Becoming Healthy

November Update from the Fay Family

2015-11-28T19:58:00.000+13:00

Here we are again at the end of another month and yet again I feel like it has sneaked up on me!! This month feels like it has been all about renovations and work. However we have actually managed to get out and about, in and around Kàpiti to view a few things. So because there weren't many events outside of home-educating and daily routines I thought I'd just post a few photos :)

Themselves at Otaki Beach enjoying the waves and sun.

The view of the South Island I get every Monday while giving a home reflexology session.

Exploring the Paraparaumu Heritage trail. Themselves at 'Mary'.

Themselves making the most of a bit of sunshine out in the Cul-de-sac

Front of our place ready for work to begin.

We have a hole!

A step further towards getting our Front door.

Finally a Front door that visitors will be able to find!

From the inside. Needed a bit of re-arranging but a good chance to de-clutter and so good having the door.

Hope this finds you all well and ready for the Silly season to begin. Until next month.

Arohanui
Y

October Update from the Fays

2015-11-03T14:00:00.004+13:00

Well yet another busy month here in Kapiti. The days just seem to fly past, they really do.... and yes I know I say that all the time :)

Jasmine is still on the go with fund-raising for her big trip south to the Girl Guide Jamboree. So far she has raised half the money with a raffle and a sausage sizzle. She is very willing it is just her parents that are trying to find the time and energy to keep up the fundraising efforts with her :) The sausage sizzle we held on the first weekend of October went so well and so fast that I forgot to take photos so sorry you'll just have to imagine Liam serving up sausages and herself in her little pink Brownies top sorting out the change.

Our local Mitre 10 (hardware shop) had a great free workshop for the kids on the day after our sausage sizzle. The kids loved making a birdhouse which they could bring home. They now have them mounted in the garden and we are all watching the comings and goings of birds. So far it looks like some starlings have nested in Jasmine's as we saw them taking things in and out while over at Daniel's it has been a half-way home for visiting sparrows and starlings :) It has peaked Jasmine's interest to find out more about birds so we are waiting for a contact from the local ornithologist society.

Themselves building the birdhouses.

The weather was actually pretty kind to us in October (unlike it has been for these few days of November) and we have really enjoyed getting out and about along with BBQ's with friends. Themselves all had a go at white-baiting and, despite others collecting 120 pounds of the stuff, managed to get 3. No, not 3 pounds that is 3 actual white-bait :) The kids love the experience of going down with Liam even though they don't help much in the catching stakes once there.

Themselves out trying their luck

This month also saw us finally get into Wellington for some rock climbing for Jasmine. She has been hooked on it since she had a go on a friend's wall 3 years ago. I have to say too that she seems a bit of a natural at it and loves the challenge of finding holds and working out a path to the top. While in Wellington she scaled a climb that even adults were struggling with! The look on her face when she got to the top and we (the adults that couldn't make it up and me) all cheered was priceless.

Jasmine just about to push up to another hold.

Finally our month of October ended with a fantastic Halloween BBQ and fire-pit party. Not being ones for Trick or Treating we chose to celebrate the Jack o Lantern side of it and invited the neighbours and the kids invited one friend (plus family) each so that we could toast a few marshmallows along with carving a few pumpkins. The people who rented this place from us created an awesome space down in the wilderness with a wee fire-pit and seats around. It has taken us a year to use it however it was well worth the wait and such a great evening for it!

Count Daniel Dracula - who saves lives :)

Well that is about it for now. Hope this finds you all enjoying the change of season and rhythm - albeit inconsistent in NZ.

Arohanui

Where did the month go???

2015-10-04T18:46:00.001+13:00

Well here we are in October already and I'm just realising that I still need to do my September update! Man that month went by fast :)

Themselves and Me on the train up to Auckland

We started September with a long weekend up to Auckland. It was fantastic getting to go up and back by train, long as it was, and the kids were great. I think a large supply of food, games and activities helped. Daniel was still on crutches, however that didn't stop us getting into town to see family and the Sky Tower. We decided to make the most of our Sky Tower trip though, as he wasn't really up to mile of walking, staying up there 2 hours so we could see look all over Auckland from a height.

Making the most of our time in the Sky Tower

The day before we left for Auckland we did have a bit of sad news as we found out that one of herself's mice had cancer. It made leaving a little hard for the kids, harder still for our lovely neighbour who was feeding them, as they were so worried Fern would die while we were gone. Thankfully Fern was still in the land of the living when we arrived home and for another week. She passed away having snuggles with the kids and we said good-bye to another loved pet -giving her a memorial plant over top of her burial site. It has be interesting seeing the way the kids are dealing with their pets dying and with each passing there is a new level of grieving and questioning about the whole life / death process.

Fern in better days doing 'tricks' with Jasmine

From the low of saying goodbye to Fern the mouse we went to the highs of Daniel turning 7. After much talk of parties he decided to have a fun day with just the family - relaxing at home with his presents in the morning followed by lunch out, chipmunks (indoor play area) and tea out. In the end he actually felt too unwell for tea out (may have been the getting up at 4.44am to open presents!) so we postponed our meal out until Friday. He had a great week though and I think he actually liked having his birthday 'treats' spread over a few days. :)

Birthday breakfast smoothies with twisty straws

Spring has definitely sprung here and we have had some glorious days to get out and about. Liam has also got into the garden with the kids and planted all our veggies ready for Summer as well as raiding our grapefruit and orange trees for making marmalade. We have also used some of this fruit for Jasmine's fundraising to go to Jamboree next January and it has been very popular - nothing like fruit straight from the tree to tempt people :)

Themselves exploring the estuary creatures while the tide is out after riding along Cambourne Walkway.

