A mid-winter update from us lot

Yet another busy month here on the Coast. I can't believe that it is the middle of the year already!!  It feels like the days have just flown by and we haven't really been up to much, then I look at our photos and wonder when we managed to fit everything in :)

Since I last posted we have been away to Oamaru for the weekend which was really lovely. Herself enjoyed it so much, even in the snow flurries or maybe because of, that she wanted us to move there.  Well, I can't blame her really as I've always had a soft spot for Oamaru myself.  Liam was working down in Dunedin for the Sunday so the kids and I just explored and enjoyed.  The highlights would have to be the train ride down to the wharf , finding 2 Enid Blyton books (their current favourite author) for $1 and  the kids finding an adapted rocking horse bike.



"Horsey, horsey don't you stop"



We wandered around for quite a few hours before the kids, well ..... actually ...... maybe it was me more, had had enough.  Despite the freezing winds there was so much to see and do for them that the day went quickly. The playground behind the precinct is a must if you have little ones! The kids loved climbing up a 5 story slide with a near vertical drop at the start, needless to say I didn't venture up.  We also found a wee walk, hidden away, along the stream which the kids thought was great.  I did too until we had a near miss of us all ending up in the stream!

The stepping stones where the kids collided belly to belly.  I only just caught them and balanced us all!

We still have our Fluffy cat albeit a 3 legged version now. She went in for an amputation of her rear leg last week and is doing really well. The kids absolutely love her, as do I. Rex on the other hand is not so fussed with a hoppity, fluffy intruder in his home - aside from sneaking in for left overs where he can.  Though we have decided we are not the home for her to be able to settle in we are hoping to adopt her this week. We have been buying supplies and then the plan is to then take her to the wonderful woman who has agreed to care for her.  Thanks Mum :) 

Jasmine's story on Fluffy for the local home-schooling magazine

Both Jasmine and Daniel had a Sunday session for their Brownies and Keas the other week in aid of Arbour Day, World Oceans Day and World Environment Day. Nothing like combining events to get the most out of it!  Anyway they spent the afternoon potting up plants and then heading to the beach to plant more harakeke so that the local penguin had a sheltered spot to nest.  They both loved getting in and helping with everyone.  It is really great seeing how much they are growing in confidence and experience when working in a team like this.  I loved seeing Jasmine include others and go over to ask a new girl to work with her.  The reward for Daniel was that he got to have his picture in the local paper!  He was feeling very proud although a bit concerned that he wasn't in coloured. :)

Daniel's starring moment and his second time in the paper.

We have had a few lovely days, thankfully on the weekends, in between all our rain lately so it was good to be able to finally go to Lake Ianthe.  None of us really how to pronounce it correctly (we have heard so many variations) and ended up calling it all sorts of things however it really is a beautiful wee spot to stop at.  There isn't much there aside from the boat ramp and a wee track to a where we had a picnic yet it offers such wonderful views on a nice, clear day it is worth the time to veer in.  Armed with a picnic lunch the five of us (Rex included of course) had a lovely time there. 

Us at Lake Ianthe.  Herself is getting quite handy on the camera now.

Themselves at Lake Ianthe.

Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying the beauty and people around you.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

A week of losses, gains and the month that was.

We have had another busy and interesting month, the year is just flying by and I can hardly believe it is a month since I last posted on here.  With all of our activities over the past month it has been this past week which has been the most emotionally up and down for us.  It has truly been a week of losses and gains so I think I will begin there and work backwards ;)

Jasmine's front has been wobbly FOREVER and it has been a year since she lost her first one!  This week though it was even wobblier.  She was having great fun all day Monday moving it around and twisting here and there much to my horror ;)  She even had a go at trying to pull it out herself as it just seemed to be hanging by a thread however to no avail. During tea she created a 'snaggletooth' look all of her own but still it hung in there, that is until I went to help wipe her face.  It came out easily, with one wipe and completely unintentionally, onto the facecloth with a bit of a squeal from both of us!  Our first loss.

Herself and her tooth.

Thursday arrived and as we went to do our outside jobs, including the chickens, we saw that Rose (Jasmine's chicken) couldn't walk at all.  She seemed to be eating fine however she couldn't stand or walk.  I called the vet to see if they could check her while fearing for the worse and hoping for the best such as a diagnoses of a broken leg that could be fixed - hey I have no idea what is possible for chicken health these days ;)  After a day of 'nursing' Rose in a box inside and the kids finding worms for her to gobble we headed to the vets late in the afternoon. 

