Natalie's Party

Hi all. I would have put this up sooner but with all the storms around we have been without internet for most of the weekend (oh my goodness, Stuart and I almost died!!!), but we're back in touch with the world now.

Natalie had her birthday party on Saturday. She has made a vlog about it if you're interested, click here. In the end she had 8 little peeps to swim with her, one friend from school, a couple of other girl friends from church circles and all three Stotts. It was a great party because all we had to do was sit, drink and watch.
After the swim Amber and Hayden came back and made pizzas for lunch (yum) and had birthday cake and a play. Then Hayden went home and Amber stayed over for the night (yes, Natalie's first ever friend to sleep over). Was very cute, Natalie and Calvin went to sleep very quickly, Amber took a little bit longer, but she slept fine after she'd climbed into bed with Natalie!
The wind here was unbelievable Saturday (there is some video of it in Natalie's vlog).
Natalie survived her weekend though I suspect that she is not 100%. She has gone to school today but I foresee an early night (for all of us). Stuart has flown off to Adelaide for a meeting today and we'll pick him up from the plane at 5pm so that he can rush back to school here for a tea and parent thing! He's discovering that being AP makes you very busy, but he's enjoying the work. Calvin and I are still recovering from illness. I think Calvin is almost better, but with the party and leading church Sunday night I'm still a way off from being healthy.
At this stage we're planning to go out for tea on Wednesday (Natalie wants to go to a restaurant). Six years has come around very quickly.

Hope that you are all well.

Hi Honeys All

... not sure what happened there! Anyway, I'm here now! Life's got rather hectic lately, as I'm sure you can all relate to! I've learned this week that I get a lot more done when i leave my computer off occasionally, so I'm trying to just put it on every other day, deal with what's there, and turn it off again! So please forgive me if I don't reply as soon as you think I should!
I've been working a bit, helping Helen with catering at Toc H camp - first shift I made choc self saucing pud - for 70! And last night I made custard ... with a whole packet of custard powder! This week I've been mostly getting breakfasts and preparing rolls for them to take on their walks ... for 25 - just a little group! Helen and I seem to work well together, and of course I like pay day too!
I've also made a quilt to sell on the stall that will be at church on election day, so am pleased to have that done! Hard to believe the Walk is only a week away ... my Talk will be over this time next week! But still plenty for me to do!
Dad's well, and busy - trying to read more of those things he has to read before he goes to Brisbane in a fortnight, as well as everything else!
Hope you're all well, and school, kindy, uni, work, and life in general are all going as smoothly as possible! Love and hugs Mum

Brocks With Colin (and other Kitto pics)

Sorry I didn't post this earlier. Yay, we saw Colin and here is the evidence.
Thanks for a great holiday too.
:)

Our Holiday Film

Howdy folks,

just wanted to let you know that Debbie has put together a movie from our trip to Victor this week. Click here to watch it.

(I know I could embed it in the blog, but if you go to Youtube then you can sign in, rate it, favorite it, and subscribe to Debbie's videos.) It's important to rate videos because that gets them onto the first page in the category, which makes them more likely to be viewed by lots of people.

Happy Birthday Uncle Stu!

Hope it was a super day! Sorry we're not cool enough to make you a fancy video but we were certainly thinking of you and send warm wishes and hugs. It will be lovely to see you next week! Love Heth, Al, Jacob and Sam xoxoxox

Happy Birthday Stuart

Today is Stuart's birthday and his sneaky wife organised for John Green to make a video for him (and he actually did!!!). See! Also, the kids and I made a little video for Stuart here.

Not a lot of plans for the day. Rest is high on the agenda, but it should be a good one.

Here are also a couple of pictures from the Noonan wedding on the weekend.







Love and hugs to all.

Happy Birthday Nanna (Mum/Karen)

Hope that you have a fantastic day today.

Morning Heth. It;'s your birthday!

Hippy Heppy Hoppy Huppy Happy birthday. Hope that you have a good day. Hope you like the video. If you would also like to read well-wishes from strangers click here (well there was at least one comment when I looked, but this is youtube so there may well be more later. widcomebeboy is a nice Christian friend we've met from England) .

