It's Official

Ben was confirmed as a member of the church on Sunday. At first we didn't think it was going to happen as President Lydiate forgot but no worries he just slipped it in between speakers.

Ben asked Dave to give him the blessing as well as Phil, Mikey, Ivor, John, Andrew and Elder Fullmer. Unfortunately Dave is not the loudest speaker and because there were a few priesthood they couldn't stand near the microphone so I could not hear it.

Dave is such a great priesthood holder and takes his role very seriously. When ever he is asked to give a blessing etc he generally fast. I always remembered he was asked to go and give Ange a blessing it was his first time. I remember how he prepared that morning and he fasted and he got dressed in his suite and prayed read his scriptures and off he went. Before he left he asked me you don't think I'm over dressed do ya?? Of course I love seeing Dave in his suite so I said no way I'm sure thats what you should wear and I know Haki will be all dressed up. When he got home he was different from when he left in a fantastic way its hard to describe how he looked. I asked him how it went and he said it was a awesome experience. I carried on to say and was Haki all dressed up Dave smiled and said not exactly....

Anyway back to the confirmation, Dave had studied and memorised what he had to say etc However when he started I noticed one of the men whispering to him. Apparently Dave thought he was giving Ben the Aaronic priesthood. As we couldn't hear I could only assume the rest of the priesthood were helping Dave out.

When Dave got back he told me what the problem was but because he was being supported by the other priesthood he did not feel embarrassed and still felt the spirit to give Ben the holy ghost and confirm him as a member. I must admit if that was Dave a year ago he would have crumbled and probably past it on to someone else to do. I told Dave that I couldn't even tell and I was so proud of him.

Ben was glowing and he really felt the spirit he gave me a big cuddle and now his journey begins......

I thought I was going to have to wait at least 7 years before I could see one of my sons (Nicholas) pass the sacrament but I feel so blessed that it will be only a matter of weeks when I will be able to watch my other son Ben pass the sacrament.

Sunday Baking

Dave had a flash back of his childhood memories today, baking with his dad. So when we got home from church the boys decided to bake toffee and russian fudge. Nicholas lasted long enough to put two cups of sugar in the pot before he thought his toys were way more fun. So Dave blodded on and made these awesome treats. Not bad for a learner baker. Dave wants to make this a tradition although on going to bed and eating most of the treats his comment was I probably get fat if I did that every Sunday. Dave fat couldn't imagine that.

Saturday Night Date

We didn't make it to our usual Thursday night 'flick' date as nothing interested us, so we just stayed home. However, on Saturday night my husband took me to the Southern Sinfonia at the Dunedin Town Hall. Passion & Power was the theme. The company Dave works for sponsored the evening so free tickets (love freebies). We had pre nibbles/drinks very yummy.

The programme included Lilburn: Festive Overtune, Tchaikosky: Violin Concerto, The violinist Bella Hristova was amazing she was the winner of the Michael Hill International violin competition. What talent, she got a standing ovation. The last piece for the evening was Sebelius: Symphony No2. The great thing about this piece was the conductor Brett Kelly explained the piece before he started which was excellent it really allowed you to understand the music and when certain instruments played you knew what it was referring too.

I must admit that during some part of the concert I felt myself drifting off to sleepy land and I could hear myself snoring which woke me and then Dave and I got the giggles. We were really amused by the lady standing way up the back with two instruments a triangle and big symbols. I swear she struck that triangle about 4 times throughout one piece we laughed (quietly).

A very cultural evening and after drinks and nibbles were most appreciated. The bonus was we couldn't stay to long for the after function because I had to go to work. So we left and when I got home grab my gear and took Stacey home. Knowing I was going to be late I phoned work to let them know. My colleague said "but your're not working tonight" Really I said, "hang on I'll check the roster" "NO your're not working" YES I could go home and sleep for the night Great date!!!!

