Sunday, 11 January, 2014

We didn't get a whole lot done this week - we did  mow and trim the lawn, did some shopping (believe it or not, I bought a number of new tops and some capris and it didn't take me that long to shop, either), went to my physio appointment (the strength of my left arm is getting better) and cleaned the house.  Dad is slowly getting back into doing some work around the house, although he is keeping it to 'light duties' as per doctor's orders.  He is still finding himself getting tired more easily than he used to, but is hopeful that his strength will return soon.

On Tuesday, we had the missionaries over for dinner.  We used to have them over for dinner a lot and we always enjoyed that.  But, since we are travelling so much with Dad's work now, we haven't had them over for ages.  We made them tacos and they really enjoyed it. We watched a short video called "Look Not Behind Thee" which talked about learning from the past, but more importantly, looking to and living for the future, having hope, looking forward and trusting in God.

On Friday, Dad got an exciting letter in the mail (I have attached a copy of it).  He has been approved to become an Australian citizen! :-)  We are both so happy - now we just have to wait  until they tell us when he can attend a citizenship ceremony.  Then, he will be a fully fledged Aussie - yippee!!!

We have cleaned off our patio and have been eating some of our meals outside this week - it is so lovely out there and  we very much enjoy being outside in the warmth and fresh air.  Pics below............

 breakfast on the patio - note the birds in the air - they are actually plastic hawks which Dad put up to scare away the birds who like to come in and poop on our furniture

 a closer look at our yummy breakfast al fresco

 a close up of the plastic hawk

 close up of our lunch al fresco

lunch outside on the patio furniture - note the lovely sky (it was blue) and the shining sun

Today, I gave the lesson in Relief Society - I miss teaching and this was nice for me to be able to do.  The lesson was titled "The Great Commandment - Love the Lord".  When I teach, I don't do a lot of talking, but for that I need to spend a lot of time preparing my lesson.  I had one picture, a number of statements and a few questions to put up on the white board that I wanted the sisters to think about and answer.  I also gave out some quotes to a few sisters to read to enhance the lesson.  The lesson went really well and since I practiced giving the lesson a few times at home, I was able to maintain eye contact with the sisters most of the time which I find works really well to keep everyone interested and participating.  It was also nice to feel more a part of the ward - it's so  hard with travelling so much to feel that connection.