love, adoption, photography, kids, me, friends, family

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

We are back!

Hello Trelise!!!


Back from camping because we got rained out! Such a shame but we were over it. Dry in the tent but what do you do when it rains all day! Never mind.
Found a super cute little caravan that was there raising money for Breast Cancer. It had been kitted out by Trelise Cooper (Hello!! Trelise Cooper people!!!)so it was amazing. Perfect place for a photo shoot right?? Wrong. I got in there and couldn't get the right settings. Too much red fabric reflecting onto faces etc. I blew it.....
Check out how cute it is here: http://www.breastcancercure.org.nz/GETINVOLVED/CaravanRestoration/tabid/38831/Default.aspx

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Relaxing in the Shade


Its so warm here right now that the kids just love laying around in the shade!
Packing today for summer holiday - so can't wait!

Saturday, January 8, 2011

I love my garden


There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling. ~Mirabel Osler



I just love it. Love being able to go out and collect my ingredients for tea from it! I can't wait for those tomatoes to ripen! Hopefully I will have so many that I can make sauce and pickle with the soft ones!

Do you have a vege garden? I saw on the 'Biggest Loser' they went to the white house garden...now that would be fun!
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Friday, January 7, 2011

Its open again!

In 2006, Adoptions between New Zealand and Russia were suspended. Russia had concerns due to uncertainties with the process. Finally, yesterday they came to an agreement and now New Zealanders can start the process of inter country adoption with Russia. And although Russia is not part of the Hague Convention on inter country adoptions the arrangement they have decided on meets the Hague standards.



This is music to many couples ears!
My husbands cousin is adopted from Russia. It was a very long and tedious process but the result is so worth it. We were lucky enough to have been able to adopt easily enough within New Zealand. I am unsure if we would have gone done the Russian road if we had too.

So many wrong decisions in my past, I'm not quite sure
If I can ever hope to trust my judgment anymore.
But lately I've been thinking,
Cause it's all I've had to do.
And in my heart I feel that I
Should give this child to you.
And maybe, you could tell your baby,
When you love him so, that he's been loved before, By someone, who delivered your son,
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.


If you choose to tell him,
If he wants to know,
How the one who gave him life
Could bear to let him go.
Just tell him there were sleepless nights,
I prayed and paced the floors,
And knew the only peace I'd find,
Was if this child was yours.



And maybe, you could tell your baby,
When you love him so, that he's been loved before,
By someone, who delivered your son,
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.


This may not be the answer,
For another girl like me.
But I'm not on a soapbox,
Saying how we all should be.
I'm just trusting in my feelings,
And I'm trusting God above,
And I'm trusting you can give this baby
Both his mothers' love.


And maybe, you could tell your baby,
When you love him so, that he's been loved before,
By someone, who delivered your son,
From God's arms, to my arms, to yours.



Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Welcome 2011!!

So I welcomed 2011 in asleep in bed with Tonsillitis! I know. Who gets tonsillitis at my age. I do that's who as I never had them removed despite countless bouts of it when I was younger. I am on day 8 and can swallow today so that's a bonus!
I decided to do a post with a few pics from the year
Hope you enjoy......


One of my photos was selected for "Manawatu Wildlife Photographer of the Year" I didn't win - but it was on display at Te Manawa for months!

Amalie gave herself a haircut

Oliver lost his first tooth!

We lost our Scotty
Photographed my first wedding (I am now calling it my first as it was the first on my DSLR)
A wonderful trip to Rarotonga to see our good friends get married.
We lost our sweet little Milly
Beautiful "Recycled" Christmas Fairy in the Christmas Parade

Happy New Year to you all!!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Caitlin Jemma Holmes 31.01.04 - 23.12.10


In tears we saw you sinking,
And watched you pass away.
Our hearts were almost broken,
We wanted you to stay.
But when we saw you sleeping,
So peaceful, free from pain,
How could we wish you back with us,
To suffer that again. It broke our hearts to
lose you, But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God took you home.

Sweet little Cait - oh how your family will miss you. Now you are playing and running free. Rest in peace Princess

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Its Christmas time....



Today we battled the crowds and went to visit "Ho Ho" The kids loved it! I however was extremely sore and still recovery from my "grumpy bowels" as my Dr called it!!
We also finally got around to buying gifts for the KMart wishing Tree appeal. They loved choosing the gifts - so two children will be getting some exciting presents from our two children on Christmas morning. They can't quite get their head around not knowing who they are but they were excited to know that some one "needy" will be getting them

Sorry about the first pic not being turned!!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Tuesdays around the world



On Sunday we had the Christmas parade. Amalie was on her kindy float which won best Kindergarten float. The teachers had handmade all their little outfits from recycled stuff that was dropped off at the kindy. Too cute! And before you all yell "look out she s on the road!!" The road was closed and yes that is a car coming but going super slow! :)
It was so hot! I am pleased I smothered the kid in sunblock as we would have got so sunburnt otherwise.

Its so nice to see what others are doing in their part of the world at this festive time.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Tuesdays around the world



Today I am photographing this little cutie.
Oh he smells so good!


Sunday, December 5, 2010

Christmas photo time


So I had it all planned in my head - brick wall and then old steps. The photos would be fantastic and everyone would love how I managed to take the photo and be in it all at the same time. I had my outfit picked out - and the kids. Summery looking family photos in front of a brick wall.
So I wake up - look out side - good, not super sunny. We get dressed head off, get out of the car and....during the 5 min drive to the brick wall it dropped 10 degrees!
I was freezing, kids weren't smiling photos weren't working. Ok change the spot - nope still cold and no smiles. So this is what we came up with! Not all all what I had hoped for but at least we are all looking in the right direction!