rhileebonkers

Chocolate Fondue & Catch up

2007-09-30T21:02:00.000+01:00

Hello peeps -back again - finally hacked back into my own blog. Haven't fallen off the end of the world or anything quite so dramatic. We are all fine - had a pretty good summer since last blog- Week & bit at at Hopton with Mum & Kids which was fun. Kids are surviing as am I - C has started senior school and is a little dissapointed that he whole of Great Baddow High does not revolve around her. R meanwhile is working through his first teenage year and going through about every situation we could have guessed with a few more thrown in for good measure.

Work is going well - have now been over at HIC in Bishops Stortford with Darren for 9 months and we are both stsill talking to each other!!! He isn't my direct boss which is probably a good job or the old sparks could start to fly!!

Have to have certain words with lovely Yoda (she knows who she is!!). Was suppossed to be going round for a meal last night & I said I would do dessert. Thought would be a good girl & not do my usual pick up something from Tesco on way round. Instead opted for all flashy & got stuff to take round to do a chocolate fondue. Anyway - plans change - as they do & night was postponed. Now, being the non wastefull type - I had to do the chcolaote fondue thingy at home. may I say it was lllluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvlllllllllllllllllllly - but what I had bought enough for 8 only went round 5 of us & I did do typical Hutchinson size portions (even if I am a Lee). Anyway, must not do this again as will literally be the size of a bus. I assume all the chocolate is fine if it is merely coating pineapple, grapes, banana, apple & marshmallow- surely this only counts as my 5 portions of fruit a day!!!

Anyway - see you all soon - Love to all

Rhi

We are back!!!

2007-04-12T23:04:00.000+01:00

Look out Chelmsford we are back! Arrived back from 2 weeks vacation in Florida today - will try publish more soon - had a fantastic time.

Netmums.com

2007-01-14T13:50:00.000Z

Very good webiste just found - lots of good food ideas and recipes - Highly recommended.

New Job

2007-01-13T09:26:00.000Z

Hello to All
This seems to be my only way of communicating at the moment as working weekends etc - so keep blogging everyone & I will spy on you all.
I have a new job which starts Monday 15th. It is with Darren's Company - Herts Insurance over in Bishops Stortford. This means that Darren and I will be able to drive in and home together - unless we have a fight which could lead to difficulties!! :)
It is 9am to 6pm every day and alternate Saturday 9am to 2pm so I will be a bit busy - trying to juggle a full time role and everything at home will be fun. Thankfully I have a wonderful Mum who is at home to help me juggle the kids. Also a lovely sister who is taking them once a week for 3 hours of Homework Club - thankfully Pat got lots of the clever genes in the family and is able to patiently explain lots of stuff.
It will be a new start and I am looking forward to it albeit a bit nervous - change again. Darren is not my direct boss so there will be no chasing around the desk etc.
Want to get signed up to some daily motivational/fun messages - anyone got any recommendations on sites??
Pink Hugs to All
Rhi

Happy New Year and Here we go again

2007-01-03T21:41:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone.

My nephew asked me if I thought this year would be lucky for me!! Well
a) don't believe in luck
or
b) so far - NO

Job at Asda officially espired - no permanent positions available etc etc though have asked me in for a few days this week. Had hoped this would continue - not great pay but very handy and could carry on at Oaks & Acorns.

Back to drawing board on job front - have advised agencies and so far have a couple of days work this weekend. Also potenial interview lines up for Friday but will be full time position 9 to 6 - 5 days a week - 1 hour away.

Had prayed that Gog would provide job where could contine at Oaks should that be his will but currently not happening. Anyone else find it hard understanding & trustung God or is it just me???

Anyway - wingey blog - sorry peeps - if anyone has got any inside knowlege on multi million part time contract or Sugar Daddy material out there please let me know.

Hooray!!

2006-11-24T21:32:00.000Z

Had the second interview with Asda today and got the job!!

Starting next Friday and working 25 hours a week in the chilled department. Hope I won't get too frosty a reeception (groan!!!)

Also will have Mondays off so will be able to continue work with Oaks and Acorns.

Thanks to all for kind words and support at this time.

Through the ringer - Upside Down -Blog going weird and other fun things in my life!!!

2006-11-22T23:32:00.000Z

Okay - where to start and how to say it.
I lost my job with effet from last Friday 17th.
Pretty bad day really for most concerned.
Hence the gone through the ringer - upside down title of blog.
Have applied for job at Asda and registered with Office Angels.
Am practising being angelic - pretty hard and also practising the phrase "would you like Cash Back with that" - not quite so hard.
Am finding it difficult not knowing what tomorrow will bring almost every day and all ideas of 'normality' being thrown ot of window.

Also - have to suddenly clamp down on all expenditure - have to now think about every penny and justify it - wish I could justify a Starbucks Hot Chocolate but never mind.

Also don't know re Oaks & Acorns if I will be able to continue - will all depend on if/what job I get. Would love to continue but have to work first.

Sleep - well there must be a reason I am blogging at 11:45pm

Food - can give Weight Watchers a run for their Money.

Blog also going weird - tried to add a hamster thing like Tracie's and something has gone astray - perhaps Hamster is in my blog and eating it.

Pretty wobbly prayer life right now but thought has come to me.
When everything that you thought was forever suddenly changes or dissapears and you convince yourself that nothing is forever you remeber the one thing that is - God.