Book Review

Those who know me, know I am absolutely useless at reading. I can honestly say I have only read less than 10 books from start to finish ever. I just find reading hard and I seem to forget the plot or what I've read 4 pages back. I've been in the church 7 years and I'm still struggling my way through the Book of Mormon. Anyway while watching Good Morning they were interviewing this young man (Israel) and Fleur Beale (author) about a book of a religious cult here in NZ, I was intrigued right from the start and the interview was great. I went out that day and bought the book. I was hooked right from the start and for someone who is useless at reading I finished the book in 3 days AMAZING I know. My husband was most impressed. I really didn't want it to end. I'm no expert on book reviews but I would recommend this to read. It made me laugh, cry, get angry, felt disbelieved, relieved and joy. Anyone want to borrow it just shout out.

Stars on Stage

For weeks Nicholas has been practising at school for the Stars on Stage night. Stars on Stage runs over 3 nights where primary and intermediate schools are given the opportunity to perform on a big stage. Apparently its a big event and it was obvious when I had to que for 2 hours to purchase tickets.

Nicholas has been very secretive about what his school was doing all I knew is he was a penguin. Everytime I asked him about it he would say "sorry mum its a secret"Anyway on Sunday I was telling Ange about the big event and how Nicholas was a penguin and before I knew it he was waddling around the room like a penguin it was so funny he really wanted to show Ange obviously because up until then it was a secret.

Tuesday night came and we headed to the Regent Theatre for the big event. Nicholas school was the opening act and I was absolutely amazed and so proud of the school and Nicholas they were awesome. The skit was about an intergalactic journey through space and landing on earth. There were aliens and space planets the rocket travelled through space and when it landed on earth the music What a wonderful world came on and the little children were dressed as flowers and penguins and many other beautiful things we have on the earth, It was well thought out and performed brilliantly. The other schools were really good and even if you don't have children at school I would recommend everyone to go. I don't ever remember school being that much fun. Well done Nicholas you are a very cute penguin and your waddle was perfect.

Ben's Baptism

My son Ben has been living with us for over a month and its been a real joy having him. We had a couple of teething problems but they have been dealt with and all is good. He has a job working at MacDonald's and he's really enjoying it even though he has to start work at 5am.

Since Dave and I joined the church Ben has always come to church with us (when he was here on holiday). He has always joined in the church activities and loves going to young men's. Now that he lives with us full time he has been investigating the church for himself. One thing I have noticed about Ben is once he makes his mind up there's no going back. Example this " Now I'm going to be here and going to church I'd better get me a suite" He had saved some money and so off to the shops we went and 1 hour later and $500 a new suite and a nice jacket.

Well on Saturday night Ben arrives home at 10.30pm I told him the missionaries were looking for him today. He replies "oh yeah I was suppose to get baptised today" All news to me I must add... Ben continues "but I forgot. I'll get baptised tomorrow" WHAT!!!! I don't think that's possible Ben. Dave adds his 5cents worth "I don't think it will be a problem" Just text the missionaries see what they say. Ben gets my cellphone and here is what he says:

"Hi elders Ben here ummm I'll get baptised tomorrow okay"

Of course all I could think of was how was it possible I had nothing organised or planned what about the food after the baptism who would come at such short notice????? My brain was spinning around.

Elder Price rings back straight away and before I could think anymore the baptism was on. No pressure. Dave says it'll be fine nothing like a spontaneous baptism. I went to bed thinking how will this work??? Lucky I wasn't working night shift.

Sunday came and off to church we go I was a nervous wreck and Ben just cool calm and collective. The Elders were so excited they had the things in motion and people behind the scene were quietly working a miracle. Thanks to Elders, Phil and Ange this event would not have happen without your awesome support. I asked Annemarie and Kate to sing with me (not that I did a good job). We went home from church and I started to get lunch meanwhile thinking about the aftermath what could I cook that would be easy but filling. Dave was annoying me and just saying don't worry about just make scones. I started to feel a little stressed and before I knew it I was having a domestic with Dave and I wasn't a happy camper. People who know me know I like to be organised and have everything done. It just wasn't happening this day. To top it off Dave and Nicholas wanted to bake whilst I was trying to cook that was not helping me either. Then Ange rings I must have sounded firm or grumpy because not long after the phone call Ange text me and reminding me who didn't want me to be happy thanks Ange. I made pumpkin soup and scones and hoped that would be enough.

