House of Harvey

Tom's first concert

2011-12-09T13:44:00.000+13:00

We had a great time going with friends to Katy Perry tribute concert last weekend...and we knew all the words!

Tom and Mum

2011-12-09T13:39:00.000+13:00

Here is Tom and mum dressed up ready to go out.

Tom really wanted his fringe gelled up, cute!

Tom's 7th Birthday

2011-10-21T21:56:00.000+13:00

Tom had a wonderful day celebrating his 7th birthday - the day was very warm and sunny. The countdown started almost 2 weeks prior to his actual birthday, and when morning came he managed a snuggle in bed with us before heading into the lounge to get some pressies. Of course he went for the biggest one first, but didn't even spot the bike in the corner as we had told him it was very expensive and we might not be able to get it until xmas. So once he spotted it with loads of clues dropped by us, he was a very happy boy!
Here are some pics of him enjoying his birthday along with friends that came over to help him celebrate.

Our family holiday to Fiji

2011-10-14T12:28:00.001+13:00

Our trip to Fiji 2011

In September our family went on holiday to Fiji for 2 weeks. We went with our friends and had a wonderful relaxing holiday staying at the Outrigger and Radisson, Denarau.We did lots of swimming, eating and the Dad's loved playing heaps of golf. Pippa and my dad, Steve both had their birthdays while we were in Fiji - we celebrated with loads of cake.We are all saving hard and looking forward to our return holiday in 2012 or 2013.From Tom

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Tom at rugby U7 Tukapa

2011-06-10T21:58:00.000+12:00

This is how we spend our Saturday morning in winter...

Tom playing in U7 Tukapa team this year

Don't forget the all important oranges at half-time, you'd think these kids hadn't been fed for a week!

What can you tell us about kiwis?

2011-03-25T21:45:00.000+13:00

Thomas is working on collecting information about our native bird, the kiwi. Without relying solely on google and the internet, can you share with us one or two interesting facts that you know about the kiwi?

We look forward to reading your responses.

WOMAD 2011

2011-03-20T22:14:00.000+13:00

Had a wonderful weekend attending WOMAD 2011 in New Plymouth. Heaps of fun chilling out to awesome music from around the world, and spending time with friends. Loved the tastes of the world at lunch and dinner times, and trying to skills and meeting new people.

First thing Tom wanted to do at WOMAD - have his photo taken at the "D"

Dress-up for storytelling at Kidzone

Making his own flag with spin-painting

Learning to use juggling sticks

Tom with his completed flag ready for the parade

Hanging out with friends

Family pic, on our way home

Fitzroy Surf Club Carnival

2011-03-06T21:31:00.000+13:00

Some pics from Tom's first surf club carnival

Coming back from swim

Trying to wade out of the sea

Getting ready for beach flags

Taking off for run/wade/swim

Coming back from swim

Year 2, Room 4

2011-02-16T22:29:00.000+13:00

Hope you are still following our blog even though we haven't been that busy for the last couple of months...but there will be summer holiday updates coming soon with some great pics. You can also find us on facebook and be our friends, but only if we know you personally.
For family and close friends you can follow what Tom is up to at school this year by clicking on the blog link of blogs we follow, and see all the interesting and fascinating things they are up to in room 4. Here is a direct link to their site if you need it http://www.frankleyfour.blogspot.com/
Have fun following us in 2011 and make sure you leave us some positive feedback and comments!

Merry Xmas!

2010-12-23T09:02:00.000+13:00

Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas to all our friends.

Love us xoxoxo

Pet and Petal Day

2010-12-06T15:22:00.000+13:00

Tom took Ollie his orangatuan to school for pet day

Tom's beans growing

Tom's giant (in the middle) with a grass seed head

Tom's diarama of Jack hiding in a cupboard from the giant

Flower saucer

Tom getting ready to cut the beanstalk down and stopping the giant from getting Jack

Tom's huge giants castle

Aqua jar

Update

2010-11-24T11:54:00.000+13:00

Saying "bye" to Aunty Sue and Mike

Our new steps and retaining wall - we are just starting to sow grass

Tom

House changes

2010-11-06T21:32:00.000+13:00

We are busy at our place at the moment - new oven gone in today, waiting to be connected by electrician on Monday; mulch being added to all gardens; and new retaining wall and centrepiece steps turning our front lawn into the lower and upper front lawn, with entrance steps...due to be completed this week so wait around for finishing pics!

Old oven - drawers removed

New oven - only one drawer underneath

New oven

Right side of house

Left side of house

Retaining wall

New entrance steps

Extension to deck

Happy Birthday Thomas

2010-10-20T11:25:00.001+13:00

Happy Birthday Thomas!

Love Mum and Dad xoxo

Time to blow out the candles

My new duvet - one day I'm gonna be an All Black!

My new shirt all the way from Singapore - txs aunty Deb and uncle Nig xx

With my mates

Guess what I got? Lego!!

Holiday Pics

2010-10-15T22:27:00.000+13:00

In the school holidays we spent a few days in Taupo, and some of it was with Nana and Poppa. Here we are ready to watch the dam open and flood the valley.

Here is Thomas with his Nana.

Getting ready to slaughter Poppa at mini-putt. We played a few games over the time we were in Taupo. Tom loved playing golf, and also trying to hit the green pontoon in the lake.

Here is a gorgeous cuddly bear outside a shop in Taupo.

Dad and Thomas at Craters of the Moon - what a awesome place!

