Hedgen

Watching Movies

2011-05-03T14:24:00.001Z

We love watching movies at our house. It's great to be able to watch on our big screen at home, and although the quality isn't so good during the day when it's bright, it's still doable.

We recently got Toy Story 3 as one of our LoveFilm films and this has to be about the 4th time Cara has watched it, she loves it. She has a friend from school coming tomorrow to watch it with her too. I wonder if her friend enjoys watching films so much.

When we watch a film together, Felicity either potters around doing something else, or snuggles up close and falls asleep. Today, she did just that.. it was lovely, my little hot water bottle snuggled right up close, cheek to cheek enjoying the film, and then we both dozed off.. beautiful!

Unstoppable

2010-11-11T19:28:00.004Z

The other night I came home from work to find out that Andrew had got us free tickets to go see Unstoppable, and arranged for a babysitter (thanks Hannah!). It's been a little while since I'd been to the cinema and it was really fun to go with Andrew and see a film that I had heard nothing about. I really enjoyed the film, which was based on (now found out quite loosely, more like inspired by) real events. I never really knew that much about freight trains so it was interesting for me just seeing more closely what these trains were like and the kind of jobs that people do. It was kind of predictable at the end, and with the stories of lives as the action plays on.. but it was all good. Not a film I would watch over and over but a really great movie to see at the cinema.

Beyond Monopoly!

2010-11-07T18:12:00.007Z

I found out that York had a board game club not long after we moved to York (2 years ago), however it has taken until this week to manage to remember when it is, and be free to go. I wish I had gone earlier. Much of my childhood was spent playing games with my family, and while at university I accumulated many games of my own. I like all kinds of games, I'll play whatever everyone else wants to play, but my favorites involve thinking moves through and not too much luck.

I went on Wednesday evening to my first meet up with Beyond Monopoly! and learnt to play a great new game Mississippi Queen, and enjoyed the company of fellow game lovers. I wasn't sure if I'd make the day long play on Saturday as I knew Andrew had a lot of work to do this weekend, but he dropped me off around noon and said stay as long as you're having fun - so I did :)

On Saturday I played a real mixture of games some I'd played before, Perudo and Apples to Apples, and others that I hadn't. Really want to play Dominion again, Ticket to Ride, a really fun car racing game (think my brothers would really this - actually, who wouldn't?, but what was it called?), a fun little game aimed at young children, and an interesting card laying game with an Irish theme.

The club have so many games (above photo was just two of the cupboards), and they really are as friendly as advertised. Can't wait to play some more games next time.

Fun with Felicity

2010-11-02T13:56:00.003Z

After we dropped Cara off at school, Felicity and I did some shopping followed by a little play at the park.

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Local Council Meeting

2009-10-06T22:25:00.003Z

Tonight I went to the Heworth Ward Committee Meeting. I've been to 3 or 4 now since moving to York, and have always found them interesting and also poorly attended. Today, as I arrived I was greeted by one of the Councillor's, who obviously didn't recognise me as having been to the last few meetings, and almost assumed that I had come as I had a particular problem with something. I realise that not many people seem to come to these meetings unless they have some problem, or have asked to present something, but to assume that I think is quite sad. I really would encourage people to get to their local meetings, and maybe we can all be more involved in where money is spent and what is being done around us.

One of the presentations tonight was about the Magistrates Court. It was really interesting, I may even look into applying to become a Magistrate. I definately hope to get to the open day that they are having here at the York Court. While looking up this information I also found out about becoming a Councillor. I can't do it all, but I really hope to find something that I can do to really make a difference in my local community. On Friday I'm attending my first Partnership Board Meeting for the local Children's Centre. Should be interesting.

Nappies on the line

2009-07-15T19:47:00.002Z

Nappies on the line, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

We've been using the re-usables for a while now, so I thought I'd do a little update. I am loving them. I absolutely love that we are not filling our bin full of used nappies, or wipes. (Our bins get collected one week for waste, and the next week for recyclables - we used to fill our bin in two weeks, pretty much to the top. Now, and we have started composting and recycling more stuff too, but we have just a tenth maybe full at the end of two weeks, feels so good!)

I'm using reusable wipes too. So much easier, cos where do you put a used wipe if you're not throwing a nappy away? So use toilet roll for the mass that will be put down the loo, and then put water onto a cloth to wipe the bottom and throw it in the nappy bin with the nappy - tada. This also means no, whatever they put in those wipes that means they clean just about anything, on my baby's bottom.

It's made me think about how much toilet paper we get through.. and maybe we should be using reusable wipes too! :D Andrew's not so keen on the idea.. we have a stash to use up anyway.. but I'm definately thinking about giving it a go.. I'm doing lots of washing anyway - why not...? I'm sure I'll be posting more on other eco-friendly, cost-effective things we've been doing at some point.

My only problem with reusable nappies is when out, although lots of places these days have nappy changing facilities they don't always cater for 'real nappy 'users. We need a toilet and sink nearby please!

Luckily, Felicity tends to poo at a regular time each day at the moment so I haven't been caught too off guard. When it did happen once, I luckily had a disposable nappy bag still on me, and so I put the poo in there, in the bin... not too bad I guess..

I would highly recommend using reusables. They are a little bulkier, but not too much, and they are better for baby.. and although a big lay out to start, I haven't had to buy another pack of nappies or wipes.. yay! :D It helps having sunny weather to dry them, but these only take a couple of hours outside. I haven't had any night-time leakages (sleeping 12hrs plus) with the night-time booster which is huge.. but she's sleeping anyway, so all is good.

Andrew's Birthday

2009-07-08T19:20:00.000Z

26, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

It was Andrew's birthday today, and what a fun day we had! The girls didn't get up to early, thankfully, and so after getting the cards and presents ready we all went to wake Daddy up. Cara likes to give kisses to wake people up, so it was lovely. We sang 'Happy Birthday' one of Cara's favourite songs to sing.. she always wants it to be someone's birthday.

Cara had made her own card for Daddy, which was very unique and lovely We got Daddy some lovely shorts - the ones pictured above, some walking trousers, that zip off to shorts, and some hand warmers.. not needed today.. but maybe for future hikes. We then played some games and enjoyed each others company before heading off to Grandma's. Andrew had more presents, cards and birthday wishes. Cara and Felicity spent the day with Grandma while Andrew and I headed off to Malham Tarn for a walk.