Well I'll leave it there otherwise it will be time to begin writing the Oct update!!

Hope this finds you all happy and healthy.

Arohanui'
Y

August update Already!!

2015-08-30T20:14:00.000+12:00

Almost Spring and here is another update from us. It has been a very eventful month filled with renovations, birthdays, badges, crafts and hospital visits.

After 2 months of hard work and Liam working every weekend, or close to it, our upstairs bathroom/laundry is complete!! It is so nice having everything upstairs. Daniel was his task-master on this job and kept reminding Liam that he had said the job would be completed by my birthday at the end of August. Great to have someone else doing that job and great to have no showers in a different climate downstairs. Now he is downstairs tidying things up so that we can have that as a wee self contained flat and dreaming of building retaining walls!

Only the floor to go in our fully functioning bathroom/laundry

After Daniel hurt his knee in late July we have had a full month of pain and many days of not walking. It seems that when he breaks bones our boy doesn't do the usual line of bruising and swelling. After a reluctance by the Dr to x-ray we finally got some and found that he has in fact fractured his growth plate (or very close to it). A cast was put on only to be removed a week later to investigate the pain in Daniel's heel. Once off it was clear what the pain was as his foot was all blistered!! Poor wee thing has had a hell of a month!

Getting a cast on finally! This enabled him to walk without the pain.

Waiting for more x-rays after the cast has come off.

In between not walking and pain though he and Jasmine managed to work on some Kea and Brownie badges. They are both loving the groups, especially when all their efforts are rewards with badges to sew on. Daniel finished his Healthy Kea badge and Jasmine completed her Animal Fun and Creative Arts Fun. Jasmine is also fundraising at the moment for her Jamboree camp down in Christchurch next year. She has created a raffle - with first prize kindly donated by a resident reflexologist :) - and made soap, bath bombs and hard lotion bars as 2nd prize. She has sold a few and next month we will try the sitting in front of the shops trick - fingers crossed for good weather :)

Daniel being supported - literally - while talking about his Healthy Kea with sore leg up.

Creating a path for us to follow as part of her badge work

We have also been going along to 'Yarn time' at the local library once a month. The kids are loving it just as much as I am, though it has to be said probably more for the biscuits and adoring attention they get from the other older ladies :) So nice to have at least one time in the month were I can craft in the daylight hours with others. Jasmine has really taking a shine to crochet lately and has crafted her own slippers which she loves. So nice to see her being creative and making things. Daniel has gone for the French knitting reel instead and has made a collection of coasters (sewn in a round), necklaces and scarves :)

Jasmine's green slipper she made while I made a blue one for her.

Jasmine's self designed slippers

Well I'll sign off there for now and leave you for another month. Hope all is well with you lot as it is with us.

Arohanui
Y

What a fabulous month we've had!

2015-07-31T20:24:00.001+12:00

It really has been a great month, made even more so by now having a fully functioning (if not completely finished) bathroom and laundry upstairs. We have been busy with so many different things with Matariki, School Holidays and Wellington's 150th anniversary all falling in this month. So without further ado I'll fill you in from the beginning to now.

First week of July:

This was also the first week of the school holidays and the local libraries as well as a local Art Gallery seems to go all out with activities for Matatriki. The kids got to listen to an amazing local artist play a variety of Taonga Puoro (traditional Máori instruments) and well as get to make their own uku-tangi (Clay flute). Even I got to have a go making one and play it!

Making pinch pots to create our ukutangi

This is also the week that the electrician was here for 2 days rewiring and wiring up our house. OMG!!! The state of some of our cables were shocking and I think we narrowly averted having a major fire. We knew it needed doing just not that it was so dodgy, complicated and old. Thank goodness it is sorted now and finally after 5 years of owning our home we have a central light in our dining area and in Jasmine's bedroom. No more 'in the mood' 'candle-lit' dinners for us!

Second week of July:

The kids were very excited to be able to go to the 'Farm School' at a local Vaulting and Equestrian Club this week. The highlight being that they got to ride their ponies down to the dairy to get some lollies. Unfortunately after a full day Daniel fell just as I was arriving to pick them up and hurt his knee. No breaks - thank goodness - just strained muscles and ligaments we (meaning the doctors we visited 3 times) think. It was sore enough that he won't weight bear or walk because of the pain and so we ended up reading a lot, watching a lot of Magic School Bus and Camp Google. By the weekend he managed to be walking again though running hurt. More times than not he would forget all about the fact it hurt only to stop suddenly or collapse after jumping up or running off!

Daniel's legs give out after starting on his adventure track in Queen Elizabeth Park

Third week of July:

With the school holidays over the kids were really glad to get back into their Brownies, Keas and swimming. We don't always take the same holidays as the schools however all our activities do so the 'holiday' times always have a different rhythm. In between more trips back to the doctor when Daniel's leg made sore again from swimming we began a new venture - art venture classes that is. They are really great little follow along online lessons which we can stop and start as we choose. The kids decided on an Egyptian Mummy to draw which then sparked a whole week of learning about Egypt, ancient Egyptians and, as it happened to be in this same week, Eid. It was great to see them eager and engaged. This is one of the awesome things about home-educating.

Jasmine's 'Mummy' which inspired Daniel's map of Egypt and a whole week of learning.

At the end of this week was a the weekend of the 150th Wellington anniversary celebrations. Liam took a day off from house renovations, which was his first in 2 months, and we all headed in to have a look around. Most things were open and free so we managed to go to the Reserve Bank, Government House, Kate Sheppard's birthplace, Te Papa (always free but always a highlight for us), the Beehive and the National Library all before the rain began. :) The favourite part for me was watching a short 'play' called Page turners where 5 actors became 5 iconic Wellington figures of Te Rauparaha, Robin Hyde, Nancy Wake, James K Baxter and Carmen. It was a great performance and so interesting!

