lately...

Pete and I have a crazy schedule. We're normally busy people but this is a big year for us. Pete has just finished his final exams after a fair amount of stress. I know that he'll have done fine though. I said to him that Heavenly Father would not prompt us to move to Melbourne, provide an awesome job there and then not guide him through his exams. I feel so strongly that Heavenly Father is preparing a place for us in Melbourne and that we will move into a good ward.
Pete finished his exam on Friday afternoon, and then set off for Melbourne on Sat morning to house hunt. We'll be renting in the SW area of Melbourne (at least that's where we feel directed towards at this stage). I have 3 more weeks of work to go (2 more with the kids) and have been absolutely flat out. I have done more excursions, exercise etc in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy than the 1st and 2nd combined. Probably not wise, but I just have so much to do before I leave work.

I did overdo it on Fri though. I taught 6 lessons straight (4 of which were excursions), umpired a staff vs student Netball game at lunchtime, supervised an after school detention, then supervised the Middle School student social. When I sat down in lesson 6 and then got up to check on students work I could barely move :-)
I must say though, that I have an amazing group of colleagues who really look after me. I was sat down at recess and told that the roster for the social was changing. Instead of doing 2 duties, I was to do 1 and then go home early. I am so well supported at work and love my colleagues to bits. I'm going to miss them so much next year :-(

So it looks like Pete and I will be moving in the next fortnight. I'm going to stay here in Adelaide and finish work while Pete and a friend take care of the move. I'm praying it all goes smoothly and that we get someone to move in here quickly as well. Pete attended a ward today where his cousin's family go and funnily enough he met an old Tassie friend of mine who is also in the ward after moving in recently with his family. He felt really good there and I'm hoping that he'll find something in that area.

I'll leave you guys with a couple of recent pics from the past 2 weekends. Last weekend we flew up to Brisbane for Siona's wedding (Pete's sister) and then this weekend I had a baby shower. So much fun!

Enjoy x

Siona and John outside the Brissie temple

my friend Michelle and I catching up

Bill and Sue with their daughter Siona and new son-in-law John

Siona with her brothers, Andrew and Peter and sister Karyn

Naw - Siona and Pete

Siona's dress was gorgeous. I included this shot as it showed off
the detail in the back of her dress.

Me and fellow preggie friend Tahnee. She's 39 weeks, I'm 31.

My lovely friends Karen and Judi who organised and hosted
my baby shower yesterday.

Looking big in this shot!

WE WON!

As many of you Facebook followers would know, we ended up winning the Ultimate School Excursion Competition. It was crazy! We were so excited to find out and I could not hear a word the radio announcers were saying because my class was going crazy, the class across the hall were trying to come into my room and it was just insane! Funny thing was (I didn't hear this til I listened to the playback later) was that the radio announcers were joking that I shouldn't take my class coz it didn't seem like I could control them. He he.

Have a listen to the craziness here:



The excursion went off so smoothly. I got another staff member to come along, as well as 5 awesome parents. We walked to the show since it was so close to school. I just love being right on the edge of the Adelaide CBD. The walk was a bit more taxing than I thought though, and I noticed my usually quick power walk, had become a waddle! I felt so heavy that day. I was determined to be on my feet all day, walk around with the different groups we'd arranged etc so I could give myself a test run for what it'll be like in Japan. I was exhausted at the end of the day, but wasn't overly sore the next day. My hormones however, went crazy the following day. I had so many different emotions I was feeling and was a bit of a mess really! More on that will come.
For now, I'll just post a couple of photos from our day at the show...

some of 8MW with one of the strange 'flowerpot' people

the famous show ducks. They change outfits regularly throughout the day and
are guided by the dogs. I'm still not sure whether I thought this was cute or just plain cruel...

The first photo of the day. Just before I let the kids loose...

Pig Diving. Zoom in to see it better...I wasn't sure what Pig diving was until Pete showed me a clip on Youtube. It actually made me cry because the pig on the clip got to the edge of the platform and was baulking but had no where to turn back. I was really upset as the pig was scared. I was crying watching the clip. Thinking it was a bit of the pregnancy hormones kicking in, but I'm still not sure whether I like the concept. Though, this particular Pig Diving event was good because the pig just went right to the edge, had a sniff, then jumped into the pool. Pigs are so cute!

