a great job and I'm so so grateful. During rehersal for the Primary Presentation all I was thinking about was the house and how I had just finish nightshift and after church going home and getting things in order. Thank you Dave!!

The Lounge

The Kitchen/Dinning Room

The open home was a great success and everyone was very impressed with our home and liked it lots. We had 15 groups through and 4 very keen to look again. One open home down two to go before the auction. I hope it sells on auction day???????

Resit

Today I resat my Level 6 exam. 80% to pass was on my mind as I drove to the site. I was going over things in my head my stress levels were heighten by the time I got there. I had a silent prayer and pulled myself together and made my way to the exam room. Being the only one there made me feel better as last time I felt so much pressure from the others. Meg meet me and told me to take a deep breathe, you'll be fine.

I hate exams of any kind I just freeze up and panic and before I know it I've worked myself up into a state of frenzie!!! However I managed to stay calm cool and collective (JUST)!!!

What a relief to hear the words "you passed" I got my certificate and Meg said "see ya in 3 years"

Thank goodness thats over, may the next 3 years go very slow!!!!

Movie Night

Last night a bunch of awesome ladies and I went to the movies. Although I didn't see it til the end (due to work), I really liked this movie alot. It made me laugh. As a child I remember my mum watching Julia Childs cooking programmes. I always thought her voice was very annoying and that she pretended to talk like that. What a fascinating movie on her life.

The other part of the movie, Julie was hilarious. I hope Ange you don't throw hissy fits if you don't blog daily just to keep me happy!!!!! I do survive.

The other cool thing about the night was we, (8 of us) had the theatre to ourselves give or take the two ladies up the back. No-one in front of us yeah! The treats were amazing from Maltessa, pop-corn, skittles, ice cream a sugar loading night.

I highly recommend a girls night out its cool fun. Thanks ladies xxxx

The Finnie's are on the Move

The Finnie Family by rule of thumb generally live in a house for 2 years and then we get itchy feet and move to another house. Just to give you an idea Dave and I have lived together for 13 years and we have moved 8 times. Well the time has come again for us and I'm so excited. Why you ask??? My adorable husband is going to build me a house again and whats more he is going to build it in MOSGIEL!!!!! Oh yeah I'm lucky so lucky. We put an offer on a section and its been accepted and now we have to try and sell our house. Let the buyers come forth please.

Temptation Overcome

So the last 6 weeks I've been studying for my Level 6 NZ Resuscitation Certificate. This requires alot of reading I mean alot, more than New Moon. Friday came, the exam included written and pratical, it started at 8.30am and finish at 2.30pm. Well talk about stressful it reminded me of my nursing state finals. The morning started with a hiss and quiet a bit of head banging on the desk as I attempted to complete the written part of the exam. I must say the question were very misleading and written way to small and too close together. The questions were true/false and you had to scratch a box. I generally answer the question I know and leave the others to go back too (bad mistake) Because the question were small and close together I somehow manage to miss some questions BLAST!!! So after that I had a strong feeling the written part did not go to well. A 10min break and it was straight into the practical side. We were placed into groups and given a scenario each member had to be the team leader. When it was my turn I totally felt useless and I really didn't feel it went very well. I was so stressed out and when the instructor said "Paula you look like your're going to cry" and so thats exactly what I did (how embarrassing!) Timeout was needed so hot milo and a couple of biscuits later I mange to pull myself together and continue with the scenario. NOOOOOOOOOO!! the instructor pointed to me again and said "Paula you will be team leader again, just believe in yourself" Yeah right I was thinking. The next scenario was completed and it was ok but could have been better. Another 10min break and then it was skill testing station time. Again more stress and nerves and if I have learn't anything leave the best til last not the worst. I passed the skills stations and then we had to go to the office to find out our written results and as I predicted I failed BLAST!

Our group sat down to re-evaluate the day and we all agreed it was a CRAP day. This prompted one of the girls to suggest we go to the pub and get drunk. Oh, how I was tempted, I felt so bad and disappointed and really stressed out because I have to resit it again. The idea of loosing myself in alcohol sounded great for awhile until everyone was leaving to go.