Enjoying being with Daddy and run off from me!!

The final week of July:

Well the highlight of this week was getting our bathroom fully functioning mid week!! After 5 years of traversing up and down stairs to get ready in the mornings we can finally shower and get ready in the same room!! Funny thing was that for the first couple of days I kept forgetting :) Liam is still working on all the finishing bits however everything - washing machine, bath, sink, dryer, shower and toilet are all going. Jasmine was the most excited I think as she was really missing having a bath after 2 months of showers.

Looking into our new bathroom. Laundry area in the left corner and bath opposite.

Well that is about it from a rainy and mild Kapiti Coast. Hope this all finds you happy, healthy and warm.

Arohanui
Y

A slightly late June update.

2015-07-02T20:19:00.002+12:00

Let's pretend it's still June shall we? I'm only slightly late after all and the intention has been there for the last few days.... just the coughs, colds and sore throats have somewhat slowed down the whole process.

Even now the procrastination is knocking very loudly at the door so I'll make this a photo shot one I think :)

Jasmine got into some cake decorating after requesting a cat cake for her Brownies bring along a friend. Each week the kids have been baking and making up recipes .... with varying degrees of success :)

Daniel had a Kea's walk out at Whareroa Farm a the beginning of the month. Grandad Liam was here and come along which was great. Here he is doing the Kea yell.

Grandad Liam with a few of the grand-kids.

Daniel finally lost his first tooth!! It wasn't wobbly that long before he got it out. I told him how I had knocked Jasmine's out with the facecloth one time so he went over and proceeded to 'wipe' it out using the same method!

For most of the month of June we have been tending to a mangy hedgehog. We had to get his weight up over 700gm and clear the mange before we could release him. Kids loved it... I was a bit over it by the end of the first week I have to say. Who knew hedgehogs were such messy, cheeky things???!! Not me when I agreed to take it in that is for sure.

Renovations are underway and still going. Liam chose the weekend his dad arrived to rip out the bathroom and so we haven't had running water (aside from the toilet) in there since. Almost there though with connections so fingers crossed it won't be long till be can actually wash hands and brush teeth in the bathroom again.

The kids and I have been going to a craft morning once a month and really loving it. We are the youngest by about 40 years and the kids revel in all the attention they get for their sewing, crochet and knitting. Since the kids are enjoying it so much we have begun to have one at home on the 'off'' weeks. This week Jasmine created some togs for her Polly dolly from an old pair of her togs.

Each week, term time, we have swimming lessons at the local pool. It is will the home-schooling group so really nice to connect with others. Daniel also has a Water Safety Kea badge that he wants to complete so here he is showing the instructor what he can do. This is the boy who just a year ago won't let go of me or put his head under the water.

Jasmine had her first ever Brownie sleepover in Otaki at the end of this month. She was very determined to go without me or Liam attending and had a great time. So nice that she has made friends in the group and enjoys being with them.

Finally for the month of June, after all the rains and floods, we had a beautiful birthday weekend for Liam. As Jasmine's camp was on the same weekend we headed out to Otaki and stopped at Te Horo beach from some banana birthday cake and a walk before heading home for a fish and chip lunch.

Hope this finds you all enjoying life and warmth - the sun kind or fireside kind.

Arohanui Y

May Update from the Fays

2015-05-24T20:09:00.001+12:00

Well I thought I would be good and get in a bit earlier this month :) Otherwise the days race away and before I know it another month has gone by! This month has been a real mixture weather wise on the Kapiti Coast with flooding the other week and then glorious days lately which have meant some great bike riding along the river.

Themselves enjoying my old Muppet Show record on a rainy day.

Jasmine's Techno-fun badge inventor poster

In order of occurrence here are our main May highlights :) The kids have both been working hard towards earning badges at Keas and Brownies and this month they have both earned at least two. Herself finished her Techo-fun badge and got an Anzac Badge while himself completed a Caring Kea badge, a Helpful Kea badge and an Anzac badge. So proud of the effort they put in to get them and so great to see them loving the groups so much :)

Daniel's Caring Kea badge poster

After talking about it for forever we have finally begun work on bringing our laundry and shower upstairs!! Himself got busy on Mother's day weekend ripping down ceilings in our now bathroom and taking down walls. Luckily for me I had a course on Mother's day so could enjoy my lovely hand-picked bunch of flowers from the kids and then high-tail it out of the demolition zone!

Himself hard at work.

The following week was very exciting here with me getting attacked by a stray kitten we were catching for the SPCA, flooding, wiggly teeth and a zoo sleepover. I know so much in just 7 days!! The kitten attack on Tuesday night meant that I had one thumb out of action due to the kitten biting right through the nail and the other wrist bandaged due to scratches and puncture wounds. Lots of shots, lots of antibiotics, lots of help and lots of sleep I can tell you. I was actually glad that the rain began and flooded us in on Thursday as I really needed himself's help that week. We didn't suffer any flood damage thankfully and just had the middle of the street flooded for a day.

The Waikanae River as captured by Daniel the day after the floods

Patted Lizard's at the Zoo sleepover.

That weekend Daniel woke with a wiggly tooth which was super exciting for him especially as it was the same day that he was heading away for Kea's sleepover at Wellington zoo. The boy's headed out after tea to their zoo adventure while herself and I snuggled up by the fire with hot chocolates, cashews and a Muppet movie :)

This week with its mixture of brilliant days, wind and a bit of rain we have just been busy doing the usual things with a bit of extra catching up with friends, swimming and bike riding thrown in. However we did have a medical emergency at the start of the week with herself's Moonlight mouse. Stop reading here if you are squeamish!!