Trying the scones from the CWA stall at the show. The
scones were delish, especially with the home-made plum jam.
These women sure know how to make people happy.
Look how big I am in this pic. It just looks fat though from this angle!

Competition - please vote

I love listening to the radio on the way to work. My favourite show features 3 lovely people who have actually had a fair bit to do with Pulteney (the school where I work). Monday morning they announced a competition where teachers register and if voted for the most, win an 'Ultimate excursion' to the Royal Adelaide Show. When i mentioned this to my class they were pumped and I registered the same morning. Anyway, funny thing was, that evening I got a text message from a guy from the station asking if he could me and my class the next morning. I was getting all excited until my practical husband pointed out ' Ah, Mel. You surely have to get permission to get your kids a day off school.' Smart boy that one! I then rang my boss at home and he cracked up when I told him that Pete had to remind me not to get too excited and forget basic protocol.
Permission was granted and I arranged for an interview.
Click on the link below to have a listen to me and my gorgeous class of year 8's.



Also, I'm pretty sure that voting for this competition is open to ANYONE. You can vote for me (on behalf of my class) as many times as you like. I'm thinking that after all the voting I do for my lovely friends in various competitions, they wont mind returning the love (hint hint).

Go to this link and enter #1 where it asks for who you're voting for!

VOTE FOR MEL!

Guess what I set for homework for the next week.... :-)

Funny things kids say

It's been a funny couple of weeks at work. My students are classic and always saying the funniest things - especially since I've been pregnant.
When I told my gorgeous class of year 8's that I was pregnant they all broke out in applause and were very excited. When they left class I could see them outside the window in the yard and it was like Chinese whispers in action as my news spread throughout the Middle School. 45 kids left that day on a Zoo camp and when they returned 3 days later the teacher who'd been on camp with them was telling me how they told her my news. The kids exclaimed "Ms J, did you hear what happened to Mrs Watt. " Ms J said it was so funny. They were telling her like it was some big accident and what had I let happen to me. So funny!
The other day I had another teacher tell me that one of my students told her "Mrs Watt has been SOOO nice since she's been pregnant." When she told me who it was I realised it was a boy in my class who I had complimented that morning on his new hair cut. I told him he looked handsome and when I asked the girls they agreed. No wonder I was in his good books!
It will be interesting to hear what other things they have to say over the next few months.

Expecting

So....as most of you would be aware, I'm pregnant!

• I'm just over 13 weeks and due on the 25th Jan (though I would LOVE the bub to be born on Australia Day, 26th Jan)

• We're not finding out gender. I'm a bit curious but Pete really wants the surprise.

• I haven't had morning sickness as such - just had lots or reflux type stuff and heaps of weird burping (no-one ever told me that could happen) Also, am just exhausted ALL the time

That's about all I can think to say at this point. It's exciting but still not quite real yet. I think it will be more real once I've actually heard bub's heartbeat or seen it on the scan.

Be Strong and of a Good Courage

“Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9)

As some of you may likely know, it has been a trying time in the Jones family of late. After months of poor health, rapid and massive weight loss, terrible pain and no clear idea as to the cause, my dad was diagnosed with Lymphatic Cancer. Since I live in Adelaide it has been easy to be the one on the phone encouraging members of my family and calmly telling everyone that the Lord will look after him and that with a positive mindset anything can be overcome. Even while mum and dad where here recently I was optimistic and matter of fact about the process.
However, in the last few days I have begun to really fear for my dad. He was more specifically diagnosed with Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and it appears it's widespread and in his bones. This came as a real shock as I'd assumed from his blessings (that stated he'd come through the illness and be made whole), that the cancer would be less advanced. I'm not saying I've lost faith in those wonderful blessings, but I feel overwhelmed at the mortality of a life.

Today at church I got a bit upset after someone so lovely simply asked me 'how I was.' Then the waterworks began... After I composed myself somewhat and sat with some friends for Sunday School, the teacher announced that the lesson was titled "Be Strong and of a Good Courage." I just laughed and my lovely friends around me just turned to me and laughed too. It was the timing and the nature of the title that fit so perfectly with how I was feeling today.
This title comes from the scripture in Joshua which is also the mutual theme for the youth program this year. I know that fear and faith do not co-exist together. I know that I need to cast my burdens on my Savior and let go of my fears. I'm so grateful that I know about the eternal nature of families and in the saving and sustaining power of the Atonement. At the moment there is so much stressing me in various aspects of my life but I feel better today for going to church, for being loved by the people around me and for feeling love from my Heavenly Father.

i LoVe

I love...

