Mum, are we there yet?

32 weeks!`

2010-12-06T21:14:00.000+10:00

Well I have hit 32 weeks and boy is my belly growing here are the latest belly pictures for anyone who is still following my very neglected blog

So much is going on here with school finishing this week for the summer and christmas just weeks away. As yet we haven't really got into baby mode but I am sure that once christmas is over I will be full baby swing. I have started to pack my bag for the big event........SO at least I have started to get into baby mode. We have even decided on a Girls name we both like and just incase those scans are wrong we have a boys name picked out. I've been well, just had a little scare but after a few hours in hospital it was established that it was likely just a torn muscle causing all the pain I was getting which was a huge relief. So we are looking forward to the next 7 odd weeks...as we prepare for this precious blessing.

22 weeks and Counting

2010-09-27T10:41:00.000+10:00

MY first Belly shot.

This shot was taken this week in my 22nd week of pregnancy......boy time is flying by, only 18 weeks to go and that sure doesn't seem like enough time to be ready for this darling little miracle.

We also had the tour of hospital this week, and all was going well until we hit the birthing suites and they had 2 women in labour, I felt sick LOL........the nerves started and I just haven't seem to shake them since. It’s silly really they were not screaming and the doors to the birth suits closed, they were just making the noises that you presume one would make in the throes of labour and normally I would think those sounds where amazing, a beautiful labour song.........but right now they just make me nervous.........I guess that is normal.

I love the Hospital, and the birth suits looked amazing, with everything you can imagine you would need in Labour. The Hospital is very different to most around with its promotion of natural labour; VBAC's and water labour and birth. The OB's are extremely hands off, and Midwifes highly skilled. Women travel interstate and from overseas to delivery at the hospital.

They showed us the NICU, and step down just incase any of us had babies requiring that care and although I have seen the inside of a NICU and PICU way to many times while parenting our other miracles it’s still confronting to see it and know that it’s a reality some babies and families face. The only thing that my DH and I commented on as a negative is how quiet the place was......boy will our 6 children challenge that on visits LOL.

I also had the amazing pleasure of meeting my Doula this week........her name is Belinda and we just hit it off, she doesn't seem to think all my fears (from my first birth) are crazy so she is a keeper for sure. Then along with my amazing friend Christy (aka chief photographer of the birth and beyond) and of course my rock my DH Tony my birth support team is complete. Belinda and I will build a relationship up over the next 18 weeks as she visits us. I am pretty sure she will be an amazing support and she has had her own children at the same hospital which is also a huge bonus.

Pregnancy wise I am doing great, I am really enjoying the second trimester the baby is kicking so much now that some days I don't think she sleeps at all...........OHHH that’s right I haven't shared here that the 19 week scan went okay although we had to have 2 scans as the first scanning place couldn't get all the right views we needed of the heart and spine......but they did think it was a girl and then the second also confirmed they thought with alot a certainty that the baby was also a girl and her heart was fine along with her spine. SO I guess time will tell on that one, I am not going overboard on the pink theme just yet.

Its school break here so I better get off this computer and back to my kids........life is crazy here right now!

Enjoy the little things in life,

Hugs Nicki

Ticks and the loss of a Pet

2010-09-27T09:20:00.000+10:00

Living in Queensland has its draw backs, Paralaysis Ticks are one of them. There are only a couple of treatments that have any affect and they only last a couple of weeks. We got caught off guard this Tick season, just didn't see it coming and we lost one of our faithful pets to these nasty critters.
Paralaysis ticks work fast at paralising their host and with a small animal like a cat they can kill them within a couple of days. Molly already had a previous spinal injury from being hit by a car a few years ago, she managed to walk slowly and seemed content in life, she had no use of her tail but it didn't seem to bother her much.
For a couple of my kids it was the first loss of a pet, I mean we have lost several of our chickens but they don't view them the same way as they did Molly, she was just always here, sleeping most her life away on a chair, or in the sunny spot in my Husbands Study. Sadly that is were I found her struggling to breath and fight for life.
Sadly our vet advised that she wouldn't survive the Tick treatment, its almost as hard on the body as the tick venom, so we consented sadly to have her put to sleep, she will be sadly missed

SO here are some facts about Ticks.

By Dr Cam Day (vet)
Ticks are nasty, sneaky venomous little parasites. They are a lethal danger to your dogs and cats too. It is the Paralysis Tick season now, so what can you do to protect your dog against ticks?

The Paralysis Tick and the Brown Dog Tick are the two most common ticks on dogs in Australia. However, it is the Paralysis Tick that is by far the most dangerous. It causes paralysis in a variety of forms but a 'typical' case starts with weakness of the hindquarters that progresses to total paralysis of all four legs.

When the chest muscles and muscles of the throat become affected, the dog or cat is in serious trouble. When a Paralysis Tick affects a pet, the pet often dies. Preventing tick paralysis is a much safer and cheaper alternative than treating the condition once it has occurred. If you live in a tick-infested area, you should examine your dog or cat for ticks on a daily basis. If you have taken your pet for a walk through the bush or have been camping with your dog then examining it when you get back home is also a good idea. Don't try to look for ticks, try to feel for them instead.

Ticks are a lot easier to find if you rub your finger tips through your pet's coat rather than if you try to look for them. Your pet will enjoy the patting and rubbing too! There is still some debate on the best way to deal with a tick once you have located it. However, most veterinarians feel that you should not remove it. Instead, kill it while it is on your pet. Removing a tick while it is alive usually causes the angry tick to inject more toxin into your pet's body.

Kill the little sucker with a fast acting insecticide applied directly to the tick. If you do not have a specific pet insecticide, then a quick knockdown household aerosol insecticide will do the job well. Hold the nozzle close to the tick and drench it. (Don't spray the whole animal though). The tick will then die and shrivel up. The next step is to take your pet to your veterinarian. This is vital, as the residue of the tick's toxin under the skin can really cause a problem. Although the tick has been killed or removed, the animal can still become paralysed from this residue of poison. The poison is slowly absorbed and may cause paralysis hours or even a day or two later.

Preventing Tick Paralysis

Tick infestations can be prevented although tick control is easier on dogs than on cats. Also, manufacturers are releasing new products onto the market regularly to make the job easier and more reliable.

There are several ways to minimise tick infestations. Firstly, there are specific tick collars that are available. Virbac makes one under the name of the Preventic 2 Month Tick Collar and Bayer makes another called the Kiltix Tick and Flea Collar for Dogs. Permoxin Insecticidal Spray and Rinse is also effective for ticks on dogs. It should be applied as a rinse every seven days. Permoxin also kills and repels fleas and mosquitoes.

You should not use any of the above products on cats. For cats and dogs, Frontline is a good choice. Frontline Plus is effective for ticks on dogs if used every two weeks (not every month). Frontline Spray is effective for ticks on dogs and cats if used every three weeks at the rate of six millilitres per kilogram of weight. If you find a tick on your pet, you can spray Frontline directly onto the tick to kill it. The Bayer product Advantix is also an excellent choice and like Frontline, it is a 'spot on the neck' product. It also controls fleas but one advantage of this product is that it also repels ticks, fleas and even mosquitoes and sand flies.

Proban is an oral insecticide that is quite effective against ticks on dogs but needs to be used every two days rather than at the flea-controlling dose of twice weekly. Some veterinarians also recommend Proban for ticks on cats at 1/4 of a tablet every two days. A liquid version is also available. Because Proban is an oral medication that is excreted via the pet's skin, it gives tick control over the whole of the pet's body.

When using sprays or rinses, it is possible to miss some areas, thereby allowing ticks to attach. This does not happen with Proban. Fido's Fre-Itch Rinse is also effective for ticks and fleas if the dog or cat is rinsed in it every three days. Fido's is useful when your pet has been in a tick area and you want to bathe it to kill any hitchhiking ticks.

In tick prone areas, it is essential that your pets are searched daily for ticks. If this is done routinely, you can then eliminate tick paralysis because the tick usually has to be on the animal's body for more than two days to cause paralysis. Don't take chances with ticks. They are the most dangerous of parasites that can infest your pet and they kill.

See your veterinarian and ask his or her advice on a safe tick control program for your pet.

Important - Read This: This information is intended to provide general information only which may not be applicable to your particular circumstances. You agree to access this information at your own risk and that First Point Media is not liable to you for the content of the information or any reliance by you on this information

2010-08-19T22:36:00.000+10:00

I've been checking out some great tutorials for converting and making your own Maternity clothing, being that I am not a little girl ;o) I really have been struggling with even the basics, I am fairly modest and hate short tops, short skirts and low cut tops, all of which is on offer in most maternity clothing shops. I guess Iwill have to get sewing !

http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2010/03/maternity-sewing-tutorial-roundup.html

http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/wrap-skirt-pattern.html

I really like the wrap skirt, brings back memories of my teenhood and the 80's wrap skirt.

I've got some really cute and stylish materials I've been able to buy online that I know will look perfect, Now to get the motivation to sew again.

So now I just need to get going and make a couple of skirts.

love for you to share your favourite Maternity clothing link with me just leave it in the comments.

Be safe and remember to hug your love ones!

Nicki

15 weeks of joy!

2010-08-08T12:41:00.000+10:00

random pic of my Noah boy with his first front tooth missing !

Okay so I am lying it hasn't be all joy LOL, but for the most part my heart has been joyful even if my stomach and body haven't.
I think I am finally over the hump morning sickness wise, I still have bouts of nausea but they are managed now with either eating a small snack or laying down for 10 or so minutes for a rest.

I am growing out of most of my clothes and had to buy some maternity clothing which I guess isn't that bad for 15 weeks, With Locky I was 18 weeks before I had to even think about maternity clothing but I guess my body isn't what it used to be back then and well lets just say my weight is not what it should be so I guess I have alot less room to move before I am bursting out of my clothes these days hehe.

I promise that at some stage I will post a pregnancy picture of me but right now I feel uncomfortable sharing that vision with you all .............once the belly is all baby I will but before then I am scared you will all stop reading my blog for fear of what I might post pictures of next.

I'm sitting on my back patio in the beautiful winter sun trying to get my fix of Vitamin D and I have to say its beautiful out here.....the kids are actually playing with out fighting a miracle in its self around here lately and the warmth of the sun really does make me appricate how truly blessed I am to live in a wonderful country with freedoms many in the world only dream of.

Until next time, keep safe and remember to appricate the little things in life!
Hugs Nicki

SO we have some exciting news

2010-07-22T16:47:00.000+10:00

We are expecting a baby in January 2011; we have kind kept it pretty quiet since we've lost the last 2 pregnancies we wanted to make sure we got to 12 weeks before sharing our new publically. BUT I really want to thank my huge net work of amazing prayer warriors that have basically kept me sane these past 9 weeks with prayers for our baby’s health and our hearts.

Our journey with infertility has been touched on here briefly before, Tony and I have chosen to focus on the positives and our blessings rather than our losses, but I have to tell you all how totally over the moon with both are over this pregnancy, I can't express the feelings I had on Monday when at our Nuchal scan we finally got to see a fully formed and active baby on the screen, I was smiling from ear to ear with tears in my eyes as the Ultrasound Tech had to be so fast to keep up with the active little monkey growing inside of me.

What an amazing blessing we have been granted. We know we have a long way to go, 27 long weeks still ahead of us.

Please join me as I try over the next 6 months to share our joys and adventures in this pregnancy. I hope my ramblings as a 40 year old soon to be Mumma again don't bore you all to death. I promise I will try my hardest to keep it light hearted and fun.

So that it, it’s been hard for me to keep this a secret from you all, but we just felt that we needed to guard our hearts and those of our friends for just a while until we hit the first of many milestones in this pregnancy.

Hugs and love to your families.

