Update

If theres one thing about me you might not know. I dont cope with pain very well and wont stand to much of it.

Missed church this morning even though I wanted to go. Went to the doctor instead. He reckons I have sprained my neck and its possible I got whiplash. Hes given me some anti-inflammatory pills and recommended I start physio tomorrow.

Oh My Head

This afternoon I went with D4 down the road on his bike. We didnt get far there was a nice big empty car parking area in front of a doctors surgery so he rode around that for ages. Going up and down a little bank.

Then he decided he wanted to go to the park. So we took the bike home and walked (or in his case ran) up to the park at the end of our road. I took my book and read a chapter and a half. He climbed up and down and around the play equipment.

Then we decided it was time to go home. D4 decided he wanted to walk behind the scout hall which was fine with me. Id walked that way before in the past - when I was out walking by myself. He went ahead of me happily. I followed. Down a little muddy slope I went and before I knew what had happened I slipped. Landing flat on my back. As I was falling my head went right forward and then back, hitting the ground before coming back to normal position. After a moment or two knowing I had to walk home I slowly got up.

Got home and took 2 pain killers. Sore all over. Head achy, my sinsus area seems to be sore and a very sore back. Gonna have a shower and have a quiet late afternoon and evening

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for a lot of things. God is so good. He gets the glory to start with of course. He is my loving Father who wants the best for me.

I am thankful and pleased that todays catologue drop seemed to take about an hour less than I thought it would :)

I am grateful to the New Zealand Correspondence school whom I rang just the other day. I have all the workbooks B14 needs to get started into home schooling again next week.

I am grateful that D4s caregiver is still going to be able to look after him sometimes starting next week. Kindy hours are changing - D4 will be going to morning kindy Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. He will be in care on Monday and Tuesday afternoons so I can do my job :)

I am grateful to the many friends I have been able to reconnect with now Im on the internet again :)

I am thankful and blessed by one in particular Alice :)

She gave me these 2 awards

I have many loyal readers. Of which Im very thankful :) If you are reading this considered yourself awarded :)

"This award is to honor certain bloggers that are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn’t for them, my site would just be an ordinary book review blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendship through the blog world."

I would like to give this to my sister. Who hasnt been blogging long. She finally caught the blogging bug :) Its nice that shes blogging as it allows me to know what her and her wonderful family are up to :)

Gardening

Although I worked in a plant nursery when I first left school and for years before hand in the holidays and on Saturdays I DO NOT have a green thumb.

I have had my eye out for one of these since I moved here to my house on the hill.

This afternoon I went and picked it up. I won it on Trademe.
Then I transferred this

click on here and push play

to this

click on here on push play

now Im off to have a well deserved shower :)

Treating Myself

Last night B14 couldnt be bothered to wash 2 plates for our dinner. Although he had cooked dinner and (if he had bothered to look in the dishwasher he may well have found them) that was good. I had worked 5 hours in the boiling hot sun. Walking the streets picking my catologues. Then he lay down the law lol - saying I couldnt have dinner if I didnt wash the plate.

I organised to deliever some of my orders and after that I (because I had done well last week work wise) brought myself dinner (KFC) and ate it in the car with the radio going :) I ate it on the beach front :)


It was yummy and I enjoyed myself :)

The Movies

B14 has been attending a holiday program over the last few days. Yesterday he won a ticket to the movies. He asked me to go with him - bless him :) On the way we we picked up dinner at McDonalds. Smuggled it into the movies - Ive been doing this for years - the food there is expensive!!!

We went to see Sherlock Holmes. It was quite good. About the first 20 mins or so was quite violent but after that it was really good. Im wondering whether this story has always been on violent or whether it was for the modern day audience. Such a pity they had to make it so violent. I nearly walked out - pleased I stayed though.

In about the middle of the movie I did go and tell the movie theatre staff there were 3 noisy boys sitting in front of us that keep running in and out of the theatre. Apparently as well as getting told off by the usherette a man watching the movie also told them off.

