This week Ella has stolen the show. She is the funniest little girl, always making us chuckle about something – or want to hide about something else!
I forgot to mention an incident from Nan’s 80th birthday party last week. One of the guests at the party was an elderly gentleman who had lost his sight. He had a guide dog and wore dark glasses. Ella was very funny as she investigated the extent of his blindness. First she timidly sauntered around him, glancing casually in his direction. Next she stood in front of him, on a chair, and waved her hands in the direction of his face. The distance between them was less than 30cm. Finally she peered forward, attempting to see underneath his glasses. Upon looking behind his glasses she said plainly for all to hear, “he can see me, he has his eyes open.” Thankfully he and his wife had a good sense of humour and took Ella’s inquisitiveness kindly.
I awoke on Monday expecting that Kylie would be ill after her discomfort on Sunday. Instead, Kylie was fine and I had contracted whatever bug had held onto her stomach the previous day. Unfortunately I didn’t have the luxury of lying in bed all day. I had classes to teach at uni. I spent around six hours there before succumbing to my mattress at the end of the school day.
While I laid around resting Chanel told me of a learning experience she had at school during the day. A new girl and her family have moved into the neighbourhood. She is attending the girl's school. While Abbie was excited to learn they live in the next street, as Katie is in the same grade, Chanel thought Louise looked a bit funny and was very uninterested in an afternoon playdate. “Common” was the word Chanel chose to describe her. (Oh dear, are we breeding snobby children who won’t associate with ‘common’ folk?) Circumstances conspired to ensure that the two children ended up playing together during the day. Chanel found that Louise was actually very nice and was surprised to find out that they have a lot in common. She wants to spend more time with her. Chanel related to me the importance of not judging a book by its cover. Lesson learned. I hope it serves her well in future.
As the children retired for the night Kylie went to the chapel to organise some things for her ladies enrichment night. I was putting the pillows back on the bed when I saw a hand that looked very real lying under a blanket on the floor. It looked like a doll’s hand but too big and too lifelike. As I removed the blanket (this was at 8pm) our next door neighbour’s little girl, Grace, looked up at me and giggled. She had been stowed away in Abbie’s bedroom for an hour trying to score a sleepover. I returned her to her home. Her parents were surprised that she had been gone so long and they hadn’t noticed her. Grace sheepishly entered their house and we all chuckled at the funny side of things.
Tuesday was busy – simply. I had a meeting supervising my honours student. Then I had a meeting with my PhD supervisors. Taught a tutorial, raced home, went to Bunnings to buy hardware for building billy-carts with the young men, helped someone from church learn to write an essay, cancelled young mens and collapsed. Trying to do too much and still not recovered from being ill on Monday. And poor little Abbie May ended up with the bug and took the day off school.
Wednesday was just as busy although I was starting to feel better. Abbie stayed home again. My church meeting Wednesday night was a big fat waste of time. Very frustrating night.
Thursday was the most productive day that I can recall in weeks. I got an enormous amount of work done at uni and felt good about things. Kylie had her enrichment night and had a successful time. So with Kylie out for the night I attempted to get the kids to help tidy the house before they headed to bed. Ella had found some of Kylies curling ribbon and was walking around the house chopping it up, leaving a trail behind her. When I questioned her about it, she looked up at me, with those gorgeous little eyes and said, “but Dad I’m making the floor pretty.” How could I argue her logic.
Friday I got some good and bad news. My statistical analysis was finally completed. I am yet to fully review it, but it didn’t quite work out the way I had hoped. I expected three different types of responses to my survey. I got two out of three. Now that ain’t bad. But it ain’t great either! So this means a fairly dramatic rethink of much of the work I’ve been engaged in. On the bright side, it is not a crushing blow that destroys my past year of work. In fact it may even make life easier over the coming months with future study. But either way, there’s loads of work to be done.
Kylie had a day of meetings, the first one being a P&C AGM for Ella’s kindergarten. Kylie was elected President of the Fundraising Committee. Kylie has sunk her teeth in quickly, with big plans for a large scale garage sale. She’s looking forward to the challenge. The second meeting was a Church meeting which for the most part followed suit with mine a few nights earlier – boring and unproductive.
Friday night is usually Chanel’s bike club night, but it was cancelled. Kylie took Chanel on a bike ride around the neighbourhood where she attempted to ride up our enormous street and the surrounding hills. Chanel actually rode up our street as well as the other hefty hills around here, albeit it with multiple stops. Nonetheless, this was a huge feat for her. The next day I heard her telling Abbie with obvious pride that she rode up that hill. Abbie was suitably impressed.
Saturday I had my first ride of the week. Felt fine until the 70km mark, but then really hit a wall and tired out. I need to exercise more. My fitness is improving though. My resting heart rate is down to 48 beats per minute from 72 about 6 months ago. It is nice to see progress. We then headed up to Bulli to the neighbour’s new school for a fete. When we arrived we discovered the rides were between $4 and $6 and an all day wristband which gave them access to all the rides was $27. Times that by 3 and we could almost go to a theme park for the day. So we put it to the kids there on the spot and the theme park came out a unanimous vote. I was so impressed with their ability to delay gratification and choose the theme park in four weeks over the rides at the fete in the here and now. We purchased a few second hand books and homemade treats from the kitchen before heading home. Kylie went for an afternoon ride and got caught in the rain before meeting the family at the local pools for a quick dip. Dinner and bed.
Today was a quiet Sunday. I couldn’t sleep last night and tried reading. It didn’t help so I watched a movie that didn’t finish until 1:30am. I still didn’t get to sleep until close to 2am. Sacrament meeting was not as uplifting as I usually find it, probably partly due to my tiredness. But we also sang some unfamiliar hymns, and the ladies (Relief Society) gave a presentation that lacked connection with me. However Kylie and Alissa sang a beautiful song and was a lovely addition to an otherwise bland meeting.Sunday school was positive, and I taught the Young Men about the value of kindness and love. We felt elevated as we considered the enriched relationships we enjoy because of love and kindness, and explored ways that we might show greater kindness to those we come in contact with. This afternoon Kylie and I arranged family photos on the computer and prepared a roast chicken. I can smell it now – which means it’s time to go. 2, 4, 6, 8 – dig in! Don’t wait!
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Monday, 9 March 2009
Nan's Milestone
The week began with a thrilling exclamation from Ella early Monday morning. The girls were at school, I was at uni, Ella and Kylie were at the hospital for Ella’s cast to be removed from her arm. Kylie told me our little five year-old was beautiful as she sat in the surgery and had the cast cut away from her arm. As they left the hospital Ella, full of enthusiasm and emotion, yelled to Kylie “I’m just so excited I can’t contain it.” So after four weeks Ella has the use of her arm again. She was very reluctant to use it much for a couple of days, having been used to it being in a sling. Ella also has a new phrase which she uses regularly, often combined with a questioning tone and raised eyebrows. When we tell her something Ella responds “in real life?” Even more funny, when she tells us anything she adds the suffix “in real life” as if to confirm and add credibility to whatever she has shared. We love our little Ella and are so pleased she is getting better again – in real life.
On Monday Abbie was placed into a new class. Numbers at the school have increased and a shuffle was required. Several parents are up in arms over the changes. I’ll reserve my judgement until I see how Abbie progresses with her new teacher. While the class is important, what matters most to me is the attention the child receives, and the guidance from the teacher. Our Abbie May is thriving at school and doing beautifully at home. We are so pleased with her.
