At Home with the 'J' Munros

sleepy, happy and just so darn cute!

2012-02-08T21:40:00.000+10:00

The other day Jordan got to choose a movie to watch. Jenna was in her room for a BIG time out (details in another post) and Jordan was happy just hanging out with me. He chose 'Monsters Inc', his favourite movie at the moment. I think he also just likes to 'hold' DVD's too, because he took 'Tangled', another favourite to the couch with him. It was interesting to watch him slowly fall asleep. Then it was funny watching him change positions while he slept. He went from this:

To this:

Even though Jenna and Jordan can sometimes play up, they really get on quite well together. We just love hearing and seeing them laugh, giggle and be HAPPY together:

Whilst Jacey is still too young to join in any of Jenna and Jordan's antics, she is just the most smiley/cute little girl you have ever met. When Jacey smiles, her cheeks get so solid that she just melts your heart. Here is our little 'muffin girl':

The Honesty Jar

2012-02-06T11:43:00.000+10:00

Over the last few months I have been reading some parenting and family books by Richard and Linda Eyre. Their books are very inspiring and uplifting, making the journey of parenthood more of a joy then a burden. The latest book of theirs I am reading is called "Teaching your children values". It is an old book, and one I wanted to get. I was so lucky to find it in a second hand book store a month ago. Little back story - the lady showed me the parenting section, I had a look at the through the books (it was only a small section) and it wasn't there (I was hoping by some chance that they may have the book). I looked over to the left a little and stretched out my hand and tada!! my hand was on the book. I said a little grateful prayer to Heavenly Father for helping me find it. Yay!!!

Basically in this book chapters are divided up into 'months'. There are 12 months each focusing on a different value. The first month is 'Honesty'. You can do the book in any order, but I thought honesty was quite fitting considering we had a FHE lesson on it in January and we seem to be having a little bit of trouble with Jenna being honest at the moment (poor Jordan gets the blame sometimes).

I have some other useful parenting books with ideas and activities in teaching children different values and principles too. So for February, my goal during the days is to watch for when Jenna and Jordan are being honest or telling a lie and to help them understand how to be honest and why we should be. I will do different activities during the week to try and reinforce the value. Maybe I'll do an overview at the end of the month???

To begin, I have adapted a few ideas and will be doing an "Honesty Jar" with Jenna. Basically, every time she tells the truth and is being honest, she will get a lolly to put into her jar (even if she has done something wrong, we will still put a lolly in the jar, to let her know that it is a good thing that she told us the truth, even though what she did was wrong). If she touches the jar at all (it is located in the kitchen up high) then she will lose ALL of her lollies and will have to start again. When she has filled the jar, she will get to eat all the lollies. I don't anticipate this activity will only lasting for this month. I think it will take a little while for Jenna to fill the jar. But as she learns to be honest with us, she will hopefully feel confident in knowing that she can ALWAYS tell us the truth (and us not overacting of course). Wish us luck!

I went to the Dentist!!!

2012-02-05T04:39:00.001+10:00

I did it. I finally went to the Dentist. And not just any Dentist ... Jonny! It was a little weird having Jonny as my dentist, giving my teeth a clean. I think the last time I went was 2006 - so it certainly was long over due.

So going to someone you know, does that give you an excuse to be a bit of a wuss? To not be as tough or strong as you would be to a complete stranger? Needless to say I was a bit of a wuss. My hands were gripped pretty much the whole time and yep, I complained. Jonny said it shouldn't be hurting, but it was. Or was it?? Was the noise of the instruments fuelling my anxiety? I thought I was pretty good in the chair at previous dental appointments. I mean, I had braces and you certainly don't get needles for that (and no I didn't get a needle from Jonny). Some thoughts that were going through my head include:

-- Prevention is better than cure. Note to self, keep teeth clean ALWAYS!!!!
-- Go to your happy place. Tried to think of being at the beach on Hamilton Island, but got brought back to reality too easily. Must try harder next time.
-- The kids are going to hate the dentist (but we will make sure they DO love Daddy always!!!)

And a comment from Jonny was:

"How did you have 3 kids?"

I hope next time I go, I will be a better patient for Jonny. If not, he has suggested that maybe I get his friend to do my teeth next time. Hmmm .... nah, I think I will be better :) Thanks sweetie for being an answer to my prayers!! (When I was little after I had been to the school dentist, for a long time afterwards, I used to pray every night that Heavenly Father would look after my teeth for me. I thought this was answered when I got braces - nope, I married a 'future' dentist instead!).

80's Child

2012-02-04T13:00:00.000+10:00

Yep, this is how I dressed Jenna this morning. Her new pants are from Pumpkin Patch (they are rotten for sending me emails with HUGE discounts in them - I just can't help it!!! - plus she did need some new pants anyway). She is wearing her 'glass' slippers (i.e. Cinderella), a white top and as I was doing her hair this morning, I went for something different - side pony.

TaDa!!!! My 80's child! I guess sometimes you just need to do something to keep yourself entertained at home, everyday! Plus she is a good sport and it goes right over her head :) I guess she was a BIG life size doll for me today :) Watch out Jacey - your next!!!

The Little Engine That Could

2012-01-29T21:51:00.001+10:00

If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you won't. Either way you're right.

This is the 'movie' of the moment in our house. Jenna loves to choose this movie to watch. The Little Engine that Could has such a sweet message to it. The other day I heard Jenna just randomly saying to herself "I think I can, I think I can." So sweet.

This is a very timely reminder that our thoughts can affect the choices and decisions we choose to make. I want to be like Little Engine. All odds were against her that she wouldn't be able to go over Dream Mountain because she was only little. Her thought process started out as "I think I can, I think I can" and then changed to "I KNOW I can, I know I can." We can do anything if we only choose to and believe it!! Reminds me of another quote by Marianne Williamson used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inaugural Speech:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you notto be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

So my goal for now, until it becomes a habitat is to be positive and believe I can. Why shouldn't I be able to achieve great things in my personal life and with my family? We all can do what we want to do if we but believe and have faith that we can. If we have a righteous desire in our heart and it is in accordance to the Lord's will, with His help ALL things are possible :)

Happy Australia Day

2012-01-27T16:55:00.000+10:00

Yesterday was Australia Day!!!

It has been raining all week and the sun decided to dry the ground a little bit and make a little appearance. It was so nice to not have it raining when friends are over :) A couple of friends came over for a BBQ lunch, a chat, swim/slide, pavolva and just to hang out and catch up. The idea for the guys was to watch some cricket as well, but they were having too much fun outside. A downer was the humidity, but other than that it was a great day!

It was just so nice hanging out with our 'mates'. Having photographers as friends sure comes in handy. Here are some happy snaps from yesterday, taken by Maioha with my camera (looking at the photos, makes me realise I need to get my manual back out and try using the 'manual' button on the camera!!!).

{This last one was by me}

Maternity Photo Shoot 2011

2012-01-26T22:33:00.000+10:00

A few weeks before Jacey was born, our lovely friend Maioha took some maternity photos for us. She has done such a great job, that I just had to share some of them:

You can find Maioha at Onyx Photography here.

Thanks again Maioha - your the best!!!

Rainy Day

2012-01-24T12:13:00.000+10:00

Wow, I'm having a deja vu feeling today. January last year it was pouring down with rain which ended up in the city and surrounding areas flooding. It is has been raining all day today, which means an indoor day for us ... or so I thought.

Due to the amount of rain that has fallen from last night and into the morning, I had to go outside to empty some pool water. I told the kids to stay inside (because when I went out it was pretty heavy rain) so they wouldn't get wet. Well they must have only had the will power to stay inside for a few minutes because before I knew it they were outside, wet and having fun in the rain. When they are having that much fun, you can't get too upset with them (they're just too cute!!!).

I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get my daily photo for my 366 Project (a picture a day for a whole year). Jenna was snapped easily, though Jordan hasn't been participating as easily lately. He just won't look at me!!! After I got my photos, I thought I would have a little play with the camera and take some shots of them enjoying themselves in the rain.

Below is the joy and happiness of 2 wet kids!!!!

This picture reminds me of Hugh Jackman in Wolverine, minus the six pack:

Her hair is SO long:

Trying to get Jordan's photo of the day, with Jenna being silly in the background:

These 2 sure do know how to have fun in rain or shine :)

Life ...

2012-01-22T21:48:00.002+10:00

is good. We really can't complain :) The kids are getting older, cuter, and more cheekier!

Jacey is our little chubba and we just want to pinch her cheeks all the time (plus she is a little angel who is SO placid and goes to sleep easily):

Jenna is getting very smart, likes to think she is the boss and is a very helpful and loving big sister:

And Jordan is just so cheeky! He is getting better at pronouncing words, remembering his colours, animals, objects, shapes etc. Not bad for a little boy who is almost 2!!!!

Life really is good at the moment :)

*****

A teaching technique that seems to get full attention, laughs and seems to make a big impact on both Jenna and Jordan is 'role playing' (We have done this a couple of times now). Tonight for FHE I taught the kids about making happy and sad choices through role play (the theme for Primary this year is "Choose the Right"). We made happy/sad face sticks, which they turned around if they thought something makes you happy or sad.

For example: puppy is playing with the ball. Monkey would like to play too and asks puppy if he can play with puppy. Puppy thinks about it and says 'Yes'. Does this make monkey "happy" or "sad?" Of course this makes monkey happy, so the kids turn the happy side of the face to face me. (We also did a 'sad' scenario and also another 'happy' one).

To see the kids really listen and pay attention was a wonderful feeling. They both obviously respond well to visual learning and I think for their ages of 3 and almost 2, teaching them values and principles through role play is a lot easier for them to understand at this stage. Jenna especially remembers what we teach her and then she tries to mimic and do the role play herself. A very clever little girl. I'm grateful to receive inspiration from the Spirit to best help me teach these wonderful, fun, smart and talented little children we have!

5 years

2012-01-20T12:58:00.001+10:00

Today, 5 years ago we were married in the Brisbane Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is hard to believe that 5 years has gone by. I said to Jonny "it's been the best 5 years of my life!" only to expect him to say the same thing in return. But he didn't. He kinda hesitated and said "well it's been hard." Thinking maybe life isn't as he wanted, maybe something was wrong, he went on to say that its been hard because he has had the stress of uni, assignments, exams, uni etc. Phew!!! Lucky that is all that was!

But apart from uni and being on a very tight budget, life has been wonderful. So we remember what we have achieved over the last 5 years I'm going to make a little list:

- Went to Movie World for my 21st Birthday (2007)
- We went on holidays to Adelaide and Cairns (2007)
- I graduated from uni (Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement)/Bachelor of Education) in 2007
- Birth of our first child Jenna in 2008
- Jonny built a ramp (2009)
- My article was published in the Ensign (2009)
- Went on holiday to Hamilton Island (2009)
- Birth of our second child Jordan in 2010
- Cooking Adventure series (2010)
- Jonny tops his grade in a Dentistry subject (2010)
- Moved house (2010)
- Jonny builds a TV cabinet (2011)
- Life Photos series (2011)
- Birth of our third child Jacey in 2011
- 3 dress up Birthday parties (2011)
- Jonny graduates uni (Bachelor of Dental Science) in 2011

There is a LOT more that we have done, all the milestones of the kids, different family events (eg. weddings), but this is just a little snap shot of what we have done. 2008 looks a bit sad in the list, but from memory that year was mainly me working everyday and Jonny at uni everyday ... nothing too exciting! In my books, this last 5 years has been GREAT :) It really feels like a new chapter has opened for us, especially with Jonny graduating uni and now working full time. Look out, next 5 years - they are going to be even better!!!!!

P.S. Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary Sweetie :)

Quote Board

2012-01-18T12:02:00.003+10:00

Jenna: Its "hunson"
Jessima: What?
Jenna: "hunson"
Jessima: "hunson?" I don't understand
Jenna: "hunson" ... aghh!! ... I don't know what I'm saying
Jessima: (After some thinking) Oh, engine! "The Little Engine that could" (new DVD)
Jenna: Oh, yeah! (Big smiles)

Jenna: Daddy what are you eating?
Daddy: (eating a mango) Gold
Jenna: It's not Gold!!!
Daddy: How do you know?
Jenna: Cause Gold is what they find on Pocahontas!!!!

Our Girls :)

Jacey's Baby Blessing

2012-01-15T21:50:00.000+10:00

Today we had the privilege of Blessing Jacey at Church. Jonny was assisted by his Dad and brother Michael. I had been looking forward to this event in which she would receive blessings for her in her life from her Father in Heaven.

The blessing was lovely and you could feel the spirit. The impressions Jonny got of Jacey was that she is very special. From what we can remember the blessing said that if she studied hard, she would come to know the mysteries of God; she would continue to grow strong and healthy throughout her life and that she would be really spiritual. This last impression really stood out to Jonny. Jonny also wrote down in our notebook that "we have much to teach her, and much to learn from her." Ever since Jacey was born I have had this feel that she is really sweet. I'm sure she will grow up and be a monkey like Jenna and Jordan, but she will be more reserved, placid and very sweet. We just feel incredibly blessed to have Jacey apart of our family :)

Sadly not all of family was able to attend. Craig is in Cairns, Ben and Oliver are serving missions in Japan, Bethy and Robbie are in Sydney and sadly Tammy, Abby, James, and the girls just missed the blessing by a fraction :( Whilst not all of our family was able to attend, we know that Jacey is loved by all. Jenna and Jordan especially love their little sister :)

Hopefully we will be able to do what is right by her, to help her in her life to grow and become the beautiful girl Heavenly Father knows she can become. We love you Jacey!!!