New haircuts

when my hubby cooks dinner!

My gorgeous nephews and family picnics

My little big brother and his pigdog!

and catching up with old friends and their gorgeous children :-)

Decadence!

DECADENCE: "a luxurious self-indulgence".

Pete and I went for a drive to visit our friend's Kyle and Alicia who just moved away :-(
They now live in Littlehampton (in the Adelaide Hills) so we decided to have lunch in Hahndorf. We all shared a plethora of German Kransky's, sticky pork ribs and yummy soup. If that wasn't enough we ventured into a gorgeous little Chocolate Cafe (Chocolate No.5) to have dessert.
I think we could have just had dessert for lunch!!!

Pete's Belgian Waffles

My Choc Sponge & Raspberry Chocolate Mousse cake!

Alicia's Iced Chocolate: The choc on the edges
formed hard like Ice magic!

I came home and just dozed on my bed. Still trying to decide if it was all worth it...

My hubby

Pete finished his last day of his 12 week placement at Telstra last week. He has been working with all the telecoms and radio network engineers and having a blast (whatever floats your boat I guess :-)

I have so much respect for what Pete does. I don't understand it - but I know he's good at it. We'll often have the familiar conversation of "what did you do today honey?" This is when I tell him about the funny or irritating things that have happened at work with my students, and he attempts to tell me what he's been learning at Uni. It's like a foreign language to me. I try to listen and take it in, but after a few mins Pete usually gives up. He's never exasperated or anything, though it must be annoying!

He's never one to blow his own horn, but I think he's deserving of praise! During his placement Peter did a lot of programming and designed programs for Telstra staff to use (sorry that's vague but the reality is few of us would know what the heck it was for anyway)! Anyway, during a recent National management meeting Telstra staff from other states were complimenting Pete's program, saying they were all using it regularly and finding it really effective. Pretty good for the "work experience kid" hey!

Pete received an awesome Haighs Chocolate Hamper
and some cash from the Telstra team!

He's hoping he can secure some part-time work there during the year so we're praying that will happen.

The Coorong

I was fortunate recently to visit the Coorong with my year 8 class for our camp. We spent 5 days between the Coorong and Hindmarsh Island in South Australia. I had a great time this year on camp, which was nice. For one thing, I didn't break down on the last day when I met up with the other teachers (Last year was emotionally tough with some very negative and spiteful kids in my class). I was excited to tell the other year 8 teachers how much fun I'd had with my class. Furthermore, I actually got to have showers on this camp!!

This camp was a real treat. Between kayaking, sailing, surfing and windsurfing we experienced the magic that the Coorong environment had to offer. It was very moving to be in such a gorgeous place, and one so fundamental to Australia. The Coorong is a system of lakes, rivers and wetlands that connect to the Great Southern Ocean from the Murray River (Australia's most important river). Due to the blatant overuse of Murray water in other states, combined with drought, the situation in South Australia is heartbreaking. Whilst I've been aware of the issue, it wasn't until I spent time at the heart of this amazing ecosystem that I felt so connected to it.

We spend time with the students educating them about the Coorong and its functions, and encourage them to be mindful of the environment. The students were so respectful and often moved by what they experienced. One thing that saddened myself and many students were the hundreds of dead crabs floating in the Coorong. Barnacles form on their shells due to the salinity levels and they die slowly and painfully! Despite some of the obvious problems with the environment we were blessed to witness a seal eating his dinner right along the bank of the Coorong where we camped. The seal popped up and started whacking a fish about, then gulped it down. The following day as we sailed along the river in perfect conditions we were followed by 2 dolphins who put on a bit of a jumping and chasing show for us. The joy of sailing combined with witnessing these gorgeous creatures in their natural environement was exhilarating.
I've told Peter that I want to take up sailing (when we someday can afford a sailboat :-)

If you ever come to South Australia I would highly recommend a visit to the Coorong! I definitely want to get back there soon.

He's a bit hard to see, but that's the visiting seal!

my class rafted up.

One of the students in action

Looking fat, dorky but happy on the sailboat

The spare sailor got to sit on the bow. It was great fun!

I thought this was supposed to be a silly photo girls!