Come 3.30pm we arrive at the chapel Ben was whisked away to do things. I went to set out the chairs thinking well there won't be many attendance. I was out of the room taking photos of the boys and came back to the baptism room and it had filled up I was overwhelmed that so many people had turned up. It was so awesome to see the support there for Ben especially alot of youth were there my heart was filled with such happiness and love and joy.

Tapeka baptised Ben and Ivor Anderson gave a awesome talk. For such a spontaneous baptism it was an awesome and I definitely felt the spirit.

The aftermath at home was brilliant and I was glad Ben invited Wilson and Tapeka back for a meal I thanked them both for supporting Ben since he moved here.

I am so proud of Ben for making the decision to join the church. The courage it took for a 16 year old to make that step knowing that his dad would not be impressed ( a phone call to tell his dad confirmed it). Now he is focusing on going on a mission its just amazing like I said when Ben makes up his mind he jumps in 100%

The beauty of this for me is that all my children are in the church now I can watch them all grow in the gospel and hopefully their children and so on and so on I feel so blessed as a mum.

That seed that Phil and Annemarie planted in us 7 years ago has certainly blossomed I love them so much and so grateful they came along when they did. Who would have known that me as an Amazon carrying Tuptin (Annemarie) onto the stage all those years ago would come to so much now.

Elder Price, Tapeka, Ben, Elder Fullmer

School Uniform Part 3

So just when you think things are good with the uniform process. WHAM!! some parent calls the local paper (ODT) and tells them of our plans to adopt gang colours for a school uniform. The reporter turns up at the school to interview the Chairman of the BOT and then a photo of the children and before you know it, you're reading the article in the newspaper the next morning. As a member of the uniform committee I can assure you we were all feeling a little nervous about how the article would read. Here is the article

A Dunedin primary school will continue with its plans to introduce a red and black uniform for pupils, despite objections from one parent, who says it looks like a Mongrel Mob gang uniform. Mornington School Board of Trustees chairman Scott Mason said a proposed uniform with a red polo shirt and polar fleece, and black pants/skirt was presented to parents recently at a consultation meeting. The idea of a uniform was instigated by parents because they wanted to create collegiality or school spirit and it also took much anxiety out of clothing choice for many pupils, Mr Mason said. However, one parent at the meeting expressed concern about the colours of the proposed uniform and said they looked similar to those of Mongrel Mob gang members. Mr Mason dismissed the criticism, saying there were other schools around the country with red and black uniforms, including Fairfield School in Dunedin. "I think you could find a reason for any colour not being appropriate. I don't have any concern about my daughter wearing red and black. "If kids started coming to school wearing bandannas, then I would be concerned. I don't think any gang would think they have achieved a major milestone if a school was wearing red tops and black shorts. "Given that other schools have the same colours here and at other places around the country, this is no precedent." Mr Mason said the school's traditional colours were red and yellow, but red and black were chosen because "yellow is not a particularly good base colour for any uniform". "Black was also chosen because it won't show up the dirt as much." Mr Mason said there were more valid concerns raised at the parent consultation meeting, such as the cost of uniforms for parents and the issue of pupils losing their "individuality" by all wearing the same clothes. The proposed uniform was going through a board approval process and Mr Mason hoped pupils would start wearing it optionally later this year. It could then be adopted next year as the school's official uniform.

PHEW!!! I feel the article read more in our favour and I can honestly say there was a relieved uniform committee indeed. I couldn't download the photo due to protection rights etc. Nicholas was most disappointed he didn't get to be in the photo as he was one of the models but because the school couldn't contact me to get my permission Nicholas missed out. However, Nicholas always has great ideas " I know mum maybe I could get my photo taken now and they will put it in the newspaper tomorrow, great idea aye mum"

I discovered that people read newspaper articles and then if they have a stronge opinion they can log on the newspaper website and post a comment. Here is one opinion from someone:

