Our Journey to Alice

Skate Park Fun!

2010-04-03T18:53:00.002+11:00

We braved the somewhat chilly autumn air this morning to get to the skate park before it got too busy. Big Girl just LOVES her scooter and is very proud that she has finally learned to 'drop the bowl'. Alice just likes scooting around and being part of the big kids' fun. Happy Easter, and may God's richest blessings be with you all.

back again!

2010-03-12T13:38:00.002+11:00

After a lengthy absence I have finally exctracted the digit and got around to posting here again. No real news aside from being insanely busy, but thought I shoukld post some pics just to keep you happy :)

Alice and her friend Bo Hua.

mmm, sandwiches!!

Alice and Ruffy the Dog

My handsome Big Boy, out for dinner on Big Girl's 13th birthday

My Big Girl and her handsome daddy!

Alice being feral....

'Nice' smile whilst riding her scooter

Beautiful girl....

And not so beautiful!!!

At the Pool

2010-01-27T21:56:00.002+11:00

Today we hung out at the pool with two of Alkice's travel buddies, Olivia and Allysa. All the girls are three (had their birthdays within two weeks of each other) and they had a BLAST!!! Alice was so brave and really enjoyed her time in the water.

The most stubborn child in the world...

2010-01-21T18:38:00.003+11:00

and she is my daughter!!! Alice is a TERRIBLE drinker. She would go for days without water if I let her. Well, she got up from her nap today and I made her (another) fresh water to drink. She flatly refused. I told her that she couldn't have any afternoon tea until she drank it. She still refused. Fast-forward to tea time, with Alice complaining of being hungry. Fine, I say. Drink your water and you can have your tea. End result - me feeling like I have said 'drink your water' a MILLION times, no water drunk and no tea eaten. Perhaps a night of going to bed hungry might teach her that she needs to listen to her mum!!!

The Birthday Cake

2010-01-15T07:46:00.003+11:00

All Alice wanted with regard to a birthday cake this year was that it be GREEN. So here it is!

My big girl is THREE today!!!

2010-01-14T13:44:00.002+11:00

I can hardly believe that Alice is three today. It seems like only yesterday she was a tiny, skinny little baby placed in my arms. Now she is a bouncy, rambunctious, loud and happy three year old who has (so far!) had a very exciting birthday. Now all I have to do is go and create the requested birthday cake (a green one) and all will be well. I will post some more photos after we have done the cake thing. As always, I find Alice's birthday a bittersweet occasion, as I cannot help but feel for her birthmother, somewhere in China. Is she thinking of the daughter she had to give away? Does she mourn her loss, or has she tried to put it behind her? Is she thinking of her daughter and wondering where she is on this, her third birthday? I shall never know the answer to these questions, asd as Alice grows, she will start having to deal with the pain of not knowing too. It is times like this that adoption can really be seen and felt as a double edged sword - our joy was made complete because of one woman's enormous loss.....

Trying on the new lip gloss Big Sis gave her

An excited look (not just plain scary!!)

Enjoying her own computer

My Beautiful Daughter

2009-12-31T13:27:00.002+11:00

The end of the year is nigh!

2009-12-31T13:10:00.003+11:00

Thought I had better squeeze in another post before the end of the year (decade!!) We went on a bit of an outing to Bells Parade today, a beautiful park and playground ten minutes drive from home. The kids had fun, I took LOTS of photos, and we stopped at the Lolly Shop for ice creams and milkshakes on the way home. A very pleasant way to round off 2009. Happy New Year to you all - I hope that 2010 is full of God's richest blessings for you all!!!

My moody pre-teen!

Sawdust is FUN!!!

DS hanging about...

two going on twelve...

Surely a smile wouldn't be too hard Alice???!!!

Now some of my favourite type of pics - macro shots!!!

Proud Mummy Moment

2009-12-14T17:47:00.001+11:00

Alice and I were just snuggled up on the couch watching 'In the Night Garden' whilst waiting for the big kids to come home from tennis. I asked her 'what does love mean, Alice?' Without missing a beat she looked at me and said 'Mum!!' Ain't love grand??!!!

It is Finished (well, almost....)

2009-12-10T13:55:00.004+11:00

After almost a month the kitchen/dining room renovation is pretty much done and I am thrilled to be currently listening to the sound of my dishwasher chugging through it's first load in four weeks!!! The tiler finished up today, and I have managed to get everything back in and organised, so am very happy! Only one slight disaster throughout the whole process - three of the four benchtops need to be replaced as the laminate is faulty. This will be done in the new year, so I just have to put up with it until then. Overall, I am incredibly happy with how everything has worked out. I now have a beautiful, practical and incredibly functional kitchen to work in, which I am sure will make cooking a far more pleasant experince. Enjoy the photos! (sorry about it being so gloomy, but we are having an awful, cold and wet day here today)BTW, if you want a closer look at any of the photos, just click on them.

Random Photos

2009-11-22T14:08:00.002+11:00

The big kids are out, Alice is asleep and I have a whole pile of ironing that needs doing, so I thought I would post to my blog instead! Here are just a few photos from the last month, along with a special one from today - DS's baptism. Not a great photo as it was taken from the overhead projection (not sure why there is a box around his head!) but it is the best I could do. Our God is good indeed.

Kitchen progress

2009-11-21T13:52:00.003+11:00

It only took four hours this morning to completely remove our old kitchen. And the worst part weas hacking up the darn cork tiles - that took almost three of those four hours!!! Anyway, enjoy the pics. Work on the new kitchen starts Monday!

Friday is the day!!!

2009-11-18T17:18:00.003+11:00

My new kitchen arrives on Friday afternoon and it is pathetic how excited I am! DH and I take to the old kitchen with a sledgehammer and crowbar on Saturday, and the serious business of creating my dream kitchen begins on Monday. All going well, it should be complete by December 7th. Watch this space for before and after photos!!!

We went, we saw, we WIGGLED!!!!

2009-11-15T21:49:00.005+11:00

Yes folks, today we went to the concert of the year (decade perhaps!) The Wiggles came to Launceston and Alice and I went to see them. We had bought our tickets months ago, and Alice was so excited by the prospect of seeing the Wiggles 'in real'!!They put on a fantastic show. The singing was awesome, they were very funny, and Alice had a ball. She spent most of the time jumping and dancing, and was one very tired little person as a result! Enjoy the photos and video. PS - ignore the utterly gross photo iof me and concentrate on the cute little person!!!

LOVE this!!!

2009-11-14T07:07:00.003+11:00

I was sent this email by a friend today and just thought I would share it. It is fantastic!