Hurray for being twenty something!

Love and hugs to you Heth.
Stuart, Debbie, Natalie and Calvin xxxx

(Wow, I've just noticed in the 'related' box there are LOTS of happy birthday videos for Heather. You are SO famous, SO popular. Have good day)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HETH!

Natalie and Calvin have made a movie

Last week Natalie wrote a story (with some ideas from Calvin) and on Saturday we went on location and filmed it. Both Natalie and Calvin supervised the editing and when it was all to their liking I put it up on YouTube to share with you all (click here to watch it now). Hope that you enjoy it, and please rate it if you did.

Sorry for all the weird nerdfighter references. I can see that if you aren't part of the brotherhood 2.0 community none of what I say (or the videos I make) will make any sense. So here I attempt a short explaination:
Two brothers, John and Hank Green, decided to stop texually communicating with each other for all of 2007, instead they post a video every other day to each other and they are quite entertaining. As a result now about 10,000 people watch them each day (including us) and the people who do that are called nerdfighters. Official definition of a nerdfighter is someone who instead of being made up of cells and organs is completely made of awesome. The brothers also have a website www.brotherhood2.com which has a forum called 'in my pants' where people can hang out and chat, its own wiki that Stuart has contributed too significantly and its own 'foundation to decrease world suck'. It is considered a nerdfighter's duty to decrease world suck where ever possible. I am now offically a 'secret sibling' to Hank and John - which just means that when they post a video, I post a video as a response (though it doesn't have to be related to what they talk about. Thus the strange videos that you will see over the next few weeks/months (if I stay that motivated). Hank runs an eco-website thing and John Green is an award winning young adult author and has said lots of nice things about our kids and the videos that we have made. Not sure if that has helped or made you more confused, but hopefully that will explain anything weird that you see in upcoming videos.


Until then love and hugs and enjoy the film,

Long time no Blog ....

Hi all! My cough is still with me, nearly 7 weeks on, and should be pretty good after that much practice! But I am feeling a lot better, more energetic, and more like me, so I'm pleased about that! Last week I made the banner for Kairos Outside, complete with dancing penguins, and I was very pleased with it! Sent it along to their last Training Day on Sat, and apparently it was well received, so that's nice!

We had a lovely day yesterday, starting with the usual excellent worship ... I do like our music! ... and the sermon was up to the usual high standard! Cuppas and chats, then we had lunch at Middleton Tavern with 16 of the usual folk - quite hilarious at times! To The Tin Shed at McLaren Vale and met Heth Al and the boys, and Grandad and Mrs Hogan and Mr Smith, 2 of our family's oldest friends! Mr S's daughter Helen was a good friend of mine, and died a few months ago, so I was thrilled that Grandad thought to bring them! Mrs H is a real darling, and for 30 years has told me I still look 15 .... I can cope with that! She certainly enjoyed getting to know some of our family a bit more, and I think we all enjoyed a lovely afternoon! Dad certainly enjoyed his long chats with you both, Rob and Stu!

Friday we went for our annual pilgrimage to our dentist at Salisbury, and made quite a hole in the bank a/c ... but I got 2 more of the discoloured fillings on the front of my front teeth replaced, and am very happy with the result! We had coffee and cake at Koorong and bought books and cards; I spent some time with Heth Al and the boys while Dad visited a couple of our old fellows at Flinders, then we came back here and had dinner with friends - very pleasant evening, especially watching the last quarter of the footy!

Saturday morning I went to the clinic here and had my moles checked out - got the all clear, so that's good! The Dr bulk billed, too, also very good! I had coffee with a friend, did some shopping, and that evening we went to a Film night at the church! We served home made burgers (chicken or beef) and hot dogs, including little ones in dinner rolls ... very cute! About 60 there, and we watched "Racing Stripes", which I now have a copy of, and I look forward to sharing with you all when you're here some time! It's very sweet, about a zebra who thinks he's a racing horse! One of the old dears Dad visited Fri died on Sat, so there'll be another funeral this week. Another of the real old stalwarts of Adare, so a big funeral again I dare say! We'd hoped to visit Granny on Wed, but will now try and go next week! We have cafe church on Sunday as well, at 5, so 2 services plus a funeral is more than enough for Dad for one week!