It was beautiful! We walked from the Tarn down to Malham Cove, which was my favourite. It was such a different landscape, walking over what they call the limestone pavement. It is seriously worth a visit. Seems that there is loads more that we didn't get to see. For part of our walk we were on the Pennine Way - maybe one day we'll do the whole thing together. It was just lovely to spend time with Andrew, walking in the lovely English countryside. How can you beat that. Love you Andrew!

Matt & Hannah

2009-06-13T19:28:00.001Z

Matt & Hannah, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

What a great day! It was great to be able to be in the temple and witness my little brother be sealed to his wife Hannah. It is an amazing and wonderful blessing to be sealed to your spouse for time and all eternity and the blessings we are given in the temple are more than you could ever hope for. It brought back wonderful memories of my own sealing and was just such a special moment for our family. I love my family! My girls had a great time playing with their cousins too, which continued all the following week while we stayed at Nan and Grampi's house. What a lovely time we had, with great weather and wonderful company. Cara is really missing all her cousins as well as Nan, Grampi, Great Nan and Bampa, and all her aunts and uncles.. she loves looking at photos of you all, and always wants to visit again. Hopefully it wont be too long. Wish we could live close to you all! xxxxx

Pop-in Reusables

2009-06-08T22:34:00.002Z

Pop-in Reusables, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

A little while ago now, I attended what was called a 'Nappuccino'. I had planned on using reusable nappies with Cara, and I although I did buy a few different ones, I never really did get into it. I thought I would go to get some advice and encouragement to use my nappies on Felicity. Actually, I ended up buying a couple of new nappies. A pop-in by close parent, and a tots bots pocket nappy. I preferred the pop-in, so decided this was to be the nappy I used.

When I first got the nappies out of the box, they looked so cute all rolled up. They are one size fits all, so fit Cara as well as Felicity. (Cara wore proper pants all day today though - there were lots of accidents, but hopefully not for too much longer). I bought the Dream Dri version as opposed to the Bamboo. They are very quick drying, especially if it's nice out, which I needed seeing as we only bought a box of 10. It'll be lots easier now Felicity is the only user - I had been doing lots of washes the last couple of weeks.

So far...

I really like that we don't throw away a load of nappies
that I wont have to buy disposables again
I don't mind the bulkiness too much, and it will only get less so as Felicity grows (they didn't seem much different in size on Cara)
I don't mind doing more washes, and I throw everything in altogether, they wash great, only problem is drying if it's wet out.
Both girls have had quite red bottoms, though, not really nappy rash, but I guess just red from being wet a lot. I have to say I don't seem to smell a number 2 so easily through these nappies, could be a bad thing as well as a good... Overall, I'm pretty impressed with the nappies, and myself for sticking with it. Yay!

Cara Walks the Walls

2009-06-03T21:27:00.001Z

Cara Walks the Walls, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

This was on the start of our long walk to church. It was such a lovely day we thought we'd make the trek, and as Steve was visiting he got to make it with us. It turns out that it takes us quite a while. I did really enjoy the walk home especially. We didn't have a timescale to get home, we were discussing all that we had heard at church and it was just a lovely day. Here's to more walking, and less traveling by car.

Why?

2009-04-18T19:57:00.002Z

Why?, originally uploaded by Hedgen.

I was just looking for a photo in my flickr stream.. and came across this. It's my writing.. but I don't even remember writing it, let alone taking the photo and posting it to flickr.. Why?

Sharing a bedroom

2009-04-02T23:44:00.003Z

So.. tonight is the first night that our girls are sleeping in the same room together. So far, so good. Felicity seems to like it in the cot, (she was definately getting a little big for the Moses Basket,) we set the cot up in Cara's bedroom a couple of days ago so that Felicity could nap in there to get used to it, and so Cara could get used to the idea too. Cara loved the cot, and wanted to sleep in it herself. I don't think she realises Felicity is in with her. She went in early evening just after Cara had gone to sleep, she made a few noises before she settled off, but it didn't seem to disturb Cara, so all is well.. we'll just have to see if Felicity wakes any more during the night and who wakes first in the morning.

It feels great to have our room back to ourselves -yay!

Beningbrough Hall

2009-03-28T21:06:00.006Z

We went to Beningbrough Hall today, our second National Trust visit, and we've already saved money. The weather wasn't very nice, so we didn't get to see much of the gardens, but we'll definately be back, there is a great kid's play area outside, and lovely surroundings. The house was very geared to children with lots of fun dress up places and the like. They also had this Virtual Portrait thing. We answered a few questions, such as, how many in your group (1-3), indoors or outdoors and whether we were male or female.. then we had to position our faces for a photo and out popped our Portraits. Here's a sampling:

Cara and Felicity

Me and Cara

Me and Andrew

Top Cash Back

2009-03-28T20:42:00.005Z

I just went and checked my details on the cashback website that I use, and I was impressed with the cashback that I have earned. So far, I have earned £309.21 cashback. Wow! Most of the time this is money I would have spent anyway.

For those who don't know how these websites work. Retailers will give money to the website for showing their products - a way of advertising - and this website claims to give 100% of that money directly to you, as they have adverts on the sides of the page which earcn them money. I find TopCashBack to be great! There is no admin fee and they have a lot of retailers with offers. Some only small amounts, but others considerable. You are never guarenteed the cashback, which is why we only use it when we'd pay for it without the cashback - it's just a bonus.

If you were to sign up to TopCashBack using one of my links and earn yourself £5 I would also get £2.50 - woohoo!

Here's some of my best deals.. although some are no longer avaliable:

Car Insurance with Lloyds TSB - £90 cashback (the years premium was £120, cheapest we could find without the cashback - so actually paid £30 for a years insurance)

National Trust - £40 (signing up online for me and Andrew with an Annual DD - this is one we maybe wouldn't have done without the cashback - but it's been great so far!)

Scottish Power - £124 (swapping to Scottish Power once in Bristol and then in York)

PS.. Scottish Power are now giving an £80 cashback for swapping dual fuel.

Crafty, crafty, crafty...

2009-03-23T16:09:00.004Z

This blog post is a little like chain mail.. but it's nice, and you only have to take part if you want to.. so here goes...

Here are the rules:

The first three people to comment on this post will get something homemade by me! I guarantee you will love it (I'm not so sure I can guarantee this - but I'll try my best), or at least that you will tell me you love it regardless. It'll be done this year at some point.

The homemade gift could be anything (the air of mystery is what makes this thing exciting!) It may be a story. It may be poetry or a pasta. I may draw or paint something (though you would not wish me to). I may bake you something and post it to you. I might even cut a CD of my own lovely voice singing a selection of my favourite numbers. Who knows? Not you, and at this point, not me either.

