Welcome to my Blog. You will find heaps of fun ideas, arts and crafts, my Homeschooling adventures, life in New Zealand and many more fun projects. I hope to inspire, educate, share, learn, grow and explore new and interesting things, but most of all I'll share all the fun stuff I get to do with my Crazy but loveable family which are my inspiration and I hope that you find a 'Slice' of inspiration here too.
My Treasures
Monday, April 3, 2017
Blank Name Mirror, Your once upon a Time is Now! Quote
Relief Society General Conference Beauty of Holiness - Carol F. McConkie
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Fall in New Zealand
This picture is of the Keirunga Gardens situated in the Heights of Havelock North, Hastings I lived down the road from this park when I was a teenager and I used to run early in the morning here. It is such a beautiful place and quiet.
- Family Photos (a must) by Aunty Mella http://www.amaorican.com
- Canning (called bottling here)
- Easter decorating, No Pumpkins this time of year
- Baking Hot cross buns and Pumpkin Choc Chip Cookies
- Making Chocolate in Chocolate Molds and Chocolate Easter eggs
- Do an Easter Egg Hunt.
- Annual General Conference through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Link on the Website of the Live Broadcast
- Learn about our Savior Jesus Christ Sacrifice and what it means to us
- Take a Picnic up to Te Mata Peak, It is one of the highest points around Hawkes bay where you can safely drive up to and look across the whole countryside and Bay Area and shoe the children all the change in the land that they can see now that the seasons change.
- Apple picking, at the local orchards and then bake a delicious Apple Pie
- Take a Picnic and Walk through Keirunga Gardens and Visit the Miniature ride on train that runs through the Park Keirunga Park Railway
- Bike riding along Marine Parade beach Bike Track with the kids
- Go on date together
- Process raw sheeps wool and Alpaca fibers we got in Summer from the farms and take the kids to the Carding Wool Mill in Dannevirk Kane Carding Mill
- Arm knit blankets for everyone in our family and maybe one for our neighbor and one for Nanny Mary, she is my Great Grandfathers Sister! She is in her 90's and still alive and healthy she is the only one left of her siblings.
- Anzac morning Parade.
- Make Anzac Biscuits and My twist on the Afghan biscuit is my Afghan Slice!
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Sleepy Hollow TV Series Fox Studios Ep.11 Review
Monday, March 27, 2017
Future Learn - Free Online Classes
- I found this site to be easy navigate
- I thought the way that the classes were set up was well thought out and planned
- Very achievable weekly tasks & great use of outside sources, such as YouTube , poetry sites etc
- Good selection of subjects and courses
- Easy to sign up and begin
- No Cost to do the Classes, they do not ask for your Credit Card Details to sign up
- Degree Options
- Its simple
- Low Cost for Completion Certificate
I give this Site 4 of 5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
K-12 Online
This is my Favourite Online School by far
For more information click here K-12 School Website
I give them out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PUKANA!
Baby's Christening Gown - Family Heirloom
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Book Club
- Get to do something that is just for you
- Keeping your mind active and soaking in knowledge
- Take the whole month to read and study the book
- Get together with the Ladies - to discuss and share your perspective of the book or your feelings.
- Good therapy - to talk about your ideas and feelings over some waffles and OJ, is like the pick-me-up you didn't know you needed!
- Grow your library - Bookclub can provide a more economical way for you to grow your library with sharing the cost of shipping and discounts you can save money.
- Give you more options - suggestions from others of a good book to read can offer you a gem that you probably would have read because you didn't even know it was there.
- You might find out that you actually might like reading.
- What are the Cons you might ask?