Listen to a still small voice, listen listen. When you have to make a choice. He will guide you ALWAYS came into my thoughts. I knew right then that that tune was a prompting for me to choose the right. I told the team I didn't drink and that I'll just scoff a whole cake of chocolate instead. As we departed our ways a feeling of peace came over me and homeward bound I went.

How was I blessed by chosing the right? Well that night Dave and I got dressed up as vampires Edward and Bella (although Amiee thought we looked more like Jasper and Alice) and went to a famous couples house warming party. What a great time we had love it love it!!!!

Primary Amusement

Today in primary the juniors were there usual bubbly self yelling and jumping over everything. When I walked into the room they stopped and looked at me: Child 1: Hey sister Finnie what happen to you? Child 2: Its her hair Child 3: It looks weird! Me: Thats right it is my hair great spotting Child 4: It looks really weird! Me: Nice weird or weird weird??? Everyone: WEIRD WEIRD!!! Bless them all.

Compliment or Insult????

Today i had a pamper me day which included a trip to the gym for a great step workout. Then it was off to the hairdressers for a new look. Two hours later I leave feeling great and happy with the new hair do. Thats right Matthew Cobby its not a mullet!!!!!!!!!! I get to school to pick up Nicholas. All the mums comment on my hair ïts lovely", "nice cut", "that really suite you" and so on. By now I was feeling quiet pleased that my money was well spent. Nicholas looks at me and this is what he said:

Nicholas: "mum you look like Willy Wonka!!!!!"

I'll let you all be the judge and jury????

Trademe Bargin

Whilst Nicholas was at his holiday programme he liked playing on a soccer table (foos ball). I had a game with him and he wasted me no really I was trying hard but so uncoordinated lost to a 5 year old. Talking to the teacher and she informed me that Nicholas had played most of the day on this table.

On the way home I asked him about the game and he explained the in and outs of the game. This gave me a great idea for a birthday gift???? I went to Rebel Sports they were $200-400, my idea was doomed. Then the light in my brain turned on "TRADE ME"

I rushed home and began exploring my options and oh yes I found, I bid, and I won, BARGAIN!!!! $50!!!!

So today we went to Cromwell to pick up our soccer table. Great family times to be had YEAH!!!!!

Cheeky Monkey

So recently I have started going to the gym again to try and shred those kilos that just wont budge. I must talk about it alot because Master Nicholas was watching TV when the informercial for the AB King Pro came on. I was not in the room whilst he watched it but he ran out to the kitchen and this is what he said:

Nicholas: "mum mum I just saw something that will help you" Me: "What's that?" Nicholas: "You know that problem you have" Me: "What problem?" Nicholas: "The problem you have with your kilos? You need to buy the Ab King pro it takes just 3 minutes a day and you'll be skinny again" Me: "Cheeky Monkey" When was I ever skinny anyway???

Blast from the Past

While ramaging through the wedding photos to add to my last stories I managed to find other photos of me as a child. My school photo of me when I was 8years old. We had the coolest school and just recently through facebook I learn't that they demolished my old school to waste millions of dollars to build another one on the same site of course. Totally horrified to learn about this and yes I did cry. Why you ask?? As a child my home life was somewhat sad and school was my haven where I felt safe and funny enough loved. Where there was no alcohol, no violence, no being beaten. The teachers at my school were awesome caring and look after me and my brother gave us great support. To be honest I hated when 3pm came I would have stayed at school all day and all night. All my schooling days from 5years old til 17yrs old were spent at Kurow Area so I feel I had a right to shed some tears.

The buildings my have been demolished but the memories will remain in my heart.

Baptism Anniversary

Desterney Newton, Luke Mendenhall, Dave, me, Phil & Nicholas Fisher

That's right today Dave and I celebrate our 7th baptism anniversary. Yes married one day and baptised the next you could say it was a full on weekend. We didn't even get to sleep in, in our honeymoon suite because we had to be at the chapel by 8am to be prep. Ceremony started at 08.30am and we had to be finished before the St Clair meetings started. Mormon time is a late start and Dave and Phil held up time too because bits of Dave's body didn't want to be baptised so three dips later it was done n dusted.