Herself went to get her out for a snuggle only to coming in screaming, mouse in hand, a few seconds later. It took me a while to work out what was wrong and to see that Moonlight's eye was all 'popped' out. Herself was quite understandably traumatised and even more so when minutes later, as I was on the phone making an appointment with the vet, Moonlight neatly groomed her eye right out!! An hour later the vet confirmed that we now had one blind mouse, happy and content I must say but blind never the less. The eye has now fallen off completely so it just looks like she is asleep from one side which herself can cope with and which we have all decided makes Moonlight Mouse all the more special! :)

Well that is our May so far everyone. Hope this finds you all well and we'll be back next month.

Arohanui
Y

Back again....

2015-04-30T20:20:00.000+12:00

Yes, here we are at the end of another month. A month filled with all sorts of adventures and excitement with a bit of snotty noses, sore throats and coughs thrown in at the end.

Kids felting balls with sheep wool collected at Nan's place.

We began our April with a trip now to Canterbury to see my Mum (Nan) for Easter, travelling down on the ferry and car. The kids absolutely love the ferry trip and spent all their time, thankfully, busy between watching the t.v. and visiting the huge kid's playground below deck. Both crossings were really good and the weather was amazing down South! It was lovely, this trip, to just go and be with Mum without trying to fit in lots of visits and other activities.

Having fun at Nan's with the newly built swing

As soon as we were back in the North Island we had a full agenda though with school holiday activities galore. Herself had been asking about horse riding for quite a while now so we organized to try a couple of places. The first was the full horse experience with the kids (both) having to bring in the ponies, groom, feed and get them ready for the lesson. They were very confident and loved it all, even winning a first and second ribbon in a wee gymkana that they had organized. When I picked them up himself had all ready decided that while it was fun that was more than enough horsey time for him and so it was only herself who went to the following week's horse day. She had a great time learning circus tricks and riding down to the dairy for lollies! She was all full of smiles and ready to book in for next holidays so ..... watch this space :)

A few tricks

Coming back from a mini trek

The weather, for the most part has been really good with lots of balmy days when we have ventured out to the beach or river. So nice to still be able to get out and catch up with friends down at the beach in April!! There have also been a few rainy days that we have been able to enjoy baking and crafting indoors too. The kids have really been enjoying some old school journals (anyone from NZ will know what I'm talking about here) and we have been trying a few of the activities in them - namely baking, very sugary baking!! The favourite would have to be edible stained glass windows so far :) On other days the kids have been felting balls and animals, plasticine creating, making toys and himself has also finally finished his pirate, complete with removable clothing, which has turned out great.

Edible stained glass windows

Himself's pirate

I have been busy lately with Reflexology - both clients and study. I'm really enjoying it and loving having my own little room to work in off the side of the house. Liam has been busy studying too and is off this weekend on his second to last session of his business course and the kids have both been busy working towards gaining badges at Keas and Brownies. Himself in particular has been helping out a storm in order to get his 'Helpful Kea' Badge as well as them both attending the local ANZAC parade to gain an ANZAC badge.

Folding washing for his Helpful Kea badge.

Can you spot themselves? Keas and Brownies waiting to begin marching.

Well that is enough for now so I hope this finds you all well and see you back here next month.

Arohanui
Y

March Madness

2015-03-29T22:00:00.000+13:00

Well it has been a busy month of March here on the Kapiti Coast! There has been a real mixture of ups and downs I can tell you. Liam has been hard at it with repairs to rentals, tramping and replacing windows here while the kids and I have been making the most of a few fairs and rainy day crafting in between biscuit selling, baking and swimming.

Since there is a risk of me not writing this before the end of the month and since 'a picture is worth a thousand words' I thought I would just post a collection of photos and captions :)

View from Rangiwahia Hut on Liam's tramp (hike)

Becoming a Waikane Kea and receiving his Kapiti Coastal scarf.

Baking days - the kids love them.... or should I say they love the products of them!

Proud boy who got to bring home Koa Kea for being so awesome at his group.

Painting the rentals - Liam had a big task to sort out!!

Final goodbyes and snuggles with Boney.

Garden Harvests which then became for sale in themselves 'garden pub'?!!

Happy sewing up his pirate and his hat.

Herself and her dolly. She did everything herself from template to making clothes.

Out with the 'old' aluminium and ......

in with the 'new' wooden window, to fit with the rest of the house, ready for bathroom extensions..

Arohanui
Y

Hot and dry in February

2015-02-25T20:24:00.000+13:00

Where has the month gone??!! The days are rolling past as we have begun swimming lessons with the home-school group here along with Brownies for Jasmine and Keas for Daniel. The weather has been amazing (hot and dry each day) which allows us to have our pick of activities and also makes me realise what a change we have had. On the coast most of our days had rain of varying degrees - misty, clearing, drizzle, pouring down, stormy etc - where as here we have sun of varying degrees - overcast, cloudy, bright etc.

The kids at the Hemi Matenga lookout checking our Kapiti Island.

This month have been out and about a bit with the kids as they get into their Brownies and Keas Groups. Daniel has just been made a Waikanae (Kapiti Coastal) Kea and been earning a few badges for Sun saftety and watersliding - think that was the most fun for him :) while Jasmine has just slotted into the Waikanae Brownies and is already into biscuit selling. She has also been working on some interests badges (earning a fun food one already) so Daniel is keen to catch up with some Kea Challenge badges too.

