Update on Family Overseas....

We have heard from I believe everyone since the aftermath of the Christchurch quake, it took a few days to hear from everyone, but we have. I'm thankful for that as the death toll continues to rise. The last I checked it was 147 deaths with still more than 200 missing. And I read that 25% of the city will need to be rebuilt, which could even be more, once things have settled. I think the city officials and government have been trying to move as quickly as they can, which helps when you are in recovery. There are lessons to be learned after any disasters, but I'm proud of how quickly things have moved into action there, but it shouldn't surprise me because Kiwi's are a resilient bunch of people and that is just their nature.
I'm feel so blessed that all my family is safe, we are thousands of miles apart, but they are my whanau to the core and are a part of me. Christchurch is still my home and I wish there was so much more I could do. I made a small donation and thought I would post the official donation link here as well.

Kia Kaha Christchurch....forever strong!

Aotearoa

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"There's a real purity in New Zealand that doesn't exist in the states. It's actually not an easy thing to find in our world anymore." - Elijah Wood

My Heart is Aching....

Yesterday late afternoon, I heard that Christchurch was impacted by a 6.4 earthquake, which would be lunch time over there. In September, that area was hit with a 7.1 earthquake, damage was sustained to homes, buildings and such, but there were no deaths, most likely because of the time the earthquake hit. There have been confirmed deaths with this most recent one and more are missing.

I was worried for my family that is there and was able to reach my cousin via Skype. He showed me his yard and the water that was seeping up to the ground flooding his garden. He was safe, my auntie and other cousins were safe. I have yet to hear from a few others, but I'm hoping and praying they are safe.

As I see pictures and am updated via Twitter and Facebook, my heart sinks to see the destruction of this vibrant, beautiful city. Christchurch is an extremely beautiful city, known for its gardens and it really has one of the most attractive downtown areas and my heart breaks. I had to pull myself away from the updates, I couldn't read any more about the deaths and I couldn't look at anymore pictures of this once beautiful, vibrant city center that is reduced to ruble.

I pray for those who are missing, I pray for the ones who have lost their life and I pray for my family. I desperately want to hug them all, tell them I love them and keep them safe, but being thousand of miles apart it is hard to do, but I'm so thankful for these social network sites. It is my only means of connecting with my loved ones who are so far out of reach. My heart is heavy and I feel at loss for the people of Christchurch. They expect the death count to continue to rise and in the coming days, I hope to get word from the other family members that we have yet to hear from.

The Christchurch Church Cathedral - my trip 2007

The Church after the earthquake - Feb. 2011

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/photos/4688271/Christchurch-aftershock-Feb-22

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God as our Father,
brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me,
let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,
To take each moment and live each moment
in peace, eternally.
Let there be Peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me."
Jill Jackson & Sy Miller

What a birthday....

It was my birthday and we kept it low-key. I got breakfast in bed and lots of love from my little ones. The kids told me they were giving me something I couldn't return and then they shouted with excitment....LOVE! I told them, could I get it with lots of sprinkles. Then my little man said that there is nothing better for birthdays then a tickle fight and cuddles, which I have to agree. Later that night, my parents came by and watched the kids while we went out to dinner with some friends, it was a good time. We then came back to the house and the hubby made me pavalova for my birthday dessert, which it was quite delish. I felt so spoiled. It was a great birthday and I feel so lucky. It has taken some time, but I'm at the point in my life where I am comfortable with myself, which I suppose comes with getting older.

Today, we are heading to my sweet pea's group recital - she is looking forward to it and it is amazing how much she is learning. I'm excited to hear her play. She is getting so good at the violin, I'm so proud of my little sweet pea!

"The key to successful aging is to pay as little attention to it as possible." ~Judith Regan