- I dont know if I can read a book in the time frame you have given? A: Thats ok, bookclub isn't about how fast you can finish a book, where ever you are up to is fine, not everyone is a fast reader, I am not a fast reader either, you can share your thoughts on whatever you have read. Also I have decided that we will keep it simple and just start out with some easy reads and nothing to deep an depressing lol
- What about the cost of books? A:We will try to pick books that are between the $0-$20 mark, sometimes E-books are available and usually cost less than a Hardcopy. Or you can borrow a book which I don't mind sharing once I am finished just as long as you check that book back in! :)
- I have young children, can I bring them to the book discussion? A:It is meant for time out for you, however we are all moms and if you need to bring them that is ok too! Breastfeeding babies are always welcome.
- What is the discussion? A:We will get together for 1-1hr 30mins max for bookclub at the time day and date that is designated we call all bring a plate or something to share weather its Sat morning breakfast or a night with cookies and Hot Chocolate. Its all up to us. Now Bookclub is facilitated by me, but I will not be telling everyone like it is......... we will all get in and make decisions for Bookclub together everyone involved.
- Will we only read Church books? A: ahh NO! The purpose of this bookclub is to inspire uplift, provide an escape (sometimes lol), and invoke you have an opinion and voice your ideas, provide an outlet, sometimes talking to little people all day doesn't really cut it when it comes to stimulating conversation. we will read whatever we choose to read, church affiliated and non ecclesiastical varieties, Maori, anything!
Friday, March 24, 2017
First Book of the Month
Click on link to purchase ebook and hardcopy of The Brothers
https://deseretbook.com/products/great-terrible-vol-1-prologue-brothers-chris-stewart-12488?variant_id=97226-paperback
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Te Matatini 2017
Gosh it seems like forever since the last post. So here goes, Im back in the driving seat and Im ready to blog like crazy. First, changes for our little family....................... We are now a big family, a family of 8 6-kids 2-parents and a partridge in a pear tree! We have moved from the USA to Sydney, Australia and now we live Hawkes Bay, New Zealand! Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!! I know right?! So Im starting with todays exciting news Ngati Kahungunu, which is my Maori tribe is playing host to the Nations, International Maori Culture Competitions, Its an all weekend Shindig and was kicking off the half week long festivities today with an amazing Powhiri( Traditional welcoming Ceremony).
The beautiful colour scheme they chose reminded me of the Paua shell colours (known as the Abalone). I was so gutted that I couldn't attend this wonderful event and take part in the rare opportunity to be a part of the Rope. It has taken them a couple of years, many countless hours to put together this Powhiri. I loved that they allowed so many to take part in each of the different aspects of Powhiri, whilst upholding Tikanga, I could feel the Mana (Spiritual Power) and Ihi (Power/Force, like in Stars war "May the force be with you") while watching it from the comforts of home, and I tell you I was beaming with pride, to be MAORI, and Im sure that all the whanau (family) that were participating felt it 1000 times over.
https://www.maoritelevision.com/news/regional/kahungunu-pohiri-wows-motu
The Competitions showcase the best of the best Kapahaka Roopu in the whole country plus Australia as they Haka it out on the Stage to see who is Best! We will hear some unique Maori waiata (songs) and perhaps some revamped oldies. The Groups Practise for the competitions years in advance, and have their own Kaitito (Composers) or Kaituhi(writer) writing them new Haka, Whakawaatea, Waiata, Poi, Whakaeke, Oriori and so on, they make costumes and give up a lot of time to practise and you can see it in the quality of their performances. The judges have a tough job on their hands. My Uncle Ashley Puriri is the MC or Presenter for the event, and it is presented Bilingually though mostly in Maori.
I just couldn't end the day without blogging and journaling it! Lastly an amazing event always has Volunteers, Glad my Son and Husband are going along to lend a hand. Lastly hope everyone enjoys themselves, learn something new,meet up with old peeps or meet new ones, eat some awesome kai and dont forget your sunglasses, Potae (hat) and (Kiremi) sunscreen. Go hard nga Roopu Kapahaka o te whakataetae 2017. Ka mau te Wehi! #matatini #maori #kapahaka #Ngati Kahungunu #matatini2017
Friday, April 8, 2016
We are back!
