It feels like it's all happening - we've booked our medical tests for next week Friday. Still awaiting South African police clearances (again) and still need to send off for our UK ones.
Sorry I've not been around, been really busy lately and had my mom visiting last week. It's her birthday today - happy birthday Mommy! Love you!
30 November 2010
25 November 2010
NZ update - ITA arrived
Our ITA arrived today! Things are really moving now, it's so exciting! We now await our new police clearnce certificates from South Africa (our last ones expired) and we have to have (very expensive) medicals done and fill in all of the information again in the application, and then we can submit our application. We should have our PR within 1-3 months after that! Woohoo!
21 November 2010
NZ update - EOI selected
We thought that pool selections (when your EOI is selected out of the pool of EOIs) would only happen on the 22nd, but apparently there was a selection on the 17th and ours has been selected! Very exciting. This is another step forward. Now we wait while they review our information - the next step will be to hear from our case officer and receive an ITA.
The funny thing is that, like I said before, we thought the next selection date was the 22nd but Grant happened to log into our account on the immigration website and saw a notification that we'd been selected on the 17th without us even knowing. All this time we've been waiting for each step to happen ... and this one happened three days ago while we were totally unaware!
The funny thing is that, like I said before, we thought the next selection date was the 22nd but Grant happened to log into our account on the immigration website and saw a notification that we'd been selected on the 17th without us even knowing. All this time we've been waiting for each step to happen ... and this one happened three days ago while we were totally unaware!
18 November 2010
What I wore to church on Sunday
I have finally had my hair fixed after my disastrous haircut a month ago. I had it done on Monday and it is now super short, but on Sunday it was long at the back and messy at the top so I flicked the bottom out so it actually looked like something. It didn't photograph well; I promise it looked better in real life. Also, my cardigan and shoes match much better in real life.
Cardigan: eBay
Ivory top: can't remember
Brown tweed skirt: Next outlet store (on sale)
Shoes: Tesco
Necklace: made by me; beads from eBay
Cardigan: eBay
Ivory top: can't remember
Brown tweed skirt: Next outlet store (on sale)
Shoes: Tesco
Necklace: made by me; beads from eBay
16 November 2010
NZ update - EOI submitted
My life is moving forward at last! We submitted our EOI (Expression of Interest) to NZ Immigration today. This is the first step in applying for Permanent Residency.
"But wait," I hear you saying, "weren't you waiting for the job offer before you could apply?"
We were indeed waiting for it. And waiting. And waiting. So last night Grant emailed his recruitment officer again, to basically ask what was going on and how long we had to wait and could she give him a name at HQ to chase up with. She phoned straight away and said we should go ahead and submit our EOI and that they will come through with the job offer for definite and even if it reached the stage in application that we needed to provide the document they would provide it by then.
So we went ahead and submitted today. The next selection out of the pool is on the 22nd and we'll get a case officer and an ITA (Invitation to Apply) within 10 days.
We then have four months to submit our actual application. All we are waiting on to do that is new South African police clearances (which take two months, Grant is asking his mom to order them this week), our medicals and of course the job offer. So we won't take four months to submit, it will be much sooner.
Once we have submitted our application they are apparently processing applications within three months. So we are looking at definitely within about five months, for sure. (Or as sure as we can be about anything in this department!!!)
It is SO exciting to be moving forward and to have a set timescale!!!
"But wait," I hear you saying, "weren't you waiting for the job offer before you could apply?"
We were indeed waiting for it. And waiting. And waiting. So last night Grant emailed his recruitment officer again, to basically ask what was going on and how long we had to wait and could she give him a name at HQ to chase up with. She phoned straight away and said we should go ahead and submit our EOI and that they will come through with the job offer for definite and even if it reached the stage in application that we needed to provide the document they would provide it by then.
So we went ahead and submitted today. The next selection out of the pool is on the 22nd and we'll get a case officer and an ITA (Invitation to Apply) within 10 days.
We then have four months to submit our actual application. All we are waiting on to do that is new South African police clearances (which take two months, Grant is asking his mom to order them this week), our medicals and of course the job offer. So we won't take four months to submit, it will be much sooner.
Once we have submitted our application they are apparently processing applications within three months. So we are looking at definitely within about five months, for sure. (Or as sure as we can be about anything in this department!!!)
It is SO exciting to be moving forward and to have a set timescale!!!
14 November 2010
Daniel's 9th birthday cake
As you know, it's important to me to make each of my kids a novelty birthday cake each year. This year I had to do something in a Lego theme since Daniel is Lego obsessed. I decided to do a figure.
