Animal Antics

Humorous animal antics with statements of encouragement and wisdom for everyday life.

Always try to help a friend in need

Filo and Snitch on another venture to save the universe.

Believe in yourself

Be brave...but it's ok to be afraid sometimes

"Maybe I shouldn't have eaten her kittie treat."

Give lots of kisses

"Let mommy kiss it better."

Laugh often

Kittie on left: "I don't get it"

Study hard

"Now where's that mouse they talk about?"

Don't be overly concerned with your weight, it's just a number

"Is there anything liquid, fragile,
perishable, or potentially hazardous...?"

Always try to see the glass half full

cup-o-kitty

Meet new people, even if they look different to you

Remain Calm. . even when it seems hopeless

When your ass is not big enough

Take lots of naps..

"Do you think the tooth fairy came?"

Be weird whenever you have the chance

"Say cheese?"

Love your friends, no matter who they are

Don't waste food

Take an occasional risk

"I hope that is low-fat cheese."

RELAX

Try to have a little fun each day.
...it's important

bad doggie!

Work together as a team

Share a joke with friends

Fall in love with someone..

...and say "I love you" often

Express yourself creatively

Picasso has come back as a cat.

Be conscious of your appearance

Bowling for Nemo

Always be up for surprises

"Aha! . . . I see a flee!"

Love someone with all of your heart

Share with friends

"Are you sure it was dead?"

Watch your step

"Dang banana peel!"

It will get better

"Stupid bird's been watching too
many Sylvester and Tweetie reruns."

There is always someone who loves you more than you know

Exercise to keep fit

Mighty Mouse!

Live up to your name

dog bull

Seize the Moment

Hold on to good friends; they are few and far between

Indulge in the things you truly love

Take Time for Romance

Cherish every Sunday

At the end of the day... PRAY

...and close your eyes and smile at least once a day

its' just gas

I got some more flowers ...

 

We called round to Mum's on Monday .. and I got flowers and cake ..

YUMMMM ...

The flowers are beautiful .. and are now mixed in with the other lillies ..

 

Cam didn't want to be in the photo ..

He was busy eating cake ...

OMG .. look at those dark circles under my eyes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BUT ... the chin is looking less double .. lol

Girly Dress-Ups

 

Missy has discovered "girly" dress-up clothes

.. no Firemen or Cowboys for her anymore ..

Butterflies and fairies seem to be the choice in the past few days ..

Although her favourite thing is still to pretend to be a ghost .. with a blanket over her head .. which I'm sure she can't see out of .. because she walks in to things ..and then giggles away ..

.. this all comes with dancing to her own singing and "tippy toes ballerina" dancing .. with her hands up in a circle above her head .. twirling .. and dancing on her "tippy toes" ..

Ummm .. when did all this happen .. someone let me know ..

Trying out the waterslide ..

We're building a waterslide down the bank beside our house

.. the kids and hubby have been trying it out ...

Still a few modifications to be made ..

.. but it can be seen coming down the valley ..

.. and lots of people have asked to come and try it .. lol

All good fun ..

From the video on Daryl-Ann's website

Athlete

Wires lyrics

You got wires, going in
You got wires, coming out of your skin
You got tears, making tracks
I got tears, that are scared of the facts

Running, down corridors through, automatic doors
Got to get to you, got to see this through
I see hope is here, in a plastic box
I've seen christmas lights, reflect in your eyes
You got wires, going in
You got wires, coming out of your skin
There's dry blood, on your wrist
Your dry blood on my fingertip

Running, down corridoors through, automatic doors
Got to get to you, got to see this through
First night of your life, curled up on your own
Looking at you now, you would never know
I see it in your eyes, I see it in your eyes
You'll be alright
I see it in your eyes, I see it in your eyes
You'll be alright

Alright

Running, down corridors through, automatic doors
Got to get to you, got to see this through
I see hope is here, in a plastic box
I've seen christmas lights, reflect in your eyes
Down corridors, through automatic doors
Got to get to you, got to see this through
First night of your life, curled up on your own
Looking at you now, you would never know.

Daryl-Ann

This incredible little girl and her family have faced amazing odds ..

The web-site her parents have created and the story they shared, had me in tears as it showed how far this little girl has come .. The video shows how her life is truly a testament to her parents strength and love (and of course her strength).

Her parents are raising funds to enable them to take her to receive a new medical treatment - stem cell treatment, in Mexico.