This morning I've vacuumed all the floors, and I've washed clothes, and caught up some diary and emails! Nearly time to start on the next banner, but I'm also keen to put together all those little Christmas redwork stitcheries I finally finished! I have the perfect red fabric for the sashings and borders, so just need the time and space and inclination! But first I MUST write some long overdue snail mail letters! Hope you're all doing well! Love the videos, Debbie, and hope you enjoy your time in Melbourne, Rob Cherie and Michael! Hope Jacob's feeling a bit better today, and that work was good this morning, Heth!
Love you all! Mum
By the way ..... how bout Christmas in Victor Harbor this year??! This is where Dad and I will be!

Are you interested in knowing how cute people think our kids are?

Debbie made a video for the birthday of John Green. (A Young Adult Author from America.) He posted a comment about it on his blog. It's now had almost 900 views, and people have been leaving the nicest comments.

Go here to see the video and the comments. You can find the blog entry at www.brotherhood2.com along with a bunch of videos that John and his brother Hank have made for each other.

Debbie has also been putting some of the other films she has made over the years up on Youtube, so you can watch them here. Some of them are quite clever.

Going... going... gone!

I know it's been like FOREVER since we've blogged but you know how it goes - you'll be pleased to know we're still here! There's so much that we haven't blogged (like NannyB's visit and Sam's birthday and perhaps even Cairns!) but I won't bore you with everything.

The biggest thing at present - I went back to work this week! After 7 years I've said goodbye to the agency and have joined the casual pool at the Repat. I had my 3 days of orientation (after not working for 14 months) and it wasn't as strange as i was expecting. Kinda like falling off a bike (or something) which is probably a good thing. I'll do about 2 shifts a week and will start with some 4 hour ones just to ease back in slowly and I certainly won't be doing 3 days in a row - was just a bit much and I was very glad to not have much to do today. Was great that Nanna could come and look after the boys (they went to care yesterday) but unfortunately she picked up a bug from Sam and from what i gather spent most of last night throwing her guts up. Sorry!

We've all been sick on and off for ages (like a couple of months) but the last 2 days i think we've been ok. It's just been one thing after another (and luckily one person after another) with colds and ear infections and tonsilitis and fevers and more colds and most recently gastro. Not been heaps of fun but for the moment we'll enjoy being healthy!

Think that's about all i've got for the mo. Need an early night tonight and I've got a new mag waiting for me. Huge birthday wishes for Cherie for yesterday (and Jo for today!) and big hugs and squeezes to all.

The Simpson Trek

I had the best time for 10 days (ending a week ago) crossing the Simpson Desert. The weather was excellent (north of Mambray Creek), the company was good (16 other blokes - mostly from Echunga UC or connected with them in some way), the food was more than adequate, and the scenery was beautiful.

I have some photos...

You may see some here eventually, but I took about 1500...

A desert dawn; crossing Big Red;

a view in Brachina Gorge; and a Simpson dune.

Cadelga water hole; and a tree at Cadelga (north of Cordillo Downs cattle station).

Batman and Supergirl! (and the show)

Hi all. Been aaaaaaages, but we are still here. Decided to break two traditions this year. Despite the fact that we have not missed a single Adelaide show since the kids were around we will not be going this year. Instead, despite the fact that we have managed not to attend a single Whyalla show since moving here, we took the kids along to the show yesterday. Was not as bad as I thought, and it was really lovely to see Calvin's yellow star that he had made at kindy (Occasional Care) on display in the education pavilion. We had decided that the kids could pick one ride each and a show bag, and they both really enjoyed the 'little ferris wheel' and the 'mini rollercoaster' but when it came to the show bags we just couldn't bring ourselves to wasting money on cheap and nasty toys. So we took a trip to Target instead! And now Calvin has a Batman costume, which is great for Natalie because now she can have a turn at being Supergirl. [We may have also picked up singstar 90's for the grownups - Oh my goodness, it is BRILLIANT!]