Nicki

Etsy Store up and running

2010-06-06T15:44:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone, Well I finally have a Etsy store up and running, its a bit of a slog to get stuff up on it, with everyone home this weekend, but I am slowly doing it. The store "Little Aussie Muffins" will be stocked with handmade items made by Me and my talented Mum, Terry.
here is a sneak peek into what is going up in the store this week. If you want to buy anything before its up on the Etsy, email me quick. Postage seems to be the hardest thing for me to work out, Etsy will only let me put in US Dollar postages costs, so for any Aussies wanting stuff it works out expensive, but PLEASE be assured I will only charge actual postage and handling costs and refund any funds left over.
above is just some of the Cute stuff we have ready to load, we also have lots more currently in production, or nearly finished.
We are also working on a Madeit store for people more comfortable with purchasing form a Aussie run website,look out for those details. PLEASE remember everything is handmade by us, its a original and often a ONE OFF, sure we might do more of the same style but NO 2 handmade items will be exactly the same.

ENJOY and tell your friends about our new Etsy store.
Hugs Nicki

Mothers Day Gifts

2010-05-10T13:26:00.003+10:00

Been sewing again, I wanted to give my Mum something she has been wanting to make herself but just hasn't got around to it, so I made her these adorable pin cushions.

She loved them and I think that my first go at them wasn't too bad..although I did discover I need reading and close work glasses really bad hehehehe Arhhh the Joy's of life as a 40 year old.

I found the pattern at a great little patchwork store near my new Dr's just outside of Nambour called the Patchwork Angel...The cute pattern was from Leannes House. She has some amazingly Cute designs..

Hugs Nicki

BIG DAY FOR CHRISSIE

2010-04-26T15:00:00.002+10:00

Its a Huge Day for the Patterson family today, Chrissie their beautiful Daughter who had major Cardiac Surgery Last week is going to be weaned off ECMO(full life support) monday USA Time, PLEASE hold this family in prayer and pray that Chrissies little body can adjust to its new normal following ECMO. Chrissie story from no hope in Sibera to the loving arms of her new family is one filled with miracles that only our saviour can make happen, Follow Chrissies journey and lift her up in prayer and help yet another of Gods Miracles live to be a shining example for him our almighty, mercyful saviour.

LEST WE FORGET

2010-04-25T21:54:00.004+10:00

ANZAC Day,
It’s a day that in the past has held little meaning for me, I know that sounds terrible, but I guess it just seemed so far removed from my life as a young modern women and although several of my family had active roles in the 2nd world war and then Vietnam, our family just didn’t celebrate the day much, I guess we are the kinda family that believes honour and duty are part of life and we saw no reason to “celebrate” war which is how we saw it.
Over the years I have grown to see it differently, I Guess for the first time since Vietnam we as a nation, our Australian Soldiers have active duty that is well known, and we as a nation are being asked to support them, praise them and be proud of them. Which of course we are. But I think my biggest shift in thinking for me has come from being a mother. As a mother I guess I have a tiny understanding of what sacrifice means, and why you do it with a willing heart, even though it may mean a unknown future, I can now have a little understanding of what the mothers of all the solders felt as they said goodbye to their children, their babies as they sent them to war, how they must of mourned, and stressed and prayed for the safe return of their babies. I guess being a mother also gives you clarity for what is right and what is wrong in the world. So I guess now in some small way I get what the ANZAC's spirit is and what they did for us all those years ago in World War 1 and what the soldiers have done in the wars, peace keeping and conflicts since.
The 25th of the April, ANZAC Day, holds a new meaning for me and as I watched my fellow community members, my children and husband march as part of the supporting schools in the Annual March Yesterday it brought about a the very real and raw emotion for me....and as the floods of emotions hit as each Veteran Solider walk by, I was overwhelmed with how grateful I am that they sacrificed so much so I could have what I have today, so my children have a future filled with hope, love and opportunity. .....and as I watched them I thought to myself how do you say thank you to someone for that........for that hope, peace, love and opportunity?
SO I ask you this question, how do we ever repay them for all they have done for us? How do we ensure that all they gave was worth the sacrifice? Is living well enough? Is being a proud Aussie enough? I hope so, I really hope so.

Our Proud Veterans

Jack and Noah after the March

The Kids School Marching

My Darling Hubby and Jack proud to be Marching in Support of our Services Men and Women.

Prayers and support needed

2010-04-21T09:09:00.004+10:00

In my Blogging world I have had the pleasure of getting to know quiet a few families that are walking similar roads with Chronic illness, cancer, and CHD's that we do with CHD.

2 of those families are in need of lifting up in prayer and support, please go read their blogs and send them your prayer and support.

Abby Briggs

and Sweet Chissie Patterson, who is on ECMO following a string of complications after Complex Cardiac Surgery.

Thanks in advance for lifting these inspiring children and families up in their times of need.

Hugs
Nicki

Pizza Night

2010-04-12T15:15:00.005+10:00

I found these new pizza bases at the supermarket, The kids love making them up with a little help from Dad.

If you look closely you can see the boys wore alot of the pizza sauce!

Miss Katie did it ;o)

2010-03-27T23:55:00.002+10:00

After 8 years of asking Katies Cardiologist finally gave her the go ahead to get her Ears pierced, she was so brave for a kid that hates needles because she has had SOOOOO many in her life she did so awesome(they used the Gun method). The lady doing it was so kind and talked her through it each step of the way...Katie loves them, she thinks she looks older and taller.

I LOVE THRIFT Shops!!!

2010-03-23T23:27:00.003+10:00

I love Thrift shopping and lately I have been searching for fabrics, 2 local Thrift stores have great selections of new secondhand fabric(does that make sense LOL) the Fabric is new, but secondhand by nature since someone owned it before me LOL.
Anyway on the way out today to get the Grocery shopping Bubba and I stopped in to check these stores out, With Bubba in the Ergo(the best baby carrier on the planet if you ask me) I was able to go though the rack of fabrics and find these cool wonderful quality fabrics, I Love the flower patterns and the Purple one is to die for in real life I am sure its Linen. Orange and pink together there is just something about that combo that I love, I love the other Orange flower print its so Retro. I got all these fabrics plus a cool tartan fabric that I had already put in the washing machine when I took these pictures below. In total I have 14 metres of material all for $19 dollars, a bargin I think considering the quality and amount of each fabric!

Birthday Outfits

2010-03-23T22:33:00.004+10:00

So I am really getting into sewing and with a Birthday last week I was able to make both Girls new outfits, Miss Katie models them both for me and also her new Easter top I also made.

Katie modelling Miss 6's birthday outfit

Katie wearing her Easter long t-shirt, we are not sure the weather will get cool enough for this though, oh well I think its cute.

Well I couldn't stop at Miss 6's birthday outfit so I made Katie one too.......her's is for winter, and she loves it.

2010-03-09T10:16:00.004+10:00

Been Busy again, The Girls school doesn't really have a strict policy on Hair stuff, so I thought I would make them some school colour hair items. They both proudly went off to school with both the headbands and hair elastics in......bit of a over kill but they seemed happy LOL.
These headbands are very easy to make, Got lots of ideas for easter too, Heading for the scrapbooking store and Fabric store today to find neat buttons and fabrics in easter themes.
Guess what all the girls in the family are getting for easter ????

Head Bands in reverse colours! thinking of making the YoYo removeable so you can use this as a reversable headband.

YoYo on Hair Elastic

and attatched to a slide clip

My New love

2010-03-08T10:31:00.004+10:00

Sorry its been ages since I blogged, we had a fault on a phone line and it took our phone company 2 weeks to fix it and then another week to get our WiFi internet running, and sorry folks I just can't blog with Dial up, I just don't have the time it takes.

Not alot has been happening.......life just has its groove here and its pretty routine for the most part. I have been getting back into sewing more and more. These are my latest projects. My girls clothes are boring shop brought tshirts and tops so I decided I needed to girly them up a bit. Terrymum(my beautiful clever Mumma) decided to give the YoYo makers a go and got all the templates our craft store had. She has me hooked......so plan on seeing YoYo's of all different shapes and sizes popping up on my new projects.
I have some amazing fabrics coming from the wonderful fabric Co op I am on and I can't wait from them to arrive. With Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner and Heather Bailey fabrics in your stash you just can't go wrong really.
I have searching for inspiration(no I am not as clever as you thought I was LOL) I found some neat new Blogging friends PLEASE check out these amazing Mumma's as they bring the joy of crafting and sewing to their families.

Amy at OUR SCOOP What a amazing Mumma and Crafter......she has inspried me to get working on my kids clothes, Simple but beautiful Dress's, tops and skirts.Yum.

I also found Kristin at GRACE VIOLET
what a lovely blog, so inspriring me to get to work.
Please check them out.

SO here is what I did yesterday.......just getting my Groove back and it was fun.
EASY Head Bands

YOYO Hair Clip

My Precious Girl showing off her new Tshirt and Head Band.

My New love Monogram Tshirts for the Girls

Introducing the Newest Members of Our family

2010-02-12T23:01:00.004+10:00

I'm such a sucker for cute tiny fluffy critters...So today off I go to get the Chickens some feed from the small Farm supplier place and they just happen to also sell a huge variety of wonderful little fluffy critters and YES you guessed it I just had to come home with a few.

Jemma the Duck with Noah

Noah with one of our new Frizzle Chickens.

A Fostercarers heart!

2010-02-11T07:32:00.003+10:00

Recently a near tragic event unfolded in my home with one of our Foster children, it was pure accident, and measures have been taken so it will never happen again....thankfully PRAISE JESUS! the child was okay after emergency treatment and is back to full health.
In sharing the story with some online friends it became clear that many do not understand the heart of a fostercarer or what motivates us so I thought I would share that.
The man(DH) and I have been opening our hearts and home to foster children for 13 years, for the most part its awesome, we get to meet some amazing resilient and inspiring children and we get to often watch their birth families make changes that get their kids back.We love to build trust and friendships with Birthfamilies so we can become part of a support network that helps them grow to be better parents...But sometimes its a very frustrating time, and sometimes it's very hard not to judge people for their actions towards innocent, precious children. After all we are human and it’s very hard not to set a parenting standard at the same standard you hold yourself too.That standard though often comes from a life time of oppitunities to learn to be good parents, a life time of support and love from extended family this is often something that many birthfamilies we work with just do not have or get. This then leaves them not equipped or skilled enough or have the resources to step up for their kids. SO It’s frustrating when they repeatedly muck up and further abuse their kids and Sometimes in our frustrations we fostercarers appear to judge birth families, make assumptions and even make off hand statements about them.......BUT it’s not often our heart talking because if it was our heart talking in these times we would tell you that many of us want to hug, nurture and mentor families, many of us see our own teen/adults sons and daughters personalities in the families we work with, We understand how things have gone wrong and why, and we want to be a guiding light to reunification......and then sometimes we in our experience just know a family isn't going to make it or the abuse is unable to be forgiven or forgotten in a short space of time or the birthfamily is so broken from substance abuse or mental health issues they just can't find it in themselves to break free from it for there children and the kids need a safer long term home...at these times our hearts are often torn and shattered, not just for the kids but also for the parents.....Pretty much all of us experienced fostercarers understand that the best place if at all possible for a child is with his or her birth family. Many of us are overly giving people with tender hearts, often too tender and we hurt easier when our actions are judged by others, or we are misunderstood or at least feel that way. We love the children we care for, each and every one of them and although that is often hard to hear when you’re a birth family it’s true......The true heart of a fostercarer isn't about judging, or even correcting the true heart of a fostercare could care less about money, or "getting back at the abusing parents" a true heart of a fostercare is about unconditional love for someone else’s child(and yes their family) even if that is for a short time or a life time........
Hugs Nicki

This post took my breath away!

