Its official!

I have been in New Zealand for one week and a day now.  And I am declaring that I offically do NOT own enough black clothing!!  Most all of the Kiwis (New Zealanders) wear all black or some shade of it.  Now there is nothing wrong with all black but by nature I have always loved color.  I love having vibrant colors on my wall, in my scrapbooking and even in my clothing.  I did bring some colored tops with me but as I am trying to fit into the NZ life style have chosen to wear the few black or brown pieces I've brought instead.  I can see a shopping trip in my future to buy more black and shades of black!  I did pick up these lovely shoes yesterday though.  A girl does need a little color, even if its on her feet!  : )
Cheers!

Oh, and I already have my scrapbook page for this picture planned in my head!  Black, grey, and a splash of red.  : )

Today

Today I am in New Zealand.
Today is Sunday.
Today is rainy and gray.
Today I would love a fountain Diet Cherry Pepsi.
Today instead I am drinking Schweppes Sparkling Duet, a fizzy fruity drink.
Today I found out that all my pictures are also uploaded into Snapfish New Zealand!
Today my laundry is finally dry, after I washed it 3 days ago!
Today I wish I was scrapbooking.
Today I miss my family and my friends.
Today my boys are watching Scooby Doo.

But today is good because today I am in New Zealand.  I really do like the Schweppes drink and was so excited to find out that my pictures are in Snapfish NZ too!  I am thankful to have had a place to wash my clothes and that they are all dry, even if it did take several days.  I may not be scrapbooking at the moment but I am getting pictures that will be wonderful to scrap.  I do miss my family and friends but am so thankful that I have such a wonderful group of people to miss.  Finding Scooby Doo on the television was a wonderful thing!  The boys are totally enjoying themselves.  So today is good.  What will tomorrow bring?

Wow......we are really here....New Zealand....Somebody pinch me!  As we are staying with friends and enjoying seeing the city, its hard to keep in mind that this is a move and not a vacation.  I think as we find a house to live in and our own vehicle, it will become more and more real.  But I think for now, I'll still need that pinch!  : )
Cheers!

Catching Up

Wow!!  So much has happened since I last posted.  We have received our visas!  This is the necessary papers to work in New Zealand for 3 years.  I never doubted God that we would receive them but we sure did feel a sense of relief when they were in our hands.  Currently, we are visiting friends and family saying "see you later".  Not really goodbyes, as we will always be connected by the heart.  As I type this, I am sitting in my mom's living room.  I have enjoyed every minute of the time we've had here.  I think Mom and I might do some scrapbooking later today.  Since all my scrapbook things are on their way to New Zealand, I haven't had the chance to do anything for over a month.  Boy do I miss it!!  It will be really good not only today but when I can get back into daily creating.

10 days till we leave for New Zealand!!!!  Next time I post, it will be in the single digits.  WOW!!
Cheers!  : )

You're my favorite!

Ten years ago, I was celebrating my first mother's day.  I am so thankful to God for blessing me with my boys.  Each one of them has a special spot in my heart.  Many times over the years, I have told each of them "you know, you're my favorite."  Now when I tell them, they respond with a roll of the eyes, "I know Mom.  You say that to all of us."  Quite true!  They are my favorites!  : )  Thanks Boys for making me a Mom.  YOUR mom!

Taking the first step

Tonight we had a cookout with two of our neighbors.  Our boys have been running over to either house after school to play for months now or inviting the neighbor kids over to play here.  They have develped a sweet friendship with those kids.  Although our kids have that great friendship, us parents haven't gotten together other than just here and there to say hello or gather a kid up.  So tonight, we sat around and just shared in life.  As we were ending our evening, we said "why didn't we do this earlier, when we would have time to do it again?"  "Its about taking the first step" said Julie.

The first step.  We all have those moments.  When we step out of our comfort zones and make a move.  Most of the time, we find out that stepping out wasn't as hard as we imagined it to be.  And many times, it ends up being something enjoyable.  This was certainly the case tonight.  For our children, taking the first step was easy.  Running and playing and sharing life just comes naturally for them.  For these neighbors, I am truly thankful.  Not only have they welcomed my boys into their homes countless times, but they have welcomed them into their hearts.  It is because of these neighbor kids (and parents!) that we will be seeking a home in a neighborhood with kids.

So thank you Neighbors!!  Thank you for taking the first step.  Because you have stepped out, I now have the determination to step out to my neighbors in New Zealand.  Thank YOU!!

Cheers!
Lydia
Just a few other notes......
*its now 27 days
*we are getting a thunderstorm as I type
*Aden is still sleeping in his slippers!  : )

Days to Remember

I love this picture.  This is my in-laws and my boys.  We have lived with my in-laws for almost a year now as we work our way to New Zealand.  We've had our ups and downs but I would have to say we have developed a special bond that we didn't have before.  These are days to remember.