30 things I know about Calli in no particular order

1. She once offered to clean up my throw up when I was pregnant with Connor...I didn't let her but it showed her character and her kindness
2. She used to wear clothes held together by safely pins
3. She has never had her hair permed
4. She makes me laugh
5. She can be very surprising
6. She makes her house her home wherever she is
7. She is a great little chef
8. She is VERY creative
9. She loves her 2 men very much
10. She reads everything
11. She can do anything she sets her mind to
12. Everybody wants to be her friend
13. She is an inspiration
14. She has style
15. She has spunk
16. She likes a bargain
17. She loves VW's
18. Her heart is BIG
19. She loves Jesus
20. She is very fun to be around

21. She knows who she is
22. She is very very capable
23. She is not normal...in a very good way
24. She loves water
25. She is sensible and serious when needed
26. She can get a cookie from her forehead to her mouth in under 1 minute
27. She once wrote a project that was about her family, but essentially was trying to get me a date
28. She may have started a family tradition that could go on forever....the ugly green mask
29. She is very very exceptional
30. She turns 30 today

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALLICO STRAWBERRY JAM MACDONALD WORTHING

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND HOPE THAT YOUR DAY IS CELEBRATED IN STYLE.

ANZAC

This morning the alarm went off at 4am. I rolled over and wanted so badly to go back to sleep, to snuggle down in my warm, cozy covers and rest a while longer.....but then I thought about our boys on those boats. You know the ones. the ones that landed on the wrong beach at sun-up on the 25th April. Those boys who were all brothers or husbands or uncles or sons. Those boys who really had no idea but did it anyway...for their families and the families of those people whose country they were trying to bring peace to.
I do not understand war, but I understand that these boys deserved me getting up at 4am and joining the other 8000 people that gathered at Nobbies to remember them.

I have  few photo's that Pobj's phone is not letting me bluetooth. I will pop them on later.

when next I get some pallets

This is just so pretty. I have some old art pieces that I scored from our best op shop that will be perfect to do this sort of thing above Kenzi-Lou's bed. Now just for time to do it!

great quote for teachers everywhere.

A Wale of a Time

We took Langlan back to the land of his forefathers this week (Mike was actually born in Wales as was his father, Gilbert, after whom Langlan is named). It wasn't long enough, it never is, but we loved it all the same.














We traipsed over a few rolling green hills, through a few mossy woods, over some rushing streams and by a big dam.










We fed ducks, skipped at Langlan's command, visited friends in Chester, ate too much good food, celebrated Liz's birthday a good few months early, lounged in the house and zipped about in our little car.








We love Wales.

Of Rainbows and Sunsets

This is what we saw at the end of our run on Thursday afternoon.
Can you spot the rainbow of colour in amongst the beautiful pink sunset?

A little bit of Satay...

This is the satay sauce that I made for burger night last night. It was delectable. We had it again for lunch with carrot sticks, celery sticks and broccoli. So good!
Here's the recipe.

Yummy Satay Sauce

3/4 cup peanut butter (I use the all natural stuff, but any will do)
1/2 cup coconut cream
1 tsp grated ginger
3 tsp soy sauce
2 tbs sweet chilli sauce
Heat over medium heat stirring for about 3 minutes.

So easy and so good. Great in a little container for lunch boxes. Or hot over a chicken burger. Yum!

Bob the Builder

Yesterday we headed to Diggerland for the boys Christmas present from Dave and Sarah. Mark, Mike, Andrew and Dave had 1.5 hours of digging, stacking, and bumping around in a big old yellow digger.





We watched for awhile but it was FREEZING so Sarah, Langlan and I went on a few rides in the 'ultimate adventure park experience' and then went and warmed up in the cafe with Liz, Linda and John (Dave's parents) and Naughty Nora (Dave's granny of Enid Blyton fame).


Langlan was too short to go on most of the rides but in a few years time I think it will be hit for a little boy who loves to get dirty and dig in the dirt!

PS We're off to Wales today so expect a little bloggish silence for a bit.

Num-num-num

This seems to be a holiday about eating so here is a before pic of dinner the other night:





One whole Scottish salmon bought for a steal from Sainsbury's eaten with crusty bread and a green salad. We're going to come home looking like ten tonne Tessies!

Faversham Take 2

No words required:

Faversham

Yesterday we visited Faversham, a town about half an hour from where we're staying. We wandered into the town and bought pork pies and then drove a little way out of town and had lunch.


Mmmmm (it was so good we're going back again today to take Sarah).


Then the boys went on a tour of the Shepherd Neame brewery and Liz, Langlan and I wandered around the town.


We're replicating the day again today, well the eating part anyway!

UK

Early mornings due to jetlag aren't such a bad thing when you get to rug up and go walking. We breakfast before our walk and we breakfast after, kinda hobbit-like but oh so good for warming the soul.


We haven't done too much in our first few days in England but it's been lovely going strolling, watching Langy G get to know his family and resting.


Today we're venturing a little further afield to visit Frida. Yay, road trip in our funky LITTLE car (picture to follow!).

For Kt Mac

So, I have been thinking that because you spend so much time working and renovating and generally being too busy to find yourself a husband I am going to start giving you options. These are my first 2 options. Either one of them is fine. The kids agree with me. They love them already. Personally I like the brother without the beard...he has a great mouth!

Really, I came across these guys when I was programming for Sunday kids and I cannot stop listening to their songs. Look them up. They are pretty fantastic.

Best Easter Present Ever!

You know who you are!

YIPPEE! YAHOO! TOTALLY GREAT!

Lots and Lots of love From Brenton, Trin, Connor, Kenzi

Tha lake Hoose tha Before and tha after...

The super hero's (amoung others) who turned the house from flop into fab!

Thanks a million xxx

random holiday shots