Monday night Chanel went to bike training. Again we saw terrific improvement in her effort and skills. Chanel has really taken to the fixed wheel bike and has no concerns over the lack of brakes. Following bike training the missionaries visited our home with a friend of mine from uni. He’s been reading his Bible for a decade and has become annoyed with all of the churches he’s visited because of their lack of fidelity to Jesus’ teachings. He had begun to think he was the only person on earth who had any idea of the truth. When he met with the missionaries and I, he was thrilled. Finally a church that teaches doctrines based on bible truth. He was amazed at the Book of Mormon. After reading only a portion he told me he knows that no man could have written that book. Amazing. We spoke well into the night and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Tuesday Kylie went riding on the tandem bike with the blind. A tough workout – and an elevating experience for her soul. Annie took her newest habit of headbutting a little too far. She headbutted someone so hard that she bit into her lip quite badly, drawing blood and leaving a nasty cut. Annie also enjoyed her swimming class. Owing to her age Annie does not take instruction well. When the teacher says float, Annie goes underwater! But her swimming class is one of her favourite hours of the week.
Wednesday was a busy day for me. I had a long bike ride in the morning (around 80 kms) followed by a full day at uni. Wednesday night I ran a Happy Families workshop to around 16 parents. The session seemed to go well with lots of positive feedback. I was grateful for the opportunity because of all the opportunities it gave me to make things better next time. I was generally dissatisfied with my presentation. I’m running the same class again in three weeks, so I’m certain it will be better then.
Thursday Kylie ran a church service activity. An elderly lady in our congregation recently lost her husband. Kylie arranged for half a dozen women to show up and help clean and organise her home. She said it was a unifying and useful activity. My day was a little more stressful. I discovered that I cannot do the statistical analysis I had planned to use with my data. This has meant several days lost looking for new and improved statistical options. I think I may have found one but it will take a while longer to be certain.
Friday was exciting. Kylie made cards with her stamps. I rode to Sydney with a friend. The ride was 93kms and took about 3hrs 30 mins. My friend was struggling quite a bit by the end. Our average was lower than I would have liked, at 26.5km/h. But the main thing was that we rode well, and got there safely. That afternoon we played in the pool at the apartment we stayed in. The kids were exuberant in their play and squealed with delight for over an hour before we finally called it a night.
Saturday was the big day of the week. We enjoyed the pool again in the morning before driving to Auburn for Nan Bunt’s 80th Birthday Party. Extended family and friends were all there to celebrate an exciting milestone. We ate Chinese food, and pavlova for dessert. Dad and Uncle Rob played the guitar and sang. The children ran around and played. And we sang Happy Birthday to one of our favourite people. It was great to be there. As the party concluded I changed into my bike gear to begin the 100+ km ride to Gosford. Three hours and 26 minutes later I arrived at Daley’s Point. The ride was long, steep, and hard. I was exhausted and don’t recall ever pushing myself with such an endurance event before. 102 kms at an average of 29.6 km/h. Sleep was pleasant Saturday night.
Sunday we awoke to find Chanel and Kylie sick with a tummy bug. And it was a nasty one too. I took Abbie and Annie to church. That was a little arduous too. Annie was tired. Sacrament was peaceful and I appreciated those quiet moments. I saw several of my old friends, then went back to mum and dad’s. Kylie was no better. We packed the car. A long drive back to Wollongong. Another packed week over, and another one about to begin.
On Monday Abbie was placed into a new class. Numbers at the school have increased and a shuffle was required. Several parents are up in arms over the changes. I’ll reserve my judgement until I see how Abbie progresses with her new teacher. While the class is important, what matters most to me is the attention the child receives, and the guidance from the teacher. Our Abbie May is thriving at school and doing beautifully at home. We are so pleased with her.
Monday night Chanel went to bike training. Again we saw terrific improvement in her effort and skills. Chanel has really taken to the fixed wheel bike and has no concerns over the lack of brakes. Following bike training the missionaries visited our home with a friend of mine from uni. He’s been reading his Bible for a decade and has become annoyed with all of the churches he’s visited because of their lack of fidelity to Jesus’ teachings. He had begun to think he was the only person on earth who had any idea of the truth. When he met with the missionaries and I, he was thrilled. Finally a church that teaches doctrines based on bible truth. He was amazed at the Book of Mormon. After reading only a portion he told me he knows that no man could have written that book. Amazing. We spoke well into the night and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Tuesday Kylie went riding on the tandem bike with the blind. A tough workout – and an elevating experience for her soul. Annie took her newest habit of headbutting a little too far. She headbutted someone so hard that she bit into her lip quite badly, drawing blood and leaving a nasty cut. Annie also enjoyed her swimming class. Owing to her age Annie does not take instruction well. When the teacher says float, Annie goes underwater! But her swimming class is one of her favourite hours of the week.
Wednesday was a busy day for me. I had a long bike ride in the morning (around 80 kms) followed by a full day at uni. Wednesday night I ran a Happy Families workshop to around 16 parents. The session seemed to go well with lots of positive feedback. I was grateful for the opportunity because of all the opportunities it gave me to make things better next time. I was generally dissatisfied with my presentation. I’m running the same class again in three weeks, so I’m certain it will be better then.
Thursday Kylie ran a church service activity. An elderly lady in our congregation recently lost her husband. Kylie arranged for half a dozen women to show up and help clean and organise her home. She said it was a unifying and useful activity. My day was a little more stressful. I discovered that I cannot do the statistical analysis I had planned to use with my data. This has meant several days lost looking for new and improved statistical options. I think I may have found one but it will take a while longer to be certain.
Friday was exciting. Kylie made cards with her stamps. I rode to Sydney with a friend. The ride was 93kms and took about 3hrs 30 mins. My friend was struggling quite a bit by the end. Our average was lower than I would have liked, at 26.5km/h. But the main thing was that we rode well, and got there safely. That afternoon we played in the pool at the apartment we stayed in. The kids were exuberant in their play and squealed with delight for over an hour before we finally called it a night.
Saturday was the big day of the week. We enjoyed the pool again in the morning before driving to Auburn for Nan Bunt’s 80th Birthday Party. Extended family and friends were all there to celebrate an exciting milestone. We ate Chinese food, and pavlova for dessert. Dad and Uncle Rob played the guitar and sang. The children ran around and played. And we sang Happy Birthday to one of our favourite people. It was great to be there. As the party concluded I changed into my bike gear to begin the 100+ km ride to Gosford. Three hours and 26 minutes later I arrived at Daley’s Point. The ride was long, steep, and hard. I was exhausted and don’t recall ever pushing myself with such an endurance event before. 102 kms at an average of 29.6 km/h. Sleep was pleasant Saturday night.
Sunday we awoke to find Chanel and Kylie sick with a tummy bug. And it was a nasty one too. I took Abbie and Annie to church. That was a little arduous too. Annie was tired. Sacrament was peaceful and I appreciated those quiet moments. I saw several of my old friends, then went back to mum and dad’s. Kylie was no better. We packed the car. A long drive back to Wollongong. Another packed week over, and another one about to begin.
Summer's End
The summer months are gone again. This past summer has perhaps been the quickest I’ve ever experienced. Our days are so full of life, experiences, work, fascinating moments, opportunities, and challenges that we barely count them. Instead we only notice when another month or season has left us, and wonder where that time got to. Our summer has been non-stop. Travel to Gosford, time in the pool and at the beach, Kylie’s parents visiting, fun with friends, lots of hard work at uni, an increased workload for Kylie, a broken arm for Ella, swimming carnivals and bike riding for Chanel.
To complete our final two weeks of summer life has returned to a fairly stable routine. Kylie and I are up each day around 5.30. We carry out our responsibilities and fulfil our priorities until the children go to school and I go to uni. Our evenings are busy. Monday night we hold Family Home Evening and then take Chanel to the velodrome. Tuesday nights I have Young Men’s Activities. Wednesday night I have executive meetings at church. Thursday night is Kylie’s night out. Friday night we’re back at the velodrome for Chanel’s races. Saturday I ride in the morning and we clean and organise during the day. We try to make Saturday our family fun day. Sunday it’s church in the morning and church things in the afternoon. And Monday it all begins again.