Below are some pictures of Jacey taken in her gorgeous Blessing dress :)

Quote Board

2012-01-12T15:47:00.000+10:00

Jacey: Agghhhh!!!! (screaming/crying very loudly)

One second Jacey was just lying on the ground so happy, smiling, looking at me and I turn away for a few seconds to come back to her terribly upset (never heard her like this before). Jacey had grabbed her hair very tightly and was pulling her clenched hand away from her head. I had a little trouble getting her hand open to release her hair. Poor little thing!! Obviously had no idea she was causing herself her pain! Not to worry, she soon settled down and started smiling again :)

Trampoline Fun!

2012-01-09T21:48:00.000+10:00

For Christmas, the kids got a BIG present. Grandma and Pop treated them to a trampoline. This was very kind of them. Nan and Pa also bought them a 'BIG' present, a swing set, but that stays at their house. Another source of entertainment for the munchkins :)

Jenna and Jordan just love playing and bouncing on the trampoline. They play really well together and just have a ball. They even get us on their to join in their fun. It is surprising the workout you actually get jumping on a trampoline.

As today was a scorcher, I decided to hose down the trampoline. Jenna was complaining it was hot and I knew no other way to make it 'playable'. Needless to say they enjoyed being hosed down and jumping on the wet tramp. Sometimes it is the simple things in life that can bring them so much happiness and joy! Kids are a good example on how to have fun and just laugh. These two sure do know how to have fun!!!

Side note: before the trampoline Jordan could only gallop when you asked him to jump. He now jumps up and down on two feet :) Clever boy!

Quote board

2012-01-07T10:57:00.001+10:00

Jenna: Mum, Mum, I've seen something terrible. It has legs.

Jessima: Something terrible? (thinking it was a big spider or cockroach, but say:) Is it Jordan?

Jenna: No ... Look!!!

Jessima: Aghh!!!!

Yep, that sure is something terrible. I HATE toads!!!!!

Golden Beach

2012-01-04T21:23:00.000+10:00

We are so lucky to live close to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Lucky enough, that if we want, we can just take a short car drive either north or south and we are there. This is what we did on New Year's Holiday. We went up to Golden Beach and had a BBQ dinner by the beach with my parents. Mum was excited and got out her fishing rod. This brought back memories. Deja vu memories. I remember when I was about Jenna's age, we used to go down to Tweed Heads with Nanna and Pop, and they would go fishing. Seeing Mum do it with Jenna made me think this is my future! One day I will be teaching my granddaughter to fish!!! (haha)

It was nice to relax by the water and let the kids have a play. They just loved running up and down the beach and playing together. Some of the best times is watching Jenna and Jordan play really well together, where they constantly giggle and laugh. I hope they stay really good friends as they get older!

Jonny took some photos of the kids (and tictac). I just love taking photos and creating memories :)

Jenna running along the beach:

Jenna and Jordan playing together. Jenna decided to lie in the water in her dress - hence the change to her togs!

Tic Tac just loves to play fetch. He always manages to find a stick wherever we go.

Our "Little Mermaid"

A lonely old boat. The kids had heaps of fun playing in it!

Cheeky Jordan:

On our way home at sunset, we stopped and had a look at the waterways. As we were standing on a block of land (day dreaming of 'one day') we were farewelled by a beautiful sky show. It is amazing how different a sunset can change in the space of a few minutes.

Here is the first picture:

And the second:

I just love the colours of a sunset. They are all so different, but so beautiful. If you don't have your camera, then and there to capture it, it is gone in a space of a few minutes. I'm so grateful we live somewhere where we can see beautiful clear sunsets almost everyday :)

The Shopping Trolley

2012-01-03T15:44:00.006+10:00

Ever since Jenna discovered little shopping trolley's for children, she asks to push one when we are in a shop that has them. She was so cute yesterday when we went to Bunnings. Having my new iPhone that I got for Christmas sure came in handy capturing memories. Enjoy!

Happy 2012!!!

2012-01-03T15:17:00.001+10:00

Wow, who can believe another year has gone so quick? Growing up a year used to feel like it took forever - but now, we have done and dusted another one, not to mention how quick Christmas went!!!

So a new year = a new us :) There is much we want to do and accomplish this year, so to kick start it off we have set ourselves some personal goals. I know the key for us in sticking to them is to not let one day drop off. As soon as we do that, then the excuses come flooding in, we give ourselves more allowances and we end up where we don't want to be. Being a support to one another achieve our goals is also a must!

For the last few years I have chosen a word that I use to help me achieve something in my life. We have had 'Finisher' and 'Educate', and this year my word is "PRESENT". I really want to get in and be 'present' with the kids each day and not be distracted by the internet, blogging, cleaning etc. The kids are growing far too quickly and I want to try to soak it up as much as possible. I want to teach them more, play with them more and just 'be there' more. Of course this doesn't just apply to the kids. It applys to all areas of my life. Hopefully by the end of the year I will feel so full, that I have no regrets as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

This year will also see another project (or projects). I have started my quest on a 366 Project, meaning everyday of this year I am going to take a head shot photo of Jenna, Jordan and Jacey and at the years end, we will put the photos into a movie (for each), so you can see how they have grown. I'm undecided if the photos will be made into photobooks, but we will see. The first photo for each munchkin for the year is seen below:

Other projects I plan on doing is getting up to do date the kids photo books and our photo album. Hence the 'projects' I am undertaking are not really suitable for blogging. Who knows, maybe in a week or two we will come up with another 'Adventure' series???

In our Family Home Evening this week, we also came up with a family motto. It is "Be Happy, Healthy and Righteous". This pretty much sums up our goals for the year, while trying to instill a rememberance of the qualities we would like our home to have. I'll probably make it into a nice sign for the fridge when I get the time :)

So there it is, our start to 2012. So far, so good. I have a feeling it is going to be a GREAT year ahead for us :)

A Sunbeam

2012-01-01T20:26:00.000+10:00

This little girl is growing up quick! She is now a sunbeam at church. No more nursery for Jenna ... she gets to go to Primary with the 'big' kids now. We had tears as Jonny dropped her off, but they were soon replaced with BIG happy smiles :)

In sunbeams Jenna learnt about "I am a child of God".
She is in a class of two (herself and a little boy called Isaac).
Her temporary teacher is Sister Flennady (or Sister Tasha).
She got to sit with Ruby in Primary (and she was very good at sitting on her seat, as reported by Ruby)
Jenna came away 'beaming'. She was very happy and is looking forward to going back next week :)

Overall Jenna had a great day. Lets hope this continues on in the coming weeks :)

When we got home from Church today, Jonny put on one of our new DVD's - the Tree of Life. The three of them all sat quietly on the couch watching the movie as I prepared lunch. Oh how I love our little family!

Christmas

2011-12-28T22:28:00.000+10:00

Merry Christmas!!!

The weekend just past was Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve up at my parents house catching up with Craig and Sarah, enjoying one another's company and eating lots of yummy food (dinner was a BBQ). One of the stand out items is Mum's Rocky Road. Getting into the festive spirit, Mum converted her Rocky Road into a Christmas tree:

It was delicious - though I think we all agreed that normal Rocky Road tastes the best. We also got our traditional family photo at Christmas dinner together. It will be interesting to put all the Christmas photos together in about 10 years time to see how we have changed and grown :)

After a late night at Nan and Pa's, we put our 2 tired little munchkins into their own beds when we got home. Trying to get them to comprehend that 'Santa was coming' and they had to put their sacks out, got a little lost on sleepy children. Maybe next year!!!

Christmas morning came and we all tripped down stairs to open the presents we got from 'Santa' under the Christmas tree. The kids really have opening presents up to a 'T' now :) Jenna and Jordan took turns opening their Santa sacks and were pretty excited at their presents.

While all the excitment of opening presents was going on Jacey happily sat in her bouncer and watched.

Jenna with her presents from Santa:

Jordan with his presents from Santa:

After the Santa presents we all got dressed and had breakfast. As we still had quite a bit of time left before we went to Church for Sacrament, we decided to recite the 'Christmas Story' of the birth of Jesus Christ using a cut out nativity scene from this months Friend magazine. Jenna really got into the story which was lovely to see :)

Next it was time to open "Family presents". The kids lost a bit of patience when Jonny and I opened our presents, but otherwise the same excitment and happiness existed. The kids got a variety of presents, including a cute dress for Jenna:

and a Thomas the Tank Engine railway set for Jordan:

Later on in the day everyone came over. Nan, Pa, Grandma, Pop and Aunty Tammy all came for Christmas dinner. But before we got to dinner, we were lucky enough to speak to both Ben and Oliver from their missions in Japan. Twice a year they are allowed to call home for 1hr (Mother's Day and Christmas Day). It was wonderful to hear them and Jenna was so funny when she got the phone. She said "Hello Ben ... I love you ... Bye .... (woo, woo, woo) ... (giggling as she ran off)." She did the same to Oliver too. Not sure what the woo, woo, wooing was about, but she was funny. Jordan had a good conversation with both too, but in a language only he can understand.

Getting closer to dinner, the kids snagged Pop into reading them a story. Just about everyone had read them a story. It was so cute seeing both of them captivated by Peter Pan (well, for a little while anyway).

Then for dinner. A condition Nan could come over was if she bought her Rocky Road. She did ... so she was allowed to come ;) We just loovvveee the Rocky Road!

The dinner we prepared and cooked for everyone (sadly I forgot to get the dinner rolls out):

Dessert was just as good too with Pavlova, chocolate mousse, chocolate yule log and fruit. Overall we had a lovely time with our family. Just being together brings us so much happiness. Hopefully we can have the 'Christmas Spirit' with us all year and not just at Christmas.

Merry Christmas Everyone !!!

Life Photos no. 52

2011-12-26T21:26:00.000+10:00

The more you praise and celebrate your life the more there is in life to celebrate

(Oprah Winfrey)

Merry Christmas to you

2011-12-24T08:17:00.000+10:00

We hope you have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Gosepl Quiet Book

2011-12-23T16:28:00.000+10:00

The BIG project, that took me 2 years to make (on and off) can finally be revealed. I almost don't want to give it to the kids for Christmas because soooo much time and effort went into it. But I'm pleased to show off my "Gospel Quiet Book." I received inspiration from a quiet book I was made as a little girl and various websites including Mormon Chic. I made up each page and made my own templates. It was a bit costly because I had no materials to begin with, but if I ever decided to make anymore it would be much cheaper (I have left overs). Making 2 at once was definitely the right decision. I know I would never have gone back to finish a second. So here it is - our Gospel Quiet Book:

Front Cover:

Page 1 and 2:

Page 3 and 4:

Page 5 and 6:

Page 7 and 8:

Page 9 and 10:

Sweet and Sour

2011-12-22T18:11:00.002+10:00

Jacey is 7 weeks old tomorrow and it is amazing at how quick she has grown!!! Her newborn clothes are getting tight and she is about to go to the next size nappy. Perhaps she doesn't have colic as previously thought as she settles pretty easy these days. Plus she had a BIG sleep last night from 9pm-5.30am! Jacey is such a sweet addition to our family and she is loved very much by all of us (Mummy, Daddy, Jenna and Jordan).

{This pic to me captures 'Jacey'. Sometimes I feel photos of little babies don't really capture how they really look}

{ Such a sweet, little doll}

{Jenna loovveess to play dress up. This is Jenna, helping Jacey get into the spirit of being a pirate!!!}

And now a little bit of sour ...

Poor little boy! He got into the walker and got stuck!!! He was crying for us to get him out, but once I saw where he was and what had happened, I couldn't resist prolonging the rescue. He was just so cute. Jordan, as I have said before, has turned into a little boy - he is a wild one. This little boy has no fear. Ahhh ... the joys of childhood :)

Life Photos no. 51

2011-12-20T12:59:00.000+10:00

May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, the gladness of Christmas give you hope, the warmth of Christmas grant you love.

An Early Munro Christmas

2011-12-18T23:22:00.001+10:00

Christmas came early for the Munro's this year. This is the first year that only us and Tammy would be around for Christmas Day. Abby and James are off down south, Bethy and Robbie are doing the same, Micky and Bec are up north and the Twins are on their missions. In order to try to have Christmas together, we had a family dinner/Christmas celebration a week early. Of course not everyone was able to be there, but we were :) Abby & James, Tammy, Micky and Grandma & Pop.

Whilst we enjoyed each other's company, the day didn't quite go to plan. Most of us arrived later than the starting time, poor James got quite sick and had to rest a lot of the time, the babies (ie Ana and Jacey) required Abby's and my attention a lot, we put the bigger kids down for bedtime sleeps during dinner and as a result we caused dinner to go cold (it was a lovely turkey dinner :). Not exactly how we planned it to go, but we all still enjoyed each other's company. It was fun just to hang out and talk with one another :)

I got a lot of enjoyment watching everyone else open their presents. I think at my age now, it is more exciting to give and see how you have made someone's day, rather than thinking so much about yourself. I remember thinking as a little girl that I would ALWAYS love Christmas because I love all the presents you get. But somehow over time my attitude has changed and I now enjoy giving presents just as much (if not more) as receiving a gift. We created memories yesterday and I caught a few on camera:

Jenna opening her present from Aunty Tammy. She is going to another 'show' - this time "James and the Giant Peach." Jenna got a countdown chart and a hat from Micky and Bec.

Ana being adorable on Jonny's lap. This little munchkin is almost crawling properly - my how they grow so quick!!!

Maggie loves the Lion King. She saw it on DVD, fell in love with it and as a result loves to read the book. So to make her 'dreams come true' we got it for her for Christmas. We all tried to ask Maggie what she got, but Jenna kept pipping in that it is the Lion King. She even told Maggie to say it was the Lion King. However, once Jordan saw what she got, he was after the DVD. He knows what she got and he loves it too. Hence in the after pic, Maggie is quite upset and is hiding behind Pop, away from Jordan. At any chance he could get, he tried to steal the DVD off of Maggie. So in order to distract him, he was next to open his sack from Grandma and Pop.