Fun 4 All

2006-10-17T12:12:00.000+01:00

Chelmsford Elim's Alternative to Halloween - Tuesday 31st October 6:15 to 8:00 ish - we are still a bit low on numbers - hoping to do party for 100 but so far only have about 34 names. Please let me know if you can come asap so we can prepare accordigly - if your kids want to bring friends it would be great rather than trick or treating. Also it's free (supported by the Church of course) - please spread the word bloggers and book in - you can email me if easier - rhianne@leecm2.fsnet.co.uk Thanks

Oaks & Acorns

2006-10-17T12:08:00.000+01:00

Just a quickie request for prayer from all you supportive bloggers out there. Oaks & Acorns (Mother & Toddler Group) going really well at the moment - we seem to be making big in roads into many lives and really finding oppurtunities to show God's love. But (always a but) we are going through rough time at moment - don't think I can give out details because of confidentiality etc but God knows every confidential thing there is - so if you have a spare moment - please send up a quick one for Oaks & Acorns - Thanks

Hubby Smiley Charts :)

2006-09-16T23:04:00.000+01:00

2 posts in one day – what is the world coming to??
I must be a bulimic blogger or something.

Anyway, this thought came to me a few weeks ago and, being blonde, took a few weeks for me to figure out my plan.

Being a big fan of Super Nanny and the such and having reward charts up for the kids thought maybe I ought to draw one up for Darren to positively encourage him in good forms of behaviour etc – my chart is as follows:

Putting on a laundry load when asked = plus 1 smiley
Noticing a laundry load needs doing and putting it on without being asked = plus 2 smileys
Not putting laundry load on when asked and opting to watch Top Gear instead = minus 3 smileys

Noticing we need milk, buying it on way home and ringing to check anything else required = plus 2 smileys
Using last drop of milk for early breakfast so everyone else is forced to have toast and black tea = Minus 3 smileys

Offering to swap cars because you need to use the bigger car next day = plus 2 smileys
Leaving said offered car with enough petrol fumes to just about get you to the end of the road = Minus 3 smileys

Offering to make you a meal because you have had a bad day = plus 2 smileys
Forgetting to make a meal, offering a take away and then making you go out and get it = Minus 3 smileys

Buying you underwear which you are rarely likely to use (apart from in his dreams) for your birthday = Minus 2 smileys
Giving you £50 and the route to Lakeside for the day = Plus 3 smileys

Offering to look after kids for the day – Plus 2 smileys
Ringing you after an hour on the verge of killing one or both of the children = Minus 3 smileys

Offering to cook a meal for you both to have friends round for a night – plus 2 smileys
Finding out said meal is a barbeque and you will be preparing salad, crisps, rolls, sauces, drinks, plates, cutlery, napkins and dessert while he cremates 6 sausages = Minus 3 points

Anyway – I’m sure some of you other wives have some other ideas to add to the chart should your loved ones be behaving anything less than perfect. I think I may have to submit this to Family Ministries at Church for inclusion in Marriage enrichment course or similar!!!

P.S.
I am sure many of you are wondering what will be Darren’s reward if he gets his target number of smileys??? Will let you know when he gets there – so far the chart has been up for 14 years!!

Crocs

2006-09-16T23:02:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to show off my new pair of ‘Crocs’ Shoes purchased today. I read an article on these and they are supposed to be really comfortable and very good for your feet. Plus – I have just finished working weekends, Darren is away and I was let loose on Chelmsford Shopping Centre – it had to be done!!! Also my ‘inner little girl’ was screaming for a pair of bright pink shoes –what fun.

Groovy shoes here we go – I may well sleep in them tonight.

6:30pm ITV Evening news – each night this week – Romania Reports

2006-09-06T18:04:00.000+01:00

Blog entry from Darren . . .

Sometimes the media depicts news stories in a biased way. However, speaking from personal experience, what ITV’s pictures and commentators are saying, is a true depiction of the plight that the Romanian families are facing! Some examples that have been highlighted:

* Children abandoned with no hope and a future of spending life in a institution or life on the street

* Children suffering with illnesses easily treatable in the west
* Children lying motionless with flies crawling over them

* Children with hands tied behind their backs in institutional hospitals

* Parents selling their child for $10,000

Yes, this is very upsetting but there is good news! Last Sunday Mike spoke on the start his new series ‘God is alive’. I have now had the privilege to go to Romania on three occasions and I can say from my personal experience that God is Alive and working miracles in Romania!

We are all snug in our own comfort zones, however, Jesus said that we should help our neighbours. This means that we need to get up and act. We do not need a Damascus experience, but to act in faith. If a door opens, go through, if it closes look for another door.

Blog Entry from Rhi . . .

For those of you who do not know the Lee Family (all 4 of us) and Mum (Joyce) will be going on mission trip to Romania in 2008. The family will still be young (14 and 12) but we feel it is right to go – God has been so good to us and we feel we ought to share some of our blessings with the people over there.

Search your hearts.

A wise woman once said to me “You may not feel called to go, but have you been called to stay?”

We are all called to go –

And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone, everywhere”
Mark 16:15 (New Living Translation)

Boot Sale Update

2006-09-05T12:24:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all who donated stuff - Darren did the Boot Sale on Bank Holiday money and raised over £140 which will go to the Smiles Foundation. If you haven't seen the reports on Romania on BBC evening news - about 6pm - watch them - it's hard but it does show what is going on out there. Smiles does a fantastic work ant helping these people and need every penny they can get.

By the way we still have half a grage full of 'leftovers' from Boot Sale and will be doing another soon or I won't be able to get into the garage !!!! :)

Boot Sale

2006-08-15T12:41:00.000+01:00

Darren is hoping and planning to do a Boot Sale on Monday 28th August. All funds raised will be donated to The Smiles Foundaion - link to their website in case you want more details on them. Can I ask any bloggers out there if you have any unwanted stuff you would be prepared for us to try and sell - can you let us know - we will hapilly pick up from you. Thanks

Race for Life Update

2006-06-25T21:32:00.000+01:00

Okay, first let me start by saying Thanks to this man, my Dad, who was a big part of the inspiration for me doing this today - will never stop loving you. I am pretty sure he would have been proud of not just his wife and daughters but everyone who ran today.

A fantastic day where we grieved together and celebrated life together at the same time - If you have never done it - sign up for next year.

The Gang from Elim Chelmsford - at least those who we managed to catch up with -

Me, Margaret,Hannah, Pat, Jo, Helen & Mum.

