Engagement

On Saturday, after TBall I went into town with the children to meet Ben and Shenelle for a cuppa.  I haven't seen Ben for about 3 months and it was nice to see him looking healthy and happy.  We went to Mojo and whilst we organising what we wanted to eat, Shenelle wasn't feeling well I joking said are you pregnant? They both said no, then came the BUT! as Ben grabs Shenelle's hand and flashed a beautiful diamond on her finger "we're engaged.  Honestly my first thoughts were are you crazy? too young 18yrs, what the?????  After my brain had registered the fact, I could see these two people before me were very happy and committed. I am all for happiness!!! 

Since Shenelle has been living in Dunedin I have made the effort in getting to know her. I felt I had been somewhat harsh before I met her (being a protective mum).  I can honestly say I am very fond of her now.  She is a genuine person who portrays great qualities, she has her head screwed on right.  I have seen her beauty, her forgiving side, her generosity (even though I didn't get to go to the Vodaphone Music Awards), a great sense of humour,  she never pretended to be anything other than herself and she has never sucked up to me or call me mummy or invaded my space.  I love that she is honest with me and I can see she makes my son Ben very happy.  I am proud that she has completed her course and already has a job.  I know the rest of the family like her as well. I am very happy she is part of our family.

I gave them both a hug and congratulated them and just advised them not to rush into things ie babies, enjoy being young and having you time.  Get money behind ya and set yourselves up properly.

Its a funny good feeling the thought of being a mother in law and gaining a daughter. 

Guy Fawkes

I know animal lovers hate Guy Fawkes and for good reasons but I just love them.  I love seeing the sky light up in pretty colours and writing letters with sparklers.  When I was a little girl my mum would buy lots of fireworks.  Back then they had tom thumbs and jumping jacks and sky rockets it was so awesome.  One day Peter and I were doing the dishes and mum lit a whole packet of jumping jacks and some how placed them in the kitchen whilst we were doing the dishes.  The sound inside the house was deafening, Peter and I jumped and screamed our heads off whilst my mum was laughing her hysterically.

The cost of the fireworks is the only reason why our Guy Fawkes night was brief with sparklers and a few flower pots.

Nicholas wanted to have halloween too so I made this latern out of a tangelo

A Day in Wellington

We woke to a beautiful sunny morning hard to believe yesterday was so miserable. We headed out for breakfast at McD's and we planned the day.  First stop Te Papa overall opinion BIG from the outside and some of the exhibitions were awesome however, I think Dunedins Museum is just as impressive.

Our walk to Te Papa 

Whilst at the museum we caught up with Alison and she spent the day with us which was awesome.  After lunch we headed to the Beehive.  Kate was very tired and fell asleep whilst Dave carried her.  Unfortunately my camera has something wrong with it so the photos are dumb and some didn't even save.

Next destination was the cable cars and that was a view not to miss.  Seven hours later we say goodbye to Alison and head back to the hotel for a well deserved rest. 

These bodies were painted

Awesome View

We flew home on the Saturday and as I reflect on our holiday apart from some minor hiccups the overall experience was awesome.  I'm already planning the next trip.

Lets Go To Wellington

Today we drove from Hamilton to Wellington a huge drive. The day was wet and dreary thus meant it wouldn't be too hot in the car.  Unfortunately we wouldn't get to see much scenary.  As I had driven the length of the north island many times and seen the scenery I opted to drive all the way so Dave could get admire our beautiful country.  The trip was pleasant and our first official stop was Waiouru.  We went into the Waiouru War Museum and Nicholas enjoyed playing dress up. 

We continued towards Wellington, by now it was pouring with rain which made driving a longer event.  Coming into Wellington there was extensive road works, the single laned type.  All of a sudden I could hear fire engines and ambulances siren and somehow we had to make way for them scary!!!!  Later we heard there was a head on collision between two trains due to slips. 

We arrived into the city centre and being organised (not) thought we could rock into any motel/hotel place Oh how wrong were we???? Aparently the Wearable Arts were on in Wellington great where would we stay now.  We sat in the car and rang most of the places in the AA book took over an hour no luck.  Finally I remembered from days of ole when working in at the Leviathan, there was always a duty motel they were responsible for knowing where vacant accomodation were in the region.  So I told Dave to go into the hotel we were parked outside and ask.  By now we were all tired, stressed and we were all wishing we had stayed in Temple View.  Dave came back from the hotel and what a blessing.  This hotel had another hotel two blocks down with a room with a queen and a single bed, YES it was ours.