Everyone huddled around to see what Jordan got for Christmas:

After Jordan, it was Jenna's turn to open her sack. Jenna got a book from Grandma and Pop where she turns the page and they are reading the book to her. She likes this one and has played it a number of times in the last 24 hours.

Another favourite present for Jenna was the Disney Princess' figurines. They made her day :)

Jordan of course was cheeky as ever. He would run into the kitchen and come back out to the dinning room. Cheeky smiling boy :)

The kids got ribbons off Aunty Abby. Jordan liked this present a lot and so did Jenna after she received a personal lesson from Aunty Abby:

The 3 big monkeys playing in Maggie's teepee:

And you can't forget about Jacey. She may not understand Christmas yet, but she was here and I had to take a photo of her too:

Jonny and I did well too, with Jonny receiving the Messiah series bookset by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. We each received presents that we love and are very grateful for (I got a lovely gold heart necklace that is very pretty). Overall we had a lovely family Christmas together.

Back to reality and the kids are still soaking in everything. I had to open the Princess's first thing this morning and they were hard to get out of the box. Sadly the box is destroyed because I had to use scissors to cut the dolls out. They didn't just pop out of the plastic like you would expect them too. Oh well. Jenna loves her figures that they are placed in her bedroom on her side table, right where I thought they would go (the doll in the end on the right wasn't part of the set):

Jenna's teepee in her room:

This is where she had her daytime nap (and now bedtime sleep).

Hopefully they will still be excited in a week's time for the some more Christmas celebrations :)

Life Photos no. 50

2011-12-14T19:46:00.000+10:00

I may be a twin but I'm one of a kind

(Unknown)

Off to work

2011-12-13T20:00:00.000+10:00

That's right, Jonny went off to work this morning :) No dental school, no study, but real patients in a real dental clinic (not that what he was doing wasn't real) and this time getting paid for his work!!!!!

I know you take photos of your kids first day of school, but I couldn't resist in taking a photo of Jonny's first day of work. It is just so exciting. A bit nerve racking for Jonny, but way exciting :)

You can't wipe the smile off his face ...

2011-12-12T12:05:00.002+10:00

... and why would you want to? After 6 long years at university, 5 of those in dentistry, the long, hard, tiredsome road has finally come to an end!!! Jonny never has to go back to uni for anything (unless he wants to do further study, which he has indicated at this stage that he doesn't want to).

Jonny looked to be the happiest graduate at graduation. He was smiling and looking excited the whole way through. I had to pinch myself a few times because not even I could believe it. We are starting the next chapter of our lives and it is exciting . . . exciting because we have been waiting for this to happen our whole married life together (almost 5 years). It is a long time coming (and 3 kids later).

Yep, he did it! He has the piece of paper in his hands. Jonny's mum and dad, my mum and Jacey and I all witnessed Jonny graduate. Jenna and Jordan were off playing and getting McDonald's with my dad. You really couldn't wipe the smile off his face all day :) We were all excited and proud to see him up there and graduate in front of a big audience. We even all gave him a big cheer. Jonny really couldn't have done it without the support of all of his family (and neither could I). We are so grateful for all the support we have received and especially for all the blessings over the years from Heavenly Father. We truly have been blessed.

Jonny with his proud parents (he is now 2nd generation UQ graduate):

With me:

To celebrate this wondrous event, we went away (with Jacey in tow) up the coast. We had a lovely seafood buffet, stayed overnight in an upgraded room and had a yummy buffet breakfast. I don't think I have ever been so full in my life! (Jonny was quite full too). At dinner, I could only eat one plate of dessert. I literally couldn't fit another bite into my mouth (so sad). We certainly got our moneys' worth that is for sure!!!

Life is now even more exciting for us. Hopefully the next year will be a good one as we get our footing in the next chapter of our lives :)

Washing lines and painting walls

2011-12-12T11:47:00.000+10:00

Last week Jonny moved our washing line. Back when it was originally put in, the pool wasn't there, so it didn't really matter where it was located in the backyard. It still wouldn't really matter, but with an impending BIG Christmas present coming for the kids, we thought it would be best to give it some more room in the backyard. So with the help of dad's post hole digger and crow bar, Jonny chose to move it on a wet, cold day.

Who would have thought the pole of the washing line would go down so far in the ground? Jonny used his whole arms length to dig the clay out of the holes to remove the washing line and to put the washing line into the new one. With the ground being clay, that just made the job even harder. Luckily it was a rainy day, so it didn't feel so bad for him. I helped out, levering the washing line out of the hole and watering the hole for the clay to go back into. Trying to lift the washing line out of the ground was hard, but luckily Jonny has more strength then me.

The finished product:

{You would never know it wasn't always there!}

One afternoon when Jenna was in time out in her room, Jonny was upstairs organising his dental registration (he was on the phone) and I was feeding Jacey, Jordan was left to his own devices. I could hear him making some noise, but didn't think too much of it. When I had finished with Jacey, to my shock horror and amazment, I was confronted with BLUE walls. Jordan had a good 'ol time with a crayon, redecorating the walls with a new colour. It wasn't just one wall, it was MANY walls!!!

We are very careful in where we leave pens, pencils, crayons etc. but this one wasn't within reach. Jordan had pushed a dinning chair into the laundry and must of sat on the washing machine or hopped into the washing tub to reach this one lone crayon. Down he gets and starts to draw on our walls ... happily I might add. He wasn't so happy when we put him into time out. Lucky for the magic eraser. The colour came off pretty easy. I would have hated to clean pen off the walls!

But that wasn't the only thing he did. As a result of his assult on the laundry, I now only had half a basket of ironing. Where did our clothes go? We searched the whole house, even outside for the missing washing. In the end Jonny found it in the washing machine with the dirty washing. Now I had to wash all of it. Such a little monkey he is. Below is Jordan's art work:

Life Photos No. 49

2011-12-08T13:24:00.000+10:00

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

(Mahatma Ghandi)

Spirit of Giving

2011-12-05T21:30:00.002+10:00

As part of our Christmas celebrations this year, I wanted to implement an element of 'giving' the kids could do at their young age. There are many different Christmas appeals at this time of year, so one that is close to the kids heart (especially being kids) I thought would be good.

We chose the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, where we bought a suitable present for a little boy and girl and placed it in a special area. It would have been great to be able to have put it under the Christmas tree, but I guess it could possibly get stolen.

We allowed Jenna and Jordan opportunity to choose a toy for someone close to their age. We helped a little bit more than I thought we would, but in the future I think it will be easier for the kids to chose a present. From Jenna, a little girl will get a Dora the Explorer activity pack and from Jordan, a little boy will get a toy car (See below).

Once we bought these presents we wrapped them out the front of Kmart. If we had taken the presents home, it would have been harder to bring them back. Jenna helped Jonny with the wrapping and sticky tape, while Jordan stayed in the pram, so he wouldn't run away. Jacey happily slept through the whole thing while I carried her in the Baby Bjorn.

So once we wrapped the presents up for the little boys and girls that are less fortunate then us, we put tags on them and popped them into the "Wishing Tree" express drop off.

Jordan was quite happy to give his present away to someone else, but Jenna found the concept a little hard to understand. She was happy to do it, but she wanted a present also. The sadness didn't last long, before she moved onto wanting a milkshake (she didn't get one, but at least it changed her focus).

This is an activity I would love to make into a family tradition. Each child picks a gift for someone else. I'm not sure how much the kids understood from the activity, but hopefully in a few years time, it will be something they look forward too each Christmas :)

Palm Trees

2011-12-04T13:41:00.000+10:00

"Look at my palm trees!" On Friday Jenna was 'playing' in the dirt next to the holes Jonny dug for palm trees. Obviously Jenna wasn't talking about real palm trees, but she used her imagination and created palm trees using sticks. She stuck a whole bunch next to the broken shovel (Jonny broke it when trying to remove old roots from the holes). If you look at the head of the shovel there is a rock of dirt. This is Jenna's mouse. She is very creative!

Jordan too had to have some fun with the dirt and holes. He thoroughly enjoyed playing in them :)

So yesterday was garden day! The trees that used to live here were removed years ago. In preparation for 10 palm trees to make their new home, I weeded during the week and Jonny dug the holes for them. My parents were hard at work with the gardening today too, as well as ...

... Jenna, who wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty

... and Jordan, who really wasn't interested in helping the gardening process, but would rather play in the dirt. Poor Tic Tac was a bit neglected.

... and the finished product

Broken

2011-12-02T12:23:00.001+10:00

Last night Jacey broke me. For the last 4 weeks of her little life I have been really good in the "not getting upset department" with anything she does. But last night I broke. When you try everything you know possible to try to get your little one to stop squirming at two in the morning, and to go to sleep and it just doesn't work, it can be hard. I kept thinking "Come what may and love it" (a conference talk by Elder Wirthlin), but all I could think was "I DON'T love this". I ended up sending Jonny into Jacey and 2 mintues later he comes back, she is quiet and goes to sleep. So not fair!

I hate that she is in pain. I'm calling it colic, but whatever it is I hate it. I guess feeling in my broken state I think "why do I have to go through this again?, why???". I know that all the trials, hard times, good times etc we go through help us to become better, but sometimes I don't like this moulding process. But today is a new day :) Another opportunity to be better, cope better than I did yesterday and to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. I don't want to feel that 'broken' feeling again, so I'm going to 'man up', eat some 'concrete' for breakfast and not let this upset me anymore. This little period of Jacey's life will pass and before I know it she will be a little 3 year old girl running around the place with a creative imagination. I have to "come what may and love it" and find "joy in the journey". Life is a rollercoaster, but it is one ride I want to enjoy :)

Christmas is ALMOST here!!!

2011-11-30T17:24:00.000+10:00

Can you believe it? My favourite time of year is here. After being inspired by Abby's Christmas Calendar on the back of her door from last year, I decided to do one this year. It's great, because it means making plans for the kids to help them enjoy this season and to learn different principles (eg. giving, service, joy). The calendar will fill up as time goes on, but you can see what I have done so far:

To kick off our Christmas events, on Monday as part of Family Home Evening, we put up the Christmas Tree. Jenna was so excited that she was asking to do it all morning. We put it up after lunch and the kids had heaps of fun. Jordan needed a little help putting the decorations on :)

Little Jacey slept through the whole thing ...

... and Jenna put the finishing touches on the tree when we finished (namely the star).

It was a lovely way to start off the festive season. The Christmas tree looks lovely, though it is hard for Jenna and Jordan to understand that they are not meant to take the decorations off of the tree and play with them. Hopefully it won't take them too long to understand that the tree is for looking at, not playing with!

Quote Board

2011-11-29T21:26:00.000+10:00

Jessima: Jordan, say "Mummy"

Jordan: Mum-ma

Jessima: "Mummy"

Jordan: Mum-ma

Jessima: "Mum"

Jordan: Mum

Jessima: "Me"

Jordan: Me

Jessima: "Mummy"

Jordan: Mum-ma

No matter what we do to try to get him to say "Mummy", Jordan will always say "Mum-ma".

Life Photos No. 48

2011-11-27T15:03:00.000+10:00

There is beauty all around . . .

We're the Boss!

2011-11-25T18:59:00.000+10:00

Last night Jordan didn't want to eat his veges. I had given him this dish previously and he enjoyed eating the sausages, but didn't want to eat his veges too. So, being determined not to have a repeat, he had to eat his veges FIRST before the sausages. Well we had a fight on our hands. After a lengthy amount of time all we could get him to eat was 2 little spoonfuls of dinner. He also had a time out in his room during this time. After trying to get him to eat his dinner, he was still adament that he wasn't going to eat it (admist much crying and screaming) so he went to bed with NO dinner. We have done this before, but this time we had to show him we were serious about eating veges.

We don't want to bring up a child who won't eat his dinner (especially when Jenna will eat anything and everything we give her), so I was determined that he wouldn't eat anything else until he ate last nights dinner. This morning for breakfast last nights dinner came out. He wasn't too happy about it and even had a time out in his bedroom because he refused to eat it. We had to change out tactics. Now he wasn't getting out of his high chair until he ate ALL of his dinner. After almost an hour I am happy to say he ate all of his dinner. Just in the nic of time too. As Jordan ate his last mouthful, Aunty Abby, Maggie and Ana walked through the door for a fun day of playing. Lucky!!!!

Tonight for dinner, Jordan happily ate ALL of it. There were veges in the dinner tonight too, but I had no trouble with him :) It felt good not to have a fight on our hands. Hopefully he would have learned his lesson and will eat his meals properly. Heres hoping!

Craft Table

2011-11-24T08:06:00.005+10:00

"Imagination is the beginning of creation" (George Bernard Shaw).

These kids love to create. Jenna especially loves to paint. Jordan at this point in times loves to create a mess, but to him he is having fun. Their imaginations are just starting to develop and take them away to fantasy lands and it is interesting to watch them as they play outside. But this morning, we allowed them to decorate their 'new' craft table. The table used to be our dining table, then it was my sewing table and now it is cut down to size and is a kids craft table. The table started out like this this morning:

... and then letting the kids let loose with paint, paint brushes and hands:

How does he get paint all over his face? (and yes he did try to eat it!)

