Post-wedding

What a wonderful day it was! Joel and Emily got married in style, and we all had a great time. The reception was held in a glass conservatory at a big garden out of town (Minter Gardens). So beautiful! Christine and I had fun with our cameras, and I came home with lots of photos. Here are a few:

Joel and Emily, married at last!

Christine with her girls - Bee and Miss E

It was so fun to dance, and all the cousins had a great time together!

Cousins: Miss E, Little Joe, Bee, Little Bear, The other L

Me and my boys

Primping

Wow. It's hard to follow that musical post with anything of substance. So I won't! This post is completely substance-free - kind of.

Tomorrow, our sweet niece, Emily, is marrying her sweetheart, Joel. It's hard to believe that the little baby, born in 1986 when I was an au pair in France, is old enough to get married! I remember waiting on pins and needles to hear that the birth had happened and to find out if Barb had a boy or a girl. When they didn't call me for two days, I was convinced that Barb was dead and that they were too distracted to phone. How excited I was to finally hear about the sweet baby girl who was yet to be named!

The first time I consciously thought that maybe it could be nice to have children, it was as I watched three-year-old Emily pretending to help her mum. Special girl!

Here are Joel and Emily last night at the wedding rehearsal.

So, all of that, plus the fact that this is our first next-generation wedding in the family, makes it pretty special. Monika has been asking for over two weeks if the boys' shirts are ironed yet (they're not!), she got a new outfit, and Big Bear is practicing the pieces he will be playing for the bridesmaids (Ode to Joy, arranged by George Winston) and the processional (Jessica's Theme from The Man from Snowy River). I have also been making preparations, and at the insistence of Lea, will share them with you.

I got the dress.

And the shoes.
I went to a nail shop today and actually got gel nails!!! I'm not sure I like the feeling, but they look quite civilized.

And my toes are in process.

Can't wait!

Trialling the music clips

Hey.....finally, we think we might have a way of putting some small video clips on. We've trialled two sizes here - because of their small size, we do apologise for the lesser picture and sound quality:

1. "Rumba Toccata" (214 KB): E has had a successful run of 1st places in 2008 music competitions, with this piece. And this weekend, he has been invited to perform this piece again at a Grand Finale concert. This video clip was taken in April and was the first time he'd won with this piece. It has since developed with time and is even better now (in my opinion!) .

2. "Lullaby for Matthew" (+/- 2 MB): Again, E had a string of successes with this piece in competitions, gaining a distinction in his exam in 2007, and being invited to play at a Royal Schools of Music (London) High Achievers' Concert. The piece written by a NZ composer, met with glowing accolades last year, many of which described the piece as "haunting" and "evocative". It is certainly one of my favourites. ENJOY!

PS. The repetitive low notes of the left hand represent the tolling of a bell. And apologies for the crashing of a door in the background...late entrance into the concert hall was thereafter prohibited, and offenders were hung, drawn, and quartered in the nicest possible manner!

Birthdays and Baubles

What a relief it is to know that aged persons are well cared for in NZ. That was the one worry that prevented me from booking a ticket. I'll be sure to rush out in the next few days...

I had a lovely birthday. Thank you to everyone who emailed and Facebooked their greetings! I first went out for Dim Sum with my mum (at the Pink Pearl, for locals in the know). Yummy! In the afternoon, I spent a couple of hours wandering along a colourful street, browsing in shops and enjoying the, uh... unique people (Commercial Drive, in case you're wondering).

We met up in the evening with Phil and Christine (Happy 40th, Phil!) and my parents for a picnic at Kitsilano Beach. I love the ocean. It was the perfect evening.

A couple of Phil's police buddies showed up on ATVs, doing "beach patrol". Christine and I almost took an unauthorized ride on one of their machines, and had fun imagining the chase that would ensue! We decided that they're really just out to play, having fun on quads where nobody else is allowed to ride.This morning, I went with Big Bear and Monika to pick out my new baubles - beads for the Pandora bracelet. I got one from each of them, another from the boys, and a fourth one that arrived in a mysterious package from Down Under. Oooh, so exciting! We went to Starbucks, where I thoroughly enjoyed putting them on my bracelet.