Twas the month before Christmas, when all through our land,
Not a Christian was praying
Nor taking a stand.
See the PC Police had taken away,
The reason for Christmas - no one could say.
The children were told by their schools not to sing,
About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.
It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say
December 25th is just a 'Holiday '.
Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit
Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!
CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod
Something was changing,something quite odd!
Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa
In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.
As Targets were hanging their trees upside down
At Lowe's the word Christmas was no where to be found.
At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears
You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.
Inclusive, sensitive, di-ver-si-ty
Are words that were used to intimidate me.
Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen
On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton !
At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter
To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.
And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith
Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace
The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded
The reason for the season,stopped before it started.
So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'
Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.
Choose your words carefully,choose what you say
Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS,not Happy Holiday!

Goodbye to the old kitchen...

2009-10-28T13:55:00.004+11:00

In just a few weeks time I will be taking to our old kitchen with a sledge hammer - and probably enjoying the heck out of myself!! We bought this house six years ago this month, and I have finally convinced my DH that the kitchen simply must go. It has been eminently serviceable for the past six years, but the house is over 25 years old and the wear and tear on the kitchen is starting to show. Most of the knobs fall off when you open the cupboards, some cupboards sag terribly and have to be hoisted up and across to be shut, the oven is so old that the heat leaks out and melts the oven surrounds whenever it is used, and most of the hot plates don't work. Needless to say, I am VERY excited about the prospect of a brand new kitchen!! I decided to go with a flat pack system, through Ezikit kitchens in Hobart. A batch buddy of mine used them in her house and was so impressed that she got them back to do two bathrooms, a powder room and the bar after her kitchen was done! Anyway, the kitchen is scheduled to be delivered on November 23rd, the electrician, plumber, tiler and joiner have all been booked, so now I am just playing a waiting game, dreaming of my lovely new cooking mecca. Oh, did I mention that this new kitchen will actually have a PANTRY??? (unlike the old one, which was obviously designed by a man!!) I have uploaded some pics of the old kitchen, and also of the new tiles, Formica and doors that we are using. The floor tile is the lighter colured of the two and the splashback will be in the darker tile and the Formica for the benchtops is the speckled sample.

A Busy Weekend

2009-10-26T13:38:00.003+11:00

After starting out rather inauspiciously with my car being ruined in an accident on Friday, the rest of the weekend went reasonably well!! Managed to get my front drivers door collected by an old geezer driving far too close to my car around lunchtime Friday, which was rather upsetting and MEGA inconvenient. He was a cranky old bugger and offended me no end by calling me 'girlie' and telling me off for wrecking HIS car (a bomby old Ford which received minor damage compared to my poor car!!) Anyway, a quick call to my insurer meant that I got a replacement car by mid afternoon, and we were all set for our weekend's adventure - a trip to Hobart to catch up with our batch mates for our two year Forever Family Day reunion. We had a blast, Alice in particular, as we met up with the other girls, compared notes, and stared in wonder at the little girls who have come SUCH a long way in the past two years. From scared, tiny and unresponsive little babies they have grown into beautiful, fun-loving, bold and happy almost three year olds with a real zest for life. We met at a playgroup hall first, then travelled onto the MeWah restaurant in Snady Bay for a yum cha lunch. I have never been there before and it was divine!! The food was exquisite, and the girls had a blast running around our private dining room. DH even decided to go all out and try the jellyfish, then the chicken's feet. Urgh....Here are a few snaps from the day - please forgive the quality, but it is REALLY hard to photograph eight busy toddlers in poor light! Oh, there are also a couple of pics from our actual Forever Family Day celbrations - a very simple affair with cake, candles and lots of fun!

PS had to do the pics as a slideshow as, for some bizzare reaons unbeknownst to me, when I uploaded them as pictures on their own they were HUGE!!!

Go to ImageShack® to Create your own Slideshow

The Shouty Bird

2009-10-22T13:57:00.003+11:00

Here he is:

Looks sort of sweet, doesn't he?? Well, he is NOT. This bird is pure evil, wrapped up in a cute feathery persona. Why??? Every morning at around 5.30am the Shouty Bird goes into action. He sits outside our bedroom window and shouts at all the other birds to keep off his turf. Now we live in a pretty leafy spot, with many, many birds. And most of them I LOVE to listen to. Their dawn chorus is breathtaking, incredibly melodic and soothing. Not so the Shouty Bird. The Shouty Bird is loud, obnoxious and repetitive. Quite frankly, I hate the Shouty Bird. DH wants to get a gun and permanenetly aircondition the Shouty Bird, and I am sorta coming around to his way of thinking. If only I had confidence in his ability to shoot a very small bird from a distance....

I'm BAAAAAACK!!!! And Happy 2nd Forever Family Day Alice!!!

2009-10-21T09:08:00.004+11:00

Hello to all my friends who may have been wondering where I went. You see, I was finding this whole blog thing a bit of a struggle. Not enough time to post, nothing interesting to say, didn't think it was worthwhile carrying on. But since deleting my blog, I have had several lovely friends say how much they missed it, so due to peer pressure (of the nicest kind!!) I have decided to un-delete 'Our Journey to Alice'. And as you can see by the heading of this post, today is a pretty special day in our family. On this day two years ago I held my sweet Alice for the very first time. After years of waiting and wondering, the moment had finally arrived when I could hold my precious gift from God. And two years on she has come such a long, long way. From a tiny, 5.3 kg nine month old who could barely hold her head up and could not sit alone, to a rambunctious, fun-loving, affectionate and delightful little person. She is a true blessing to all who know her and I am so grateful that God chose her to be part of our family. So happy second Forever Family day my sweet Alice - we love you so very much. Here is a link to the post I did in China two years ago today.

Our first day together:

By cristinafairley at 2009-10-20

Today!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-10-12

Having a Blast

2009-09-13T21:52:00.000+10:00

No photos as USB was not packed for good camera, but we are having a ball here on the Gold Coast. The weather has been fabulous (around 24 degrees every day)and we have been incredibly busy.Unfortunately Alice has been unwell with a chest infection but is now on antibiotics and is improving.I had a very self-indulgent day at Pacific Fair doing retail therapy and relaxing with no kids (thanks DH!!!) Tomorrow we are of to Dreamworld, back to Movie world on Tuesday then getting ready to head home. We have had such a great time and I really don't want to come home to cold Tssie weather!!!

The Slack Blogger is on holiday!!!