2010-02-07T13:27:00.002+10:00

I've been following this awesome Mumma's blog from a little while now, her son has 2 complex conditions called Mastocytosis and Antral G-Cell Hyperplasia, both of which are life threatening, as a Mum of a child that also has a life threatening medical condition my heart just went out to her, and her words just rang so true to me I found myself tearing up.
Us mumma's who live with life threatening conditions in our kids live on a knife edge, any moment our lives can come crashing down, a simple cold, infection or cough can mean disaster....The Nasty friend "Worry" is a constant and we hate it when he comes visiting, some weeks its more than others and some weeks and days he is a heavy burden to bear....Masto Mama puts it so beautifully in this following post,
A Horrible Friend

My Veggie Patch is ready for some love!

2010-02-07T11:12:00.006+10:00

Ready for some planting.

In our desire to be less dependent on commercial business for our food...we have been working hard to get a veggie patch going, Last year as a practise run, I planted 2 types of Tomatoes, Corn, Potatoes, radish, watermelon, pumpkin and capsicum......and the only thing that really thrived was the pumpkin LOL,

Since I still class myself as a beginner I'm trying to work out what will and will not thrive here.
I am learning as I go,

Firstly I've learnt that:
1.Pumpkins and watermelon need their own plot, they grow like crazy and will take over anything near them.
2.Tomatoes in the subtropics attract every darn fruit fly in the neighbourhood.
3.Queensland Veggie Growers have to combat not only Possums, bats, and all the usual creatures but also lovely bugs like these

4.every mould disease known to man thrives in the subtropics.
5.and not lastly, you either have to much water and your veggies are rotting or you don't have enough and everything is dying.
SO we are hatching a new plan.I'm planting the Pumpkins and watermelon in a separate plot on the otheside of the block. I am going to plant only the fruitfly resistant varieties of Tomatoes(they grow all year round in the tropics) I'm going to plant several beans, Zucchini,Squash,cucumbers both eating and pickling varieties, and I am going to add several varieties of potatoes, Garlic, Onions, and some unusual Carrot varieties that produce purple and yellow carrots. I am also going to pot plant some heritage varieties of some other veggies I am not sure will grow here.

I was planning on planting the first of these veggies today, but the heavens opened over night and we had over 6 inches of rain on a already water logged back yard.....so I'll have to wait for a few days for it to settle and we will get started.
Noah with our little crop of Potatoes.

We also have 2 beautiful little treasures joining our family next week, 2 miniature Goats.....and we also have a few darling chicks joining us from a breeder locally who has offered me some of his beautiful 2 week old hens.

Its sure is starting to look like a barnyard around here.

When it rains it rains!

2010-01-31T10:46:00.003+10:00

One thing you learn quickly in a sub tropical climate is when it rains it sure as heck rains.....we have been really dry here considering its our wet season but the heavens opened yesterday and it rained

Australia Day and Back to school

2010-01-29T10:46:00.005+10:00

Well its been a busy week in our household. This week for all that don't live in Australia was our National Holiday or as we call it Australia Day(invasion day for indigenous Australians) and it was the start of the Queensland School Year.
I had 5 children starting back to school this year and it was hectic getting them all the right places in the right uniforms LOL.
Locky our Teen started a new school so he was nervous and due to some confusion over times the new schools uniform shop was open I had a mad dash on the first day to get him a uniform in time to start school. Tony took the other 4 to school, they all attend his school and as it was no ones "first" day i.e. No prep students this year they all happily went off without any issues.
So far everyone is happy with Teachers and school so thats a positive.
Tuesday was Australia day, we decided that we would do as I am sure most Aussies did, head for the beach. We had a wonderful time, eat fish and chips, played cricket and swam in the beautiful and warm waters of Rainbow Beach, not far from the new area we are hoping to move too. It was very hot and this little duck only lasted a hour before bribing everyone off the beach with the promise of a yummy icecream.....and off course it worked.
Here is some of photo's I've snaped over the last week.
Our Miss Katie Fish
Noah winking....nah it was just bright LOL
Jack having a ball......this kid has so much Joy!
Our awesome Lifesavers....what a job they have and what a awesome job they do! Swim between the flags everyone, Its the only sane thing to do.

I've been busy.....

2010-01-25T22:55:00.004+10:00

I've really missed sewing, Life has been so hectic around here for so many years that I have really neglected my passion for sewing. I have not stopped collecting material though and I finally decided enough is enough, 2010 is going to be my year to SEW.....
I had a play this past couple of days with some simple things, getting my confidence back and this is what I came up with,
Enjoy.
This Rice heat bag is already getting a work out.
A sensory Tag blanket, satin and fleece for our little sensory guy.
and here is Miss Betty Bunny, well that is what I named her....She was so hard to stuff so I am enlarging the pattern next time.

Working to a new life

2010-01-24T15:25:00.004+10:00

Well as the title says this year is going to bring a new life for us, how that is to take shape is not yet a sure thing, but Tony and I have open our hearts and minds to a opportunity that could see us moving again. Nothing is in Concrete yet, but we are looking at a pretty different lifestyle. A lifestyle that I have always desire, a small farm. I can't go really into details right now but we should have a clearer picture of how this is going to eventuate within the next couple of weeks, it’s a HUGE step out of our comfort zone both financially and emotionally. It will mean another move for the kids, new friends, new environments but for all it will mean a new start and a healthier happier environment free from awful neighbours and restrictions of what we can and can't do in their own yard.
Above is a Glimpse of what we are looking at buying......it’s Beautiful, but some pretty huge financial mountains will need to be moved for us to get this place, we are praying that its Gods will for our family to move here, raise our own cattle for meat, produce our own fruit and veggies in the already established plots and from the already fruiting tree's, along with producing Milk from the beautiful little Jersey in the front paddock.....For me it’s like returning to a old life, one I grew up in where you’re up with the cows and asleep with the birds ;o) a life where kids can be kids, roaming and exploring without the fear of busy roads, and unsavoury humans. For my darling DH it’s a new adventure for the City boy, raised in the suburbs of Redcliffe, And for the kids who still can't tell the difference between a Cow and a bull or a sheep and a goat it’s going to be a exciting and funny adventure that will bring them so many lifelong lessons and memories.
So we move towards this dream, the paper work is being lodged with the Financial Broker and we hold our breath and pray......
Please stick around as I share with you our adventures and Learning curves as we follow this quest for a new life, no matter the outcome for this particular property we still have this overwhelming passion to find a small farm either to rent or buy.......so we are researching and learning to prepare ourselves for a great new and exciting future.

Happy 2010

2010-01-05T13:40:00.003+10:00

I am hoping you all had a awesome Christmas and a safe and family focused Newyear.
I think that this time for sure I am back from my Blog break. I am accessing via my Husbands computer because mine decided to die, or rather the Charger cable did. Its on orders so it shouldn't be too long before I am free to use the computer at will.
SO much has happened in such a short time, all my kids are now a year older. Its summer break here, DH has got himself a Great little boat for fishing with the kids. and life has just been flying by.
Here are some pictures from the past few months.

Jack is 11, gosh the years have flown by!

Noah is 7, seems like yesterday I huged him for the first time.....

We miss you Jess, Your a beautiful girl, Just believe in yourself.....To many miles between us and to much time between visits.

At my Katie is 12 YIKES..all those years of worry, Dr, Hospitals just praying we would make this day......God is Good. with my Niece Natasha.

I have a huge project on the move here, I will announce the details when I am ready to go public, I will be asking for your support and your advice and ideas.........so keep your eyes open for the announcement due by the end of the month.
Hugs and keep safe,

finally back from a LONG blog Holiday

2009-11-23T09:44:00.004+10:00

Sorry its been so long since I posted, Life and new ventures have just got in the way of my Blogging time.

We have been busy gearing up for Christmas and decorating our home. Not to mention that my darling DH is 3/4 of the way though laying our new wooden floor.
We have had sickness, flu and 3 birthdays since I last posted.......Time how it flys.

Here is DH and my Dad starting and finishing my scrapbooking room, I'll post a Pick of it all back together tonight ;o))

All the kids are well, but we had s couple of scares, K and J, got the Swine flu, but thankfully both faired well, and have no ill affects from it.

Sorry its quick update, I promise to get back in to the swing of things real soon. I have a special project coming, its huge, its going to be fun, inspirational and all about Spreading Gods word, compfort,Human love and compassion. As soon as we are set to launch I will announce it here first.

Gods blessings, Hugs Nicki

I need to tell you about an amazing Miracle

2009-08-31T08:43:00.003+10:00

I have many miracles living in my House; they come in the form mostly of little boys and girls........
I want to share with you the joy my Son Jack brings in to my life every day.

Jack was born into a labour ward filled with Grief, His birthmother was heartbroken and refused to see or touch her son, His birth father felt the same way.....and together they decided that they couldn't parent this amazing little boy. Who I am I to judge them, they did what they felt was right for Jack and them and for that I can't thank them enough, I can't express to them how amazing that decision was for us his soon to be adoptive parents.

Jack came to us as a beautiful bouncing bundle of joy about 7 months later after spending an extended time in preadoptive fostercare due to his heart condition. Jack fitted in from the start, he was a Joy, a beautiful calm baby with a smile to die for......I would have to pinch myself sometimes and think "HOW is it that God has blessed me so?"

Jack is now 10 years old and I have to wonder where the time has gone, it seems like only yesterday that I took him from the preadoptive fostercare with tears of joy in my eyes........

So I have to say, how do you as a mother describe the joy a child has brought you when most of society only see's the disability that the child has?
How do you prove your Childs worth in this world when Doctors, Law makers and Politicians make and support laws that will one day make your Childs disability nonexistent?
How do you explain to people that Jack is Jack and that his disability is who made him who he is? Why is it so hard for people to understand the joy?
Why do we as a society put less value on people with disabilities?
Why do we think that God has made a mistake?
Because my God never makes mistakes....
Jack might have Down syndrome, but he is perfect in every way, He rocks my world, he has made me a better mother, a better human a better wife.He has shown me that Disability is about ability, the ability to change people, to show them that having a disability isn't the end of the world it’s the beginning of a new world.........
How do I look into a new grief stricken mother's eyes and show her a beautiful, and amazing future? When so many other people around her think that her life has ended because she has birthed this child with a disability.
How do I explain to her that yes, this might not look like whats he dreamed of as a future but with a heap of love, and the attitude that her child is perfect the way he or she is! that this can be a beautiful and amazing ride!
I so pray for a day when people learn that they are birthing a child that might have some issues that they greet that baby with Joy instead of Grief........I pray for that day when the words "my child has Down syndrome" are not met with "Oh gosh I am sorry" but sadly I think that Day will only happen when I leave this earth from my heavenly forever home......and that kinda makes me sad.

I've lost my BRAIN this week

2009-08-28T21:16:00.004+10:00

Okay this is so unlike me and I am starting to think I have lost my brain somewhere this past week, Why? I hear you ask! well because so far this week I have forgotten a Dr appointment for one of the kids,which I had to rebook for 3 weeks away because thats the only avaliable they had left.Then on Wednesday I ran like a crazy nut prior to baby H's family contact only to find I have arrived 1 hour early for the family contact visit.I have NO idea how I did that!! Then today I topped the week off by forgetting about another contact visit with a grandparent of our foster kids, I had actually taken sometime out to have lunch with a good friend that has move about 1 hour away. On the way home I was checking out a great little scrapbooking shop they have in her town and suddenly it drawned on me that I have forgotten the visit and I had 30mins to get to it YIKESSSSSSS. SO I madly finished up my shopping, ran for the car, pack the baby into his carseat, and headed home. I rang DH because he had the other kids needing to go to the same contact and he quickly drove to the DOCS office to dropped them off, Thankfully I was able to save it by ringing and telling the kids socialworker I was "just" running late. I arrived several minutes later than my Husband with lots of apologies, since this Grandma had been come from 2 hours for her precious 1 hour visit. I offered to stay and make up the time so it all worked out okay, but then to top it off I also completely forgot and had double booked the Community visitor(a external program that ensures children in care are getting all they need, A worker comes out once a month to see how everything is going)Our communtiy visitor is great, but this is the second time I have cancelled this month!!! Last time I had sick kids. I know she will forgive me but Gosh what has gone on in my brain this week..........I so need to look at a better way to plan, schedual and organise my kids scheduals, if anyone has any ideas PLEASE comment. I use a wall calendar but need something better...I've checked out a couple of the Mum type Diaries and Pocket books, but sadly alot will not work for us as we have more than 4 kids, which is what most allows schedualling for Anyway, I guess every so often a mumma of 7 kids with crazy scheduals can have a bad week or 2.
Hugs Nicki

The Chicken Run.......