The 'Hutchinson Originals' - not the mafia but a Mum I am very proud of - doing this at 70 is such an achievement - also very proud of my sister who has fought back against Diabetes and could now probably give Kelly Holmes a run for her money!!!

I think Pat may have been worried about how many hours she would have to wait for me at the finish line :)

Helen Tween - what can I say??
What a wonderfull woman and a great friend. There are not many who you can laugh and cry with. She is one of God's Crown Jewels who can make you smile and giggle so easilly. From a rather un-cordinated verson of Y M C A - I was too short to see the aerobics instructor - that's my excuse and I am sticking to it!!! To a fantastic person to walk alongside - a very diplomatic answer to my
"Am I as red as a beetroot?"
"No - just a little Rosie!" - true friendship - Thanks Helen.

This will give you an idea of the crowds involved. 6000 women joining in I came 5,999th - not quite - but a fairly respectable 1 hour 6 mins. A great day - Well Done to anyone else who joined in - when does the training start for next year - I think I may have a deal on with Helen - either we both have to be a size 10 or we both walk round in diving suits - I can't quite remember!!! :))

Tiny Fingers

2006-06-20T20:43:00.000+01:00

This was written by a Pastors wife who has moved out to Romania with her husband and five children - so much news from Romania but this really touched Darren and many of the others - you may have seen this on their blue shirts.

I am reminded of te Bible Verse - I cannot find where it is - I am sure one of you can tell me.
I therefore paraphrase. . .

Evil Triumphs when good men do nothing.

We have so much and they have so little - if you feel moved there is a link to The Smiles Foundation - this is a well run Christian organisaton - not corrupt and 100% funds raised go the needs - not running the charity. I know many pulls are put on your purses/wallets but we are so blessed here - please share some of it around - Thanks

Tiny fingers, tiny face –how did you ever end up in such a place?

Beautiful eyes, deep and dark – on what kind of future will you embark?

Who could leave this beautiful one – so tiny, so helpless – who’s life has just began

Did it break your mother’s heart to leave you alone,

Did she think you would be raised in a better home?

You are so small, so frail and so weak you just lie in your bed your days seem so bleak

Does anyone rock you and sing you to sleep?

Does anyone tell you you’re special or kiss your cheek?

Does anyone tell you, you were fearfully and wonderfully made?

And all your days were ordained when earth’s foundation was laid?

You are a creation of the master’s hand – little one, I know your life has a plan

You are so precious in His sight – So sweet little baby, just hold on tight

May the angels surround you and guard you dear one

And I pray someday you’ll know Jesus, God’s only Son

May someone come in and give you a home – so sweet little baby, you won’t be alone

Marrige Guidance . .

2006-06-04T22:47:00.000+01:00

Oh Dear - slightly worried about seedy nature of 'marriagge guidance' image from Google !!!!

Anyway - just wondering - am I normal- answers on a postard please!!!
D went off to Romania yesterday and I had to get up at something before 5am to pick up others and drop all off at Church - seem to be good wifey so far, expecially as those who know me realise I am not at my best first thing in the morning and without copious amounts of tea.

Anyway - that appears to be where good wifey seems too end because rather than missing 'him indoors' and pining for next few weeks I am actually looking forward to 2 weeks of snore free environment!!! Bless him, D snores like the preverbial train at the moment and the thought of that blessing being poured out on others rather than me is somewheat refreshing!!! I will probably be a weeping and a moaning soon enough but for tonight I can positively see the upside of this and my bed is calling.

Night All

Spell chequer!!!

2006-05-24T17:57:00.000+01:00

Apolgeees - muzt get spelly cheqer to work or at least check my blogging after typing tomakesurenotrunningallwords together !!!! :)

QUICK UPDATE

2006-05-24T17:54:00.000+01:00

Well, I Think I may be one of themost irregular bloggers out there!!!

Good to catch up with you all - Helen - whata a busy girl you have been - glad to her about the new job.

We are all fine - busy as usual - not sure which is bigger - my pile of ironing or my pile of paperwork - and that is just athome never mind at work.

Darren is busy getting final prep ready for Romania rip -he goes on 3rd June for two weeks.

Trying to get in training walks for Race of Life but have had to cancel theses the last two weeks doe to 1) working late and 2) it was rainingg - I am not trudging 3 miles in the rain unless I really have to - just hope it is not raining on the day itself.

Anyway - am doing okay - was going to say FINE but my sister has a saying for that and anyway that word is banned in our hhouse - along with 'BORED'.

Enough wafffle - Virtual Hugs to all!!!

Rhi

Hi

2006-03-16T12:29:00.000Z

Hi everyone - haven't blogged for ages. Everything is fine - just busy :)

Getting ready for Fun 4 All this weekend - Sat 18th March - hope to see lots of you there - still some tickets available if you want to come along and have a laugh.

Updating my mobile ringtone to The Muppetts - seems fitting.

Have had an argument with a bottle of bleach and I am now stripy!!!!

Kids are fine though Reece seems to be talking far more 'pre-teenage grunt' and far less English these days!!!

Trying to read 40 Days of Community - am now up to Day 11 - not bad as we should be on Day 16 - must try harder.

Anyway

See you soon

LOL Rhi

Race for Life update

2006-01-20T11:50:00.000Z

Okay girls - I am swayed - have registered today. Mum is doing it with me. Will be walking rather than running girls so come on and join in - maybe we can do training sessions - walks around Chelmsford before the event. Link to website attached. Sarah - will take you up on the offer of sponsorship - you can do this on line via my website link. I will sponsor Mum and will also sponsor a fiver each to the first 4 Chelmsford girls who tell me they sign up - lets do it girls - an excellent way to beat those January blues!!!!!

www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/rhileebonkers

WHAT DO YOU RECKON GIRLS???