After our return from Taupo, Steve and Thomas got to meet and play rugby games with the Taranaki rugby team. They were also treated to Tara gear, and Tom's favourite a signed cap from the team.

Tom and his favourite Andre Taylor.

Thomas and Scott Waldrom.

Couple of pics from weekend

2010-10-04T22:12:00.000+13:00

Our gorgeous Tom, almost 6!

"I'm 5 and 3/4" he tells anyone that asks.

Tom and Jo - after the half marathon finish.

"Mama you got first and won the gold medal!"

"That's right Tom, go me!"

Tom's first sleepover

2010-09-19T17:55:00.002+12:00

Tom having fun at his friends place

Picnic dinner

Cool friends

Got to sleep just after 9pm

Tom had a sleepover at his friends place last night because mum and dad went out for a christmas party.

As you can see from the photos he had loads of fun and got to enjoy a picnic dinner and a cool sleepover on the blow-up bed. We picked him up late this morning and he was very excited to see us.

Go Tom!! You are growing up to be such an awesome independent boy!

Brisbane 2010

2010-08-20T15:35:00.001+12:00

Our trip to Brisbane for family holiday and Carl's graduation. There are some photos that shouldn't have made it to the final cut - but this has taken so long that if they offend you, please just ignore them.

Friends and Lego

2010-08-14T15:56:00.003+12:00

Thomas and his buddy Ben having a play together this afternoon - who can go wrong with lego and a friend!

Few photos from last week

2010-07-12T09:52:00.003+12:00

Tom ready for Wacky Day at school - all he wanted to wear was stripey socks and a skirt! A very confident boy!

Last game of rugby at Clifton for the season

View from our back lawn yesterday morning at 7.30am, just before the sun came up...aren't we lucky!

Tom's new project!

Peanut and Jeff # 2

2010-07-10T21:03:00.000+12:00

Watch number 1 first!

Peanut and Jeff Dunham # 1

2010-07-10T20:58:00.000+12:00

You will so love this! I couldn't stop laughing and have to watch it again and again...loads more on youtube if you love this, more characters too!

Hey, Soul Sister - Train

2010-07-09T10:24:00.000+12:00

We love this in our house, you can often hear us singing it at anytime of the day!

Rugby...12 June

2010-06-12T13:30:00.003+12:00

Getting ready to start in the rain

Tom off for try #2 in the corner

Player of the Day - Thomas

1st fan!

Proud boy!

First game back after the chicken pox - scored 2 tries, 1 rip and played really hard. He was so proud when coach Steve said he was player of the day! Go Tom!

Happy Anniversary Mum and Dad!

2010-05-28T22:27:00.001+12:00

Congratulations to my mum and dad (Bestemor and Morfar) on 44 years of marriage - enjoy the celebrations this weekend and may there be plenty more to follow...

Ripper Rugby vs Tukapa Yellow

2010-05-08T12:53:00.003+12:00

Today Tukapa Red (Tom's team) played Tukapa Yellow - they had great fun, and Thomas was so excited as he scored 3 tries again this week!
Go you little chook!

Enjoying packet of chips after the game in the Chook house
"Oh that chicken, that Cast Iron chicken,
I never knew a little bird could sing, sing, sing..."

"We are number 1!"

Phew that was exhausting

Thomas and coach Steve aka Papa

Getting ready for action

Junior Assembly

2010-05-07T15:36:00.003+12:00

Yesterday Thomas's class did an item for the Junior Assembly. They retold the story of The Little Yellow Chicken and Thomas was the narrator. He got to wear top hat and tails and spoke very clearly into the microphone and read beautifully without any mistakes. He even remembered when to stop for the characters to say their parts.
Well done Thomas! You are such a star at school and we love how much you effort you put into your work and your friendships! Keep up the great work buddy!

Thomas the storyteller

Thomas reading the story

The little yellow chicken

Junior Assembly

Ripper Rugby

2010-04-24T14:17:00.005+12:00

We had a great morning playing in a tournament at Inglewood today. The Tukapa Red U6 team had loads of fun, losing to Clifton but then getting into the reason for playing and downing Inglewood - just!
It was so funny watching them playing in the first game, I think they took each others "rips" off more than either they did to the other team or the other team did to them!
Loads of fun!! Go Tukapa - the Cast Iron Chickens!!!
The team

Going for the goofy photo

Getting ready for photo

Team cheer for Inglewood

Just missed a "rip"

Thomas and Wilson in discussions

Striding back to halfway

Concentration at team talk time

Trying to get them all lined up to start

This is hot work

Go Mason!

Thomas

First day of ripper rugby

2010-04-17T20:37:00.002+12:00

Thomas has joined ripper rugby at Tukapa for the winter sports season. Today was the team first run around and training session. Steve is the coach and having fun!

Getting ready for some action...

Gorgeous boy!

Brooklands Zoo

2010-04-17T20:25:00.004+12:00

Last Monday we spent the morning at Brooklands Zoo at Pukekura Park. Check out the cool animals and our gorgeous Thomas!

Tom's favourite monkeys

Cute little otter

Check out the cool bird home

Check out this cute bird...

Till he wasn't happy we were taking his photo

A swinging time

My cute monkey!

Tom couldn't decide which slide to go down so took the best option...