Chanel competed in her District swimming carnival and performed well. She swam as fast as she ever has previously, and did several best times (we think – we don’t really record them at this stage). I took note of a few so that next year we can compare the improvement. But of course that relies on me remembering where I put them, and taking the time to look them up. Maybe if I put them here I’ll find them. Apologies if this is boring to you. . .
50m Breaststroke 1.05.35
50m Backstroke 1.03.54
50m Butterfly 1.04.01
100m free 1.55.45
We didn’t get a time for 50m free as Chanel didn’t qualify in the carnival for it. But generally Chanel was in the top ten or twelve for her age group across the twelve schools competing. We were very excited to see how much of a thrill Chanel got from representing her school and performing well. Her bike riding is going well too and we are seeing real improvement. She’s still the slowest of all the kids by far, but is very enthusiastic about it.
I also forgot to mention that Chanel received her very first Valentine! Oh no! I’m not ready for a daughter who’s old enough to receive valentine’s cards. It was from a boy in her class named Josh M. He wrote on her card, “Dear Chanel, I think you’re pretty sweet.” Chanel was suitably excited. She had plenty of information to share about Josh M and shared willingly with Kylie.
On Friday Kylie had a new first – blood donation. Kylie has been wanting to donate for a long time and finally took the opportunity to do so. She did really well with it, but was pretty tired for a few days. Kylie said it was a terrific experience and the staff made her feel really good about being there. I get the feeling that more appointments will be made.
Saturday was a really big day. I began with a ride up Macquarie Pass. That is one big hill! I got back from that ride and went straight to Ella’s kindy where we did a clean-up. I transplanted a 10-foot jacaranda tree, then shovelled several cubic metres of sand. That wore me out. Finally we went home and cleaned up before racing to the chapel for a baptism. One of the families in Wollongong ward has mum and daughter as members, but not father and son. The son was baptised! I’ve been working with him through the Young Men’s programme for the past 9 months and it was a great experience to be at the baptism. I was also asked to speak about baptism to Callum. I pinched an idea from a wonderful and learned friend. I took one of my old white shirts that I’ve been planning on throwing in the bin for a while. While at the pulpit I pulled the shirt out and poured tomato sauce over it. Then I sloshed on some soy sauce. And lastly I carefully sprinkled beetroot juice. The shirt was no longer white! The congregation were hooked! I spoke about how Jesus Christ is the ultimate stain remover – but he removes much tougher stains than those on the shirt. He removes sins from souls through His atonement.
Sunday was a real treat at church. I got to play the piano for a piece of music that Kylie sang with one of her girlfriends. The music was really special and several people mentioned that they appreciated it. Someone said they thought it should have been on a CD.
Monday I took the day off and helped Kylie around the house. We didn’t get enough done, but it was nice to spend time together. The rest of the week was a blur, with lots to do but nothing noteworthy. Finally Saturday arrived, and once again things were frantic. I did another Macquarie Pass ride. Then raced to the chapel, about 45 minutes late, for a farewell breakfast for Vee. Vee is going on her mission this week – to Perth. There wasn’t enough food for me. That’s what I get for being late. A quick trip home to take care of some jobs around the house. Then we went to the beach for Kylie’s next new service project.
A couple of weeks ago Kylie spoke with a lady about tandem bike riding for the blind. A gentleman lost his sight many years ago and felt miserable. He was in London and his friend told him it was time to buy a tandem bike and go for a ride. He was scared but gave it a go. He loved it. When he came to Australia he began buying bikes with his own money and seeking volunteers to take blind people for tandem bike rides. Saturday afternoon Kylie went out and had her first go. She loved it – and took three friends to also volunteer. It has become her new favourite thing to do! It’s nice to help people, and Kylie is doing all she can at the moment.
Sunday – my favourite day of the week if we can get the kids to sit still at church. Things went pretty well this week. Church was positive. Kylie taught a lesson about prayer and scripture study. Then in the afternoon I went home teaching. I spent some time with a family who have become good friends. The husband is not a member of the church. We spent 90 minutes talking about really important gospel principles – and getting excited about them. He appreciated it and felt edified by it. I was grateful for the knowledge and ability I have to teach.
To complete our final two weeks of summer life has returned to a fairly stable routine. Kylie and I are up each day around 5.30. We carry out our responsibilities and fulfil our priorities until the children go to school and I go to uni. Our evenings are busy. Monday night we hold Family Home Evening and then take Chanel to the velodrome. Tuesday nights I have Young Men’s Activities. Wednesday night I have executive meetings at church. Thursday night is Kylie’s night out. Friday night we’re back at the velodrome for Chanel’s races. Saturday I ride in the morning and we clean and organise during the day. We try to make Saturday our family fun day. Sunday it’s church in the morning and church things in the afternoon. And Monday it all begins again.
Chanel competed in her District swimming carnival and performed well. She swam as fast as she ever has previously, and did several best times (we think – we don’t really record them at this stage). I took note of a few so that next year we can compare the improvement. But of course that relies on me remembering where I put them, and taking the time to look them up. Maybe if I put them here I’ll find them. Apologies if this is boring to you. . .
50m Breaststroke 1.05.35
50m Backstroke 1.03.54
50m Butterfly 1.04.01
100m free 1.55.45
We didn’t get a time for 50m free as Chanel didn’t qualify in the carnival for it. But generally Chanel was in the top ten or twelve for her age group across the twelve schools competing. We were very excited to see how much of a thrill Chanel got from representing her school and performing well. Her bike riding is going well too and we are seeing real improvement. She’s still the slowest of all the kids by far, but is very enthusiastic about it.
I also forgot to mention that Chanel received her very first Valentine! Oh no! I’m not ready for a daughter who’s old enough to receive valentine’s cards. It was from a boy in her class named Josh M. He wrote on her card, “Dear Chanel, I think you’re pretty sweet.” Chanel was suitably excited. She had plenty of information to share about Josh M and shared willingly with Kylie.
On Friday Kylie had a new first – blood donation. Kylie has been wanting to donate for a long time and finally took the opportunity to do so. She did really well with it, but was pretty tired for a few days. Kylie said it was a terrific experience and the staff made her feel really good about being there. I get the feeling that more appointments will be made.
Saturday was a really big day. I began with a ride up Macquarie Pass. That is one big hill! I got back from that ride and went straight to Ella’s kindy where we did a clean-up. I transplanted a 10-foot jacaranda tree, then shovelled several cubic metres of sand. That wore me out. Finally we went home and cleaned up before racing to the chapel for a baptism. One of the families in Wollongong ward has mum and daughter as members, but not father and son. The son was baptised! I’ve been working with him through the Young Men’s programme for the past 9 months and it was a great experience to be at the baptism. I was also asked to speak about baptism to Callum. I pinched an idea from a wonderful and learned friend. I took one of my old white shirts that I’ve been planning on throwing in the bin for a while. While at the pulpit I pulled the shirt out and poured tomato sauce over it. Then I sloshed on some soy sauce. And lastly I carefully sprinkled beetroot juice. The shirt was no longer white! The congregation were hooked! I spoke about how Jesus Christ is the ultimate stain remover – but he removes much tougher stains than those on the shirt. He removes sins from souls through His atonement.
Sunday was a real treat at church. I got to play the piano for a piece of music that Kylie sang with one of her girlfriends. The music was really special and several people mentioned that they appreciated it. Someone said they thought it should have been on a CD.
Monday I took the day off and helped Kylie around the house. We didn’t get enough done, but it was nice to spend time together. The rest of the week was a blur, with lots to do but nothing noteworthy. Finally Saturday arrived, and once again things were frantic. I did another Macquarie Pass ride. Then raced to the chapel, about 45 minutes late, for a farewell breakfast for Vee. Vee is going on her mission this week – to Perth. There wasn’t enough food for me. That’s what I get for being late. A quick trip home to take care of some jobs around the house. Then we went to the beach for Kylie’s next new service project.