Last but not least, you must continue this little game by reposting the offer of a secret homemade gift to the first 3 people who comment on your blog. The first 3 people to do so win a homemade gift by you that money can’t buy! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it (so those who weren’t fast enough to win can be horribly jealous).

What fun! I wonder who will want something made by me... :S

Time to Sleep

2009-03-19T21:22:00.001Z

Time to Sleep, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

We decided that we'd take some photos of Felicity, like the ones we took of Cara at a similar age. Suprise, suprise - Cara suddenly wanted her photo taken. She was very cute. We were taking the photos on our bed, and she decided that she wanted to be under the quilt and said she was going to sleep.. I thought I'd join her.

We all had lots of fun doing this photo shoot, and got lots of lovely photos.

Food, activity and obesity in childhood - does it matter?

2009-03-10T23:07:00.000Z

This week is York Festival of Science and Technology. I found out about it from leaflet at the library, and decided I would like to attend a few of the things mentioned. It all sounded great! I love Science and Technology, and I love learning - it seems like I haven't been to a lecture in a LONG time.. and Andrew gets to go to University all the time. I know, I've had my time as a student already.. but hey! If I can go to free lectures while Andrew stays in with the children - woohoo!

So.. off I went to the Lecture entitled, 'Food, activity and obesity in childhood - does it matter?'. It turns out this was the last in a series of York University Public Lectures around the topic, 'Are you what you eat? The science of food'. I wish I'd known about it earlier.. but now I know I'll be looking to see what's available next term.

Dr Ashley Adamson a lecturer at Newcastle University presented her research on this topic. She started by stating that 60% of adults in the UK are overweight or obese. That this problem is really in need of a societal change, it can't be tackled just by the individual. She likened the problem to that of climate change. We can't change it alone. It's true, although I can do my bit for the environment, or I can stay a healthy weight - that wont effect what will ultimately happen to our world because of these problems. Lots of diseases and health issues are associated with being overweight and this means the NHS is inundated. At the moment the NHS is just about coping, but what will happen in 10 or 20 years if these figures increase? This article predicts that by 2050, 60% of adults will be obese.

One of the references on a slide that was used was for http://www.noo.org.uk - this is the National Obesity Observatory - who knew this existed? There is so much information available online.. wow! I keep getting distracted from the notes that I wrote from this lecture and all the extra stuff I'm finding now.

The lecture went on to talk about changes in food intake and exercise done, so to understand why obesity is on the rise. One of the studies analysed was the Gateshead Millennium Study. The most interesting things for me, was that although the amount of food eaten, and time of day food was eaten had not really changed the type of food eaten had. Food that was previously eaten as a snack (crisps, chocolate etc) is now eaten as part of a meal. She gave studies to show that children who were overweight became adults who are overweight, and links to show a higher frequency of overweight children to those parents who were overweight.

The most interesting thing was what she had to say about our perception of child obesity. Most parents surveyed assumed that their children were doing over 2 hours more exercise per day than they really were and gauged their child's weight on whether they fit clothes of the age that they were. Apparently children's clothes sizing has changed considerably as our children's sizes have. So, just because you are average weight in your class for example does not mean that you are not overweight, because of this many parents do not realise that their children are not a healthy weight. In one study 86% of parents had a child who was overweight, but 25% of the parents of children who were obese, thought that their weight was normal - obese, not just overweight. A lot of people don't like to talk about weight issues, but really we need to start to.

It was a really interesting lecture, but best of all it just got me thinking. On my walk back home afterwards I was thinking about research in general. How interesting it is to be finding out things that are new, to be linking it in with other people's studies, and then using that research to do good in the world. Maybe when I return to work I will be involved in research of some kind.

Together at Home

2009-02-26T14:11:00.003Z

Together at Home, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

A family photo that we all like... well Felicity didn't say much about it, but the rest of like it! To be fair, Felicity doesn't look too happy here.. but her little pouty lips and cute toes are adorable. It's harder work than I thought being a Mum to two little girls - but it is sooo great! Look how cute they are!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:10:00.000Z

Happy New Year!, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Another year... What will happen in 2009? For the last few years something major has happened for my family..

2005 - Met Andrew
2006 - Married Andrew
2007 - Cara was born
2008 - Felicity was born

What will happen in 2009??

The Birth of Felicity

2008-12-18T23:01:00.007Z

Mummy, After Everything, originally uploaded by Munzerr.

*** Please note, if you don't want to know massive detail about my birth experience, please do not continue to read this post. ****

So, it all started on Sunday, or very early hours on Monday 15th December. Andrew and I had stayed up late, even though we've been meaning to get to bed early in preparation for our new babies arrival. I had videoed Cara earlier and wanted to upload a Birthday message for Alan's birthday. Anyway, we went to bed, and I could feel my tummy harden, I said to Andrew that maybe our baby would come tomorrow, that we needed to go straight to sleep just in case. Andrew went straight to sleep, and I tried. I did get sleep, but was woken throughout the night feeling contractions. They weren't too strong and definitely weren't regular. Early hours of the morning, I couldn't help but wake Andrew to tell him about me having lots of contractions, that this really did seem to be the day. We stayed in bed as long as possible, trying to rest, and then when we got up, Andrew arranged to miss his Uni seminar, and we warned Grandma that we may need a babysitter for Cara. However, the contractions seemed to ease, and it seemed that maybe they weren't proper contractions after all.

By early evening I was pretty sure that they were proper contractions, but they were still very irregular in timing. After putting Cara to bed, I decided to take a bath, but before long, I was uncomfortable and pretty sure we should start the process of getting ourselves ready to go. Grandma and Granddad came over to stay with Cara, while we went to hospital. I think this was around 8pm.

The midwife that was with us was wonderful. I really think that the midwife makes such a difference to how the birth experience is. I am so thankful for A.M. - thank you. Contractions were getting strong, and I had been coping by leaning forwards, but now I needed to be examined laying on my back and then strapped to a machine to monitor my contractions and baby's heartbeat (these are precautions because of having a previous C-section). I really didn't enjoy this, it seemed to make the contractions so much more powerful. I don't think it was long before the midwife suggested I use some gas and air. I wanted to have as natural a birth as possible, but I didn't mind using gas and air, I just hoped that would be all I needed. My initial examination showed that I was 7cm dilated. I was so glad that progress had been made despite my irregular contractions. Andrew was great at being positive and upbeat, reminding me that even though I was in pain, all was going to plan.

