The Beginning of the End

It is now the beginning of the end. My final semester at university (for now) has begun. In twelve weeks I will graduate with an honours degree in psychological science. For the past five years I have studied, and now there are just months until it finishes. I am SO excited. And I am more motivated than ever to work as hard as I can to finish strong.

I am reasonably pleased with the subjects I am studying, and my thesis is progressing well, although my data collection is an excruciatingly long and tiresome process. I spend one hour with each participant, asking them questions and giving them intelligence tests to complete. I have eight four participants to work through, and I've only done 11.

Kylie is getting really close to having the baby now. We only have three or four weeks left, and it is starting to show. Kylie is feeling uncomfortable, and slowing down. So we are counting the days and have begun serious preparations to ensure everything is ready. Combined with that, I am going to be putting in some extra long hours at uni over the next few weeks so that when the baby arrives I have something of a head start on all of that work. That way, hopefully, I can be more supportive at home. The baby will be born half-way through the semester, so it will be an extremely busy time in every way imaginable.

A few nights ago we decided to have a pizza and movie night with the children. We cooked home made pizza with hot hungarian salami (wow it was good), pineapple, capsicum and onion. Then we watched "Because of Winn-Dixie". It was a movie about a little girl who found a dog and made friends with it. Because of the dog, lots of lonely people were united to form strong friendships, and the little girl learned about her mother (who had left some years earlier). It was a beautiful movie. The kids loved it, as did Kylie. And I think we went through a whole box of tissues towards the end. Really sweet stuff. And good for kids and grown-ups. I give it 8 out of 10.

There are two other things that I've noticed recently too. Last Sunday as we sat in church I looked down the pew to my three little girls. Kylie had spent the morning making them look even more beautiful with hair dryers and brushes and all of that female stuff that I will never understand. I was filled with gratitude, and more than a small portion of pride. And then I noticed something: They are all the absolute image of Kylie. No wonder I feel so lucky. I have the most beautiful family.

I've also been spending quite a bit of time working with someone who wants to understand the Gospel better. He is a member of the church and have been for 10 years. He has read the scriptures religously (pardon the pun), but never really learned much. For the past couple of months I have been "coaching" and helping out. I chatted with this person in the last week. What has occurred is wonderful. He used to read a chapter every day, sometimes a couple of chapters, in order to say he had read and to get to the end. I asked if that was working for him.

"No, not really."

I suggested that what mattered more than the outcome he was chasing was the process he went through. I suggested that rather than reading a chapter a day, he read for 20 minutes. He may read one verse, one page or one chapter or more. What mattered was how he understood what he read. I showed him how to question everything, to cross-reference and use additional material to really understand. We talked about the "process".

We spoke a couple of days ago. It has taken him three weeks to get through only two chapters. Yet his understanding has improved markedly. He is feeling like he has learned more in the past three weeks than he has in the past ten years. It feels good to be part of that process, and to have helped in some small way.

Lastly, mum and dad are in QLD this weekend and it has been a real treat to spend some time with them. The girls love them and flock to them. We have enjoyed seeing them, and spent most of the day with dad yesterday. We found an incredible part at Helensvale on the northern tip of the Gold Coast. Abbie and Ella came with dad and I and played for two hours non-stop. They would have played all day if they could. The best thing was the slide. It was big, and steep, and fun. They ran up the stairs and down the slide endlessly. And they slept well last night.

More Than We Deserve

So many things have happened in the past two weeks (since I last wrote) that I'm concerned I'll write a novel if I'm not careful. Just trying to count our family's blessings in the past fortnight has me struggling to keep up with all that we've received.

First off, I've been blessed beyond any deserving with my uni work. In fact, never would I have imagined that things could have gone so well. As I've made clear, Kylie was unwell, in hospital, and I was trying to prepare for exams and look after the children and the house. Things during my exam break were as challenging as I've ever experienced. My preparation was minimal, yet I've received a high distinction for my 4th year multi-variate statistics course. I've never had a mark like that for any statistics, so to get it for my final year was breathtaking.

I also got a high distinction for my Applied Cognitive Psychology. Unbelievable! I managed a distinction for my clinical addiction seminar course too. So all in all, a miraculously successful first semester. Now, only 14 weeks to go and it's over. I'm taking a subject in educational psychology, and a class in health psychology. I have no real interest in either subject, but they're the best two of a really unappealing 5 subjects to choose from. I'll complete them, and my thesis over the next 3 months, and it's over.