Jenna trying out her new table by painting a "Cars" picture:

The Craft Table:

Of course we couldn't forget about Jacey. The little girl sadly can't join in the fun yet of painting and creating with Jenna and Jordan, but she is growing well. I thought we may have a child without colic, but it seems Jacey has joined the band wagon of Jenna and Jordan :( But it is ok. She has had a few bad days, but with some colic relief medicine, she seems to be settling down quicker now. It's just so sad that any little child has to go through pain like this. I'm just so grateful that our little kiddies aren't sick and unhealthy children. We are very lucky to have Jenna, Jordan and Jacey's apart of our family.

Life Photos No. 47

2011-11-21T12:05:00.000+10:00

You never know how many friends you have until you rent a house on the beach

(Unknown)

Children

2011-11-20T21:46:00.003+10:00

I just love our 3 little munchkins. Each one is unique, with special qualities different from the other. Whilst all 3 are close in age, they seem to get on well together and love one another for the most part.

Jenna is such a darling and has the cutest laugh. She is lots of fun, helpful, loving and is like a little mother to Jacey. Jenna is also very protective of both her brother and sister. Sometimes I forget she is only 3 and I think I except a little more than I should from her. But she is a strong girl and she is growing and developing well.

Jordan is a little monkey. He has turned into quite the little boy lately - climbing anything and everything. He can also get up to mischief and gets a little cheeky look in his eye when his partner in crime, Maggie is around. Those two just love chasing one another and playing together. Jordan also has quite the whine going on and is throwing tantrums. Sometimes it is hard not to laugh at him when he gets in a huff and crosses his arms over his body. I guess the "terrible two's" has come early?

Jacey is just perfect. I know I have said it before and I realise she is only just over 2 weeks old now, but she is just so pleasant to be around. She barely complains when something is wrong and is just the most adorable little doll you have seen. Sometimes it doesn't feel like we have 3 children (mainly because she sleeps almost all day long). But Jacey compliments our family just perfectly. Who wouldn't want a little baby around?

Children really are so special and I am very glad I get to be a mother. So many women in the world don't get this opportunity and it's not one I am going to take for granted. Sometimes the role of parent can get frustrating when you don't know how to fix a problem or change a behaviour, but I'm lucky to have a great support system around me and access to prayer. Heavenly Father knows Jenna, Jordan and Jacey better than me, and I'm so glad that I can ask Him for help in knowing how to best help our little munchkins.

Children really are a lot of fun. I hope that as we take time to teach them, play with them and do family things with them, that they will enjoy their childhood and have fond memories of growing up. I know Jonny and I both had great childhoods and knew that we were loved; and hopefully our children can look back and know that they were loved and had a heap of fun in our family too!!!!!

Dress Ups

2011-11-17T14:00:00.001+10:00

Yesterday Jenna went over to her friend Ruby's house. We went over there a couple of weeks ago and Ruby (10yr old girl) played with Jenna and dressed her up. Well Jenna was just so happy from that night, that she barely gave me any rest since wanting to go to Ruby's house again. One day she even got the phone for me and said "call Ruby's mum, I want to be married again" - apparently she was dressed up as a bride. Well Ruby is such a good sport, that yesterday after school Ruby and her mum picked up Jenna for a few hours to have a play. Jenna couldn't have been happier. Two other little girls from up the street came over to play too and Jenna was just in heaven with these older girls. They played, dressed up and went for a swim. Jenna certainly is growing up and liking to play with friends. Jenna even scored a purple dress up from Ruby which was very nice.

When we got home I of course wanted to take a picture of Jenna's little outing and how she was dressed up. Jordan, being the cheeky little boy that he is, sat on the couch looking pretty chilled out and relaxed. Such a cutie!

Jenna has also become even more loving and protective as the oldest sister. She absolutely adores Jacey and loves to be by her side when she wakes up. The shot below is one I caught of Jenna yesterday. She certainly loves her little sister Jacey lots!!

Hot Sunny Days

2011-11-16T13:52:00.001+10:00

Yep, its that time of year again! The sun is out everyday, the days sit around 30 degrees and everything is dying. Just look at our grass - its brown! I heard on the radio yesterday that we complain if it is hot, cold, too sunny, wet all the time - it seems there is no pleasing us sometimes. I personally love summer (Jonny loves winter) as you can swim, eat ice blocks, go to the beach and play outside. The only down side is that it can get quite HOT. However, some hot sunny days does bring storms, which can be fun :)

But it does seem like it is going to be a wet summer again according to the weather man. As a result for the next week, water restrictions have eased so we can use as much water as we like. Excellent!!!! So out to the shops I go yesterday and buy a sprinkler! I wanted one just like I had growing up. I guess I'm a bit sentimental. I have memories running through the sprinkler when I was little. Plus Jenna and Jordan LOVE the sprinkler at Nans house, so there is some easy non pool fun at the moment. Putting the sprinkler on is certainly a lot easier than trying to watch both of them by myself in the pool.

Playing outside under the sprinkler certainly is an easy way to keep cool. Hopefully this summer won't get too hot or be super wet like last summer, but is pleasant enough for us to enjoy all the things that we love about summer. Here's hoping :)

Life Photos no. 46

2011-11-14T12:49:00.001+10:00

There's really nothing quite so sweet as tiny little baby feet.

(Unknown)

Our little doll

2011-11-14T12:45:00.000+10:00

Jacey is a little doll. Yesterday afternoon when the house was quiet, I took some photos of her. Photos sometimes can't do someone justice. She is even more gorgeous in real life. Below are some of my efforts in photography and editing. Enjoy :)

A New Born - just Perfect :)

2011-11-12T14:02:00.001+10:00

I don't want to forget what life is like with a new born. Jacey has been with us for 1 week now, and sometimes I keep thinking "you shouldn't be here yet" (technically she isn't 'due' until tomorrow). But I am SOOOOO glad she is. She is just 'perfect'. I don't think there is a better word for her. Jacey has the purest of features, has all her fingers and toes, is perfectly healthy and is like a little doll.

At the moment Jacey is a little bit nocturnal, but I am not worried one bit. Maybe because for the last week Jonny has been home and more hands on with Jenna and Jordan, but when I am up with Jacey in the night (sometimes for up to 1.5hrs) I don't get upset. I do put this down to experience and I know that this won't last forever, so this time around I am just trying to enjoy every single day.

Just looking at her you can't help but think she is perfect. She sleeps A LOT, but when she sleeps she looks so peaceful. When she is awake, she looks like an angel. I really feel like a dotting parent at the moment, but I can't help it. She feeds well (I think) and is done relatively quick. I keep thinking she should feed for longer than 5-15mins, but Jonny keeps reminding me that her stomach isn't even as big as a ping pong ball yet. There certainly is plenty of nappies for us to change every day, so she is definitely getting enough. I think what is making her feel easier and the most placid so far out of the 3 munchkins is that she doesn't appear to have any colic. Both Jenna and Jordan were colicky babies, which made it a bit harder for me. Jacey seems to be coping really well at the moment and I really hope that doesn't change!

Sometimes Jacey reminds me of her cousin Ana. Ana is such a pleasant, placid little girl who is just 'happy' and content with everything around her. Ana is 6 months older than her, but I can't help but think that these two are going to be great friends as they get older. They seem alike, and I just know they are going to be best buddies. On a few occasions I have even wanted to call her Ana :)

Being a mother is one of the best blessings a woman can have. I am so glad that I am one and to 3 beautiful children. Jenna and Jordan are very loving towards Jacey and often go over to her and give her kisses and cuddles. Jenna in particular wants to hold her and is quite protective. Not sure how she did it, but Jacey was in her play mat when I last saw her and then Jonny commented she was in Jenna's fold out chair. Let's just hope Jenna was very careful with her, when she moved her!!

But life with a new born is just great. Sure I have had hard days, tired moments, a short fuse (with Jenna and Jordan), but overall Jacey is making the transition from 2 to 3 children so much easier. Heavenly Father has certainly blessed us with a beautiful, sweet spirited little girl. She is just so sweet, beautiful and perfect. I just love her contentment to be awake and be left alone in the play mat or on the fold out chair. She just lays there quitely, not seeking attention. I also love that Jenna and Jordan are coping very well with her. There is no jealously, only love. They have less of my attention now, but they are happy. We really are a 'happy family.'

One thing I have learnt over the last week, is that I don't want to be distracted by other things anymore. My family is coming first!! Sometimes living in the moment is hard, especially with so many distractions vying for your attention. But this last week, a little new born has reminded me how lucky I am and how much my focus and attention should be on them. This is my goal. To enjoy each day no matter what (oh and also to have a tidy house before I go to bed!). A new born is just perfect, and I hope I never forget this!!!!

Life Photos No. 45

2011-11-10T13:45:00.001+10:00

The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever

(Jacques Cousteau)

Slip 'n' Slide

2011-11-09T22:08:00.000+10:00

Summer is just around the corner and the temperature is certainly rising. With temps in the high 20's, it is only natural to want to cool off in water. Yesterday Jonny and the kids went for a swim in the pool followed by some slip 'n' slide on a sheet of heavy duty plastic and detergent. It took a little while for both Jenna and Jordan to understand what the slide was all about, but after a few turns, they were hooked.

It has been so nice having Jonny home with us. Even though it is Wednesday, I certainly have appreciated everything that he has done. I feel so wasted at the moment, that having him home to help around the house and play with the kids has been a BIG blessing. The kids love playing with their Daddy!!!

Jenna had heaps of fun playing with the hose. Maybe we should buy a sprinkler???

Jacey and I didn't join in the fun. I watched the 3 of them have heaps of fun, while Jacey had a little sleep. Jacey is such a wonderful little baby girl. She is just so perfect and like a little angel. She is helping the transition to 3 little munchkins so much easier with her placid (and sleepy) personality.

After fun on the slip 'n' slide, the kids had their lunch. I guess Jordan couldn't wait for us to clean him up because he fell asleep in his high chair. Classic :) I'm pretty sure we have a picture of Jenna like this somewhere :)

Quote Board

2011-11-07T09:52:00.001+10:00

Nan offering Jenna a yummy lunch of corn beef pie.

Nan: Jenna, are you going to have some of Nan's meat and potato pie for lunch?

Jenna: Does it have chocolate on top?

Introducing baby number 3!

2011-11-05T21:18:00.022+10:00

Well about a week ago, we got the good news that we would have a new addition to the family a week and a half earlier than expected. Jessima had some antibody, which they were a little concerned about. Not particularly worried, but they wanted to be safe and decided to induce Jessima at 38 1/2 weeks. As my uni exams are set for the week the baby was due, I was as you can imagine pleased that it was going to be early, meaning I won't have to worry about it during my exams. The first step was to get the car ready. We decided a couple of months ago that we could fit the 3rd seat in the car and bought the seat. The day before going in to hospital it was the moment of truth. It was tight, but we got all 3 in! Needless to say there is no longer any passenger space. Here's what it looks like:

So now that the car was all ready, it was time to get rid of the kids. We dropped them up at Jessima's parents house, and said goodbye.

After the kids were gone, we took Jessima into the hospital. We got in at about 7:20pm and went pretty much straight into the birthing suite. We were the only ones there which was a strange feeling, and Jessima immediately got hooked up to the machines! We probably don't need to go into all the details, but at about 8:00, they gave things a little kickstart with some gel and sent her to the ward for the night. The plan was to try and break her waters the next morning.

With Jessima all settled into her bed with a few sleeping tablets in her, I went home. Before I left, some of the doctors mentioned that the gel they put on can sometimes send people into labour. Not being right there, I was understandably anxious, and didn't end up sleeping much at all! About 6:10 in the morning I got the phone call saying they were going to move her into the birthing suite soon. I pretty much got straight in the car and got there about 6:30am Friday the 4th November 2011.

After being hooked up to a machine for a little while the doctor did a quick exam and proceeded to break Jessima's waters. This happened at about 7:30am. Jessima was already contracting a little bit when this happened. After about 4 hrs of some mild contractions, they decided to put her on a Syntocinon drip to get things moving. According to the machines Jessima was plugged in to, the contractions were huge and off the chart! Jessima's reaction to this is shown in the next photo:

The midwife was absolutely amazed that Jessima was feeling not much at all and Jessima was starting to feel excited about the prospect of a painless delivery! This excitement however, was short lived. They pumped up the drip and things started to hurt, much to the pleasure of the doctor and midwives...apparently pain is good! At about 3:00pm things started to get a bit more intense.

This is when Jessima decided to have a crack at the gas. When she started sucking it down, everyone in the room learnt why they call it 'happy gas'! What happens in the labour room stays in the labour room, and so to spare Jessima the embarassment, I'll leave it at that. Needless to say she had us all laughing! After an hour or so of gas, Jessima decided that she wanted more and the doctor suggested maybe to try some morpheine before going to the epidural. About 10 mintues after that shot, there was not enough change, and Jessima demanded an epidural. The doctor said it would probably be about 30 minutes for it to all be in. Having done this with Jessima a couple of times, I knew that she was a lot closer than that. about 10 minutes later we had a little baby. The pulled it out and placed it on Jessima. Me and Jessima were both trying to figure out what it was, but nobody else thought to look! We picked it up, had a quick look, and it was A GIRL! Just like Jenna told us it was from a few days ago. I didn't believe her because she'd been telling me it was a boy for the last 8 months! After a few minutes with Jessima, she was taken out to get weighed and measured.

Weight - 3.110 kgs (6lb 14oz)

Length - 52.5cm

Head circumference - 35cm

Here are a couple of pictures of her just after all the weighing and stuff.

When Jenna and Jordan cried, they used to stick out there bottom lip with a little pout. Extremely cute! It didn't take her long to learn the same trick!

The next day, she had a bath and got cleaned up

Not long after that she was good for a few visitors and a few photos

Jenna was one of the visitors and she was very happy with her new sister. She gave her lots of kisses and cuddles and told her that she "loves her so much!" So adorable!