This is from the home page of the site : http://www.darylann.co.nz/index.html

From Daryl-Ann's Parents

When Daryl-Ann was born, she didn’t draw her first breath until six minutes after her delivery. Daryl-Ann was left fighting for her life from the very beginning, an MRI scan showing extensive damage to virtually all of her brain. We were told that Daryl-Ann would probably never eat, drink, walk or talk – in fact, she would probably not even see her first birthday. We should have been rejoicing at the glorious birth of our first baby– instead we were left devastated and heartbroken, watching with disbelief as she lay so beautifully in her incubator, looking perfect in every respect, but hiding the true battle she was fighting.

Daryl-Ann proved she was a fighter. Now two years old and against all odds, among other things she has learned to feed, play, stand and walk with assistance and, just recently, showed us she can giggle – a most infectious laugh that you can’t help but join in with! Daryl-Ann’s future remains guarded, as the lack of oxygen at birth has left her with severe cerebral palsy and developmental delay, a smaller head due to the lack of growth in her brain and a life threatening form of epilepsy. Each day with Daryl-Ann is precious as we never know if we will see her tomorrow.

However, a new medical miracle has given us hope for Daryl-Ann that we had never previously let ourselves dare imagine – hope to fix damage caused to her brain.

A recent article on TVNZ’s Close-Up screened the story of Ryan Schneider who made a miraculous complete recovery from Cerebral Palsy after receiving stem cell treatment. The treatment is not to be confused with controversial embryonic stem cell treatment, but is a treatment utilising the blood inside the cord of a healthy newborn baby – previously treated as medical waste but now a medical miracle. Stem cells from the cord are injected into the body using a remarkably simple method. The cells then zero in wherever required to repair damaged tissue, for example regenerating new cell growth in the brain in the case of cerebral palsy.

Ryan’s recovery after only one week of treatment as well as other incredible cases of spectacular recovery and improvement of CP sufferers has encouraged us to seek out treatment for Daryl-Ann. The treatment is not yet available in New Zealand but is offered abroad by Dr Fernando Ramirez del Rio, at a clinic just across the American border in Mexico (the treatment is still in the process of obtaining regulatory approval before it can be administered in America). The treatment uses cord blood stem cells from the national cord blood bank in America, where the cells are also tested and prepared. The results of treatment administered by Dr Ramirez to children with cerebral palsy so far have all resulted in measurable improvements.

Dr Ramirez has agreed to accept Daryl-Ann for treatment as soon as we are able to attend. We are now in the process of fundraising to make this miracle treatment a reality. We have set up a charitable trust and hope to raise $40,000 before February 2009 so treatment can begin as soon as possible (the brain naturally doing most of its growing before the age of three). We would love you to read our web site to learn more of Daryl-Ann’s story and this incredible treatment available. We hope you feel touched to help Daryl-Ann and make a donation towards the costs as it is only with the help of people such as yourselves, that this treatment can become a reality. We will keep a blog to keep everyone informed, as well as hoping to provide a forum for CP sufferers and their families to discuss this treatment and others. Please let your friends know about this site, and feel free to leave your comments on the forum. We are very greatful to you for taking the time to explore Daryl-Ann’s website and special thanks to all those who have already helped us so much to date. If you would like to make a donation, please click on this link to take you to the donation page. Thank you.

Janine and Rob
Daryl-Ann’s parents

http://www.darylann.co.nz/index.html

Vege garden update ..

We have fruits of our labour .. heh heh  

Cauli-power ..

 

Yes some turned yellow before we got to them ... but I still had to take a picture - lol

Giant cabbages .. the boys complained they were heavy ... so they gotta be big huh?

Cucumbers ... they're growing growing ...

and ......

Harvest day .. heh heh

99 Things I Have or Haven't Done

I saw this list on Creative Triplet Mum's blog .. who got it from Katie the Scrapbook Lady's Blog.

You are supposed to copy and paste to your own blog and bold everything you’ve done!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (recorder -lol)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Guide Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a cheque
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Our Tauranga Trip

Photos etc are on the kids blog ..

Tauranga Trip in pictures

(sorry a private blog for those who don't have the password ) ..

I've put the link here .. so I know I've done it ..lol

...... 38 ......

It was my birthday today ..

Started off sedate ..

I made eggs, bacon and tomatoes (all healthy cooked) for myself .. and it was delicious

I got hugs and hugs and kisses from my three little people ..

.. coffee from my husband .. (oh and of course my camera .. which was a Christmas/birthday present)

... then I went out for lunch with my Mum and sister and niece .. and it was YUM!