2009-08-27T19:56:00.006+10:00

Some of you are going to think I am a mean Mum when you read this post and look at these pictures but I promise I am not :O) I just can't help but laugh at the daily Chicken Run my kids take when giving our Chickens the kitchen scraps.Our little girls love Kitchen scraps and will not lay without the scraps..seriously they go on strike when we don't give them food scraps!

Here is Miss H, doing the run this morning, notice her Nervous looking back......She knows these old girls will not attack, but she is just checking on them LOL.

I am Grateful for my amazing Mum.

2009-08-25T22:12:00.007+10:00

This is my first week posting here at Heavenly Homemaker and I am so happy to be here.
I am grateful this week for an amazing Mother. I know alot of people think that we have a great mother but I have to say I think my Mum takes the cake ;o)

Her life has not always been easy, she married young and had 3 children in 4 years, my sister who was born when I was 2 was born with unexplained seizures, some days she had up to 10 seizures and my early memories are of the big scary heavy hospital doors that to this day I can see as if was yesterday.

My sister ended up with a acquired brain injury from the seizures and to this day requires full time care, My brother who came along right in the middle of my sisters worst run of seizures was a lovable handful from the start, a bouncing full of energy typical boy ;o)

Over the years my Mum has worked 2-3 Jobs while raising us as a single mother (my father left her for another women in my early teens).I do not remember a single time that she was not there for us. She in my adult years has been my best friend, and more like a sister than a mother. She has given me wise advice, has lovingly support us when she hasn't always agreed and help pick up the pieces when things have fallen apart. She has been amazing, wise, loving and my rock.......I love her more than I can express,

Life with a Hormone charged Teenager

2009-08-25T20:46:00.008+10:00

I LOVE THIS BOY with all my heart and Soul.

BUT ohhh gosh he is so testing every inch of my tolerance and understanding. I always thought I would be one of those easy going happy Mummas with a house filled with fun, happy teens. HOW wrong I was on all accounts.

I am trying so hard to enjoy my eldest son's teen years, trying so hard to embrace his music choices, his clothing choices and his friends all the while remembering that most of what he likes today he will hate tomorrow, BUT I am so not enjoying, the loud music, disrespectful clothing choices and rude friends(which yesterday where polite and happy kids) and bad attitude.

I have been praying alot lately for our relationship, praying for me to have more understanding and tolerance.

We have had a hard year with him, he made some bad choices which led to some really serious consequence,and some hard lessons learnt, I was so proud for him throughout it as he showed great maturity, and a humbleness and remorse that made me feel he was going to grow to be a respectful honorable young man, but gosh some days lately I just worry that we will never get him to that stage.........

Tonight we decided it had been so hot here(unseasonal) that we would pack everyone in that van and head for the beach, well Locky had no desire to come, but we said this is a family outing you are coming and off we went..........well I was sing hymns to myself within 2 minutes of leaving the house and not because I was joyful LOL. The drive to the beach with a angry nearly 15 year old was like riding with a ranging bear.......Tony (dh) Stopped the Van 3 times on the way for the eldest child in the car.........we have not had to do that since he was a 2 year old, it was so nuts it end up being comical.......he was swinging in the Teen jungle in full ape mode!!, picking on his brothers and sisters, being loud, rude and disrespectful and I was so tempted to leave him at the beach !

MY heart tells me that we have raised this boy to be a loving, happy and respectful young man and that young man is in there just hidden under raging crazy hormones and peer pressure.

Please Pray that we get back that happy, helpful, loving and respectful young man very soon and Please pray that in the mean time he makes wise choices, and pray that we can continue to keep him safe and guide him as he continues to mature and find his place in this world.

Homemaker Monday

2009-08-24T21:16:00.004+10:00

This is the first time I have been involved with Homemaker Monday from 11th Heaven's Homemaker Haven and today I have decided to ask for some advice, idea's and inspiration on a decorating a room in my home.

This is the upstairs sitting/TV kids loungeroom and I have no idea where to start. I want it crisp, simple but cute!......it needs to be robust, and it needs to have places for books, DVD's and kids toys. We would also like this space to be adult friendly as we will often sit with our kids and enjoy family DVD nights. This room leads onto all the kids rooms.
So ideas for colour, funiture and ways to hide messy DVD's and toys would be great. I love visual ideas, so if you have any links for ideas that would be great too.

SO thats my first go at Homemaker Monday,
Hugs Nicki

OH my gosh you have to follow this Blog

2009-08-23T13:46:00.002+10:00

OH gosh talk about a inspiring family, Angies Smiths beautiful blog Bring the Rain is just amazing, Her inspirational reflection on the lose of her beautiful Audrey not only inspires but makes you want to have her amazing understanding of Gods love and promise. PLEASE check out her beautiful blog, read about Audrey and read as Angie shares with you her "real" life day to day.

Listen to this amazing song above which was written as a tribute to their daughter by Selah(my new favourite praise and worship band) Angies husband is a member.

Grab a coffee and sit back with some tissues and be inspired.

Hugs Nicki

This is a VERY thought Provoking interview

2009-08-22T19:15:00.004+10:00

My Blogging and email friend Michelle has a great interview on her blog this week with a former fosterchild.She has some very interesting things to say......

I wish I could share

2009-08-22T00:06:00.002+10:00

The beautiful pictures I took today of "H" and Katie sitting together on the grass today..........H is so cute now, so smiley, out going and he has an adorable photographic face, but I can't share those photos of this amazing little boy that we are so proud to be parenting why???
because children in fostercare can't have photo's published if there is a possibility they could be identified as being in Fostercare. SO if your wonding why I never post pictures of my darling extra's that is why..........I am really enjoying taking photo's again, I lost my MOJO with photo taking for a while, not sure why but I just felt every photo I took was out of focus(which is pretty hard when you have your SLR on automatic setting LOL) or the lighting was terrible, or the child moved, frowned or pulled a silly face.......but today I felt that I had taken Photographer quality photo's and I can't wait to print them.
I do hope that one day I can share them with you...........
I promise I will take some of the kids I can share tomorrow, its going to be really warm here tomorrow, and we are heading out to a Sustainable Living Expo that is at a awesome nature reserve near the kids school so I am sure I can get some great photo's if I can bribe the kids to cooperate LOL.
I thought too that I would share my new place of inspiration with you, You need to pay a small monthly membership to join this forum but its worth every cent if your really into photography.
Clickinmoms

Hugs to you all, Nicki

Something I have learn't this week

2009-08-19T20:25:00.006+10:00

Glass Stove Canopy's can EXPLODE. After burning some popcorn in my microwave.....okay so I was blog hopping at the time I admit it, anyway after turning on my fan in our Glass Canopy to clear the smoke and leaving the kitchen with the popcorn I could salvage, I was startled by a HUGE explosion......our glass Canopy EXPLODED, YES Exploded.........filling my Kitchen and Dinning room with millions of tiny shattered pieces of Glass.
I will not share the brand with you all just yet as we are waiting to see how well the Manufacture reacts to our situation. WE do understand that faults happen, but this fault could of caused one of my children or myself a serious injury, Praise the LORD no one was in the Kitchen at the time.
Just another Day in my crazy life! Hugs & Blessings Nicki

Our Favourite Aussie Dessert, Pavlova

2009-08-17T21:20:00.005+10:00

Ingredients :

4 x Egg whites at room temperature
1 cup Castor sugar (granulated)
1 tsp Vinegar
1 tsp Cornflour (same as cornstartch)
1 tsp Vanila flavour
Fresh fruit (strawberries, kiwi, etc)
Method :
Interesting legend behind this: It seems a chef in Adelaide South Australia created the pavlova after he had seen Anna Pavlova dance, saying that he wanted to create a dessert that was as light and airy as her dancing.
(serves 6-8)
preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
With an electric mixer beat the egg whites until soft peaks form then gradually add the sugar. Beat until firm.
Add the cornflour, vinegar and vanilla. When combined, turn out into a flat tray that has been greased and dusted with cornflours. Try a circular shape with slightly more mixture at the edges, so that it may be served by placing goodies i its center depression.You can also create mini Pavlova's buy just spooning out large spoonfuls of mix on to tray.
Cook in a pre-heated, cool (250 deg. f) oven for one hour. when cooked, turn the oven off, leave the oven door slightly ajar, and allow to cool slowly in the oven. This slow cooling works to prevent the loss of too much height.
Serve cold, with shipped cream and fresh fruit pieces, strawberries and kiwi fruit or Passionfruit for examples.
Notes: Make sure that you beat the egg-whites well, and that the sugar is fully dissolved before going on to the next step. Over-whipping can't hurt. The final texture should be meringue on the inside with a thin crust on the ouside.

CHD "But they can fix holes in the heart?"

2009-08-17T08:34:00.006+10:00

I think the most common thing I hear as a CHD mum when I tell people that my child has a Heart condition is “But can’t they fix all holes in the heart now” If only that firstly was true and secondly my Childs issue, My Daughter Katie and My Son Jack both have CHD, congenital Heart disease/defects.

Jack’s condition was “fix” as a baby and toddler in a 2 stage complete repair, but Katie has a more complex condition which I am not sure I have share alot about here so I thought I would.

Some of you might of guessed her condition is serious because she was granted a amazing "Wish" from "Make a wish Australia" Were the whole family was flown to Florida Disney world for a week, We stayed at the Amazing “Give Kids the World” and visited all the amazing parks and attractions around Florida, you can check out the diary of the trip here "Katies Make a Wish trip"

So I thought I would start at the beginning and try to explain her condition and give you all some insight of the daily struggles that kids with CHD have.

CHD is the most common birth defect, affecting 1 infant in every Hundred,(400000 in the US alone a year) these conditions can range from a range of complex list conditions similar to Katie’s to a hole which we in the CHD world call ASD, or VSD’s and to conditions that include the Electrical pathways of the heart. CHD affects all races, and doesn't care how much money you have or what your religion is! Mostly the causes are not known; some do have a genetic link but most do not. It is not thought to be the fault of anyone, just as the luck of the draw so to speak, some luck some would say!

if you would like to know more about the statistics you can check it out here CHD Awareness Org

Katie was born with a Condition called Tricuspid Artesia, basically the Tricuspid Valve doesn't form or work and there for blood is not pumped well enough into the right ventricle and so it is either small of doesn't grow at all. The Boston Children’s Hospital explains it in layman’s terms here "My Child has Tricuspid Artesia"

Here is a picture of a Heart with Tricuspid Artesia.

and a picture of a normal heart

Katie has had 3 heart surgeries since she was born, which compared to some of her friends is great, Katie has had the Fontan series of surgeries done to prolong life and give the child good quality of life, here in Australia is done in 3 parts, A Shunt as a infant to help with oxygen getting around her body, then as a older infant (9 months) she had a Hemi Fontan (Glenn) procedure done and then when she was 2 she needed to have the Fontan surgeries completed, Dr usually like to do this a little older but Katie lung pressures were too high and she had to have the surgery at 2.

