Optimism

op·ti·mism 
 /ˈɒptəˌmɪzəm/ Show Spelled[op-tuh-miz-uhm]
–noun
1. a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.
2. the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.
3. the belief that goodness pervades reality.
4. the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds.

Origin: 1730–40;
an·ti·op·ti·mism, noun
o·ver·op·ti·mism, noun
—Synonyms 1. confidence, hopefulness, cheerfulness.
—Antonyms 1, 2. pessimism, cynicism.

Case in point: Hanging out the washing when the forcast is "cold, windy, showers. Maximum 10oC"

Just spent....

...a lovely hour playing in the park with the boys. But, oh that wind is cold!

I think a hot lunch is in order. (and hopefully a rest of B1)

Gratuitious Post of Three Month Old Baby

Please don't feel the need to watch this unless you are family ;-)

James has finally "woken up" for longer than an hour at a time and has worked out he gets better attention from cooing and aahing rather than crying. Apparently peek-a-boo is fun.

Alex's saying of the day

(After bestowing kisses on every member of the family)

"Please, Mummy, I need a kiss"

(Of course I obliged!)

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.