October Q&A

Thought I would try to precis the month again. It's been a busy one!
The year is rocketing along, work is getting veeerrry busy, and Miss Jessica is becoming so mobile and talkative (and so funny. As I write she is shotputting rice crackers, trying to share them with Jersey). Bring on Christmas.... only 1 more month until we can put the tree up!

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Started reading Dare to Discipline by Josh McDowell, and read a bit of Affluenza again. Hope to read some Ravi Zacharias next month; Matt and I have really been enjoying listening to his podcasts while driving/working. Flicked through Donna Hay magazine (a gift from the Dougies 4 for my birthday), *sigh*, such a beautiful looking magazine. Wish I had time to cook beautiful food at the moment!

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this month?
Watched a bit of Scrubs, but that was about it. And the occasional bit of Sesame Street and Raggs, of course! We're back to not really watching TV again at the moment - nothing on the tube really interests us, and who really needs TV when you've got a good selection of DVDs and video podcasts?

What illnesses or health concerns did I have in October?
None! Feeling pretty good (although could always do with some more sleep)...

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
Made two trips to Cape Patterson with Matty, Jessica and Jersey, and spent a few hours in St Kilda after work a few Mondays back. Had lots of fun at home with Jessica.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try in March?
None really. Same old same old.

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Started the Christmas shopping; that's always pretty special. Hope to have it finished in the next few weeks. We also upgraded our modem speed and increased our broadband download limit. Matt and I have had lots of fun downloading podcasts and videos.

What were this month’s disappointments?
Still not getting a regular walk with Jersey, didn't get around to washing the car this month, and still haven't done my tax!

What were my accomplishments this month?
Matt and I finally tidied up the garden and put some new mulch down. It looks much better!

Made it to Cape Patterson Again Yesterday! WOO HOO!!!!

I've had this photo sitting in my blog for the past 4 days, but have not been sure of what to say.
I knew that losing my Mum would still hurt a lot. But I didn't expect it still to sting so much. I sometimes find myself, like a little child, exclaiming that "I want my Mum", usually when I am extremely tired, upset, overwhelmed, or simply missing her. I still dream about her a lot.

I must say, though, that when I think about Mum, the overwhelming feeling I have is gratitude. I am so thankful that she was my Mum. I'm so grateful for the example she was to my sisters and I, and to everyone else (there were so many) to whom she became a surrogate Mum. I still don't think I can have many conversations about her without remembering someone else she & Dad cared for over the years.
I'm grateful for the way she viewed life and all God's gifts to her, and how she made the time to appreciate them. I'm inspired by the way she faced her illness and by her stubborn courage. I'm humbled and challenged by her faith.

I'll never forget the way she loved her grandchildren. Remembering the way she would cuddle and hold them makes my whole body ache as I realise what Jessica is missing. Although it seems odd, though, these memories also comfort me, as I imagine that perfect day when Jessica will meet her precious Grandma.

I SCREAM!

We made a trip into the city on Monday - I had to go into work, so Matty and Jessica decided to come in with me and see the sights while I was in the office. Sounds like they had a lovely time at Southgate, Birrarung Marr, the Arts Centre, the Shrine and the Botanical Gardens (Matt even showed Jessica the Floral Clock; I can remember as a child nagging Mum & Dad to take me to see it anytime we were remotely near the city!) Matt received lots of kudos from a group of old ladies waiting for Half Tix to open, and even had his picture taken by a group of tourists. Perhaps the men don't commonly help with the babies in Japan? At 2.30 I excitedly tore out of work and the three of us went to St Kilda beach. It felt so good to be doing something different. Work has been so busy lately, at times I have been feeling that all I do is work, work, work, and work! Although I do love the work, I get a bit tired and sometimes I feel that there is not a real balance. Some days I haven't even been able to leave the house. Anyhow, we had a lovely time feeding the seagulls (Finding Nemo was so spot-on), walking along St Kilda Pier, and having coffee and a sandwich at the Pier Kiosk (I had been so busy at work that I hadn't eaten!). This was followed by a walk along the beach and finally a trip up Acland Street to 7 Apples, a fantastic gelateria. Matt had a cup of fruity gelati, and I (completely out of character) went for bubblegum, panna cotta and coconut! No wonder I felt sick when we got home. I felt a bit mean eating such a fun-looking item in front of Jessica, so (with Matt's agreement) decided to let her have a taste. For a little girl, eating ice cream means using your hands as well as your mouth! She didn't love the taste - it was a bit sickly, not up to the usual standard at 7 Apples - but I think she had fun. Work is now finished for the week - I put in a pretty big day yesterday, and was up until midnight. I'm very excited now; it feels like Christmas to be able to have tomorrow off! Tonight's agenda includes take away Berwick Thai, and perhaps some Nanny McPhee on DVD. But for now, I'd better go and do the vacuuming. It's been a veeeeeery busy work week, and the house looks like it's ready to be condemned.

Apple Dumpling

Further evidence that our little girl is growing up. Not only is she drinking from a cup (with some help), crawling all over the place, opening the kitchen drawers (from today), pulling herself up in a millisecond, and trying to call her puppy (Jussss-ihhhhh!!!), but last Sunday at her Granny's house she decided she was ready to select and eat her own apple - skin and all!
Sooooo cute. These will be on the 21st video for sure.

9 Months Old

Been a looooooong time since I posted anything. The days must be getting shorter or something. Jessica has been crawling since Sept 16th (a lovely birthday present for her Daddy), and is now zooming all over the house, chasing Jersey, emptying the pantry and pulling herself up on the TV.
Every day Matt and I comment that she must be the happiest baby on earth; she has the broadest smile ever, and hearing her giggle is the most beautiful sound. She's developing a very strong sense of humour, and is becoming quite adept at letting us know if she's no longer hungry, if she's frustrated, or if we have something she wants!
We took her to the beach (at Cape Patterson) on Sunday afternoon - she wiggled her toes in the sand, splashed in a few rock pools, played with the wiggly slimy seaweed, and even gobbled up some sand! We hope to get back very soon; it's a lovely way to spend a few hours, and Jersey really seems to appreciate the trip also.
Work is very very very busy at present. I find myself working 20+ hours a week, which means that I often feel that I have no time to relax; although I do love playing with Jessica, so that very much counts as rest time!
The attached pics were taken at the beach on Sunday, and this afternoon.

Must try to get back here more often, so much happens every day!