Basically there is no way to completely fix this condition, but the Fontana procedures have given us all alot of hope for the future. Katie still struggles daily, she lives with a Oxygen level of about 85%, for you and I that would have us unable to function and very unwell, but Katie’s body over the years has learned to function on a lower oxygen rate, it of course comes at a price, one that we deal with daily, she is Tiny, only 22kg (50pounds) at 11, she struggles playing sport, running and walking up stairs. She struggles in the heat and in the cold, she has alot of trouble dealing with common colds and illnesses, and she has to work very hard to stay up to date with school work. BUT OHHH gosh she is a fighter, when I think of the first time I saw here, this tiny 4 kg little 8 month old laying helpless in a hospital bed unable to raise her head or sit........It’s hard to imagine I have that same baby now grown giving me attitude in true tween style. CHD is a long and hard road, it affects everyone, I once heard it described like a Horror nightmare that you can't wake from, I wouldn't go that far.........but I will say this the biggest, rollercoaster rides in Disney are no match for the CHD rollercoaster ride

CHD affects many families, many of you would know of Stellan He has the type of CHD that affects the electrics of his heart, this is just as big of an issue as a structural defect, Please continue to pray for him.

2009-08-16T19:58:00.003+10:00

A Great friend of mine that I have come to know via a Christian mothering list asked me to give my reflections of being a fostercarer, you can read what I had to say here: Blessed Quiver

Hugs Nicki

Photo's, Photo's, Photo's

2009-08-13T21:37:00.002+10:00

Okay so I am ashamed to say this is about half of the photo's I have printed and I need to do something with them while I am waiting to scrapbook them.........I need ideas, the boxes are obviously not working for me, and I have tried albums but you just end up with holes in them as you scrapbook photo's from them...........am I missing something or is there a easier way???

The Famous touched by Adoption

2009-08-11T20:42:00.000+10:00

As Jacks 10th "Gotta Day" approaches I found this great tribute to Famous people of who Adoption has personal touched.

Some of my Favourite Pictures

2009-08-11T19:13:00.000+10:00

We have a beautiful pond in our estate that has many beautiful water lilies,
and beautiful dragonflies and insects, I caught these guys caught in a spider web, a sad sight but a reminder of the cycle of life.

My Beautiful Noah training to be a awesome Daddy, he is such a gentle loving soul with just enough spunk to keep us on our toes.

This is my darling Jack(10) born with Down syndrome which some tell us is a disability, they just forgot to tell Jack it was.

We had huge rains the week after we moved to our new home and this is what my backyard looked like, I was pulling my hair out with all the mud being dragged into my house, but the kids were having a blast as you can see by this photo.

A Aussie bush walk for 8

2009-08-11T10:32:00.000+10:00

We have decided as a family that we would try everyweekend to do something outdoors like the beach, bushwalk, bike rides etc.

SO this weekend we decided the weather was so cool and sunny that it was a perfect day from a bushwalk, so we pack up the 6 little ones (Locky refused to come because he and I quote "thinks we are Crazy") and we headed off to Glass house Mountians about 20 minutes drive from us. Now I will add here that we only took them on a very short bushwalk for the first time but it did have its challenges, rocks, steep declines and steep inclines, but it was very walkable for kids. IT all started out great, everyone was happy, laughing and singing with the odd chooooeeeeee(aussie bush call), then we started the incline home and all the laughter and singing was replaced with "my legs hurt", "I can't make it" and with Jacks sit down and refuse to move ploy! BUT with alot of humour, jokes, draging Jack up the hillside and "come on you can do it" we finally made it to the end of the 1km walk. It was a lot of fun and we will do it again for sure.

As you can see by these photo's the Glasshouse mountians area is truly a beautiful example of Gods perfect creation on earth.

Typical Aussie bushland.

My beautiful Noah.

Banksia in flower.

Wild flowers

My beautiful Jack taking time out from the long walk!

Everyone lined up walking the track with me taking up the rear.

Daddy and his Ergo Buddy "H"

View from the bushwalk

Another view from our walk.

Hugs and Blessings to your family,

Nicki

What encourages me!

2009-08-10T11:48:00.000+10:00

I found this wonderful new website that is all about encouraging Christian women in all parts of their lives, go check them out as soon as you have finished here (in)courage me . I have been very inspired and encouraged by the new site that is encouraging us to share with our blog readers what encourages us.

I am encouraged by sunny days, beautiful skies, faces of happy children, people with unquestioning faith in Jesus Christ, by children that prove adversity can be beaten and by amazing medical miracles that happen in our Hospitals everyday, I am encouraged by simple everyday achievements like getting the washing on the line, having a day free from childrens fighting, BUT most of wall I am encouraged by the amazing amount of good, honest and God loving people we still have in our world and by the beautiful and amazing sisters in faith that I have from all over the world who encourage me to get out of bed everysingle day.

What are you encouraged by?

2009-08-08T10:34:00.000+10:00

Well Life around here has a new Crazy Normal.(thanks for this perfect sign from Shabby blogs) We are a family of 9 with the arrival of a sibling group all under 5 via fostering.

So now we have: Locky 14, Katie 11, Jack 10, Noah 6, L(girl 5), H(girl 3) and H(boy 9months).

They have actually been with us for a while now but due to some safety concerns from the Birth family I have not felt happy about posting about their arrival.

SO life is a bit insane at present, we are still settling into the new house and slowly getting things organised. We still do not have our new wood flooring down and to tell you the truth with 7 kids to manage everyday I am kinda dreading the day we have to move everything for them to come an install it. I of course will love it once down, but its going to be a fun week managing the house around the install..........note to self :check out the cost of a hotel room or 4 LOL.

The new crew are settling in well, but adding 3 kids under 5 was a challenge to say the lest. Back to nappies, wet beds and high pitch squealing girls had Jack covering his ears for weeks on end(alot of kids with Down Syndrome are sensitive to high pitch noises!)

We are still working on adding a home grown blessing, the lose of our 2 angels via miscarriage hit both Tony and I very hard, we have been recommended by our fertility specialist to another high risk fertility specialist for IVF treatment. After alot of prayer, counsel from friends filled with love and wisdom we have decided to give it a go. We will start our first round of treatments within the next month.

I am trying to to promote my blog, I have decided that I get so much from the friendships and shows of compassion and love I recieved from the friends I have met via email groups, facebook and blogs that I really need to make a effort to tell our story in hopes that I can return that love an support to others. SO if you are able to pass on my link, or join my blog or suggest others visit me that would be awesome. I am also after any ideas, tips or information on how to improve the look or interest level of the blog.

Again thanks so much and if you haven't already come and also join me on www.facebook.com/nickizieth

Hugs Nicki

Its been too long......

2009-07-27T15:06:00.000+10:00

Life has been hard for us this past few months, after the joy of reach 8 weeks PG, we were devestated with the news our baby had not heartbeat just a week later. I will not go into details its just not productive for us now, but life has just kinda gone from bad to worse and then slowly better since then.......Life is looking up, we are seeing a new fertility specialist and we might be going with IVF treatments still haven't decided yet.
The kids are great, growing to fast.......all are doing well at school so that is the main thing.
So I just thought I would update here, for those that wondered why I have dropped off the planet. I am slowly gaining my strenght and hope back..........slowly seeing the huge amounts of blessings, love and beautiful things in my life again.........its been hard so much has gone on.

Hugs Nicki
Mumma to 4 forever miracles, 3 staying with us for a while and 2 Angels watching us from above.
QLD Aust.

8 WEEKS YAHOOOOOO

2009-04-20T15:00:00.000+10:00

Well, 8 weeks down..............I can't really believe I am 8 weeks its flying by really it is, This week has been filled with sad memories but also a new hope that this baby is sticking ;o)
I lost our last angel at 7 weeks and 5 days so we have past this mark this time and we have renewed hope. I am off for a scan tomorrow and we are praying that my pretty much constant sick feeling and the real dislikes of foods that I usually love like Chocolate..........have me even more hopeful that this baby is growing and is healthy but tomorrow will either dash that hope and pray or give us more hope!.
I am exhausted, grumpy and not able to think about more than one thing at a time......SOOOO not like me LOL. BUT I know that this will pass and before long God willing we will be feeling a beautiful baby growing strongly.
We had a wonderful easter break, I was pretty off colour all weekend but the kids and Tony spent some time at the beach, hanging out and having fun. It was a cool and rainy weekend but still a great break for us.
I'll update about the scan if I get a chance tomorrow otherwise wednesday.
Keep safe, love life and enjoy the most important people in your life YOUR FAMILY!
Hugs Nicki

Into our 6th week of a Miracle

2009-04-08T08:13:00.000+10:00

Hi Everyone, for those not following me on my Yahoo groups we are into week 6, I have my sick and not so sick days, today I am sick LOL.........everything seems to be different this time, and I have a better feeling about this baby, I am not as sick as with Locky my first birthchild but I am also 14 years older LOL.......plus mumma can't be sick or the house falls down around her!!!
I wanted to share with you some amazing pictures of my good Friend Renee's baby (I am sure she will not care) and this is for anyone that doubts a baby is a baby before a certain time in the pregnancy, this is for everyone that calls it a fetus and not a baby..........this is for anyone that justifies abortion prior to 18 weeks "because its not really a baby yet just a fetus" Renee is 7 weeks ahead of my pregnancy wise and this was her 13 week nucual(SP?) scan. Enjoy the wonders and Miracle going on inside her womb.

We have some exciting news

2009-03-28T17:35:00.000+10:00

Well the test was POSITIVE.........yep 2 little pink lines, faint second one but the follow day was darker LOL, so here we go excited but also tentative and just trying our hardest to trust in God as we take this journey yet again.

Just to recap we lost a darling baby last year after just 7 and half short weeks of getting to know the miracle growing in my womb.

This time we are filled with new hope and new joy and just praying Gods plan is for a healthy and happy pregnancy.

I will update as I can, I am 5 weeks now so we have a long way to go ;o) I am due around Nov 30 this year.

Hugs

another month gone!

2009-03-22T13:57:00.000+10:00

Well so much has gone on I don't think I will detail it all, just letting you know that we are on the rollercoaster ride again, still trying for that darling miracle baby.
Should know within the next couple of days if its good news or keep trying news.

This weekend DH is putting up a fort/swing set for the kids, we got it half price due to damaged packaging from the big storms we had last week,

I'm busy sewing some Mumma pads, baby things and some bags.......I'll share when finished.

Other than that its just busy, busy, busy......school and all the activities are in full swing so life is never dull around here.

For those of you interested Renee and I have update our business website,
www.mybondingbabies.com.au Hope you like the new look,

Hugs

The Latest baby making update

2009-02-20T10:28:00.000+10:00

Well all went well with the insemination and now the wait is on.......I had one Egg to release and it was a good size, shape etc (which the OB tells me is what they look for)
So I should know either way early next week........Prayers would be appricated. I do have a faith that what is to happen will happen and its all for a bigger plan so that peace I pray stays will me for the next few weeks. We can do several more cycles before we need to consider IVF, so I am not stressed at all........but a baby now with this cycle would we AWESOME, I have some good signs but its hard with fertility treatments as the drugs you have taken can often trick you or mimick pregnancy symptoms so I really do not have any idea until I test next week.