A couple of weeks ago Kylie spoke with a lady about tandem bike riding for the blind. A gentleman lost his sight many years ago and felt miserable. He was in London and his friend told him it was time to buy a tandem bike and go for a ride. He was scared but gave it a go. He loved it. When he came to Australia he began buying bikes with his own money and seeking volunteers to take blind people for tandem bike rides. Saturday afternoon Kylie went out and had her first go. She loved it – and took three friends to also volunteer. It has become her new favourite thing to do! It’s nice to help people, and Kylie is doing all she can at the moment.
Sunday – my favourite day of the week if we can get the kids to sit still at church. Things went pretty well this week. Church was positive. Kylie taught a lesson about prayer and scripture study. Then in the afternoon I went home teaching. I spent some time with a family who have become good friends. The husband is not a member of the church. We spent 90 minutes talking about really important gospel principles – and getting excited about them. He appreciated it and felt edified by it. I was grateful for the knowledge and ability I have to teach.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Progress and Success
It is late Sunday night and I would prefer to be sleeping. Annie has determined that she should not retire at night until closer to 10pm though. Annie does not realise this yet, but tomorrow morning I’ll be waking her up earlier than normal. Hopefully we can adjust her new preferences slightly and stave off repeat occurrences of her nocturnal activity. Fortunately I have this blog to write, and an opportunity to reflect on another week of blessings.
A funny story to begin: Chanel said something during the week that I misinterpreted as rude. I was quite wrong, but in my annoyed state I expressed to her that as she got older her BIG mouth was getting BIGGER. Ella, who was sitting at the dining table listening intently, piped up in defense of her sister’s big mouth: “Yours is too Dad!” They say that children help us understand our inadequacy. I never expected it to be so succinctly expressed though, especially by my five year-old.
I forgot to mention that Monday afternoon we enjoyed a visit from mum and dad. Dad was coming to Wollongong to play golf with Lloyd, his friend of some 20 years. Mum decided to come along for the ride. They stayed with us Monday night. It was a great treat to have them along – and we were spoiled from the visit too. They came to the velodrome to watch Chanel do some bike training. When this was finished we all went out to a restaurant for dinner. In typical Coulson fashion we over-ordered. This was wonderful for me! I ate a lot. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Soups, breads, canapés, pasta, meat, fish, and chicken! Oh, and then dessert. I was a little uncomfortable when we left though. I probably didn’t need the cheesecake!
The highlight of mum and dad’s visit was twofold. Firstly, dad bought my bike from me. He balked at the price but I assured him it was very fair and that he wouldn’t be complaining after he rode the bike. A phone call on Friday confirmed that I had a very satisfied dad. His friend, Lloyd, can no longer keep up with him! He likes the bike a lot.
Mum and dad also gave me a gift. For close to a decade I have been trying to get hold of my priesthood line of authority. It provides the names and dates of priesthood ordinations from my own back to Joseph Smith’s receiving the priesthood under the hands of the ancient apostles Peter, James, and John. They received the priesthood, or authority to act in the name of God through service and priesthood power, from the Saviour Jesus Christ himself. After ten years of waiting it was a really exciting gift to receive. I’ll post it to the blog in the coming weeks.
It’s been a great week for Chanel. On Tuesday the school swimming carnival was held, inclement weather notwithstanding. I took the day off to be at the event. Chanel loves swimming and her squad training is providing for a beautifully developing stroke. Of course, Chanel is not as big as many of the other children. Despite this our 9 year-old won each of her breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly races. She also won the 200m individual medley. As Kylie and I watched we wondered if she could make it! 200m is a long way for a little girl. Chanel placed second in the 100m freestyle and third in the 50 free. Her efforts saw her in front of the assembly at school on Friday where she received the Junior Female Swim Champion award. This Wednesday (18th Feb) Chanel will compete in the district carnival.
Abbie, Ella, and Annie have all had relatively quiet weeks. Abbie is regularly demonstrating how sweet she is. Ella is still wearing her cast and has not eased up in the slightest. In fact Ella obtains enormous delight hitting her cast against walls, doors, or tables to get attention. In spite of this, the doctor is pleased with the progress her broken ulna is making and we think she will have the cast removed after only four weeks. Annie has been moody and easily aggravated this week. Very difficult. Kylie has also had a relatively quiet week in comparison to her recent action-packed weeks. At least that’s my perspective on things. I’ve been extremely busy though, so my workload may be contributing to my inability to describe everyone else’s activities.
This week I continued data collection for my project. The questionnaire will remain active on line for a couple more weeks. But I have personally collected at least 500 surveys for my analysis. I’m feeling pretty pleased with that effort. I would not have imagined that I could get so many done in such a short period of time. I was also excited to see that the local newspaper had an interest in what I’m studying. Our family featured in a huge front-page photo! Then we got a substantial write-up on page three, with another photo. This was all great news. The only disappointment was that the paper ran with photos that didn’t include Kylie. It would have been nice for our whole family to be together.
A funny story to begin: Chanel said something during the week that I misinterpreted as rude. I was quite wrong, but in my annoyed state I expressed to her that as she got older her BIG mouth was getting BIGGER. Ella, who was sitting at the dining table listening intently, piped up in defense of her sister’s big mouth: “Yours is too Dad!” They say that children help us understand our inadequacy. I never expected it to be so succinctly expressed though, especially by my five year-old.
I forgot to mention that Monday afternoon we enjoyed a visit from mum and dad. Dad was coming to Wollongong to play golf with Lloyd, his friend of some 20 years. Mum decided to come along for the ride. They stayed with us Monday night. It was a great treat to have them along – and we were spoiled from the visit too. They came to the velodrome to watch Chanel do some bike training. When this was finished we all went out to a restaurant for dinner. In typical Coulson fashion we over-ordered. This was wonderful for me! I ate a lot. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Soups, breads, canapés, pasta, meat, fish, and chicken! Oh, and then dessert. I was a little uncomfortable when we left though. I probably didn’t need the cheesecake!
The highlight of mum and dad’s visit was twofold. Firstly, dad bought my bike from me. He balked at the price but I assured him it was very fair and that he wouldn’t be complaining after he rode the bike. A phone call on Friday confirmed that I had a very satisfied dad. His friend, Lloyd, can no longer keep up with him! He likes the bike a lot.
Mum and dad also gave me a gift. For close to a decade I have been trying to get hold of my priesthood line of authority. It provides the names and dates of priesthood ordinations from my own back to Joseph Smith’s receiving the priesthood under the hands of the ancient apostles Peter, James, and John. They received the priesthood, or authority to act in the name of God through service and priesthood power, from the Saviour Jesus Christ himself. After ten years of waiting it was a really exciting gift to receive. I’ll post it to the blog in the coming weeks.
It’s been a great week for Chanel. On Tuesday the school swimming carnival was held, inclement weather notwithstanding. I took the day off to be at the event. Chanel loves swimming and her squad training is providing for a beautifully developing stroke. Of course, Chanel is not as big as many of the other children. Despite this our 9 year-old won each of her breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly races. She also won the 200m individual medley. As Kylie and I watched we wondered if she could make it! 200m is a long way for a little girl. Chanel placed second in the 100m freestyle and third in the 50 free. Her efforts saw her in front of the assembly at school on Friday where she received the Junior Female Swim Champion award. This Wednesday (18th Feb) Chanel will compete in the district carnival.
