Sillyness?

Something has been on my mind lately, and since I've had not much success trying to come up with answers of my own, I thought I'd put it to the "crowd" and see if any of you have pearls of wisdom to offer me.

I've been observing teenage girls, watching the way they dress and interact with others, and the sillyness that seems to be clouding all their judgements. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not so far out of my teenage years that I can't remember what it was like.... I had my own fair share of sillyness and immaturity, and quite frankly it really scares me. We're trying to raise two little girls here, and we don't want them to follow down the path that so many others do. Paths of naivety and the belief that the world is here to amuse and serve them. The girls of today (in our churches) seem to have no discernment and because they have been sheltered so much... (now, don't get me wrong here, I believe in sheltering and protecting our children...but you also need to teach them about the world and the wickedness therein. ) they can't seem to discern between right and wrong. There are young Christian girls, on my facebook page, who are being raised in good homeschooling families. Sheltered to the utter max. But once they're let loose online (silly silly parents! How foolish can you get?!) they're into all sorts of evil stuff...and they don't even realise it! Actually, maybe they do realise it... and maybe they're enjoying it, because it's "forbidden fruits" and they've never been allowed to see the evil consequences of it.

Ohhh it bothers me so much!

I want to raise my girls to be able to discern between right and wrong, even when Mummy and Daddy aren't there to "make" them choose right. I want them to grow up confident and assured of their place in Christ, and knowing that dabbling in the world will only cause them heartache. I want them to be modest and pure, and desiring only what is good for their lives. I want them to grow up and marry strong men who will lead and guide their families for, and only for, the Glory of the Lord.

But how do I do it?

How do I instill in them the character that they're going to need to bypass all the silliness of youth? How do I practically teach them to be meek and sober-minded (and no, that's not "quiet" and "dull-minded"!)?

I know that the first way is to do it myself. :-) More is caught than taught. And prayer, as only GOD can change lives and give the wisdom that comes from above. And if anyone else has any suggestions, feel free to comment! It's not easy being a parent, and I very much do value the imput of others, especially the older women who have been here and done that. :-)

I told ya to watch this space didn't I??! Hehe, she's not walking yet, but today she pulled herself up and stood for aaaages playing with this toy thingy. Won't be long now!!

We all enjoyed a fun morning at the park with friends, today. What a blessing it is to have friends!! They are one of God's richest gifts to us, and I really do treasure them. :-)
 

Snippets of News

Oh dear! I have been rather slack lately, haven't I??! My days have been passing in a blur, with barely enough time to get the dishes done, let alone sit at the computer for hours! Unless I'm skyping with Wozzie, of course. :-) It's been suuuch fun being able to talk to my family and catch up with them on Skype. On Saturday my face got "passed around" at a family party (for Wozzie who is going cruising around the world soon, BAH!) and I was able to see babies that I've never had the chance to see before, and dear familiar faces who are such an important part of my life. Most of the people at the party helped to shape me into who I am today, and I love them all very very dearly. It would have been nice to actually have been there, but with the price heading around the $2000 mark for the kiddies and I to make the mad dash back.... well, we're grateful that Skype is free. Haha.

Everyone here is doing just fine. James is busy working, and doing a maaaarvellous job of selling and marketing Solar Hart. He's a clever cookie, he is! Jimmy is growing up like a weed. I was cuddling him in bed this morning, and he was rivaling me for size! Won't be long and I'll be like the Hillbilly Granny shaking my fist at him. ;-) He's such a sweetheart, and is always telling me how much he loves me and doing the sweetest little things for me. Olivia, too, is growing growing growing. She's such a hard worker, and is happiest when she has a cloth in her hands and is scrubbing away at something. Think Mum Fraser, and you have Livvy. :-D Christian is such a little machine. That kid can go and bump, and go and fall, and go and bump again...and still keep going! Nothing rattles him! He's starting to experiment with words a little bit. He still thinks it's "funny" to not talk, but is getting used to the idea of experimenting with sounds and finding his fun in that. Sigh. I think Rachel is going to beat him to talking! She's is such a honey! She LOVES playing with the other kiddies, but will often just disappear into the boy's bedroom (where the toys are stashed now) and spend big chunks of time just exploring their treasures. Jimmy is her hero, and she can barely contain herself when he pops into her range of vision. They have such fun together! Won't be long till she's walking, so watch this space for a "First Steps!" video clip, haha. 