Settled into our room we walked the main street of Wellington to find a place to eat.  We found Abrakebabrah made great kebabs and rice dishes.  Hopefully tomorrow would be a much nicer day and the rain would stop. 

Temple Week Day 3

Leading up to the temple trip I had prepared some relatives names to have work done for them and so I headed up to the temple first thing so the youth could do baptisms.  How awesome that felt.

Most mornings at home the TV is going to entertain the children whilst I get breakfast.  By day 3 we had forgotten we didn't have a TV the children had found colouring in and playing with their toy a cool thing to do. Doing things together as a family was a great feeling.

Dave went for his usual run and then we walked up to the temple.  Im sure Dave was feeling if not more nervous as I did the previous day.  He too missed his buddy Phil,  but I told him Roy would be waiting for him inside.  He made his way inside and the children and I decided to go back to the visitors centre.  Before we went Nicholas wanted a photo of him sitting outside the temple.

We spent over 2 hours in the visitors centre we had that much fun.  Highlight was when an Elder was showing Nicholas and Kate all the different temples in the world.  In his cool American accent he told Nicholas that when he is a big boy he would be able to go inside the temple and see how beautiful they are.  Nicholas response "well actually I've already been inside the temple" the Elder said "you have what a special boy you are" Nicholas "Kate has too but she didn't see because she was in mums tummy" The Elder laughed.

At 1pm we saw daddy come out of the temple.  He was a different man the frowns on his forehead had gone he was smiling and it was a joy to see.  As we walked back to the apartments he told me his concerns and it was so nice to know what he was feeling and that it wasn't me etc.

We went out for lunch and went to the swimming pool which was a big disappointment. Highlight at the pool was meeting a little girl:

Little girl: "whats her name"
Me: "Kate"
LG: "who"
Me: "Kate"
LG:  "what"
Me:  "Kate"
LG: "cake"
Me:  "No K A T E"
LG: "thats weird"
Me: "really!  What's your name?"
LG: "Rangima.........??????"
Me: "What"
LG: "they call me mamma for short"

Back at the apartments Dave and I left the children with the Jenners and went to the temple together.  It was the best thing for us to go as husband and wife to sit in the celestrial room together and to have us time. Dave was able to do my grandfather endowment too. Knowing that we were departing the next day we knew the time we had at the temple was one of testing and conquering. Dave is keen to go next year and hopefully time it, so our other friends are there too.

Temple Week Day 2

Our drive to Hamilton was uneventful, children slept whilst hubby and myself took in the scenery.  By the time we arrived into Hamilton it was dusk and as we approached the temple we could see it glowing in all its glory.  The children were awake and were excited to see the temple.  Nicholas was explaining to Kate how he had been inside the temple and how Kate was in my tummy when she went in.  Very cute conversation. 

We collected our key to the temple apartments and proceeded to unload the car.   A sense of relief to have arrived safely, as we entered our accomodation the first thing everyone noticed was NO TV!!!!! Amazingly enough Dave was the one who screwed up his nose the most and protested. I'm generally the TV addict.

For the first time we had to think about what we were going to do to entertain ourselves without the TV (challenging).  We drove back to Dinsdale to get some supplies and dinner and stopped outside the visitors centre to view the temple.

Back at the apartment we were putting the children to bed when there was a knock at the door.  It was Elder Donaldson (Matty) what a pleasant surprise.  It was lovely to catch up and that was one way we entertained ourselves without the TV.

Tuesday came and Dave went for his morning run. I was getting ready to go into the temple for the first time in 4years.  I was totally nervous and as I walked to the temple I text Amiee for support my heart was pounding and concentrating on my text to Amiee I walked into a pole ÖUCH". I missed not having my best friend with me to hold my hand.  I stood in front of the temple contemplating my options (to go or not to go in). A couple came out and saw me they approached me to see if I was ok (I must have looked terrified).  I explained my predicament and they were so helpful and I am so grateful they came out when they did.  I took a deep breathe and told myself I can do this on my own and entered the building.

The beauty and peacefulness was overwhelming I could feel the spirit strongly and for two hours a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.  As I walked back to the apartments I felt light uplifted and refreshed.  Unfortunately it all came crashing down when I walked into the apartment to "What took you so long"  Hello reality!!! Luckliy I had been inside the temple and still feeling calm and peaceful my response was of the same nature.