Noah also wanted a cake and I wanted to test out my new car cutters and get some more practice with fondant so I made him this little 4-inch cake:
Noah also wanted a cake and I wanted to test out my new car cutters and get some more practice with fondant so I made him this little 4-inch cake:
12 November 2010
CSN
Did I mention I've been invited to review a product for CSN Stores again? I'm so excited. I love their stuff. If we weren't moving I'd look at something like a chest of drawers but as we need to be able to fit all of our earthly goods into one 20 foot container I think I'll treat us to a new wide-slot toaster. We've always bought cheap toasters and I'd love one that I can toast sandwiches in (in a toaster bag). I could also do with a new hand mixer as mine has recently broken. Did I mention how much I love CSN Stores?
This is a sponsored post
This is a sponsored post
11 November 2010
10 November 2010
Car colours
As you know, we went to the Liverpool Museum the other week, which was an 80 minute drive. I wanted to give the boys something to do in the car so I quickly created a sheet of colours with little circles next to them. Each boy got one of the sheets and a pen. The rules are as follows:
I thought your kids might enjoy it too, so here is the pdf file for you to download! (Links fixed now!)
Click here for the A4 version (2-up)
Click here for the 8.5x11 inch version (2 up)
Here are the boys enjoying their car colour sheets:
- When you see a car of that colour, you check off or colour in one of the circles.
- If you are on a dual carriageway, you only count the cars that we pass or that pass us.
- If you are on a regular road, only count the cars that go past us on the other side of the road.
I thought your kids might enjoy it too, so here is the pdf file for you to download! (Links fixed now!)
Click here for the A4 version (2-up)
Click here for the 8.5x11 inch version (2 up)
Here are the boys enjoying their car colour sheets:
Just because it makes me laugh
Here's a random video of the boys playing the other day. Just because it amuses me.
9 November 2010
What I wore to church on Sunday
You can't tell here but my shoes are purple:
Cream cable cardigan: BHS
Skirt: charity shop (thrift store)
Fishnets: Asda
Purple shoes: Next outlet store
Floral scarf: Asda (I think)
Bracelets: birthday present from a friend (thanks, Rachel)
Ring: eBay
Earrings: Matalan
Guy Fawkes night
I mentioned that last Friday we went to friends for Guy Fawkes night. There were some fireworks, delicious food, great company and the kids loved running around with sparklers.
This is my friend Rachel. Check out our matching coats (total coincidence):
Grant and Jake (whose family hosted the evening) lit and sent off some Chinese lanterns, in case you are wondering what they are doing:
This is my friend Rachel. Check out our matching coats (total coincidence):
Grant and Jake (whose family hosted the evening) lit and sent off some Chinese lanterns, in case you are wondering what they are doing:
*Sad face*
The viewers from Saturday said they loved the house, it is immaculate and bigger than expected but they have two big cars and don't think they'll always find parking on the road. We offered them a cash-back deal on completion if they buy the house, to have the front kerb dropped, wall removed and a driveway put in but they said they still don't think it would be enough room for both of their cars.
Oh well. Nothing we can do about that.
We've only had two viewers (the ones last time said they loved the house but weren't keen on the area - I think she wanted more suburban / rural?) Will this house ever sell? With buyers unable to get loans, tax credits being cut and VAT going up to 20% in January I am not optimistic.
Oh well. Nothing we can do about that.
We've only had two viewers (the ones last time said they loved the house but weren't keen on the area - I think she wanted more suburban / rural?) Will this house ever sell? With buyers unable to get loans, tax credits being cut and VAT going up to 20% in January I am not optimistic.
Quick house tour video
We had the house all ready for the viewing this weekend so I decided to shoot a quick house tour.
Click here for the reward charts link (I did away with the ribbon).
Click here for the reward charts link (I did away with the ribbon).
8 November 2010
Epic update
First of all I want to tell you how grateful I am for each and every comment and email that I've received in the last few days. I am so touched by the caring, concern and kind words that have come my way. I truly count you as my friends and I can't adequately express my gratitude.
I am feeling so much better, SOOO much better. I visited my kinesiologist on Thursday and some of the things she identified and corrected were two hormones in imbalance (cortisone - hello, stress hormone - and oestrogen); also, my body wasn't admitting /absorbing / assimilating / whatever the little light available at this time of year and through my SAD light therapy light. There were another couple of issues she balanced and overall I've been feeling like a totally different person. I have more energy, I am free of that crushing depression and I actually feel physically different in my face / eyes when I sit in front of my SAD lamp. It's weird. I can feel it working in a way that it wasn't before.
