Thankful Thursday

I am thankful today for living in the very small but loving and supportive country that New Zealand is.

The entire country is reeling at the news of a second explosion in the Pike River Coal Mine, West Coast of the South Island. All 29 men trapped below ground are now presumed dead, the current situation still too volatile to attempt a recovery mission.

But the details of this tragedy is not what I want to blog about. You can be fully informed about it on any national and international news station or site.

What I am thankful for is that without hesitation, we are a nation of loving kiwis. I am extremely thankful for leaders who lead with compassion and CEOs who drive a project with humanity, love and hope.

In times of adversity or tragedy we are a nation that very quickly pulls together as a Whanau (extended family). Most of us do not have any real connection to the lives lost, yet despite this fact, kiwis have an endearing quality to share grief and find our own way to support.

I am thankful that our media representatives are thorough and accurate yet demonstrate huge amounts of compassion. The nature of reporting doesn't always sit well with me. Having faces, names and bold statements "No survivors" brandished all over the news last evening BEFORE any bodies have been returned to their families doesn't make me feel good. But thankfully the individual reporters I have been viewing are doing their upmost to demonstrate their own vulnerability and sensitivity.

I listen to talk-back radio while going about my motherly/housey duties and of course some New Zealanders are ringing in skeptical, angry and questioning authority over this tragedy. There will be a long and detailed inquest over this one, and so there should. But on listening further I was thankful for the detailed explanations provided by experts in the varied fields required for this event. I feel reassured that good decisions were made, at least after the event began!

If you would like to see a beautiful but very moving slideshow of this event unfolding, pop over to this great blog Four Paws and Whiskers.

I am thankful and proud to be a born and bred South Islander and a New Zealander today.

My thoughts and love goes to all who are suffering over the losses.

I also am thinking of those who are still trying to find a safe way to recover those men and return them home.

Love, luck and light to all of them.

xx

Birthday Bliss

Birthdays are special..think about it. The DAY you were born. Pretty cool.

Well I was born this week, a few years back and my family spoilt me rotten during the weekend.

Here's a little sneak peek for you.

A little sun arrived for a coffee near the beach (with the GORGEOUS necklace from gorgeous husband).

The beach.

Little shiny toenails

There was cake........ (and blue birthday nails)

oh the cake!

My friend came to stay......

bringing flowers!!

There was a cook book.......

a waffle iron,

and a beautiful journal/diary to set goals for an exciting new year ahead.

A husband that cooked a delicious Japanese meal, a bit more jewelry, messages from so many people, homemade cards from the girls and team singing in the lounge for a couple of hours.

Good birthday fun.

Thank you, my lovely friends and family

xx

Bingle Bells

Bingle bells.............bingle bells.

What are they?

Are they the bells that toll during the geriatric 'bingo' games around the country on a weekly evening?

Is it the crooning of 'Bing' Crosby on a Christmas eve?

Nope.

It is the first Christmas Carol a learned by a certain two year old. Still work in progress, but tooooo cute not to blog about.

Hey, and happy bingle bells to you all!!

xx

New nickname

Miss 5 is at home with a tummy bug.

I'm not at all surprised. It has been creeping around most of the other kids in her class.... it was in the stars, it was going to happen.

But what did surprise me was her new nickname for me.

"Cupcake mum"

..........or even

"The best cupcake mum in the world"

Don't know why. I hardly ever make them.

But she loves cupcakes and loves her mum.

Gee..........on the same level huh?!?!

I kind of like it tho....I have in fact been called far worse ;-)

xx

Thankful Thursday

I am so thankful for waking today. Yesterday was rough.

But look what I wake up to......

......certainly worth it!!

ps and a husband who will cook me breakfast to kick start a better day!

Have a good Thursday.

xx

Like a stake through the heart!

Children feel things just as we do.

My little Miss 5 is passionate about the welfare of animals. (Although you wouldn't think so, when you saw her lugging one of our pussy cats around). She still misses our dog "Sam" who we had to leave in ChCh with friends on shifting to Auckland 18 months ago. Any news of injustice to animals brings instant tears to her eyes.

My Miss 5 has also learnt to read extremely well this first year at school. She will be 6 in December. She can read so well that while I'm reading the paper she often searches the headlines over my shoulder.

This week a headline caught her eye and heart. "Horse shot dead in paddock".

On reading this statement, and then trying her best through a few unfamiliar words to understand the gist of the article, she demanded that I cut it out for her to share at her class morning news.

End of story...............so I thought.

Arriving home in the car from school the girls and I occasionally have a few words, sitting in the carport, about their day etc. On this day Miss 5 released her seatbelt and sat on my lap in the drivers seat.

She looked up at me, watery eyed, and said "Mum I don't want you to die".

(Cue now the sound of my mummy heart very slowly breaking in two)

Gut wrenching moment. I don't lie to my kids.

Our conversation followed loosely like this:

"Everyone dies at some point Molly"

"Like when you are really, really old?" replies Molly.

"Yes! Exactly, we all hope we will live a very long time. But you know that accidents and illnesses do happen and some people die earlier than others."

"Like the horse," Molly says.

"Yes. Somebody shot that horse, and that is horrible. But we have no control over other people's actions like that. I think the best thing is is look after yourself and be happy. Be happy that we are all together right now, we are all here now and having fun. Just have fun Molly."

"But when you die as an old lady.........I will be sad" demands Molly.

"Of course you will be!!!!! (tickling to lighten the mood a little). But I will have had a long and happy life with you, so it will be ok. It's ok to be sad sometimes." I reply (squirming inside, am I saying the right stuff here???).

"OK" responds Molly very quietly.

"Just have fun Molly.......everyday....... all together." Followed by BIG HUG and a temporarily satisfied daughter.

Parenting is an odd vocation. You're never quite sure if you're getting it right. But you can be absolutely sure it will be full of surprising moments.

xx