We have since moved back to Australia. Cameron has graduated and our average size family of 4 kids and 2 parents has grown to 6 kids and luckily still 2 parents! haha
We are in New Zealand right now post baby numbers sixes deliver awaiting an eagerly anticipated decision for surgery on my pelvis. With Manaias birth i experienced a full separation of the symphasis Pubis. I was not able to walk for approximately 1 year, I was on heavy medication which did not allow me to awake and function normally in any way shape or form. I was also on strict bed rest from 23 week pregnant which i must say was literally the most boring mundane and utterly useless time of my life but the one who benefited the most from this was Manaia and that is all that matters so without further adieu here are the new additions .............
Number 4 is Manaia Te Rauhina Bailey was born in Salt Lake City, Utah 9th August 2010 She was such a petite little princess, she was an adorable little baby, she was just like a perfect little doll, So cute, she was loved by all of her sisters and her brother, carried everywhere and was a quite beautiful little girl. If i didnt give birth to her I would think she wasn't mine haha she is so fair and had blue blue eyes for 3 years and then they started to change to the beautiful green - hazel colour she sports now.
Number 5 child was born in NZ on the 21st December 2013 her name is Aaria Terina Monique Riah-leigh Purangawai Bailey and boy does she keep us on our toes. She is such a joy and super cute. She is one smart cookie and she loves to boss her big sister Manaia around. She is a chunky little munchkin who can run rings around us all day NO LIES! She is the only one out of our children that when she is up the rest of the household MUST be as well no exceptions, even a locked door means nothing to her, and she is go go go till the time she hits the sack. She loves to play with her siblings and have them run around her. She is a bit too spoilt for our liking which cause her to be a right little git sometimes but when she looks at you her face just melts your heart!
Number 6 is our precious bundle of joy Mahia Eva Jordan Bailey born 26th February 2016.
She was 36mnths 4days gestation when i gave birth. my pregnancy was hard but she was perfectly healthy and thriving in the womb. It was my body that was falling apart haha. So She 6-7 weeks old now and she is just like her brother and sisters ............ the bestest baby ever! She eats sleeps, poops and burps and she is not a fussy baby at all. Ill get her being a little fussy if I took her off my breast to early or she cant bring her wind up but its nothing more then her squirming for a bit and a little grizzle she lets out once or twice but She looks exactly like her siblings, they are almost identical in there photos but i can tell the difference, (to be honest its just because of their blankets and outfits that i can tell the difference) lol All i can say is that I am blessed to have every single one of them and
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Welcome Our Manaia!!!
Terina was brought home with Manaia 4 days later and was told to rest. She has been on crutches for the past 7 weeks, staying on the couch in pain. Terina had her pelvis ripped apart by the doctor during delivery and hurt her pubic bone as well. She has since being home, gotten mastitus and a bladder infection. Needless to say she has been through hell and we are hoping that she will recover soon. The pain medication she has been on since delivering Manaia, has been at times kept her so drowsy and tired, all she has wanted to do most days is sleep. I have been Mr. Mum to the kids and trying to look after Terina - making sure she always gets her pain meds on time and changing every single one of Manaia's dirty bums!
I decided to all my classes online this semester so i can be at home to help. It has worked out pretty well so far and Terina is getting plenty of rest, venturing outside in her wheelchair, maybe once a week or so to smell the fresh air.
We have appreciated the ward and all the meals they have brought to us and the well wishes of everyone. We have felt everyones prayers for us and the love and hope that one day we may be able to repay everyone for their service. Even it has been hard for my wife to accept the charity and service at times. We love you all - Thank you..
Monday, July 5, 2010
WHERE WE ARE AT!
I had to Stay in for 4 days, I was then able to go home and landed back in hospital less than 48hrs later. Stayed over night then and because it all settled down and I promised the Doctors that I will do absolutely nothing! I was let go again on the condition that I stay on Bedrest, so I had 13weeks till my due date when this all started and now I have only 8.5 weeks to go.