We decided to go and explore Hamilton so we went to the Base, a huge shopping mall had lunch and a bit of shopping.  We finished off the day at the Hamilton lakeside.  The kids played and we admired the view and the sunset it was lovely.

When we got back to the apartments we saw the "Jenners"and discovered they were our next door neighbours.  Lorraine had offered to look after the children whilst Dave and I went to the temple together.  Dave still wasn't keen to go and so Roy and Dave had a talk.  Later on Dave returns and I'm not sure what happened but Dave had decided to go with Roy tomorrow.  We went out for dinner and on the way back the visitors centre was still open so we went inside the children loved it.  Kate just wanted to hear Jesus talking and Nicholas loved the LDS video ads.  The children did not want to leave so I told them we would visit again tomorrow while daddy was inside the temple.

Whilst settling the children to sleep Kate asked me "what would Jesus say to me mummy?" I told her he would tell her that she was a special little girl and that he loved her.  Kate nodded and then she said "and keep his commandments and love one another" super cute answer.  She had obviously listened to the big statue of Jesus in the visitors centre.

Sleep well Finnie Family

The Finnie Family Holiday

Well its almost a month since we went to the temple, time sure does fly by. Leading up to the trip was somewhat trialling and as most of our friends have commented that's a normal process.

Day 1 

Our family flew out on Monday 27/9/10, we had a direct flight to Auckland Yeah!  It was Kate's first time on plane and she loved every minute.  Nicholas and I had trouble with our ears so most of the flight we were holding our noses and blowing gently to 'pop' our ears. We arrived in Auckland at 11am, that meant a whole afternoon in Auckland.

We got our hired car which was a white Toyota corolla 2009 very posh. I had booked the car a year ago the price @ $270 for the week it was a bargain.  Mr Finnie proceeds to asked about insurance and other stuff and before I knew it my cheap car rental had doubled in price.  Looking at Mr Finnie I expressed my concerns "honey I feel that is a little extravagant"  It took him awhile but he came to the same conclusion (PHEW).  We piled into the car and headed off on our adventure.

First stop was Rainbows End.  Dave and I haven't been here since 1996.  Nicholas was very excited, Kate was not too sure.  Our first ride was the Pirate Ship, thinking its just a big swing, Kate will be fine.  Think again!!! Poor Kate screamed and screamed the whole time the hardest thing was not being able to put her on my knee as we were locked in. So I had to lean over her and hold her as tight as I could whilst she screamed in my ear (I deserved that I suppose).
Next stop, Free Fall I wasn't to sure what this ride entailed and Kate was still a little shaken as she clung to my neck.  I suggested Nicholas and Dave go while we watched.  Thank goodness because as I stood and watched, I saw the boys go up up up up along way up and then they stopped. The word free fall became clearer as I watched them plummet down to the bottom.  The funniest thing ever was hearing Dave involuntarily scream and watching his long legs tense straight out. I couldn't stop laughing.  The boys came out, Nicholas was laughing and saying "that was the meanest mum".  Dave's face said it all and he was shaking hilarious

Free Fall



Can you see Dave's stiff legs?

The amazing thing about being at Rainbows End was because of the school holidays, we were expecting lots of people but  there wasn't  thus meant no queues awesome.  Our next adventurous ride was the famous Log Flume.  Kate sat with her dad and felt safe whilst Nicholas and I rode up the front.  Kate enjoyed this ride until the drop at the end.

The End

The newest ride The Invader looked scary but infact it  was the best ride for me personally.  Except Kate we all had two to three goes on this ride.

Nicholas & Dave

 

Nicholas and Dave soon were off to the roller coaster and again Nicholas just loved it and had two or three goes on each, once with mum and once with dad and when we could all four of us.

 

By boys have fun!!!

Nicholas and Dave in the green cab

After a bite to eat we went into Cadbury Land there Kate was able to have ago on everything without screaming just lots of smiles and laughing.  I'm sure this was Kate's favourite part of the day.  Even Nicholas enjoyed himself.







Kate's Favourite Ride

Our day at Rainbow's End concluded with tired children and very happy memories.  Next stop Temple View Hamilton.



Brothers In Arms

Today Nicholas and I were looking at old photos and having a great time laughing at certain things.  We came across this video clip of Nicholas 3yrs and Ben 14yrs singing a Hooley Dooley song.

Priceless

Time Does Fly

Have you missed me? I certainly have missed blogging. Time sure does fly, where to begin? Gosh there is so much that has happened since I last posted. So over the next few days I will endeavour to inform you of the Finnie family adventures.