I'll update I promise

Thought it was time to Share

2009-02-08T14:58:00.000+10:00

I haven't really shared alot here about our troubles with infertility, and since we are in the middle of fertility treatments I thought I would come clean and fill you all in.
Our personal friends and family would know that we are blessed with 4 amazing children, 1 via birth (14 years ago) 2 via straight out adoption while infants and 1 via long term legal Guardianship, but having a quiverful heart and having infertility is just one heartbreaking mix. Both Dh and I would dearly love more children, Don’t get us wrong we love all our children with all our hearts, but we really believe that I was placed on this earth to be a mother to many children, sure we are fostercarers and we love that job, but the heartache of losing children after you have love and cherished them is just too hard to bear sometimes.
The desire to Birth and nurture many children is so strong in me, I feel so strongly that it’s my only Job on this earth, it’s a spiritual thing, it’s a heart thing and it’s a head thing.........I believe as do a growing number of women I am begun to find all over the world that Mothering and child bearing is the most important Job in the world, and parenting a large family is just as important as if was raising one or two children.........this is not just a stage in my life, or a hobby or something that I can get sick of, it’s a lifelong Job a Job and duty that I cherisher . For me , To mother a child is the biggest honour a women can be given, in Gods eyes its seen as a job that should be cherished and honoured, so why do we as a society look down on women who only want to “mother” I over the last 14 years have met many women from all walks of life, who have small and large families but the common thread with all of them is they want to be respected and appreciated as Mothers, not by their children and husbands (although that is nice) but by society, they want Mothering seen as a Job that is as respected as a Doctor or Lawyer.......... Is that too hard to ask??
So anyway getting back to us, DH and I would love more children but of course we have this issue, or rather I have this issue called PCOS (poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome) which among other things causes fertility issues, weight gain, excess hair issues etc, basically my hormones are just nutso upside down and my ovaries produce alot of cysts due to this. To ovulate alot of women with PCOS need support from fertility medication, there are women (I know several) that have had pregnancies with no real issue but I am not one of them sadly. So this brings me to now.......I'm slap bang right in the middle of a Clomid supported cycle to try and get PG.
Early last year we after alot of heartache and a huge break (6 years)while adopting the boys, got pregnant on our first Clomid cycle with our new OBGYN/Fertility specialist, but tragically our joy turned to sorrow when at 8 weeks I lost the baby to miscarriage. So here I am in the middle of a cycle praying and hoping for the best possible outcome 2 red lines on a pregnancy test!.
Tomorrow is egg scan day, I have to have a scan to check egg size, after Thursdays scan things where looking a bit slow, the eggs growing where too small and the OB suggested 4 days of what Dh and I call "egg super juice" aka Puregon(rch)and then rescan me tomorrow (Monday).So tomorrow is a big day to see if the "super juice" has worked, I'm hoping for 2 eggs, 2 is better than one if you ask me, but my OB will be hoping for only 1 as she is very cautious about multiples ;o))
So I will keep you all posted, Pray for us will you...........we are asking God for a huge thing we know, but we know that he is a wonderful God and we pray that our hearts desire is his Will in our lives.
Hugs

PAY it Forward

2009-02-03T10:04:00.000+10:00

I am going to join the world wide Pay it forward crafting movement...........the first 4 people that sign in and leave a comment will recieve from me a handmade gift from me sometime in the next year, when you will recieve it will be a complete surprise that will hopefully bless your day,the Crafted item will be handmade by me with you in mind and will be something that you will love I am sure ;o)
But before you leave a comment be sure to add a similar post to this as you need to also join in and pay it forward. The Rule is you must also pay in forward to be paid forward, Thats how we keep this going.

Have a blessed day,
Hugs Nicki

Here are some Pictures I took at our Pond

2009-02-01T21:05:00.000+10:00

I have a Planted Veggie Garden !!

2009-02-01T20:30:00.000+10:00

Well finally we got it finished and planted, I have a great Garden filled with Watermelon, Pumpkin, Peas, beetroot, sweetcorn, and Tomatoes. We found a neat Tomato plant called Mr Ugly, it grows the most ugly tomatoes in the world, well that is what it claims on the label LOL.
So we will see!

I've got my Mojo back

2009-01-30T12:54:00.000+10:00

I have my mojo back, I got out my sewing machine and look at the results....."H" has been driving me nuts with her preschool sleeping stuff, she keeps losing the sheet or blanket and not having them when we need them so I saw this neat pattern online and downloaded the PDF and just went ahead a made it.I think it turned out okay, I have some ideas for the next one I make to improve the pattern so I will try that out next time.

Also I got this material yesterday on a clearence stand at Spotlight(like michaels, joann's etc) I really like it and was wondering what you would do with it? I was thinking a carryall bag to go on the stroller but I am up for other ideas.

Anyway the weekend is here, so I doubt I will get much time to blog until monday.......keep safe, Hugs

2009-01-29T15:51:00.000+10:00

What a find, I have found it near impossible to find a wooden rocken chair that I could come close to affording when I just happen to drive past this chair at a charity store, I got if for a steal, It needs a tidy up, and some re gluing on one arm, but its in great condition really,
The kids love to take turns huggin mumma and rocking.......ohhh there is something about rocking that sooth soul,

Back to school

2009-01-29T11:15:00.000+10:00

Well off they went, 4 of my kids started school this week..........ranging from Prep to grade 6. our 14 year old son Locky is away at camp at present, his school runs a 4 week preparing for life Camp at the beginning of every year 10 class with great results.
We had no tears, no stress and everyone remembered everything they needed too............looks like I was worrying about nothing LOL,

Adoption!

2009-01-20T15:49:00.000+10:00

Today I was sent a link to a young teen who is available for adoption in the US. I get these kinda emails often as I am on a special needs adoption list, mostly they do not really affect me, I mean I can rationalise that the kids are in the US and we can't legally adopt them into Australia so it’s a non issue. But this young teen really got to me. She has a liver condition that requires a transplant and the Dr will not do it unless she has a forever family willing to make a lifelong commitment to her, can you imagine that? can you imagine being so alone in the world that Dr will not do life saving surgery on you because you will not have the support and family to help you with follow up care?.....it just breaks my heart.

So my question is to you have you very considered adoption? The US has some terrible amount of children available for adoption though the fostercare system, some of these kids have special medical needs some have disabilities and some have behavioural issues and/or have been affected by the abuse to which they were subjected. Some are just kids who with the love of a family will thrive, some need more than love. But every single one of them needs a family just like yours........I can see you thinking I am full, I have enough to deal with, I can't do that disability or that medical condition. I understand that feeling it can be a overwhelming to take on a child that has issues that you have never dealt with, but there’s how I feel about that, If God had blessed me with a birth child with say liver disease or Heart condition I would not have known at first what to do, how to manage or how to advocate for my child.........I would of learnt as I went along. Well it’s just like that, I didn't know how to place a feeding tube when we first took Katie home...........I learnt, I didn't know all the traits for Down syndrome when we took Jack home but I learnt, I didn't know what maternal drug addiction would mean for my Noah but I do now!..........You learn to look after these kids are you go along, I didn’t have the skills to look after Katie where we first took her I learnt on the Job so to speak. I am not amazing person, no saint, no angel, I am a average mumma, who cooks, cleans, hugs her babies and fights the stop drop and go at school every day, I am nothing out of the ordinary, I have not amazing skills that makes me better than you at parenting, I guess what is different is I had the desire to look into it and once I did I was hooked...........as a mother I just couldn't sit back when I knew kids where needing families. Kids needed love, stability and someone to care about how they got on in life.
I will grant you that we have had some ups and downs, but strangely no more than the average family, I sit and listen to the Mums and school and we all have the same issues, whinging kids, full schedules and difficult toddlers........ours lives are really no different in many ways.
Many people ask how I do it, to which I reply "do what?" parent?, be Jack and Noah's mother? well I do it the same way you do, I get up every morning see my child for the Miracle of God he/she is and get on with my day, I have the same challenges, the same stress's the same hang ups, I worry about my boys future, but so the heck do you from what I am hearing...........so see we are not different really.
So why not give it a look? why not look at one of the thousands of "waiting child lists" both here in Australia(excludes Queensland who do not advertise waiting for adoption children ughhhh) but mostly in the USA and talk it over with your hubby and or kids, Do a information course and see where God leads you........It’s that simple, you do not have to have loads of money, Homeschooling is not obstacle, Large families are accepted for alot of children/sibling groups, and you do not have to own your own home or provide a separate room for the adopted children.
I can't express to you the blessings, love and miracles that my adopted children have brought to my life........words really can't express how inspired, challenged and happy I am as a mother because of all my kids.....So will you take a look, look outside your home, see where it leads you???

Here are 3 of my Miracles,
Hugs

The Back to School build up!

2009-01-16T20:20:00.000+10:00

Well for alot of Aussie families its almost the end of the Summer Holidays and the back to school build up has begun. We have 5 going back to school in just over a week so preparing for everything has begun, New shoes, New back packs, lunch boxes and water bottles.......not to mention the school book lists etc. I am so not a mother who likes this time of the year, the hype, the money, the stress, but my alternative? Homeschooling just isn't something I feel I could manage, I admire the many friends I have that homeschool many of which have kids with complex learning needs, but most of these families are in the USA where its seems that homeschooling is much more accepted than here. Don't get me wrong I have considered it and frankly have not rule it out in the future but right now I just can't seem me managing it.
So I put up with the hype, the waste of money and the stress on both myself and the kids display as the first day of the new school year gets closer and closer.
I did have a few giggles while we where gathering the school gear at our local shopping Centre yesterday, did you know that Kmart, Big W and Target combined do not have enough different character bags for my kids once you rule out Brats, Bart simpson and other Characters we do not allow or approve of? Did you know that Many shoe stores can't cope with 5 shoe fittings at once! and did you know that its almost impossible to find contact book covering to keep everyone happy!
So in less than 10 days my life to many will seem like bliss, but to me it will be kinda sad.........
Hugs Nicki

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The Veggie Patch 2

2009-01-13T14:35:00.000+10:00

Here are the Pics of the the Veggie patch and my new seedlings planted in my recycled seeding trays, most of which I found in my kitchen and recycle bin, Milk bottles, Soda bottles

Our New Veggie patch!

2009-01-11T09:43:00.000+10:00

Well we are on our way, Dad and Tony got busy today making the 2 of the 4 no dig veggie gardens that I plan to have, we made both of them for under $60 by going to the recycle place at our local rubbish tip, since they sell for like $150 each as a premade unit I thought we did okay. Tomorrow I am heading off to our local Sunday market to plan the vegies we are going to plant, and on the way home we are going to pick up some compose and hay to complete the no dig part of the garden. We are going for a garden we can plant in straight away as I really don't want to wait for the breakdown to happen so it will cost us a little more at first.
So now I have to decide do I buy seedlings or seeds and grow them from scratch. I think I will do a bit of both, We are planning Watermelon, peas, cucumber, radish, lettuce, Tomatoes(several varieties) pumpkin, carrots, potatoes, rock melon etc. It will take us a while to work out what grows best here and how much of each we need to help us get more self sufficient. We plan on growing alot of our food but I guess it will take a while to work it all out.
if you have any tips or ideas we would love your feed back, here are some pictures of today’s project coming together.

2009-01-09T21:59:00.000+10:00

Life in our new home is so different the kitchen is double the size and I have many plans for all the preserving,cooking and wonderful foods that I will cook once we have all our veggie gardens and fruit tree's going. My gran before she died made sure that we all have her recipes for preserves like mustard pickles and pickled onions(her secret recipe!) she was also famous for her christmas treats, Ginger bread and fancy cakes. I look forward to trying out some recipes soon.

We also have a wonderful sized dinning and Tv Room. Tony Dreams of his large screen one day, and I dream of a 10 seater dinning room setting....