2006-01-18T12:12:00.000Z

OKAY, I HAVE THOUGHT OF DOING THIS FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS. NOT SURE AS I AM SERIOUSLY UNFIT - IT IS IN CHELMSFORD- HYLANDS PARK 25TH JUNE THIS YEAR. YOU CAN RUN OR WALK (MAYBE I COULD CRAWL!). ANY RECOMMENDATIONS OR OTHER TAKERS TO HELP ME MAKE MY DECISION????

Lapland

2006-01-16T14:56:00.000Z

Lapland Update

Okay, Okay I know it’s the middle of January and I have been a bad blogger so far this year. Deepest apologies etc but this is the Lapland Blog. Bit afraid this will be like sitting with nerdy neighbours watching slide show of boring hols on a big shett but there you go :)

Arrival in Lapland on Christmas Eve. Met by Reindeer rather than Reindeer head growing out of Reece. Little one is Liam – our nephew. Party consisted of Dave & Jenny (Grandad & Grandma) Alison (Darren’s sister) and her son, Liam, my Mum (Nana), Darren, Myself, Reece and Chantal – 9 in all.

This is the ‘log cabin’ we stayed in. Fantastiic – and we had a chalet host who coked and cleaned for us – really the life of luxury for a few days.

View from the mezzanine floor of the cabin. Open log fire, 10 foot Christmas Tree – what more could you want. Maybe an inside sauna but we had one of those too!!!

Christmas Day. Yes – we had a very white Christmas in 2005. This is the kids with their snow sculpture – turner prize here we come! We also met the big man himself (sorry photos not yet available of that event) We also went on a Reindeer Ride through the forest and then a Husky Safari with Darren driving our sledge. Apparently it was okay because I am well covered, Life Insurance wise!!!

A Fantastic Christmas Day which we will remember for a long time.

Chantal on a skidoo – luckily it was tied to a tree.

The gang ready for the skidoo safari on Boxing Day. Prizes if you can tell which is which – I have trouble and I was there. I drove a skidoo all by myself through the forest for about 40 minutes – we were in convoy so couldn’t get too lost. Great fun was had by all.

Reece and Chantal – having lots
of fun with snow – sledging on it,
falling into it (it was up to your
knees in places) attacking Mum and
Dad in it, burying Mum in it – I
think you get the picture.
A normal nightly activity after dinner!!
Still – pulling 2 kids on sledges up
and down hills kept the calories from the 3 course dinners at bay!!!

Us in the woods up to our knees in snow.

It really was a fantastic trip, we thoroughly enjoyed it all. It was quite expensive but I would highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of going.

Lights back on – time to wake up - I will leave you with our final sunrise in Lapland and promise to try to blog more than once a month during 2006!!

Happy Christmas

2005-12-22T13:27:00.000Z

Happy Christmas everybody - hope you have fun & not too much stress. Last blog before off to Lapland - flying at 7am ish on Saturday morning which means leaving at 3am - might just roll in from the nightclub before then!!!

Think we may hav eto tie kids down in bed in vain hope of trying to get them to sleep. Looking forward to it LOTS & LOTS. May well crash skidoo into side of mountain or be chased by Huskies but that's all the fun. Will say Hello to Santa though don't think he's brave enough to have me sit on his knee. :)

LOL Rhi, Darren, Reece & Chantal

How is my diet going?

2005-12-09T13:40:00.000Z

DUMB BLONDE

2005-12-08T13:17:00.000Z

After putting the paper in upside down in our new multi function copier and getting a blank piece of paper - twice!!! I thought it might be time for one of these . . .

A dumb blonde was really tired of being made fun of, so she decided to have her hair she would look like a brunette.
When she had brown hair, she decided to take a drive in the country.
After she had been driving for a while, she saw a farmer and a flock of sheep and thought,
"Oh! Those sheep are so adorable!"She got out and walked over to the farmer and said,
"If I can guess how many sheep you have, can I take one home?"The farmer, being a bit of a gambler himself, said she could have a try.
The blonde looked at the flock and guessed, "157."
The farmer was amazed - she was right! So the blonde, (who looked like a brunette), picked one out and got back into her car.
Before she left, farmer walked up to her and said.
"If I can guess the real color of your hair, can I have my dog back?"

LAPLAND

2005-12-06T11:20:00.000Z

For those of you who don't know we are off to Lapland for Christmas - 4 day holiday which should be fantastic. Told the kids on Sunday last - big treasure hunts etc at Grandad & Grandma's which was lots of fun. Needless to say the kids are very excited about the trip - Just wants to let you know the cat is now officially out of the bag.

To Yoda - You know who you are

2005-12-02T12:17:00.000Z

Thanks mate - will now spend even more hours on the computer!!! :)

Having Fun

2005-12-02T11:53:00.000Z

If you are in need of cheering up or just want to have fun try out this site - for all the big kids out there :) Def. better with sound

Also just listening to Essex FM Podcast (welcome to the 21st Century heh? - on my computer - not gone upmarket enough for an Ipod yet - sorry but if it can't make tea and do the ironing as well - what is the point???) Anyway - stop rambling - very funny nit about all boys called Reece are renowned for being naughty!! So say all the Essex Teachers - apparently they know when they read the register if they have a 'Reece' he is likely to be trouble!!! (EssexFM.com - podcast 211105). Doesn't leave me with much of a chance does it!!!!

Ah Hah!

2005-11-29T14:11:00.000Z

Hi

2005-11-29T12:27:00.000Z

Okay - Helen - I will def. need lessons on clipart - having probs with that & blogs not very fun now. Everything is fine. Went Bluewater Friday last & Lakeside day after!!! Impressive even for a shopaholic like me :)
Kids are driving me MADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stressed out and seem to be more like police/tutor every day. Seem to be doing more Homework now Reece is at Seniors - more than when I was at school myself or it feels that way. Sooner or later he will work out that I am only blonde and it is probably better to get his finger out & do it himself.
Helen - re the Flu Jab - the 2 people I know who have had have both been subsequently poorly but of course the medical staff always say it's just coincidence !!!!
Looks like we may be doing another Fun 4 All thing next year in October abnd possibly something in Mrach as well. I did suggest to Darren that Helen, Simon Darren and I do a Bucks Fizz number but he did not seem that impressed - can't think why???
Any suggestions gratefully received.
C U Soon

Fun 4 All

2005-11-04T12:16:00.000Z

Well I have been called a few things in my time!!!! Thanks for your comments Helen. We really enjoyed the Fun 4 All Party at Church on Monday night. We are firm believers in you can't keep telling kids at Church what the can't and shouldn't be doing without giving them a fun and safe alternative.

