Lots of Improvement

Ok, so I haven't posted for quite a while, because there has been so much going on in our household, but during it all, there have been lots of improvements made in many different areas.

Over the next few weeks, I'll try and post some of the stuff that has happened, but I won't get around to it all and it probably wont be all nicely in order either.  One of the things I have improved is family time and so some things have to give a little!

Anyway onto the posting....

My Word for 2013

It took me right till January 1st to finalise my word for this year.  I went through quite a few to find one that encompassed all I wanted to achieve in 2013.

There are things I want to change, fix, make better, develop, cultivate, increase, revamp and so many others that come to mind, that it was hard to cover it with one word.  I had thought of Action at first, but some of the things on my list actually involve a little less action on my part, so wasn't sure that it was such a good fit.

Finally I sat and looked at my list and asked myself what it was all the things I wanted to do really meant and it came down simply to improving my life - in every aspect, hence the word Improve for 2013.

My goal for this year is simple (although my list looks anything but simple):

Do 1 thing every day that improves my life (or that of my family, friends or environment).  It can be as small as making a regular family meal a little healthier, right through to doing a major outstanding renovation project on the house, but as long as it is 1 thing every day, then the only way is up!

Do you have a word or verse for yourself for 2013?

Long time no write!

So, it's been a while!  Shortly after my last post, life got a little crazy for a while there and I am only just catching up.  So here's a snippet of what's been happening around here.

September -Art auction at the school.  An event I started when I first joined the committee and have been part of 3 times now.  It's full on, but well worth it financially for the school.  It all but consumed a heap of  August!

Mid September - right after my last post from memory - I went for a routine breast screening mammogram. I was called back in as they could see a mass in my left breast that could not be explained. (I had previously -1990- had a small lump removed from my right breast, so wasn't too worried).  Went back in for an ultrasound at which point the doctor advised he could see a tumour in my left breast and wanted to do an immediate biopsy.  Seven tissue samples were taken and then it was waiting 1 week for the results.  Benign was the most wonderful word I heard when the nurse rang me with the results!

Beginning of October was Kids Camp, followed directly by Scrapbook Retreat and some manic school holidays, trying to work at the same time as ensuring the kids had a great holiday and didn't kill eachother!  Mid October repainted the bathroom - a week of full on prep work, filling holes, sanding, washing, sanding again.  The first coat of the new colour was so awful I nearly cried.  Was supposed to be warm neutral tan colour, but on the walls it looked PINK!  back to square 1.  I bought new pain and started again.  Here is a photo of the bathroom with 1 coat of the first paint (above shower) and 1 coat of the new pain on the left-hand wall - such a difference.  I will get around to a photo of the entire bathroom once all the new fittings are in place.

Late October, sports prizegiving for Taryn who received Most Valuable Player award for her team and was awarded and Honours certificate for her rep cricket in North Harbour U15 girls Rep team.

November - Swap Frock event at school.  Taryn turned 15 and I made her a cricket ball (well half a ball) cake, which we took to cricket for her team to enjoy.

 Then there was Taryn's U15 tournament, for 3 weekends in a row, plus on the final weekend, she played on the Monday as well.  heaps of baking, with my favourite being the 'Harbour' cricket ball biscuits, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

 December saw Jayden go to his graduation dinner/dance, (which he nearly didn't get to go to because of behavioural issues he was having at school through October & November).

 Then there was the Asia pacific robotics competition for Taryn.  It was HUGE.  never seen so many teams in one place, but I guess it is even bigger in the states.  They didn't make it into the finals, but had a great time anyway.  Nationals at the beginning of 2013 is their last chance to gain a place at the Worlds in USA, so here's hoping for them they can achieve what is required.

Camp Maynard Christmas BBQ, where Jayden was awarded a certificate for his ongoing work at Camp Maynard working bees - nominated by Charlie and present by John.  Then Wayne Philip - Mahurangi Zone Leader announced that I would be taking over as chairperson for the committee.

Taryn's academic prize-giving saw her graduate year 10 with merit and gain an honours certificate in Science and  Music.

 Graduation assembly on the 2nd to last day of school.  Can't believe he has grown up so fast and is off to Intermediate!

 His wonderful teacher Sophia Jalil who worked so hard with him and had the patience of a saint in dealing with some of the stuff he presented.

 Another huge impact on his schooling life at Manuka - Chris Barclay.  It's so sad that there are so few male teachers in our education system now.  They desperately need more!

Mid December - straight into Kids Camp, this time a 3 day camp the first day of school holidays.  Was an excellent camp, but being 3 days and 2 overnight stays, was pretty full one, so came home very tired.

