Loving Life as a House Wife.

I'm trying to conjure up words to express how much I delight in Zeke and Tazara. I'm a slave to their every need and yet I so adore my place here. I breath a sigh of relief at 7pm bed time and 1pm nap time but I find myself looking forward to seeing their precious little faces again and exclaiming over them when they wake.

I can't believe God's entrusted these two little people to me. They change so much every day. I'm filled with so much wonder at what they will be like as they grow up? They are so rich with personality and humor and spunk. So much going on in such a small package.

I used to be intimidated by being a Mum. I still feel like a kid myself. There is so much I want to grow in and learn about. I would like to give my kids the gift of enjoying life with them and being teachable. I'd like them to help them see that there's always more to learn and grow if we keep our eyes open and our heart willing.

Its been a potty training week. I'll admit I was dreading it. Especially since Zeke strongly dislikes sitting on the toilet. It's not over yet but surprisingly it has had it's joys. I've enjoyed the cleared schedule and slow week at home to drop all and run a toddler to the toilet at 30minute intervals.

A couple of my favorite moments:

It was about 8:30 in the morning. I was waiting for Zeke to empty his tank and Tazara to have her nap so that I could jump in the shower. I stood in the doorway in sweats and T-shirt waiting for Zeke to do his business while egg dripped down my face from my greasy hair (a conditioning treatment I've been experimenting with). Zeke looked up at me sincerely from his lowly little perch "I love you Mama!" It melted my heart. He's probably the only one that would think of saying such a thing when I'm in such a state; not to mention his.

He's also taken to saying "Thank you Mama. I like this." for the humblest of meals and snacks I serve him - soup and veggies even! He's acquired a taste for green beans and zucchini in the last few weeks because he helped Andrew pick them and he's fascinated that they came from our garden. Good thing too considering the abundance!)

Another favorite, Tazara came running in from outside concerned to find her brothers whereabouts and yells out "Zeee?" Zeke at his station in the toilet calls out "Yeahh." She runs in to find him and lays a head on his shoulder. He puts an arm around her. They smile and hug and then she trots off. Oh the simple pleasures and friendships in a toddler world.

I have one more but I probably shouldn't share it because it's kind of...hmm...okay maybe I'll share and then perhaps delete....Here goes: Sometimes it's a struggle to get Zeke to sit on his potty. When he woke up one morning I knew he'd be sure to go so I insisted he sit on the toilet. He went on and on in a practiced whine:  "I not need to pee...I don't need to." When he finally got to sitting, it came out in an unending supply. Looking down he says politely annoyed "please stop...please stop." Ahh, so many opportunities to laugh!

As for his training this week? Well...

...he's hardly ever dropped the ball!

New Year's prayer.

Mama and I have started a tradition in the last few years of exchanging and talking over New Year's resolutions together around the start of a new calender. This year I'm off to a good start. Before the first days of 2014 I wrote out for myself a "to do" list, a prayer, a schedule and some goals. I know goals and schedules and inspirational planning doesn't do it for some people but for me they really get me excited and motivated. Also, I like to go back and see areas God's worked, I've grown or things that have gotten worse and I need to pray about and work towards.

Here's a prayer for the New Year. I wrote it back at the beginning of December during a low patch. It's become really meaningful as I see God working in specific areas of my life and changing me for His glory. It's rather personal but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one out there that's a sinner so I thought some others might relate and be able to benefit. I can't think of anything that thrills me more than having heart to hearts with friends and family and sharing ways we're growing and things God is teaching us. I would so love to hear from you and learn what's on your heart this year and meaningful insights God's been sharing with you. For now, Here tis:

 Abba, What would it mean for me to not judge? I'd have to be secure in you. I'd have to know my beauty in you. I'd have to know my place in you. I'd have to know I'm held and loved by you. I'd have to not fear all that is frightening. Let it be God. Grow bigger before my eyes. Replace my pride with humility. Replace my fear with perfect peace and contentment. Bathe me in your love and delight and beauty and holiness. Quickly God I need these changes. My sin is ugly and devastating; it erodes all that is good. Come quickly God and save me. Make me after thyself. This year God change me. I'm scared of so many things. I'm hurt by so many things. I avoid so many things. You are mighty and powerful and beautiful and holy, you are in me so I need not be afraid or insecure or threatened. Make me a fruitful deeply planted/grounded tree by the river of your house - soaking up all that is good. Left to myself I push away and destroy everything good you've given me. Please take me deeply into your heart where I can grow and flourish and be free and alive. Yes God do it. A new year is approaching - this is my wish and desire. Thank you Abba. Thank you so much!

Samwise Jam Glee

Finally, over three years later, payback heals an itch.