Chapter 1

Born to be Wild

We have met most of our neighbours in the new subdivision and they all seem friendly and I feel we will all get on well.  The neighbour across the way is a single mum with two children, a girl same age as Nicholas and a 4 year old boy.  They have a grandad and grandma who live two houses down and they are the most awesome parents, grandparents.  They are very supportive and always helping out at the house. Anyway grandad saw a 4 wheeler on trade-me and he purchased it for the grandchildren.  We happened to be visiting Dave at the new house when the bike appeared.  Nicholas wide eyed watched and watched and then the grandad asked Nicholas if he wanted a ride.  He looked at me with such excitement I couldn't say no.  He has never been on a motorbike before so I was a little nervous. 

Here he is getting instruction on how to ride.  For a first timer he was pretty good and he only tried to run over the grandad once.  After the ride Nicholas said he was going to enjoy living in this neighbourhood.

Chapter Two

Chocolate

So last month I looked after the Jenkins rabbit and guinea pig, which at first was nerve wrecking but after a week I was really fond of them both and really enjoyed looking after them.  Buying special treats and spoiling them with fancy bedding (which I don't think they liked).  Anyway when they left I was somewhat lost without them and the children missed them too.  Craig did mention when he left with princess bunny and gouda that he could get me one if I wanted one?  Looking at Dave he hum and ha and left it at that.

One week later we went to the Jenkins for dinner and in a little box for us was this little cutie

Meet our very own little princess who Nicholas named Chocolate

We are so happy with her and she is such a friendly little bunny.  Craig also has lent us a hutch for her to live.  However for the first four nights she slept inside in a container and she jumped around the furniture.  Eventually we knew she would have to get used being outside and so she is now happy in her hutch.  I love her floppy ears and yes I have been shopping for her and yes she is somewhat spoilt.

Stayed tuned for more adventures with the Finnie's

Young Stars

From the moment I could talk, my mum taught us many songs. She played the guitar and we would sing. My mum was a hard teacher and sometimes she would smack us if we got the words wrong.  Even though she was tough I still loved singing and to this day its my most favourite thing I love to do. 

Pete and I would often be the nights entertainment at pubs and family gatherings (weddings, 21st etc).  My sister sent me this photo of me and Pete.  I am 4years old and Pete is 5yrs.  Its 1973 and we are singing at my Aunty wedding in Palmerston North.  I'm not to sure of the song but at a guess its probably "I'm Nobodys Child"  

Kate 08 turns 2

Kate 08 Pretty in Pink

Our beautiful baby girls turned 2 years old today, oh my where has the time gone?  Over the last two days she has been so excited about her birthday. She even went up to Mr Tucker at school and told him "it my birthday" so random and forward.  When we asked her who's  having a birthday she placed her hand on her chest and says "me"

The past two years have been such a blessing from the day she came home from the hospital she has always been little Miss Independant, never liked sleeping with us always likes her space and her own bed.  Took to daycare very easily and moving daycare centres not a bother at all.  Unless she asks for help you don't bother trying to help.  Very particular about who kisses her and she decides who can have cuddles.  For awhile when daddy went to give her a kiss or a cuddle she would tell him "get off me" or "stop that".

Kate is very caring and motherly she is a girly girl loves her babies and dressing up in her pretty dresses.  Kate loves to sing and she quite the dancer.  Her favourite singer is Stan Walker or as she calls him "Stan the Man"  At night she loves story time her favourite stories are Billys Bucket and I Know a Rhino.  Kate loves horses and most days we go and feed carrots to them.  I'm sure she'll like her very own pony one day or we'll just send her to her Uncle Petes and Aunty Cheri who own horses.

My goal for all my children was to have them toilet trained before 2yrs.  However, I have failed miserably with Kate and so the process continues.  I suppose being little Miss Independant she will do it in her own time.

I'm not such a big fan of birthday parties.  I don't mind going to them but I hate organising them. I just get stressed out and I always worry about the food and is everyone having fun.  So I wasn't going to have a party besides she wouldn't even notice. How wrong was I? I'm sure Nicholas planted the seed but she seemed very excited about the thought of having a party.  "My party" My Birthday"  So at the last minute I texted a few close friends to come have cake and juice.

"Happy Birthday to you"

Cake time

Not too close

I did it!!!!!!

Kates friends

Kate had a great time and it wasn't stressful for me.

I look forward to many more years of fun times with baby Kate and thank Heavenly Father everyday for such a beautiful sweet Missy Moo!!!!