During the school holidays I took a lot of time away from studies and work commitments and spent the time with Kylie and the children. Holidays have been challenging over the past couple of years, with "I'm bored" being the familiar mantra from the children. This time, we've visited parks, played with friends, and generally been together. And it's been terrific. The more time we've spent together, the more we've enjoyed it.

Chanel has become a real pro on her scooter, and Abbie and Ella have recently moved from learner status to provisional. They're still a little bit tentative, but they're getting it, and they love it. Seeing their faces as they play and run - the pure and absolute delight - is one of the most fulfilling things I've experienced. They are genuinely committed to being absolutely present in the situation they're in. There are no concerns about bills, dinner, car services, exams or any other interpersonal dilemma's. It's simply fun. Right here. Right now.

Being with the kids so much has been terrific for learning the importance of appreciating the moment. I don't know if I'll ever really see the world through a child's eye again. As we get older the ability to remember what it's really like for them gets harder. But I can't help but become almost entirely immersed as I watch them play, swing, get dizzy, and squeal with the thrill and delight of the moment.

It's interesting too, because I'm seeing Chanel grow so much. Now that she's nearly eight years old I'm catching tiny glimpses of that childhood eroding. There are only bits here and there, but it's starting. She is becoming increasingly independent in so many areas, and it's hard to let her. But, by golly, I can hardly piggyback her sometimes she's getting so big! And another tooth was lost a few days ago too. Pretty soon they'll all be gone, and adult teeth will be all that's left.

On the final Friday of the holidays I did something I've never done before. I was invited to MC my sister-in-law's wedding. I quite enjoyed the experience, but I won't be considering a career change. The wedding was lovely, and the couple are now back from their honeymoon to Cairns.

After a delightful holiday break, I had the blessing (thanks to Mat) to be able to fly down to Gosford with Chanel and Abbie to witness Jaxson's baptism and give him the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The girls were thrilled to be catching an aeroplane and I was ecstatic to not have to drive for 10 hours through the night to be there. Saturday morning was loads of fun. Dad invited me to help him clear out his storage area under the garage. We got stuck into it, ended up filthy, but got rid of a quarter of a tonne of rubbish. Then it was time to change and take the kids to the chapel for the baptism.

It was a simple service, but spiritual, loving and powerful. Mat spoke briefly. He loves that little boy. It was very moving. And it was clear that it meant a lot to him to see Jaxson baptised. Dad was invited to perform the baptism, which I'm cetain he really enjoyed. Then we returned to the chapel and I was invited to perform the confirmation and give Jaxson the gift of the Holy Ghost. I had been pondering what the Lord wanted Jaxson to be blessed with for some time. I had many thoughts, but nothing really stuck. But that morning on the plane I had felt strongly that he should be blessed with Faith and Courage. I let go of all the other ideas I'd had and focussed there. As I did, other things came to me through inspiration. And I felt the power of the Spirit influence me. I wonder how it happens, especially to someone like me. But we rejoiced in the experience together.

That night we ate food together. I love food. Chinese. Mmmmm. Then we went to bed, ready for a big Sunday. Mum took us to Sydney for a visit to Nan & Pop Bunt's. It's always so much fun visiting them. We enjoyed the visit, ate delicious Corned Beef and Relish sandwiches. Then we had to race back to Gosford for church. After church I had another great highlight. Mat asked me to help him understand the scriptures better. He's been reading his scriptures with reasonable commitment over the past ten years but feels as though he doesn't know anything.

Mat and I spent between two and three hours reviewing study principles and discussing the gospel. It was uplifting and edifying. We talked about the difference between reading to finish and reading to learn. I suggested that if it was better to read one verse and learn from it, than to race through an entire chapter just to say that it was read. Mat has been averaging only a couple of verses a day since then, but he is studying for a full half hour on those verses. And it's made a huge difference, for him and for me.

Monday we flew home. Kylie had spent time with her family from New Zealand following the wedding of her sister, while we'd been in Gosford. Now it was time to reunite. It was great to be together after a weekend apart. First stop - the supermarket for roast chicken, salad and buns. Next stop - Nanny Coulson's. Our flight was to the Gold Coast, so we took advantage of that and ate food with Nan. We had a great visit, as always. Then it was finally time to go home.