A couple weeks ago I'd been booked in to run a 7pm Auckland airport pickup earlier this evening by my ever-organizing-others nephew Sam. All good, we were happy to help him with his plans. It was good to see him last Wednesday over a cuppa when he left his car here before catching a ride down to the farm, and then a couple days later on to Palmerston North, with mum. She'd been here doing her weekly visit with her youngest grandkids; our Zeke & Tazara.

Sam has always been interesting to talk to since he first started conversing around twenty years ago so I was looking forward to whatever time I got with him. We might even get more if he stayed for the dinner Eden was planning to rustle up for him as, due to the timing of his flight from Palmy, we figured he'd not have had dinner. My nephews all possess fantastic appetites so chances were good he'd comply.

During our 3pm post-Sunday afternoon nap cuppa I had a sudden inspiration and mentioned to Eden how I wished I could turn up at the airport in Sam's car with a big fake dent in it. Yes she agreed, something like that would be fun given the pranks he pulls on both the wary and the un so. Of course this reminded us of the prank on us at my sister Helen's farm when Eden and I were yet only mere days engaged on her introductory trip to NZ in June 2010. Yeah, we ourselves have never personally made amends for that (despite the gallant efforts of others on our behalf - kudos to my sis-in-law Jenny for her efforts in Jan 2011 though) so be good to put this affair to rest.

Hmm, I could soon tape up a fake bust rear window I reckoned. Duct tape – check. Black plastic rubbish bags – check. Such a break-in oughta be believeable – after all; we do live in South Auckland! I had the vision. My heart was in. Eden's too. Now the mission! Ten minutes later Sam's car was looking pretty. For him - not so much. All's that's left is to come up with a not-too-tall tale.

That was cooked up while Eden prepared our evening meal. Sam texting at this time to remind me to collect him fell nicely into helping set up a plausible scenario:

17:03 Tx for coming to get me :) I'll see you about 7pm or shortly thereafter. Will txt soon as the plane lands.

17:19 Ok tx. Bit of a rough night here Sam. We ok dont worry. Tell you rest when see you. Cheers

17:20 Do you need me to try and get someone else to come down and get me?

17:23 Nah all good for that. Really. Tx though.

17:24 Ok, see you soon then. Hope it isn't too bad...

17:29 Minor stuff insurance should cover. You'll see...

17:31 You can bring my car if needed. Boarding now, so phone off.

17:33 Alright. Happy flight!

Later, our dinner away, Eden set two tired tots in cots while I cranked the Corolla to motor off. Inbound I saw a likely Friendship fly over and land. Yes, Sam soon texted that the flight was early and he was already out as he had only packed carry-on. I remembered to stop and wind down the rear left window fully so Sam would not feel unbroken window glass under the plastic if he felt the need for a cursory inspection. Fortuitously it happened there was no free space to park in when I came along the pickup lane. He climbed straight in as I made a quick stop-on-the-hop. As Sam's now frowned head turned for a quick squiz at my recent handiwork I set to spinning my yarn. First a quick apology for not calling earlier in the day to mention the damage done to his vehicle. Hadn't wanted to spoil his weekend at the conference with his girlfriend, or have him tell my parents or sister and set them to worrying when we ourselves were totally unharmed blah blah...new next door neighbours throwing a drinking party last night...asked them to turn it down at 1am...they must have got peeved and after I fell asleep...clambered over the wall to damage both cars...mine not drivable so was gonna bring his even before he suggested it...found them left wide open in the morning...his boot open with contents strewn about...I put it all back in so he'd be able to check for anything missing...

At this Sam groaned "oh no, my laptop is gone!” I hadn't imagined that possibility “Bingo!” I exclaimed to myself in silent glee whilst trying to hide a huge face smirk. He was focused on the road ahead and his stolen laptop so never noticed my joy at his jam. From there he proceeded to take over the story. He had insurance but it wouldn't cover the whole replacement cost...it was in a green/black laptop case – had I seen it? I hadn't actually so didn't have to lie convincingly on that question. Anyway this was working out tops! Sam carried on...shouldn't have left it there but had noticed that thieves never checked carboots when smashing and grabbing cars parked overnight on the street...should have asked to leave it in our house but had thought that hardly safer? “Yeah”, I said “too bad, I coulda locked it away where we stick our laptop when we're out.” Then he made to reach for his phone and I thought I'd need to fess up the gig if he was about to call his insurance company. Thankfully he stopped as he noticed the faceplate missing from his car stereo...why would they take that? Like I said; reckon they were mad as and just out to teach me a lesson I replied. Nice touch removing that Andrew :) “What else did they take?” Sam wondered aloud opening the glovebox. “Took my First-Aid kit too!” “Think I saw some of that on the back seat” I helped out. Yes, there it was, lying burglarized exactly as I'd left it. More precious comments about that. Ok, Manurewa off-ramp. So anyway how was the weekend and conference Sam? Talked about that some and soon we were pulling up beside my house.