I did use gas and air when I laboured with Cara, but I didn't really use it that long before I had an epidural, and I really don't think I got it completely, this time I could really see the effects of this drug on me. It was such a weird experience to be in pain one minute and then just in wonder at what this drug can do to your body. When my contractions were really bad, I guess I was taking some pretty deep breathes and on a few occasions it really felt like I was having an outer body experience. My conscious mind was very active and felt real to life, but I could see my body doing things that I didn't necessarily ask it to do. A couple of times it weirded me out so much that I stopped breathing it, not because the contraction had finished, but that it felt too weird. At one point I really tried to describe this to Andrew, but he said I sounded really drunk.

I could really feel the difference between this labour and that with Cara. There was almost 2 years in between, and until it came to labour I didn't think I remembered how labouring with Cara felt, but when I started getting the really strong contractions and getting ready to push, I knew I hadn't felt this before. I knew the moment that I needed to start pushing, although, as the midwife wasn't there at the time, I didn't want to push unless it really wasn't the time, and trying to indicate to Andrew to push the button for the midwife mid-contraction while breathing gas and air seemed like quite a feat in itself. The mid-wife confirmed I was at the stage for pushing, and I was just amazed at how our bodies work.

I am so grateful for a mid-wife who really wanted me to respond to my own body. She really wanted me to go with what my body was telling me. This active pushing was such a different experience to when I was pushing with an epidural with Cara. It hurt, lots! But it felt right, if that makes sense. Andrew and the midwife gave me lots of encouragment and told me I was doing great. It seemed like it was taking forever, and with each contraction I was really trying to push with all my might, that maybe, this would be the one. I could feel Felicity's head, although it did feel rather strange, not really like a head, more like a water-filled strange feeling balloon.

When her head was properly out, I knew that it wouldn't be long now. But it was really painful, nothing can prepare you for that pain and stinging, and the not so nice midwife told me to push, even though my body wasn't saying push.. so I did.. Felicity was born, but I ripped pretty bad, 2nd degree for any who know what that means, and I couldn't help but think if I had held on just a little longer, for the feeling to push, would my tear not have been so bad.. who knows? Felicity did come out with her hand up by her head, so maybe it would have happened anyway. I'm pretty sure there will always be moments during labour where you look back and think, what if?

*** A break in the commentary - above was all written pretty soon after the birth.. but then I forgot about my writing this.. and so this latter part was all written quite a bit later, so may not be so accurate ***

The feeling when Felicity was actually born, was the weirdest feeling ever - just a complete rush of warm slippery stuff, and such a relief to my body, and it wasn't so much smooth as a bumpy ride, if that makes any sense. I think you have to experience this to really understand. Felicity was pretty much passed straight to me, onto my chest. That was great! So, so different to when Cara was born. It was great to have those first precious moments, and Daddy got to cut the cord. Felicity was really strong. She was laid on me pressing up on her arms and moving her head around. One of my biggest reasons for wanting a 'normal' birth, without heavy drugs was that I hoped this would aid with breastfeeding. I had seen videos just the week or two before of new babies, an hour old, moving themselves onto their mothers for feeding. It looked like Felicity was going to be capable of this.. however, she really didn't seem to want to be feeding. We tried for quite a while, but she didn't really seem bothered enough to actually feed.

This isn't the end of my labour story though.. my 3rd Stage of labour, deliving the placenta, wasn't as easy as I had been told. I opted for the managed third stage, however the placenta was not coming away. The not so nice head midwife, said that I may need to go into surgery to have it removed. I couldn't believe it! I had just had my baby 'normally' and avoided another C-section, but I'd still have to have surgery - I felt awful! Cheated! All that pain, for nothing.. I was thinking.. I'd always said I'd prefer a planned C-section over an emergeny one, and this is what ran through my head. A whole day of contractions, and these last hours in hospital in lots of pain.. all to avoid surgery... anyway.. while she went out to prepare things, the other, much nicer midwife that had been with us the whole time, said that she thought I could help her to get it out. She got me to push, and this hurt a lot, just as much if not more than Felicity.. but I did it. I didn't need surgery - I was so grateful!

Apparently, I lost a lot of blood though. One of the things I had to wait for before I was allowed home, was a blood test, as I was told that I may need a blood transfusion if my iron levels were too low. They weren't, so all was good.

Wow - what an experience.. my next big blog post will probably be all about my experience with breastfeeding this time round. Oh, and for anyone who is now scared of giving birth, just know that although it feels like the most pain in the moment, it is all completely worth it when you look back.

Felicity Marie Munzer, born at 23:46 on the 15th December 2008, weighing just 6lb 6oz :D

39 Weeks

2008-12-12T21:41:00.005Z

39 Weeks
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

We finally got round to taking some good bump photos yesterday - with less than a week to go until due date. I'm very ready to not be pregnant, not so sure if I'm ready to be a mother of two, looking after a tiny newborn again.. or actually, before that, labour - here's hoping for a better experience than last time. Only time will tell.

I know I keep far too many seperate blogs for someone who doesn't update them all that often. I do plan on being a lot better.. but here's my latest one.. my blog for this new baby.

If anyone wants to check out any more of my blogs go to my blogger profile, they are all listed there.

My Birthday

2008-09-13T10:25:00.009Z

I thought I better blog about my wonderful birthday this year.

I was awoken, after a long lie in, by my two most favourite people, Andrew and Cara - Cara was wearing a hat that said 'Happy Birthday Mummy', it looked really cute, but it didn't seem like she wanted to wear it for very long. She did keep saying 'Birthday Birthday' though.. how cute. They brought with them, breakfast, for me to eat in bed, which Cara enjoyed helping me with.

Next, I passed a folder, the first page said:

Helen's Day of FUN

Birthday 2008

The next page was titled - THE DEEP, and there was lots of information about this fun place that we were going to explore together.. it looked like lots of fun! After all of that information there was a colourful page, which said.. A present worth waiting for...

ROCK BAND

Love from Andrew, Cara and Joe xxx

WOW - that really is a present worth waiting for. It actually arrived yesterday, and it is sooo much fun. Drums, guitar and a microphone :D

I want to scan in the pictures that Andrew drew of us playing Rock Band, but that will have to be added in later.

I might write a seperate blog entry on our family blog for our day at The Deep, but here's a couple of photos for now...

Cara and I watching the sharks.

Cara eating her yoghurt, very posh, with her little finger in the air.

Me and Cara at the top of the building - what great views!