We have all been really sick this past week with a flu bug. The poor kids were really hit hard by it, but have all recovered now. The sickness also coincided with a week of pouring rain and flooding, so we just hunkered down with lots of "Princess" and "Soldier" dvds and took it easy.

As some of you already know, I am pregnant with baby number 5. :-) We are, of course, very excited! I get mobbed by my oldest three, all the time, asking for a look at my belly. I think they're hoping that Button (yes, I've nicknamed it. haha) will come right then and there. Well, they have a loooong wait ahead of them, I'm afraid. Jimmy is already planning on being at the birth (dreams are free!) and Livvy spends her days bustling around getting ready for the new addition. I've been feeling quite nauseaous, usually at the end of the day when I'm very tired, but it's so completely worth it and I've decided to enjoy each and every moment of this pregnancy. I sure do love being pregnant!! Yes mum, I'm eating well and taking my vitamins. Not spiralina, but have been using up some Floridix tablets that Tracy gave me.

I decided on a new motto for this pregnancy:

Leave the Housework and Love the Children.

I have a tendency to stress about always having the house tidy, and can often be guilty of neglecting the children in the process. How silly is that?! No more! haha. Sooo....if any of you come over for a visit, either close your eyes to the toys everywhere, or bring your working apron. ;-)

Anyway! Baby is due, ooohhhh.... sometime earlish June I'm thinking. Maybe earlier. Maybe later. Who knows. :-)

Must flit, my husband is home from the gym and I have a salad to make.

Cheerio!

Ooohh we have had the most delicious morning! It started out bright and early with a little face peering over me, giggling, as she announced that we have a biiiig bed. For those of you who don't know, Dede gets the "honors" of coming into our bed in the early mornings, and only her. It's like her One on One time with me, and we always enjoy a good ole snuggle and giggle before letting the Boys get up. Jimmy gets special time with me when the others all have to nap during the day, so it works out fair. Anyway, the kiddies all seemed to wake up in a sensational mood this morning... they were finding the littlest things absolutely halarious, and playing beautifully together. Sigh. It was one of those mornings that I've tucked away in my memory especially for those mornings when everything turns haywire. :-)

So we (Tracy and I) bundled everyone into the car and headed out to take care of some errands. First stop, the school, to get the Application Form for Jimmy starting school next year. Ahhhh! I can feel my tears coming on already! My baby boy has grown up so much, and is soooo looking forward to next years adventures! We then stumbled across the most glorious butcher ever! All his meats are growth hormone and antibiotic free...YEEEAH! Can you feel my excitement! And they're cheap! Like, cheaper than the supermarket! I was like a kid in a candy store...almost. Because our next stop saw me literally like a kid in a candy store.

*drum roll*

We discovered, this morning, the most divine coffee (Yes, I'm a Fraser, what can you expect?? haha) shop. In. The. World. Mum, you would feel like you were in Heaven. It's called "Choco-Latte" and it's all on it's own pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It's a quaint little shop, pretty unassuming from the outside, except for the tables and umbrellas that look promising all on their own. Upon entering, you are faced with a counter. And behind the glass, in this counter, are rows upon rows of the most delectable chocolates that would melt the heart of any woman. Or man, for that matter. These chocolates are all handmade in this shop, which is owned and run by ONE lady. And I'm talking about alot of chocolate. So, when Tracy and I had picked up our chins, we went to order. First off, of course, I order the babychinos (Fluffies, for you kiwis). "Oh no honey, they're free. We feed your children for free here." (And this is australia, where I struggle to find a fluffy for under $2!!) And boy did she live up to her word! Each child got the most perfect fluffy in a little white glass cup with a chocolate heart drizzled on top. AND a little paper bag each, containing a handmade chocolate circle covered in sprinkles. You should have seen their faces!! And mine! I was bogoggled. The service was out of this world, the ice chocolate was the best I have ever had, and it was the cheapest coffee stop I've ever made. The girl who made our drinks came over and chatted, cooed over Rachel, and made us feel so very welcome. I've never seen a coffee shop done as well as this one was and now I want ALL of you to come back here, and have a COFFEE with meeee!!