Anyway, I finally have some photos so I thought it was a good time to post. (The jumping ones were taken down the beach last weekend).

Hope that you are all doing well. Love and hugs.

Vegan Revenge!

Dad falling off the flying fox - ah the memories!

Wee

Yeah for wee in toilet say's Jacob (and Mum and Dad)
Edit: not once but twice today :-)

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What I did in the holidays - by Natalie Kitto

At Nannas house I got too sleep and pla. I went too untee hevu it wus fun kcus it wus sams dsbay. It had los uv food.

(Natalie wrote this in her journal while staying home from school today because she and Calvin have been coughing, instead of sleeping, for the last few nights.)

Uni results are in

After a relaxing holiday wait, my results for Semester 1 are in:

For both essays for Australian Studies: Identities and for Key Educational Ideas I got a Distinction whoo, thanks to Stu, Ian and Kylie for helping me out.

For my take home exam, 3 x 500 word essay for Australian Studies: Identities I got 90% which is great considering I did most of it the day it was due and completely fudged one of the questions, not like me at all!!

So I got a Distinction for both of the topics which add's to the High Distiction I got for the Information Communication Technology topic I did at the beginning of the year. Great results all round.

Next week I start again with an extra challenge of a Fourth Year Education topic - just to increase my "full time" status and hopefully save some time in 3 years.

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Natalie's first quilt

Thought Nanna might be interested to see that Natalie designed and made her first little quilt today. Mummy was there to lend a hand on the sewing machine, but Natalie picked the colours and style that she wanted.

time for an update

Hi all. Hope you're all well, warm and not too busy! Hope hols are great, Stu & Deb, and plans for Sue's visit going well, Heth & Al! We've been busy ... at least Dad has! We went to Grandad's Auntie Linda's 90th birthday party in Ad Sat afternoon, and brought Michael home with us. Good chats with Rob and Cherie ... they apparently have trouble getting on the Blog, but i thought I'd let you know Rob's got a sort of promotion ... pay increase acknowledging the extra work he's been doing for some time! So that's good! And the footy team's been doing terrifically well .... winning and kicking lots of goals, so that's good too! And not only but also ..... their dieting's going well too - in 6 weeks Cherie's lost 7kg, and Rob 5! So I reckon good on them! We met them Tuesday evening at McLaren Vale and handed Michael back. He enjoyed himself ... read about 30 books I think, and didn't want to play any games!

On Monday afternoon Dad conducted Jill's Mum's funeral in Adelaide, and yesterday he had 2 funerals here! All went really well and he got lots of positive feedback! 3 in 3 days doesn't happen very often, and we're quite pleased about that! Just for something completely different, we watched the James Bond movie on TV last night! I seem to have a bit of a wog, and was very achey and couldn't get warm last night, but once I did warm up I was way too hot! Woke with a dreadful backache this morning, but it's eased now and I just feel a bit lethargic and flat.

I'm pleased with my progress on Sam's quilt - am about to go and quilt it!
And saving some really good news for last - we have tenants!! Isn't that great??! An English couple with 2 kids are moving in at the weekend, have signed 12 month lease but hope to buy and move out before then - and they know they're up for extra charges if they do! We called there on Saturday and were a bit appalled at the water lying in the back yard ... the drainage must be a bit up a wattle i think, and we'll need to do some alterations there pretty soon! I guess a bit of water around shouldn't worry people used to UK weather! (from what we hear!)

Anyway, it will be beaut to see you all soon, and hope things going well for you all! Love Mum

Douglas Adam's was right

3x10^42!!!!!!!

Who would have believed it. The universe weighs 3x10^42kg.

Isn't that interesting.