What Ive Been Reading

click on the above picture to link to the web site hosting the challenge

I have taken the challenge to read 12 young adult books this year. So far I have read 5 :)
I am wondering whether I should upgrade my challenge, Im almost 1/2 way and its only January.

Below I will list what they are. I will review the one I have liked the best so far. I wont review them all wouldnt want to bore you all too much.

Elephants in the East - Lucy Daniels
The Golden Thread - Carolyn Marsden
Aquamarine - Alice Hoffman
Sara Crewe - Frances Hodgson Burnett
Listen - Stephanie S Tolan

Listen - Stephanie S Tolan

This is the book I have enjoyed the most thus far. This story is about a girl whom befriends a seemly wild dog and works throughout the summer to befriend and tame him. It was a beautifully written story about healing, love and friendship between an animal and a person.

~Simple Womans Daybook ~

FOR TODAY... 25th January

Outside my window. . . its grey and weve had showers. Which is actually ok. Its easier working when its cool and rainy than when its hot.

I am listening to... the sound of silence. Im the only one home at the mo

I am thinking... about the fact that B14 will probably ask to stay the night at his friends, where he is at, at the mo. I will have to say no. As he is doing a 2 morning holiday programme. The first one was this morning the other is tomorrow morning.

I am thankful for... The help that the Napier Family Centre gave us last year. Thats who is doing the holiday program B14 is doing at the mo. They are also going to stay involved with us this year. They have a boys youth program coming up :) I am going to be helping a young girl, whose 10 - 12 yrs old to gain motivation, confidence and inspiration by becoming a mentor for a year.

I am wearing... my red home care direct shopping tshirt, my black 3/4 pants and my brown shoes

I am remembering... the name I meet this morning when I was working. His dog eagerly met me barking. I told him to go home. Then the man (dutch one I think) congratulated me on telling his dog what to do. He said that his dog could have been aggressive, that in fact he was a big softy and that I handled it well. What I forgot to tell him was that its taken a life time to build that confidence around dogs. I was toppled over as a very young child by a dog that got into our yard through a hole in the fence. I had a great fear for years and years. I guess Im over it. I basically dont take any rubbish from dogs these days. Luckily I havent been bitten when I do my job, I think if it ever happened I would have to give up my job.

I am going... to continue to read some more about Jessie when I have finished doing this. I first heard about her months ago when she first set out then I lost track of her. One of my online friends had this remarkable young lady on her blog the other day so Ive been reading since she left Australia and am slowly catching up on her journey. Sooner or later Ill be updated completely with her. Her blog makes very interesting reading.

I am currently reading... Sara Crewe by Frances Hodgson Burnett - it was one of the books I picked up yesterday

I am hoping... that Aria gets her transplant soon

Noticing that...its funny summer weather - yesterday was brilliant and sunny and today is quite the opposite again

Around the house...the dishes need doing yet again

One of my favorite things . . . my camera, I enjoy taking photos

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week . . . playgroup tomorrow morning. picking up my catalogues on Wednesday, getting my boy D4 back on Saturday

From my picture journal...Theres a web cam of the city somewhere up the hill and this is a view I never get sick of. This was taken by the web cam yesterday

My Sunday

After church (where I showed the children a dvd of Buzz and Poppy) and lunch went for a drive out in the country. Last night I finished the book I was reading for this challenge. I will probably do a book review on the books I have already read for this challenge later in the week. I dont like running out of books to read so I went to get the books I won on Trademe.

A Busy Day Yesterday

I had cleaned the house on Thursday so dedicated Friday to washing day. I did heaps of loads and am up to date with the washing again.

Also a while ago my social worker from last year put me on to the Salvation Army for firewood for next winter. They deliver a big trailer full for free :) It arrived and it was a joint effort between the young man whom delivered it and my boys and I to gwt it unloaded and into the wood shed.