I let the students take the camera up to the sand dunes and they took some awesome pictures

My fav shot of camp. The students were proud they took these shots.

Beach at Goolwa for swimming and cockling.

Getting ready to eat them. Didn't like them raw, but cooked with a bit
of garlic and parsley they were delish!

Class 8MW - Last day of camp

Stacks on!!

Visitors

Just as school went back I had a lovely visit from my friends Collette and Jess. It totally sucked that I was at work during the day but it was just so nice to come home to the 2 of them for a few days! You can see Collette's blog for more pics of their stay here
We set our camera on self timer and got it to take multiple shots. I love that I'm the only one in PJ's at this point :-)





These girls are so awesome, and it meant so much that they'd just hop on a plane for a quick visit! Love you girls so so much.

Jess is looking so good. Isn't she the cutest!

Pete was trying to compare bellies with Jess. I reckon his was just as big, though surprisingly nowhere near as cute!!!

Back to School

The students start back at Pulteney on Tues. I've been back at work since last Wed.
I have lots to blog about but have been run off my feet getting organised for school, and had an awesome time with Collette and Jess from last Wed - Sat when they stayed with us. It sucked that I had to go to work during the day, but was so nice coming home, entering the door to see Collette layed out on the couch. She greeted me with an enthusiastic "Hi Honey!" LOL. Love that girl ;-)
Will fill you in about their stay and some other stuff later.

Thank you

to all the lovely people who told me to keep going with the blog. Thanks for reading, but more importantly, being interested enough about us and our lives. If you didn't notice, most of you are my dear friends from Tassie, and I hate to say it but I'm feeling very far away from you at the moment. Miss you all so very much.
xxx

Heart attack

It's so nice arriving home to discover so much love. We have 2 AWESOME sister missionaries in our ward who Pete and I work with heaps. We got home from the temple to find these hearts. The post its are a great idea!


The sisters were at the temple with us for youth baptisms, so they were very sneaky and quick to get to our place before we did!

Super Mario Bros

This summer has consisted of LOTS of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. LOVE IT!! Pete got me the box set of the entire show for Christmas and I'm up to season 6. Dunno if I'll get through it all b4 I go back to work. However, my latest love is Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo Wii. I used to play Super Mario back in the old days of the original Nintendo. It was the only computer/video game that ever really interested me. As a general rule I dislike video games and find them more destructive than constructive, though I find myself having the best time with this game. Plus, I have been playing with my great friend Alicia and in the new version you can play at the same time, teaming up to defeat the evil flying ducks, plodding mushrooms and the very scary animated dinosaur! HA HA. I love that it is non violent and cute.
Anyway, raving about it much! Most of you I'm sure have played the Wii before and would know that the control console isn't the most comfortable thing to use. Alicia, Soraya (another Mario fan) and I got really sore thumbs after our marathon gaming session. The next day Alicia and Soraya had a great solution for the sore thumbs. See below

It's kinda hard to see, but we're wearing thimbles! Whilst it was an ingenious idea, I have enough trouble trying not to press the wrong button as it is, and an extra fat thumb made it even harder :-)

I must say I've had a pretty boring holiday this year, but am simply enjoying the time to veg out. Just wish Pete was on holidays too :-(

2009 wrap up

1. What did you do in 2009 that you had never done before?

Directed students in the school production (nothing too major though)
Made a cheesecake

2. What would you like in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

A more relaxed attitude and being better able to manage stress
I have made a resolution to have more fun and not to sweat the small things!

3. My best memory of 2009.
Going to Japan with Peter and meeting special people from our missions.
Also - Peter being ordained a High Priest in our church.

4. What was your biggest achievement?
Surviving year 9 camp and the year at school

5. Did you or someone you know suffer any illness?
My Grandpa passed away in January after an ongoing battle
with prostate and bone cancer

6. What was your best purchase?
Decent pillows - we're sleeping so much better and more comfortably
Entire seasons of 'Scrubs'

7. Where did all your money go?
Towards our awesome trip to Japan in July

8. What was your favorite song for 2009?
Beggin' (District 78 Remix) by Madcon
22 by Lily Allen

9. Who was your biggest influence of 2009?

My husband, my students - they teach me heaps

10. What was your favorite new TV show?
Flash Forward

11. What was your favorite new book?

The Lovely Bones

12. What was your favorite movie?

AVATAR

13. What has kept you sane?
my husband