Waterslide Kea fun

Making scones for her Sunshine Interest Badge

Liam has joined the local toastmasters and Lions groups up here and is enjoying the social aspects of that. He has been busy each weekend on the house or in the garden - mostly chopping down overgrown trees and helping me paint. I am most of the way through a reflexology course so we have made our 'playroom' into a treatment room for me. Now the big challenge is to actually get the clients in!!

My new treatment room.

We are really enjoying being back up the Kapiti Coast though - reuniting with friends and enjoying all it has to offer. It is great to be able to complete my runs without seeing any traffic and getting on the bikes to have a swim in the river or sea. The dog is enjoying the freedom too :)

Well that is about it from us till next month so I'll finish with a few more photos and catch you in March!

Arohanui
Y

Into the New Year

2015-02-02T20:33:00.000+13:00

This is a little later than planned due to some problems with our internet, namely that we haven’t had it for the week! That aside I can hardly believe that we have been back in Kapiti for over 2 months now. The time has flown by!

One of the first things Liam did when we arrived back was to get our veggie garden started and thanks to him we are now enjoying fresh veggies and salad bits every day. The fruit trees have given us oodles of goodies too which I have been stewing, jamming and marmalade -ing up in a bid to get it off the trees before the birds do. After a good month of glorious sunny days and sweltering temperatures we are now getting some much needed rain for the garden.

Our Garden

Christmas was a fairly quite one here, just Liam’s Mum to stay and the neighbours popping in. It was great having Liam here for a full two weeks without the usual call-outs that we had on the Coast. The kids have made the most of the time with Liam and have been creating, helping and venturing with him whenever they can.

Liam and Jasmine building a bench seat for her room

January brought with it Jasmine’s birthday and the amazement that time has flown so quickly that we now ‘miraculously’ have an 8 year old in our midst. She had her heart set on going to Chimpmunks (an indoor play area) which she had longed for since we had left Kapiti. I agreed thought secretly I had my fingers crossed that it would live up to all her 5 year old dreams of the last time we were there. Fortunately I had nothing to worry about as the two of them raced from here to there and I actually got to read! The best surprise was that a home-schooling family from Hokitika, which we knew, was there in Chimpmunks on holiday - well on holiday in Wellington that is not Chimpmunks :) It was great that the kids re-connecting quickly and had a ball of a time.

With her Sylvanian Cake

Having fun at Chimpmunks

School is heading back this week and with it brings a return of Brownies and Keas. Both kids are looking forward to making new friends and getting stuck into activities up here. Already Jasmine has been working on some badges over summer which has been great to see. Daniel has his first wiggly tooth now so I guess it won’t be long until the tooth fairy has to make another visit to the house and he will have news to share at Keas :)

Decorating biscuits to share at a local rest home for her brownie badge.

Arohanui

Merry Christmas and another great year to come

2014-12-25T20:40:00.002+13:00

Merry Christmas everyone!!

It is lovely to be back in Kapiti for Christmas and we are really enjoying our place again. We loved our time in Hokitika and living on the coast for sure and now we are loving watching the kids playing in our big garden here, rediscovering huts, hiding places and reconnecting with friends and neighbours. In Hokitika they were inside a lot by choice due to lack of places and spaces to play now it is the complete opposite. :) At the moment himself jnr is up the treehut saying he is a nocturnal bird while his sister has been sent to collect straw and bedding for a nest!:)

Out on the deck in the sunshine

The shift went smoothly enough with nothing very broken or lost. Liam headed straight up for work while we headed across to my mum first then up with the east coast to get the ferry across. It was a car full with a dog, 2 kids and a chicken in tow! Luckily the chicken is more obedient that the dog or kids so I was able to let everyone out for a run at available playgrounds along the way. So many people stopped and stared yet not one person asked me why we had a chicken at the playground.

Themselves in Kaikoura

Despite wild winds in Picton the crossing was pretty smooth....that is until we got back into the car and realised that the inside light had been left on the entire journey due to a little head knocking it on! Thankfully the staff sorted us out pretty quickly and we were able to hit rush hour traffic up to Kapiti just in time :).

Apart from a few pictures still to hang we are all sorted here and Liam has been busy making bits, adjusting other bits and attached yet more bits :) He has also already got a great garden in with the kids so we are all looking forward to tasting the fruits of their labour. The weather has certainly helped in the watering department so hopefully no the summer will arrive properly now and take care of the rest.

Well just a quick note before I forget the the end of the year is upon us. Hope this find you all having a wonderful Christmas with those that you love or doing what you love.Till next month.....

Arohanui
Y

Ready to up and go .....

2014-11-15T19:54:00.003+13:00

Goodness!! Where has the time gone? I knew I was a bit behind in the blogging front, just didn't realise that it was that long since I last blogged on here.

As some of you (who read my other blog) will know, we are moving back to the North Island. Yes, we are moving back to our place in Kápiti next week. As I sit here now Himself has packed the car ready for his departure tomorrow and we are sorting, clearing, cleaning and organizing ourselves for the packers to come on Monday. Unlike our last major shift this one is much less stressful with the kids being older and himself around right up until we leave, pretty much. I am also eating much healthier through past food changes, exercising regularly and as a consequence generally coping better, which is always a good thing ;)

In the last 6 weeks we have really been trying to make the most of our time on the West Coast. We have loved living here! It is truly a magical spot with its own charm and quirks :) Here are a few highlights of our adventures.

The kids have a great time created over the last few weeks! Below are some of their creations - clock making with the local library, creating models from plasticine, making costumes and jewellery creations

We have also been on few adventures and weekends away lately, while making the most of local attractions on wet days too - going to the kiwi centre in Hokitika and baking from library book recipes.....

Visiting Okarito ......