Tickling the monkeys

Walk-a-thon Update

2010-04-01T20:45:00.003+13:00

Thomas had a great last week of school and the anticipation of the assembly today was enormous. He was very successful and was one of only 2 children from the junior school to recognised for the total number of laps of the course they did. Both did 16 laps and both received a free ticket for the hydroslide at the Aquatic Centre.
Thomas also received a certificate for raising over $100 - there were only 3 children in the entire school to accomplish that...he was the person that raised the most money $150.
So by the end of assembly Thomas was very proud, and I have a photo coming to me from another mum (so watch this space)

Thomas and Oscar receiving aquatic centre voucher for each completing 16 laps (most for junior child)

Thomas receiving certificate for raising over $100 and the most in the school

Walk-a-thon

2010-03-29T21:11:00.002+13:00

Here is Thomas with a couple of his mates from school at the Frankley Walk-a-thon yesterday. Thomas collected sponsorship from people and raised $150 for his school! We were so proud of him, the course was a 500m track around the back of the school and through the bush. He set himself an original target of 10 laps, and once he reached that instead of stopping and saying he'd finished, he reset the goal and ended up completing 16 laps!! That is 8km he walked with no complaining, at all!!
Here is to our awesome boy! and a huge THANK YOU to all those relatives, friends, Steve's work colleagues that donated money...Thomas is now awaiting the assembly on Thursday afternoon where he is hoping that his name will be drawn to win the boys bike...we'll keep you posted!

Thomas with Mason

Thomas with Daniel

Habits of Mind (HOM) Award

2010-03-14T21:24:00.002+13:00

Thomas received a "Habits of Mind" Award at full school assembly on Friday. It was for using prior knowledge: able to use his own experiences when discussing stories we are reading.
Well done Thomas we are very proud of your achievements at school!

Thomas showing his award

After receiving his award from Mr Single

School Swimming Expo

2010-03-14T15:50:00.007+13:00

Last week the junior school had a swimming expo. Thomas had loads of fun and got to show off what he has been learning at swimming this year.

Player of the Day

2010-02-27T15:14:00.004+13:00

Saturday morning saw us off to cricket, this week Tom's team was playing the other kiwi cricket team from school. Have no idea of the score, but we have one stoked little man - he was "Player of the Day" for his team - good batting, bowling, fielding (which involves not hogging the ball) and making sure you encourage your team mates.
So, go you good thing Tom - we are so proud of you!!!
btw - loads of runs scored and 3 wickets taken - wahoo!

Ready to go to cricket

Ready and waiting...

Tom batting

Half time and oranges all round

A very proud Thomas with his trophy!

Cricket

2010-02-14T16:19:00.002+13:00

Great hitting!

Oops, missed!

Getting ready, having chat

Chasing the ball around the field

Thomas in his cricket shirt

Thomas started playing cricket for Frankley School yesterday. He hit a few great balls, ran well between wickets, and even ran a player from Merrilands out. By last night he was shattered, but still managed to fit in a bbq and swim before the day ended...today we are all paying for it!

1st day of 2010

2010-02-02T20:01:00.003+13:00

Thomas' first school day at Frankley School 2010. Loves his teacher (Mrs Jones) and his class, he even got to go swimming today!

Woke this morning and came running in our room saying "Mummy, mummy it's my first day of school again!" Then couldn't eat his breakfast from the excitement and said he was excited about his new teacher (not seeing the kids which I thought was the case)

Happy Birthday to Morfar!

2010-01-29T17:21:00.002+13:00

"Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Morfar/Dad/Evan
Happy birthday to you!"

Jo and Steve - Xmas day

2010-01-02T21:03:00.003+13:00

Gorgeous couple, don't you think! Jo and Steve on Xmas day in Greytown.

Water fun!

2010-01-02T20:44:00.004+13:00

"Now I have two!"

"Watch out Thomas!"

"I love this - tee hee!"

Tim, Thomas and Jesse

Boxing day at Nannan and Morfar's place - enjoying a water fight. Morfar and Isaac were still in Featherston climbing hills and eating dessert so the boys decided to have some fun with their new water pistols!

More Xmas photos to come

Our Xmas tree

2009-12-16T21:29:00.003+13:00

We loved Sue and Mike's xmas tree and lights photos so much we had to share ours with you all.
Note the rather large Santa sack on the right - I promise you it doesn't get filled to the brim (not yet!).
Thomas has a cute letter to Santa - all the other kids at school made their list of things they wanted Santa to bring them but Thomas' reads "Santa thank you for the presents under the xmas tree. Love Thomas xoxox" I had to go "awww!" Mainly because only a few have his name on them, the rest are for his friends

Last day of school

2009-12-16T21:24:00.003+13:00

Thomas has had such a busy term at school, he fell into bed tonight and we found him asleep at 6.45pm!

He loves his encyclopedia that he got for his 5th birthday and has spent the last few weeks teaching himself (and us) about the planets, volcanoes and human skeleton. These are the topics that have taken his fancy, so far; and we are having to give him more and more to satiate his thirst for knowledge. We don't mind a bit!

By the way, his favourite planet is Venus (because of all the volcanoes), he is learning about tectonic plates and his favourite part of the skeleton is the skull "because it protects my brain".

Gotta love it all! Hope you are swotting up Nannan, Morfar and Uncle Carl because Thomas has some doosy questions for you!

School Picnic

2009-12-16T21:14:00.005+13:00

A school picnic was held yesterday to celebrate the end of the school year. The whole junior school spent the day at Brooklands Zoo and the Bowl of Brooklands. They had such an awesome day and came home pretty tuckered out!