2009-09-08T13:45:00.003+10:00

Howdy folks. Once again, many apologies for the lack of posts but we have been frantically getting ready for our first ever BIG family holiday. We have been on the Gold Coast in Queensland for three days now and are just loving it. The kids are having blast, and the parents are exhausted!! I am quite sure that I will need a holiday to recover from my holiday! Anyway, here's just a few pics from the last couple of days. Quality isn't too good as I forgot to pack the USB for my good camera so I am just downloading from DS's little digital. Will try and post again before we have to go home to freezing, wet Tassie. Just loving the warmth and the sun up here!!!!

Weekend Photos

2009-08-17T14:35:00.002+10:00

Just a few pics from the weekend so my poor blog doesn't feel TOO neglected!! These photos were taken at the Arboretum, a marvellous parklands only five minutes from our home, with a beautiful lake on which there are many native birds, and platypus.

poking your little sister with a stick can be FUN!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

rare pic of me and the kids

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-08-16

The Bad Blogger Returns....

2009-07-31T14:16:00.003+10:00

Yes folks, I am still here and reports of my demise are over-rated. It is simply a matter of me being in winter-time hibernation mode and not having anything of interest to blog about. Its cold, wet and miserable, and I am SO OVER it!! There is light at the end of the tunnel however, as tomorrow marks the first day of the last month of winter. Hurrah!! I rugged up and toddled out into the garden today and was amazed by all the signs of new life that are already blooming, despite the winter chills. I am really looking forward to our tropical Queensland holiday in just over a month's time - roll on sand, sun and miles of warm tropical beaches!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-07-30

Finally found that platypus!!!

2009-06-21T14:46:00.002+10:00

Last Sunday the girls and I went to the Arboretum, only about a five minute drive from our house, and there were platypus (platypuses?? platypi??) everywhere!! I saw about six in the water during the hour and a half we wandered around the lake. It was cold but beautiful, and Alice had a ball feeding the swans. Unfortunately platypus are very shy and my photos aren't great - really need to get a super-duper telephoto lens!!

Big Girl, Alice and Big' Girls Best Friend, S.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

Black swan

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

Cute little baby wallaby

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

The Platypus!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

Red robin

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

Piggy back with Big Sis

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-16

A Walk at Warrawee

2009-06-08T13:11:00.002+10:00

Today we are on a day off thanks to the Queen's birthday long weekend, and since it has finally stopped raining we managed to go out for a bit of an adventure. We drove to the Warrawee Platypus reserve, which is only about 15 minutes from our home, but feels like a world away. Even though it was chilly (about 10 degrees) the weather was gorgeous - very still, and the pond looked like a mirror. Lots of fantastic photo opportunities, so I made the most of it. And yes, I know the one of me and the kids is blurry, but my darling husband took it and he isn't as familiar with the camera as I am!! I thought I had better include the shot though, just to prove that I do exist!! Alas, the only platypus we saw was busy surfing the rapids in the middle of the river and I failed to get a picture of him. Maybe next time...

Lots of interesting fungi!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

The pond was so very still and reflective

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-06-07

My Wonderful Husband

2009-05-29T13:38:00.003+10:00

Although this blog is largely about Alice and, to a lesser extent, my two big kids, there is someone who doesn't get mentioned frequently who is really worthy of a bit of praise - my lovely husband of 13 years, D. We met almost 16 years ago whilst acting together in an ancient Greek play (Orestes by Euripides). He was a brash, handsome and somewhat wild nineteen year old law student, I was a shy, unconfident, sort dorky Classics/history student with a steady boyfriend (oops!) D was the leading man in this play, I was in the chorus, and it was (for me at least!) love at first sight. I fell head over heels with this dashing and rebellious young man who wore tight jeans, Dr Martin boots and smoked exotic French cigarettes. And I was amazed that he seemed to have an interest in me!! Needless to say, the steady boyfriend was soon discarded, and our time together began. We have had our shares of ups and downs during our time together, as most married couples do. Babies, post-natal depression, arguments, mid-life crises (mine!) and my generally mercurial moods have caused us some angst, but through all this my man has stood by me. He is an incredibly hard worker, a devoted Dad to his three children, and a wonderful, sensitive, loving and generous husband to me. He is my soul mate and my one true love and I am incredibly blessed to have him in my life. And now here's the opportunity to show off some photos - my darling husband bought me home flowers this week, for no reason other than that he sensed I was having a down day and could do with some cheering up. So here are some pictures of said flowers, and his little note that came with them. Thank you D for putting up with me and loving me even when I am being most unlovable.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-28

And just a few more...

2009-05-26T13:33:00.004+10:00

'cos I am feeling a tad guilty and neglectful!! Just some random pictures from over the weekend, including some yummy doggyliciousness!!

Bella

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

Daisy

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

My Big Boy doing what he does best - being cheeky!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

A rare pic of Big Boy and Big Girl being nice to one another...

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

Big Girl with Orange Dot On Nose

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

Precious foot..

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

Miscellaneous close-ups

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

By cristinafairley at 2009-05-25

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-25

Photos from the weekend

2009-05-26T13:18:00.001+10:00

Yeah, I know - no witty report on life here with the Ferals, no wise insights into life and the meaning of the universe. Time is my enemy and I have too much to do!! Hope you enjoy the pics.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-24

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-24

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-24

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-24

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to camp we go!!

2009-05-19T13:17:00.002+10:00

I made a very sudden and exciting decision yesterday that involves me and Alice, a boat, a car, about 2000km and a week away from the family. The annual Families with Children from China camp is on at the end of September in Adelaide, and I had initially dismissed it as impossible, mainly because we are off to the Gold Coast at the beginning of the month. Anyway, I had the bright idea yesterday that Alice and I could go by ourselves, thus saving money and making a very fun adventure for the two of us!! So we leave on the Spirit of Tasmania (large boat which travels from Tassie to the 'mainland' part of Australia) on Friday September 25th, sail overnight and wake up in Melbourne at 7am the next day. Then were unload ourselves and our car, and drive the 800km or so to Adelaide, accompanied by my lovely friend Jen and her sweet daughter Ebony. The camp starts on Sunday afternoon and goes until Thursday, and is chock-full of games, crafts, food, workshops and guest speakers, with a distinctly Chinese theme all round. This will be our first FCC camp and I am VERY excited to be going - it is a great opportunity to met lots of new people, many of whom I know by name from the email groups, but have never met. So September looks to be a busy month for us - two weeks in sunny Queensland, home for a week then off to South Australia. Whoohoo!!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T13:42:00.004+10:00

I had a lovely Mother's Day yesterday - no breakfast in bed, but that is per my request as I cannot STAND crumbs in the bed!! Lots of beautiful hand-made gifts, including a pin cushion in a gorgeous decorated box (from Big Girl), two hair clips, one sporting a blue flower and the other a blue mouse (yes, that's right, BLUE MOUSE) and a very special calico bag, decorated with lots of Alice's cute little hand prints (thanks to K at daycare for that!!) So I proudly wore my new hair clips to church and received many glowing comments, and generally had a very pleasant day. It was made even more enjoyable by the visit of some very special people. Jen and I 'met' over the Internet a few years ago, as we are both involved in on-line discussion groups pertaining to Chinese adoption. She and her husband and darling daughter Ebony were in Tassie for a holiday so they came to visit!! It was just wonderful to finally meet someone who I felt as though I had already known for years!! Ebony and Alice had a ball playing together, and the grown ups enjoyed getting to know each other, a nice red wine and some yummy chocolate mud cake. Hope everyone else out there had a great Mum's day too!!