Unfortunately the vet confirmed that which I feared - Rose was very sick and it would be kinder to put her to sleep.  It was a horrible moment as I had to explain to both kids that while Rose was alive now she was very sick, in pain and unable to be treated.  Using the words 'put her to sleep and she won't wake up again' was the only way I could think to tell them,  on the spot like that.  Daniel was instantly shocked and keep asking 'never?, Never wake up', while Jasmine, just as shocked began repeat the words 'let her live', as she tried to scoop her beloved Rose off the table!  While I imagined that the vet would have that diagnosis I was in no way prepared for the reality of it.  With 3 of us in tears and me trying to cuddle them while trying to explain that actually it was the right thing to do so Rose won't be in pain, the vet watched on.  To think I always wanted to be a vet; now I won't want her job for any money in the world.  After a good 10 mins of tears, pleas, hugs and discussions we stroked, said goodbye and stayed with Rose till the end.

The waiting room, full of people, was absolutely silent as we emerged with sympathy written all over their faces.  I felt so much for herself as it is the second pet she has lost in a year.  Jasmine decided that she would like to bury Rose at home under a nice plant, so we went straight to the shops and got a beautiful Chameleon Rose to place over her. There were a few more tears shed and an interesting discussion about burial versus cremation before we went inside, leaving a lovely plant and a big 'crystal rock' from Daniel to mark Rose's place in our garden.  Our second loss for the week.  It is interesting just how different this loss has been from her 'Golda' last year.


Rose's resting place in the front garden

One of our gains, just as our loss, was of the animal kind this week. Last weekend Jasmine mentioned that she had seen a cat on our front porch.  We assured her it would just be a neighbours cat however when she described it it didn't fit any of the cats we had seen around the place.  It wasn't until we saw the same black fluffy cat sitting on our porch in the afternoon sun on the next four days that we confirmed we had a stray come to stay.  The kids were so excited that we now had a 'cat' while we tried to explain it wasn't ours and that it probably had a home.  We got a trap (don't worry the nice kind not the 'goodbye possum' type) and set it all ready for capture.  It didn't take long before we had 'him' safe and sound in the cage.  A quick trip to the SPCA confirmed no microchip and an injury to its back leg. We returned home cat in hand, well cage in hand really, along with an array of things needed for our new foster child ;)  Tomorrow it is off to the vet to assess the injury and sex however for now he is by the fire purring and happy, comfortable in his cage despite a few nerves at our quick movements. Our first gain.

'Fluffy' as decided by drawing names from a hat - so not my choice!!

This week I also had my first ever article included in an e-magazine - Resonate.  I loved doing it and it was wonderful to be able to add 'As seen in Resonate' to my website.  It was great to feel like I was actually promoting myself and the business as in my juggle of tasks I often miss opportunities to do this to a wider audience.  It was a good experience and one that I'm keen to repeat :) I have another article planned for a different e-magazine at the end of this month and I will be a regular contributor of  Resonate so now the test for me is to think of topics and create them! Our, my, second gain for the week.

We have had other wonderful moments this month too such as Daniel officially became a Kea (baby scouts).  They had a wee ceremony where he had to 'pledge' and create the scout salute before getting his badges and scarf.  He absolutely loves going to Keas and having something special that is just his. Getting away from his Mother and sister is probably a big bonus too ;)  Each week that it is on he is full of stories about what happened and what all his friends have done.  It is wonderful to see how confident he is in the group and the activities.

Getting his Kea scarf

In between everything else we have been getting out and about as a family, making the most of some brief spells of sunshine and the beautiful West Coast.  I have been, yes just me all on my own,  on a wonderful Willow weaving course in Golden bay with some fantastic ladies, which I loved. I have also had lots of support from people in the way of testimonials (thank you so much all!), kind words and lots of good times with friends and family. The kids have been to their first ANZAC parade with Himself along with 2 weeks of swimming lessons with a great coach at our local pool. While Himself has been busy with his course and work it looks like his weekends away are at an end, at least till September, so it will be great to send even more fabulous family time together.



Together at Hokitika Gorge amidst the fantails gobbling sand-flies.

Hope this finds you all snug and warm, happy and healthy.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

A photo update from the Fays

We are all good here, ticking along as usual, and thankfully avoided any of the rough weather that has recently struck the Coast.  We did have our weekend away cancelled however this just meant that we had a fantastic Easter together, relaxing and getting out for walks between showers. 