All this, to dull the pain of becoming older. I say, bring it on!

On this day (Cdn time!), some years ago...

Just couldn't let the opportunity pass without at least a mention...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!

Hope you had a goodie!

-~-

Alright. Enough of the schmaltzy birthday stuff.

Now that you've reached a certain maturity,

if you do visit Down Under you'll be well catered for ...

Dem Buns

Yesterday, on our last day of the holidays (where HAVE they gone?!), K and the boys decided that we needed some homemade bread to go with mom's homemade vegetable soup. So the boys got to work...

There is nothing quite like your own fresh, hot outta the oven bread! Can you smell it?

Crusty on the outside, soft in the middle, with golden dollops of melted butter! Mmmmmmm....

Oranges and Lemons

Ange of the North, I thought you might like some photos from winter Down Under! Citrus season! Juicy sweet mandarins (photo taken in the Hawkes Bay) and zesty, tangy lemons......the boys did a good job of squeezing a crop of lemons from our tree in the backyard, yesterday. There are dozens more just waiting to be picked...but no room in our freezer for more yet!

Lemon cake, here I come!

Whewww!

Southern Ange, it is rare that we share the same holidays! For once, the north and south are synchronized.... for now.

I spent most of yesterday, my first post-course day off, driving Monika to an apointment far, far away and shopping and picking up Little Joe from work. Ugh. And then we had a lovely, relaxed dinner on the deck with Barb and Larry.

I woke up this morning feeling rather free! And then I registered for two online courses. You'd think I'd had enough of courses, but these ones are fun! I'm going to learn the secrets of taking better pictures, and I'm also taking intermediate photoshop. I've already completed the first lesson and assignment of that one, and raring for more! By the end of the summer, I'll be an amazing photographer and photoshopper.

In the meantime, it's so nice to have sunshine and warm temperatures. And time.

Done like a doggy's breakfast

Well. Today...3 days before term begins again for the boys and me, we FINALLY feel like we're on holidays! It was with great relief that the term ended a week and a half ago, but life continued to be busy (though mostly fun!). Having to cram for a heavier-than-usual performance programme at the piano competitions this time around, meant that the boys haven't had much time for doing the usual holiday-type things. We did manage a trip away to Napier and the boys had lotsa fun reconnecting with their cuzziebros. Will post some photos from that time away at a later stage.

NB: K's gorilla pod being put to good use above!

Anyway, the piano comps ended last night, and the boys both did very well. Both were by far the youngest in their respective classes, with L being quite obviously the 'baby' of the entire competition series. We were tickled pink to note that he still has the 'cuteness factor' !!! Oh well, whatever it takes!

I remain in awe of the young talent that is 'out there' ... sometimes it just isn't THAT obvious that there are SO many amazingly talented kids around, but it blesses my heart to see occasions where such talent can be shared and enjoyed. The music that all the kids made at the competitions was fabulous. Some were playing works that many older musicians can only dream about, and playing it with finesse too! My boys gave me a few sideways looks at times, when some young 'un gave a polished performance of one of a number of pieces I'd played for years (& still hadn't perfected!). Sigh! My fingers are feeling very olde...

We're all feeling very much in need of a day to blob today. The boys have requested a day at home but have magnanimously agreed to forego some of their precious home time, so that we can zip out for some charitable errands! Looking forward to homemade vege soup with crusty buns and some freshly baked choc chip cookies.....maybe!

Time on one's hands

Big Bear (MEd!) & Mrs Big Bear,

Contrary to my earlier email, I have decided to dedicate this post to you both...Now that the hard swot is over, I hope you will both find time to do all those wonderful summery, leisure type activities that you've been dreaming about for so long! Live it up! And post the photos to tantalise those of us who have soon to return to routine and keeping the world running! In case you're outta ideas for what to do....here is a suggestion to get you started.

We're not golfers, but on our way outta town, we stopped at Taupo for lunch. Lake Taupo on a clear and sunny winter's day, with the snowy mountains in the background, was just lovely. Our lunch tasted SO much better for it. Anyway, in case you're into golf, only 648 people (at last count) had gotten a hole-in-one at this venue....the lure? Good prizes, and a chance to show off one's golfing prowess to a captive audience of tourists!