Has it really been that Long

2009-01-06T16:57:00.000+10:00

Gosh I can't believe its been since August since my last post, Slack girl I am, lots has changed for us since then, we have 3 new fosterplacements 'L' a 4 year old girl 'H' a 3 year old girl and 'H' their newborn brother who is now 8 weeks old. We have moved into our new home and LOVE it, but gosh its been hard work, I feel so warn out and tired.....so haven't really got everything going that I wanted to get going. I will start my new Gardens soon, and sort out what I am growing. We have our first fruit tree going and will add more as money permits. Due to major issue with out builder we ended up having to pay alot more than we thought.......lesson learn't READ THE FINE PRINT!!!
BUT over all we are very happy with the home after a few hiccups.
Christmas went well, with 3 extra's this year it was a mad rush down the the line to get it all orgaised but I guess its not Christmas without the rush....right?
I'm still working on that baby and it likely that we will begin IVF in Febuary after no luck(except the first time which ended in miscarriage) with ovulation induction.
The children are all doing very well, Locky is 14 and full of attitude, Katie is well and is now 11, Jack is well also and is now 10 and my baby is 6 and going into grade 1 this year.......Time flys.
Anyway I promise to keep more up to date and will share some pictures of the House ASAP.
Hugs Nicki

Crazy time here

2008-08-07T21:17:00.000+10:00

Sorry, about the huge gap in posting, Life here has been nuts, then my Computer got a fatal virus and is still down.
I'm back up with a new laptop computer.
The house is coming alone nicely, after a few hitches it seems like we are finally getting somewhere, we are nearly to lock up stage, actually they locked it up today, but due to a issue with the bricks and the mortar, we only have lock up because the guys working on the inside of the house are so far ahead and are needing it to be locked up, but the bricks are way behind. I think the inside will be finshed way before the bricks, as all that is left is the kitchen, tiling, toilets, sinks, the last bit of wood work(most done) and the light switches(all the wiring is done. WE think that if they put there heads down it could be done if about a month but they are saying that its still 8-10 weeks to move in date...........grhhhhhhh
House building just isn't my idea of fun.
Our home here isn't sold yet either......thats a bit stressful.........We are praying that the reserve bank reduces intreset rates and that the banks follow it though. then maybe the house market will get busier again, its just flat as here with house sales.
We start another round of fertility treatment next month after alittle hicup that I will not bore you with(I'm post any exciting bits as we go though that)
The kids are great.........life is good, but just so busy, although not to busy that we couldn't have some fun cooking some Ricebubble rockyroad slice....Yummmo

Hugs Nicki

A wonderful women died today

2008-07-02T14:34:00.000+10:00

My Grandmother died today, she had been battling a agressive bowel cancer for just 8 months, she died at home surrounded by her 3 children at about 4.00am this morning she was 80 years young.
She will be sadly missed by her only sister Silvia , 3 children Terry and her partner Don, Nigel and his wife Gina, Deb and her Husband Bob her grandchildren Nicki, Christian, Nancy, Darryl, Joshua, Stuart, Aaron, Dylan and Jessica and by her Great Grandchildren Lachlan, Caitlan, Alec, Jack, Natasha, Noah and little Lauren, she had many many friends many of which have known her and my Grandfather(before his death 13 years ago) since they came out as $50 pound poms back in the 60's.
She was a very gifted crafts women, cook and gardener, she loved her family and her little Dog Harry very much.
Its a very sad day, but when you believe in God you know that this is just the beginning.......so until we meet again Gran give Grandad a hug when you are again one in heaven, and enjoy Dancing with Jesus!

We are all better :O)

2008-06-28T07:47:00.000+10:00

Katie is doing great, after the earlier scare but after all of the house then coming down with the flu we are just know raising our heads out of the cloud of fluville!
Our house is coming along great, and it promising that we might even get in before November YEAHHHH

NO luck on selling our current house, although we have a open house today so we will see.
The kids are on holidays for the winter break........yeahhhh!!!!

Katie gave us a scare

2008-06-19T20:00:00.000+10:00

We the life of a Mother is never dull, Miss Katie gave us a scare today, for those that don't know she has a complex heart condition, well anyway today she fainted or blacked out while out shopping(the Dr aren't sure what she really did), She is okay but she sure gave us a huge scare, so after a trip by ambulance to the ER, every test done and a long ride home in peek hour traffic we have had a day I sure wouldn't like to repeat anytime soon.
Life with Cardiac kids is kind of like living on a knifes edge at times, one 1cm the wrong way and you’re on your way to hospital with a child who is scared out of her brain about what’s going to happen this time. Will it be more needles, more horrible test etc, from a parents point of view your just asking yourself is this the time that they tell it there is nothing more they can do, or is this the time they tell you more surgery is needed or is this another false alarm that has you aging 10 years in 10 minutes.
Mostly we live in a world where CHD's(Congenital Heart Disease/defects) is the enemy we spend out life running from the next crisis trying to avoid admissions to hospital, while trying to protect our kids from harm, it’s a heart breaking balancing act.
Don't get me wrong Katie lives a full and happy life for the most part, she is active, happy, cheeky, and full of spirit, she is bright, a great speller and she loves books and emailing her teacher and friends......she's an average 10 year old in so many ways. But there is this part of her life, CHD that makes her so different from her peers is so many ways, a simple virus can have her in hospital, if she gets a chest infection we are in ICU, if she gets a common childhood disease its panic stations, her friends parents are scared to have her stay over (who can blame them), and a simple every day tooth ache can mean a life threatening infection.
CHD parents don't see life that same way as most parents do, CHD does something to our spirit, our soul, it changes you, I am not sure it’s bad changes, you just see things in a different light I guess, you balance protecting your child with letting them be them, you balance risk and fun all the time. But unlike a parent of an average health kid you see danger, risk and harm in everything, you place signs on your door in winter asking people to not enter if they have a cold, you have to decide if preschool is worth the risk of them being sick all the time and you have to spend your life explaining to teachers, friends and even family why your child is tiny, can't run in cross countries and why letting them run around in the middle of summer could kill them......after a while though it becomes ingrained in your parenting, almost automatic and you have this kind of unnormal normal.........Then days like today rock your soul, they show you just how fragile life is, how easy it can just vanish before your very eyes, but if you are really lucky, for each day like today one filled with fear and heartache(and greying hair) you get a hundred days of joy, days of watching the child that everyone told you to give up on, or told you would never function at a normal level achieve milestones that no expert ever imagined they would achieve and it make you proud, proud of her, proud of yourself and proud that you where blessed with one of the most amazing kid on the planet.

Is it Saturday already?

2008-06-14T21:08:00.000+10:00

Where did my week go, My Grandmother is gravely ill with terminal Cancer and my Mum has gone interstate to care for her which leaves me running her scrapbooking business, while I of course have not issue stepping up to help its making for a pretty hectic life around here right now.
We know have a frame to match the slab on the house, YIPEEEEE

We so can't wait to be into this new house.
I do have to share these cute pictures of my baby girl abby(she's a dog by the way) after her first ever visit to the Beauty palour, she's so cute,

Well that was my week,
so Far, Hug your love ones and remember we live one life!

The Merry Makers

2008-06-09T23:07:00.000+10:00

Not everyone reading this will realise that one of my son's had Down syndrome, he is one of the most amazing kids, he inspires me everyday to be a better person, he see's good in everyone, and loves life. BUT to the average person who has never lived or given birth to a child with Down syndrome all they will see is a kid with a disability, I think that is so sad, he is so much more than his disability, he is bright, smart, cheeky, happy, a joy to parent, challanging, inspiring and most of all I am so glad he is my son. Tonight on the ABC, Andrew Denton played a documentary on the Merry Makers, a group of amazing dancers that bring joy, hope and inspiration to everyone that see's them dance, they also happen to have disabilities, but this is not who they are, they are amazing dancers with more dedication and skill than most of us can dream of, check them out http://www.merrymakers.com.au/
And next time you see a person who appears to have a disability, remember they are not their disability, they are so much more!!!!
Hugs

Our New house has a SLAB

2008-06-06T20:05:00.000+10:00

We have real action on the house building, we have the Slab and the frame work arrived today too.......I'm so excited, I'll post pictures tomorrow.
I've been asked to be a guest poster on a friends blog, I am excited but nervous, this great Friend Trish has been a huge blessing for me though my last rounds of fertility treatments, she also has a awesome blog check her out
at http://mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com/

Now the trip is over....

2008-06-05T23:33:00.001+10:00

Well know that the trip updates are finished I will start to blog our everyday life, I hope it doesn't bore you all ;o)
Our house has finally started, so hopefully if the darn rain gives us a break we will have a beautiful new home by September/October. The Slab should be layed tomorrow after a 3 day delay due to the rain.
This last few weeks has been a bit heartbreaking in our family, My 80 year old grandmother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, we aren't sure how much longer she has but its not long. I have just returned from 3 wonderful days being with her and I will hope to get back to see her again real soon. She lives in Adelaide so its a bit of a trek for us these days.

Day 8 Oh Darn its over ;o((((((

2008-06-05T20:03:00.001+10:00

Well today was our last day in Orlando and the US, we are very sad about heading home, but overjoyed with the amazing memories and the unbelievable time we have had.
Like all days at GKTW we had breakfast at the beautiful Ginger bread house,

After breakfast we where directed to the main square for a party. A wonderful group of school students who have made it their schools mission to support GKTW where throwing a party for the families at GKTW, there was dancing, bubbles, and lots of crafts and fun things to do, the kids had a blast enjoying the fun these amazing young people where organising.

Then we headed to the Castle of miracles, to place Katies Wish Star in the Castle. Each wish child is given a star to name and place on the roof of the castle, the amount on the roof is amazing, its both inspiring and also sad that so many children have been granted wishes and have placed there stars here. Katie was later sent a star passport that shows here where the star is.

All the children where also allowed to make a wish pillow in the special wish pillow machine in the castle, we got to bring home all the pillows, with each childs most treasured wish stitched into the pillow.

After we had our last fun time in the Castle of miracles we had our last ride on the Carousel, Jack loved this the most.

We then went back to the unit, did our last packing, loaded the car with all the amazing gifts that the children had been given at GKTW, and we headed to the outlet store to finish of our gift buying before heading to the Airport.

Our trip home when smoothly until we hit a hour from Brisbane and had to be diverted to Sydney due to fog in Brisbane............BRISBANE NEVER has fog LOL
SO after sitting on the tarmac at Sydney airport for nearly 2 hours we finally got home 4 hours after our original lading time, but all that was forgotten once we landed and where met by our family.
Our family can't express the gratitude we have for both Make a Wish Australia and Give Kids the World USA, along with all the amazing places that support them, WE HAD THE TIME OF OUR LIVES, and Our memories will last a life time.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Day 7 Nasa

2008-06-05T19:20:00.000+10:00

Katie asked to Go to Nasa as part of her Wish, So GKTW gave us some tickets and off we went, it was another hot day but it was a nice break to get away from Orlando The Kennedy Space centre wasn't very busy so we managed to do all the attractions by lunch time, we had a nice lunch in the space cafe. After Nasa we headed back to GKTW to spend some time just hanging out with the wonderful staff and taking our last lot of photo's.

Day 6 Sea World here we COME :O)

2008-05-29T07:53:00.000+10:00

Today we went to seaworld, it was amazing, we has a beautiful and peaceful day, no rushing to rides, NO huge lines NOTHING, Don't get me wrong Seaworld was busy but its just one of those places that envokes a peaceful day I guess, We manged to see all of the shows that we wanted to see.
But the best show was the "beleive" show with Shamu and all the other killer whales.

The kids got to fed Dolphins, Stingrays, sharks(yes real sharks! okay so they where tiny but they where real sharks)We had a blast.