Jenna had a hold and just stared at her so lovingly!

Jordan was a little more excited about playing in the hospital that he was about sizing up the competition, but he was be adorable as well!

As for the name, we started with Juliet, which we sort of announced through texts and facebook, but after 24 hrs, we weren't sold on it and decided to change it. Her name is now:

Jacey Sandra Munro

Jessima lost a bit of blood, but she's doing good. Jacey's got a tiny little whimper for a cry and is just so sweet! We're all so very happy!

Time Out

2011-11-02T14:30:00.001+10:00

This morning both Jenna and Jordan weren't listening to us properly and both were sent to 'time out' in their bedrooms. 'Time out' seems to be the most effective way of discipline for both of our munchkins. Sometimes just the threat of going to 'time out' in their bedrooms is enough to get them to stop what they are doing and listen to us. Doesn't work all the time, but does sometimes. So this morning, after time out was finished I went into talk to each child and explain that it makes me sad that I have to send you to time out. Jenna can sometimes tell us what she did wrong, but either way we discuss it and end with a kiss and a hug. We leave with no hard feelings and they forget it pretty quick. But when I went into see Jordan, this is how I found him:

The little munchkin had fallen asleep. I woke him up because it was too early for his nap, but I just thought it was adorable. I guess he was a little tired?! But on a whole they are pretty great kids. Lets hope their behaviour doesn't change for the worse when baby no.3 arrives. That would be a tough challenge for me each day!

The Scary Party

2011-11-01T21:14:00.000+10:00

Last Saturday night we celebrated Tammy's birthday with a Halloween party. Tammy is a halloween baby, so it was quite fitting to celebrate it this way. Halloween is not really a holiday we celebrate over here so it was a bit of a novelty to get all dressed up for it. Jenna went as a ghost (thanks to my ghost costume from a dance routine - "Ghostbusters"), Jordan went as a cute pumpkin, I went as a witch and Jonny a vampire.

Sadly Jenna didn't want to stay a ghost for very long and Jordan's pumkin hat was quick to come off. Even though Jenna would never admit it, we think she was quite scared. Maggie and Jordan seemed to have fun running around the place, but I'm sure that is because they really didn't comprehend what was going on. Jenna stuck by us most of the night and especially got a bit cuddly to Jonny. I have to admit I got a bit grossed out by the night, but Jonny thinks I have gone soft. I am blaming it on the pregnancy!!!!!

Everyone in the family did a fantastic job with food, decorations and games, and I am sad I didn't feel up to taking more photos. I think I will have to borrow Tammy's camera to get some more! But we helped by providing little spider cupcakes and the birthday cake of the "Scream" face mask:

Apparently the cake tasted delicious (chocolate cake covered in dark and white chocolate ganache), but my mind didn't tell me to go and get a piece :( Blaming the pregnancy here again for this one!!! It certainly was a "Scary Party" but a fun one at the same time. Happy Birthday Tammy!!

Life Photos No. 44

2011-11-01T12:17:00.000+10:00

Little girls bring such delight with hearts so warm and smiles so bright!

(Unknown)

Quote Board

2011-10-30T18:41:00.004+10:00

Jenna is sitting on the kitchen bench as I put out the plates for dinner.

Jessima: Jenna, can you please move over so I can put the plates there.
.
Jenna: No, they are the plates of brass!
.
(Jenna and Jordan watched Nephi and the Brass Plates on DVD 3 times today)

It's All Happening . . .

2011-10-27T13:41:00.002+10:00

In one week today we are going to know who has joined our little family :) It is pretty exciting, but also scary at the same time. I think I'm really not looking forward to the labour bit this time, especially as I am going to be induced. I will only be 38.5 weeks due to the antibodies in my blood. But all in all it is exciting that we are about to go from 4 to 5 and Jonny and I are going to be out numbered.

The benefits of having the baby early include knowing Jenna and Jordan will be looked after (by Nan), which is one less stress, the baby won't be as big, so hopefully should be less painful to push out, we won't have to worry if the baby will come during Jonny's final week of exams/workshops at uni and we can be prepared in all aspects of life because we know when the baby will be here. Hopefully the whole experience will be pleasant, but we will certainly write about it in future posts!

Me at 37.5 weeks - 1 week to go!

Break Outs!

2011-10-25T11:07:00.001+10:00

All last week Jenna would go down for her nap and wake up with welts like this over her body. The previous week Jenna had got bitten and had made the bites look really bad after scratching them. They were mainly on her arms and legs. However, after going down for naps (with her blanket on) she would wake up like this. Trying to deduce what is wrong with her was a little hard. We thought it was citrus, but after monitoring it I think it is heat. She had a bath one day and her feet broke out in these welts.

So as good parents we took her to the doctor and told the doctor we thought it was hives. The doctor said she has some kind of allergic reaction to something, but we just need to monitor her for the time being. Keep a diary of what she eats etc. I was given a cream for her scratches and some medicine for when the hives appear (which helps them go away pretty quickly). We can do an allergy test, but the doctor doesn't think she would handle a blood test at the moment. I'm just hoping she's not allergic to bread. That would be terrible. I personally think it is heat (meaning she overheats herself by having her blanket on her when she sleeps during the day), but we will just have to monitor her and keep an eye on it!

Life Photos No. 43

2011-10-24T22:11:00.000+10:00

Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon

(Winnie the Pooh)

Life Photos No. 42

2011-10-18T19:55:00.004+10:00

Don't miss all the beautiful colours of the rainbow looking for that pot of gold
(Unknown)

Abby's Birthday Surprise!

2011-10-16T22:19:00.001+10:00

Last night Tammy and James threw Abby a surprise "A" Birthday party. Abby had wanted a 25th Birthday party and knew she was having one, but believed it was the following week. She was led to believe she was going to the movies with Tammy, but instead got a huge surprise when family and friends started singing "Happy Birthday" as she got out of the car and up the stairs. As it was a themed party, we had to come dressed up in a costume that started with the letter 'A'. James had organised a costume for Abby too and she was Princess Abby (though Jenna thought she was Cinderella).

Princess Abby

We also were dressed up in the letter 'A' and we went as:
Jessima - Angel
Jonny - Asian
Jordan - Aladdin
Jenna - Ariel

For Christmas one year Mum had made Craig and I costumes and also our cousins. She made me a Little Mermaid one and Craig an Aladdin one. Being hoarders, we still had the costumes :) I altered the Mermaid tale to fit Jenna, but made her a top to go with it (yep, I sewed the sequins on :) pretty impressed with myself!!!) and pulled the pants up on Jordan, though they kept falling down all night. I straightened Jenna's hair, which is now super long and sprayed it red with red hair spray. Sadly I didn't know that because the hair spray has moisture in it, it would cause her hair to go slightly curly. Either way I think they both looked great!!!

As a family we took out 3rd prize for best dressed. We lost to an Avatar couple and an Ant couple. The Avatar couple definitely deserved best dressed. If your going to go to all the effort of painting all of your skin blue, then you definitely get the win!

Being the cake master in our family, Jonny turned the chocolate cake I had made into something fantastic. He made a fancy letter 'A' for Abby. It looked and tasted great!!!

The house was decorated in letter A's and heaps of balloons. Jordan loved playing with the balloons and was often seen with one in each hand. In the photo below Jordan has a green one in the right hand and a purple one in his left hand.

We all had so much fun dancing, playing Just Dance, eating all the yummy food (put on by the family) and having a great time mingling with old friends (and new ones). Abby had an absolute blast and you couldn't wipe the smile off her face. Jenna and Jordan really surprised me by being party animals. They both were still awake and going at 11pm when we left. Luckily Jonny thought of washing Jenna's hair before we left the party (which Grandma kindly did for her) because I was going to do it when we got home and I knew a tired and cranky Jenna would not like me for it!

Overall we had a great night and enjoyed spending time and helping Abby celebrate this milestone in her life!

P.S. I had told Jenna that after we sing Abby "Happy Birthday" she could have some birthday cake, so she went and found Abby, sung her Happy Birthday and then asked for some cake. Poor thing thought all she had to do to get cake was sing to Abby. Lucky for her the actual cake part of the night wasn't too far away!

Hail Storm

2011-10-16T21:46:00.000+10:00

Yesterday (Saturday) there was a freak hail storm that passed by. I had mentioned to Jonny that the sky was looking black over the city and probably 10 mintues later it started hailing. The southside had received hail the day before (which looked like snow) and we didn't receive anything. But this was the first real hail storm I had been apart of and certainly the kids. Poor Jordan got frightened and started to cry. I just couldn't believe the sound it was making. At one stage I thought the windows were going to break. It was also amazing to see the hail land in the pool. They probably made splashes about 1m high out of the pool. Overall the storm lasted about 7-8mintues. Enough time to do the following:

The hail went through the sky lights of the pergola:

The neighbourhood was covered in hail stones.

A lot of the hail was the size of golf balls:

Curls

2011-10-13T17:23:00.000+10:00

When Jordan's hair gets longer, it starts to get wavy/curls at the back.

I can't help but wonder if we were to let his hair grow longer, would he too get the dominant Munro curls???

This afternoon, Jenna had a long nap and I had some quality time with our boy. He is so funny and hyperactive. He is a total boy!!!!

Life Photos No. 41

2011-10-11T12:17:00.000+10:00

... children are an heritage of the Lord

(Psalm 127: 3)

General Conference

2011-10-09T21:17:00.001+10:00

Last weekend General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was held in Salt Lake City. It is a time where church members can receive inspiration and instruction from Church Leaders. As there is a time difference and location difference, we hold it a week later.

Back before we had kids, Jonny and I used to go to the Chapel with other church members to listen to the inspired talks. It is a really uplifting experience to sit there with like-minded people to hear the words of inspiration just of us now. There is a wonderful spirit present in the room. But since we started having kids, it has progressively got harder for us to attend. Sitting in the one spot for a 2 hour block is hard for a little one, especially to keep them quiet and entertained for that amount of time (the other option is to take them outside when they get noisy and then we miss it :( ). Of course, many people do it, but we have been watching conference a little different over the last year or so.

Thanks to technology, we can download all of the conference sessions and watch them off the computer. But we don't just watch it off the computer, Jonny hooks the laptop up to the TV and we watch it like a normal TV program. It is wonderful to be able to watch it at home, receive the instruction we need and have the freedom of pausing it if we need to attend to the kids, without missing anything! This way the kids still get their naps and can play quietly around us. This seems to be working for us at the moment, and we certainly are taking more in, then we would sitting outside with a noisy or restless child.

The time while the kids are little will soon pass and we will rejoin everyone in the chapel to watch conference. But for now, we will watch it together at home, and be inspired and uplifted by our church leaders there. It is such a blessing in our lives to hear their words and make the changes we need to to be better people :)

General Conference can be viewed, listened to or read here.

Life with two

2011-10-06T21:42:00.000+10:00

Very soon our life is going to change again. Jonny will begin working and our little family will go from four to five. I remember thinking at the time when we only had Jenna that life was so hard with one child. Now we are up grading again :) When Jordan came along, he wasn't like Jenna as a baby - he was soooo much easier! He was very placid, fed in 10 minutes unlike Jenna's 45 minutes, slept really well and went back to sleep very easily in the night :) The transition from one to two was quite smooth. But what will the next one be like? (Only time will tell I guess!)

So we don't forget what life is like with two at the moment, I'm going to jot down some pointers, so I don't forget (because if I don't, I know I will!!).

- Jenna wakes up around 5.30am. The rule is she has to stay in her room until it is light. Sadly we are coming into summer, so now I have to tell her to go back to her room and read her books. She is very good at this!

- Almost every morning Jordan is having a little cry when I go in. He points to the stairs, indicating he wants to go down stairs. He needs a little cuddle and 'mummy time' before he will happily play so I can make Jonny his lunch and then make our breakfasts (otherwise he is whinning at me the whole time during this process).

- At 7.35am we take Jonny to the train station.

- Jenna can easily get into the car seat by herself if you open the door for her. She also must take her blanket and puppy dog with her. Sometimes she adds other things to the list of things to take in the car like books, Rapunzel har and a drink. Jordan still requires you to put him into the car, but loves to press the roller door button as we walk past it.

- The kids LOVE to push cars off the drive way. Jenna likes to make everyone help push the car.

- Jenna and Jordan love checking the mail box. They are very good at giving me the mail once they have collected it. If your out the front for any more time, Jordan is quick to take off to either neighbours front yard. He is very quick and it is getting harder to catch him being pregnant!! Plus he isn't very obedient at coming back. He thinks it is a game. Jenna however, is very good at retrieving him.

- Jenna loves to paint her 3 pictures everyday, while Jordan loves going through any of the cupboards or draws in the kitchen and pulling stuff out. He especially likes the pots and baking pans.

- If Jordan wants a drink, he will go to the tupperware cupboard and pull out one of his drink bottles. If he wants food and can't reach it he will move a chair into the kitchen and try to help himself. This doesn't happen very often, but it has happened. Jenna is very good at talking, so she just tells me what she wants (and usually how she wants it).

- Jenna is learning to be a BIG girl and go to the toilet without any help. She has been doing really well at this lately doing the whole process herself. Jordan is starting to know when he is doing something in his nappy. Sometimes he holds his nose (so very cute).

- Jenna and Jordan play very well together. They can play outside well, inside well and just love to have a laugh. They love to play up the side of the house where the rocks are.

- If Jordan gets upset with Jenna he pulls her hair.

- Jenna sits at the big table to eat her food and occasionally wants you to feed her. Jordan still sits locked in the high chair and self feeds himself almost 50% of the time. When he does self feed, it is generally a messy event, but he is getting better at doing this. I'm just so grateful for a house with tiles!!!!