Lake Taupo is NZ's largest fresh water lake. It is the same size as Singapore! Lovely clear waters, but a bit too cold for 'tropical swimmers' such as myself...

ENJOY your summer and the break!

Five on Friday

Maybe I should just make this Six on Saturday... Oh, well.

To celebrate my finished course (other than one book review that I still need to do between today and tomorrow) and my return to the world, this is a Five Times Five! In a new font!

1. Five books read: The Drama of Scripture (Goheen and Bartholomew); Professional Learning Communities at Work (DuFour and Eaker); Caring Enough to Lead (Pellicer); The Lifeworld of Leadership (Sergiovanni); The Gift of the Stranger (Carvill and Smith) – oops, still reading that one for my last book review which should be done by tomorrow!


2. Five papers written in our house: Movie review (For the Bible Tells me So – a bit of a controversial film!); worldview statement (yes, I did make a mini-book, and it took me all last weekend! Most unrealistic…); the final book review that is now in process; School platform paper; Big Bear’s final project that was just finished today!

The (wretched) time-consuming worldview mini-book

3. Five dinners I didn’t make: Koenigsberger klops (my mother-in-law's German signature dish); beef, tomato, and peppers on rice; thai coconut chicken; pork chops, rice, and corn (Big Bear's signature dish - Ugh); there has to be one more, as I did as little cooking as possible, but it's all a blur.


4. Five things that stood out for me in my two week course: The difference between managing and leading; the connection between gratitude and interdependence; language learning in a faith context; the school platform paper I had to write – strategies to approach real issues at school; the leader as someone who inspires and empowers; Struggling through the material often produces real learning and despite how I feel during a course, I usually end up coming through in the end!


5. Five reasons why today is a great day – it’s sunny; it’s warm; I floated in the pool; I’m through with classes, and finished my oral exam yesterday; Big Bear just emailed off the final assignment for his MEd! Next week, he will present it, and then he's officially done! Woo hoo!
   

   Big Bear finishes his degree

Now we can clean up the house and deal with the books and papers EVERYWHERE! And life begins again! Happy travels to Steve and Jo, as they leave for their Asian extravaganza!

Time travel is possible ?!

The University's science-oriented faculties all got together to put on a huge science day, targetted at primary and middle school aged children. It is a massive one day, once a year event and is totally free. Thousands of children arrive to try out, watch, and experience the broad range of science in action. There were hands on activites galore, a whole raft of fascinating speakers speaking about fascinating subjects, and the most wonderful shows. We were there all day with some friends, and only managed to get around a wee fraction of all the wonderful presentations available.

Many times, I wasn't sure if the children or the parents were having the most fun!

I found myself reflecting on the fact that science had never been presented in quite so interesting a way when I was a child.....

My boys (all 3 of them!) especially loved the technology aspects - from smart cars through to designing computer animated games, through to making slime putty from mixing polycarbonates with borax...

...through to crime scene investigation techniques - looking for blood, fingerprinting etc...

...through to watching some incredible shows. This one was a physics extravaganza involving lots of exploding things, lights, noises, and aliens!

The boys watched and heard interesting presentations on Tsunamis, vision, animals....they watched a simulated chew on an exploding Smartie (candy covered chocolate), they saw and learnt about crystal gardens, muscles, bacteria, travel and so on. What a fascinating world we live in! Time travel may be possible (proposed in the formula above (see top left photo) but I think we still have a lot to learn back here on earth!

Home theatre!

A wonderfully fun and relaxed evening (& VERY early morning!) spent with good friends!

Lots of laughs, good food, sparkling conversation, great movie.

Warm fire, BYO pyjamas, tasty wine, understanding families...(we hope!)

Such a fabulous way to kickstart the holidays!

Five on Friday

Once again, it's Saturday. Oh, well...

Five Things I'm Thinking About Today

1. Summer! Even though we're having a rainy patch, I have faith that this time, it's really here!!! I can't wait to be lazy and drink it in!