Having fun rolling down the hill

Helping each other back up again

This is the life - chilling out with friend Daniel

Getting ready to roll

On the rocking horse at the Brooklands Zoo

With friends from school (Eliala, Isla, Daniel, Thomas)

Something tickled Thomas' sense of humour!

"Aren't I gorgeous mum?!"

Back on the horse with Daniel and Harmony

"All this having fun is hungry work!"

Xmas Party 2009

2009-12-16T20:59:00.008+13:00

Some cool pics from the xmas party on Saturday afternoon.

Checking out the huge slide (could have spent all afternoon here!)

Fun on the jeep, with dad

"Who me? I don't have water bombs!"

Stocking up on more!

"Come on dad, I'm coming for you!"

Waiting patiently

Still waiting, patiently!

Phew, got it at last! "Thanks Father Christmas"

Skateboarding inside - love the pose!

2009-12-11T16:23:00.002+13:00

No-one would believe it is almost summer! Today has been very foggy and misty (just like pea soup) and no wind to blow it all away.
So Thomas has resorted to skateboarding inside. Most days he is either outside on his trampoline or skateboard - we couldn't move the tramp inside, so now he is practising to roll and get both feet on the board. Lots of bruised and bumped skirting boards!
Don't you love the pose!?!!

First school photo

2009-12-10T18:57:00.004+13:00

Here is Thomas' first school photo - he is the one in the middle wearing the beautifully red coloured top. He is so proud of himself and his achievements at school, and so are we!

If you want to see it in bigger format, just double click on the picture - it works on our machine so hopefully it will for those who try.

Xmas time - its a comin'

2009-12-09T20:46:00.005+13:00

We are very excited in our house - the tree went up on Sunday and decorated by Thomas and mum. The presents have started appearing under the tree and Thomas is finding it is taking all his willpower not to open any of them. He has his mums willpower not his dads!

Hope Nannan and Morfar have got their "live" tree up and ready!

Recent happenings

2009-12-03T20:42:00.008+13:00

Enjoy the snapshot of our last couple of weeks.

Here are a couple of photos from athletics day last week. Thomas is in fine form with his tennis ball throw and shot putting. Also, Thomas with his buddy Daniel.

Thomas decided he wanted to play teacher one day after school so got all his babies lined up on the couch and proceeded to take them through a day at school.

Thomas goes to swimming lessons each Monday afternoon and I took the camera along this week and snapped a few shots. He is just learning freestyle arms and for the first time could put his whole face into the water and body out straight with arms and legs going at the same time. He was so proud of himself! Also, we have been practicing diving at the aquatic centre on the weekends and here he is showing Margarette what he has been doing.

Last week Frankley School had their annual Pet and Petal Day. Thomas’ class made sandsaucers and aqua jars – doesn’t that take me back a few years! He was very proud of his efforts and the teacher even commented on his perseverance (guess who he gets that from?!?!?!)

On Friday at the school assembly Thomas had a speaking part in the class play and song about Pohutukawa trees. He loves being up and performing in front of an audience!

Saturday Night at the Movies

2009-11-09T11:07:00.005+13:00

Last Saturday night saw us dressing up again for the annual STOS Xmas function. We had great fun this year coming up with something different for the theme "Saturday Night at the Movies". Check us out and our friends Mike and Tania Fleming!

School Carnival

2009-11-09T09:57:00.012+13:00

Yesterday I took Thomas to the Frankley School carnival, or should I say he took me. The morning started early 5.45am with a very excited boy jumping into bed with me telling me all the things he wanted to do at the carnival. Top of the list was seeing Scooby Doo and Shaggy Doo (as he calls him) in The Mystery Machine.

We wandered off and found our way to Room 3 to buy a very cool looking maraca that Thomas had made in class, and then we found our way next door to the cake stall. After that it was time for our first (of many) rides in the Scooby mobile (as we named it).

We then headed off to the sweet stall and found a gingerbread man (nicely tucked in the lunchbox for today) and then grabbed a drink and had a rest.

Then it was back to the Scooby mobile and this time Thomas wanted to ride in it all by himself, of course I let him.

We stopped for a bit and had some lunch, sausages in bread and an American hot dog - Thomas loved the hot dog! He had loads of fun watching the big boys sponge wet the girls and when the boys jumped in for their turn Thomas paid his money and proceeded to take aim (from a couple of feet away). They were well and truly soaked, and I haven't seen Thomas cackle and such a long time - where did he get his sense of humour from?!?!?!?!?

After a spot of face painting Thomas decided the Scooby mobile was done for the day, and he wanted a ride in one of the hot rods but as we got closer to the front of the line emotions won and it was back to the Scooby mobile for one more final ride (this was number 6 by this time of the day!). With being able to sit in the front and honk the horn and have his photo with Scooby Doo - the day ended sweetly!

... and one very tired boy tucked up in bed, fast asleep! He was very excited and couldn't wait until school today when he could show the above photo of him and Scooby Doo.

First day of school

2009-10-20T17:00:00.003+13:00

Thomas started school today, his 5th birthday! We took a couple of photos of him with his very proud parents.

All went great and he is doing really well in class. Just needed some teacher company at lunchtime, I think they forget how big an area it is for newbies to cope with - but he did well and once he has made some new buddies (the rest are all still at kindy) he will be fine.

Last day of kindy

2009-09-27T18:02:00.009+13:00

(Does anyone know how to rotate this pic?)

Last Friday was Thomas's last day of kindy. Here are some photos of his last day. He had a kindy 5th birthday and made himself a birthday crown and was made to feel very special but all the teachers and children.