The concerns about gang colours are groundless and unfounded. Gangs do not wear their colours in the same manner as schools wear a uniform - anyone seen a gang member with a red polo shirt and black shorts or tartan skirt on lately? If we are concerned about a small Dunedin school having a uniform based on gang colours then what about the other schools countrywide that also have school colours that reflect local, national and international gangs?What is being forgotten here is the desire of the majority of parents, as expressed in a school and community survey, to have a uniform investigated and implemented. This is being ignored. For many parents a uniform makes practical and economic sense, it means that parents do not have to worry about buying the right clothes or have issues over what to wear before school each morning. For the school it promotes pride, a sense of community and belonging and stamps out peer pressure and bullying over the wearing of the latest label.There will always be people who believe that uniforms stamp out individuality etc... Find another way for your child to shine, why does it have to be through the clothes that they wear? Encourage your children to shine through the force of their personality. The kids at those schools with uniforms around the place, primary, intermediate and secondary certainly aren't lacking in personality or individuality as far as I can tell!

So there you have it the uniform debate maybe at peace for our school for now, or is it??? Stay tune for the implementing phase. I'm sure it will be interesting.......

School Uniform Part 2

Friday came and the votes were counted 81 yes's and 40 no's. We needed 60% to pass, which we achieved 67% a little close for comfort. However we'll take the 67% and start the next phase of implementing the uniform into the school. All student can start wearing the uniform at the begining of term 3 and by January 2010 it will be compulsary to wear the uniform (except year 6 who have the option last year at the school). Some parents had an issue with the colour so we added another option for the girls a tartan skirt or cullottes. Others had issue with just having the short sleeve T-shirt so we have added long sleeved Ts. One thing I have learn't, its hard to keep everyone happy. I am so thrilled that the proposal was accepted and that I played a part in this process.

The School Uniform

When I searched for a school for Nicholas one of my "must have" was a school uniform. When looking at Mornington School it had everything I wanted except the uniform. The Principal informed me that it wasn't far from being implemented. So we decided to send Nicholas to Mornington. At the beginning of the year the school uniform issue came up and a chance to be on the committee arose. I volunteered my services and along with 5 other mums we came up with the new school uniform. The school colours are red, yellow and black, knowing that yellow doesn't suit many people we stayed away from that colour and stuck with red and black. So for the girls we decided on the red t-shirt and black skort, shorts, skirt or culottes black tights or white socks with black shoes. The boys red t-shirt and black shorts or track pants, black socks and shoes. They would all wear a red polar fleece with contrast black collar and the school logo would be embroided on the front. We got some samples and dressed up some of the children (nicholas was one). They looked absolutely stunning.

We had the opportunity to present the uniform to the BOT and teachers they loved it and so our next presentation would be to the parents. What an experience it was, most of the parents seemed okay with it but one parent raised the question that the colours could be linked to the Mongrel Mob all of us on the committee looked at each other (was not expecting that). Once that was mentioned I could see many parent nodding there heads. What could you say to that comment we didn't have an answer. What was ironic was the parent who made the comment was dressed in red and black. As the evening progressed we still didn't have a solution for her comment. The parents get to vote and voting closes on Friday 5th June. The thing I sought might have been a problem was cost but no-one thus far has even mention it. We took the children dressed in the uniform around to show all the children at school and the general feeling was good. One student asked when can we start wearing it???

We are presenting the uniform again today for those parents who missed out the other night. I have since heard that a family will be pulling their children out of the school if the uniform goes ahead and talking to another parent she felt the colour was to angry, other comments was what about childrens individuality. Its been an very interesting journey one I hope will be in favour of uniform.

Afghans

My husband loves Afghans so I have started making them on a regular basis. My biggest issue with these biscuits is it uses so much butter and you hardly get many biscuits. I have made a few batches now and still I haven't seemed to have mastered the right technique. The recipe from the Edmonds book says it will make 30 but I was lucky to get 20 and then Dave said they were too small. So I had another go and made them bigger and even less biscuits (still too small for Dave) So I doubled the mixture that's 400gm of butter and made them bigger and this time I manage to get 30 biscuits. Oh well practise makes perfect I'll just have to keep on with different techniques lucky Dave like them so much