STRUTH! Ruth is 70??

Ruth, you aren't just an Aunt
or a Great one at that;
but you mothered our Father
when he was a lad.

You helped and supported
when he grew up and married
and kept right on helping
our Mum, who was harried.

You giggled at letters
for motor bikes and money;
laughing them off
and finding them funny.

You've been at our weddings,
(the nephews and nieces) and
rejoiced at our babies
and loved them to pieces.

When we made the trip back
and stayed at your house,
you spoliled us some more
with your kindness and scouse!

What a wonderful Aunt
you have been to us all.
We're so lucky to have you,
so send out this call:

"Happy Birthday Ruth.
We wish we were there.
Please have a great day
and know that we care!"

We have so many lovely memories of times with you and Gordon, including the one in the photo above at your house in December 2006. We hope your day is great and you have lots of friends and family to share it with you.
With love from Liesa, Andrew, Jordan, Josh, Mitchell & Bailey xx

A big Happy Birthday to Karen too. We hope you have a lovely day with your Mum. x

Skills and Drills with the Waratahs

On Thursday night I took the boys into Woollahra (Eastern Syd), to Eastern Suburbs Rugby Club for a promotional night for the Waratah's sponsors, who happen to be our business bank.
Andrew was able to get passes for the Mitchell & Bailey to train with them. This was exciting for the boys as they watch these guys on TV every week, cheering them on. Pretty exciting for me too being the rugby chick that I am.
I only had my phone camera so the shots are poor, but I wanted to share my excitement. Ok, I would have probably still gone, even if the boys weren't there!

Mitchell reluctant to pose for a photo when there are better things to be done.

Mitchell & Bailey's backs.

A little Hairy

With the big boys off on trek, I got to do some activities with the two younger boys. We missed Jordan and Josh, but it was nice to get some quieter time to be with Mitchell & Bailey.
One night we ended up with the boys learning to plait. It was their suggestion. I was a very patient 'dummy' for them and by the end of it, they had mastered a basic plait. I'm still a way off letting them do my hair before a night out!

Mitchetty Mitch (better known as Mitchell)

Mitchell has brought a smile to may face more than usual lately. I have really been enjoying his company and his increased maturity...now he is 13 and all!

I love that Mitchell can talk to me about anything and often confides in me. I love that he is a deep thinker. I appreciate that he is as much of a neat freak about his wardrobe as I am.

Tonight Mitchell remembered that he volunteered to make the cake for his church class this month to celebrate the birthdays during the month. I drove him to the shop to choose what he wanted. When we got home, he mixed it all up and then came in and asked,

"Mum, where is the thing you put the mixture into to make it look like a cake?"

That made me laugh.

"A cake tin?' I suggested.

After finding the tin, I inspected the mixture which had a few visible lumps of butter and told Mitchell that next time he should soften the butter a bit before mixing it in, to which he replied,

"I know Mum, but this is Mitchell Wilson, not Gordon Ramsey!"

Well, I'd rather the lumps of butter any time!

He is such a funny boy.