In between all of that, Mike fell from a ladder whilst trimming a hedge.  The 'still going' hedge trimmer landed on his face, puncturing through to the muscle and requiring 3 stitches and also leaving a light slice line from the top of his cheek through to his lips.  Luckily he was wearing his safety work glasses and avoided any injury to his eyes. He also broke his right collar bone and took the skin off the elbow, which quickly became infected and required a course of antibiotics and regular dressing changes for the better part of 3 weeks.  Always right before Christmas, but at least it has been 7 years since his last good injury!  I told him he must have gotten the 7 year itch!

So, that along with all the usual stuff and some stuff I haven't mentioned or didn't photograph to help remind me is what the last few months of 2012 were like for us.

We are now looking forward to a much brighter 2013!

Glow Stick Bath

Ok, so I can't remember where I first saw this - I think on my friend Gypsy's blog, as she does the coolest stuff with and for her kids, but I just can't remember, so let's just give her the credit anyway!

Anyway, Jayden was having a bit of a rough day the other day and so asked if he could have a bath (instead of his usual shower).  As he was filling the bath I remembered seeing the photos of a glow stick bath and thought I would treat him to the same.  I grabbed some glow sticks, then knocked on the bathroom door asking him if I could pop my head in for a moment.  I dropped the sticks into the bath and took a photo (with the light on).  It's cool how the light is bouncing around on the water, but not too spectacular right?

So, spread them out throughout the bath and turn the lights off and take a photograph without any flash and the effect is way better.  He thought it was great and ended up staying in the bath for about 1/2 an hour.  Cheap exercise too, as the glow sticks were $2 for a packet of 15 and I only used 5.

So busy!

I say it every year about this time:  I am so busy - next year I am not going to take on as much and yet the next year come right around the corner and before you know it, I have actually added to list instead of making it shorter.  I guess I just love helping others and my volunteering hand is on automatic - ie it jumps up into the air as soon as someone asks for help.  I managed to sit on it one year and not take on anything new, so I guess I might have to try that again next year.

It is however also Jayden's last year at Manuka (sob, sob).  I'm going to miss being a part of such a wonderful place.  I have truly enjoyed my time there, working with the kids on various things and on the Parent Support Group for the past 5 years, 4 of them as Chairperson.  But, with all good things, change is necessary and it's time for me to move on and change course and for someone else to step up and bring fresh ideas to the group.

So, my goal for 2013 is to stick with everything I am currently doing (aside from the PSG) and then not to take on any other roles.  Wish me luck!

Legs 11

How quickly the time flies.  Can't believe Jayden turned 11 in May.  

In the morning before school, we let him open up some of his presents.

 He was really thrilled with the M&M dispenser that Taryn bought him.

 And seemed to like the skull shirt.

 He thought the All Blacks duvet cover was pretty neat too.  He's actually quite an easy kid to please, as he appreciates everything that people give to him.

 He was blow away with the new sports watch that sported both analogue and digital displays.

 But I'm pretty sure his favourite was what he got that night before going to bed.  His first Swiss Army Pocket Knife.

 On the Sunday we had family over for afternoon tea and this is the rainbow cake I made for him.  7 layers - Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo & Violet.  Complete with matching pebbles (although the green and violet pebbles were a bit pale in comparison.  Jayden just thought it was awesome, which is all that really matters.

More presents on Sunday - lollies & money

 Star Wars PlayStation game

 Puzzle of the London Underground.

 And as part of the present from Nan & Pop, firstly (as a joke) Special K - mum had seen it on special and knows how much Jayden loves it, so added a box to his present, which also included 2 pairs of shoes that he had pointed out previously, a pair of gloves and another puzzle.

 Jayden wanted to light the candles

 And then blew them out again.

All in all, a great birthday week for Jayden.

Milo the kitten

The kids begged us for ages to get a kitten.  We sat them down and discussed how they would need to be prepared to pay for her, her food, her vet bills etc.  We also said they would need to be the primary caregivers, cleaning up any accidents, cleaning out her litterbox box, feeding her etc.  The two of them discussed it, worked out the cost of everything and a plan of how much pocket money it would take each week and then agreed to go forward and get a kitten.

Due to some soft brown markings, they decided she looked like she had Milo stains down her back and so called her 'Milo'

She was so tiny when we brought her home, but grew super quickly.  Milo is a bit mischievous, so fits into our family well! 

She loves to cuddle up and fall asleep on us, or just sit on us and watch what's going on.

 Sometimes she lies down in some funny positions.

We love her dearly and hope she will be with us for a very long time.