Thankfully Eden had not come out to greet us. She didn't want to screw up the joke if it was still running – which she easily would given she cannot do merciless. I popped the boot and Sam stretched out to go check. Sure was glad I'd made the effort to remove Sam's wetsuit and suitcase as part of the prep. “Drat” he sighed, saying his lappy had been inside the suitcase. Oh well what to do?

“Before we go inside I want to see if a couple things I found by your car that I put in our garden shed are yours” I told Sam. “Ok” he said, “I wonder if they left prints anywhere; like on the shed? Might get prints off that tin wall?” “Dunno, but check this stuff out anyway”. And there it all was. All his unmissing stuff. “Joke's on you mate” said I. Well he got that. But not the way I thought he would. He thought I'd just pulled his leg by hiding the suitcase and car stereo face. Sam still believed the broken window was legit :) Classic when it dawned on him that the whole story, including the window, was a fake.

And so it was that a much relieved nephew stayed on to chat heartily over a meal of steak, eggs, and toast. By the time he left a three-quarter hour later I had the peace of knowing my severely soft-hearted wife would sleep soundly feeling zero remorse for our heartless prank. Sam had spent much of the time cheerfully reciting to us new stories of woe inflicted on his friends.

Sam - one of my many favourite nephews!

      

Miss American Pie

(With special thanks to Don Mclean)

A long long time ago

I can still remember How

'ard it was to make her smile

But I knew if I took the chance

That I could make my wife to dance

Sister come visit, Eden'd be happy for a while.

But still October made me quiver

With every paper I'd deliver

On the Grace College doorstep

I couldn't take any more prep

I remember that I cried

Hearing about my stranded Bride

But my going lightly got them all inside

The day Kirstie's visit flied

So...

Fly Fly Miss American Pie

Drove my Hondo to the pond oh but the pond was dry

Them good young gals drinking tap water oh my

Singing “wonder who'll be the lucky Kiwi guy?”

Did sisters write the book of love

And do you have faith in God above

Because Eden told you so?

Now that she believes her Kiwi-Roll

Can your visit save your sisterhood soul?..

Since 'twas me taught her how to dance real slow...

Well, you know that my love is all vain

Cause you saw Eden joyful in her pain

Yeah we'd both kicked off our shoes

To stream our Stony Glen kissed news

I now a happily married Kiwi buck

With two kids but no pickup truck

But I knew I was in for luck

The day Kirstie's visit flied

I started singing...

Hi Hi Miss American Pie

Drive my Hondo to the pond oh how our pond ain't dry

Them good young gals drinking my lattes on the sly

Singing “if he don't ask we won't need to lie...”

Now for ten days we've been on our own

Andrew grows fat gnawing a chicken bone

But that's not how it used to be

When Kirstie sang for the King and Queen

In a coat you borrowed from the Howard team

And a voice that came from you not me

Oh yeah while this King was looking down

You, sister, tried to steal my crown

My courtroom was adjourned

My verdicts were spurned

And while you sang like a lark

Your American quartet playing in the park

I hung nappies without a bark

The days of your visit multiplied!

And I was singing...

Why Why Miss American Pie

Drove my Honda to Waihi beach but the tide it was high

This good ole boy drinking coke on the sly

Singing “give me a break or I'll die...”

Oh, there we weren't at our Christmas place

Generations found in farming space

With no time left to start again

So come on John be nimble, John be slick

John be humble - oh I feel sick

Cause sisters are the 'hood's only friend

And as I write upon this page

My hands are clenched in fists of rage

No angel born in heaven

Can break your sisterhood leaven!

But as your plane climbed high in the Eve's night

My world it soon came back aright

I saw myself laughing with delight

The day your visit died

I was singing...

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

Drive your Hondo to sisters pond oh too bad it's now dry

This good ole boy has bigger fish to fry

Singing “give 'em space yeah let 'em cry...”

But now my gal sings the blues

And I asked her what was the bad news

But she just shied and turned away

I went down to my prayer room

Where I'd first hummed up your visit tune

But the God-man said another visit wouldn't play

And in our street our children screamed

My Lovely cried, this Poet dreamed

But not a word was spoken

Christineden's belle was broken

And the three men I admire most

Me, Myself and I won't toast

Your catching a plane for the East Coast

The day Kirsties visit died

And now we're singing...

What she wrote...

Why Why Miss American Pie?

Drive our Hondo to our tear-pond oh our tear-pond ain't dry

Us good ole dears still sipping port on the sly

Singing "c'mon sister; a return flight here buy!"

;-pikipikipoet

Cute Quotations from the Little People

I haven't started a baby book for either one of the kids but there are so many cute, precious and tender moments I don't want to forget...