Thanks need to go the Chris & Gill Wall and Family Ministries at Elim Chelmsford who did pay for the whole night. Well Done also to Chris Kennett who as you said really pulled out all the stops on the night which is particularly challenging for him. Hope all that were there enjoyed it as much - I think we may be using half bits of toilet rolls at our house for the next few weeks!!!! Keep having fun wherever you can :)

FINGERS

2005-11-04T12:02:00.000Z

Aren't fingers great!! Your own that is not cadbury's chocolate fingers - now that's another blog. I had to take apart my Dyson this morning to fiddle intelligently and try to fix etc and it got me thinking - aren't fingers great. You can stick screwdrivers in machines - springy long things to try to clear blockages etc but nothing works like using your hands and freeing the blockage yourself. They can go round corners - feel what the blockage is and actually sort it out.
This doesn't even scratch the surface of what you can do - scratching for one, typing, writing, the list is probaby endless. Just made me consider the wonders of creation - little things like fingers are so usefull - we are truly wonderfully made by God.

Apologies for any similarity to the Fast show - i.e. fingers - great yeah brilll etc etc

JUST FOR ALL THE BLOGGING STALKERS!!!!!

2005-10-25T14:07:00.000+01:00

NOT BLOGGING AS AGAIN VERY BUSY - NOW UP TO EYES IN BLUE PAINT FOR HALL ETC ETC & LOTS OF WORK TO DO AT WORK - ALSO BOSS IS BACK FROM SPAIN SO MUST NOT BLOG TOO MUCH AT WORK (ONLY PLACE COOKIES WILL ACTUALLY LET ME BLOG!!!!)

NOT MUCH TO SAY - NO SPIRITUAL WORDS OF WISOM AKA PAT & HELEN - SORRY BUT WILL TRY HARD TO THINK OF BIBLE VERSES FOR THE STRESSES OF MY LIFE - ANY SUGGESTIONS???

OFF TO HOPTON (NORFOLK) FOR A FEW DAYS - WED TO SAT - TO DAVE & JENNY'S HOLIDAY HOME (AKA VERY POSH STATIC CARAVAN) FOR SOME R&R HOPEFULLY. WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK & WILL PROBABLY BLOG SOMTHING A LITTLE MORE INTELLIGENT NEXT YEAR.

BYE!

I'm not fat . . .

2005-10-13T15:03:00.000+01:00

The X Factor

2005-10-12T21:23:00.000+01:00

Just read Helen's blog re X factor and totally agree - was choked up about poor little Trev & James last Saturday night though did feel a bit better that they probably ought to be spared the pressure of the competition. Did have a thought whilst watching though - whether the contestants made it through or not - they all had people and big hugs waiting for them - unconditional on their outcome - makes you think about unconditional love doesn't it.Will go now as have just spent several hours trying to get into my blog without my state of the Ark technology eating it - did get a little succes there. However, did then try to get clever with pictures etc as per Mrs Tween - even tried to download Word for Bloggers but the technology got the better of me and I may have inadvertenly set ff World War Three or somethig with my antics - oops. May need to get my big Sis round to rescue me!!

Hello

2005-09-13T11:32:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone - yes I am fine - just extremely busy. Still doing Chunky shows most weekends and just spend most of the Summer having loft extension done/painting, deocaring/putting furniture together etc etc - what fun.
Starting to calm down slightly so may get back to blogging - wasn't even sure if I remembered how!! There you go - that's me for another 3 months !!!! :)
See ya

Tagging ? Huh?

2005-06-07T23:25:00.000+01:00

Okay - how to get a blonde into a flat spin in one easy lesson. It is 11:25 - I have just done about 4 hours extra work at home and I think I'll check the blogs to wind down, etc etc. Penny is leavig us - Penster you will be missed - all these things happening when you don't check the blogs!!! I also apear to have been tagged - whatever that is - I think I have to note my favourite 10- things and then tag someone else - only prob is I have had a quick look round the blogs and I think almost eveyone I know has already been tagged so I have a few nominations for people who catch up on blogs but have not yet been sucked into the bogging vortex . .
Helen Tween
Jo Tween
Jodie Alberry

10 Things I like . . .
1 - Watching my kids when they are asleep - they look so angelic at that point and they can't argue back with you
2 - Being told you are loved - by kids, hubby family - anyone really!!
3 - Being appreciated - we don't say it often enough to each other but it is lovely when someone bothers to say they appreciate you
4 - Reading - love to escape into Romantic fiction Mills & Boon - Cheesy but there you go
5 - Darren making me laugh - must make more time for that
6 - Sleeping in a fresh sheets - lovely & cosy
7 - Shopping - nothing better than Bluewater
8 - Gym - or feeling after you have been (if ever go!) - very self righteous
9 - God/Church etc - when I feel really touched by his word in a sermon, song, teaching etc
10 - Sex !!!!!!!!!! Probably not suppossed to say it with lots of Christians reading but you asked what I like and I also like to be unorthodox sometimes!!!

For those born before 1986!

2005-04-18T22:50:00.000+01:00

According to today's regulators and bureaucrats, those of us who were kids in the 60's, 70's and early 80's probably shouldn't have survived, because our baby cots were covered with brightly coloured lead-based paint which was promptly chewed and licked.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, or latches on doors or cabinets and it was fine to play with pans.