I've had a couple of funny experiences this week. Firstly, I was invited to attend an executive meeting for a new organisation for young business people. I decided that I didn't want to be involved any further though, and when I told the fellow in charge he said he was glad because he didn't feel it would be a good fit. I didn't know what to think. Here I was, dumping him, and he turned around and said he wanted to dump me first! I was actually a bit hurt, and began to wonder why he would say that about me. But I got over it pretty quickly. It obviously wasn't something I should be involved in at the moment, or perhaps at all.

I also received feedback on the first draft of my thesis. Mostly good, but there is still a lot of work to do on it. It is an incredibly big project.

Work is going really well, and getting better. I am so grateful for the blessing of this job, and the way it was timed to take over from my TAFE job so perfectly. And Kylie has about 5 weeks to go until we have our baby.

An Ordinary Family

The new financial year has arrived! This is always an exciting time for us, because it means we can start to look forward to tax returns. Hopefully this year will be no different! We're counting on it. Things will be a little different though. I've had to register for GST, which means that every 3 months I'll be completing a Business Activity Statement (BAS). Not looking forward to it, but if I want to provide for my family, I have to earn the money. And if I earn the money, I have to do the paperwork.

I've had a super week. I completed the first draft of my thesis introduction and gave it to my supervisor to preview and provide direction. She has so much on right now that we won't be meeting for another week! This is wonderful as it forces me to take a break from study. There's little I can do until I receive it back. As a result, I've had nothing to do but spend time with Kylie and the children!

The past two days we've explored parks in Brisbane that we've never been to before. We came across two parks that the kids couldn't get enough of. Places to explore, run, climb! These were not your regular parks with a slide, swings and a basic fort. These were huge wooden structures with mazes and tree-houses, nets, slides, chains and more. We've spent lots of time together and it has been fun plus! And remarkably fulfilling. The kids have been happy, and they've gone to sleep fast at night too.

On the way back home from the park one afternoon we decided to have a look at some car yards as we'll be needing to buy a new car in the coming months to accommodate our enlarged family. I had a serious discussion with the children about being on our best behaviour, not jumping on the car seats and staying where we could see them. As we walked toward the dealership we continued our discussion until Chanel surmised, "So you want us to pretend to be an ordinary family Dad?"

Our ordinary family are doing great! And with another week off this week, we're looking forward to some more great fun together.

Ella is really improving with her speaking. We've begun to understand the occasional full sentence. Pleasingly, Ella is eager to practice and work on it too, there's no despondency.

Abbie is a pleasure and a joy. She has the most delightful personality of any child I've ever known.

Chanel is enjoying the school holidays and getting really big. It's amazing to watch, and see how fast the years are vanishing.

I probably won't be writing next week. There's heaps to do too. Kylie's sister, Estelle, will wed Friday. Saturday we fly to Sydney. We're in Gosford for Jaxson's birthday. He's 8, and will be baptised. I'm taking Chanel and Abbie, while Kylie remains with Ella in Brisbane. Kylie really wanted to be there, but with only 8 weeks to go we didn't feel it was safe for her to be flying, particularly with the challenges we've already faced.

So here's to a week of fun with my extra-ordinary family.

All is well

Kylie has come home from hospital.

Last Sunday I went with a friend to visit Kylie in the hospital and we gave her a priesthood blessing. By mid afternoon when I spoke with her next, her voice was strong. The doctors suggested that one more night would be necessary to monitor the progress. On Monday, things were so improved that Kylie was told she would be discharged. A short visit to the maternity wing to address some new concerns ensured that all was well, and I brought Kylie home at around 10pm.

It feels terrific to have our home full again.

During the 5 days Kylie was in hospital my exam preparation was heavily interrupted. I was extremely concerned when I awoke on Tuesday morning for my statistics exam. But I had prayed and fasted, Kylie was home, and this was my last exam for the semester. Riding the scooter to uni for an 8am start on one of the coldest winter days I can remember was not the ideal preparation for the exam. I arrived feeling quite good, knowing I only needed two marks to pass the course, and passing the exam would give me a distinction average at mimimum. And I really felt that the exam went well. I was confident when I left the exam room. I get results in a little over a week, but feel that I have nothing to fear. I am almost certain that I passed and passed well.

For the past several days I've given myself something of a break from everything. I've helped around the house, updated my paperwork and files and finances for Happy Families, and generally tidied up. It has been nice, but a little longer to holiday with the kids would be nice. Instead, it's back to it tomorrow. I have a thesis to write.