I have also been eating differently. A very kind reader emailed me with support and suggestions and I decided to try starting my day carb-free. I had a cheese omelet on Saturday morning and did you know, I was actually free, totally free, for the first time in I don't know how long, of any carb cravings all day. I stuck to carb-free foods all of Saturday and Sunday - I didn't even have chocolate at Choc & Chat but the miracle is that I didn't want it! I am not planning on eating carb-free for long, but right now I am enjoying being free of carb / sugar addiction (and I am not exaggerating, it was proper addiction) without any withdrawals or cravings. I still can't believe it's even possible. I never would have thought it was possible and I'm elated that I am free of those ties, those desperate cravings that have been controlling me. I will slowly introduce fruit and complex carbs into my diet and then begin eating on the Weight Watchers plan as it's healthy, balanced and teaches appropriate portions and it worked for me before.
I know my pictures don't show it (due to careful posing / editing / selection) but I have around 30lb to lose before I look and feel healthy and am at a healthy BMI for my height. I did it once before and have gained almost all of it back. I carry most of my weight around my middle which is the most health-dangerous place to carry it, increasing risk of heart disease and diabetes. With a strong family history of stroke I can't afford to be overweight, even by "only" 30lb. So I need to do this. At the very least, I need to stop gaining!
Okay, moving on. On Friday I helped a friend bake - she has a cupcake and cake business but hates baking! Her skill and passion lies in the decorating but as the cupcakes are the "bread and butter" of her business she needs to bake every day. You guys know how much I love baking! So we're a match made in heaven. Unfortunately her premises are about a 45 minute drive away and although she pays my petrol costs and a little over, she can't afford to pay me for my time. Luckily I am happy to help on a voluntary basis, happy to have a purpose and something to do, and I find the baking rewarding enough. I am also able to help her with ways to streamline her procedures and business. So this is like my new little job and I'll be helping out there every week and I'm really excited. And no, we don't eat any of the cupcakes!
On Friday night we went to a friend's house for an informal Guy Fawkes night get-together, which was so much fun.
In other news, this weekend we had a viewing on our house and it went very well. I am excited for their feedback and they totally loved the house. I really, really hope they will put an offer in, but we'll see. Only time will tell.
So, that's my update - I'm doing so much better and am so thankful for you guys. I truly am. You'll never know how each and every one of your comments and emails touches me. Thank you.
I am feeling so much better, SOOO much better. I visited my kinesiologist on Thursday and some of the things she identified and corrected were two hormones in imbalance (cortisone - hello, stress hormone - and oestrogen); also, my body wasn't admitting /absorbing / assimilating / whatever the little light available at this time of year and through my SAD light therapy light. There were another couple of issues she balanced and overall I've been feeling like a totally different person. I have more energy, I am free of that crushing depression and I actually feel physically different in my face / eyes when I sit in front of my SAD lamp. It's weird. I can feel it working in a way that it wasn't before.
I have also been eating differently. A very kind reader emailed me with support and suggestions and I decided to try starting my day carb-free. I had a cheese omelet on Saturday morning and did you know, I was actually free, totally free, for the first time in I don't know how long, of any carb cravings all day. I stuck to carb-free foods all of Saturday and Sunday - I didn't even have chocolate at Choc & Chat but the miracle is that I didn't want it! I am not planning on eating carb-free for long, but right now I am enjoying being free of carb / sugar addiction (and I am not exaggerating, it was proper addiction) without any withdrawals or cravings. I still can't believe it's even possible. I never would have thought it was possible and I'm elated that I am free of those ties, those desperate cravings that have been controlling me. I will slowly introduce fruit and complex carbs into my diet and then begin eating on the Weight Watchers plan as it's healthy, balanced and teaches appropriate portions and it worked for me before.
I know my pictures don't show it (due to careful posing / editing / selection) but I have around 30lb to lose before I look and feel healthy and am at a healthy BMI for my height. I did it once before and have gained almost all of it back. I carry most of my weight around my middle which is the most health-dangerous place to carry it, increasing risk of heart disease and diabetes. With a strong family history of stroke I can't afford to be overweight, even by "only" 30lb. So I need to do this. At the very least, I need to stop gaining!
Okay, moving on. On Friday I helped a friend bake - she has a cupcake and cake business but hates baking! Her skill and passion lies in the decorating but as the cupcakes are the "bread and butter" of her business she needs to bake every day. You guys know how much I love baking! So we're a match made in heaven. Unfortunately her premises are about a 45 minute drive away and although she pays my petrol costs and a little over, she can't afford to pay me for my time. Luckily I am happy to help on a voluntary basis, happy to have a purpose and something to do, and I find the baking rewarding enough. I am also able to help her with ways to streamline her procedures and business. So this is like my new little job and I'll be helping out there every week and I'm really excited. And no, we don't eat any of the cupcakes!
On Friday night we went to a friend's house for an informal Guy Fawkes night get-together, which was so much fun.
In other news, this weekend we had a viewing on our house and it went very well. I am excited for their feedback and they totally loved the house. I really, really hope they will put an offer in, but we'll see. Only time will tell.