And last of all, this is me and my new friend Andrew the Hammer Head Shark :D

When we got home, there were still more suprises. Grandma Widdowson was coming over to babysit, while Andrew and I went out with other family to have pizza. Thank you all for coming to celebrate my birthday with me. Steve, Chris, Ben, Joe, Jean and Randy, and what yummy pizza it was!

My other exciting present, that I have now bought with birthday money that I had been given - thanks everyone! Is Wii Fit, I've only just started using it, but I love it. Thanks so much everyone! What an amazing birthday I have had this year.

Life and Prime numbers

2008-02-13T12:08:00.000Z

A quote from 'The curious incident of the dog in the night-time' by Mark Haddon. I've only just started reading this, but this part got me thinking... what does is he trying to get at exactly?

Prime numbers are what is left when you have taken all the patterns away. I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them.

Are there really no rules for prime numbers? or do we just not know them? What about rules for life?

Our Star

2008-02-06T14:28:00.001Z

Short video of our little star.

My beautiful not so baby girl

2008-01-29T11:40:00.001Z

My beautiful not so baby girl
Originally uploaded by Hedgen

I can't believe Cara is a one year old. It's just crazy how quick that has all gone. She's changed so much. Look how cute she's got. She's even better in person, just so happy and fun.

I Love you Cara!

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2008-01-28T22:04:00.001Z

This evening Andrew and I were able to go and see this film at the Watershed. Thanks to Alex and Tamara who played with Cara. Andrew managed to get us free tickets to the preview.

This is a French, subtitled in English, film, based on the book. I have read the book, and really enjoyed it. The film, although different from the book in many details was amazing. It was filmed really well, the acting was great, and it was very moving.

It is amazing how people react to different situations. This man did so much despite having 'locked-in syndrome' and the people around him that helped him were amazing also. It is interesting how those friends and family around him acted with the situation too. How would I react if this happened to me? or someone I know? or love?

The Hoxton Hotel

2008-01-25T11:39:00.001Z

The Hoxton Hotel
Originally uploaded by ExperienceLA

So, it seems that Andrew and I will be going to London again for our Anniversary. I managed to get a room for a £1 in the Hoxton Hotel, and for the following night for £29 pretty good for a 4 star hotel in the middle of London.

I heard about their £1 sales a while ago, but I forgot to even try last time. This time I set a reminder on my phone, and then set everything up so that I could be extra speedy. It took a while, as their servers were busy, but we got it!

How much do you know about the Internet?

2008-01-14T18:30:00.000Z

Spanglish - Film review

2008-01-10T18:46:00.001Z

A really great film. Not as funny as I thought it would be, but an interesting look at different families, and the way that different people parent, and are.

The Nativity Story - Film review

2008-01-01T19:54:00.001Z

I had been wanting to watch this since I saw the trailers for it, and it lived up to my expectations. It was really well made, and made me think about how it may have really been for Mary and Joseph. It was such a touching moment when Jesus was born, and then when the Shepherds and wise men came to show their respects. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone.

Merry Christmas from the Munzer Family

2007-12-10T16:02:00.000Z

Merry Christmas!

This is the first year that we’ve been a little family of three, so we thought it would be a good opportunity for us to write a letter to you, to let you know what’s been happening for us over the last twelve months. In January our family grew as we welcomed little Cara Louise into the world. Helen is loving being a stay-at-home Mum watching Cara learn and grow. Andrew has been occupied with the continuation of his degree in English Literature at Bristol University. During the summer break he found employment at the local hospital, doing clerking on the Mental Health Ward. The job was originally only offered as temporary work for 6 weeks, but it continued on until December.

This summer we joined the Munzer family senior for a week in St. Ives, a lovely seaside town in the very south-west corner of England. The Mediterranean climate and surfing locations made for lots of fun, and a memorable time all together before Andrew’s sister Hannah left for her mission in the Dublin, Ireland Mission in late August. She’ll be gone for eighteen months, but we stay in touch through regular emails.

Together with our friends Matthew and Rebeca Barwick-Barrett, Helen and Andrew both became Directors of our very own company this year, a web development start-up called ‘Bunz Media’. The projects are still in fairly early development, but Helen has been able to put her skills to use, doing lots of the skilled work on the websites. The launch of the first site will be expected in early 2008 – we’ll keep you informed!

In church Helen was called onto the Young Women’s Presidency, and has enjoyed working with a small number of young women in our little ward. Andrew has continued to serve on the Bishopric, striking fear into the hearts of his fellow ward-members by choosing the speaking assignments for Sunday meetings. Cara has provided endless entertainment for the entire ward, and has been very good in meetings. In November Helen’s mum Carol celebrated her sixtieth birthday, and Helen joined all her siblings in a visit to the London Temple. It was a wonderful occasion, to all be there together to show our gratitude to her, as an extended family.

The year to come promises to be an exciting one – the end of Andrew’s Undergraduate degree, and a move to a different location is likely. Who knows exactly where we’ll be in a year’s time? Wherever it is, we’ll keep you up to date, and hope to have even more adventures to report on, next December!

Thank you, most of all, for your friendship and love,
Love from,

Andrew, Helen and Cara xx

Laughter, the Best Medicine

2007-12-07T00:34:00.000Z

Reader's Digest always have a section entitled, 'Laughter, the Best Medicine' and I think that the phrase is so true. What better for you than a good laugh. Also, see this Ensign article. Babies sure know how to laugh. We need to video Cara's laughter, but in the mean time, this is a few of my favorite baby laughs from YouTube.

Hope you had a laugh!

Philadelphia - Film review

2007-12-01T21:34:00.001Z

Film about a guy who sues his firm for wrongful dismissal, due to having AIDS. A very emotional film, with lots to think about.

An American Tail - Film review

2007-12-01T19:39:00.001Z

What a great movie. So many great songs! There Are No Cats in America... Somewhere Out There... and Never Say Never. What a great idea as well - to never say never. Is it always best to stay positive? In this film you can see how Fievel changes as soon as he meets some who have lost hope. His whole countenance and character change. Luckily for him his family was not far away. I love that this film is about family and about unity as a people also. What a great idea to have the mice get rid of the cats. At one point a mouse asks to the crowd of mice.. "are we mice or men?" to which they all shout "MICE!". Fantastic!

Tooth Extraction

2007-11-28T12:34:00.000Z

At the weekend I started having toothache. By Sunday evening it was getting really bad, and so I tried to call an emergency dental centre. Our dentist out of hours number turned out to be NHS Direct, and the out of hours department was only open until 6 that evening, I called after 6.