Thomas with his playdough cake

Jeanette talking about Thomas' last day

Thomas blowing out his candles

Playing with the cogs

Farewell Sir Howard Morrison

2009-09-24T19:07:00.002+12:00

Died 24 September 2009
Farewell to a wonderful entertainer!

An afternoon's expedition

2009-09-07T20:23:00.009+12:00

Thomas and I spent over an hour down on our walkway this afternoon - the weather was magical and even better Thomas wanted to take his bike.
Here are some cool photos of Thomas enjoying his bike ride. We started at the windwand and made our way 1 1/2km to the playground, had something to eat and a play, and wandered our way back. The weather was awesome and we had a lot of fun - and enjoyed a "kowhai" and "paraone" ice-cream on our way home!
See Uncle Greg I'm practising for when I see you again and we can go biking together!

New Raro top

2009-08-27T21:59:00.001+12:00

Here is Thomas in his new Raro t-shirt that Aunty Jo and James got him. He is so chuffed as it is a size 10 - when did he start growing again, or is it that he hasn't stopped!

First visit to Frankley School

2009-08-21T13:57:00.003+12:00

Yesterday my kindy teacher, Diny took me and some friends to our new school. We stayed for two hours and did some cool activities. We did some drawing, reading and computer work in the library, and we had morning tea and a play in the playground with all the school kids.
Check me out, I'm wearing my red jacket with my Ben10 t-shirt.
I also got to meet my new teacher, Mrs Johnstone.

Marble run - new creations

2009-07-14T20:32:00.003+12:00

For xmas last year we bought Thomas a marble run that he can now make with his eyes closed. So to extend his thinking we bought another set and have added them together. Let's now see what he has created - Steve and I had a little helping hand in this, but it was Thomas guiding us all the way. It was his idea to start with six feet on the ground and it had to be taller than him!

Thomas loves Ben10

2009-07-14T20:28:00.003+12:00

Here is Thomas with his new Ben10 t-shirt. He absolutely loves anything to do with Ben10, can't you tell from the smile on his face!

Holiday Activities

2009-07-14T20:16:00.005+12:00

Over the past two weeks (our kindy holidays) we have had loads of fun playing with friends Barney and Ben, and we even managed a trip to the new Chipmunks activity centre with Thomas' friend Lucy. Thomas took a while to settle in, but then it took a lot of cajoling to get him out to the car with a promise we would come back!

Thomas and Barney building towers, with Barney's brothers Dino and Patch watching from outside

Thomas and Ben outside on the picnic table on the deck (lots of fun jumping off)

Thomas and Lucy on the ball pit slide

Thomas and Lucy at the bottom of the big slide

July 10 2003

2009-07-09T21:28:00.003+12:00

Well, tomorrow is not just any day for us. Tomorrow marks the 6th year anniversary of my surgery to remove the cancer in my breast.
Strange to remember back to what I was feeling, and all those close to us - this last year has helped me move on and slowly recover from the news that no-one wants to be told.
We now have Thomas to make each day lighter and brighter, and more tiring - but we wouldn't have it any other way! Mornings now start at 5am instead of late morning/early afternoon (for me anyway) and the neverending joy of things that Thomas speaks. Oh to be able to work out the workings of a 4 1/2 year old mind.
Love and hugs to all our family and friends, and know that we love all the good vibes you send our way, in all shapes and forms.

Me

2009-06-23T21:25:00.003+12:00

For those of you that have been asking here is a recent photo of me. Taken on Sunday as we were enjoying the sunshine of our great winters day.

David Bain - not guilty!

2009-06-05T20:04:00.002+12:00

A monumental day for justice in NZ, David Bain was found not guilty. Can you ever believe being convicted of murdering 5 members of your family and spending close to 15years in prison knowing you are innocent. Words cannot describe it, and when I heard the news tonight I jumped for joy and gave a big "wahoo!"

No wonder it's so cold!

2009-05-23T18:53:00.003+12:00

Check out the view of our mountain (Mt Egmont/Taranaki) from the top of our drive, and a couple with a good zoom lens. Photos taken yesterday 22nd May 2009.

Thomas and Ben

2009-05-19T21:02:00.004+12:00

Last Friday I picked Thomas and his friend Ben up from kindy. We came home and they had lunch and an afternoon of playing. They had heaps of fun and loved spending the afternoon together. By the time Ben's mum came to pick him up they were tuckered out and watching tv just about asleep on the couch together - gorgeous!

Surfing

2009-05-19T20:56:00.003+12:00

Steve often takes his team out surfing as a "team bonding" exercise. Thought you might like to see them getting ready to hit the waves at Fitzroy. One english guy thought you surfed with your "boaties" on tell they had to tell him to take them off! Boaties being boat shoes!

New t-shirt

2009-05-19T20:54:00.003+12:00

Thomas got a present in the post the other week from Nannan and Morfar. It was a new t-shirt from Brisbane. He absolutely loves it and wants to wear it to bed all the time, not quite the weather for it. He calls it his "gidday mate" t-shirt!

Some photos of old

2009-05-12T20:38:00.004+12:00

We have found some photos from just over 6 years ago when we attended our friends Pete and Cilla's wedding in Martinborough.
As you can see my hair was just growing back post chemo and radiotherapy. I can't believe it but on July 10th it will be 6 years since my breast cancer lump was removed.
Check out how young we looked - pre Thomas!