Feeling mega lazy and my brain is not working at all this evening however I really want to get this update done so thought I would just do a bit of a photo blast with captions to satisfy myself and hopefully everyone else ;) 

At the end of March herself became a 'Brownie'. She had a wee ceremony and officially stepped up to the next group at Girl Guides much to her delight

Themselves digging up the bricks.  I must of been in a very chilled mood this day and they must of thought all their lucky days had come at once!

Walking in Kumara

Bony's eye as taken by herself in a photo taking spree.  Yes..... our chicken's name is Bony ;)

Herself's garlic crop and very tasty it is too.

Themselves feeding the weka at Shantytown.  They come out every time the train comes to the end station.

Herself's 'knitterbug', knitted up following an old pattern of mine.

Himself's 'Cool Carton Rabbit' made from a pom pom he made.

Out on the bikes with Dad.

Rex enjoying the waves on an isolated beach we like to go to.

Themselves down at the beach into between rain showers on Easter Monday.

Hope this finds you all a lot drier and warmer than we are wherever you are in the world.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

Our travels

Well the last month has been one of travels that is for sure.  So nice to spend time together as a family as we have taken little drives and walks south, long drives and ferry trips North topped off by a quick trip East over the hill.

With the painting all finished, well on the outside at least, Facebook posted scheduled and the dog into the kennels we headed off to the North Island to visit friends and family.  It was great to be able to take a whole 2 weeks to really enjoy the journey up and the time with everyone. For the most part the weather was absolutely lovely!  Now I have to admit that before we left I was filled with a little anxiety about returning back to our old stomping ground, which really made me realised that I am not that great with change obviously.  I'm all good to adapt once the change has occurred however the lead up to the change stresses me s*%#less.   I didn't have to be stressed though as it was like I had never left and so fantastic to just 'pick' up where we left off.  If anything it was a little too familiar and I had to keep reminding myself that we weren't living there any more and so had to make an effort to catch up in a limited time ;)  Herself in particular loved seeing her old kindy friends (her golden haired teacher included) and family.  Thanks to everyone that took time to fit us in and organize things for us we really appreciated it and sorry to those we didn't get time to see.

Getting a turn in the driving seat while on the Ferry to Wellington.

In between all the visiting the kids were entertaining their flat travellers and writing journals about their travels.  The Flat Traveller is based on a book 'Flat Stanley' in which a boy who has been flatten by a notice board one night travels by post to see his friend as it is cheaper for his parents.  Herself had one from a wee girl in Georgia, USA (Princess B) and Himself Jnr made his own to bring (Naughty Bird).  They both created fantastic journals for their travels, writing in what we did each day, collecting pamphlets and tickets along with photos and souvenirs.  Even while a bit under the weather with coughs and snotty noses they still managed to draw pictures in and create little sentences about our holiday.  Now that we are back and the travellers have gone back home too we are trying to get back into routine which is easier said than done ;)  The holiday mode is still prevailing though we are enjoying the comforts of home and knowing where everything is.

Working on their Flat Traveller journals in Kapiti

Aside from her flat traveller herself has been busy with Brownies.  She loves going and especially loves working towards the badges that they have.  Since we missed some of the key parts of getting her biscuit badge due to our holiday she has been busy making advertising posters for biscuits, baking up a storm with biscuits and selling to everyone we know!  I'm a bit blown away by how much she is aware of advertising already especially when she told me that the price has to be the smallest writing on the poster so that they will want to buy the biscuits.  Amazing how much they take in from shopping we me and us talking about products, posters and advertising that we have seen.  All those times I answered questioned while shopping I had no idea that it would be remembered and used so well ;)  Many thanks to everyone that helped her sell her 3 boxes (49 packets of varying kinds).  She also had to help the group sell door to door which she thoroughly loved - I think it was getting to see in other people's house that was her favourite part ;) 

Working on a project for her biscuit badge.

Himself Jnr is forever busy with Lego!!  After 2 weeks on holiday and me not writing in my journal once about Lego, the first minute home he was back into it.  I have to say though that the stories he tells, the things he creates from his imagination and the booklets along with all the offshoots of movies, problem solving, negotiations with herself and drawings leaves me more that happy to leave him to it while I listen, watch and smile.  He has just begun Keas (baby Scouts as we call it) and absolutely loves it.  The leader is the same one as herself's Brownies so it is quite an easy transition for him despite not knowing any of the other kids.  Strange to think that my youngest is now independent enough to join a group without me having to be there.

Himself happy to be reunited with his mate.