Thank you to everyone who has helped out with my family and I, with dinners and babysitting and coming to visit me. I am grateful to you all.
Thank you to my husband who has had to do alot and for looking after us all!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
EASTER EGG HUNT



I don't usually give the kids rubbish to eat (Lollies and Candy) so as you can see in Hayden's Pictures he is Jumping in the air and Tyla Jade is stuffing her mouth with Lollies cause its like they never get it!!!! (ahhhh cause they don't) lol
I wish the weather would act like its Spring rather than Winter all over again! lol
This was the first Easter Egg Hunt I had done for the kids.
Friday, March 5, 2010
PRESIDENTS DAY WEEKEND


Thursday, February 25, 2010
HE WILL BE MISSED!
He gave of his time and all he had to all he came in contact,He made you feel loved and important, his smile was warm and inviting and you could definitely feel his wonderful spirit the moment you were in his presence. We love you Jenny, Beelyn, Marvin, Melahn, Manasseh and all the kids, and we are glad to have you in our lives.
He loved his family and he loved his culture and the gospel.
We are so glad to have met both Jen and Dave's Whanau, from NZ and here they are just an awesome family.
Will always be thankful for the Saviour who offers us Eternal life and Families that can be together forever.
Arohatinonui
David Atkinson 3/6/54 ~ 2/5/10 WEST BOUNTIFUL~ David (Rawiri, Jap)
Richard Henry Atkinson completed his life’s journey suddenly on February 5, 2010. Born in Kaeo, New Zealand to John and Dulcie Atkinson. He met his eternal partner and best friend, Jennifer Margaret Oliphant at Church College of New Zealand. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS New Zealand Temple September 27, 1975. He served an LDS mission in Wellington, NZ from 1973-75. He and his family moved to the Salt Lake Valley in the spring of 1983 (just in time for the floods) where he lived the remainder of his life. David served unselfishly in many callings. He is one of the founding members of the nonprofit organization, The New Zealand American Society (NZAS), where he volunteered most of his free time. David is known for his unconditional love, compassion, honest nature and contagious smile. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, father-in-law, Donald V. Oliphant, and his sister, Patsie Hughes. He is survived by his loving wife, Jenni; daughter Melahn Taingario; daughter Beelyn Hurihia (Marvin) Moore; son Manasseh Rawiri; sister, Dawn (Colin) Armstrong; sister, Jo (Oz) Short; sister, Doreen Atkinson; granddaughters: Tyler Elizabeth Atkinson and Kaia Aroha Moore; grandsons: Mathias Manasseh Rawiri Atkinson, Jacob Jerry Atkinson, and Deion Kia Kaha Moore. David will be laying in state at 950 North 600 West, West Bountiful, Utah, 84087. Family and friends are invited to visit anytime from Monday afternoon, February 8, until Wednesday, February 10. An evening service will be held each night at 7:00 p.m. The final viewing will be held Thursday, February 11th at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon at the West Bountiful Stake Center, 1930 North 600 West, West Bountiful, Utah, 84087, under the direction of Russon Brothers Bountiful Mortuary, 295 North Main. David will be laid to rest at Lakeview Memorial, 1640 East Lakeview Dr, Bountiful, Utah 84010.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
WHATS NEW

I cant eat much at all so I am only able to drink Sparkling water (Fizzy water) yes I know yum!!! Ritz biscuits are my friend and Tomatoes with Salt, actually this week I was able to eat a cup of Pineapples Yay!!!!!! Still not being able to eat sucks and not being able to keep it down is just as sucky, and I hate wasting food, I have asked Cam a couple of times for different things only to have half a mouthful and then give my entire dinner to him. I think he secretly enjoys that.
What a way to loose weight!!!! All in all we are very happy we are expecting another child and the kids are really excited. Lets hope I can teach this one to have a kiwi accent and keep it yeah! Well we will see!!!!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
TEMPLE LIGHTS