- After lunch everyday the kids have a nap and everyday Jenna fights it (I win of course!).

- The kids love to stand on the platform at the train station to pick Jonny up. Jenna runs up to Jonny and gives him a hug, then presses his Go Card for him (to register the end of his journey).

- Jenna LOVES, LOVES, LOVES Disney movies, while Jordan seems to really like Bananas in Pyjama's.

- Going to the shops isn't too bad. Jordan either sits in the stroller or a trolly, while Jenna walks. She can sometimes get a little too distracted, depending on the shop we are in. Overall she is pretty good at staying with us when we walk around.

- Jenna can put the toothpaste on her toothbrush and begins brushing, while we finish it off for her. Jordan loves his teeth brushed and likes to have a turn once we have finished.

- Jordan is a serial climber. He loves playing with the blinds and pressing the printer button.

- Jenna's fine motor skills are developing well. Jordan is favouring his left hand, so we think he may end up being a lefty. Plus he is really good at kicking a soccer ball around.

- Both kids have a bath together and they both hate having their hair washed. We always seem to have tears when this part happens.

- Before bed every night we have scripture reading and before Jonny goes to uni we have morning prayer together.

There is so much to remember, and I'm sure not all of it will change when the baby comes. It will be interesting to look back at this in years to come and remember what life was like. Hopefully we won't have any regrets and will feel satisfied that we lived in the 'moment' enough. They are only little once and we should lap every moment up, both the good and the bad!!!

Life Photos No. 40

2011-10-04T13:04:00.000+10:00

As we grow older together, as we continue to change with age, there is one thing that will never change . . . I will always keep falling in love with you.

(Karen Clodfelder)

Quote board

2011-10-03T17:37:00.003+10:00

Kids say the darndest things! Jenna's pretty well fluent now and putting together words in ways that we've never taught her. Here are a couple of the funny things she's said recently.

Quote 1:
Yesterday during church Jordan tried to steal Jenna's colouring in book and she said loudly and with authority: "Mummy, take Jordan away!"

Quote 2:
This afternoon Jordan was climbing up the stairs and Jenna's voice from downstairs said: "Jordan, let down your hair!" ...too much Tangled maybe??

Quote 3:
Jenna eating her FHE treat icecream after dinner and Mummy said: "Jenna, can I have a bite of your icecream?" In the sweetest and most sincere voice Jenna responded: "No, you have to get your own, ok Mummy?"

Quote 4:
(from Tammy)
I'm still laughing about Sunday night when she and I were half way through a conversation and she interupted me with "I'm sorry Tammy but you have to stop talking now, I have too much work to do, ok?", and then she slid down from the kitchen stool and went over to "work" with the Polly Pockets!

All grown up and in a bed!

2011-10-03T12:50:00.000+10:00

Last Wednesday night was Jordan's first night in a bed. Leading up to the actual 'going to bed' part, he and Jenna had fun playing on his new bed!!! He was so happy to have a bed, that he was running up and down it and jumping all over it!!!

Below are some "happy snaps".

Lucky the cushions are here!

After our regular bedtime routine of brushing our teeth, reading the scriptures and saying our prayers, it was off to bed. This is when the real test began. Jonny put him to bed, tucked him in and walked out like we normally do (with the door closed). Well, Jordan didn't like that. He got out of bed, came to the door and screamed histerically!!! I had never heard him cry like that before. He was just so sad. Jonny tried a few more times, until I had a go.

Normally I would just keep putting him back into bed, tell him to "lie down" and walk out - but it didn't seem like this was working to work. Not wanting to stick him back in the cot, I decided to calm him down by stroking his little body until he went to sleep. It was actually a beautiful experience just watching him go to sleep. Normally you watch babies go to sleep, so to watch our 18 month old do it, was a rare and treasured experience. So after he was asleep I quietly left his room.

Next morning, Jenna comes into our room (like every morning) and says "It's light, time to get up!" and I reply "Go back to your room and read your books." Normally she just goes back to her room, but this time detoured to Jordan's, opened his door and I'm not sure if he was awake or if she woke him up. I'm going with the later.

Jordan missed his daytime sleep at home (we were at Grandma's) so the next time to try him in a bed was at night again. This time Jonny had more success, with only a little bit of crying and he went off to sleep. However, later that night he decided to wake up at 3.30am in the morning and was AWAKE!!! I awoke to him crying loudly (I think he fell out of bed, but can't be sure), and I tried to put him back to sleep. Sadly I didn't have much patience that time in the morning and ended up screaming "JONNY!!!!", Jonny came in and looked after him for me. Jenna at this time woke up and said "Is he afraid of the dogs?" to which I said "No, I think he fell out of bed, but he is ok now." Jenna was happy with this and went back to sleep.

As Jordan was awake, he spent over an hour lying next to Jonny, poking him saying "Daddy?". I could here him from our bedroom. Jonny had a poor nights sleep as Jordan isn't the most comfortable person to sleep next to. Jordan eventually went back to sleep and Jonny came back to our room when it was light. The monkey was then up at 6am and I took over.

Over the last few nights, we haven't had too much trouble putting him to sleep, but he is waking up in the night and being awake. I'm not sure how long this will last, because we can't keep staying with him. Hopefully this is all just part of the adjustment stage and he will be used to it very shortly. Fingers crossed!!!

Life Photos No.39

2011-09-28T13:43:00.000+10:00

Never give up, never, never give up.

(Winston Churchill)

Jordan's 1st official day in Nursery

2011-09-25T20:37:00.004+10:00

Our boy isn't a baby anymore - he is a little boy!

Today he officially can stay in Nursery without us! He did go last week by himself as Jonny had to teach and I was home sick, but during the week he turned 18 months, thus qualifying him for Nursery at Church.

It wasn't a sad day, but one I had been looking forward too for the last couple of months (we know Jordan has been itching to go and play with the other kids). He was fine to drop off and happily went straight for the puzzles. Jenna is our little crier and still doesn't want to let us go. But I was told Jordan was really good and they had no problems with him :) Jordan even coloured in a picture from their lesson:

We are so proud of our little boy. It is hard to believe he is old enough to go to Nursery. Having Jenna there probably helps a bit, but it is exciting to have reached another milestone in his short little life!!!!

"Can we go for a swim?"

2011-09-24T10:49:00.003+10:00

This week we started swimming again. But before we could go swimming, we had to buy Jenna some new togs :) I had been looking for ages trying to find some pretty togs, but wasn't happy with the range in just about every store. Then I found Pumpkin Patch had 30% off swim wear and ta da - we have new togs for Jenna which she picked out herself!

The pool is currently too cold for my liking (and even a little bit for Jonny), but that doesn't seem to worry Jenna at all. Jordan was happy to play around the edge of the pool and scoop water out with a bucket. He also enjoys throwing rocks in the pool, which has resulted in time out and me fishing the rocks out of the pool and putting his hands and feet in for 2 sec; but don't try to put him in, he squirms and lifts his feet up to his body!

Jenna loves her space ship floaty from Uncle Craig at Christmas last year. She just swims around in it, so happy. She even fell out of it, managed to turn herself around in the water and forced me to go in up to my waist to grab her out. Jenna wasn't scared, but got right back into her floatation device and was happy swimming again.

Jenna is certainly a water baby. I have a feeling we probably will be going in the pool every hot day this summer (or maybe everyday!). She pleads with us "have a swim, have a swim!", well to Jonny anyway :) Jordan will come around and also be a water baby I'm sure by the end of summer too. We are only into day 3 of swimming in the pool and it is only going to get hotter! (plus I think the pool is a little bit icy at the moment!).

Life Photos No. 38

2011-09-22T13:09:00.000+10:00

A sister is one who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

(Unknown)

Jenna's 3rd Birthday - Part 2

2011-09-21T15:12:00.000+10:00

The morning of Jenna's family birthday party, Jonny and I spent the time decorating and organising the food. Jenna, happy to be in her element, watched Tangled twice. I personally was quite excited for the day because I had found heaps of cool ideas on the internet for decorations and food and had spent the week getting them ready. I especially loved the Rapunzel standee from disneyfamily.com . I had her printed on A3 cardstock at OfficeWorks and Jonny put her together. She looked awesome!

We decorated outside with floating lanterns, a star banner (can't see that), balloons, a "Wanted Flynn" poster, the Rapunzel standee and Rapunzels' hair as you walked outside.

Jordan in the mean time was quite happy playing with the cash register. Anyone would have thought it was his birthday! He and Jenna loved playing with the balloons on the morning as I blew them up!

After decorating we were onto the food. Mum came around early and helped out with bits. We didn't go overboard this year as it was only a small party. We had plenty of food and sadly not many leftovers. But I would rather have the food eaten then not :) We did ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches, egg and lettuce sandwiches, a fingerfood plate (eg. cheese, olives, dip, carrot sticks, pickled onions), chips, lollies, soft drink, juice and water and sausage rolls. This list was mainly a mental note for me in the future!

Not long after the party started, we played some games. Grandma had prepared a pass-the-parcel which the kids sort of understood. Jordan had the hang of it receiving the package and then passing it on, but Jenna seemed to get the idea if she hung onto it long enough the music (disney music) might stop on her. In the end she won the prize of a Humpty Dumpty puzzle piece set.

The next and final game was "Pin the nose on Flynn". This was fun. Jonny held a tea towel over all the kids eyes, spun them round and then led them to the poster. The adults did a honesty one where we just closed our eyes. I didn't think too hard about the blind fold bit of the game - oops!

My go was sabotaged a bit by my Dad and Jonny. Facing me the wrong way and then moving the poster higher. Lucky I have a good sense of humour :)

So the final standing - Maggie won!!! Who would have thought an almost 2 year old would beat the adults! Congrats Maggie :)

Next was present opening time! Jenna had quite the audience as she opened her presents. She received a book and a Rapunzel quilt from Nan and Pa, 2 personalised Cars books from the Easthopes, a bag full of pressies from Tammy including sticker books, colouring books, Rapunzel socks and a pretty dress and from Grandma and Pop ...

... a bike! Sadly I didn't catch her happy expression on camera, but she was very pleased to have received her Princess bike!!!

Daddy of course pushed Jenna around the yard. Maggie and Jordan were following close behind. Jenna hasn't grasped the concept of peddling yet, but by Christmas I bet she has it down!

Jordan needed a go too and I think Maggie had one as well!!!

Dessert time!!! We got this idea of the internet too. Blue jelly with little boats on them. This is from the scene in Tangled where Rapunzel and Flynn are in a boat on the water watching the floating lanterns. Pretty cool idea huh?!

Happy Birthday our Precious Little Girl!!!

The cake was delicious. Jenna even tried to eat the icing off the back of Rapunzel!

Later on that night Jenna decided that she would adorn Rapunzel's hair. I think she almost got more joy out of playing with the hair we made then the presents. It still amazes me that sometimes some of the cheapest things like balloons can bring a child so much joy!

Jenna had a fantastic birthday party. She was very happy and enjoyed all her presents. We are very glad and grateful for all who came to came her day special!! Thank you :)

But, just when you thought her birthday was over, she received one more birthday surprise in the mail on Monday. Uncle Ben had sent her a card and photos. The photo with Ben on it has him holding a sign that says "I love Jenna". So adorable. She loved the fireworks picture and keeps calling the card 'a present'. It opens up and pops out of the page. Pretty cool. Uncle Ben also wrote "from your favourite Uncle Ben" . . . hmmm, somehow I think he still may have it ;)

Jenna's 3rd Birthday - Part 1

2011-09-20T15:38:00.000+10:00

Our little girl is 3!!! In lead up to her most anticipated Birthday (she has been counting down birthdays since going to Disney on Ice) we made a "Birthday chain" to help her know how many days there were left. Sadly this didn't quite have the desired effect, but maybe it may work for future birthdays?

On the morning of her birthday, Jenna was up early as usual, though we managed to have a little sleep in til just before 7am. Then the opening of presents began!!! This would have to be the most exciting part of the day for her. She just LOVES to open presents!!!!

With each present Jenna opened she was happy and delighted to have received it. Just look at the expression on her face from finding out she got a new summer dress.

Admist opening presents Jenna received phone calls from family wishing her a "happy birthday". Jenna was happy to tell everyone she got presents and then listed off what she got. Though the conversations didn't last too long until she would pass the phone back to us and say "it's for you". She was more interested in playing with a cash register and looking at her presents to really be talking on the phone.

The best expression Jenna gave us was when she opened her Tangled dvd. She was soooo excited to have received it. It just makes it worth giving her presents. I wish we could give her every present possible, but then she probably wouldn't appreciate it that much.

Another phone call :)

Here is Miss Jenna with her birthday presents from Mummy and Daddy. We were very surprised that the cash register was one of the top presents of the day. It certainly was a favourite of Jordan's that is for sure!!

Jenna sat with Daddy the whole time while she opened the presents. She gave him a BIG hug to say thank you for the presents :)

Whilst talking to Aunty Tammy about her birthday, Tammy asked her what she was going to have for breakfast. Jenna replied "Birthday Cake", which Aunty Tammy thought she said 'pancakes'. Jonny realising what had happened in a phone call to Grandma afterwards, thought he better make her pancakes for breakfast. Whilst watching Daddy make the pancakes Jenna pipes up "I want a Mickey Mouse one". So Jonny made some special Mickey Mouse pancakes just for Jenna (I think Jordan may have got a few too!).

The rest of the days events weren't too eventful, but she did manage to watch Tanlged and some other movies which made her very happy. We didn't want to overshadow her birthday party the next day as that is also something she has really been looking forward too!