Ebony and Alice hamming it up for the camera!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-10

New Photos from the Slogger

2009-05-06T13:57:00.002+10:00

'Slogger???' I hear you ask??? It's a term for someone like me who is a completely slack blogger!!! Life just seems to move at a frightening pace and I never manage to put bloggy pen to bloggy paper and actually do anything of note. So here are a few recent pics to keep you going - the ones with the beanie and the pyjamas are very cute, don't you think???!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-05-05

Glorious Rain

2009-04-26T14:01:00.002+10:00

The past three days we have been blessed with oodles of gorgeous rain. Since much of Tassie has been experiencing near-drought conditions for some time, this rain is a long-awaited occurrence. I am loving my new wood heater, as it is chilly along with the rain, so I am snuggled up inside being warm and cosy whilst the rain falls outside. I did sneak out though and take a few 'wet' photos for you all to see.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-25

By cristinafairley at 2009-04-25

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-25

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-25

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-25

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-25

A Busy Week

2009-04-24T21:14:00.001+10:00

Apologies for no photos this week -we have been far too busy!! And the pics I did take were rubbish and not fit to be shown to the general public! Major news for the week was Big Girl having an unscheduled trip to hospital on Tuesday night due to a lump of wood clunking her on the head. Three hours and five stitches later she was home, with a killer of a black eye. She was pretty pleased with the amount of kudos it gave her at school the next day!

Will try to take some pics on the weekend to post. Currently enjoying the wonderful rain which has been falling non-stop all day. We so need it here in drought-affected Tassie!

Alice's Favourite Books

2009-04-18T18:56:00.016+10:00

I stole this idea from Kiy over at Rocking Chairs and a Tricycle - thanks Kiy!!!

'Whoever You Are' by Mem Fox

This book is gorgeous - very bright colours, striking artwork and an important message that we are all the same, no matter where we live.

'When I'm Feeling Happy' by Tracy Moroney

My Mum gave this to Alice last Christmas, along with another in the series, 'When I'm Feeling Loved'. The pictures are very cute, and the lessons taught in the books are fantastic. Alice can quote these and when she is happy she tells me she is 'full of joy mummy'!!!

'Dear Zoo' by Rod Campbell

A true classic 'lift the flap' book. The little person writes to the Zoo for a present, and they send a series of unsuitable pets until the final one. Alice just loves lifting the flaps!

'I Don't Have Your Eyes' by Carrie Kitze

One of the many adoption-related books I purchased during the loooooong wait or Alice. This book talks about how adopted children are dissimilar from their parents, but also about the things that make them alike.

'My Presents' by Rod Campbell

Another classic Rod Campbell lift the flap book. A series of birthday presents need to be 'opened' .

'Where is the Green Sheep?' by Mem Fox

Mem Fox writes fantastic books and this is no exception. The text rhymes beautifully and the pictures are very cute.

'Hooray For Fish' by Lucy Cousins

Probably Alice's favourite at the moment. It is very bright and colourful, and the ending is very special, with Little Fish finding 'the one he loves the best' - his Mum!!!

More from the Fabulous Fiona

2009-04-17T15:05:00.002+10:00

Just a few more pics that Fiona took the other day - she is SO clever!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-16

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-16

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-16

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-16

Record Third Post!!!

2009-04-14T20:21:00.002+10:00

Wow, it has been a while since I managed three posts in a day, but I thought that these pics were worth it. My very talented friend Fiona took these today when she came to visit. Isn't she clever???!!!! I particulalry like the one of my Big Girl - she looks positively angelic!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-14

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-14

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-14

By cristinafairley, shot with PENTAX K20D at 2009-04-14

Visit to the Grandparents'

2009-04-14T16:44:00.004+10:00

We drove the hour or so yesterday to visit DH's parents in Launceston. DH's two big sisters were also there with their kids, so Alice, her jie jie and ge ge had a fantastic day hunting for Easter eggs, playing with their cousins and generally having a blast. Alice loved being the centre of attention (of course!) and was particularly taken with Grandma and Grandpa's new King Charles Cavalier puppy, Monet. Isn't she just the sweetest little pup??!!!

All the cousins, plus Monet.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

Mia and Monet

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

Kate and Monet

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

My Big Girl, caught mid-spin!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

DS, doing his thing.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

Monet!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

Visit to the Grandparents'

2009-04-14T16:44:00.001+10:00

Frogs For Fiona!!

2009-04-14T12:50:00.002+10:00

I spent the morning catching up with my lovely friend Fiona. She is a mad keen (and very talented) photographer, so we spent some time snapping away. I was fortunate enough to find a rather handsome brown tree frog in Alice's sand box, and he very kindly allowed me to take his picture. Hopefully Fiona will send me some of her excellent photos soon and I will post a few of them for you to look at!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-13

Fun in the Autumn Sun

2009-04-11T16:53:00.004+10:00

Today was just a glorious autumn day - mild, no wind, gorgeous blue skies. Alice, her Big Brother and I spent some time outside playing with Big Brother's go-cart. Hope you enjoy the photos!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-10

Alice Likes to 'Move It'!!!!

2009-04-11T16:49:00.002+10:00

My feral daughter - note the loud snorty laughter that she emits on a regular basis (just like her mum after a glass too many of red wine....)

Myspace Layouts

Too Cool....

2009-04-09T11:12:00.004+10:00

Alice found her brother's Spider man sunglasses this morning and decided that they looked far better on her than on him. I have to sorta agree!! Not too much to report from sunny Tassie at the moment. I had a wee operation yesterday to fix up some 'women's problems' so Alice and I are lying low today. DH has had to go to Sydney on business, so my Big Girl very kindly volunteered to stay home from school today and help out with Genghis Khan junior. I am a very lucky mum indeed to have two such awesome daughters!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-08

Myspace Layouts

The Many Moods of Miss Alice

2009-04-02T16:54:00.004+11:00

Photos as promised!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-04-01

Myspace Layouts

Brain Fart Resolved

2009-04-02T11:37:00.000+11:00

Seems as though Blogger has gotten over it's earlier seizure and has given me back all the blogs I follow. Hurrah!!! Will promise to try and upload some more photos soon.