The nurse advised painkillers, including a form of Ibuprofen that was not in tablet form. I find it hard to take tablets. Andrew went all across town to get me some, as everywhere near was closed.

On Monday the dentist said I could come along, and they'd slot me in when there was a gap. I waited for less than hour, and then was seen. I had an abscess. It would have been possible to have a root canal, but I decided to have the tooth pulled instead. It's right at the back anyway, and root canal does not always work - also the tooth pulled was one 20 minute appointment, and the root canal would be three 40 minute appointments.

So.. today my tooth was pulled. I have a big gap in the back of my mouth. I was quite nervous this morning, but it wasn't painful at all, I can feel it now, but the actual pulling was fine, and was sooo quick!

Note: I tried to search for a good tooth photo for the post, but couldn't find one. I did get to see mine, and it was much nicer looking than any I could see a photo of.

High School Musical 2 - Film review

2007-11-24T23:38:00.001Z

OK, I admit, I watched High School Musical 2. It makes me happy. I love all the songs and dancing. I prefer High School Musical to it's sequel, but this one is still filled with lots of singing and dancing, and of course, has a happy ending.

Did you know there are Sing-Along and Dance-Along versions of this film?

Reign Over Me - Film review

2007-11-24T23:28:00.001Z

This was a good movie, but not the best. There was a lot of swearing, so beware. Adam Sandler does a good job in this more serious of role. However, I thought that he would seem more different than his usual characters.

When people grieve differently, or even act differently to most, what should we do about that? Should we makae them conform to what we think is 'normal'? When should people be hospitalised for mental problems? Should the state get involved?

I think in this story Charlie did need help, from a friend, not from an institution. You'd think if people had a full-time job caring for people, then they would have more time than family/friends to devote to them, however they don't have the same capacity to love. I think we all just need to love each other more, and not judge each other. It's hard, but we need to try not to think as if we know what others are thinking - about us or about themselves.

Starter for 10 - Film review

2007-11-23T20:19:00.001Z

It was great to see a film where I knew a lot of the scenery and places. It is set at Bristol University. I thought it was a good film, I wished it had more to do with University Challenge, but it was a good story.

At one point Rebecca points out to Brian that sometimes the people you care about the most, just don't care about you. I think sometimes this can be the case, and that is when we are probably most unhappy. Which is why it is so great when we have two-way relationships.

My favorite quote for a long time was from Moulin Rouge: "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

Sliding Doors - Film review

2007-11-23T20:03:00.001Z

This was released May 1998. I didn't remember a whole lot about the film, apart from the fact that I loved it. It is a thought provoking film. Small decisions, or even things that happen that we don't have control over can hugely affect our lives. In this case, where a little girl was stood on the stairs, or whether or not a mother stopped her child from getting in a strangers path.

So, small things can make big changes, and this is illustrated well, but will some things happen anyway? Will we always, no matter what meet a certain person, or end up doing a certain thing?

Mothers Who Know

2007-11-18T22:41:00.000Z

I've read a lot of peoples comments on various blogs to do with Sister Becks talk. I enjoyed her talk at conference, but was quite distracted by Cara at the time, so when I first read the anti-blogs I really wanted to see the transcript of her talk, because I couldn't believe the things people were saying that she had said.

It turns out that I agree with everything that Sister Beck said in her talk, I can see how some may take what she said in the wrong way, but nothing she said went against church teachings in general. A lot of the main issues, I think, sprang from the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth and the fact that Sister Beck stated that housework, cleaning and cooking etc was a part of nurturing.

Our Stake RS just had an activity where we watched the RS Session of General Conference. This was the first time that I had seen the two new RS councilors. It was interesting to note that one of the councilors is a single woman, who has no children, as was Sister Dew a former RS president, whom I very much admired. Sister Beck is not saying that her counselor is bad for not having children, and not being married, she is just saying that we are commanded to do those things.

In YW today, we had a lesson on Celestial Marriage, in the lesson it spoke of the commandment to have children. (I wonder how those women who did not agree with Sister Becks attitude towards motherhood would teach this lesson?) One of the questions that was put to the YW was: Do you think you would be more selective in your dating if you had decided now that you would be married in the Temple? I said that I definitely had been more selective, which meant that the list actually wasn't that long. Someone else said something like, until you're desparate.. this lead me on to one of, I think, one the most important things we should be teaching our single members... Marriage and family is central to God's plan, but it is better to be single, than to marry the wrong person. I may have gone slightly off topic, seeing as most people don't have a problem with the idea of marriage.

I think this blog summed up Sister Becks real message best:

Whether you are a mother or not you should be desiring and preparing to be a mother, because you will keep forever those things you learn, and if you desire children and prepare to be a mother, you will be a mother, even if it’s not in this life.

Sister Beck was saying that we should value motherhood. Also, this blogger points out that:

She didn’t say that nurturing = housework. She is actually elevating the housework that you do to the level of “nurturing.” Like this: Nurturing = Homemaking. A part of homemaking is housework. Therefore, when you are doing housework, you are really nurturing your children.

I really want to be better at housework type things. I know that having the house tidy and cooking healthy yummy meals with make a great deal of difference to our family life, why not praise these great things. I want to enjoy doing them, but at the moment I'm still working on it, and also the world view, and mine to an extent, is that these things are trivial, they are not honored. I liked Sister Becks talk, but on a further look, I love it.

The article that got me thinking about this all again is here, it talks about this webpage, I agree with most (not all) of the statements they make, I just don't understand why it needs to be anti Sister Beck. For your reading perusal, should you want to read more, and there are LOADS of comments on most of these I with post more links to blogs on this topic. [1][2][3][4][5]

The Others - Film review

2007-11-16T21:38:00.001Z

I had seen this film before, but couldn't really remember a lot about it. The twist is good, but probably was best for me the first time watching. It is really well filmed, but I have a lot of questions about the story. Also, I did find it quite slow, which isn't my favorite kind of film.

*** Don't read on if you haven't watched this film - SPOILER ***

Why does she kill them? Is her husband dead? Why did she see her daughter as an old lady? Why could only the girl see Victor? How come we could only sometimes hear the others, and see doors opening, surely they would have opened the curtains and doors more than we saw? Also, who took the curtains? Victors family? and why did they?

Time, and how we use it

2007-11-16T12:35:00.001Z

I've recently became aware of RescueTime, an application that tracks the time we spend using different application, or viewing different webpages. I'm really impressed with it, and think it will be good to know exactly how my time is spent while using the computer. Maybe I'll post some times for you.. or maybe I'll keep it to myself, we'll see.