At 12pm we were confirmed members and given a blessing. A magical moment and you could say I was glowing with happiness. Thus our journey began..........

What a journey it has been 7 years of blessings with a few trials along the way. The best blessing of all time is our children Nicholas and Kate. What a joy to have them in our lives, so grateful that Heavenly Father blessed us with two beautiful children. I never really realised how privileged we are to have children until joining the church. I knew that with parenting came responsibilities but being in the gospel shines a whole new light of what responsibility really is.

I have two other beautiful children Stacey and Ben who were not brought up in the gospel (although they both have joined) I feel as a mum I let them down immensely and I think it was due to a lack of knowledge and what being a parent really meant.

I feel that Heavenly Father has given me a second chance at being a mum again. Now that I have a loving supportive husband, the gospel, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ on my side, surely its a great recipe for Nicholas and Kate to have a great foundation to build on.

Second best blessing being sealed as a family for eternity.

Third best blessing: having awesome friends in the gospel that love you no matter what.

I am so happy that I made a good choice seven years ago.

Luke Mendenhall, me, Dave and Phil

Happy 7th Wedding Anniversary

October is a busy month for the Finnie family with Nicholas birthday and wedding/baptism anniversaries its all rather exciting. Last year Dave and I totally forgot our anniversary because Nicholas celebrated his 5th birthday and we were too busy focusing on the big event that a week later I happen to mention to Dave I'm sorry honey I forgot happy anniversary. Stunned look on Daves face said it all.

Yesterday being fasting Sunday I bore my testimony and I happen to mention our anniversary among other stuff. When I sat down Dave leans over and said thank you!!! I looked at him with a curious face??? He leans over again I totally forgot (saved by the testimony).

Being our 7th anniversary the traditional gift is wool so I manager to get Dave a merino wool sweater its very fine and quiet lovely (I hope), Dave is some what fussy when it comes to clothes as I have learn't year after year.

Our wedding day was small and yet big in spirit. The thing I loved most about the day was our family/friends involvement Annemarie and Kate singing, Craig taking the photos, Mum Finnie making the cake, Phil our bestman, Ben giving me away, Stacey my flower girl, Kate playing the guitar while I sang to Dave. Annemarie making us a beautiful basket of treats and placing them in our honeymoon suite.

Friends/family coming from a far to share our special day. I even wrote a letter to the Mission President to ask permission for an Elder to come to the wedding. Elder Mendenhall taught Dave and I the first discussion and he was so passionate and a very humble missionary who put up with my bawling and melodramatic episodes. He was allowed to come which was a double blessing as he was able to baptise me the following day.

I truly awesome day and even though it was a typical snowy spring day it was was filled with warmth by the love of those who surrounded us.

Testimony Amusement

Today I bore my testimony I mentioned how I have a love/hate relationship with Sunday in that I love coming to church but I hate getting there. I went on to say how coming home from working night shift and everyone else is still in bed asleep (instead of being up getting ready for church) that most Sundays I'm the loud bugle that bellows and by the time we are out the door I'm somewhat stressed. I then mention that somehow I still manage to get the children dressed, fed, lunch pack, etc and Dave is still doing stuff upstairs what that is I do not know????? and so on the testimony went.

I sat down and listen to other heart felt testimonies. When Brother Hedderwick got up to say his closing remarks he manage to enlighten me and the congregation on what my husband would be doing with his time up stairs because his wife too always has that same question? The answer was "secret priesthood business" I'm grateful for that enlightenment (NOT).

Amazingly other sisters came to me afterwards and said that there husbands too have the secret priesthood business as well.

"Secret Priesthood Business"

Project 2

Organising my cupboards gave me a brilliant idea for Nicholas Lego. Nicholas has a few Lego that was given to him for birthdays and Christmas and just random and he's very good at putting them together. However, as time has passed and he has mixed some with others all the Lego objects became a big container of pieces. So I decided to buy more containers and seperate the pieces and put all instruction with the each object. What a mission!!! Thursday night I stayed up til 11.30pm before I realised it was way pass my bedtime. I mange to finish them tonight. I'm very pleased with the outcome and Nicholas has started making them up now they are in order. Project 2 completed.

Many Peices

Organised Lego