Grrr...

2009-04-02T08:07:00.000+11:00

Blogger seems to have had some sort of brain fart today and has decided to wipe my (extensive) list of blogs that I follow. Now I have to re-load them all into Blogger. Grrrr.....

Learned something today...

2009-03-26T13:29:00.001+11:00

That I should NEVER leave Daisy the Dog unattended in the house, even for a few minutes. I went out to take the garbage down to the end of the driveway, and by the time I got back, Daisy had jumped up onto the kitchen bench, grabbed the bag of half frozen chicken thighs and was just preparing to tear the bag open and have a feast when I returned. Naughty puppy!!!!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-25

Has it really been ten days???

2009-03-23T14:37:00.002+11:00

Over a week since my last post!! I simply do not know where the time is going at the moment. Life is certainly keeping me busy, yet there is nothing of great interest to say!!! Here are a couple of photos of Alice and her Big Brother for you to have a peek at. Yes, she has teary eyes from a threatened tantrum, but the tantrum was averted when BB agreed to read 'Where is the Green Sheep?' to her!! Oh, if you were wondering, it is beetroot all down the front of BB's t-shirt....

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-22

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-22

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-22

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-22

And just a couple from the garden.

2009-03-13T14:15:00.001+11:00

I only have one rose bush in my (mostly) native Australian garden, and I am always keen to capture it in it's glory. It is called 'Rhapsody in Blue' and is very special to me as the grade 3/4 class gave it to me when I finished up my teacher's aide work before travelling to China to meet Alice. I particularly like the shot in which you can see the iridescent snail slime on the petals!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

Alice Goes to PlayGroup

2009-03-13T14:07:00.002+11:00

Since the beginning of the new school year, Alice and I have been attending a play group at the school which she will be going to when she is 'a big girl'!! Her big brother is in grade four at this school, and big sister was there until this year, but is now at a different school, being as though she is now a high schooler. Anyway, Alice just loves play group, and one of the best things about it is that she is mixing with kids whom she will be starting school with in a few years time, and hanging out in the classroom where she will be a big kinder girl in 2012. So here are a few pics of her having a ball at play group - I particularly like the one of her doing her special camera smile (ie: eyes squeezed tightly shut!!)

eeeow, sand on my arm!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

AND on my hands....

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

Making a sand castle

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

Being in the sandpit is VERY serious business!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

Driving her car..

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

and again...

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

Her 'special' smile!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

The royal wave as she passes by in her motorcade!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-12

Photography Blog

2009-03-10T19:44:00.007+11:00

By cristinafairley at 2009-03-10

Got this idea from my friend Shelle over at Blue Mountain Beauty and thought I may as well give it a go!! Check out the other entries here Hope you like my 'crop job'!!!

Before cropping:

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-10

And after!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-10

Still Breathing!

2009-03-06T14:19:00.002+11:00

It has been such a long time since I have posted that I thought I had better let you all know that I was still in the land of the living. All is well, just frantically busy!! Alice has started going to daycare for one (short) day a week with a friend of mine who cares for children in her home, and she just LOVES it. She spends the six hours going flat out with the two other kids, comes home exhausted and sleeps like the dead for the night. We have also started going to playgroup together at the school she will be going to when she starts kindergarten in 2012. This is great as she is mixing with the kids who will be her classmates. Once again, anything that involves play dough, sandpits, trikes and games is a winner in Alice's books!! The other big thing which has been keeping me busy is having my latest new toy installed. After five years of suffering through very cold winters with a pathetic excuse for an electric heater, I finally convinced DH that a wood heater would be a valid and prudent investment.It was installed on Wednesday and on that day summer apparently came to an end - it was COLD!!! Needless to say it has been going ever since and I adore it. The house is now toasty and warm, and as everyone knows, a warm wife is a happy wife!! Must go as I can hear Madame stirring from her nap, and it is time to go pick up the big kids from school in time for golf lessons. Enjoy the photos - the birds are a male and female red robin who like to play our birdbath. They are exceedingly cute! Will try to upload some more pics of Alice soon.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-05

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-03-05

Warm and Fuzzy Mummy Moment

2009-02-26T12:11:00.002+11:00

Alice and I had just spent the morning at playgroup, for the first time ever. She had an absolute blast, but was very tired by the time we got home, so bottle (bot bot) and nap were the order of the day. I made up her bottle and was carrying her down to her room. Alice decided that she really needed to have her green ball to play with. I said 'not now honey, you are going to have a nap. All you need now is your bot bot and a cuddle from Mum. That will make you happy'. She looked at me and said 'Yep, and Alice feel love too'. Wow. What profound words from a two year old. I almost cried. My broken little baby is a healed, whole little girl.

Today's pics

2009-02-21T21:02:00.002+11:00

We had DH's parents visit today for Big Girl's birthday, and everyone had a blast. Thanks to all of my lovely cyber friends who left such beautiful comments about our family photo too!!

Alice doing her 'crinkle nose'!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
and again...

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
and again!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
Big Girl and her birthday cake

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
The cake!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21
Story time with Grandma

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-21

'Uv oo Mum'

2009-02-19T21:33:00.002+11:00

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

I was getting Alice ready for bed tonight and we were walking down to her room, chatting about nothing in particular. We got to her room, and she turned to me, out of the blue, and said 'Uv oo Mum (love you Mum). My heart melted. She has for quite some time said 'uv oo' when I say "I love you' to her, but this is the very first time she has said it without any input from me. It was just because she DOES 'uv' me. My little girl has come so very far in the past 16 months, and I am truly, wonderfully blessed.

Dinner out for the Big Girl

2009-02-18T21:05:00.002+11:00

Big Girl wanted to go out for a meal to celebrate her birthday, so off we trotted to our local Italian restaurant. Alice tasted pizza for the first time and enjoyed it immensely, whilst we had a very rare family photo taken by the nice lady at the next table. I am feeling very full of pizza now and ready for bed, but we had a lovely time.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-18

Doggy deliciousness and My Big Girl

2009-02-18T13:53:00.002+11:00

My Big Girl turns twelve today. How on earth did THAT happen???!!! It only seems like yesterday that she came into this world kicking and screaming, blue in the face and indignant about the very nature of entering cold, harsh reality. What a wonderful journey it has been to witness her grow and change over the years, from a little baby to an afro-haired toddler, to the gorgeous young woman that she is today. Happy birthday Big Girl!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-17

Luscious Lips and Food for Thought!!