2. Tony and Narin - I was at their little son's funeral yesterday (see last week's Five on Friday). It was so heartbreaking, but they were adamant that this was a celebration, and were very clear about the hope they have to be with him again one day.
3. My summer course - four more books to read, and four papers to write. Aaaggghhh! The most pressing one is a worldview statement, including implications for leadership. I just want to go to sleep.
4. My lovely mother-in-law, Monika, who is staying with us for the summer. She is still recuperating (see this post from March and this one from April for background) and we have all come to the conclusion that she won't be living alone in her house anymore. She sits in the living room much of the time, but Big Bear keeps pushing her to do things, as only a son can do! At this moment, she is ironing, but after a few shirts she has to stop.
5. I really want to do some scrapbooking. I could actually do my worldview statement in the form of a cute and creative mini-book. In fact, yesterday, I snuck to the scrapbooking store and bought some paper to do just that. If Big Bear knew my intentions, he would tell me how unrealistic I am. And he's right!!!

Catching the breeze

Someone asked if life has settled. I'm still expecting it will slow down once we are over the hump of end-of-term activities, upcoming piano competitions etc. It has been quite a busy week, but lots of fun in many respects. No regrets!

Among all the other fun things we've had on our calendar this week, has been the opportunity to attend an extension science class with L. A very talented lady runs a great mobile school called "Small Poppies" for gifted and talented primary aged kids. She has such a fabulous way of interacting with the children and breaking difficult scientific theories down into simple, understandable concepts. She has lots of practical examples and hands on experiments for the children to emphasise these concepts. L took part in one of her classes last year on 'electrical circuits' and had such a ball. So this year, we were all keen to attend! This year's study was on 'gears, machines, and moving things'.

One of the highlights was learning about hydraulics. The kids learnt how hydraulics could be used to operate different functions in different models.


In addition to shooting air rockets, learning the basic workings of gears, seeing experiments and the workings of pulleys etc, the kids also got to do some craft work. The craft work produced some breeze balls and helicopter-people.....Breeze balls are designed to catch the wind and spin, whilst helicopter-people twirl whilst being propelled downwards by gravity. So much fun!

And today, I found out that I have passed all my assessments! Whew, hooray, and YIPPEE! Thanks to all those who have supported me with encouragement, cajoling, (friendly) threats, bribery, and all means fair and foul! Chocolate worked well too...I'm so relieved to have made it through to the next stage - THANKS so much to everyone for hanging in there with me!!! No more whingeing.....for 3 weeks anyway.

O Canada!

Happy Canada Day! It was in 1867 on July 1 that Canada became a country, though some of the provinces were slow to get on board (Newfoundland only joined after WWII!).

One year ago today, I began my photo-a-day project. I can't believe it's been a whole year! Although there were a few days here and there when I didn't get to it, I took a photo - or lots of them - almost every day. Here's the first one, taken on Canada Day in 2007; I went downtown to a VIP fireworks reception and had a first class view of the fireworks over the harbour, complete with waiters and trays of wonderful things to eat and drink! I was invited to go again this year - tonight - but as my course begins tomorrow and I'm desperately trying to read and write in preparation, and as I need to be at the university tomorrow morning for my 8:30 class, I'm thinking that it's not very realistic to traipse downtown until all hours and then try to fight my way home with thousands of other people.

Anyway. here's my picture for today (on the right). This is the way to spend a quiet summer day! Floating in the pool is one of my favorite things to do. However, lest you think I am wasting time, here is another view of the same scene, below:

As Big Bear astutely points out, it could be fiction that I'm reading. However, it's not. It's very high level academic reading that I'm sure you wouldn't understand , even if you tried. (Actually, it's a very interesting book and quite readable, too!) Yes indeed, if I must be studious, I might as well make the most of it. I'm just hoping that all the good summer weather won't happen during my course and that there will be lots left over for the rest of the vacation!

Sweeties

There are some things in life that make me smile.

Here are two of my favourite photo selections from recent days...

The sheer anticipation of this first photo is almost palpable...to the point of going cross-eyed! Success is all in the way you hold your tongue...

And I love the delight and care that is being expressed in this photo. Oh that as adults we would face the world with such wonderment and gentleness! Thanks for allowing me to use this photo, S!