Himself Snr is busy with work, though he hasn't been back to the office for 3 weeks due to training, and also with study.  He has begun a Diploma in Business Administration which is keeping him busy in the evenings along with the odd 4 day weekend away.  In between he has managed to fit in a little gardening, with the help of herself,  which has seen us eating lovely fresh beetroot, peas, cucumbers, potatoes, garlic, strawberries, lettuce, silverbeet, herbs and tomatoes.  Just before we headed off on holiday he decided to clear all tomatoes out and, not being one to waste, made his first ever relish from them which has nearly all gone as it is so delicious. 

The remaining few jars of yummy homemade man's relish.

St Patrick's Day, or Irish day as herself likes to call it,  tomorrow so we will be getting into our flexi-learning week with some Irish music and yummy flapjacks ;)  At the moment, aside from Lego and Sylvanians, that is knitting is the flavour of the month.  The kids got some great French knitting kits while we were away so that have been really enjoying creating 'sleeping bags' for toys and sacks.  I've loved it too as I have finally learnt how to do it!!  It has only taken me 36 years since I first saw someone doing French knitting, and feel in love with the ideas of it and the cute 'needles', to learn so feeling very pleased with myself.  I'm also enjoying knitting socks for the family after finding an easy 2 needle patterns so I'm all set for days inside while the winds build up outside.

Hope this finds you all safe and sound without too many weather battles behind you.

Arohanui
Y
www.becominghealthy.co.nz

And into the New Year we go!

Yep we are heading into yet another year of flexi-learning, another year of living on the coast and another year of growth.  It is already half way through Jan and herself will be 7 next week!  I can't believe how fast time flies sometimes and yet at other times it seems slow as ;)

We had a lovely, quiet Christmas at home this year.  Just the 4 of us plus the dog eating yummy cake, pavlova and roast.  The weather cleared enough for a bit of bike ride, that is until the kids collided and the littlest got a handle bar in the face! Good to get out even if it meant a few tears though and they breed them tough here so by the time we ventured home it was all good  ;)

Themselves having a Christmas bike ride.

The following day (Boxing Day) we got up bright and early to drive North to begin our first tramp with the kids.  For some reason I thought I had read that the hike into the hut at Lake Daniells was only 1.5 hours .........ummm WRONG!  When we arrived we were greeted by a few bites by the local wildlife (sand-flies) and a sign saying that the hut was 8.4 km away or 3 hours walking - whooopppps ;)  The kids did a magnificent job of the walk, carrying in their little backpacks, listening to Himself's stories, watching robins following us and checking out all the traps for rats or stoats.  By stopping every 40 mins or so for a wee break to rest weary feet we steadily made our way towards the hut, enjoying the sunshine and nature along the way.

Us at the hut at Lake Daniells.

After 3 hours (very accurate sign there I'd say) we arrived at the Lake and our tired duo suddenly found all the energy that seemed to be waning a mere 30 mins earlier ;)  Think it may have had something to do with a delayed boost from scroggin goodies and so they ran around till their hearts were content, splashing in the Lake, climbing trees and investigating wherever they could.  We were lucky to have a bunkroom all to ourselves, which is apparently rare on this popular walk, which meant it felt more like a holiday cabin than a DOC hut.  We stayed only the one night which was enough for us to know that we will be planning our next trip into a hut soon ;)

Hmmmm??!!....... Someone pushing their sister into the Lake!

Since the New Year we have been staying close to home.  Liam has be painting when he isn't at work, I've been improving my knitting skills and working on the biz and the kids have been at swimming lessons.  It is amazing that within 30 mins with the local swim instructor their skills have improved more than a year of mucking around with me!!  It is great to see how confident they are becoming in the water and how proud the both are of themselves.  It also shows me that sometimes I just need to get someone else to teach them things ;) 

The first swimming lesson for himself.

Hope this finds you all settling into 2014, happy, healthy and smiling.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

Thank you for all the support.

Well December was a big month for us in lots of ways.  I'm feeling really good about how things are going on all sorts of levels and I realise that I am actually living my dream job and life already ;)  It has blown me away just how easy things have been since I have made a determined effort to make things happen!! 

Thanks to all the great weather we have had we got out and about lots more than usual too.

Before I left it to the Universe a bit too much I think......... as one of my favourite quotes goes 'Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action' Benjamin Disraeli.  So without further ado here are a few notes of thanks to everyone that has been there and helped me through the last month of 2013.