2009-02-17T17:08:00.001+11:00

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-16

Success!!

2009-02-16T16:43:00.002+11:00

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-15

Well, much to my surprise, Alice had a VERY successful first day at daycare! Considering we have never been apart for more than a couple of hours since she came home (and then only rarely), she managed a six hour day with the carer like a pro. K said she fitted in beautifully, was very chatty, and went flat out all day. So it is now 4.45pm, she has had Rice Bubbles for tea (bad mummy, I know, but it's what she wanted!) and she looks about ready to fall into a coma. Nothing like a big day of playing with no nap to make you sleepy. I took some photos of the paintings she did today - hope you like!!

A big day tomorrow....

2009-02-15T19:46:00.002+11:00

After much thought, turmoil and guilt-ridden musing, Alice is going to daycare for the first time tomorrow. I have been thinking for a few months that I really needed a little bit of 'down' time every week. With two other big kids, a husband who works incredibly long hours and myself doing a seven-day a week, 24 hour a day job with no holidays, I decided a needed a few hours 'me' time each week. I would never have even contemplated daycare if a spot hadn't become available with a very good friend of mine who does family daycare in her own home. She only has two other children besides Alice on a Monday, and last week we had a few 'trial' visits. Alice really seemed to like K, and didn't want to come home on either occasion! K has lots of VERY COOL stuff, like a huge sandpit, lots of trikes, Wiggles DVD's and play dough. Kid heaven I am sure!! Anyway, tomorrow is our first proper day of care, when Mummy will wave goodbye and leave Alice there. Alice and I have been talking about it all week - about how Mummy will give her a kiss and a cuddle and then come back later to get her, after she has had LOTS of fun with K. Alice seems to 'get' the whole concept, but it will be interesting to see what tomorrow brings. K is very good, and has promised to call me if Alice gets distressed at all, so she may do an hour at daycare, or six!! I really hope that all goes well and she will be happy and content without me. Not sure what I will do with myself - probably worry myself silly that she is upset I guess!!! I will report back tomorrow to let you know what happened. Wish us luck!!!

Rain and Alice

2009-02-12T13:46:00.003+11:00

Just some of the latest photos - the rain we have had in the last couple of days has been a real blessing, as is Alice!!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

My Big Girl...

2009-02-12T13:42:00.002+11:00

started high school today. Yikes. I simply don't feel old enough to be the parent of a high schooler!!! She was up early, buzzing about nervously, and very excited to get on the bus when it arrived. I waved her off and then went inside to shed a few tears. Where HAVE the years gone???? I am so proud of her - she is a loving, cheeky, spirit-filled young lady who has a real heart for God and service. I am so very proud to be her mama.....

By cristinafairley at 2009-02-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-11

By cristinafairley at 2009-02-11

Latest Photos

2009-02-10T19:36:00.001+11:00

Just a few pics of Alice and her Big Brother mucking around at home today.

By cristinafairley at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley at 2009-02-10

By cristinafairley at 2009-02-10

In My Garden (again)

2009-02-03T14:40:00.002+11:00

I have this fabulous new macro lens for my uber-camera which I have FINALLY learned how to use properly!! I have just about exhausted all the interesting plants in my garden though and I am currently eyeing off my neighbour's awesome yard. Stay tuned....

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-02

Yesterday's Pics

2009-02-02T17:12:00.001+11:00

Just a bit of polka-dot yumminess for you to enjoy!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-02-01

Second post for the day!!!

2009-01-30T22:31:00.002+11:00

This hasn't happened for a while!! It's 10.30pm, the kids are tucked away and DH is away for the night, so I have just eaten huge amounts of chocolate, drunk a fair bit of red wine and watched 'Mama Mia' for the first time. I quite enjoyed it, but didn't think it was really worth all the rave reviews I had read. Must admit though, the song where Donna was reminiscing about her daughter and how quickly she has grown did bring tears to my eyes, especially as my own big girl starts high school in less than a week.....
Anyway, the point of this post is to put some more pics out there for you. I took these this evening in my garden, when the heat had died down a little. Enjoy!!!

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-30

Summer Fun!

2009-01-30T12:50:00.002+11:00

Two of the best things about summer are cherries and splashing in the pool on a hot day. Today we have had both!! It is absolutely sweltering here today - the thermometer out in my patio area says it is 42 degrees (about 110) and for coastal Tassie, that is HOT!!!! Took some pics of Alice and her ge ge enjoying the paddling pool, and of Alice enjoying some fresh summer cherries. Enjoy!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-29

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-29

A Morning at the Beach

2009-01-28T14:11:00.003+11:00

The big kids are currently away camping with their cousins, so Alice and I decided to take advantage of the gorgeous weather and head off to the beach this morning before it got too hot. This girl just LOVES the beach, and to 'play sand water'!!! The photos other than the beach ones were taken a couple of days ago - I am still learning how to use this magnificent camera, and I'm afraid it is a steep learning curve. I have taken literally hundreds of photos since Christmas and still don't manage to get too many good ones, but I hope I am improving a little bit....

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-27

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-27

Just a couple more...

2009-01-21T16:34:00.001+11:00

Taken this morning - pretty cute, don't you agree???!!! Thanks again Fiona for the great photography hints!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-20

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-20

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-20

A Visit From a Friend

2009-01-21T07:24:00.002+11:00

My very clever and talented friend Fiona came to visit yesterday. She bought her fabulous camera and gave me a few lessons in how to make the most of my new toy. Here are some of the results!! By the way, the last two photos were taken by Fiona.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-20

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-20

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-20

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-20

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-20

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-20

School holiday fun

2009-01-17T10:27:00.003+11:00

Yesterday was the first day we have spent at home in weeks. We deliberately made no plans and just cruised through the day, seeing where each moment would take us. The big girls (DD and her BFF) decided they would use some fabric paint to decorate their secret club T-shirts, and then we all made play dough. I still have the blue hands to prove it!! Anyway, it was a lovely, relaxing day and I feel so blessed that I have beautiful kids who, even aged nine and eleven, still get masses of enjoyment out of the simple things in life. Oh, and I have included a pic of some Daisy-licious goodness too, just to make you smile!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-16

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-16

Alice's Birthday and Daisy's first Day

2009-01-14T13:24:00.002+11:00

It has been a busy day indeed here in our household. Daisy came home unexpectedly yesterday afternoon, which was a lovely surprise. She was desexed in the morning and had recovered sufficiently by the afternoon to be allowed to come home. As you can imagine, there was great excitement all round!! She really is a delightful dog - very sweet natured, gentle and she just loves playing with her new best friend Bella the fox terrier cross. They seem to have bonded beautifully and it is very nice being a two-dog family again.

