EDITH FALLS

Here are some photos Emilee took

while out at Edith Falls yesterday.

(courtesy of Lauren's camera)

KATHERINE RODEO

Well, we just had the Katherine show/Rodeo

and enjoyed watching all the action.

Here's a collection of photos from the day.

National anthem and getting ready for action

And...............ACTION!!

Cute kids.

All of them, of course:)

And a couple of ouchies!!

Landing on the rails, not sure that's how it's supposed to be done

Oh, and face first! Hmmm, not the best either.

Horse:  I'm getting you off, if it's the last thing I ever do..........

And...........done, and dusted!!

Do you like my hat?

Oh, yes, please let me try it on!

Recent Camping Trip

A couple of weeks back,

because of Dave's work schedule

and not being able to go away

for any length of time,

we headed out of town a short ways

to have an overnight campout.

We were all missing a good campfire,

the crystal clear skies,

the billions of stars in clear view,

the taste of billy tea,

the smell of wood smoke,

the warmth of a swag on a cool winters' night,

and of course, tasty roasted marshmallows!

The girls recently bought their own swags,

and Dave and I have our rooftop tent,

and Abbi has the back of her ute,

so we were all set.

Now, I know we could do all of this

in our backyard, but it's just not the same!

There's always the noise from the neighbours,

ranging anywhere from laughter to all out brawls,

sirens from a passing police car, or two,

annoying loud music from someone who needs a

hearing aid, lights from houses

and car headlights, fireworks randomly going off,

and the list goes on.

Oh, and of course the visit from the

fire department wondering what we're doing

with a roaring bonfire in our backyard

possibly spreading and setting the town on fire.

Bah! Spoilsports!!

Anyway, even tho it was brief,

it was wonderful and we look forward to

doing it again soon. It was also Abbi's last

chance for a family campout before

she gets married:)

And of course, it gave me a chance

to take some photos.

As you can see below, I tried getting

some pictures of the girls together,

but Chloe, in her element, had to ham

it up with her machete.

(and no, they haven't joined the army

reserves, ok. Op shops are handy places.

Now to find me some that fit!)

Some star shots (which actually show a shooting

star which you of course can't see

because the photo is too small,

so just trust me, ok, it's there),

glow sticks jewellery and sparklers

And some firelight portraits

JUST DO IT!

This year we celebrated Territory Day

by driving around and enjoying everyone

else's fireworks, that we didn't have to pay for!

Our neighbour put on a very expensive

but exciting show as did most of the

neighbourhood, and we were left with

some money in our pockets.

(oh, and also no incidents involving
limbs being accidently blown off,
or eyebrows being singed)

All in all, a very fun, loud and explosive night.

Police arrested two kids yesterday,

one was drinking battery acid,

the other was eating fireworks.

They charged one and let the other one off.

And in our neighbourhood....

"We are celebrating Territory Day TODAY,

fireworks will randomly be set off

at any time of night or day,

in backyards for the next 6 MONTHS!!"

Malanda Trip

Well, I'm finally getting time to

blog some photos from our

recent trip to Malanda in June

As most of you know,

Grace Baptist Church had its 25th anniversary

recently, and the girls and I were able to

fly over for the week long meetings.

It was a great blessing to hear good solid

preaching from God's Word

that challenged our hearts,

and visit with old friends.

I did a little trip down memory lane,

by driving around the Tablelands

and soaking up the beautiful countryside.

(and taking photos, of course)

Or, maybe next year.............

Hay, Abbi's Ute and Driving........

Recently, I was able to go out with Dave

locally, and cart hay.

Now that he is no longer road train driving,

and busy delivering milk, he doesn't

get many opportunities to drive the big stuff.

So, when he was offered the chance,

we he jumped at it.

Here's a few photos of the day

Not your average size hay bale

Me following in the Manitou

Loaded and reading to tie down

Negotiating some tight bends with 3 trailers

In other news........

Abbi's ute is finally up and running

and registered!!

