Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Making hay while the sun shines...

Every summer we would visit my father's parents on their farm "Indergård" at Batnfjordsøra on the northern part of Norway's west coast. Farfar and Farmor had a small farm with horses, sheep and chickens. I can't remember cows, but I am sure they were there. Farfar bred fjord horses, and this one was called Topsy. She was my favourite

I remember this summer day when the hay was being brought into the barn from the fields. My brother and I  had to help. Our job was to stay in the haycart and as the hay was loaded into it by the grown ups, we would flatten it to make room for more. When the cart was full we would steer Topsy back to the barn feeling ever so clever....  Little did we know that Topsy just needed starting off and she would faithfully walk back to the barn. 

The day this photo was taken I had been asked if I wanted to ride Topsy down to the field. I think I was having a strop about something, so I rather petulantly said "no!" and that I didn't want to go. "Ok" said my dad, and they all started down the road to the field. I changed my mind and started crying. Howling, probably....
My dad came up the hill and picked me up. I was quite convinced I had been abandoned, and was so happy he came back for me. I didn't get to ride Topsy on the way down, but on the way back I sat there and reigned supreme (or should that be 'reined'?....)

I can still imagine the smell and feel of the hay and remember Topsy. I hope she is in a happy place with all the apples she can eat :)



Friday, November 8, 2013

I love to see the temple

 Our ward had a youth temple night on October 31st. Hallowe'en.
I was impressed that we still had almost all the youth, leaders and some YSA turn up. Turtle was one of the youth. I am grateful that he is willing and worthy to come to the temple.
Besides, I think he's very handsome :)

 I wanted to catch a photo of him and Moroni..... but the only way to do that with my phone camera would have been to lie on the ground, and there were limits to how far I would go for the perfect shot this time....but I made a mental note that we should come to the temple soon for FHE and take photos.

Turtle took this photo while I popped inside to the FamilyFile desk. It is my favourite photo of all.

I love to see the temple.
I love to attend the temple. 
It is my favourite place to be.
It is a sacred place where we can leave the world behind and just feel the peace that comes from the Holy Ghost and joy that comes from serving others.
I am so grateful that Turtle is beginning to learn this too.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

diddle, diddle, dumpling...

Diddle diddle dumpling
My son John
Went to bed with his trousers on
One shoe off
and one shoe on
Diddle Diddle Dumpling
My son John

Little Possum had a belated birthday gathering yesterday, which involved 5 friends from school and church coming over for fun, frolic and a sleepover. 

Trampoline, "Just Dance" on the XBox, more trampoline, DVD, pizza, Max Brenner chocolate... and a truckload of lollies and chips. (I had also prepared platters of fresh fruit, so I consoled myself they had a balanced diet of sorts).

What there was not so much of was sleep.....

With all the girls piled into the living room on mattresses there was predictably a lot of giggling and chatting.
Suddenly the morning came around with more trampoline and pancakes for breakfast before the girls went home.

Little Possum wandered around the house for a little bit and then did what all nocturnal creatures do, she found a comfy spot and settled for a nap.
 Doodlebug, in a moment of BigBrotherlyKindness, made her a soft landing spot in case she should roll off.