Thomas and his buddies

2009-05-11T14:32:00.005+12:00

Here is a cool photo of Thomas and his buddies taken in the first week of the holidays. From left to right - Daniel, Ben and Thomas (all aged 4 1/2)

Sky Tower visit

2009-04-26T20:41:00.002+12:00

Thomas, Poppa and Jo enjoyed a visit up the Sky Tower in Auckland. Thomas wanted to shake the hand and have a photo taken with Scotty the skytower and his assistant.

Present time

2009-03-24T20:47:00.002+13:00

Thomas is a big fan of presents, any time and any where as long as they are all for him. The expectations that an unopened present holds is by far the best to see with Thomas. Once the unwrapping has taken place (all over very quickly), the joy in his face when he sees what has lovingly been chosen and wrapped is wonderful.

On Sunday uncle Mike arrived for lunch bearing gifts - the biggest for Thomas I was told. Well, Thomas couldn't wait until Dad got out of the shower so he opened it all by himself on our bed.

It didn't take much cajoling for uncle Mike and Daddy Steve to assist Thomas with the building of the contents, the instructions were used sparingly. Even I had loads of fun following the instructions and building the little airport vehicles that went with the ginormous plane.

Here is Thomas proudly showing off his aeroplane from aunty Sue and uncle Mike. It was for ages 5-7 and Thomas rightly told me he could do it because he was almost 5!

King Thomas

2009-03-12T20:56:00.004+13:00

Thomas is off to a princess birthday party for a friend on Sunday. He didn't want to go as a prince or princess, he wanted to be a king.
He made a crown and decorated it all himself, and I've made him a green cape to wear.
Thomas wanted to wear the crown in the bath tonight and have fun blowing bubbles at the same time - just like the king in one of his favourite books "The King's Bubbles" by Ruth Paul (given to him by Nannan and Morfar).

Outing to Chipmunks

2009-03-12T20:43:00.004+13:00

We have just returned from a weekend in Auckland and had a great night out at the Auckland Trotting Cup on Friday night - very weary the next day and with a lighter wallet. We got a chance to spend some time with Nana and Thomas at Chipmunks on the Friday lunchtime and he had a brilliant time (I think Steve enjoyed all the climbing activities too). Here are three photos from our outing - doesn't Thomas look happy being on the merry-go-round, he was over it by the time I got the camera out.

We made it back!

2009-03-12T10:39:00.002+13:00

It has been a while but at last we have made it back. Life has been very busy since Xmas and lots has been going on. Holidays, weekends away and finally we make it to March!

Steve and I celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary today! My how the time has flown and to think too that Thomas starts school in October this year - phew, now I'm feeling my age.

So, to us - happy anniversary and may "the good times roll"

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T22:03:00.002+13:00

We couldn't let today finish without saying to all our family and friends "Merry Christmas" and we hope you are all happy and enjoying it together with family and/or friends!
Promise to add photos in the next few days of Thomas (especially) perfecting the art of unwrapping presents.
Love from us xoxoxo

Xmas excitement!

2008-12-11T20:18:00.002+13:00

We are really excited and looking forward to xmas. Every day the presents under the tree are growing, and Thomas has started making presents for us and wrapping them and storing them under the tree. It is amazing how he hasn't touched one of them or tried to unwrap any, as he has been told we have to wait until xmas day. Having an advent calendar has helped and because he is so good with numbers he understands the sequence of them.

We took this photo of Thomas by the tree once he/we put it up on Sunday, and then he wanted to take one of us - it turned out really great!

Check us out!

Banana Cake

2008-12-11T20:09:00.002+13:00

The other day Thomas and I made a banana cake and added some chocolate icing ready for eating. As you can see he loves it, and enjoys helping me read the recipe so we know what to put in the mixture.

His most favourite part is "licking the legs" of the beater, and the bowl - just as I did when I helped my mum in the kitchen.

Just the very sight of it ...

2008-12-01T20:19:00.004+13:00

"Just the very sight of it
Brings back the taste delight of it
I'll savour every bite of it
But later ... secretly"
(taken from The Big Block of Chocolate by Jane Slater Redhead)

Thomas loves this book that he got from Nannan and Morfar for his 4th birthday. Definitely suits his love of jelly tip ice-creams.

Fun in the Sun

2008-12-01T10:29:00.003+13:00

This weekend has been beautiful, sunny and very hot! We dug out the swimming pool and waterslide and had some fun.

We love watermelon!

2008-11-11T21:15:00.002+13:00

Roll on summer! The summer fruit is in the shops and we have been enjoying strawberries galore over the past few weeks. I do need to ration them otherwise Thomas would eat a large punnet in one sitting!
He enjoyed watermelon for dessert tonight - dribbling down his chin and giggling with the excitement of it all.

A friend to play

2008-11-11T21:11:00.002+13:00

Thomas and I picked Emma (Emmy) up from kindy yesterday lunchtime and they came home for lunch and a play together. Thomas was very excited about Emmy coming to play, having lunch at our house, going to her swimming lesson, and more play at home.
Here they are making me lots of lunch/dinner/pudding/birthday cake with the play doh. Of course I had to try it all!

Painting fun at kindy!

2008-11-11T21:04:00.003+13:00

Last week I picked Thomas up from kindy - but I had to look twice before I recognised him. He had been having so much fun with the screen printing and painting.

Our gorgeous boy!

2008-11-01T19:33:00.003+13:00

Check out our gorgeous boy (taken as a fundraiser for kindy)! Great family one too!