Kylie has improved enormously since coming out of hospital. The first few days were slow, but by yesterday things were back to normal. We spent the day cooking treats like Rocky Road, cupcakes and chocolate peppermint slice for friends who have been kind enough to offer support and assistance while Kylie hasn't been well. The children were all heavily involved in the cooking, and loved it. Especially Ella, who made the Rocky Road. She couldn't stop eating it!

This morning the children went with Kylie to drop off all the goodies. But they did it in secret, so no one will know that it was us. Abbie couldn't stop smiling about it! They had so much fun, and felt the goodness that comes from service. They also loved sneaking up to the doorsteps, leaving the cards and a goody, and then racing back to the car. One of our family principles is service, and the children enjoyed service this morning.

Chanel played netball again yesterday as she does each Saturday. What a star! Three goals! Chanel is a great competitor, but also knows how to include the girls who don't get the ball so much. Last night we went on a daddy-daughter date. Hot chocolate... with marshmallows. Mmmm. We talked about the challenges of being 7. Lots of kids at school are using inappropriate language and Chanel is distressed by it. She is also teased at times for going to church. It can be really difficult to help a 7 year-old in times like these. But she's a resilient girl. And by the end of the night with dad, she felt good, and equipped to deal with many of the challenges she's facing.

Tim Tams

This week has been one of the more challenging weeks in recent memory. Our lives have been almost blissful for a little while now, until...

We started off uneventfully. Monday was nothing more than a typical day for Kylie at home, and I spent the day studying in preparation for my Applied Cognitive Psychology exam which was scheduled for Tuesday. While I wasn't completely prepared I felt confident.

The exam was going really well. I was flying through the pages, writing answers freely, and counting up the marks I was sure would be mine! I could almost see the First Class Honours that I've been chasing for so long. There were only 13 marks left out of 80. I felt like I had at least 60 out of the 67 I'd already completed. And then I turned to the second last page. Oh no! The horror. I knew how to answer the question, but every attempt I made was wrong. After over 20 minutes of exasperated trying I gave up on the 8 marks assigned to that page and turned to the final page. Oh no! It was worse! I hadn't studied this part AT ALL!

They say that endings are important. In relationships a conversation that starts abruptly or angrily will, more often than not, end badly. Likewise, a colonoscopy study was done where patients either experienced the discomfort of the procedure and then had the tube removed, or it was left still for 60 seconds before being removed. Patients who experienced the waiting and lack of movement were far more likely to say they would undergo the experience again. It seems that the way something ends has significant impact on our feelings about it.

My Applied Cognitive Psychology exam ended badly. So despite the fact that I know I must have done reasonably well, the poor experience of the last 13 marks on the final two pages has left me with uncomfortable memories. I don't think I got the result I was hoping for. But, I probably could have worked a little harder and then I would have done a little better.

On Wednesday evening things went downhill for Kylie. Last week she had some significant pain which went away following a priesthood blessing. It seemed to have returned with a vengeance. We left for the hospital, thinking it may be appendicitis, but the doctor ruled that out when we arrived. The baby was fine, but Kylie was in excruciating pain. Kylie has been in hospital since Wednesday. It's now Sunday night.

It was thought that the problem may be kidney stones. All the symptoms align with that interpretation. However, a recent study showed that 85% of pregnant women who attend the hospital with similar symptoms are experiencing the baby pushing against the renal area and causing the same issues and pain, but without the calcium build-up. We can't find out either. Kylie would have to undergo a CAT scan, but radiation and pregnancy do not mix. And the ultrasound view is too crude to provide the level of detail we need to determine what it is. So the engorged kidney, the lack of flow through the ureter, the pain, could be kidney stones. But then again, it could just be the baby pushing against the organs and the nerves and making it feel like kidney stones.

I've never seen Kylie in as much pain. Both Kylie and I were against the idea of drugs to calm her down because of the baby. But after seeing Kylie in so much pain, I was running down the hall calling for the nurse. I couldn't stand to see it. Once they'd given me a double dose of pethadine I was fine though. Just kidding! They looked after Kylie and assured us the baby would be fine. In fact, it may be worse for the baby if Kylie stayed so stressed, so we did as we were told. But Kylie has been remarkably tough. I don't know how she does it. One thing's for sure, this has been our most difficult pregnancy.