When we rode our bikes, we wore no helmets, just flip-flops and fluorescent spokey dokey's' on our wheels. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or airbags - riding in the passenger seat was a treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle and it tasted the same.

We ate chips, bread and butter pudding and drank fizzy juice with sugar in it, but we were never overweight because we were always outside playing.

We shared one drink with four friends, from one bottle or can and no-one actually died from this.

We would spend hours building go-carts out of scraps and then went top speed down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into stinging nettles a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We would leave home in the morning and could play all day, as long as we were back before it got dark. No one was able to reach us and no one minded.

We did not have Play stations or X-Boxes, no video games at all. No 99 channels on TV, no videotape movies, no surround sound, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no DVDs, no Internet chat rooms.

We had friends - we went outside and found them.

We played elastics and rounders, and sometimes that ball really hurt!

We fell out of trees, got cut, and broke bones but there were no law suits.

We had full on fist fights but no prosecution followed from other parents.

We played chap-the-door-run-away and were actually afraid of the owners catching us.

We walked to friends' homes.

We also, believe it or not, WALKED to school; we didn't rely on mummy or daddy to drive us to school, which was just round the corner.

We made up games with sticks and tennis balls.

We rode bikes in packs of 7 and wore our coats by only the hood.

Yhe idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke a law was unheard of...They actually sided with the law.

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever. The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

And if you're one of them. Congratulations!

Crunch!!!!

2005-04-17T21:54:00.000+01:00

Q: What do you get when you cross an idiot with a driving licence, a jumped up Subaru going far too fast in a residential area with my little Polo with my lovely family inside?
A: Crunch - Yep that's what happened to Darren, Reece and Chantal yesterday up in Lowestoft. Thank God, Darren and the kids are more or less okay - apart from whiplash & Darren trying to look like a vicar in a collar (His Mum did suggest I attachch a lead to it - mnnnnn).
Unfortuanely the Polo has not come out so well. She is now spending the night up in Halesworth and looks doomed to be no more.
We now have to sort out cars, GP check ups for kids, Insurers etc etc - what fun.
But - Thank God - as my wise brother says - these, in the end, are only bits of metal which can be repaired or replaced but my treasures have come out still shining but with a few lumps and bumps.
Thanks to all for prayers and support during a couple of diffucult days.

Life in the Chunky Lane!!!!

2005-04-13T22:10:00.000+01:00

Hello peeps - just to say still here & obviously if I don't blog often enough will get told off by Aunty Penny. Very busy at the moment with Chunky season - now working almost every weekend and have just done a few days of fairly long hours in the office as well - what fun :)
NOt sure which is the lesser of two evils - Work or the kids being off on Spring Break :) :) Not quite at the "Lord, bless this child with a brick" stage yet - but nearly. Positive parenting can be anything but positive sometimes. Love them both to bits really - will go and look at them while they are asleep just to remind me of that fact soon!
Just a little thought for the day (maybe thought for the fortnight as that seems to be the frequency of the blogs)
In Church a few weeks ago making notes (not doodles - honestly) re sermon. Mum was sitting next to me also trying to write notes but couldn't get her pen to work. I lent her my Bible to lean on and the pen started working.
How often do things start to work work when we start to lean on God's word.
Keep blogging all - it's the only way I can catch up with you all at the mo.

The Easter Bunny!!!

2005-03-21T22:43:00.000Z

A man was blissfully driving along the highway, when he saw the Easter Bunny hopping across the middle of the road. He swerved to avoid hitting the Bunny, but unfortunately the rabbit jumped in front of his car and was hit. The basket of eggs went flying all over the place. Candy, too.

The driver, being a sensitive man as well as an animal lover, pulled over to the side of the road, and got out to see what had become of the Bunny carrying the basket. Much to his dismay, the colorful Bunny was dead.

The driver felt guilty and began to cry.

A woman driving down the same highway saw the man crying on the side of the road and pulled over. She stepped out of her car and asked the man what was wrong.

"I feel terrible," he explained. "I accidentally hit the Easter Bunny and killed it. There may not be an Easter because of me. What should I do? "

The woman told the man not to worry. She knew exactly what to do. She went to her car trunk, and pulled out a spray can. She walked over to the limp, dead Bunny, and sprayed the entire contents of the can onto the little furry animal.

Miraculously the Easter Bunny came to back life, jumped up, picked up the spilled eggs and candy, waved its paw at the two humans and hopped on down the road. 50 yards away the Easter Bunny stopped, turned around, waved and hopped on down the road another 50 yards, turned, waved, hopped another 50 yards and waved again!!!!

The man was astonished.

He said to the woman, "What in heaven's name is in your spray can? What was it that you sprayed on the Easter Bunny?"

The woman turned the can around so that the man could read the label.

It said: "Hair spray. Restores life to dead hair. Adds permanent wave."

Is this the way to Amarillo

2005-03-21T22:35:00.000Z

Just bought this single today - Comic Relief one with Peter Kay and it has a copy of the Comic Reief video that you can play on your computer. Definately a good stress reliever - I dare anyone to watch it and not have a giggle. Especially when you turn it up really loud and dance around with your daughter in her purple Easter bunny ears!!! :) :) :)

Yes I am still here!!!

2005-03-20T22:52:00.000Z

Not blogged for a while and just thought I would let everyone know I haven't dropped off the face of the earth. Chunky (Garden Furniture - where I work) season has now started and I am working at Craft Shows most weekend from now on. I was at Windsor this weekend - no tea with the queen or anything very posh but it does mean my usually busy life gets even more hectic. Also the 40 days of purpose is not being read in the 40 days - perhaps it will be 80 days of purpose for me!!! I was blessed by the last small group we had when it talked about slowing down to have real fellowship with each other. I find this hard - my life usually clocks a few speeding tickets along the way. I am trying to conciously slow down a bit and consider what I am doing and maybe even finish a task or two!! It works well when you can actually do it :)

Leave the knots to Him

2005-03-08T23:20:00.000Z

A little boy having missed his bus because of tangled shoe laces looked
at the nearby man with tear-filled eyes and said

“Do you untie knots”

“Yes” said the man

Jesus says the same

Life gets tangled, people mess up. We never outgrow the urge to look up and say “Help”.