After many painstaking hours of

work by many hands,

Abbi is finally getting around town

in a very cute looking

Toyota Landcruiser

45 series ute

(notice the JH on the license

plate?? I'm sure it stands

for my initials, which means

I have some claim to it. But,

James and Abbi don't agree.

Go figure!)

Nice new upholstery

We took the ute out of town

to make sure the 4wd worked,

which it did,

and also gave Emilee some driving

time in our old girl.

Sadly, because it's dry season now,

there was no mud for her to play in,

but there will be next year!!

Finally, I have uploaded a short video

of these happenings for another

perspective. Enjoy:)

And just a couple of bumper stickers

I'd love to have

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

MUM AND DAD

What is it that keeps two people married to each other for 50 years? Well, firstly,

it's God's grace, goodness and mercy.

But it's also love, respect, trust,

understanding and patience.

Marriage is not a 50/50 arrangement, but rather a 100/100, giving of oneself to the other person, sacrificially, not expecting anything in return. A non conditional love built on a strong foundation, God's Word, and a deep seated faith in God and an unswerving love and devotion to each other.

When I look at my parents and their relationship, I want to reproduce the love they have for each other in my own marriage relationship. Their example is an encouragement to me to follow.

I want to be celebrating my 50^th wedding anniversary in years to come and have my grandchildren look to Dave and I in wonder and admiration for our commitment

and faithfulness to each other.

Growing up at home, I was continually given a wonderful example to follow by my parents, on how to be married and stay married. How to love, how to be true, how to forgive, how to appeal, how to submit, how to rule, how to show compassion, how to be kind, how to admit wrong,

how to love without strings attached.

I knew they loved each other. It was evident to me every single day. I saw it in the way they looked at each other, in their actions, their words,

their service to each other.

I never had to fear that my parents would decide to not honour their marriage vows. I always knew that they would work out any difficulty, with God's help, and move on to build

a stronger and healthier relationship.

There's a whole lot more to “in sickness and in health” than meets the eye. Mum and Dad have been in the ministry for a long time, and anyone involved in ministry, especially pastoring, knows the hardships that it can bring. The struggle to keep going when everything screams quit,

give up and find the easy life.

I remember times when money was tight, when working with other people's problems meant spending less time with the family. I remember the constant stream of visitors that seemed never ending. The numerous family meals 'invaded' by someone dropping by. But despite these constant interruptions, they stuck at it, and protected their own relationship and guarded it closely, not allowing anyone or anything to come between them.

I remember the importance placed on family devotions and memorizing scripture so that we, as children, could learn to

hide God's Word in our hearts.

I remember the tears and frustrations and the seemingly wasted effort spent on people who chose to turn from God and follow their own way. The late nights the busy days, the exhausting Sundays that left them feeling drained and ready to quit.

But, God gave them strength to

“mount up with wings as eagles”.

Through it all, God sustained them and upheld them. And He continues to do so, even now,

after so many years.

God is faithful.

50 years is a long time to live with someone, but if the foundation is immoveable and the love is strong, then it is possible!

“With God, nothing is impossible”

Not even a long marriage!!

I love you Mum and Dad.

Many years ago, I heard this song

written by some siblings.

It speaks of a Godly Heritage

passed down to us by our

parents, and I'm so glad God

has given this to me.

A Godly Heritage

There are many homes in wreckage

in this world of sin,

No harmony or happiness are found there within,

We thank God for the family He has placed us in,

For the Christ-like example You have always been

A Godly heritage, you have given us,

Your lives a living picture of faithfulness,

God's blessing passed down,

To your children's children,

We sing this from our hearts,

And with our love it is given.

We've had precious times together,

Years are slipping past,

We want our lives to count for Christ

and things that will last,

As we gather together, on this special day,

Our homes to God we dedicate, this is what we pray

A Godly heritage, you have given us,

Your lives a living picture of faithfulness,

God's blessing passed down,

To your children's children,

We sing this from our hearts,

And with our love it is given.