Thanks to introvertsintroduction for the lovely pic seen here ;)

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.
Benjamin Disraeli
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_disraeli.html#e18l5qu1XIFJHEUj.99

A big THANK YOU to all of the amazing, lovely and wonderful people who have supported me last month:  Himself - my super supportive husband, themselves - my gorgeous kids, my family, The Amazing Biz and Life Academy, EVERYONE THAT HELPED ME TO GET TO 100 LIKES BEFORE 2014,  the dog who is always willing to run with me ;), Unschooling camp, Margaret Lynch, Carol Look, Jennifer Beck, Rachel Sumner, Ruth Mitchener, EFT, Bach Flower Remedies - been working those babies, Branston Intermediate, all my amazing friends, Stafford Kennels, Hokitika SPCA, My Mum, all the people who gave me testimonials to put on my website, YouTube for making it so easy to make and create vids, everyone who purchased my goodies and help me have my first profit EVER, Hokitika Library, Tim Ferris, E-junkie, life hack and everyone else who has been there and everything else I've forgotten which helped me see out 2013 on such a high.

Hope 2014 brings you everything you dream of and much, much more

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

Merry Christmas Eve Everyone

Thought that Christmas Eve would be as good a time as any to write our final update for the year!  We had planned to be off tramping (hiking) tomorrow after a big Christmas breakfast however the plans have changed as the rain has begun to pour down. Now it will be a leisurely day at home, after having made a quick banana cake which the kids decorated Christmas style and a pavlova for dessert.  The tramping can wait until next week over New Years.

Our quickly made Christmas Cake as decorated by themselves.

Liam is still threatening to cancel Christmas - nothing much changes there ;)  This year however the kids, with an additional year of wisdom behind them, have told him that he will need to stay in his room with just water and a book if he is cancelling it and they will open his presents!!  Still not sure who was more serious or excited.

December has seen us travelling quite a bit.  To start the month off we enjoyed our first un-schoolers camp over the hill in Staveley.  It was great to be with other families that although on a different journey still had much in common with us.  The kids loved running around with all the others, climbing trees and going on bush walks.  Only stayed the one night however it was enough for us to know that we would be back again to mix, talk and share with like-minded families.  Think it was great too that Dads were there as often it is the Mama's always getting together and giving information out second-hand ;)

Daniel up yet another tree!  He wanted to climb every one that he could on camp.

After this we headed over to Christchurch for an unveiling of a Kiwirail statue.  It is the 150 year anniversary so a special installation statue was created for all to see at Ferrymead.  Great to get free entry for the event and then get to look around, ride on the trains, sample sherbet and play olden day games.  I hadn't been there for years and years so really lovely to revisit some memories.  Then the following weekend proved to be our only at home for the whole month!  The kids and Liam got out into the garden to check over everything that is growing.  It has been great getting all our own salad bits along with peas and the odd early strawberry.  Still waiting for the tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers and beetroot to mature so we can continue our feasting.

Seeing what is coming up in our new front garden veggie beds.

The middle of the month saw us back in Christchurch for a send off to Branston Intermediate (the school I used to teach at which is a casualty of the Christchurch School closures).  It was great to have a night out with friends, even made it past mid-night, and the kids loved being with Nan without parents to turn off the T.V.  You can tell I don't go out much these days though as by Sunday night I was in bed by 7pm!!  Before both kids were even asleep.  Further in our travel feast of December - last weekend we were up in Westport to catch up with friends and family.  The kids were in heaven going out to so many cafes in one weekend and of course getting to watch T.V. again in our holiday accommodation.  Great to be able to go away with the dog too and we (the dog and I that is) had a good long run around the lighthouse track which was my extra treat in a month of holidays!!

During our weeks at home Jasmine has been busy at Art Club creating and making.  She enjoyed all the art however she tells me that she can't wait to get back to Pippins because they have lots of different cool things ;)  Next year she will be stepping up to Brownies which she is looking forward to although I'm not sure if she realises that it will be more work than at Pippins - oh well ignorance it bliss at times ;) 

Liam has been giving the kids lots of Star Wars stories for bedtime lately and it has inspired a whole heap of stories, drawings, Lego play and craft!  The best activity to come out of all the story telling would have to be when the kids made their own C3PO and R2D2 after Liam showed them a YouTube clip of both the robots.  It was amazing to see them go ahead and make what they had visualised in their minds and just make it without any assistance - well apart from handing them cello tape that is ;)

The robot friends.  Herself even managed to create R2D2's wheels with bottle caps!

It certainly has been a busy month for us and yet more adventures to come.  Been so great spending every weekend together having fun and being out and about, think that January may have to be our rest month before we head up North for a holiday in Feb. 

Hope this finds you all warm, merry and ready for a relaxing Christmas and New Year.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz