Techno Family

Many would say there was never any hope, but I am surprised at how addicted to technology all 3 of my boys are! It is a grey rainy day so we busted out some of my devices to entertain them. Right now E (aged 9) is composing music using Garageband and M (age 5) is helping his Mum locate new games and applications (for Android). J (age 3)? He has been listenung to musuc on N's iPod while checking that the rest of us have our technology in control!

Holidays

Family holidays are just awesome! Being away and doing fun things with the boys is just great. They've spent the last two days in kayaks or on their boogie boards at the beach and going down a river. It is super seeing them try new things and enjoy the adventure of life outside in NZ. tonight we were at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth for a performance of my brothers band, Doobie Jangle and the Mysterious Groove (I played for a couple of numbers). This photo shows 2 of the 3 little horrors (the 3rd was in the toilet for the 7th time in 20 mins)!

Toss it Out

When I read Matthew 21:12-15 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021:12-15&version=MSG)I wonder many things and ask lots of questions. But the one I'm thinking about today is what would Jesus throw out of this church? What is the thing that is most likely to get Jesus upset here? Historically I've always had an answer to that question and generally it involved lots of finger pointing. I've still got an answer but now I realise the problem is me.

Pointless

Having kids reminds you that things are supposed to have a point. You can't even ask them to sit down, or be quiet, or leave their brother alone, without them asking why? The same goes with picking things up, going to the toilet, and stopping walking along the guttering of the roof. The question comes almost before you've finished, but why?

Wellington

Wellington is a contrasting city leaving you breathlessly in love one day and distressed and speechless the next. Over the weekend was the latter and (like happens a couple of times a year) I was ready to move. However today? Today was one of the days you spend the evening considering just how marvellously wonderful Wellington really can be (the coolest little capital in the world).

Space and Time

I've posted on this before but I'm really struggling to find (or make) space and time at the moment. Perhaps it is because it is the school holidays or maybe it is because lots of people are away at the moment so I'm having to do more. Whatever the reason space and time are important to me. Fingers crossed there will be some sooner rather than later this year.

Routine

I'm not big on routine, at least I try to kid myself that I'm far more spontaneous than most and don't follow regular patterns. Actually I probably do, it is just my routine is cyclical to fool me into thinking I'm spontaneous! So you can imagine my surprise to read that routine can actually help eliminate stress (see slide 6 here)! Planning (slide 14 of the same link) and exercise (slide 7) I get and practise but routine? Thinking about it now makes complete sense but it just seems so boring!

Coffee Art

My coffee art is improving. This is probably my best work yet.

Ride and Camp

Yesterday afternoon EJ and I sent out on an expedition to ride the Rimutaka incline, camp the night, then return. Overall it was a raving success with the tent holding up despite what turned into a raging Northerly! I didn't sleep but EJ did and has returned rather pleased with himself.

Video #4

This morning we rode to Pencarrow Lighthouse (the new one because the majority decided against going up hill to the old one). It was the perfect day for it with a light southerly breeze blowing in or face as we rode out BUT pushing us back home (14km return). Everyone rode it all (except J who was on my bike) and M didn't need much pushing until after his skid through the gravel resulting in two plasters on his knee!