All about the LEGO (and some cute kids)

Stuart received his 1:10 lego Ferrari Friday night and finally finished it off tonight. Over 11 hours to complete! I'll let Stuart write later about the joys of his new toy (like the fancy doors and moving engine).
Also, threw in a couple of pictures of the kids because I could.

Al's Birthday and other things

Hello all, it's been a while since we've blogged here so thought we should!

We had a nice day yesterday. Sam slept through which was a great start and Jacob enjoyed helping daddy opening his pressies. We had lunch at Harbour Town after church then went to a friend's 1st Birthday party at The Beach House. The boys had a great time and Al and Jacob enjoyed a ride on the train (which went round and round as Jacob told us). Then it was back to church again and home again and that was the day!

On Friday we took the boys to Dorothy's Dance Party at Norwood (it was basically a Wiggles show without the Wiggles!). Sam had a great time but Jacob fell asleep on the way so we had to wake him up and he took quite a while to warm up to it. As we were leaving he waved at Dorothy and said 'I had a lovely time at your party Dorothy!' which made it all worthwhile! Very sweet.

We're enjoying Al's uni holidays. Jacob especially is, being such a Daddy's boy! The train set is getting a good work out and we're crossing a number of jobs off the list. Sam and I are looking forward to our holiday this week (actually I don't think Sam is too fussed at all!) and Jacob and Al will have a great bonding time here by themselves.

Ummm what else...?

The latest favourite fun thing to do is for Sam to push Jacob on his car. Jacob's pretty good at not going to fast so sam can keep up, and the turning around is improving, and they're both loving it! Sam is very quick cruising around the furniture and knees etc so don't think it will be long til he's really off. Eek! Rike & Peter don't know what they're in for! He is a happy fun little man :) and so is Jacob!

Think that might be about it for now. Nanny B arrives Thursday 12th July and we're gonna have Sam's party on Sunday 15th. Less than 3 weeks away! Crikey! She'll be here for 2 weeks so and then Al will be back at Uni and I spose I should go back to work and next thing we know it will be Christmas! Heheheheh....

(Al and I are enjoying our new phones too! 2mp camera on the phone is as good as our normal digital camera ;))

Much love to all!
xox

Nearly July ... where's the year gone?!

I'm pleased the Blog will finally allow me to enter, at last! I've tried several times to comment and it insists I can't get in .... but I'm here now! Yesterday we went up and visited Granny, and were very pleased with how bright she is! She didn't know we were coming (Dad only decided late Wed) and was just so thrilled when she saw us there! She sends her love to everyone .... I'd love it if you could ring her and say g'day some time! She loves contact with you all! She'd enjoy hearing about footy, and skipping, and school and ballet and playgroup and everything that you're all doing! She now has a Patch each day for her angina medication, rather than just the spray under her tongue "as required", and that seems to be working well. She's a pretty incredible woman, and we're all very lucky to have her! (Don't forget her birthday 2/7/07!)

You kids all have some pretty amazing generous ancestors. I guess you realise Bella is 18 next week?? On Tuesday Grandad very kindly offered to pay for Heth and me (and Sam!) to go up for the party ...... how's that for spoiled??! We're very excited, and so are Rike and Peter and Bell!! We're going Jetstar, on Thursday morning (no flights available on Fri or Sat) and coming back Tuesday. As Heth said, it's all a bit surreal! We'd love to take you all with us, but that may be a bit awkward! The only fly in the ointment is that the party is to be at a Bar, and apparently there's NO WAY Sam will be allowed in!! I'm sure Heth and I can sort of "tag team" and walk him around outside or something .... it's only 2 1/2 hours of the total visit, but disappointing, since that's the very reason we're going!! But never mind! Grandad's pleased to be able to help some of the family visit, and he's sure giving a lot of joy, not only to Heth and me, but to Rike and Peter and Bell, as well!