Abbie, Ella, and Annie have all had relatively quiet weeks. Abbie is regularly demonstrating how sweet she is. Ella is still wearing her cast and has not eased up in the slightest. In fact Ella obtains enormous delight hitting her cast against walls, doors, or tables to get attention. In spite of this, the doctor is pleased with the progress her broken ulna is making and we think she will have the cast removed after only four weeks. Annie has been moody and easily aggravated this week. Very difficult. Kylie has also had a relatively quiet week in comparison to her recent action-packed weeks. At least that’s my perspective on things. I’ve been extremely busy though, so my workload may be contributing to my inability to describe everyone else’s activities.
This week I continued data collection for my project. The questionnaire will remain active on line for a couple more weeks. But I have personally collected at least 500 surveys for my analysis. I’m feeling pretty pleased with that effort. I would not have imagined that I could get so many done in such a short period of time. I was also excited to see that the local newspaper had an interest in what I’m studying. Our family featured in a huge front-page photo! Then we got a substantial write-up on page three, with another photo. This was all great news. The only disappointment was that the paper ran with photos that didn’t include Kylie. It would have been nice for our whole family to be together.
We’ve had a week of rain which has meant I’ve only been able to ride a couple of times. Mt Kembla is a huge hill behind us. It’s around 10 kms of steep climbing. Probably nearly as tough as Macquarie Pass. I had a good go at it on Thursday and hope to do it a couple more times this week. Extremely hard riding. I cannot express how excited I am about riding. We’re expecting big surf this week but I’m not even slightly interested in it. I just want to ride. But I’m not ready to sell my board and wetty just yet.
Saturday night we were invited to a Valentine’s day dinner with several other couples from church. We enjoyed the evening and appreciated the huge effort our friends went to in organising the event for everyone else. Kylie and I don’t typically do much for Valentines Day. I may have to remedy this in coming years. I couldn’t help feeling that a nice quiet night at home with a delicious home-cooked meal would have been perfect. But quiet nights at home are rare, and very hard to come by with our four girls running around! So we were grateful for the opportunity to get dressed up and go out.
Today at church our family was invited to sing during the sacrament meeting. We sang without accompaniment. Ella began for us and sang with confidence and commitment. In fact even as the remaining voices of our family joined in Ella dominated. She brought smiles to the entire congregation. Her efforts were wonderfully appreciated. Kylie wept as our little girl sang. Only twelve months ago this little angel could not communicate with anyone in any decipherable way. In just one short year Ella has found her voice. We were so grateful for her progress and the amazing people who have assisted her. The special assistance from Jenny at her preschool, and the ongoing tuition from her speech pathologist, Alison, as well as hard work doing homework with Kylie, and lastly the gargantuan dose of love and support from her kind Sunday School teacher Sue; each has contributed to the stunning and precious development we saw during the service.
In Sunday School we spoke of receiving guidance and revelation from our Father. Young Mens was an extension of this theme. And during the afternoon I had the opportunity to connect with one of the men at church who I’ve found hard to reach. He and two of his sons visited for pancakes and ice-cream at lunch time. He is beginning a course of study and is academically unsure, having done poorly in school. He has not studied in close to 20 years. I spent an hour teaching him essay skills. It felt good to be helpful. Finally our night ended with a beautifully cooked roast chicken that I am still savouring. We invited a good friend, Greg, to visit. His wife is in Melbourne for a couple of weeks and we wanted to be sure he was getting well fed!
We have had a full week: full of friends, full of work, full of energy, and full of blessings.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Whoa!
Cataclysmic! Stunning! Miraculous! Breathtaking! Arduous!
I am unsure as to whether I really have the vocabulary to describe, in brief, the phenomenal week we have just lived through. Things began ordinarily enough with the children at school on Monday and me collecting data for my project. It was a busy day but nothing too exceptional. Until. . .
I was at the swimming pool collecting data from parents for my PhD when Kylie came in. The children were in the car in the car park waiting for us. Kylie informed me that Ella had hurt her arm while Chanel was doing her bike training at the velodrome. Ella had been swinging on some bars with Abbie when she fell. She had whimpered a little and then gone to sit in the car. After 10 minutes someone told Kylie Ella was still crying. This was unusual so Kylie tended to her straight away. Her arm didn’t look bad, but it didn’t look quite right either. Kylie came to me and hurried me along a little. We left the pool immediately and headed for the hospital, dropping Chanel and Abbie off at a friend’s home on the way. Ella was quiet - chatting occasionally, crying occasionally – but generally in good spirits. The tears began again at the hospital. We were seen to immediately – unusual for the public hospital system – and x-rays revealed a broken ulna. The elbow was twisted too unfortunately with a bent radius just to complicate things even more.
Tuesday morning Kylie and Ella returned to the hospital for Ella’s operation. At the same time I received a phone call from mum asking if I’d heard from dad. He was flying, in a light plane, from Newcastle to Grafton for some work that morning. I instantly froze as mum told me dad’s plane had crashed. The pilot had misjudged the runway and, being too low, had crashed into an embankment situated just before the airstrip. The plane had been written off, but somehow – miraculously – dad and the pilot had walked away uninjured. Fence posts had destroyed the underside of the cabin, the wings were torn from the cabin, and the propellers destroyed. Clearly there is still work for my dad to do on this planet!
Ella’s operation went smoothly and she emerged from theatre in reasonable condition. Her emergence from anaesthesia was good, and she immediately began pleading for food and drink. The doctors indicated some concern about the likelihood of a perfect outcome due to the radius being badly bent but not broken. We are praying that our little girl will have good results at the next x-ray.
As Ella returned from the operating table I went to see my specialist for a procedure akin to a ‘mini’ colonoscopy. I can’t remember what it was called, but I do remember that it was quite uncomfortable! I received a clear bill of health though which was pleasing – and he told me I can ride my bike as much as I want with little risk of any unpleasant reoccurrences of. . . well – you know. So Tuesday was a BIG day! And I finished it off with another couple of hours of data collection. Phew.
While we ate dinner Tuesday evening I got a call from the Thayers, some of our favourite people from Brisbane. Shaun has been accepted into medical school in Canberra, so was driving with his wife and three children to their new home. I had forgotten to tell Kylie that one of my previous conversations with Shaun ended with me promising they could stay here a day or two on their way to Canberra. After dinner Tuesday night I raced off to give a blessing to someone in need, but not before telling Kylie we had 90 minutes to prepare for the Thayers’ arrival. Oops! I am blessed with a forgiving wife.
Wednesday morning began with the Coulson family on the front page of the local paper. We were featured in an article where I was promoting my study, trying to get participants to take my survey online. Ella was becoming comfortable with her arm in plaster and enjoyed running, jumping, and falling over as much with the cast as without it. We do not seem to be able to slow that little girl down at all! Add to that her increased appetite. . . when asked how hungry she was, Ella replied “100 hungry”. I’m guessing she really needed more food!
I continued with my data collection, Kylie entertained the Thayers, and the children went to school. The Thayers stayed Wednesday night too and the children loved the extended opportunity to renew acquaintances. Roast lamb and chicken for dinner followed by the most wonderful Bavarian and ice-cream made for a very enjoyable night – and the company was terrific too.
Thursday I took the morning off. I visited with a new friend from the Illawarra Riders Club and we built a new bicycle for me. In a matter of hours we had added to the frame a carbon fork, stem, handlebars, bottom bracket, compact crank, pedals, seat post, seat, front and rear derailleur, 8 speed cassette, levers, cables, brakes, brake cables, wheels, tubes and tyres. The entire bike built from top to bottom. It all came from second hand parts and he gave it to me at a great price! As we finished work I looked at the time. I had 45 minutes to travel 22 kms against a headwind in 35 degree heat to get to uni for an appointment. I rode very hard and did not look good when I got there. But I was there in time to swallow lunch, wash, change shirts, get equipment, and arrive for the appointment with 2 minutes remaining. Wow!