Moving On

Keeping moving on Winter, the beautiful warmth and sunshine that Spring brings is near, especially today. Snow is melting fast and I'm starting to see patches of grass, the top of our snowman fell, and you can step outside without tensing your body because of the bone chilling temperatures.
The plans for the March parties are also moving along nicely. I'm still in the midst of the two birthday party planning, I've got the dates, but still working out activities and if I want to have the parties here or elsewhere. The kids do not want together parties and they continue to keep changing their themes, so I need to narrow it down. I think I've got most of the details worked out for the hubby's surprise going away party (he doesn't read my blog unless I actually show him a post and he thinks we are having a huge birthday party for both the kids because he will be gone) so I know I'm safe posting that.
And I'm trying to also move on regarding all the drama that took place several months ago. We still have not really talked and most likely won't, but it doesn't bother me anymore. When I was working out who to invite for the upcoming party, the thought of exclusion did occur and I had planned on doing so.Yet, the more I thought about it, it didn't feel right, this is not a party for me, it is for my husband. The party is not about me, so my personal feelings should be put aside and they will be. Will they come to either my hubby's or the kids parties, perhaps. Does this mean things will move on to some normalcy, probably not, but I think there will be enough people there that I don't need to worry about it. As most of the time, I will put a smile on my face, speak very little, and have fun with those I do get along with.

"Letting go doesn't mean giving up... it means moving on. It is one of the hardest things a person can do. Starting at birth, we grasp on to anything we can get our hands on, and hold on as if we will cease to exist when we let go. We feel that letting go is giving up, quitting, and that as we all know is cowardly. But as we grow older we are forced to change our way of thinking. We are forced to realize that letting go means accepting things that cannot be. It means maturing and moving on, no matter how hard you have to fight yourself to do so." - Unknown

Indulgence.....only for a short while....

The other night the kids were knit picking each other constantly and bickering with one another. Now of course, this happens in a household with siblings, however, I was at my wit's end between the tattling and Mommy "he did," "she said" conversation that by the time the hubby came home I was maxed to my limit.
So, I locked myself in the bathroom and ran a piping hot bubble bath, lit some candles and simply relaxed. I could hear the kids outside the door, "Mommy, let me in...unlock the door." I cranked up my itunes and enjoyed the brief soak in the tub. Now, this is a simple pleasure and I hate to admit it, but it has probably been since we moved in 2007 since I have taken a "relaxing" hot bubble bath. I use to have them all the time whenever I was stressed, but it seemed I stopped after the kids. And by the time the day was done and kids in bed, I was tired, and there was no time for baths.
I really forgot how nice it was to slip into a nice bubble bath and just soak and it was a grand feeling, however, brief the moment.
I now understand the "Calgon take me away" slogan....so it got me thinking what are some other simple indulgences that I am missing?

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” Etty Hillesum

A lot to get ready for....

February is now upon us just like the large winter storm we had, which we are all shoveling out of today. I'm glad that the schools closed, because I wouldn't have sent mine anyway. I have a lot that is taking place in the next month, that I'm still trying to even come to terms that it will soon be here.
I've got three parties to plan and get everything ready for the hubby's departure to New Zealand, which is definitely going to be difficult. We've talked about it with the kids, so they do know that it is approaching - I'm just not sure how they will actually handle it when the day finally arrives. They don't like it when we talk about it, but I keep telling them that it will an adventure for daddy and that he will be home soon. The kids and I made him a book of pictures and drawings from the kids so he can take with him and we will communicate via Skype, so I imagine it won't be too bad.
The kids are doing well at school, the school principal stopped me one morning and mentioned that my sweet pea read to her the other day and she was so impressed with her reading skills. I'm so proud of her - we have been working at home and I recently purchased some basic reading books (the school calls them browsing books). The books are typically 5-6 pages with one sentence each and then includes "like" words to help them and I have to say since we picked some of those up the kids are indeed getting better.
My goal for my little man is to have him reading on his own by this summer, he is reading with help, so I think he will be able to reach it.
Well, I've reached my ending for now...I was trying to think of something else clever, but I keep getting interrupted, so that is my que for now.


"February, when the days of winter seem endless and no amount of wistful recollecting can bring back any air of summer." - Shirley Jackson

My Driven Man.....

My hubby is a hard worker, he is definitely driven. He learned this week that he was selected to be the President of Environmental Professionals of Iowa (EPI). I am so proud of him! I'm not entirely sure what his duties as President entails, but I know that EPI has a conference every year and there are several meetings, so I'm sure he will be busy.
I know my hubby is smart and talented, so it is nice to see that others recognize that in him too and I think there are many doors that will begin to open for him, if he chooses to open those doors.
So, here is to my wonderful husband! I love you so incredibly much and I am so proud of you! You are an amazing man and I'm glad that I can share this journey with you!

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own.And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.” - Dr. Seuss