Natalie I'm pleased you're having a good day skipping today (love the photos!); Michael, I hope footy goes well tomorrow; Calvin, I hope you're having fun .... is it Care today?? and Jacob and Sam, I hope you're having fun with Dorothy!
Love you all Nanna/Gramma/Mum

Natalie Jumps Rope for heart

This morning Calvin and I joined Natalie at school to watch a skipping demonstration and then see Natalie begin the many activities planned for the day. The whole school started with a health hustle and then each class moved to an activity. We stayed and watched Natalie do the first activity which involved running, jumping and crawling around an obstacle course. There were 12 other activities to do including elastics, sack races and of course skipping, skipping and more skipping. Was lovely and sunny (though the temp. when we left the school was still only 15 degs!).
Thank you for your support.

Natalie has something to say

Howdy folks, Natalie has a question to ask. "I think jumping rope will be great. Would you like to sponsor me? I think you might help me to raise money." She is participating in Jump Rope for Heart on Friday, and we thought we'd give you all an opportunity to support the work of the Heart Foundation by sponsoring her. If you would like to pledge a donation before Thursday night, we are happy to pay now and collect during the holidays.

Thank you.

Nice to get affirmation

I got an email this afternoon to tell me that I've won a place in HeadsUp21. This is a program run by DECS for aspiring leaders (more info at http://www.sacle.edu.au/)which is quite hard to get into. I had to write a 4 page application which addressed a set of criteria, and they spoke to my Principal and asked him if I was the real deal, and then after that they offered me a place.

The program is desirable because it consists of a two day residential component at Whalers Inn (Victor Harbor), another day in August, and then another during November, all of which are fully funded by DECS. They also provide work shadowing opportunities with an experienced principal, as well as administering a 360 degree Leadership Feeback survey about me with people I work with. It's designed for potential future principals.

I applied a few weeks ago and have been waiting to here if I was successful. This means that I'll be in Victor Harbor on July 16 and 17.

I also preached for the first time, and the feedback from that was pretty good. If you're interested you can read my notes on our old blog. (The one listed in the links on the right as Deb and Stu's blog.)

Another from the WMP collection

Thanks for the words of encouragement regarding the video. I guess the true test will be in how it is received on Sunday night as part of Stuart's sermon.
I'm actually a bit embarrassed about my first rather yr 9 looking attempt at anime, and so requested that Stuart upload by personal favorite video that I used in church about 2 years ago. It is a film that uses the Dandy Warhols song 'Mohammed' (yeah I know- slightly funny, but hey...) and United Live's 'More'. Because I was worship leading I used the video as part of the worship time (that means the slow song time for the non-pentecostal). Had a completely blacked out church (was a night service) - the effect was amazing. I then invited people to join in and sing along with 'more'. You can check it out at the following link, but I will warn you that the compression is being less that kind to it and so it is quite jumpy in places - bum bum bum. But it gives you an idea.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-inLqC_hXQ


Yes, those of you who would like copies for your churches I can bring down a collection of reflective movies that I've used at Bethel over the years (I have another great 'newsy' one that is put to the Colin song 'The Lord is King.' That has been quite well received.

Love and hugs

A video Debbie has made for church this week

Calvin's Haircut

Calvin's looking a little different this afternoon (especially when compared with the photo below - oh my goodness!). He sat very still for the hairdresser but moved very quickly when it was time to collect his lolly pop. Calvin really likes lolly pops.

Hope everyone is well.

Happy Birthday 'Pappa' from Jacob and Sam!

I'm sure today may not be quite as you had anticipated, but we hope you can enjoy your birthday. It was lovely to talk to you this morning and Jacob was very excited to wish you a Happy Birthday and show you the card they made for you... hasn't quite worked out that even though you can hear him you can't see him. Was very cute tho! We look forward to seeing you for dinner as well :)

Much love to you!

Love Jacob, Sam, Heth and Al

xox

Happy Birthday Grandpa

Lots of Love and Hugs to you today Grandpa.
Natalie, Calvin, (Stuart and Debbie)

Happy Valley clan update

Hey everyone,
Thanks for your well wishes for Michael's birthday. I will get him on here to post a thank you himself. We have been a little busy this weekend, and not really spent much time at the computers.