Miss Alice has also celebrated her second birthday today, and is currently sleeping off the big morning that she had. DH and I bought her an outside sand/water table which was a BIG hit, and she has been utterly spoiled by all manner of friends and family with many other gifts. She is a bit bemused by it all I think, but is looking forward to 'cake and candles' later on!! I have uploaded some pics of the day so far - and yes, Alice DOES have a nasty rash on her chest (face, arms and legs) due to an allergic reaction to sunblock!!

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-13

A Fun Weekend

2009-01-12T14:03:00.003+11:00

On Friday we bundled into the family wagon and headed to Hobart, a three hour drive south of where we live. The reason behind the trip was to get together with our travel mates from China to celebrate the girls' second birthdays. All the girls turn two between January 2nd and 19th, so we met up in Hobart to have a bit of a party (well, two parties actually!!) and catch up to see how gorgeous all the girls were. We had a marvellous time, and we were all exhausted by the time we got home on Sunday afternoon, but it was just great to see all the girls and to talk to the mums and dads about their experiences. In the photos, the demonic looking clown is actually DS, who asked to have his face painted like Sponge Bob Square Pants. Mmmm, not sure about that one.....

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-11

A Bizarre Coincidence

2009-01-11T19:31:00.002+11:00

On Friday morning the kids, DH and I went to the Dog's Home to take Daisy for a walk before we went to Hobart for the weekend (more on that trip in another post!) We had our little Bella with us too, and were just heading out the gate of the Dog's Home for our walk when an older guy got out of a truck and came up to us. He asked what we were doing with Daisy. I was a bit puzzled, and told him that we had adopted her from the Home and were going to be taking her to live with us after she was de-sexed. He then leaned down and patted her, and looked at the scar she has above her right eye. 'I know whose dog this is' he said, and my heart plummeted right down to my sneakers. It turns out that this guy (Darrell) was actually the guy who bred Daisy - her mother is his dog!! She was from a large litter, and is actually a springer spaniel/ fox hound cross. He said that she had been born about 15 months ago and he had sold her as pup to a bloke in Port Sorell, a small town about twenty minutes away from us. Apparently Daisy's owner had called Darrell the day before to tell him that his dog had gone missing, and would he (Darrell) mind checking in at the Dog's Home to see if she had been taken in. This is, mind you, THREE WEEKS after Daisy had gone missing!!! Turns out that Darrell lives just a short distance from us, and Daisy's mum still lives with him. As I was hearing all of this I was getting more and more dismayed, thinking that we were not going to be able to go through with Daisy's adoption as her former owner wanted her back. But after we talked to Darrell a bit longer, and he saw how very fond we all are of Daisy, he said that he would call Daisy's former owner to tell her that she had found another home. He could see that she was going to a family who would love and look after her, unlike her first owner who was 'too busy' to call the Dogs Home and see if his dog had been taken in.

So tomorrow we are back into the Dogs Home to give Daisy a bath before her de-sexing on Tuesday. With a bit of luck she will be ready to come home with us on Wednesday morning - hurrah!!

Introducing - DAISY!!!!!!!

2009-01-08T13:05:00.002+11:00

Yes folks, here she is - the newest member of our family, the fabulous Miss Daisy!! She isn't at home with us just yet, as she still has to be de-sexed (Tuesday next week) but by next Wednesday (Alice's birthday!) she will be home with us. We went to the Dog's Home today and took her for a nice long walk, gave her a new collar and generally spoiled her a lot. Can't wait until she is home!! Enjoy the photos.

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-07

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-07

Just maybe.....

2009-01-06T13:41:00.003+11:00

I have found our new furry friend. Alice and I went back to the Dog's Home today (without DH!!) and had a bit more of a look around. There was a lovely black and white spaniel x border collie there who I had seen last time, but (get this) didn't pay much attention to as I didn't like her name (Belinda!!) Anyway, Alice and I kept coming back to Belinda's cage, and she kept looking at us with her big brown eyes. Whilst all the other dogs around her were going crazy, barking and yapping, she was just lying down, looking up at us as if to say 'PLEASE take me home!!' We took Belinda out in the yard for a play and she was very gentle with Alice - she seems to be quite a shy dog, yet very ready for affection. She is about 18 months old and was found wandering on the road not too far out of our home town. Since DH and the big kids are away on a road trip today, I decided to put a 24 hour hold on Belinda so that no one else can adopt her until we go back tomorrow - along with DH, the big kids and Bella the fox terrier. I really hope that DH likes her as I certainly think she is the dog for us!! As for the name though - that has GOT to go!! Any suggestions???? BTW, the photo isn't actually of Belinda, but a dog who looks very similar. Pretty cute, huh??!!!

Went to the Dog's Home Today...

2009-01-04T19:27:00.002+11:00

but, sadly, did not find a new furry firend for our family. Our sweet little Bella is pining for Bonnie quite badly - not eating, crying at night time, and generally being as miseralble as a dog can be. She is even sleeping in our room just so we can manage to get some shut-eye. So DH and I went to the Dog's Home today in search of a suitable furry friend, but alas, it was not to be. We played with a cute labrador cross named Clyde, but he was just a bit too big and bouncy for our petite little two year old. Bruno also looked promising, but he had already found a home. Anyway, we will keep on looking and hopefully the right dog for us will arrive there soon.

A Trip to the Wildlife Park

2009-01-02T14:45:00.005+11:00

This morning we headed off to Wings Wildlife Park at Gunns Plains, about 30 minutes drive from our home. The kids had a ball, and even Alice didn't get too upset when a magpie bit her finger!! They have a great assortment of animals at the park, including Tasmanian devils, echidnas, wallabies and heaps more. Hope you enjoy the photos - and note the 'Alice tantrum' pic - a day out wouldn't be complete without the full on, nose-picking tantrum....

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2009-01-01

Some more pics from my camera.

2009-01-01T14:56:00.002+11:00

I am totally getting into this whole photography thing, thanks to the fabulous new Christmas camera. Just loving it....

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

By cristinafairley, shot with E-520 at 2008-12-31

R.I.P Bonnie

2008-12-31T18:16:00.002+11:00

We had to have our lovely old yellow lab put to sleep this afternoon. The tumour in her mouth had become so large that her teeth were falling out, and she was in pain despite the pain medication she was on. We are all so very sad - she was a truly lovely dog, a loyal friend and a part of our family. We will miss her terribly....