I told B14 that his uncle would be impressed by the way he was helping. I think the threat of being banished to his room in the winter was enough to get him out there helping us :)

Picking My Battles

I have a 14 year old whom being a typical teenager is sometimes stubborn and lazy

This was getting to me last year so I went and did a Parenting Teenage Course. I decided at the end of it that I actually have an ok kid. Hes not into drugs or alcohol. He doesnt break the law.

Yes sometimes hes stubborn, lazy and rebellious. For example after the ex and I broke up and grew his hair long. It was long, messy and not really well looked after. He did this because he was going through a stage. The ex never picked his battles and criticized B14 over everything. Poor kid :( I could digest right now but I wont thats a whole another story.

Friends of the family encouraged him to try another hair style. Eventually he got sick of it. He asked that I take him to the hairdressers, which I did and he had a nice respectable hair cut. Then the friends and I told him how dashing he looked :)

"Ding Dongs"

Part of my part time job requires me to deliver the goods to the customers. I often take D4 with me on this part of my job. I usually deliver in the afternoons when he is around. Sometime I time it so he is with me because of the delight he gets out of helping me. He enjoys coming with me, especially if the houses have 'ding dongs". He delights in pushing them :) I control this of course - dont want to annoy my customers. He always says "aww" if they dont have a "ding dong" and have a door knocker instead :) :) :)

shoes

Last year B14 and I went to The Festival (an arts extravaganza) which was held at a venue about an hour out of Napier, One of the rooms showcased some art that kindy children (4 year olds) had made. This inspired me to make my own. I must confess mine arent as good as these clever childrens ones were. Theirs had heels built in to their shoes. I have no idea how they did that.

~Simple Womans Daybook ~

FOR TODAY... 18th January

Outside my window. . . Its a fine day which Im pleased about, much easier working when its fine

I am listening to... Sponge Bob D4 is watching it in the lounge

I am thinking... about the fact that at just 730am he wants to go to his caregivers already. He enjoys his time there. Contrary to what his father thinks :)

I am thankful for... His caregiver she allows me to work. I dont think I could do my job without her.

I am wearing... pink - little miss sunshine nightie and dressing gown - it is only 730 after all

I am remembering... how yesterday was a year since I became single again :)

I am going... to take D4 to his beloved care giver nand then go and deliever my catalogs. I usually do it on a Friday. However Friday was busy so doing it today instead. I usually pick them up again today but shall do it Wednesday this week.

I am currently reading... The Divine Wind by Garry Disher
I am hoping... the weather stays fine

On my mind... is my day ahead

Noticing that... I need a coffee to help me wake up

Pondering these words... last night we were watching Bridge to Terabithia. D4 asked why I was crying. He thought you could bring back the dead by adding coloured paint to water as the boy in the movie did. I wish

From the kitchen... weetbix for breakfast awaits me

Around the house... the dishwasher needs emptying again.

One of my favorite things . . . is "smooch" the cat from downstairs. I dont know her real name but shes so friendly and loves it when I say hello to her.

From the learning room . . . some of our correspondence lessons for this arrived this week. We dont start school for about another 2 weeks though.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week . . . play group tomorrow morning (Im running it over the holidays - its for the children usually come to the playgroup during trm time.) this will be followed by a sunday school teachers meeting. I also have work again this week

From my picture journal...

The Cross and Its Inspiration Story

One morning I was reading my daily devotional. Another activity I really gotten into this year.
The following reading inspired me to make this cross that hangs on my wardrobe in my bedroom. I think it suits the wooden backing really well. Each section is made up of the colours described in the reading below.
Emilie Barnes - 15 Minutes Alone With God
Little Jelly Beans

Scripture Reading: John 3:16-21
Key Verse John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

A friend placed a simple bag of coloured jelly beans in my hand. A card was attached to the bag. In passing I thought, "Cute gift." Placing the bag on the table with a quick thank you, I went on to visit with my friend.
It was actually several days later when I picked up the small package of coloured jelly beans to throw a few into my mouth. However, in order to get to those silly beans I had to cut the attached card off. In so doing iZ noticed the words on the card. Here is what they said:

Little Jelly Beans

Little jelly beans
Tell a stroy true
A tale of Father's love
Just for me and you.