Going to Brownies with Herself ......

Drawing chalk pictures for Lakshmi during Diwali.....

Whitebaiting .......

Visiting Karamea.......

Visiting Christchurch friends, family and attractions .....

Heading South to Wanaka to visit more family ......

And just some good old hanging around home!

Hope this finds you all enjoying life to the fullest and enjoying those around you.

Arohanui

The September that was.....

2014-10-01T15:24:00.001+13:00

Yay!!! The warm weather is finally upon us and even though I'm still a bit discombobulated (sorry love this word and just felt the need to slip it in) from day-light savings it is amazing just how much more energy I get when I can open the windows along with wandering in and out of the house without putting on a jacket and hat.

Even here on the 'Wet' Coast we have been having our fair share of sun, in fact we actually had 4 weeks without rain. Should I mention that this was then followed by a solid week of rain??? Probably not ;) All this good weather has meant that the kids have been able to get out into the garden more and to catch up with friends at the park, which is great. Our house is wee it has to be said, so having people here doesn't always lend itself to enough space to play. Anyway on to the month that was.

Himself and the view at Lake Mahinapua

At the beginning of September Jasmine had a 'fun day' out with her Brownies group. It was a beautiful day, thankfully as it was 10 hours outside, down at Lake Mahinapua. Himself was on first-aid watch and I was the kitchen maid in a marque. The kids just loved it!! Games, bush walks, picnic lunch, campfires, toasted marshmallows and finally a torch hunt for glow up stars under the full moon. Honestly the day couldn't have been a better one weather wise. The kids were absolutely wiped out afterwards and completely ready of for bed!

Themselves enjoying the Brownies fun-day

Another big event for Jasmine this month was the loss of her 5th tooth. She already had a wobbly one then on her 'fun' day she bit into her sandwich crusts (yes my homemade bread!.... honestly it isn't quite as hard as it sounds) and suddenly another tooth was wobbly. This newly wobbly tooth was really going for it in the bid to be the next out of her mouth obviously as it continued for the next 5 days getting ready and then as Jasmine bumped her chin it flew out of her mouth! The funny thing was that she was trying to listen to me talk to the electrician and was climbing up on something she shouldn't have been so she didn't even mention the tooth until the electrician had gone - some 15 mins later!

Another tooth gone!

Daniel has also had his share of events with the completion of another flat traveller journal from USA and the arrival of another from Alaska! I know they are both USA however.... Alaska is so much more exciting to us.... well, ok, me :) The flat travellers are little laminated pictures (animals, people etc) who are sent on a holiday with a journal for the host family to fill out for 2 weeks. It is based off a story called 'Flat Stanley' and I guess it is a glorified pen-pal system. The kids love it though especially when theirs arrive back with brochures and the occasional coin from another country.

Daniel and Jumbo the Flat traveller at Fox Glacier

Daniel also had a birthday celebration complete with Volcano cake, cheerio car tea and dolphin dessert. He had it all planned out months ago - gee wonder who he is like :) - and made me write in down in detail so I wouldn't forget. The cake was far from what I imagined in my head however both kids thought is was great and that is all that counts in my world of cake decorating! It was a quite birthday with just our '4' family as the kids like to say (our odd number birthdays are the party ones) and he chose to stay at home and play with his presents rather than go out. Perfect choice on a rainy day.

The volcano cake complete with snow, lava and dinosaurs climbing up the sides.

Well that is us for the last month aside from Liam doing a marvellous job in finishing painting the inside of the house! He is a machine sometimes, honestly! It is so nice to have the place finished now and all in time for us to enjoy the rest of Spring and Summer together.

Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying life

Arohanui
Y

Another update from Us lot

2014-08-29T21:23:00.000+12:00

Well, would you believe it..... another month gone and finally we in the Southern Hemisphere are heading into Spring. The days are getting warmer and longer along with the blooming of daffodils and the bounces of new born lambs in the paddocks.

Enjoying the nearly Spring air up above Waikari, ready to view the Máori Rock Art

We have had a pretty great Winter weather wise, it has to be said, and we have been making the most of it with a few trips out and about. The first of which was down to Fox Glacier - not to be forgotten after we visited Franz Josef. It was interesting to see signs, on the road into the Glacier, pointing out where the glacier had been in certain years and especially great that one of the signs was the same year their Nan was born. It made the facts come to life a little and it was lovely to see their faces change as they registered where the glacier was when Nan was born and where it was now.

Fox Glacier

The walk up was short and a little steep however the kids raced up, somehow running up hills is more fun and easier than walking??!!! Unlike Franz you can get really close to Fox which was a real treat. We were able to see the different colours and the tunnels made by the melting ice before heading back into town for lunch. The kids also went around with Liam to sell a few soaps they had made which was a huge highlight for them. One wee girl on holiday from China bought one from each of them and then got a photo of our two and herself :) The kids thought it was great and her family thought it very funny when our kids then produced a 'business card' for her to keep!

This past week we have been over in Hanmer Springs enjoying my birthday. It was amazing to see how much the town has grown in the 30 years since I lived there. Even though there has been a huge influx of houses, people, cafes and shops I was really impressed with the paths around town and the greater number of native birds which can be heard. I guess with more people coming into town and planting native plants in their gardens the birds finally have somewhere to return to.

Themselves at St James Homestead (12 kms up from Hanmer)

On the way up to Hanmer we stopped in at Maruia Springs which was just amazing. Two natural hot pools outside, the bush and mountains as a backdrop, just us there and a wee bit of snow to make it truly magical. For the same price as Hanmer it was very different experience and one we are very glad we made the time for. The Japanese bathhouse was a real treat too followed by a yummy sushi lunch.