Zonked Out!

2008-12-30T16:11:00.002+11:00

My Big Girl went to a sleepover last night for her friend Angela's birthday. Sleepover is a term used too lightly, I think, when you combine half a dozen pre-teens, some movies and a whole lot of party food. When I picked her up today after lunch she announced that the party was 'really cool and we didn't go to sleep ALL NIGHT!!' Hence, this photo. Four o'clock in the afternoon, little brother and sister playing tea parties right next to her and she is out for the count. Sweet dreams baby....

Christmas Pics as Promised

2008-12-26T21:31:00.004+11:00

Just ignore the date - silly camera decided that it was the 24th rather than the 25th!! And keep your eyes peeled for plenty of new shots from my FABULOUS new camera!!!

!

Post Christmas Post

2008-12-26T12:53:00.003+11:00

Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas day, wherever you are and whatever you did. We had a very busy day - up at 6.30am (big kids desperate to open the pressies) then off to church. After that we went to my Mums for more pressies, then off to Launceston to have Christmas lunch with DH's family. We had a delightful day - weather was beautiful, kids played nicely, and the food was divine!! I will try to download some pics later - have to rush now as DH and I are off on a DATE!!!! Yep, first one since Alice came home 14 months ago. The big kids are still in Launceston, having decided to have a few days with their cousins, and Alice is sleeping peacefully. Grandma is due to arrive soon to babysit and DH and I are off to the movies to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Hope that you are all well, happy and not too overindulged - enjoy your holidays!

Today's Snaps

2008-12-20T17:03:00.004+11:00

And they were taken by ME!!! Alice just loves wearing sunglasses at the moment, especially her brother's Spiderman ones. She is also fascinated by tinsel and wants to touch, taste and wear it!!

Be prepared for an onslaught of pictures after Christmas as a little bird has told me that I am getting a new camera!!

The Two Year Old Tantrums

2008-12-17T19:45:00.004+11:00

Ah yes, what a wonderful age two can be. Although Alice hasn't quite yet reached her second birthday, she is practising her tantrum technique on a daily basis. This morning we had one in the car after leaving the park which lasted for a good twenty minutes of hysterical, snotting, screaming madness. Yuk.... Here are some pics that Big Brother took this evening of the 'I want that coffee cup and don't you dare take it away from me!!!' meltdown. Just as well she's cute....
PS- if you click on the photos they come up REALLY big and you can see Madame in all her snotty glory!!!

More Great Pics by Ge Ge

2008-12-17T19:17:00.002+11:00

Honestly, this kid rocks at taking photos!! I have basically given up using the camera and letting him do all the work. He seems to have a real gift for it. Enjoy!!

Tassie Referrals!!!

2008-12-15T12:52:00.002+11:00

It has been a very exciting weekend here in Tassie, with referrals coming in. There haven't been any in the state since OUR allocations in September last year, so everyone has been very excited. I am even more excited by the fact that all five sweet babies are from Feng Cheng, Jiangxi, just like Alice!! This means there will soon be nine Feng Cheng girls in Tassie, which is just marvellous. All the cutest babies come from FC - but I'm not biased at all, am I?? :)

Goodbye Greece, G'day Gold Coast!!

2008-12-11T14:30:00.002+11:00

Some of you may remember a post some time ago talking about our planned trip to Greece in September 2009. Well, after various searches for airfares, car hire, accommodation in Athens etc etc we have decided that it is just not going to happen. We would be looking at $13 000 for the airfares alone!!!!! My big kids have been bugging me for YEARS to go to the Gold Coast but I have resisted with every fibre of my being. It is quite commercialised, and EVERYONE in Tassie goes there on holidays!! The big attraction for the kids are the four theme parks which are located there. Anyway, after deciding that Greece was out of our reach at the moment, DH and I discussed the options and decided that we could do a couple of weeks in Queensland (including all the theme parks) for a much more reasonable sum. telling the kids was fun - they were so excited!!! I am sure they will have a blast, and I must admit, I am sort of looking forward to it now as well - the accommodation I have booked looks fab, and it is right on the beach. I may even get a tan!! Mental note- must buy some bathers....

The Christmas Photo

2008-12-09T14:12:00.002+11:00

Every year the relatives get the traditional Christmas photo of the kids. here are both the most recent one (taken just last week) and last years to compare. What a difference a year makes!!!

More photos by Ge Ge!!

2008-11-27T13:08:00.004+11:00

I think he has a bit of talent! Enjoy the pics. Oh, the ones of Alice and her Daddy are by me, and are just too cute!! We are currently incredibly busy with end of year stuff that I haven't much time to post, but promise to do something more substantial soon.

Just a few photos

2008-11-19T12:42:00.002+11:00

Once again, life has been hectic and I have had no time to blog!! DH has been away twice in the last week and a half to Adelaide, South Australia, as his Dad had a massive heart attack there whilst on holiday. He had a triple bypass operation on Monday and, praise God, is doing well, but it has been a stressful time. Thankfully DH will be home tonight before he heads off for Hobart on the weekend for work. Thanks to all for your kind comments about our beloved Bonnie. She seems to be doing OK - the pain meds are helping and she has her appetite back, so we are just taking things a day at a time, giving her plenty of love and spoiling her rotten. As to the photos, yes, that IS a picture of a dog wearing pink socks! Once again my big DD got hold of the camera and decided to get creative with Bella and a pair of Alice's socks. Not sure why the photo is sort of blurry around the edges, but I think it is kind of cute!

A trip to the vet's and some bad news....

2008-11-14T12:40:00.003+11:00

Our lovely Labrador, Bonnie, has been a bit off the last few weeks - not keen on her food (MAJOR indication of something being wrong), lethargic and unhappy. Oddly too I had noticed that the shape of her snout has changed. The tip of her nose is pointing up higher, and she seems to be permanently baring her top teeth as a result. As she is pretty ancient (about 14) I took her along to our lovely family vet, Dr Bob. He had a look inside her mouth and gave me the very sad news that she has an inoperable tumour on the roof of her mouth. I cried. She has been with us since she was nine, adopted from my cousin who didn't want her any more. She has been the most lovely, loyal and gorgeous dog, and the kids just love her to bits. Alice is too young to understand, but my DS and big DD are going to be devastated when I tell them. Basically all we can do is give her pain relief and make the 'big decision' when she appears to be in too much pain. Dogs are such wonderful, faithful friends, and to lose one is like losing a part of you. I will endeavour to make Bonnie's remaining time with us a happy one, so I am off to give her some more ham off the bone as a treat.