So while Kylie's been in hospital, I've been trying to juggle the house, the kids, school, lunches, visits to the hospital and church meetings. Oh, and that other issue: study! I've got the most scariest, biggest, nastiest exam I'll probably ever sit this Tuesday. It's fourth year multi-variate statistics. And I'm not too well prepared. Apparently it's so scary that last year people left the exam in tears, literally! Oh dear. However, I'm ok. I've studied as well as I can given the circumstances. I go in needing only 2 marks to pass the course because I've done well with assignments during the semester, and if I can get over 65% (which will be difficult given my preparation) I can still manage that first class honours grade. Tomorrow will be a big study day. Oh, hang on, except for the kids, the lunches, Kylie at the hospital...

Some wonderful blessings have been ours throughout this week. It's somewhat personal, but my feelings for Kylie have been deepened again as I see what she is willing to go through for our family, and particularly our unborn baby. I am in awe of her.

I've been the beneficiary of kindness from friends and church members too. Food has been kindly and lovingly prepared to ease the pressure of balancing everything. I've been forced to spend more time with the kids than I might normally, and that's been a treat. We've cuddled and tickled in bed. We've sung songs and gone for walks and drives. And we've cleaned the house once or twice too! Plus, the babysitting offers have been gratefully accepted so I could get some study done.

One of our good friends has been breathtakingly generous. Not only did she rush out to buy a gift for Kylie when she heard she was in hospital (it was some fabulous pj's), but she also thought of me! I love to cook, but only when I have the time to be creative and adventurous. I don't do rush hour cooking with screaming kids very well. This friend had the foresight to go to the shops without telling me, and buy a stack of groceries that would mean I would have good quality meals each night without having to do anything more than turn on the oven and wait. There were even treats for the kids (ice-creams) and treats for me (Tim Tams).

So as I sit here munching on Tim Tams and finalising this blog, I'm grateful for good health. I'm grateful for competent doctors who have cared for Kylie and our baby. I'm grateful for my beautiful children. And, I'm grateful for friends' generosity and kindness, and Tim Tams.

Rain

Our week started with maximum excitement. Chanel lost another tooth. She had been wiggling and wiggling, and finally on Tuesday morning, the tooth left its home of the last 7 years and made room for another. Chanel was excited, but imagine everyone's surprise when, at recess, she lost another tooth. Two teeth in one day! Needless to say, Chanel was restless at bed time, excited in the knowledge that the tooth fairy would be delivering something of a bonus! It is breathtaking to consider how quickly our babies are growing up.

Tuesday night was another great experience for me. I taught at the radio school, which I'm really enjoying. I had left my scooter outside with the helmet attached. Glancing out the window, I noticed rain. Hard and heavy rain. My helmet! I left the class and sprinted outside, getting drenched as I did so. As I feared, my helmet was entirely full. It had been facing up toward the rain and had collected about 70 mm. I carried the sodden item back inside, which provided laughs for the class. At the end of the night it was still pouring. What a blessing, we need the rain so badly. But my jacket isn't waterproof. I rode home, my open faced helmet allowing the rain drops to pelt into my face at 60km/h plus whatever their velocity is as they fall from the sky. By the halfway mark I could feel the water soaking to my skin through my several layers of clothing. When I got home, I was drenched through. It was cold. But my gloves worked a treat! And it was raining. Plus, Kylie was waiting up for me. What could be better?

Wednesday brought a whole new set of challenges. I went to work in the morning, and received a call while still travelling. Kylie was having strong pains and was fearful that she was having contractions. At 28 weeks, that would not be good for our little family. Kylie's mum (who has been amazingly helpful to us this week) took Kylie to the hospital and left her there while she took Ella to speech therapy. The hospital said there was nothing wrong, and sent Kylie home a couple of hours later.

By about three o'clock Kylie was on the phone to me in tears. The pain was back and far more intense than previously. This time though, it definitely was not contractions. But Kylie could barely stand it, and I stopped studying to race home to help. The kids were quickly farmed out to babysitters who watched them until Kylie's mum could pick them up. We went back to the hospital.

Scans were taken. There are two pictures of the scans below. This was a very exciting part of the day for us. This first pic is of our baby's spine. The second one is our baby's foot.

Kylie had test after test! They took a lot of blood and so on, but still couldn't give us any idea of what was really going on. All they could do for certain was rule out labour. Then they ruled out appendicitis. But Kylie was still in a lot of pain. The doctor admitted Kylie for the night, which meant that I went home to an empty house, and Kylie had a stress free, quiet night

Other symptoms finally led them to a tentative conclusion that was confirmed the following morning. It appears that Kylie had kidney stones. I'm not familiar with exactly what that means, but my understanding (and Kylie's experience) is that it hurts. A lot. Almost like labour in fact.