No matter how big or little the knot, Jesus is always saying “Yes” to our request and he is able to do more than we can imagine when we leave the knots in Hhis hands

Max Lucado

NOW TO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL THAT WE ASK OR THINK, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS WITHIN US. . .
Ephesians 3.20

2005-03-08T23:17:00.000Z

Leave the knots to him

A soft place to fall

2005-03-08T22:40:00.000Z

What do I blog about now - seeing as I am being nagged by Pen to blog. I have caught the dreaded bloggers cold and am busy memorising the verse "man shall not live by Lemsip alone" or something like that. Had to work at a show on Sunday last (Mothers Day - which I missed most of with the kids) which did not help the cold standing outside selling Garden Furniture at Woburn Safari Park for about 9 hours!!
I am lagging terribly behind with the 40 days of purpose I think I am at about day 14 when I think we should be on about day 23 from Sarah's blog. Added to this, I am having trouble sleeping so thought I would leave Darren snoring in bed to come down to catch up on reading and now can't even find 40 days of purpose book anyway!!!
Do you ever feel wrung out and ready to throw the towel in? At the stage of can't even find the towel to throw!! Well that's just about me at the mo - how inspiring is this turning out to be.
But I am reminded of a phrase that Dr Phil (American TV life coach - v good) uses - that we should have a soft place to fall. I have that in God. When I feel wrung out, that I can do no more, that I am weak and too far behind to catch up, when I have lost my towel to throw, my marbles and everything else, My God will be my soft place to fall. His arms will hold me when I can hold no more. When I have only the strength to 'be' he says 'Come and rest in my presence'. So for now, that is what I will do.
Tomorrow I will find my marbles, my towel and my strength but for tonight I will be falling in my soft place.

Sharing . . .

2005-02-27T18:47:00.000Z

Talking in church about sharing this morning - Fellowship, Homes, Experiences.
Talking about how brothers and sisters should learn to share.
This reminded me of a card Reece bought Chantal recently. Hope it makes you smile :-)
Some rules about sharing our stuff:
If I like, it's mine
If it's in my hand, it's mine
If I had it a little while ago, it's mine
If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours
If I'm doing something with it, it's mine
If it looks like mine, it's mine
If I think it's mine, it's mine
If it's yours and I steal it, it's mine . . .

If It gets broken, it's yours!!

Sleepovers - Why??????????

2005-02-26T18:44:00.000Z

Haven't blogged for a while and not much to say really. Have been busy with mechanics of blogging - now have all my links sorted, a counter and a chatterbox!!! - hope you are impressed Penny - it's amazing what we blondes can accomplish.
Am currently functioning on about 2.5 hours sleep. This is the product of
a) Reece having a Sleepover (not a very apt name!!!) Party. Hence 6 ten/eleven year old boys in our lounge giggling and yakking until 3am this morning and
b) beloved husband snoring his head off and sounding like a train from 3:15am until about 5:00am - What Joy.
Still it reminds me that God is always watching over us and HE never sleeps - amazing really. I know he doesn't need sleep or anything but do we 'keep him up' until 3am or wear him out?

Thank God for Children Saying Grace

2005-02-22T17:09:00.000Z

This is an email Pat sent me - I can claim no originality but I still thought it was a lovely story and worth blogging (it is not my children or me by the way!) . . .

Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good, God is great... Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!"
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!"
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer."
"Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart,” the man replied. Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes."
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman.
With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already."

2005-02-22T12:21:00.000Z

Fun in the Snow!!

2005-02-20T19:12:00.000Z

This is me with Darren & my kids being fairly well behaved & lovely (not sticking out their tongues for a change!) Christmas Day 2004

Put your behind in front of you

2005-02-17T13:18:00.000Z

Or is it put your behind in your behind? Anyway to quote Pumba from the Lion King. The idea is out your past in the past where it belongs.
Have just had a somewhat yucky meeting with social workers - no probs to our family but we had to revisit some of the very difficult times our kids had before they were adopted.
It reminded me that all we have in our hands is TODAY. Yesterday is gone and all the mistakes and bad things that happened have been and gone and we cannot change them.
Tomorrow has yet to come but we can make TODAY count. So much time is wasted - busy being busy. So much heartache can be felt about what was done that we cannot do anything about.
God has put all our past in the deepest sea and put up the 'NO FISHING SIGN'. Let us too leave the past alone and do something good today.
For all of you who have or know kids out there - give them a big hug today for you don't know what they are going through and a hug (or even better a cutch) will allways help - my two will certainly get a big cutch when I meet them from school today.

For he knew us before we were born. . .

2005-02-13T15:09:00.000Z

Reading in the 40 days of purpose today about God's plan for us and was thinking about God knowing about us so well, even the hairs on our head (perhaps he knows my natural colour?) and before we were 'knitted together in our mother's womb'. This part is so important to me personally, for my wonderfull children were never knitted together in my womb, they are adopted you see. They were biologicaly born to someone else, and the fact that I could not have children bioligcally caused me many years of angst and grief. I so desparatly wanted children and we tried various fertility options before trying to adopt.
But God knew what he was doing, for as he formed Reece and Chantal, he knitted into them so much of Darren and I that it is amazing. Reece loves sport so much and Chantal never stops talking (wonder where she gets that from!). These are but a few of the similarilties which make them our children naturally if not biologically. I thank God for them and for giving us both the strength to follow our path to them.
If God can plan this for us, who feel so insignificant in this world, how much more can he plan for us all?

Chantal's Joke

2005-02-08T20:00:00.000Z

I am now pulling Chantal into blogging with me - mainly because Daddy has fallen asleep on the sofa and she still has 5 minutes family time left so this is from Chantal . . .
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Troy
Troy Who?
Troy the bell instead!!!!