Thursday night was quiet. I spent the evening putting the data I had collected into a spreadsheet, and we tried to sleep in the oppressive heat.
I honestly cannot remember what happened on Friday. I think it was a normal-ish day. I watched Annie in the morning while Kylie went to a meeting. Then I raced back to uni and spent the afternoon working hard. That evening we went to the velodrome where Annie tried to run onto the track while a race was on! We’re going to sit outside the arena from now on rather than in the middle.
Saturday morning I finally got to take my bike for a real ride. Mt Keira was my objective. The gear ratio makes for some tough hill climbs as the gears are fairly heavy. I did the climb twice. Once alone, and the second time with about 15 men from church who were having a ride for an activity. The first climb was awesome. I went really hard at it and was very pleased with what I’d done. The second climb was very slow. Almost painfully slow in fact. It takes me about 25 minutes to ascend. It took the men I rode with a little over an hour. But we got there. Each of them felt they had accomplished a real feat and it was terrific to be there with them. The barbequed eggs and bacon were good too. The remainder of the day Kylie and I worked at conserving energy. The heat was oppressive and so we stayed inside, attempting to occupy the children quietly and calmly. It was largely ineffective. We went to the chapel to enjoy the cool of the air-con with some friends. But the kids were even worse there. I lost my ‘cool’ and the afternoon ended abruptly. I do NOT like hot weather. At all. Not one bit.
Sunday (today) we travelled for conference. Campbelltown was over 40 degrees, but we felt grateful for air-conditioning and a modern building. The conference was positive and uplifting in parts, but not what I had been hoping for. Several others shared similar thoughts. Oh well, every day can’t be perfect at church.
So an enormous and draining week is over. We are finally expecting some cooler temperatures from tomorrow which will be welcome. Annie is intrigued by powerpoints and light switches. She is becoming louder and more talkative, even pronouncing random words as she copies her sisters. She is cutting more teeth too. And she will no longer allow anyone to feed her. She feeds herself – very messily.
Ella is rambunctious, full of energy, and not letting a broken arm get in her way. She seems to be a little more compassionate since her accident too.
Abbie has been having difficulty adjusting to the new school year. Combined with the heat, I think she’s very tired and that is affecting how she relates to her family. We’re confident she’ll calm down in the coming days. Tonight at dinner as we spoke about what we were grateful for Kylie suggested she was grateful for cold water. Because of Annie’s noise combined with the fan blowing, Abbie thought Kylie said she was grateful for “Bob the Builder”. It was a cute moment.
Chanel is hooked on bicycles, swimming, and reading. She’s also doing really well with church and enjoys memorising scriptures. And her grade 4 year has taken off in a big way.
Kylie is hooked on bicycles but hates the heat. She is absorbed in some wonderful friendships and loves her stamping craft activities.
Our lives are blessed. We have received blessings, even miracles, this week and are grateful for them.
I am unsure as to whether I really have the vocabulary to describe, in brief, the phenomenal week we have just lived through. Things began ordinarily enough with the children at school on Monday and me collecting data for my project. It was a busy day but nothing too exceptional. Until. . .
I was at the swimming pool collecting data from parents for my PhD when Kylie came in. The children were in the car in the car park waiting for us. Kylie informed me that Ella had hurt her arm while Chanel was doing her bike training at the velodrome. Ella had been swinging on some bars with Abbie when she fell. She had whimpered a little and then gone to sit in the car. After 10 minutes someone told Kylie Ella was still crying. This was unusual so Kylie tended to her straight away. Her arm didn’t look bad, but it didn’t look quite right either. Kylie came to me and hurried me along a little. We left the pool immediately and headed for the hospital, dropping Chanel and Abbie off at a friend’s home on the way. Ella was quiet - chatting occasionally, crying occasionally – but generally in good spirits. The tears began again at the hospital. We were seen to immediately – unusual for the public hospital system – and x-rays revealed a broken ulna. The elbow was twisted too unfortunately with a bent radius just to complicate things even more.
Tuesday morning Kylie and Ella returned to the hospital for Ella’s operation. At the same time I received a phone call from mum asking if I’d heard from dad. He was flying, in a light plane, from Newcastle to Grafton for some work that morning. I instantly froze as mum told me dad’s plane had crashed. The pilot had misjudged the runway and, being too low, had crashed into an embankment situated just before the airstrip. The plane had been written off, but somehow – miraculously – dad and the pilot had walked away uninjured. Fence posts had destroyed the underside of the cabin, the wings were torn from the cabin, and the propellers destroyed. Clearly there is still work for my dad to do on this planet!
Ella’s operation went smoothly and she emerged from theatre in reasonable condition. Her emergence from anaesthesia was good, and she immediately began pleading for food and drink. The doctors indicated some concern about the likelihood of a perfect outcome due to the radius being badly bent but not broken. We are praying that our little girl will have good results at the next x-ray.As Ella returned from the operating table I went to see my specialist for a procedure akin to a ‘mini’ colonoscopy. I can’t remember what it was called, but I do remember that it was quite uncomfortable! I received a clear bill of health though which was pleasing – and he told me I can ride my bike as much as I want with little risk of any unpleasant reoccurrences of. . . well – you know. So Tuesday was a BIG day! And I finished it off with another couple of hours of data collection. Phew.
While we ate dinner Tuesday evening I got a call from the Thayers, some of our favourite people from Brisbane. Shaun has been accepted into medical school in Canberra, so was driving with his wife and three children to their new home. I had forgotten to tell Kylie that one of my previous conversations with Shaun ended with me promising they could stay here a day or two on their way to Canberra. After dinner Tuesday night I raced off to give a blessing to someone in need, but not before telling Kylie we had 90 minutes to prepare for the Thayers’ arrival. Oops! I am blessed with a forgiving wife.
Wednesday morning began with the Coulson family on the front page of the local paper. We were featured in an article where I was promoting my study, trying to get participants to take my survey online. Ella was becoming comfortable with her arm in plaster and enjoyed running, jumping, and falling over as much with the cast as without it. We do not seem to be able to slow that little girl down at all! Add to that her increased appetite. . . when asked how hungry she was, Ella replied “100 hungry”. I’m guessing she really needed more food!I continued with my data collection, Kylie entertained the Thayers, and the children went to school. The Thayers stayed Wednesday night too and the children loved the extended opportunity to renew acquaintances. Roast lamb and chicken for dinner followed by the most wonderful Bavarian and ice-cream made for a very enjoyable night – and the company was terrific too.
Thursday I took the morning off. I visited with a new friend from the Illawarra Riders Club and we built a new bicycle for me. In a matter of hours we had added to the frame a carbon fork, stem, handlebars, bottom bracket, compact crank, pedals, seat post, seat, front and rear derailleur, 8 speed cassette, levers, cables, brakes, brake cables, wheels, tubes and tyres. The entire bike built from top to bottom. It all came from second hand parts and he gave it to me at a great price! As we finished work I looked at the time. I had 45 minutes to travel 22 kms against a headwind in 35 degree heat to get to uni for an appointment. I rode very hard and did not look good when I got there. But I was there in time to swallow lunch, wash, change shirts, get equipment, and arrive for the appointment with 2 minutes remaining. Wow!
Thursday night was quiet. I spent the evening putting the data I had collected into a spreadsheet, and we tried to sleep in the oppressive heat.
I honestly cannot remember what happened on Friday. I think it was a normal-ish day. I watched Annie in the morning while Kylie went to a meeting. Then I raced back to uni and spent the afternoon working hard. That evening we went to the velodrome where Annie tried to run onto the track while a race was on! We’re going to sit outside the arena from now on rather than in the middle.