Day 5 Animal Kingdom

2008-05-25T09:46:00.000+10:00

Animal Kingdom was amazing, we loved the Safari tour, the animals where amazing and they looked so healthy and happy, always a good sign of a good Zoo.
We spent the whole day just roaming around from Attraction to attraction, The Nemo Musical was a blast, the constumes where just beautiful......and they had Katies and My favouite Turtle Narrrrlyyyy Dude!
We all took the waterride much to Jacks horror, we discovered with Jack that anything that sprayed water, splashed water or went under water was NO his idea if fun, yet he would ride some of the scariest rides at Disney as long as their was NO water involved.......funny kid he is.
Here is a few photo's from the day, I really loved the tree of life, the carvings are beautiful

Day 4, Sunday and Katies Princess Makeover day

2008-05-25T09:15:00.001+10:00

After a Huge day at Universal we decided to have a rest day, apart from Katie Make over at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Salon we just took it easy, did a little Disney shopping and just chilled, it was a wonderful relaxed day.
It was also mothersday, so I got to choose lunch and which shops we looked at first LOL.
BUT mostly it was Katies day, she had a wondeful time at the Beauty Salon run by Cinderella's Fairy Godmothers in waiting.
She has the full makeover thanks to Make a Wish they paid for the full package and Katie looked beautiful, she got Makeup(okay just a little eyeshadow, and blush, her Nails done, and her hair and then the full Cinderella costume...........plus we also got a photoshoot done after, she looked and felt so Princess like :O)

We headed home to GKTW for Dinner and a nice calm evening...........

Day 3 Universal Studio's welcomes Katie

2008-05-22T16:52:00.001+10:00

Day 3 in Orlando started with a hearty breakfast at GKTW and a visit from a little friend, OHHH gosh how we love these litte cuties We decided to go to Universal Studio's today, and we had a great time even though it was really HOT today, Universal has these great fans that spray out a fine mist of water at certain spots around the park and that was great, we had a great time on the Men in Black ride, the Jaws ride, several of the rides at Universal katie had to avoid due to her heart issues, but that didn't stop us having a blast.

After Universal Studio's We headed back to Give Kids the world for icecream and Dinner. GKTW has a wonderful free icecream palour, its amazing the kids(and adults hehe) can choose from many different types of icecreams, banana splits and milkshakes, The kids loved it and we had several trips here on our trip, The Icecream palour like most of the GKTW attractions are maned by GKTW Angels, these are unpaid helpers, and THEY ARE amazing people with so much love and generosity.

After Dinner we went to Mayor Claytons Birthday Celebrations, Mayor Clayton is the Mayor of GKTW, he and his beautiful wife, spend alot of time making you feel very welcome at GKTW, It seems only natural that he is a Huge Rabbit ;o)))
Again GKTW put on a wonderful party, the kids had face painting, dancing, Cake, and lots of fun, and again the GKTW angels are everywhere.....I love this place and could move in for good :O))
.

Part 2 of Day 2 "Katies Dreams come True"

2008-05-22T08:13:00.000+10:00

The second half of Friday was a huge day for everyone, Jetlagged and tired everyone was looking forward to having a beautiful meal at Cinderella's Royal Table in the Disney Castle, and it didn't disapoint, it was amazing, firstly the kids got photo's and a greeting with Cinderella,
Then after the photo's we where showed to our table in the beautiful dinning hall of the castle, Dinner was amazing, beautiful and everyone enjoyed the cool air, fine food and fun apperance from the Fairy Godmother.

Katie as you can see in the photo's is exhausted, but loved meeting Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother posed for photo's as a special thing only for Katie, being that she was on a wish trip.
Our waiter arranged a secret photo shoot. I have to say the staff at Disney where amazing, NOTHING was to much trouble and they where beautiful, kind and caring with the kids at all times.
After a very Big first day in Orlando we headed back to GKTW to be greeted at the gate with "welcome home, hope you enjoyed your day" by a staff member maning the gate, these small touches made the whole stay at GKTW beautiful, not to mention when we got inside the unit the Kids all had several gifts that had been left on the kitchen table, the kids eyes nearly popped out of there heads :O)
We all slept very soundly after a wonderful day.

Day 2 Katies Dreams come true

2008-05-21T15:56:00.000+10:00

After a much to short sleep we woke the children so we could get read for our big first day at Disney world, we have chosen Magical Kingdom as the first park we are going to visit.
after a amazing Breakfast at the Gingerbread house,

We headed back to the condo to get ready for the day, I snapped these pictures of the condo, car and the cute letter box

Disney world was about 20 minutes drive from GKTW, and this time we had a good navigator (me heheheh)so we didn't get lost :O)

Magic Kingdom is beautiful, and what every child thinks of as Disney,

The kids has a great time on some of the rides, Katie, Locky and I braved the water log ride, Katie clung to me the whole ride and we got completely soaked with water.......oh well cooled us off for a day in the hot florida sun!

Katie started to feel a little unwell, I think it was likey jetlag, but she did start to look a bit poorly, so she spent much of the day riding in the Disney stroller we hired.

We had a action pack day at Disney but the day was not over, Make a wish had booked our whole family for a Dinner in Cinderella's Castle.
(check out part 2 of Day 2 for those details)

New Look Blog

2008-05-20T20:57:00.000+10:00

I am so happy with my new blog design, its cool isn't it? and SOOOO me, if you love it as much as I do and would like something similar for your blog just check out http://www.centsiblychicdesign.blogspot.com
Jaimee is amazing and SOOO helpful and talented,
Hugs

Day one " Dreams come True"

2008-05-20T19:32:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone, sorry I was unable to update while away, firstly our computer crashed just prior to leaving and then once there in the Orlando I couldn't for the life of me find a internet cafe to update.
So you are getting this news late.........but like they say "better late than never" hehehe.
Well as you know Katies had a wish granted thought The Make a wish foundation Australia and it was to Go to Disney world in Orlando and to see Nasa, and boy did we do all of that.
We headed off on the May the 8th, flying our of Brisbane on a Qantas, after the Flight being slightly delayed, we had a great flight,

the kids did awesome and we arrived in LA and then flew on to Orlando.
USA Customs was okay so no need for me to stress, then we had a quick walk(erh sprint LOL) to another terminal for the flight to Orlando. The Next flight went quickly and we touched down in Orlando a little after 5pm.
We where greeted by The Give Kids the World "angels" these amazing volunteers help families to find there way when they arrive in Orlando, so after showing us to our hire car we where on our way to The Give Kids the world resort.
I drove out of the airport, and after the navigator got us lost(AKA Tony) we finally found our way to The resort to be welcomed with open arms.
Give kids the world is a resort just for Wish families from all over the world.

They provide their services for free to all wish families who are staying with them, and I am not sure where to start with the amazing service they provide.
On arrival we where greeted with a beautiful condo, and directed to the Gingerbread House for dinner, the kids where in heaven, the food was beyond there wildest dreams.

after filling 6 bellies with an amazing amount of different types of foods, we headed to Walmart which was just down the road for a few essentials and then we all fell into bed and slept like babies :O)

New Signature

2008-05-19T16:44:00.001+10:00

Here is my new signature!

ONLY 8 Days to go

2008-04-30T13:38:00.000+10:00

Well, with just over a week to go, 8 days to be correct, the excitement is building and the kids are coming out with some funny questions........Noah wants do know if we are going to be fed on the plane, I am guessing that is because on the cheap flights we take to see his GreatGrandma you don't get fed :O) Katie is wondering if the Airhostess will let us sleep or do we have to stay awake for the pilot sake :O) funny........and Jack just keeps signing "Plane" every 2 seconds LOL.......
I am more worried about the practical things like getting us all though the USA customs and passport control and Tony is worried about the actual flight length in regards to the kids. Last night I had a nightmare that they wouldn't let any of us though passport control in the US........Silly, but I guess its just us getting closer and excited for the kids (erhhh and us LOL)
Locky is being Mr cool about it, I mean at 13 do you really show that your still excited to go on a holiday with your Parents LOL......
SO thats it, 8 days to go............I will check on over the weekend and update,
Hugs Nicki

count down has begun

2008-04-27T11:09:00.000+10:00

Well the count down has begun to several big events in our lives, not only are we going on the US trip with Katies Make a Wish, but my Dad (Rob) is arriving from South Australia to come live with us next weekend and Our new house is finally going to start being built within the next 4 weeks, all the paper work, bank approval and council building approval is done and we are just waiting for the builders to cut the block and start the build.
WE are going to have a HUGE second half of this year.
Our new house is at Wamuran, a small semi rural area about 35 minutes from where we live now, we have 1 whole acre to build on and we are building our forever house............we are never building again!!! its so far been a very stressful and money consuming exercise and I can't see it getting any better for at least a few months ;o)

My Dad is building a "granny Flat" type thing off our Home, he has his own Garage, own entrances and basically he will live as if he was living on his own............only he has us next door LOL.
The kids are over the moon that Grandad is coming..........I sure that everyone will need some time to settle in to a new normal, my Dad and I haven't been this close for over 16 years so its going to be different for all of us.
Anyway the countdown to the trip has begun in a huge way, I got suitcases out and I just had a call from my Mum that she has brought us a new set of suitcases to go with.........cool..........so 11 days it is till we are flying off to our dream holiday,

Katies Wish Trip

2008-04-26T19:35:00.000+10:00

As I have previously posted Katie is going on a Make a Wish trip to Disney World in Orlando Florida in May, we Leave Brisbane on the 8th (My dad is house sitting for us) and arrive 17 hours later but also on the 8th in Orlando(got to love the time difference). Katie and our family are so very grateful for this wonderful chance to have a once in a life time family holiday to Disney World.

The Make a Wish foundation is an amazing foundation who grant wishes to children with life-threatening illness's, the wish' are granted on a case by case basis and it seems to us that NOTHING is do hard for them(I know I know with some exceptions)

If you can remember Make a Wish next time you are thinking of donating to a Charity I am sure they would be over the moon to recieve a donation.

https://www.makeawish.org.au/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=204&srcid=237

When we are in Orlando we are staying at another amazing place that works closely with Make a Wish to provide accomidation to families on Wish trips.

Give Kids the World is another Charity that supports children and families who are living though a Life threatening illness, Please check out there amazing website for yourself.

http://www.gktw.org/

We are almost as excited about staying in this place as we are about going to Disney World and Nasa.

The Make a Wish foundation has done so much to make Katies wish even more special, this past weekend Katie was presented with her wish and got a program of the up and coming trip, the Wish Fairies who came out to our home brougth party food, gifts and an amazing amount of love and compassion which they showered on all that where at the "wish Party"

I can't say enough about this amazing group of people, the "wish Fairies" are doing this for love, not money and are voluntees who give up there time to come and make the wishes even more special for the wish child and their families.

Here is some pictures from the Wish Party

Hi everyone

2008-04-26T17:41:00.000+10:00

Hi there, well I have finally taken the Blog plunge and created a blog for all of our family and friends to keep track of us and also so I can keep you all upto date with the kids medical issues and OHHH our amazing trip to Disneyworld in May.

As some of you know Katie was granted a Make a Wish, wish from the The Make a wish foundation here in Australia http://www.makeawish.org.au/
Katies wish was to Go to Disneyworld and Nasa to see a shuttle take off(they can't grant that but we are going to Nasa), well they have granted her the wish and we her family get to got with her all 6 of us. We leave in like 12 days and we are over the moon with excitement.

Katie for those that don't know has a complex cardiac condition called Hypoplastic Right heart Syndrome(HRHS), its not a condition that can be cured and it involves many, many years of medical and surgical procedures.

Katie has had a pretty good run lately and is stable, but we know that Health is not something we can take for granted with HRHS so we are eager to get her on her trip so she can enjoy it while she is so stable and happy.

The other kids are doing well, Jack, Locky,and Noah are doing awesome in school and Jack got his first ever Student of the week award last week, she slept with the certificate!!!!!

Locky is doing awazing at his new love Tae Kwondo and has gained two belts in a very short amount of time, he is nearly on to his 3rd belt and he just loves the sport.

Noah has had a amazing start to Prep and he loves it so much,