Thomas's 4th Birthday

2008-10-21T20:53:00.004+13:00

Thomas had a wonderful 4th birthday and we made a green number 4 cake for the afternoon tea with his friend Daniel.
Thomas helped me ice the cake and put the green lollies on, and even asked (at 5pm at night) if he could lick the bowl with the leftover icing in it - I don't think so!
Here are some photos of Thomas on his birthday.

The famous green number 4 birthday cake that we made together

"Happy Birthday to me"

Blowing out my candles

My new, cool Thomas clock from my aunties and uncles in Belgium

"Look, I got some Kids K'nex!"

My friend Daniel

First Swim for the Summer

2008-10-14T21:00:00.002+13:00

Just so you know, we had a beautiful day here - so great we got the little paddling pool out and Thomas happily filled it to the top and spent the afternoon playing in it!

Here he is in his new wetsuit from Nannan and Morfar.

First Day at Morning Kindy

2008-10-14T10:29:00.006+13:00

Thomas started morning kindy yesterday, and was very excited about being there this morning to see all his new friends.

Here are a couple of photos taken yesterday.

All hands to the hammers

2008-10-11T20:51:00.009+13:00

Yesterday, Steve and Thomas set to work building us a planter box for us to grow our vegetables in for summer. There was lots of discussion about how to put it together, and then the boys set to hammering in all those nails! Thomas was keen to be just like Dad and made sure he had his hard hat, safety goggles and hammer - suffice to say the fireman's hat was the hard hat and the swimming goggles became safety googles.
We'll be filling it tomorrow and planting our beans and broccoli. We already have lettuce and tomatoes in our old planter box. Needless to say it is my job to figure out what plants will make sure the bugs stay away - so it is off to the internet I go, beats the old library.

Here is the end result with our broccoli and beans planted in it!

Photo taken by Thomas

Thomas

2008-10-11T20:46:00.001+13:00

A photo of our little man taken a few months ago - love the pose!

I Finished!

2008-10-05T18:17:00.001+13:00

Yip - there will be an indepth analysis tomorrow, but I made it round in 2 hours and 35minutes! Phew! Body tired and off out for a roast dinner now.

1 more sleep!

2008-10-04T20:27:00.002+13:00

Can you believe there is only one more sleep to go! I can't! The nerves are creeping in, so hopefully all my early nights during the week will make up for lack of sleep tonight!
Picked up my race pack (number 28) and t-shirt (gotta have the been there, done that t-shirt) this afternoon and got very excited seeing some of the others I run with.
Amazingly enough, this morning I woke at 4am and sat upright and said to Steve "If I was doing the marathon I'd be getting up now" - what a crazy thought and not one I am contemplating. Although I have said I would run the Mountain to Surf Marathon in the beginning of March next year with someone else, and do a 1/2 marathon each. Strange what the mind will say when the body is tired.
Next time we speak I'll be bubbling with adrenaline and excitement - no drugs needed for this sort of high! Will fill you in on my achievements at the beginning of the week! Let's hope it's "I finished!"

Happy Birthday Uncle Carl!

2008-10-03T20:58:00.003+13:00

Hey Uncle Carl - hope you have a great birthday and enjoy lots of pampering from Isaac! Another year to add to the number, great to see you are catching up to the rest of us. Thomas sends hugs and love to his special and favourite uncle (see photo - Uncle Carl just kept on lighting those candles for Thomas to blow out, many times over).

Love from Jo, Steve and Thomas xoxoxo

Only 3 more sleeps!

2008-10-02T20:23:00.002+13:00

Not too long to go now - and have just spent the night at the hairdressers making sure I'll look doubly gorgeous when I complete the 1/2 marathon, even though I'll be wearing a hat! Tomorrow, it is my last physio before the run and a wax - got to make sure all those final things are taken care of!
Will keep you posted of my progress.

My First 1/2 Marathon - 6 days to go!

2008-09-29T20:47:00.004+13:00

For those of you interested I've been given the all clear by the physio to tackle my major goal for this year. I've been seriously training for 12 weeks now, with the Joggers and Walkers club who meet every Sunday morning, and by this time in one weeks time I will have completed the New Plymouth 1/2 marathon. For those of you who ask (how long is that?) it is 21.1km. I'm hoping to run it in 2 1/2 hours.
We have been having lots of fun every Sunday morning, starting at the beginning at 9am and in the past month we have been meeting at 8am and running for anywhere from 1 hour up to 2 1/4hrs two weeks ago. That Sunday we headed out from Pukekura Park in the centre of New Plymouth to Burgess Park and Meeting of the Waters, and then returned home to Pukekura Park after a mammoth 18km run! My only problem was at about the 7km mark I rolled my foot on a "bloody" tree root, without taking my shoe off I ran the rest of the way and made it back home. Steve, Thomas and I then proceeded to spend that afternoon at the doctors and picking up crutches for the next few days. Luckily I was already with a great physio for my back and knee (all thanks to the hours running) and she was able to get to work on my foot straight away. Having not run for 2 weeks (you can imagine the walls I was climbing at home, and how nice I would have been to Steve and Thomas) I finally went back out yesterday for my first run. We ran for just over an hour, and tonight I went out for 1/2 hour and feel brilliant!!
So now I'm on countdown! All the gear and the food preparation has been tested over the past 3 months and now I just can't wait to start the run.
For those who know New Plymouth, we head out of Pukekura Park now Liardet Street and turn left onto the one way system to Morley Street, turn left and up the hill and turn right into Barrett Street, then left onto Cutfield Street and then right onto Tukapa Street. All the way up Tukapa Street (past our street where Steve and Thomas will see me for the first time) and past Thomas's kindy and on to Frankley Road. 4km up Frankley Road is Hurworth Road, turning left we head along Hurworth Road and then turn left into Carrington Road and onto Carrington Street once you hit the outskirts of town again. Turning left at the roundabout by the BP service station, head down Carrington Street and turn right into George Street and then left on to Victoria Road and then right into Gilbert Street and then right turn into Liardet Street and left onto Fillis Street and then right into the park via the side gates. A little under a lap around the sports field and the end is definitely in sight!!
As you can probably tell I've run it many times in my head, and also have spent a few times out on the course completing small distances (10kms being small) at a time.
Will keep you updated and let you all know how I go! You can always check it out on http://www.mapmyrun.com/ if you are interested - what a magnificent way to track your training runs!