Ha Ha Ha

Bloke jokes - getting our own back at Blonde Jokes!!

2005-02-08T19:22:00.000Z

Having read Penny’s blog today I am mortally wounded by the amount of blonde jokes there are and thought it was time to stick up for our kind.
(Just joking Penny)
Anyway – thought you might like some Bloke Jokes instead….

) What’s the best place to hide a bloke’s birthday present?
[ The washing basket

] How do you make a bloke’s eyes light up?
[Shine a torch in his ear

] What do you give the bloke who has everything?
[ Penicillin

] What’s the difference between a bloke with a mid-life crisis and a Clown?
[ A Clown knows he’s wearing funny clothes

]How do you get a bloke to lift a feather duster?
[ Put it on top of the remote control

You've missed a belt loop!

2005-02-08T19:10:00.000Z

Was just trying to get myself organised this morning when Mum pointed out “Rhi, you have missed a belt loop”. Yes, indeed I had hurriedly thrown on my dressing gown in a vain attempt at some decency and not put the belt though all the loops. In my defence, I was trying to put a rocket under Chantal to get her going and slow down the bull in the china shop fondly known as Reece. Nevertheless, my modesty was compromised by the lack of belt looping.
I did however manage to stay decent. It made me think of all the ‘belt loops’ I have missed – items forgotten at the supermarket, uniform not ironed until the morning it is needed, Birthdays missed, the odd few Christmas presents I still have to give out from December last!!
Nonetheless, life goes on.
The world has not stopped because I have missed a few things along the way.
God still loves me, my family still love me and if you have all that – what’s the point in stressing over all the belt loops in life!!
Just remember not to miss the belt out altogether and inadvertently flash the postman!!

London in the Fog

2005-02-08T19:07:00.000Z

This morning I caught a few minutes of Breakfast TV in which they were discussing Monet's art and in particlar 'The Thames below Westminster'. I very proudly ran and grabbed my copy of this picture from the wall in my office to show Mum saying "I've got that!". Now before you all think I am a wonderfull art conessiuer, I am not, it's just that Pat, Mum and I had a lovely day in London last year and visitinted the National Gallery while were - up there - don't we sound cultured. Anyway the picture I bought was a £3.50 postcard version of at least somebody I had heard of! Anyway, my point is that this is that the picture look like a rather smudgy pastel picyure of Big Ben, the Thames and a few boats yet it is considered a masterpiece, the pastel smudges being seen as 'fog'.
I got to thinking how many times Reece or Chantal have done a piece of artwork and it has been proudly displayed on the fridge as one of their 'masterpieces'.
How much more will God see the life we lead, even if we are unhappy with our own 'smudgy edges' and unfinished business, words not said or deeds not done as a very proud Dad looking at his children's Masterpieces.

The Anthem!!

2005-02-05T18:05:00.000Z

Okay just thought of something spiritual (ish)
Rugby Game currently on - Wales v England - always a matter of some dispute in our household and I am not really that bothered about Rugby but there you go.
Anyway - I take a minute from the new joys of blogging to go into the lounge where Darren and Dave are sitting chatting through their national anthem at the start of the game!! I suggest(rather loudly) that they should stand and show due respect and patriotism for their country but they refrain - much to my disgust - even if it is for England.
Anyway, then the Welsh anthem comes on and I suggest (again rather loudly) that Mum comes and joins me - which she dutifully does. We then stand, shoulder to shoulder, hands on our hearts, Mum sings and I hum loudly (as I can't sing in Welsh - come to think of it I'm not that better in English) to our anthem.
My point - if we are so passionate about our homeland, despite the Rugby score - whatever it may be - how much more should we stand and sing for God, hand on heart. I may only make a joyfully noise (not a tunefull one) but I shall think on next time I am in worship!!

Part 2!!!!

2005-02-05T17:02:00.000Z

Okay, so ran out of room on last post which obviously proves I talk too much - will now be able to do this in blog world as well now!!!

Back to the funny - I never quite got there last time.

Darren was just upstairs with Chantal (darling daughter). She shouts out "Daddy I need the toilet" to which he replies "just leave it hanging there gently!!!"
Now as a caring Mum I was most concerened that my daughter was being instructed to potentially leave poos (am I allowed to mention poo in a blog??) hanging there gently.
Fortunatley, as Darren then explained to me, they had both been trying to fix Chantal's bedroom doorbell (yes she has one - don't ask!!) and she was holding the wire while Darren had come to get something else for the job. Therefore it was the doorbell wire and not the poo that was being allowed to hang gently - what a relief!!!

Anyway must go as I need to post comments on Pat's blog.

Please forgive any errors in formatting etc but be gentle with me - I am new to this and whilst I am fairly good on a computer the mobile textings overtook me so blogs may yet beat me - who knows!!!

Oh my goodness - here goes!!!

2005-02-05T16:33:00.000Z

Okay so I am finally being sucked into the vortex of blogging - mostly because I want to post items on my sister's blog so Pat you will have a lot to answer for!!!
I am very pleased that I have found a 'rose' background (I think!!) as those who know me know my love of most things pink.
Will try very hard to think of something Spiritual to write - Pat seems to come up with inspirational and deep messages from various Hymns and Choruses but these seems to be beyond me at the moment - how abour something around "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam" - perhaps not.
How about funnies then - we have a house full at the moment - Dave (father in law) is here for pre-rugby tinker with his MG car which is stored in our garage - what fun. Reece is "helping him" - this may mean the job takes much longer. Reece has just this second come in to proudly show me his grease covered hands!! Boys eh.
Jenny (mother in law) just popped in to say hello en route back from seeing porrly nephew Liam. Mum has just given her the Craft Ideas book (Oaks and Acorns) which she made me swear (okay not quite but almost) not to give out because it has too many good ideas in it that she wants to use!!! Still more to say but seem to running out of room . . .