When Jenna and Jordan had gone to bed, it was cake time!!! I made 4 cakes in order for Jonny to make the Rapunzel cake Jenna had asked for. Jonny had big hopes and ideas for this cake and things started out well . . .

. . . until he got to icing the cake. The poor cake just crumbled!!! The cake couldn't handle the tower (with Rapunzel on it) and fell over. Jonny was devastated!!!! All that cake just gone to waste. We saved half of the cake and so it only ended up being half as big, but not how we imagined it. By this time it was almost midnight and I think we both were really tired.

Whilst the cake may not have been how we wanted it, Jenna was still very excited the next morning to see a Rapunzel cake in the fridge. I thought having 'Sleeping Beauty' act as Rapunzel may be hard for Jenna to understand, but she was happy for her to pretend to be Rapunzel. Jonny extended her hair with icing to make it long and to write the words "Happy Birthday Jenna" in Rapunzel's hair. Pretty clever, hey!?

Birthday Party will be included in Part 2!

Life Photos No. 37

2011-09-17T21:37:00.000+10:00

Anyone who thinks the art of conversation is dead ought to tell a child to go to bed.

(Robert Gallagher)

Why can't they be clay?

2011-09-14T12:42:00.002+10:00

Growing up and looking at families around me, I made mental notes of how I wanted my kids to act and to be like. They would be good kids who would listen to what I say and then do it, wouldn't run wild, throw tantrums or make a scene out in public. They would be well behaved kids who loved life and be happy and clean all the time. Well lets just say motherhood and parenthood is not quite how I pictured it to be.

I've been reading a book called "I didn't plan to be a witch!" by Linda J. Eyre. It's an enjoyable read and there is a paragraph I don't want to forget. She says:

Children are not like clay - which we can mold into whatever we want if we try hard enough. They are seedlings. The seed of what they are has already been planted from the moment they began their existence. Some may be orange trees and others might be lemons. It is our job to observe, water, expose to the sun, weed and nurture to make the most beautiful plant possible from the seedlings we are given.

Oh why can't they be clay??? I know the answer to that, but how I wish it were so! Jenna and Jordan are so different from one another, but so alike in other ways. Techniques that work with Jenna, don't with Jordan and vice versa. Why does Jordan have to whine and cry at me every morning? Why can't Jenna come to me in the shops the FIRST time we ask, instead of waiting until we count to 3? Why can't they both sit still in a Church lesson like Maggie? I know we have 2 unique individuals who are just learning, exploring, testing boundaries and enjoying life. This road is certainly a learning and patient building one for me too!!!

In the end, the good times outweigh the bad. When they play, giggle, laugh, say or do something adorable it just makes it all worth it. It's hard, but worth it. I'm so glad I am a stay at home mum. However, you may have got a different answer if you asked me this morning.

Jordan our resident climber was found sitting on top of the desk on the keyboard. He rotated the screen 90 degrees. HOW??? I eventually worked it out, but I was upset. Probably more upset then I should have been, because just prior to this Jenna through a tantrum, which resulted in her crying because I said she couldn't do her paintings now (because of the tantrum). Let's just say it wasn't the best morning, but it wasn't the worst.

Overall they make us so happy :) The tough times are small, but the good times are 90% of the time. Our 2 little munchkins are so adorable and the cutest little kids ever (in our eyes!). They are so loving and just want to be with you. Who wouldn't want to spend all day long with them? We are so glad that they are ours and look forward to our next little addition in 8.5 weeks time! Exciting!!!!!

Stacks

2011-09-11T20:15:00.002+10:00

Some people have book stacks, we have DVD stacks!

Yep, this is by Jenna!!! She does love her books, but I think DVD's win out slightly!

Fend for yourself at our house!

2011-09-10T10:14:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I made chocolate brownies. The sensible thing would have been to put the left overs away in the fridge, but sadly I didn't. This morning while Jonny and I were upstairs, Jordan and Jenna were downstairs watching their usual Saturday morning programs of Deigo and Dora. We heard some noise (mainly a chair being slid across the tiles) and I just hoped Jordan wasn't going to try to take down our missionary wall again. Nope, he had other things in mind . . . CHOCOLATE BROWNIE!!!!

They hadn't had breakfast yet, so I guess Jordan and then Jenna decided to get their own. So cheeky!!! Jordan even tried to use the knife to cut the brownie, but in the end resulted to tearing pieces off with his hands.

There was barely any cream left in the container still on the bench, but somehow he managed to get some on his nose. He was quite pleased with himself that is for sure.

To prove our kids are scavangers, yesterday a similar thing happened. Jordan pushed a chair into the kitchen and I found half the contents from my bag on the ground. When I came to see what he had done, he had got a museli bar out of my bag and so had Jenna. Somehow (must have been with his teeth) he had opened the bar and started to eat it. Jenna asked me to open hers for her. I guess if our kids are hungry and we aren't around, we shouldn't worry about them going hungry - they will fend for themselves!

I'm ALMOST a Dentist!!!!

2011-09-09T19:20:00.000+10:00

Almost 6 years ago, Jonny embarked on a study mission to become a dentist. After returning home from being a missionary for 2 years in Seoul Korea in the May, he joined a lot of young people and enrolled into university. With the ultimate goal in mind of becoming a dentist, Jonny started a year of science to try to get into the course. With a high GPA of 6.5, Jonny was offered a placement the following year at UQ.

Fast forward 5 years and the end of the road is within reach. With less than 10 weeks to go, Jonny is finally going to graduate and become a dentist (and a father of 3). Whilst 6 years seems like a long time, a lot has happened in the last 10 days.

Last Monday, Jonny applied for 3 jobs. The next day he received 2 job interviews. Saturday he had his first one and was very impressed. Sunday he received a phone call (on Father's Day) telling him he got the job. With still another interview looming, he was given a week to get back to the practice with an answer. Wednesday came and he had his second interview. After comparing the two, Jonny decided the first job was a better fit for him. Thursday he received a phone call from the second interview telling him he got that job too!!! He politely declined the offer and called the first job back. They were very happy to have him accept their offer and join their practice.

Jonny had commented the other day that during different times in his life he hasn't found it too hard to get a job. Must be that perfect smile he has (I'm sure my parents are jealous that it is natural and didn't cost thousands of dollars + surgery like mine!!!). But we know we are truely blessed :) Heavenly Father has certainly looked after us and provided these opportunities for Jonny. Had he not served a mission in Korea, he wouldn't have been able to do Korean at university (which were easy 7's) to help boost his GPA and get into dentistry. That's not to say he wouldn't have still got in, but we believe it was a BIG help. We pay our tithing and can testify that Heavenly Father has opened the "windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Malachi 3:10). We know that by living good lives and doing our best to keep the commandments and covenants we have made, that we are so blessed. We are so grateful that after 6 years of hard work that it is finally coming to an end and that Jonny has a job all lined up :) Also we must acknowledge our parents and family for ALL the support in different ways they have given us over the last 6 years. We definitely couldn't do it without them!!!!

Teddy Bear Picnic

2011-09-07T12:36:00.001+10:00

This morning we ventured out and went to a "Teddy Bear Picnic". It was a free event put on by the council and was pretty packed. There were free rides, craft activities, a fire truck, a free teddy bear show and information booths for the Mums. The sun was out and it was hot!

After we walked around and saw what there was, Jenna and Jordan had a little picnic with their puppy and teddy. Sadly they were too interested in their food for me to capture a happy snap.

After eating some yummy food I had prepared, we went off to go on the rides. Poor little munchkins found it hard to wait in long lines to have their turns. However, once we arrived at the front of the line for the jumping castle, it didn't take long for Jordan to realise he had made a mistake going on. He was terrified. Jenna wasn't so interested either (which was a surprise) and really wanted to go on the horse on the merry-go-round. So after another long wait Jenna went on the merry-go-round and had a great time!

Poor Jordan was quite cranky during our waiting periods, though food did seem to make him happy. The little cranky face below is one I saw for a lot of the time. Plus I don't think he understood why he couldn't just wonder where ever he wanted. He didn't like me constantly holding him back!

The final activity I could 'bear' (haha) was a little painting one. Jenna and Jordan painted little koalas. Jordan decided to try eating the paint and after I told him 'yucky', he still went back for more. They did get a little dirty, but being pregnant I just didn't fight it.

Overall we had a good little outing, but I am totalled!! Somethings I have learned:

1. Don't go out without your pram/stroller! Lugging everything around is very heavy.
2. Maybe go with a friend or family to help keep an eye on little ones.
3. Realise that this outing will attract crowds and therefore there will be long lines (sorry Jenna we didn't do face painting).
4. Don't go when you are 30 weeks pregnant.
5. Pray it will be an overcast day and not a bright sunny one.

Now to put my feet up and rest!

P.S. At least we came away with show bags (for me) and balloons for the kids!

Father's Day

2011-09-06T20:02:00.002+10:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Can't you tell these two are related?

Sunday was Father's Day. What a wonderful tradition we have in our society to celebrate and show appreciation to the "Dad's" in our lives. We managed to celebrate Father's Day 3 ways and making it special for each 'Dad'.

On Sunday morning I woke up early with the kids and we went down stairs to make a yummy pancake breakfast for Jonny. If it was meant to be a surprise, it wasn't as Jenna ran into a sleeping Jonny to get him out of bed and told him there were pancakes. But apparently he guessed it as he could smell it cooking.

Poor Jordan just wanted to eat! After breakfast we opened presents. As soon as Jonny had opened one, Jenna was there ready with the next one for him to open. Jonny got tickets to see Bear Gyrlls, a Lynx pack, chocolates and a suit, which wasn't right, so we swaped it for some more orthopedic inner soles. Jonny was very happy. Jenna just loves her Daddy (Jordan does too as he goes around saying all the time Dad-dy, Dad-dy).

In Nursery, each of the kids were given a cup of lollies to give to their Dad's from them. Jenna said they were for her and it took a looong time to get her to understand that it was for Daddy. A few days later and she still thinks they are hers!

For lunch, my Dad came over and we put on a Ploughman's lunch. It was really nice. I'm glad we did something light and cold, and not a big hot lunch. My parents spent they afternoon with us and it was very nice to hang out and spend time together. As it is Dad's birthday the next day, I decided to do a combined Father's Day/Birthday present of a Daddy-Daughter date for Saturday. Should be lots of fun!!!!!

The final festivity of the night was a Father's Day dinner at Jonny's Dad's house. Each of us contributed a course and we got entree. We made cauliflower and bacon soup, and I think it may have been one of the best, if not the best one we have made. Tasted really smooth and creamy :) It was nice to sit around the table together and chat. It's funny now, because we all can quite easily fit around the dinner table. It will be interesting to see in 10 years time how we all eat dinner together. I wonder how many grandchildren there will be too!?

During dessert we also celebrated mum's birthday too, as we went there on the day.

Overall, we had a wonderful day spending it with our "Dad's". Of course we can't forget our Heavenly Father who does sooooo much for us. We are blessed to not only live close enough to travel to visit our Dad's, but that we got to see all of them in one day.

Dad's are just great! Providers, helpers, teachers, playmates and most of all they are just there giving you love, no matter what!!!!

SEWING PROJECT FINISHED!!!!

2011-09-05T23:39:00.000+10:00

At 11.35pm on Monday 5th September 2011 I FINISHED my sewing project :)

I started this project back in September 2009 and thought I would have it finished by March 2010 at the latest (before Jordan was born). Sadly this was not the case.

It feels a bit surreal that I have finished something I imagined 2 years ago. It is almost exactly as I pictured it to be.

For pictures and more info on this project stay tuned to find out in the coming months!!! (One is a present for my sister).

Life Photos No. 36

2011-09-05T19:09:00.001+10:00

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

(Charles M. Schulz)

Side Note: This was the yummy chocolate mousse/chocolate cup dessert Jonny made last week, that caused Jenna to have chocolate all over her mouth!

What do you do???

2011-08-31T21:11:00.000+10:00

Well the first thing I did was scream. We have been ever so careful not to let the children use pens or leave pens around the house, but sadly last night one slipped away from us. Jordan DREW all over our couch!!!!!! Part of me was mad, because I remember Jenna doing this on our other couch. Then thoughts go through my head like "why didn't we buy a black couch?" I know the answer to this is because white looked better, but I guess you have to live with the good and the bad when you have kids.

Jordan was not at all remorseful, infact seemed quite pleased with himself. How can you stay upset at a cute little face beaming at you? Also Jenna took it upon herself to help comfort me by pating my back and saying, "It's ok Mummy, he didn't mean it." Awww, how sweet - but still maddening, because our track record was so good. After using ink remover for leather couches (I invested in it after Jenna's art work) and a magic eraser, we still have ink left on the couch. It's not as dark now, but with more cleaning and time it will go away (hopefully!!!). The upside is he didn't get to the couch with scissors, like his Daddy did when he was little!

Baby Munro No.3 Update

2011-08-30T10:28:00.000+10:00

Here is the latest image of our little munchkin. The arrow is pointing at the chin, so you are looking down at the face. Can you tell if it is a boy or a girl?? I don't want to make a guess incase I am wrong. But everytime I go for a scan it just seems a little bit more real that there is another baby on the way.

In terms of the pregnancy, I am now 29 weeks and feeling very uncomfortable. I get kicked a lot and I feel sore. It's like I can feel my insides stretching. I don't remember being uncomfortable at this stage with Jenna or Jordan, but maybe with each pregnancy it just gets harder? In all fairness, my pregnancy's would seem very easy to other women who are sick all the time, get kankles and have to be on constant bed rest. I'm now also at the stage where it is difficult to bend over, I can't see my feet if I look down and my sciatic nerve is playing up again on the left side. The joys and sacrifice a women makes to have a baby. I guess the end result is all worth it . . . "It's a ______!!!" Hopefully the remaining 11 weeks won't be too bad!