A wine, full tummy  .. and 4 new tops later ... (shopping you see - no children)

I came home (as my husband watched the kidlets) .. and thought I was off to my inlaws for BBQ dinner ..

BUT...

Hubby and my friend had organised a surprise Birthday BBQ for me .. with some of the neighbours and some friends ..

On the way out for tea, we turned off at my friends drive-way and I was like what is going on .. and all these people were there  ...

.. and I got a sponge birthday cake  .. and presents ..

How cool ..
I was all OMG ... .. but it was cool ..

 

Blowing out the cake .. and with my boys ..

Flowers from my sister - Lish ... and new kitchen essentials from my sister - Son.

Some of the presents from the BBQ ..

Was a nice way to end the day ...

.. and yes I have just posted a photo of me with no make-up .. tired red eyes .. and not my best party clothes .. lol ..

I was completely unprepared .. heh heh

...... 38 ......

It was my birthday today ..

Started off sedate ..

I made eggs, bacon and tomatoes (all healthy cooked) for myself .. and it was delicious

I got hugs and hugs and kisses from my three little people ..

.. coffee from my husband .. (oh and of course my camera .. which was a Christmas/birthday present)

... then I went out for lunch with my Mum and sister and niece .. and it was YUM!

A wine, full tummy  .. and 4 new tops later ... (shopping you see - no children)

I came home (as my husband watched the kidlets) .. and thought I was off to my inlaws for BBQ dinner ..

BUT...

Hubby and my friend had organised a surprise Birthday BBQ for me .. with some of the neighbours and some friends ..

On the way out for tea, we turned off at my friends drive-way and I was like what is going on .. and all these people were there  ...

.. and I got a sponge birthday cake  .. and presents ..

How cool ..
I was all OMG ... .. but it was cool ..

 

Blowing out the cake .. and with my boys ..

Flowers from my sister - Lish ... and new kitchen essentials from my sister - Son.

Some of the presents from the BBQ ..

Was a nice way to end the day ...

.. and yes I have just posted a photo of me with no make-up .. tired red eyes .. and not my best party clothes .. lol ..

I was completely unprepared .. heh heh

Missy and J

 

Yes these photos look weird .. J has no head ..but I haven't got permission to show his face ... so here are some photos of Missy with J .. while playing hide and seek ..

Missy was very taken by J while he stayed here for a few days ..

Every morning she would go in and "check" to see if he was still here .. or would ask where he was ..

.. She told others that she had a J at home and that he was staying .. heh heh ..

.. the morning after he had gone home she was very quiet and asked when J would be coming to play ..

Missy and J

 

Yes these photos look weird .. J has no head ..but I haven't got permission to show his face ... so here are some photos of Missy with J .. while playing hide and seek ..

Missy was very taken by J while he stayed here for a few days ..

Every morning she would go in and "check" to see if he was still here .. or would ask where he was ..

.. She told others that she had a J at home and that he was staying .. heh heh ..

.. the morning after he had gone home she was very quiet and asked when J would be coming to play ..

Some new measurements

Month - 6

Weight 68.6kg
Chest 93
Waist 84
Abdomen 95
Hips 100

Weight loss - 15.5kg as at 19.01.2009

Cm’s lost
Chest 19
Waist 24
Abdomen 16
Hips 20
Total cm’s lost - 79 cms

Some new measurements

Month - 6

Weight 68.6kg
Chest 93
Waist 84
Abdomen 95
Hips 100

Weight loss - 15.5kg as at 19.01.2009

Cm’s lost
Chest 19
Waist 24
Abdomen 16
Hips 20
Total cm’s lost - 79 cms

T'was the month after Christmas

T'was the month after Christmas,
and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
the chocolate I'd taste
and the holiday parties
had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales
there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store
(less a walk than a lumber),

I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt...
I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend a winter, disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll only chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all! and to all a good diet.

T'was the month after Christmas

T'was the month after Christmas,
and all through the house,
Nothing would fit me,
not even a blouse.

The cookies I'd nibbled,
the chocolate I'd taste
and the holiday parties
had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales
there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store
(less a walk than a lumber),

I'd remember the marvellous meals I'd prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,
The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please."

As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt...
I said to myself, as I only can,
"You can't spend a winter, disguised as a man!"

So, away with the last of the sour cream dip.
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip.

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won't have a cookie, not even a lick.
I'll only chew on a long celery stick.
I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie.
I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore...
But isn't that what January is for?
Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all! and to all a good diet.