Green is for the waving palms
Blue for the skies above
Brown for the soft earthwhere
People sat hearing of His love.

A Speckled bean for fish and sand
Red for precious wine
And Black is for the sin He washed
From your soul and mine.

Purple's for the sadness of
His family and friends
And White is for the glory of the
Day He rose again.

Now youve heard the story
You know what each colour means
The story of our Father's love
Told by some jelly beans.

So every morning take a bean
Theyre really very yummy
Somehing for the soul, you see
And something for the tummy.

Its been a year since that gift of jelly beans was put into my hand. I have not eaten them - they sit on my desk as a beautiful reminder of what God has done and given to me. When I see those jelly beans I remember to thank our Lord for the earth and sky, for friends and family, for a family of God that is so big and mighty, for the love and prayers of others. And most of all, for our heavenly Fatrher's love, the love gift of His very own Son, Jesus Christ.

Father God, thank You for the simple reminders of who You are and what You have done. You are a great and awesome God. Help me to remember that always. Amen

Saturday work

This morning I walked around town with a Hawkes Bay Today trolley and sold newpapers to the shopkeepers and a few people that were shopping in town. I had 45 papers and I could have sold more.
I did this to relieve the person that usually does it. Hawkes Bay Today usually give this job to the Intellectually Handicapped citizens.
I never really saw myself as a sells woman. However, I quite enjoyed this morning and I like my part time job as well.

ME

This is another piece of art I made last year. Im not much of a drawer but this piece has special significance to me as last year I learnt to be my own best friend this was a major achievement for me.

We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies.”

Roderick Thorp

"J"

This is the 1st object of art I finished last year.

Last year was a very creative year for me. I find my art is relaxing and over the next few days or weeks I will showcase all my creations from last year.

I had brought the template for my "J" a year before but hadnt done anything with it. Finally I got around to decorating it.

In almost every marriage there is a selfish and an unselfish partner. A pattern is set up and soon becomes inflexible, of one person always making the demands [and rules] and one person always giving way.

Iris Murdoch

Im not going to generous anymore.
I need the best for my youngest and if that means I must fight then I will
Contrary to what he thinks I am not making demands I am doing whats best for our boy

Till we meet again S girl

This morning S17 went to playgroup with me. She was very helpful :) Together we set up and waited for the mums and children to come. We left early so S17 could get ready to go home.
All soon it was time for her to go home. Gonna miss my girl. However this goodbye was much much easier than when she left 4 years ago. We know we will see each other again soon :)



This afternoon I picked up my catalogs :) This kept me busy :)

Last full day with my girl

Today we went to Ocean Spa for a dip and lunch. Then we went to the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

A WET & WILD SUNDAY

Went to Splash Planet for the day

Lastly pleased to report that the water seemed to help my ankle its not better but its much better than it was

Warning Long Post

Last Night we watched Walk The Line which in itself was a really good movie. However I unfortunately hit a real downer with it. In the movie there is a scene where Johnny pins his 1st wife to the floor using his body, their children witness this and cry. It made me have a flash back which is nothing usual recently again :( Before I met D4s dad I was with a very very bad man. He was very abusive. Often when we were together he would start his ranting and raving and s##t I would send the children to their room. One day I walked into their room after an episode to find the children cowering together under the built in desk in Ss room.
This still haunts me to this day and as I said unfortunately I got a severe flashback last night I spent most of the movie crying. S17 was very supportive and I am very sori she had to see me at my worst.