Memories to Remember

2011-08-29T15:40:00.000+10:00

* Last night Jonny made chocolate mousse cups. Basically he made a chocolate cup out of dark chocolate and filled it with chocolate mousse. He made a special little one for Jenna, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Look at that mouth covered in chocolate!!

* Jenna loves to paint. She can spend a very long time painting her pictures. We only print 3 pictures off the computer at a time now (used to be around 5). Poor Jordan wants to join in too, but sadly all he wants to do is play with the brush and the water. He can paint when he is a little bit older!

* Jordan is our resident climber. We have a new desk upstairs in our computer room and Jordan has taken it upon himself to climb on top of it. I found him like this the other day, pulling out all the tissues and pretending to blow his nose. He was very cute, but not at all what we want him doing.

* Driving in the car the other day, Jordan was kissing his ankle and giving some really cute poses, which I sadly missed capturing on film. But he did happen to blow us kisses :)

* We went down to the beach front last week, as I was having a bit of a meltdown. I wanted my mum to come and rescue me, as the kids had put me into a bit of a bad mood. Realistically mum of course couldn't just leave work (even though I tried to get her to), but she suggested I get them out of the house and down to the beach front. Well it did the trick!!! After a play in the play ground I took them down to the water.

There is a cement wall between the foot path and the beach. I tried to put Jordan up on top of the wall so he could walk along it (see Jenna below), but he freaked out. Even on the beach side of the wall, he would only walk as long as he was holding it. Eventually he held my hand as we walked on the beach, but it was really odd. I'm not sure if he was scared of the water or the sand???

* Last week Jenna had a freak out. In the early hours of the morning from 1-3am she was screaming and complaining about dogs being in her bedroom. She would give us cuddles and then we would take her back to her room. If you know me well, you know I get very grumpy if I don't get my sleep and there was only so much of Jenna coming in and waking me up that I could handle. Lucky Jonny was there as he became her rescuer at one stage (from me that is). In the end I left her big bedroom light on and that is how she slept the rest of the night.

The next day I bought her a special night light. This night light keeps away the dogs. Since she has had this night light we haven't had a problem. She uses it every night and also tells us that the 'Octonauts' (a TV show) will save her too. I am very glad this has been sorted for now anyway. I guess little kids must have pretty vivid imaginations.

* Jordan can't wait for his own bed. He loves to play and lay down on Jenna's bed. These two munchkins were playing together, playing peek-a-boo and having a good ol' time. I'm glad they are good friends. Hopefully this will last :)

Life Photos No. 35

2011-08-28T17:05:00.002+10:00

Behold your little ones and see within them the wonders of God ...

(Gordon B. Hinckley)

Motivation

2011-08-22T22:38:00.002+10:00

For almost the last 2 years I have been working on a sewing project. I just find it hard to 'endure' and go the final few paces. Anyone looking at it would think "you're so close, just sit down and finish it!" I probably have the easiest bits of sewing left to do, but I find BIG projects hard to finish. Enduring to the end, that is hard for me :(

So throughout the last 2 years I have set myself different goals in trying to finish it, but sadly each one failed and I am yet to complete it. I'm not going to mention what it is just yet as I want to do a special post dedicated to it - I owe it that much! But this time I am determined to finish it!!!!

I think I have trouble completing it because I am still a novice at sewing. It doesn't come naturally to me and I have done this project ALL by myself (with a few idea helps from Jonny). I asked my Mum the other day would she come down and help me finish it, but sadly she is too busy at the moment. Jonny won't help me either because he knows how good it will make me feel when I have done it myself. So with only 12 weeks to go until baby no. 3 I need to get a wiggle on, otherwise it won't be finished for another 2-3 years!!!!!

So last night Jonny gave me some excellent motivation - I can't buy Jordan a new bedroom suite until I finish this sewing project. My sewing stuff is everywhere in the spare bedroom, which is soon going to be the baby room. We need to reorganise the spare room and move the baby furniture into it, but with all my sewing stuff everywhere, it makes it hard. Plus I want to get Jordan used to a bed before the baby arrives, so I only have to concentrate my efforts on looking after the baby instead of trying to train Jordan into using a bed at the same time.

A talk yesterday at Church also motiviated me in doing it. While the talk was focusing on unity and work, I really thought about my own work ethic. It is terrible, I have to admit. If I just sat down every night this week and put a few hours of effort into this project, I am sure I could have it finished by Friday (and if not, by the following Friday at the latest). So there it is - my motivation for completing my project. I know it will feel soooo good and I will be over the moon with joy when I have finished it. I may then be able to start back onto my scrapbooking and other photo projects :)

Life Photos No. 34

2011-08-22T11:31:00.002+10:00

Peace is seeing . . . a sunset and knowing whom to thank.

(Unknown)

Just Being a Boy

2011-08-18T13:12:00.002+10:00

Over the last week Jordan has had some 'moments.' He is growing up so quickly and is becoming quite the little boy. Sometimes he does something or tries to say something and it reminds me of Jenna (must have been when she was at this age). Jordan is almost 17 months and I'm glad the camera was around to catch some classic moments.

Jordan trying out Tic Tac's home while my parents are up north visiting my brother

The clump of hair in Jordan's hands is Jenna's. He loves to pull her hair and got a good clump this time

Yesterday we Jonny made pancakes while I had a sleep in. Jordan put his hand in his hair, while thoroughly enjoying his breakfast!

This was how Jordan slept last night when we checked on him. Totally relaxed and happy with his hands behind his head (made us laugh)

We are so lucky to have such a happy, healthy, baby boy!

Life Photos No. 33

2011-08-16T15:21:00.001+10:00

Children have neither past nor future; they enjoy the present, which very few of us do.

(Jean de la Bruyere)

1st Daddy-Daughter Date

2011-08-13T22:07:00.003+10:00

Today Jenna and Jonny went on their first "Daddy-Daughter Date". Jonny took Jenna to see 'Kung Fu Panda 2' and ate popcorn and drank a fizzy drink. They were excited to go together and Jenna told me that Jordan and myself were not allowed to go. She really likes one-on-one time. Daddy became the 'favourite' and would only have him do certain things for her.

Sadly after the movie Jenna wasn't quite herself and didn't end up talking at all on the trip home. When they got home, she was still being quiet, so I took her to bed and she went down straight away without any fuss. I guess she was tired?? It was nice for Jonny and Jenna to spend some time together. Hopefully this is the start of many more memorable "Daddy-Daughter Dates" to come!

FHE: Love at Home

2011-08-12T20:05:00.004+10:00

Recently Jenna has been saying things she really doesn't mean. Whenever she doesn't get her way and she gets upset she says things like "I don't love/like Daddy", even if Jonny isn't around. We don't like this behaviour of hers and we aren't so sure where she has got it from. So to try and combat this, we did a Family Home Evening lesson on building a happy home of love.

The main source for this lesson comes from this month's First Presidency Message by President Thomas S. Monson "Love at Home - Counsel from our Prophet." An idea at the end of the message got me thinking how to make it appropriate for Jenna (seems as she likes hands on lessons best). If we start with a house already drawn ....

House pic: here

... we can build a happy home using different points from the talk. As Jenna and Jordan are really little I did the main work of reading the talk and picking out the most appropriate points to help Jenna at the moment. So in order to build our house, we needed:

Walls: Hugs and Kisses / saying "I Love You"
Roof: say Kind Words / show Respect
Door: give Thanks
Window: Pray together
Heart: a house full of Love
Family: each family member inside the house

This activity worked well, but the 'words' on each of the strips were a level or two higher than Jenna. Pictures work better for her at this stage. This picture has gone onto our kitchen pantry door too and is a reminder to everyone in the family on how we want our house to be. Whether or not this lesson has had a direct effect on Jenna, it is something we are striving to achieve. One day this week as we dropped Jonny off to the train station, as he opened the door to give Jenna a kiss she said "I'm sorry for being mean Daddy". I didn't say anything to her. She said this out of the blue. It was really sweet. I was also surprised that she understood when and how to say sorry (normally she is prompted from us). So while some days we may forget she isn't even 3 yet and her behaviour is probably normal, we still want to help her learn how she should act and treat others. They are never too young to learn!

Life Photos No. 32

2011-08-10T13:50:00.005+10:00

In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary

(Aaron Rose)

Strawberry Picking

2011-08-09T12:55:00.003+10:00

On the weekend, Jenna and Jordan went up the coast and had a 2 night sleep over at Nan and Pa's house. The purpose of this sleep over was so Jonny and I could do our "Spring Clean". Sadly we only were able to almost complete upstairs only. I say almost because the spare bedroom became a dumping ground. We were astounded at the amount of junk we threw away, but upstairs feels soooo much more cleaner and organised :) We enjoyed sleep ins and a date to the Broncos v Warriors game in which we won 21-20. Whilst we were able to get a LOT done, our munchkins had some fun of their own strawberry picking!!!

Some of the tales from the day included:
- Jordan squishing the strawberries in his hand as he pulled them off
- Jenna accidently standing on the strawberries
-Jordan not being able to tell the difference between the red and green strawberries
- And of course eating LOTS of yummy strawberries (and bringing some home for us to share)

Below are some pictures taken from their FUN day :)

Of course a strawberry picking day wouldn't be complete without going back to Nan and Pa's house and eating strawberries and ice cream!

Thanks for the activity and sleep over Nan and Pa (and Tic Tac) :)

Jordan's Belly Button

2011-08-03T15:13:00.002+10:00

Back in April/May we were looking at Jordan's belly button and were noticing how much of an 'outy' he had. When Jordan lies down it looks normal, but when standing up it really sticks out so we decided to go to the doctor to get it checked out. Our lovely doctor didn't want to brush it off as nothing, so she sent him with a referral to have an umbilical ultra sound.

Jordan and I went to have him looked at one day in Jonny's holidays and it turns out he as a hernia of approx. 6mm. Our doctor said that in 93% of cases hernias go away by themselves, but that is at age 1. Basically there is nothing we can do for him at this stage. If the hernia is still present by the age of 2 (or if it causes him any discomfort before then), we will be referred to specialists to determine the next stage of action. It is most likely surgery to correct the problem, but we won't know until someone with expertise in this area can have a look at him. So til then, Jordan will continue on his merry little way and go around with a cute little 'outy' belly button :)

Life Photos No. 31

2011-08-02T21:27:00.006+10:00

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about.

(Angela Schwindt)

Baby Munro No. 3 Update

2011-08-01T13:02:00.004+10:00

We are currently 25 weeks along in the pregnancy. Baby seems to be on track and growing well, with only a slight concern with me. When I originally had a blood test my results came back stating that I had traces of 'antibodies'. The hospital not knowing what type of 'antibodies' were present sent me away for further blood tests. It was determined that the antibody present in my blood is Fya. After calling the RBWH to talk to a specialist it was determined that because I had low levels of the antibody, that there should be no risk to me or the baby. To keep an eye on the level of this antibody in my blood, I have to get regular blood tests.

After a blood test in June and July, at my antenatal appointment on Friday the results of the 2 blood tests showed an increase in the level of the antibody. While the levels are still really low the doctor still wanted to check with the RBWH specialist what steps we should take now. I don't really feel worried about what is happening, but I know they are being very cautious, which is reassuring. From week 28 I now need to have a scan and a blood test every month up until the baby is due. So apart from my blood issues, I am doing pretty well health wise, though I am getting a bit tired (probably due to chasing after 2 munchkins and possibly too much walking around toy sales and to parks!). I feel baby kick all the time, so I know I have another little active munchkin coming to our family. And with Jenna and Jordan being overly loving and helpful to Abby with Ana, I know Baby Munro No. 3 will certainly feel loved :)

Clowning Around

2011-07-29T22:56:00.003+10:00

Lately when Jordan goes into Jenna's room he finds the clown that Grandma made Jenna one Christmas and starts playing with it. He hugs it and seems to like the black ball on its head (ends up in his mouth). Its funny seeing him carry this clown around because it has to be as tall as him. I'm just glad that our 2 little monkeys don't mind sharing and playing with each others toys. Of course it isn't always smooth sailing in the playing department, but on a whole they do very well together.

I also thought it was very fitting that I take a picture of Jenna with her clown. I remember at one stage the clown had to come with us even in the car. Jenna certainly appreciates presents she is given :)

We put the clown on her bed to look after her monkey and puppy and I caught Jenna sitting there pointing to and naming the colours on the finger nails. Each finger nail is a different colour (eg. yellow, blue). I thought it was too cute!!!!!

We are so lucky to have 2 wonderful little children. Life doesn't seem so hard at times when we are all happy and playing well together. Of course my patience has been tested over and over again, but I seem to really only remember the good times :) I'm glad we don't dwell too much on the times we get fustrated because Jenna or Jordan weren't behaving. Little children are so special that I don't want them to grow up. Quite a few times over the last 2 weeks I have had to remind myself that Jenna isn't even 3 yet!!!! It feels like she is older because she speaks so well and has her own opinion on a lot of things. We're trying to soak up their little personalities now and find the joy in each day. One day they too will be adults and this time we have with them now will be gone :(

Cousins

2011-07-26T15:01:00.005+10:00

Today Jenna, Jordan, Maggie and Ana all got to hang out. It was lovely seeing the little cousins interact with one another. Jenna and Jordan were particularly loving towards Ana and Jordan got a little too smothering. When we pulled him off her (from a hug) he started to cry. Awe . . . I think Jenna and Jordan are going to love Baby Munro No.3 very much (well at least until the novelty wears off!).

I caught a few cute pics of Jenna and Maggie playing together . . .

We are so lucky to have cousins live close by and close in age :)