Us at Maruia Springs

Well that is about all from us for now. Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and enjoying the seasonal changes in your part of the world.

Arohanui

Y

I'm late, I'm late .....

2014-08-01T19:40:00.000+12:00

Well the month, and then some, has flown by!! The plan was to write an update on here around the middle of the month and here it is the beginning of August with no update for July anywhere in sight ;) So to remedy things and without any further ado here is our quick week by week update - finally!

June 16 - June 22
After recovering from her surgery, Fluffy (our stray SPCA cat), was checked over, stitches removed and taken to her new home in Christchurch! While we were over the hill we also visited the Life Learners Camp in Stavely. It was such an amazing day - weather wise - that it made the whole weekend really. We got to meet some new people and learn some new skills which is always good. This was also our wedding anniversary week, 11 years this year, so it was lovely to be able to get the movies while my Mum watched the kids.

A new skill - making a manu tukutuku

June 23- June 29
With Liam's birthday looming at the end of the week, the kids were full of excitement. They spent the week making, creating and planning for Daddy's Birthday. This year Matariki and birthday's fall on the same day so it was a busy week all round :) As if there wasn't enough going on we also slipped in attending a Scout's awards night to watch Daniel get his first Kea (Junior Scouts group) badges - Well done Mr ;)

And he calls themselves savages!! :)

June 30 - July 6
Lots more making and creating this week with Jasmine having a 'Robot Party' at Brownies (Junior Girl Guides group). The kids made fantastic outfits for themselves! They had such a good time designing and working out how to create their ideas from the meagre items we had here. We also had a lovely visit with some friends and a quick visit on Saturday to the local bi-annual Ag Fest (Agricultural Festival). The highlight however was Sunday as the kids and I embarked on our trip over to Nan's via the Tranz Alpine! Despite me wondering what I had set myself up for on Sunday morning it was such a great trip and the kids were amazing on it. :)

The Robots

July 7 - July 13
A week at my Mum's knitting by the fire - what could be better!! The kid's loved visiting their 'museums' again. These are a collection of bits and piece's they have found at Nan's such as bones, bits of metal, bird's nests and all sorts of other things ;) It was also great to watch a bit of the World Cup Soccer action -very exciting!

My bit of fireside knitting while at Mum's

July 14 - July 20
Back into routine this week. We organized Daniel's flat traveller (a kind of pen pal exchange) to be sent to USA and both kids loved getting into some sewing. Jasmine caught the bug so much that even when a friend came to visit she talked her into sewing too ;) On the weekend we had a visitor and with absolutely magnificent weather we headed south to Franz Josef Glacier. Such a great way to spend a weekend - sunshine, family, friends and beautiful scenery.

Us in the sun at Franz Josef Glacier

July 21 - July 27
After a trip to the Toy Library (yes the kids still love going and make the most amazing games out of the toys they get) we had a lot of puppet shows. From 6 am till 7pm there as a variety of casts, stories and ways of presenting - including puppets on feet and hands for one show!! Once a month the kids also get a magazine and we spend the whole day doing activities from it. Jasmine is also up at the crack of dawn (well actually long before then at the moment with it being Winter) so that she can begin all the crafts. It is also a nice change for a day where everything is from one place - games, stories, learning activities, craft activities and cooking - and it is all of themselves choosing.

July 28 - Aug 3
This week we have been in Westport with himself. Such a beautiful view from the place we stayed at - Daniel kept saying how much he loved the place and asking me if I liked it more that home. I think if he had the choice he would have stayed on as long as possible ;) We were lucky enough to have an afternoon of sunshine when we arrived and a dry morning on our day of departure to hunt for treasures on the beach, walk up to the lighthouse and also to see my brother.

Sun trying its hardest to shine for us. View from our accommodation

Pheewww.... well that's all folks - for now at least. Till we meet again, I hope this finds you well and warm.

Arohanui

Y
www.becominghealthy.co.nz

A mid-winter update from us lot

2014-06-17T21:47:00.000+12:00

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.

2014-05-18T22:08:00.001+12:00

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

2014-04-22T20:00:00.000+12:00

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

2014-03-16T21:22:00.002+13:00

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

Another update from Us lot

2014-02-18T21:14:00.000+13:00

Wow, into February already and less than a week till we are off visiting friends and family up North! The last month has seen Jasmine turn another year older, the kids grow in swimming abilities, lots of sunshine, lots of walking, creating, cooking, making and of course .... baking ;)

Jasmine making breadsticks to go with the 'Shelly' Soup that she was making for tea.

Yes, you read correctly.... Jasmine is another year older and some days I can't believe that she is 7 now - combination of years going quickly and behaviour it has to be said ;). Every odd birthday (1yr, 3yr etc) the kids get to invite friends over or have a party if they wish, with the other year being just a family day out with a meal of the birthday person's choice. This year being one of Jasmine's odd year birthdays she decided to have 2 wee friends over, with her choice of mince pies - crazily this is a real treat for her ;) - and home-made pizza for tea. Prior to her big day she was busy telling me all about the 'Princess' pavlova cake that I had to make and I was trying to imagine how I would be creating a 3 tiered pav....... however when we were down at the supermarket her wee eyes spied a gingerbread house kit complete with icing and lollies so you can guess the outcome. Yep, we had a birthday girl decorated ginger-bread birthday house ;) I'm all for the easy life!

The kids and their friend decorating the birthday gingerbread house cake.