So, that's my update - I'm doing so much better and am so thankful for you guys. I truly am. You'll never know how each and every one of your comments and emails touches me. Thank you.
3 November 2010
My life in bullet points
- I'm feeling too foggy to actually write a coherent post so you get bullet points.
- Noah is driving me up the wall with his behaviour lately. A visit to my kinesiologist hasn't helped much - I wonder if she performs exorcisms ...
- I have a fridge standing in the corner of my living room (from the house we just sold).
- I am loving The Hunger Games trilogy! I am onto the second book now. YOU HAVE TO READ THESE!!
- Really struggling with depression right now. I'm guessing it's partly SAD, partly living-in-limbo, who knows if it's something else in there too. Either way, I feel sucky and am being a sucky wife and a sucky mother right now and feeling even worse because of it.
- I am too scared to stand on the scales but I think I have regained all of the weight back that I originally lost. Which makes me feel even more sucky. Which makes me eat, because when I'm eating I actually feel good which is rare these days. Spot the downward spiral.
- Loving Taylor Swift's Speak Now album.
- Yesterday was our UK anniversary - we've been here for 11 years now.
- I'm looking forward to Choc & Chat on Saturday. It's a social thing I started with the ladies from church - we just get together chat and eat some chocolate. It's a nice time to visit outside of church meetings. Daniel says, "Why don't you just call it Choc & Fat because if you all eat too much chocolate you'll get fat." Cheeky boy.
- Still no sign of the much awaited job offer letter from New Zealand. Unfortunately a verbal offer isn't enough to take to immigration so we are still waaaaaaiiiiiiiiting and can't move forward until it arrives.
- I'm really, really, really trying to have faith in God's timing but I'm floundering a little.
- That's all I've got for today.
CSN
I love CSN and I'm happy to say I think they love me! I'm excited to have another opportunity to review a product from their stores. What will I choose? They have everything from wardrobes to lighting to cookware. I've always loved everything I've ordered from them before. Decisions, decisions
This is a sponsored post
This is a sponsored post
2 November 2010
1 November 2010
Weekend
Phew, we've had a busy weekend! The best thing happened on Friday when we completed on our house sale and handed over the keys - not the house we're in, the one that was standing empty in Preston, the one we really, really, really needed to sell to be able to move to New Zealand.
On Friday evening our church had a Halloween social including trunk-or-treating for the kids. With it being half term and busy driving through to drop off keys and stuff I didn't have time to do much in the way of decorating our car boot (trunk) but I did have time to bake some witches' fingers and chocolate cupcakes, which I turned into mini graves with the addition of some of the first batch of witches' fingers that spread too wide and flat:
I won Scariest Cook at the social!
What I wore (my face looked dreadful in this pic):
Top: eBay (new)
Black t-shirt: Sainsbury's
Jeggings: Asda
Boots: Clarks outlet
Necklace: gift from in-laws
Then on Saturday we went to Liverpool Museum which is an hour and twenty minutes away.
We all enjoyed it except for Noah's spectacular, head-turning meltdown as we were leaving. He went absolutely ballistic and when I started filming him in the car he started throwing things. Not cool!
We went out to eat at Toby Carvery after the museum and we were flabbergasted at how much Noah ate! I guess he needed to regain his strength after his epic tantrum.
Sunday consisted of church, a nap and a DVD. Today is the last day of the boys' half-term holiday and then they're back to school tomorrow. They have friends visiting today and I'm doing housework and hopefully some indexing.
How was your weekend? Did you have a good Halloween? Do anything special?
On Friday evening our church had a Halloween social including trunk-or-treating for the kids. With it being half term and busy driving through to drop off keys and stuff I didn't have time to do much in the way of decorating our car boot (trunk) but I did have time to bake some witches' fingers and chocolate cupcakes, which I turned into mini graves with the addition of some of the first batch of witches' fingers that spread too wide and flat:
I won Scariest Cook at the social!
What I wore (my face looked dreadful in this pic):
Top: eBay (new)
Black t-shirt: Sainsbury's
Jeggings: Asda
Boots: Clarks outlet
Necklace: gift from in-laws
Then on Saturday we went to Liverpool Museum which is an hour and twenty minutes away.
We all enjoyed it except for Noah's spectacular, head-turning meltdown as we were leaving. He went absolutely ballistic and when I started filming him in the car he started throwing things. Not cool!
We went out to eat at Toby Carvery after the museum and we were flabbergasted at how much Noah ate! I guess he needed to regain his strength after his epic tantrum.
Sunday consisted of church, a nap and a DVD. Today is the last day of the boys' half-term holiday and then they're back to school tomorrow. They have friends visiting today and I'm doing housework and hopefully some indexing.
How was your weekend? Did you have a good Halloween? Do anything special?
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