From their blog I found this article about self-discipline and time management. It made some very good points.

A new blog

2007-11-15T21:49:00.000Z

Just thought I'd let you all know that I started a new blog today. There are only a couple of posts at the moment, but feel free to have a read, and comment.

YouTube and LDS Public Affairs

2007-11-08T20:06:00.001Z

One of the latest YouTube videos posted by LDSPublicAffairs. I like it, it's simple and effective. What do you think about these videos being added to YouTube? I think it's great, however with the way that YouTube then offers other similar videos, they are not always similar. After watching this very video I quickly clicked through to a few questionable videos opposing the church. I lot of them don't make sense to me as a long time church member, but this could really be bad for an investigator or new member. Just some thoughts..

The Golden Compass

2007-10-28T18:29:00.000Z

I think I already blogged about how excited I am for the film 'The Golden Compass' based on the book by Phillip Pullman. The UK version has a different title - Northern Lights. So, I was quite surprised to read this blog and following that these articles [1][2]. The books didn't quite end as I had suspected, the children did kill 'God' but this 'God' wasn't Heavenly Father in my eyes anyway. I had no idea that people would be opposed to these books, and especially people who hadn't read them. I need to re-read over the last book to really remember what happened, maybe I would have preferred it if a Christian had written it, but I am still really excited to watch the movie and would recommend the books to anyone.

Ha ha!

2007-10-21T20:14:00.001Z

Ha ha!
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

We went out for a walk at the downs yesterday. It was chilly, but lovely to be able to just walk in the fresh air together. Cara loves being outside - we all enjoyed ourselves very much. Daddy snapped this one as we were both laughing.

My Birthday

2007-09-17T13:39:00.001Z

Bday-1
Originally uploaded by Hedgen

For my birthday this year we went on a steam train. I had mentioned to Andrew that it would be quite fun to go on a train ride with Cara, but I hadn't even thought of a steam train. It was great!

Cara really enjoyed the day, which made it even more enjoyable for me and Andrew. We finished the day with dinner and Cara was getting lots of attention in return for her beautiful smiles.

Thank you Andrew for making my birthday a 'Day of Fun'.

St Ives

2007-09-17T13:32:00.001Z

St Ives (12 of 14)
Originally uploaded by Hedgen

Can't believe I haven't blogged about our holiday to St Ives yet. This probably isn't the best photo.. but it is of the sand thing we built one day.

It was great to have some time away, just to relax and enjoy each others company. Andrew, Cara and I joined Andrew's family. We were able to celebrate Hannah's 21st birthday while away, and wish her the best as she is now in the mission field serving in Dublin, Ireland. She will be such a great missionary.

We stayed in a cottage just 2 minutes walk from Porthmoer Beach, which was always great for body boarding. Cara enjoyed lots of attention from Grandparents, Aunt and Uncles, and Andrew and I were able to enjoy time alone together - Thank you Munzer family! we loved our holiday with you.

2007-09-06T20:30:00.000Z

I just made a John Travolta film Quiz .

He has been in so many great movies.. and some really silly ones..

Which is your favourite?

I can't choose.. Grease, The Boy in the Plastic Bubble and Hairspray is pretty good too.. I have to confess to watching all 3 Look Who's Talking movies recently, and they were actually very entertaining.

PS I do like John Travolta, but I love Andrew - he's the best!

Our amazing brains!

2007-08-17T12:31:00.000Z

Seriously - our brains are amazing! Weird how by being so amazing we actually see things not always in there true sense.. hmm.. what can we learn from knowing this?

I am so excited to see this film!

2007-08-15T20:54:00.001Z

The Golden Compass aka Northern Lights.. this will be the first film I've seen, where I've read the book first. I am so excited! It's such a good story.

I won a competition!

2007-08-05T22:56:00.000Z

I just added my comments about Tagging to the LibraryThing discussion board, and now they are sending me a book. It wasn't because what I said was great.. I was picked at random.. but it's still cool. I wanted a tagging picture to go with my blog and found somewhere that I could make a tag cloud of my blog.

See top of my blog.

Here is a copy of my post:

Tags are amazing! For me the sights that make the best use of Tags are these...

Flickr - the first tagging site I ever used. An archive of all my photos. If I want to find a photo of my cute neice, I just type in her name and they all come up. Also, a huge mass of others photos. I would always be able to find a photo from someone to go along with whatever I decided to blog about - great!

Facebook - So, I loved Flickr already for photo tagging, but then along came Facebook - where you tagged someone in a photo, and then they would know, and there friends would know. It's great! So, a friend uploads a photo, with me in it, tags me and everyone else.. I get notified, look at the photo and see that some friends I haven't seen in ages are also tagged - from there I can contact them, find out how they are doing etc. Even people who I don't know may upload a funny photo, or video or post a note about a person that I do know.. more insight into my friends lives. Amazing.

BoardGameGeek - so this is my newest venture. I am a board game geek - I have just bought my 100th board game, and you know what? I don't get to play them very often, it's really hard to decide what to play.. depends on your mood, who's playing an how many people want to play.. It takes ages to find a suitable game... but when you can tag your games.. you can search for a game with particular tags.. say, 'short' and '3-player'.

OK.. so my final one may not be classed as tags.. but surely a search engine really just searches via words which are tags....?? Do you agree?

Tags.. what an amazing invention.. I'm still trying to get used to using them effectively in G-Mail, Blogger and LibraryThing actually. In LibraryThing I use others tags.. but don't really put tags on my own books to use.

Being a Mummy

2007-08-04T20:01:00.001Z

Chillin'
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

I didn't know whether to blog about this or not.. but I decided I would.

Sometimes, I find being a full-time Mum really hard.

It's funny, because I think I'm a strong, abled person, and Cara is a beautiful, amazing, sleepy girl. So, really, I should find being a Mum easier than most.

A lot of the time I do think that my being a Mum is easy. I get to stay at home, be with my beautiful baby girl, go out for walks, watch films, shop... there are lots of perks - especially with only one, especially good little girl, but amazingly, sometimes it's still hard. I think hardest, funnily - when I sit down and relax, or try to. I think for me it's the constancy, I'm always listening out for Cara, in case she needs me. There's never been anything so constantly on my mind, maybe there should have been....

I read this blog today, it's what inspired me to write about my feelings.

I love Cara! She's going to change my life for the better! Thank you, Cara! and Thank you Andrew!

Selling stuff on ebay

2007-07-31T11:40:00.000Z

I've never actually sold anything on ebay.. although I have bought a few things.. check out this sale.