Interestingly, Kylie asked for a priesthood blessing/administration from me. From that time on, there was little discomfort, and since Kylie came out of the hospital there has been no pain at all. We're praying that the stones dissolved and were passed.

I don't buy dinner often but with Kylie in hospital for the night and the children being looked after, and my late return, Thai was on my mind. As I left the Thai restaurant at 8pm it was still raining. A semi-trailer was heading my way and I saw the spray from the road as he drove. Electing to get out of the way I stepped backwards from my car and up onto the footpath outside the restaurant. Oops, the guttering was leaking and in missing the water from the truck, I got a soaking from the downpipe! I had to laugh.

So a couple of eventful days meant study interrupted! I have my first exam this Tuesday, and haven't done nearly as much as I feel I need to prepare. Church today, and then tomorrow I study - hard. All things going well I'll maintain my high distinction average.

One last highlight that I really want to share. Kylie's mum has a wonderful musical talent which she has worked hard to develop. A couple of times each year, she works with different groups of church members to conduct choirs and performances. At the moment she has been having difficulty finding a narrator for the one that is being completed. I was invited to attend this week (Thursday night) and act as narrator for a performance that will be held in a couple of weeks. I was pleased to be invited, and took up the offer.

What a spiritual highlight! To hear these wonderful voices singing and testifying of Truth. It was entirely uplifting. The pinnacle for me was to be able to read words from prophets, written to convince others of the importance of Jesus, and the infinite atonement. As I read those words I felt, deep in my soul, the Holy Spirit reconfirming (again) how true and how sacred this knowledge is. I look forward to every chance I get to feel that and to tell others of it.

Exhilaration

Uni results are coming in fast! And fortunately most of the news is good. It seems that I am well-placed to be averaging over 80% in all of my subjects in the lead-up to exams. I was really excited to receive my statistics assignment on discriminant analysis... Another first class honours score. Add to that my applied cognitive psychology essay with 88% and the trend is continuing. While I hate to admit it, this year seems to me to be less about learning, and more about grade-chasing as I try to pull in a 1st class honours. And so far things are on track.

I've begun studying in earnest for exams. Fortunately I began studying some weeks ago, but now it's an 8 hour-a-day job. Particularly with the pressure of stats. I have about 9 days until my first exam, and I should do quite well. Then another week until stats kicks off. That's no fun, but I keep my head up because it means that when I have finished that I only have two subjects, and one very big assignment (my thesis) until my degree is absolutely and unconditionally completed. Which will then mean that weeknights, weekends, and holidays are mine and my family's again!

So blessings have come through school. But I believe even more significant blessings have come through other means. On Thursday I attended the temple. It was the first time in months that I've taken the time, and I really felt as though I needed to be there. As I sat in preparation for the session to begin I felt exhilarated. It was such a thrill to be there again. Genuinely exciting. I know that as a place of peace we generally feel peaceful at the temple, and I did. But another part of me was buzzing. I love being there.

On Monday night for family home evening we decided to talk to the children about the authority of the priesthood. We believe that Jesus gave his authority to His disciples, but it was not something that anyone could claim to have. Instead it had to be conferred upon someone. And since His original church was torn apart within a short-time after He walked the earth, we believe it has been restored. As part of the restoration of the Church with His teachings, the priesthood (or authority to act for Him) was also restored. It is conferred upon all worthy male members of the church aged 12 and over, with higher offices as the person ages and grows in maturity and responsibility.

After we have talked about these things with the children I gave each of them a priesthood blessing. I placed my hands upon their heads and spoke as I felt prompted too. Since then we have seen some remarkable blessings. Ella is improving in her speech, but more than that, she is increasing in understanding which makes dealing with her that little bit easier! She has also begun sleeping right through the night. Abbie, who has been driving us crazy with cries of being scared most nights, and several interruptions as we sleep, has gone to bed quietly and even happily every night this week! We feel blessed.

We went and saw the third in the Pirates of the Carribean trilogy at the cinema yesterday. Didn't think much of it... I give it 6 out of 10. While the first one was lots of fun and the second one told an exciting and easy to follow story, this was heavy, dark and extremely violent. The story was complicated and difficult to follow, and some parts were extremely slow. Still a remarkable visual sight, but not a particularly enlightening film.