Saturday morning I finally got to take my bike for a real ride. Mt Keira was my objective. The gear ratio makes for some tough hill climbs as the gears are fairly heavy. I did the climb twice. Once alone, and the second time with about 15 men from church who were having a ride for an activity. The first climb was awesome. I went really hard at it and was very pleased with what I’d done. The second climb was very slow. Almost painfully slow in fact. It takes me about 25 minutes to ascend. It took the men I rode with a little over an hour. But we got there. Each of them felt they had accomplished a real feat and it was terrific to be there with them. The barbequed eggs and bacon were good too. The remainder of the day Kylie and I worked at conserving energy. The heat was oppressive and so we stayed inside, attempting to occupy the children quietly and calmly. It was largely ineffective. We went to the chapel to enjoy the cool of the air-con with some friends. But the kids were even worse there. I lost my ‘cool’ and the afternoon ended abruptly. I do NOT like hot weather. At all. Not one bit.
Sunday (today) we travelled for conference. Campbelltown was over 40 degrees, but we felt grateful for air-conditioning and a modern building. The conference was positive and uplifting in parts, but not what I had been hoping for. Several others shared similar thoughts. Oh well, every day can’t be perfect at church.
So an enormous and draining week is over. We are finally expecting some cooler temperatures from tomorrow which will be welcome. Annie is intrigued by powerpoints and light switches. She is becoming louder and more talkative, even pronouncing random words as she copies her sisters. She is cutting more teeth too. And she will no longer allow anyone to feed her. She feeds herself – very messily.
Ella is rambunctious, full of energy, and not letting a broken arm get in her way. She seems to be a little more compassionate since her accident too.
Abbie has been having difficulty adjusting to the new school year. Combined with the heat, I think she’s very tired and that is affecting how she relates to her family. We’re confident she’ll calm down in the coming days. Tonight at dinner as we spoke about what we were grateful for Kylie suggested she was grateful for cold water. Because of Annie’s noise combined with the fan blowing, Abbie thought Kylie said she was grateful for “Bob the Builder”. It was a cute moment.
Chanel is hooked on bicycles, swimming, and reading. She’s also doing really well with church and enjoys memorising scriptures. And her grade 4 year has taken off in a big way.
Kylie is hooked on bicycles but hates the heat. She is absorbed in some wonderful friendships and loves her stamping craft activities.
Our lives are blessed. We have received blessings, even miracles, this week and are grateful for them.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Heat Wave
For the first time in over a year, we have experienced the heat we grew accustomed to in Queensland. We’re no longer accustomed to it. We had a real heatwave in the past week, with temperatures regularly in the mid 30’s. It was HOT. We spent a lot of time at the beach and in the pool every day.
Monday was supposed to kick off my year at uni. But the children only had one more week of holidays and it was so hot – so I decided to take the week off for the last time. I love the flexibility of being a research student! We played Monopoly. It was not without its challenges, particularly since Chanel is really the only one old enough to play and understand the game. But all in all it went well. The afternoon was spent swimming, trying to keep cool.
Tuesday morning we took on a challenge. The Mt. Keira ring track is a 5km track that circles one of the local “mountains”. Some weeks ago we made a valiant attempt on completing the circumnavigation of the mount as a family, but were unsuccessful. This time we determined that we would conquer or perish! We trekked and trapsed through the heat and humidity with the children doggedly persisting, Annie in a carrier on my back. A 16 year-old from church, Rafael, came along for the fun too, and inspired the children to remain determined. After breaking our previous record and trudging further than we would have thought possible we finally arrived at the half-way mark. The rest of the walk was downhill, and on the western side of the hill, out of the sun. Our only obstacle was fatigue. But in a total of two-and-a-half hours we were back in the car – triumphant. And sweaty. Yuck. All in all, an astonishing success, especially with Abbie and Ella.
Tuesday we had a tennis night with everyone from church. It was mildly fun, though quiet, but one notable event occurred. Someone had brought along their little Maltese dog for a frolic with friends in the field beside the tennis courts. Ella had befriended the dog. I observed her carry the animal thirty or forty metres over the grass. She then dropped the dog on the ground and as it scurried away from her she gave it a great big kick! I immediately told her that was unkind, and asked her why she had kicked the dog. Her response: “But dad, when I kick it, it makes it go faster!”
Wednesday was an exciting day for all of the children. I went to university – but that’s not why things were exciting. They each were ‘promoted’ at swimming. The girls have been working very hard on their swimming and have all advanced in their classes. Chanel was particularly excited as she now moves into the “Kingfisher” squad, training for one hour. Her coach gave her some very specific and positive feedback that helped her understand exactly what she is doing well. She was very inspired by it. Each of the girls is showing renewed enthusiasm and dedication towards their time in the pool.
Thursday was hot! The morning was spent swimming at the beach. Unfortunately it was extremely windy too, so it wasn’t the most pleasant place to be. However, the heat was oppressive (as it was all week). We tried to have a quiet day, and wrapped it up with lots of fun. It was still warm at 6pm, but had cooled enough to be outside. We called some friends, got hold of some large cardboard boxes, and found a great big hill to go grass-sliding. The children thought it was a hoot! They laughed and ran and slid for an hour, and were disappointed when I explained that it was time to go home for dinner.
Thursday night I also had the privilege of sitting in on a discussion with the missionaries and one of the boys who comes to our youth nights at church. His mother is a church member, but not his father. I have spoken to him about learning more from the missionaries, and being baptised. He agreed that he would like to do that because he sees himself as LDS anyway. It was a good experience.
By the end of the week I was exhausted. Because it was so hot we had to keep all the windows open all night. But with the heat was an intense wind. It blew for several nights, and was so strong that all the doors in the house banged and rattled. I was up half-a-dozen times for a few nights in a row, fixing doors and windows, or simply being woken by the noise of the trees thrashing around outside – and no respite from the heat. It was horrible.
Friday I went back to uni for a few hours but was not particularly effective. I completed several odds and ends in preparation for the new year but that was it. We had a very quiet Friday.
Saturday I did a big bike ride before we jumped into the car to go to Gosford. It was hot again. By the time we arrived in Gosford it was over 40 degrees. Ouch. We spent the afternoon in the air conditioning getting hair cuts – long overdue – and then swam in the pool and jumped off the jetty. Fun, and nice to have respite from the heat. The children swam for hours. Mum kept Kylie and I up for hours watching a DVD of her favourite television series about spies in the UK. It was compelling, but far too late for Kylie and I who had slept for several days.
Sunday – day of rest – came fast. The whole reason we were in Gosford was for the baptism of Paris (my sister, Karina’s oldest daughter). Church itself was not as inspiring as I had hoped, but the baptismal service was very special. It was the first time Mat used his priesthood to bless a member of his family in such a special way. The baptism went perfectly, the talks were inspiring, and then Mat confirmed Paris. It was a spiritual experience for all of us, and very emotional for Mat. It was a real privilege to be there for it. And a perfect way to finish the week.
Monday was supposed to kick off my year at uni. But the children only had one more week of holidays and it was so hot – so I decided to take the week off for the last time. I love the flexibility of being a research student! We played Monopoly. It was not without its challenges, particularly since Chanel is really the only one old enough to play and understand the game. But all in all it went well. The afternoon was spent swimming, trying to keep cool.
Tuesday morning we took on a challenge. The Mt. Keira ring track is a 5km track that circles one of the local “mountains”. Some weeks ago we made a valiant attempt on completing the circumnavigation of the mount as a family, but were unsuccessful. This time we determined that we would conquer or perish! We trekked and trapsed through the heat and humidity with the children doggedly persisting, Annie in a carrier on my back. A 16 year-old from church, Rafael, came along for the fun too, and inspired the children to remain determined. After breaking our previous record and trudging further than we would have thought possible we finally arrived at the half-way mark. The rest of the walk was downhill, and on the western side of the hill, out of the sun. Our only obstacle was fatigue. But in a total of two-and-a-half hours we were back in the car – triumphant. And sweaty. Yuck. All in all, an astonishing success, especially with Abbie and Ella.