Every year Hokitika has fantastic Driftwood and Sand event which runs a during Jasmine's birthday week which we love to visit. This year they had a special treasure map making session on her actual birthday so down we all headed dressed as pirates to create a map! The best part was that the local pirate (The Red Moki from Hoki) turned up and lead all the kids on a real treasure hunt with bars of gold hokey pokey at the end. Jasmine was absolutely delighted by it all and it made for a great relaxed birthday treat for her without any hassle for us! Now that has to be good doesn't it? ;)

The Red Moki from Hoki checking out Jasmine's treasure map.

She really is growing up in many ways and the past month has been filled with her little events, achievements and success. Jasmine has always loved being out in the garden with Himself and this year they planted lots of veg for us to enjoy, some of which were some cucumbers grown from seed and some potatoes. When the A and P show arrived here we decided to enter the produce section for judging. It was an early start to drop off the veg and enter along with a long wait till judging was finalised, however it was well worth the wait as herself won first prize for her cucumber as well as a second and third for her 2 different kinds of spuds. We still have the certificates up for the world to view ;) She was so happy and never fails to tell us where the certificates are or that the spuds and cucumber we are eating are so delicious because she grew them.

The proud produce place getter with her wares.

The weather here has been great not just for growing veg though as we have been able head out on a few walks over the sun-filled weekends when Himself has not been painting or repairing houses. The kids are getting better and better at the longs walks so it is great to be exploring the West Coast beyond the 30 min return tracks. It is such a beautiful and unique part of the country and we are loving making the most of it especially when the sun shines.

Himself and the kids on the Coastal Walkway near Hari Hari.

So till we see some of you face to face I Hope this finds you all bathed in sunshine and enjoying life.

Arohanui
Y

www.becominghealthy.co.nz

And into the New Year we go!

2014-01-16T23:39:00.000+13:00

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.

2014-01-01T19:13:00.000+13:00

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

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

2013-12-24T18:50:00.002+13:00

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

For all you Business Women out there

2013-12-13T23:18:00.001+13:00

Just a few months ago I was wading through procrastination over tasks I had begun, feeling sorry for myself, struggling to know which way my business was going and if I even had a business. I had dreams of helping people in a natural, holistic way and yet I just couldn't seem to get everything lined up to actually make it happen and make money at the same time. I began to search the internet for inspiration, trying to see if I was 'doing the right thing' or if I should completely change what I was doing.

While searching I found a women in Australia, Leonie Dawson, who caught my eye. What she had to say was pretty amazing and inspiring. I was intrigued by what she had to say so I had a good look at her site, I looked at the products and then wasn't sure. I told myself it wasn't really for me. I wasn't an artist like her so definitely not for me and left it at that. Her site did stick with me though and I looked again a month later then still procrastinated over the whole idea, after all I probably won't find it that useful for the money spent so why take the risk?

Within another month however a dear friend, who had a friend who was using Leonie's products, told me all about this amazing women Leonie Dawson and her FABULOUS Academy (This and others are Affiliate Links where if you buy through my link then I get to a wee reward from Leonie) who had a year long membership which allowed you to access all her goodies (now this one is completely FREE so go over an check her out. Go on!! I'll wait right here till you click and look at the new tab full of Leonie's FREE Goodies. Did I say they were FREE!!!! ) along with amazing courses on business and a network of other like-minded women in business.

It was the hearing if from someone that was actually in the The Amazing Life and Biz Academy (Affiliate Link) themselves that made all the difference for me so I thought I would let you all know about it on here. That way you can hear first hand how GREAT it really is and you won't miss out on any of the fantastic, empowering and transforming products she has. You'll be able to get into it without wasting time like I did ;) I feel that any money I spent on joining this Biz Academy was so worth it and the money has been repaid with all the knowledge, know how, inspiration and support I'm getting. Now most of you know me and I don't rave about things unless they really are GOOD!! and this is GREAT ;)

The membership is for a whole year of goodies, resources, community, business connections, freebies (Affiliate Link) and INSPIRATION GALORE. It has had me excited and ready to move forward in my business ever since I signed up. It amazes me how much my confidence has grown in this short time and I am finally starting to achieve all those dreams I have. Her courses are easy and fun to read while being packed with inspiration and information on how to move ahead with your business. It is all from her experience of creating a 3/4 million dollar business and it filled with lots of links, videos and support along the way.

I downloaded her freebie Biz & Blog Star Workshop (You know these are all Affiliate links now - right? however this one is free if you sign up to her e-zine. It is a great wee book with loads of tips for online marketing to move you ahead) which I read and re-read. With a bit of confidence gained through trying out suggestions from the Biz & Blog Star Workshop (Affiliate Link) I began with the Business Goddess E-Course (Affiliate Link) which connected me with loads of lovely ladies all working at growing their businesses and within the Business Goddess (Affiliate Link) course is also a Magic Money making kit freebie which helps you to outline your goals concerning wealth and how to go about getting it.

Leonie's 'Create Your Amazing Year Biz edition Workbook' (Affiliate Link again ;)) is a real jewel in the crown for me though as it helped outline where my business was and where I wanted it to be. This is something I had been avoiding as I was a bit scared to face the hard, cold facts. Actually though once I did the 'Create Your Amazing Year Biz edition Workbook' (Affiliate Link) I realised that it was half as bad as I thought and inspired my to get my 'A into G'. The transformation has been wonderful and I finally feel like I am moving forward with my business.

I have loved every part of The Amazing Life and Biz Academy (Affiliate Link) and benefitted immensely through Leonie's inspirational and up-lifting business advice. It is like having a mentor at your side 24/7 and literally at your fingertips. I really feel that I have got my money back and more in the 2 months I've been a member. Every time I have a worry, question or concern I can connect with thousands of like minded business women online and receive help. Now what could be better than that!! Go on give it a go ;)

Arohanui
Yossarian

www.becominghealthy.co.nz