No more tears, no more crying

Earlier this month was my Grandma's 91st birthday. My sister and I, and the two little boys went to visit her (it was fortuitiuosly on a Saturday and we were in Sydney).

Grandma has been in a nursing home for about 18 months since she had stroke and her dementia worsened. In the last six weeks she has been in major decline and has been unable to shake pneumonia.

She still enjoyed seeing the little boys even though she was not quite sure of how she was related to them and was very tired from the visitors she had that day. Alex sang "Happy Birthday" a few times (we had been practising in the car).

Unfortunately since we saw her she had declined rapidly and late last night went home to the Lord. My parents and aunts and uncles were able to see her yesterday.

Please pray for our extended family as they arrange the funeral.

This song, from the CD Alex listens to before bed, is a good reminder of the home that my grandmother had been anticipating eagerly for some time.

No more tears, No more crying

There's a country awaiting us

No more sadness, No more sighing

God's preparing a place for us

All our troubles will be gone

We'll see Jesus on his throne

No more tears, No more crying
There's a country awaiting us
No more sadness, No more sighing
God's preparing a place for us

Crystal river flowing by

God himself lights up the sky

No more tears, No more crying
There's a country awaiting us
No more sadness, No more sighing
God's preparing a place for us

Simone Richardson, A very very very Big God

Things to remember whe you have a 2 year-old #1

Empty pockets before putting in the wash.

The washing machine does not like pebbles.

ANZAC Day Weekend

Last weekend some family took advantage of the extra day off to come and visit. They arrived late on Saturday and left after a late leisurely breakfast on the Monday. Two drum majors and five excited children

James enjoyed the extra attention from his cousins - Abbey was even convinced that James was actually talking to her (she would translate for me!).

Two James' (If you translate to English!)
Abbey chatting to James

John's brother, sister-in-law and eldest niece braved the Canberra weather to go to the dawn service at the Australian War memorial before we all headed to Bungendore on the Sunday where John was marching with the Canberra City Pipes and Drums (AKA The Australian Federal Police Pipes and Drums). This was the first time that I had seen John in the full dress as drum major for this band but I doubt it will be the last.

Alex enjoyed having his cousins around to play - there was sufficient silliness to satisfy all (but our neighbours may be wondering about the higher noise level!)

Waiting for the parade to start and the rain to stop.

Temora Air Show

Last weekend we travelled to Temora (about 200km away) to attend one of the flying weekends at the aviation musuem there. One "plane/rocket/helicopter" obsessed little boy was very excited!

There were aerobatic displays and fly-passes from a range of prop-driven (mostly) WWII aircraft - Spitfires, Kittyhawks etc - as well as some jet-propelled planes (like the Sabre). We enjoyed our picnic lunch with the planes. After the flying display the allow the spectators onto the runway to talk to the pilots of the aircraft.

We finished the day with (very large) milkshakes at the White Rose Cafe - an art-deco style cafe that still has all the original fittings - including the rose pressed iron ceiling, before driving home.

unPassport Photos

We have been taking passport photos recently. Apparently this is the boys' take on a "neutral expression" while " looking at the camera".

How can you resist....

showering those sweet baby cheeks with kisses?

Welcome Home James Andrew

James Andrew Larkings
born 5:34pm 19th February 2010; 3220g; 49cm long

Your imminent arrival caused the rest of the household to rush about in the early hours of the morning. Despite showing such strong signs that you were keen to arrive, you refused to co-operate so some 15 hours later alternative arrangements for your arrival had to be made! But all was well.

Apparently you were hungry for you have not stopped eating since you have arrived; In fact you banquet like a Roman Emporer - multiple courses, with stops for naps, and the occasional vist to the vomitarium!

And then you sleep - for two, three and even four hours at a time. Long luxurious sleep that is undisturbed by the excited shrieks of your brother, the beeps of the hospital equipment or the general noise of the household. Your mother is happy for she sleeps too.

Occasionally you wake up and rail against the "darts and arrows of outragrous fortune" that this new world contains. Hunger = Bad; Digestive processes = bad; the process of being dressed or wrapped = bad; no longer being able to feel the edges of the world = bad.

But then, when fully satieted and safely in the comfort of your parents arms, or lap you uncurl and explore your new world. Looking with wondering eyes at all that it is now made of; bearing with equanimity the overly-generous love of your big brother as he brings you toys and food, or tries to play with your fingers, toes and nose.

And we look back at you, wondering at how you could be so perfect and tiny; wondering what sort of person you will be and what you will be like; all the while praising God for your safe arrival and asking that he will watch over you and be will you all of your days.

Welcome to the world baby James. We are so blessed to have you part of our family.