So, now everyone's tucked up in bed, recharging their batteries after such an exciting morning. Life has returned to normal, after such a huge couple of weeks, and we're just loving the "normality" of it, haha. On Saturday, our church has it's "Ladies Retreat". I usually don't go to those retreaty things, mainly because I don't understand what we're supposed to be retreating from? Home? hah! My home and kindred are dear and treasured to me...may I bring them with me?? :-) But, this year I am going to go, just for a day visit. I love something that Bro Hyles used to say "Every man knows something I don't know, therefore every man is my teacher." There are some very wise ladies at this church, and I'm looking forward to going and hopefully learning more about how I can love my husband, my children, and keep my home in a way that is pleasing to the Lord.

Until next time! xxoo

Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all two of you that read my blog! :-)

Since I couldn't march my little rascals up to Grandpa at church this morning with strict instructions to wish him a very happy day...this will have to suffice:

Love you Grandpa! xxoo

The Little Bruiser.

Oh the drama!

Many times over this past week I've thought of a conversation I had with my friend a few weeks ago. She was telling me about a woman we both know, who had just recently been in hospital with her son. I commented, to this friend of mine, that while I was sad for her, I couldn't emphasize with her as I'd never had any of my children go to hospital. Except when Jimmy broke his leg a couple of years back (Hi Grandma!! haha) but that didn't involve a hospital stay. Well! I'm pretty sure (actually, I KNOW) God heard me and decided to show me how heartbreaking it can be to have a child in a hospital bed and be helpless to stop the pain. 

For many years I've been praying for compassion for people. This week, God taught me compassion for those with sick and hurting children. 

I'd love to tell the whole story, but my talented husband is SOO much better with words than I am, and is already in the process of recording it on his blog (click on the blue words! You'll be amazed), I'll try not to steal his thunder. However, he is under strict instructions to not forget to finish the story! I'll keep on his back until he does, since he's borrowing my faithful readers. ;-) Now, our camera had a "Full Memory Card" on the day IT happened (Murphy's Law!), but we did manage to capture some pictures on James new flash work phone.

  Whoops. Not that one...

Ahh. There you go. This is us waiting at the Emergency Department for the kind doctors to take a look. Someone had finally come around and taped the big ball of fluff to his nose...prior to that I had to HOLD it to him, which made him squirm, which made it bleed more, which distressed us both more and more. One doctor, who was just passing through, informed me that I was supposed to be "pinching" the edges (the slashed parts of his nose) together. Hah! Not nice! I was a happy Mummy when that tape came out!

And there we are again. That cast was put on his arm to protect the IV, through which they literally poured the antibiotics. :-) 

Christian then spent the next 24 hours with that bandage on his face, until after his surgery when he came out sporting this new look...

He was happy to be able to see and breathe again! What a brave chappy! Now, you'll have to scoot over to James' blog and read all about it. :-) I shall be adding a video soon of the little man trying to play "ball" with Daddy in the ward - very cute, and so typical of him. He wasn't about to let an almost cut off nose get in the way of FUN!

Thankyou all so much for your prayers, and all the blessings you sent our way. It has amazed me how God has helped us through this and shown His Glory in everything. We really do serve a WONDERFUL God who is our ever present help in trouble. Thank you Lord!!