What really brought me out of this depression was that after the movie I got on the internet and goggled Johnny Cash I listened to his music for a while this lead me to do a search on Neil Diamond. Ive always liked him. I found a beautiful new song (well I havent heard it before) of his. Its posted below along with the words.

This helped bring me up again. Then I went to bed and read a beautiful devotional. Its awesome how sometimes I miss my morning devotion and God gets me to read it later when its at its most useful. In the devotion it reminded me to call upon the Lord when life gets tough. The devotional compared God to a computer when something goes wrong with it and it tells you to call the systems administrator. Who is my systems admin?

"Who is this mighty Authority who has all the answers, who can recify all the errors and set us off again on the right course?" (Time Out for Coffee, Jeanette Lockerbie, 1978, p 117)

I then read the verses (and a few more following it) that went along with the devotional - Jeremiah 33:1-9.

^1-2I was still being held prisoner in the courtyard of the palace guards when the LORD told me:

I am the LORD, and I created the whole world. ^a]">[a] ³Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don't know and can't find out. ^4-5Many of the houses in Jerusalem and some of the buildings at the royal palace have been torn down to be used in repairing the walls to keep out the Babylonian attackers. ^b]">[b] Now there are empty spaces where the buildings once stood. But I am furious, and these spaces will be filled with the bodies of the people I kill. The people of Jerusalem will cry out to me for help, but they are evil, and I will ignore their prayers. ⁶Then someday, I will heal this place and my people as well, and let them enjoy unending peace. ^c]">[c] ⁷I will give this land to Israel and Judah once again, and I will make them as strong as they were before. ⁸They sinned and rebelled against me, but I will forgive them and take away their guilt. ⁹When that happens, all nations on earth will see the good things I have done for Jerusalem, and how I have given it complete peace. The nations will celebrate and praise and honor me, but they will also tremble with fear.

In the first verse it spoke to me of how I am at times still under the depression, post traumatic syndrome however God can help me and bring me out of it. He created all things and He has the power. I may be "torn down" however He promises in verse 6 to heal me and let me "enjoy unending peace" and He "will make [me] as strong as [I was] before. [I] sinned and rebelled (went my own way when searching for a man to make my life complete) against me, but [He forgave me] and took away [my guilt]. When that happens, all nations on earth will see the good things I have done" (I have been a witnesses to a special friend this last year through my faith in God). Again He promises peace in the last half of verse 9. I can "celebrate and praise and honour" Him because He brings me up when Im down. He is my systems administrator :)

This morning did 2 paper runs and the other half of my catalogs drop. As I was doing the 2nd run I fell over while multitasking. I was reading my run sheet and there was a piece of uneven footpath. Despite this I dropped some of my catalogs and ended for home. Once there it started to throb. I think I may have sprained my ankle. Iced and rested it and took pain killers.

This didnt stop me taking the older two out for lunch. D4 has gone back to his dads for a week. He didnt want to go - poor fellow. He LOVES his big sis.

Had a quiet day mostly at home. The kids played board games and I took them out to lunch and a look around Sarahs old intermediate school.

Today we went to Cornwall Park for a picnic lunch and a play. Then we went back over to Napier to Lick This. Then after a play at May and Peter Harris Playground I dropped the kids off at the Warehouse while I went to do the paper run I am doing this week. So nice to have a responsible young willing lady (S17) to look after my youngest when Im working.

Tonight B14, S17 and I are watching the dvd of Pearl Harbour

Yesterday we went window shopping in town and took Spice to the vet to have a check up he hasnt been acting right completely since coming home. He may have an abbess and need an op :( In the meantime he is on antibotics for a week.

Today we went to the Onekawa Pools, to Anderson Park and to a friends for a bbq dinner :)

A Special Day

This morning started like any other morning

playgroup (Im running it over the holidays :))

then it changed for and in one of the best possible ways
while I have known this day was coming it felt surreal until I got the airport

my daughter (17) whom I havent for 4 years has come to stay for a week :)