2015

2015... Let's just forget that it even existed huh? In fact I'd like to suggest that we bypass this year also.

A short summary for everyone interested (and even for you who are not). Zemiel is now in year three, Azariah in year one and Zekiah in kindy. Liana-Roze is a very independent and cheeky 2 year old. We recently acquired a pet cat, which we got primarily for Zemiel's anxiety. The brand of cat was important though, because of Sharlene's allergies. We ended up getting a 'Skookum', which is a cross between a 'Munchkin' and a 'La Perm'. Zemiel named her 'Tollie'. More about Tollie in another post.

Diesel turned 10 years old yesterday. The boys bought him a new squeaky ball. He is getting a little stiff and doesn't run as much as he did. He still has enough strength to peel coconuts and jump the fence though!

We also have a pet budgie in the house. It is the first baby bird that we have bred at our current house.  Right now we have another 4 babies growing in the nest box. Azariah named it 'Cutie' and we have enjoyed teaching it to whistle. Zemiel especially loved the bird and got it out often to pat it. (Another reason we got a cat). This ended up making it a bit cranky and frightened of people - so, even though we hand raised it, the bird spends most of its time in the cage. It has terrific fun in there though. I'll also post a video of that soon.

Brian's Funeral

It was a good funeral.
Everything ran well and it upheld the hope we have.
Till we meet again.

A couple of photos of the family before the funeral.







A view of the order of service.

Poppy Brian

Brian Shepherd
25th August, 1954 - 13th March, 2016

The Important Questions

This is a signed conversation between myself and Zemiel tonight.

Zemiel: Dad, what year will Jesus come?

Me: I don't know.

Zemiel: Can we look on the internet?



Thanks Trev for your call last night. It was great to hear your voice.
Today Shar and I visited Hope. We went to Adra shop and helped there a little. We got a few suits for Shar's uncle Francis to wear tomorrow.

We cleaned the hall in preparation for the wake. Adrian, Stacy and me cleaned the windows - which hadn't been done for several years - but then the decision was made to pull the blinds over them anyway. *sigh*.

We all had lunch together at the lighthouse and then I got a haircut. Nathanea had finished the slideshow so we took it to the church to make sure it would work. No problems. Except we didn't have enough pictures of Rosie, Piotr or baby Ignatious in there, that was fixed with a few emails.

Now we wait.

Funeral Arrangements

So...we've written the eulogy. Arranged caterers, cleaners. Organised the coffin, flowers and photo. The order of service has been printed. Shar's pretty messed up. We showed the kids a video clip about cancer to help them understand. They did get to say goodbye to their Poppy before he went.

We are planning to make a little book of memories for our kids to remember their poppy.

Brian died with Patti and sister Muriel beside him. Shar and I had stepped out of the room for a few minutes to discuss some arrangements. He 'chose' that time to go.

Funeral on Friday.

Battle Over

Shar's dad died today.

Azariah's Graduation Ceremony

Azariah had his kindy break-up party today. The children started on a waterslide. Then they had a treasure hunt - following clues. Next, the children going to prep were presented with a Kindergarten diploma. The kids wore little gowns and mortar boards - so cute! Finally, the group sang some songs for us parents.

Here is Azariah receiving his certificate.

Christmas Program at North Church

Today our family took part in the North Church's Christmas program. Sharlene and I signed to 'I heard the bells on Christmas Day', and Zemiel and Azariah signed to 'Silent Night'. Both songs covered by Casting Crowns.

This is a video of the boys' performance.

Zemiel's Christmas Concert

Yesterday, Zemiel's school held their Christmas concert for all the families of the school. Zem was involved with his class song and the signing choir. His class sang 'The 12 days of Aussie Christmas', and the signing choir performed 'Silent Night'. Zem did a fantastic job of the signing. Here are a few photos from the event.

Our friend from next door came over and helped Sharlene prepare Liana's hair. Cute eh? Too bad it only lasted 23 seconds...

...just long enough to get this photo from the front.

We set up our blanket on the grass near the stage. It was lovely spot. Zemiel saw the sound desk and decided it needed closer inspection. Definitely no touching though! When we attend North Church here in Mackay, Zemiel is allowed to help work the sound desk and projector. It is one of his favourite things.

Liana had a blast. She started out eating - everything in sight. She even used Zemiel's school lunchbox as a plate and then ate her food directly from it...

...mmm...yummy.

After eating all our food, she promptly ditched us for another family...

...and another family...

...and yet another.

Monkey see...monkey do.

Meanwhile, Zemiel was called up to do his performances.

 He originally started out with the mask down over his face, but he couldn't read the words. So up came the mask.

He performed well though. Well done Zemiel!

Time for signing choir, and another admirable effort. So proud!

Cape Hillsborough picnic

So... we invited a friend of ours who recently returned to Mackay out for a picnic at Cape Hillsborough today. The children were keen as mustard to get down to the beach and swim in the sand and water. Shar wasn't very happy for them to get wet and sandy but that's pretty much what happened anyway...

Sharlene grabbed the camera and snapped Dan and Liana together.

Zekiah..."Hey you! No cameras!" Zekiah was just happy to play by himself at the beach.

Azariah..."It's my turn isn't it?" He got wetter, sandier and in more trouble-er than all the other children.

Riah, Zekai and friend sprinting for the beach.

Liana-Roze creating a bit of sand art.

Zemiel spent some time just gazing out to sea. He loved looking at the islands...

...Just like this.

Liana..."To go in or not to go in...hummmmm."

"Yup. Going in it is!"

Liana and friend digging by the shore.

After being successfully extricated from the ocean, a dripping wet toddler makes a break for the surf once more!