Firstly - a biiiiiiiiiiiiiiig Happy birthday to Debbie. Sorry its a little late! We have 2 cards here waiting to be sent up to you, so I will try and get on that this week - better late than never I guess! Also a big thank you to you guys for Michael's present, and cards, it was very special receiving so many, and even Kat remembered, she is one smart cat ;)

Secondly a biiiiiiiiiiiiig thank you to everyone what attended Michael's birthDAY. It was a long day with many locations, and many surprises, and he loved every bit of it. Thank you for being part of it and making it special for him :)

Update on us? Well we have been busy with evil work of course, and Michael has been progressing very well at school. He is in the top spelling group for his year, and is still getting 12/12 each week for his spelling tests. He is learning about transport, and in maths he is learning fractions and getting into division. Cant believe its happening already. He thinks nothing of spelling words like cauliflower, and its getting that soon I will be out shone by his ability in spelling (not a hard achievement!) Michael has also progressed well with football, and scored a point last week, and also one of the players of the match award.

Update on football. Well out of 5 games, we have had 3 wins and 2 losses, so the coach is on a good thing. With the last 2 games where we have won, the players on our team that have had to play for the other team to make up numbers, have scored their entire points against us! Our boys are doing very well, and the coach is certainly enjoying his role.

Update on health. Michael lost a tooth on Friday again. He has to go to the dentist on June 14 (day after Guns n Roses gig) for a filling also. Rob is doing well, and exercising more regularly and I think he is loosing weight a little. Then there is me, a few years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS - with is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Its a condition that basically is what it says - cysts on the ovaries, which can cause you to be infertile, and also messes up your hormone levels. I have had this condition pretty much since before conceiving Michael. Effects are weight gain, hormone imbalance, and then the bad things like infertility and diabeties, and heart disease, all things you really dont want. Michael of course came along, and surprised us all, and then thankfully things went ok for a while.
As you can see by looking at me, weight is an issue, and due to this and feeling not so flash I went to the docs to get a general update on the condition. He ran a glucose tolerance test a couple of weeks ago, and bingo I am out of whack. Basically in a nutshell I have contracted pre-diabeties due to having excessive amounts of insulin in my blood due to hormone imbalance. The cure? Well weight loss. The problem? PCOS causes weight gain and makes weight loss very difficult. The solution? Cut out fats and sugars for 6 weeks and see how my body responds. I was given these instructions on Tuesday, and on Tuesday night had a feast for Michael's birthday. From Wednesday I have stuck to a strict diet of minimal sugar and fat, and spending ages in the shops reading labels for sugar and fat content - did you know even weight watchers food is high in sugar to the point of insanity??? Since that time (4 days) I have dropped 2 kilos already :) The Dr's goal is 10kg in 6 months, so I am on track :)
Its very hard especially with the boys eating bacon today! But in the long run its good for me, and its allowing me a chance to avoid diabities type 2 for now, so it has its benefits. Its very hard when you are craving something sweet, and you dont like artificial sweeteners! Coke zero is quite nice, surprisingly! So wish me luck!

I have enjoyed seeing all of your piccies, and I hope this post finds everyone well :)

Stuart the rock star

Please welcome on stage Whyalla's no. one bass player ... Stuart Kitto ... yahhhhhhhhhaaaaaaay!
Last night Stuart (all dressed in black) went and played bass for Dave Parker at a Youth group event at Bunyarra. Sadly someone had to stay home with the kiddies so I was unable to go, which is why there are no photos of Stuart in his 'rock god' pose. But I took this picture before he left and as you can see he looked very sharp.

On other news, Tony (our friend who always looks after our house when we are away) and Leonie (an old school friend of mine who also lives in Whyalla now) may have officially become engaged last week, but this week (ie. today) Stuart and I officially became their attendants. They haven't allocated specific roles yet (best man; groomsman; bridesmaid; M of honour etc), but I will get to wear a dress with two other women and Stuart gets to look sharp in a suit with two other guys on the 29th of Sept. So that is all exciting.

Hope that you are all going well (those of you who are unwell, I hope that you feel healthy soon).