Tuesday we had a tennis night with everyone from church. It was mildly fun, though quiet, but one notable event occurred. Someone had brought along their little Maltese dog for a frolic with friends in the field beside the tennis courts. Ella had befriended the dog. I observed her carry the animal thirty or forty metres over the grass. She then dropped the dog on the ground and as it scurried away from her she gave it a great big kick! I immediately told her that was unkind, and asked her why she had kicked the dog. Her response: “But dad, when I kick it, it makes it go faster!”
Wednesday was an exciting day for all of the children. I went to university – but that’s not why things were exciting. They each were ‘promoted’ at swimming. The girls have been working very hard on their swimming and have all advanced in their classes. Chanel was particularly excited as she now moves into the “Kingfisher” squad, training for one hour. Her coach gave her some very specific and positive feedback that helped her understand exactly what she is doing well. She was very inspired by it. Each of the girls is showing renewed enthusiasm and dedication towards their time in the pool.
Thursday was hot! The morning was spent swimming at the beach. Unfortunately it was extremely windy too, so it wasn’t the most pleasant place to be. However, the heat was oppressive (as it was all week). We tried to have a quiet day, and wrapped it up with lots of fun. It was still warm at 6pm, but had cooled enough to be outside. We called some friends, got hold of some large cardboard boxes, and found a great big hill to go grass-sliding. The children thought it was a hoot! They laughed and ran and slid for an hour, and were disappointed when I explained that it was time to go home for dinner.
Thursday night I also had the privilege of sitting in on a discussion with the missionaries and one of the boys who comes to our youth nights at church. His mother is a church member, but not his father. I have spoken to him about learning more from the missionaries, and being baptised. He agreed that he would like to do that because he sees himself as LDS anyway. It was a good experience.
By the end of the week I was exhausted. Because it was so hot we had to keep all the windows open all night. But with the heat was an intense wind. It blew for several nights, and was so strong that all the doors in the house banged and rattled. I was up half-a-dozen times for a few nights in a row, fixing doors and windows, or simply being woken by the noise of the trees thrashing around outside – and no respite from the heat. It was horrible.
Friday I went back to uni for a few hours but was not particularly effective. I completed several odds and ends in preparation for the new year but that was it. We had a very quiet Friday.
Saturday I did a big bike ride before we jumped into the car to go to Gosford. It was hot again. By the time we arrived in Gosford it was over 40 degrees. Ouch. We spent the afternoon in the air conditioning getting hair cuts – long overdue – and then swam in the pool and jumped off the jetty. Fun, and nice to have respite from the heat. The children swam for hours. Mum kept Kylie and I up for hours watching a DVD of her favourite television series about spies in the UK. It was compelling, but far too late for Kylie and I who had slept for several days.
Sunday – day of rest – came fast. The whole reason we were in Gosford was for the baptism of Paris (my sister, Karina’s oldest daughter). Church itself was not as inspiring as I had hoped, but the baptismal service was very special. It was the first time Mat used his priesthood to bless a member of his family in such a special way. The baptism went perfectly, the talks were inspiring, and then Mat confirmed Paris. It was a spiritual experience for all of us, and very emotional for Mat. It was a real privilege to be there for it. And a perfect way to finish the week.
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Getting Started again
I always thought that when you take a break it means things slow down. It didn’t work like that over the Christmas “break” for us. There was far too much that occurred in the past month for me to document, but I will share a few highlights.
We spent Christmas at Gosford, arriving early on the morning of Christmas Eve and staying until Boxing Day. Christmas at mum and dad’s is never quiet, and this was no exception although the morning was relatively relaxed before Karina and her family arrived. We spoke of the first Christmas together, and felt appreciation for the Gift of God’s Son. We ate good food (but not too much), enjoyed being with the family (but not for too long), and opened lots of presents (but not too many, and certainly not as many as previous years – thank goodness). We also spent a lot of time swimming in the pool and jumping off the jetty.
In the week between Boxing Day and the New Year Kylie’s parents flew down to be with us. Her dad had a terrible time of it, bursting his eardrum on the flight to us. He spent more time in bed recovering from the painful experience than he would have liked, but still managed to help us to do an enormous assortment of odd jobs around the house that I have neither the skills, knowledge, or motivation to complete alone. Kylie’s mum didn’t waste any time either, sewing and replacing the curtains throughout almost the entire house. As a result of their work we feel more at home and comfortable here than we ever have. I’m not holding my breath in getting any money from the landlord for materials but at least we have the satisfaction of having things vastly improved throughout the house. Kylie and I have also begun washing the walls throughout the house. Eewww. They’re so dirty. I don’t think they’ve EVER been washed.
We have tried to balance time with the children with our own productivity needs through the Christmas break. We have done a reasonable job, only hearing the “I’m bored” chorus on rare occasions. The kids have been to the beach a lot, begun riding their brand new boogie boards (although they’re all scared of the tiniest waves), played with friends nearly every day, had some (very challenging) family bike rides, hiked around Mt. Keira, and spent several hours on their “craft” activities.
Our family has also expanded over the Christmas season with the addition of two rabbits. They remain un-named to date. But they certainly get a lot of attention. We’ve only had to recapture one rabbit so far. It was a real challenge, but after around 15 minutes we cornered it and I captured it in a washing basket.
Amongst all of this activity Kylie has begun a new business 
venture which looks to be reasonably profitable at this early stage. We hope to see it grow. Kylie is becoming increasingly addicted to her stamping craft, and is riding as much as possible – though nowhere near as much as she would like. She also took great joy from a waxing experience she had with me. A friend loaned a wax pot and strips to her, and my chest and stomach are now a mass of red blotches. She did a great job removing the hair – and laughing at me as I moaned in pain. Kylie has set some really exciting goals for 2009 and we’re anxious to work towards them.
Our little angel Annie is now walking, running, exploring, and generally getting into everything. She has become remarkably vocal and has a new favourite trick. Our telephone sits in a base unit which has a button that puts the phone onto loudspeaker. Annie reaches up to the button and turns on the loudspeaker so the dial tone reverberates around the kitchen and dining room at full volume. Then she runs away, laughing with delight. She thinks she is so clever! Annie loves walking around the house wearing her sister’s swimming goggles too. It’s so funny. And Annie decided to throw Kylie’s mobile phone in the bath last week. Oh Dear! Mobile phones do not like to swim.
Ella turned five last week. She wanted to have a pool party with her cousins which meant another trip back to Gosford after Kylie’s parents had left. It was a fabulous success. Lollies, water, and cousins. Who needs more? Ella was particularly excited this week because her swimming teacher has put her up a level. She has advanced! Ella was very proud of herself and cannot wait to start in her new classes next week.
In early December I experienced a case of haemorrhoids. This kept me off the bike and in bed for the best part of a week. It was by far the worst I’ve ever had. It gave me lots of time to read, and I completed the Book of Mormon from start to finish in December. It was a powerful, remarkable experience. Thoroughly enjoyable. My veggie patch is growing well, with tomatoes galore (which is handy because they’re around $6 a kg at the shops). The capsicum, pumpkin, chilli, and potato all seem to be going well too. I’ve been on the bike as much as possible since getting better and am saving for a new bike in around four or five months. I’ve started back at uni on a part time basis in the past week and am spending a few hours each day there. I’ll maintain that until the children go back to school in two weeks and then go full-time again.
After several weeks away it felt good to finally be back in church. Sunday feels good when I can be there, focused on what matters most. It was nice to teach a lesson to the young men about the priesthood. Such a simple concept that makes so much difference in our lives. Life is good, and getting better.
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