Last week Zeke, Tazara and I were sitting down for lunch. Andrew was substantially late so we were starting to eat without him. Tazara kept looking towards the doorway and saying "Baba? Baba?" Zeke answered her sympathetically "Baba not here Honey." "Baba not here Honey."

A few weeks ago when Zeke was upset with me about something he told me "I'm going away....I'm going to the farm!" I believe I know just how he feels.

On a number of occasions when Zeke has been yelling inside I've told him "Not inside Zeke. If you want to scream go outside." One morning, as Kirstie and I were getting breakfast on the table, Zeke was earnestly talking to me about something or other. I was agreeing while trying to figure out what he was saying. The conversation went something like: "Mama, I not scream inside. I go outside and scream." "Yes Zeke. That's right." Nek minit Zeke is outside the kitchen door calmly shouting and screaming at the top of his lungs in bursts.

I don't think any camera could capture the adorableness of Tazara walking across the sandbox in her pink hat with a red gumboot in each hand.

After bath time this afternoon Zeke and Tazara were monkeying around on the double bed. Tazara would fall on Zeke with a hug until Zeke was thoroughly pinned down. Zeke yelling "Not too much hug Tazara. Not too much hug." They would then laugh, Zeke scrabble out and they'd start the chase all over again.

On the Farm.

The Sun's shining and birds are chirping. Andrew's milking cows and Zeke's eager to join Granddad or Andrew for whatever farm chores he can get in on. This morning Mum and I transplanted some leeks in the garden while Tazara slept soundly. The Tarbotton clan headed south last Saturday. I couldn't stop myself from shedding a few tears. I so love family and I so hate goodbyes. Their Heidi (11) is staying a couple extra days. She loves Zeke and Tazara and is very handy and fun to have around. She's even been diligently working in the cowshed and has suffered a number of showers out of the back end of the cows.

I so enjoy the life, company, fresh air and restfulness of the farm. The week after New Year's is usually a downer...putting away Christmas decorations and getting back to work. This year was particularly dramatic having to farewell Kirstie on New Year's Eve. Thank you Abba for this week on the farm to gracefully transition into another beautiful New Year.

New Dear's Yay!

A quick post to bring in 2014 with by way of marking the felt absence of our beloved younger sister Kirstie. Last night, New Years Eve, she flew for Maryland after spending nearly two months with us (minus her five day solo visit to Queenstown in the South Island).

I confess to have very much enjoyed observing Kirstie's daily interactions with Eden and our kids.

Our own sparring version of communication I also enjoyed and will miss, along with the more serious and considered words we managed to share on occasion :) Yes, such a thoughtful sister/sister-in-law and loving aunty is sorely missed already. This morning Zeke told me he was "feeling sad". Asked why he told me "Aunt Kirstie gone to Pop's house". Our loss is their gain although after only a few days at home in MD Kirstie will be moving to North Carolina to pursue more studies. Life goes on...but I want to say thank you Kirstie for being such a delight to have in our home. By the grace of God you live your given name Kirstie Delight. I certainly see the hand of God moving through your parents in that and it must bring them real joy to be so used by God. "Kirstie" is one of the many forms of Christine which basically means "follower of Christ". Eden and I delight in seeing you live your name out so congruently! "A good name is better than great wealth" because a good reputation runs ahead to recommend and so open doors ahead of you. Of which our door is certainly still included.

Another way I mark some occasions is by penning a poem. One specifically for Kirstie will feature here within some days. Until then I would like, in honour of all my sister-in-laws - especially those three who have visited us in NZ (here's to you Jenny, Katrina and Kirstie!) - to paste in a poem written during Jenny's 2011 trip. It references the many different and varied interactions I've seen between my seven SILs or experienced myself when swept up within the mad melee of The Sisterhood since we all first met in September 2009. Believe me it's all still happening :)

SILs.

Dancing floors

Flushing bores

Making smores

Killing snores.

Mining stores

Shopping yours.

Jabbering jaws

Cleansing pores

Sharing chores

Healing sores.

Fouling laws

Bleeding claws

Nailing gnaws

Hear me roars

Loving wars

Forcing doors.

Shocking pause;

Sister-in-Laws.

;-pikipikipoet

I now grace you with a special bonus feature:

Kirstie Howard's 9-Step "How to survive travelling Down Under" guide.

Step I. Check everyone is watching.

Step II. Close your mouth.

Step III. Hold your breath.

Step IV. Generate mystery by disappearing for a time.

Step V. Be first to pop back into view.

Step VI. Avoid getting tangled in consequences.

Step VII. Do not help those who won't adapt by letting things go.

Step VIII. Relax and float along on your way because they'll probably be ok?

Step IX. Find better travelling companions!