Forever Young - Youth Group

2008-09-25T09:33:00.001+12:00

Steve celebrates turning 44 tomorrow - Happy Birthday gorgeous boy!
Don't we all want to be "forever young" - I love this song and the video reminds me of the things we can do whenever we want too - no helmets, barefeet, ...
Love Jo and Thomas xoxo

Night Out for the Old Folks

2008-09-23T21:19:00.003+12:00

Steve and I enjoyed a rare night out with lots of socialising, dancing and generally having a great time! Theme for the night was 80's so we dusted off some glad rags and joined lots of other staff from Steve's work for a night to remember. All the great 80's music, who can turn down a spin on the dance floor to Icehouse or Def Leppard! Not this chick that is for sure!
The caterers did a fabulous job of replicating all the great food that was in vogue in the 80's including the old favourites - Mac and Cheese, Apricot Chicken, Meatballs, Pizza and even food from the local Texacana!
We managed to make it home just after 1am and with Thomas waking at 6am for the day, there were no sleep ins for either of us. Although, Steve managed an extra couple of hours while I took Thomas to the park for a run around, and I got in a couple of hours while the boys played outside and had lunch. Great tag teaming on our behalf!!
Here we are in our glad rags (borrowed from the local Operatic Society, just in case you thought we had dragged them out of the back of the wardrobe).

Busy Boys

2008-09-23T21:15:00.004+12:00

Steve and Thomas had great fun on Saturday afternoon making the lawns look respectable with a mow. Here are my two boys busy at work!

Spring has definitely arrived, our rhodo is out and has the most amazing ruby red flowers. Photo to follow...

My Poppa died today

2008-09-01T19:37:00.003+12:00

I am very sad, but know that he is in a better place no doubt having a great reunion with Nana. I will miss him lots but will remember the great things we got to do together when he was alive. He is now where he wants to be and that is with my wonderful Nana who I know he missed lots and lots - a great love for both of them. They were both very special people and I have the fondest of memories holidaying with them at Maungatepere and Algies Bay. Nana's cooking was always the best and I'm sure that is where my love of baking and keeping people happy has come from. Thomas (our son) will also remember him as he has wonderful memories of time spent celebrating Poppa Jack's 90th birthday last year, with lots of cake and balloons!

We remember them as the wonderful grandparents they were, and know that they are keeping an eye on us and making sure we are safe (as they have always done).

I love you Poppa.

Just made it to bed!

2008-08-06T19:24:00.003+12:00

I've just been in to check on Thomas as he was absolutely tuckered out tonight. Look who I found fast asleep! It looks like he has only just made it from the bath to bed!

T-Rex named Sue

2008-08-04T20:01:00.003+12:00

On Saturday morning we went to visit Puke Ariki here in New Plymouth (our local museum). A new exhibition opened up last week called "T-Rex named Sue".
Of course Thomas thought we were going to visit Aunty Sue, until we got there and he saw the old dinosaur bones.
The T-Rex bones were found in North Dakota, USA back in 1990 by Sue Hendrickson and they have taken a cast of them all and put them together and sent them to New Plymouth - first place in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere to display them.
They have included lots of facts and information about T-Rex's and dinosaurs (in general) to add to the exhibition. Thomas had great fun looking through the binoculars of the Triceratops, trying to find the T-Rex right in front of him! Interestingly enough, Triceratops look outwards and cannot see anything directly in front of them.
Here are a couple of photos of the 'big boy' himself at the exhibition.

New pyjamas for Thomas

2008-07-22T21:33:00.009+12:00

Over the weekend I went and checked out the Postie + sale as we had been told there were some great deals on kids clothes (great for kindy!). Anyway, I picked up some clothes for Thomas for next winter - anticipating he would grow a bit over the next year. These pyjamas were meant for next year, but when we tried them on they fitted already!! Size 5!!! Here is our gorgeous boy in his new pjs!

Holiday Entertainment

2008-07-22T21:14:00.003+12:00

In the second week of the holidays we went to the Dora, Deigo and Boots the monkey pirate adventure. Thomas had a wonderful time and is still talking about it now! He wore his pirate hat and got really involved with the show and the characters on stage, shouting out and singing along.
Now every morning he dresses up as Deigo and wears his 'video' watch and his rescue pack (kindy bag) and even has to wear a sleeveless jacket the same as Deigo.
Here are some photos from the show.

"Ahoy me hearties!"
Deigo, Dora and Boots the monkey
Snack time with Deigo doll

Thomas and his doll, Deigo with Rachel and Daniel in the background