My Real Age

2007-07-30T10:35:00.001Z

...and I thought I was old. Wonder how old Cara is using this age calculator.

Footloose

2007-07-23T12:30:00.001Z

What a great film!? Apparently they are making a re-make.. with the star from High School Musical - no-one can be as good as Kevin Bacon.. except maybe John Travolta.

A game of Chess

2007-07-02T22:55:00.000Z

For our Family Home Evening activity this week, Andrew and I played a game of Chess. It was a really fun game! Chess is so good - there is so much to think about.

I've been playing a few games of Chess over the internet, a move at a time. It was nice to play a whole game in one go. Steve and Alan recently beat me online, and tonight Andrew beat me too... I'm off to read some books on Chess strategy.

Helen Strikes!

2007-06-14T20:40:00.000Z

Helen Strikes!
Originally uploaded by Munzerr

We went bowling for Alex Tovey's birthday. I like this photo Andrew took of me.. I did get a couple of strikes, but I'm still better at Wii bowling than the real thing. Andrew beat everybody, both lanes - so well done Andrew!

Spinning Fast

2007-05-25T20:45:00.000Z

Park 20.JPG
Originally uploaded by Hedgen

We went to the park with Linda and her girls. It was quite a good park, lots of different things to play on, for all age groups. My favourite was the gerbil wheel, especially when Andrew had a go, and fell off...! and also these little spinny things. I was going so fast, I felt really sick. Can't wait until Cara is old enough to enjoy all the wonderful fun you can have at the park.

Running With Angels

2007-05-22T08:27:00.001Z

Running With Angels 059.JPG
Originally uploaded by Hedgen.

Bristol Stake RS once again hosted a 'Running with Angels'. It was a 5km run/walk for all the women in the Stake (young and old). We raised money for Breast Cancer Research UK, and also raised the bar in our own fitness.

I am so unfit! I ran as much of it as I could, and I really felt it that night and following day. I didn't do a lot of excercise while I was pregnant, and I haven't done a whole lot since. Next year, I'll hopefully be able to run the whole waya again. It was a great event.

Mary, Martha and Me

2007-05-11T23:00:00.000Z

Southmead Ward has a RS book club, and on Wednesday I borrowed this book. Tonight I finished it. It was a really good read. Made me think. She writes in a way that is easy to read and understand, but thought provoking, and is backed up by scripture references and quotes from the apostles and prophets.

I need to 'do' more for the right reasons, and learn to study the Gospel even amongst a busy life. Even if that life is full of good things, God is the most important. All good follows a devotion to Christ.

I would definately recommend this book.

Aunty Helen

2007-04-24T11:05:00.001Z

With Aunty Helen
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Not only was is great to see the new addition to the Cook family.. but to see Emily, Naomi and Liesl.. they have all grown up since we last saw them. Liesl is looking so much like her mummy!

New Cousins

2007-04-24T10:58:00.001Z

New Cousins
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Cara is no longer the youngest in the extended family. Martha Heidi Cook was born 23rd April 2007 - Just 12 weeks after Cara. I can't believe how much Cara has grown! Martha was born a little heavier than Cara, and she looks tiny. Her mass of hair is amazing! She is such a cute and with it baby. She would stick her tongue out at any opportunity, and seemed very awake when we saw her. We are just waiting for the next little cousin to arrive now... another girl?

Note: Heidi is closer to the camera than Cara - she is tiny!

TopUP 2007

2007-03-22T13:05:00.000Z

I got a letter this morning, from my employer - UnumProvident. I qualified for TopUP 2007, which is the UnumProvident event for employees who have been given an excellent rating for the past years work. The past couple of years the events have been long weekends abroad.. this years event will be at a luxury 5* hotel in central London, with a gala dinner and a luzury overnight stay, plus a bonus of £1,000. What a wonderful suprise!

Thumbs Up

2007-03-14T22:07:00.001Z

The boys' thumb war
Originally uploaded by mooncici.

My thumbs are only little, especially compared to Andrews. However, we had a thumb war to decide who got to choose the film to watch - and I won! easily I might add.. we wanted to watch the same film anyway, that's the funniest part.

The Great Gatsby

2007-03-13T14:55:00.000Z

I've been reading quite a bit recently, and thought it would be a good idea to keep a record of what I've read.

The latest book was 'The Great Gatsby'. Apparently known as the great book of American Literature. I have to say it captured me. I really wanted to find out what happened next. I'm not sure what I learnt from this book - maybe just that I have a great life. Most of the people in this story couldn't say the same about their lives.

New Calling

2007-02-19T00:31:00.000Z

I was given a new calling today - Enrichment Leader! It was a bit of a suprise to be called into have an interview today. I had no idea what calling would be in store, but this is great! It's something I feel I can really put my heart into. I want to get the RS of Southmead Ward having fun, learning and socialising with each other. What's best is this calling will not be interupted by having a baby whatsoever. I can't wait to get started. Next month, March is RS birthday month, so we have chance to have a really big Enrichment night, one of the 4 official ones, really soon. Working with Rebecca Amery, counsellor for Enrichment, will also be really fun.

Cara is just as beatiful as ever, and such a good little girl. Andrew and I are so blessed!

Cara Louise Munzer

2007-01-31T17:20:00.000Z

We have a little girl! I really can't believe it. She is so cute. It's great to finally be at home as a family. We are so blessed.

I had so much I wanted to say when I came to write this - but it's all gone from my head. I think I'm still a little woozy from the pain relief or something, but motherhood has been really great and our little girl is just so great. When she is asleep and away from my vision for a bit I know that she's cute - but when I get to see her again I realise just how cute.. awwww she is the best!

Cara asleep on her Daddy like that was so cute to see!

More photos here.

Baby's Due Date

2007-01-24T21:45:00.000Z

So.. today is Baby's due date. No signs of him yet, but I guess it could still happen today. Andrew and I went for a walk this morning - we heard it's sometimes good to start things moving. I also took to jumping a little this afternoon.. oh well! Baby knows best when to join us. Tomorrow we have an appointment with the Doctor, we'll see what he says.. although he has always said a week late to be fair, so I guess maybe he's right. The midwife said they'll induce if nothings happened by 12 days overdue.. so in 12 days baby should be with us no matter what. We are so excited and just can't wait to see our little one.

C'mon baby!

LibraryThing

2007-01-18T18:45:00.001Z

I spent most of today beginning to catalog our books. First I set out to find a way to do it. I was hoping to find some nifty website that would help me.. sure enough there is. First I found Shelfari.. this was OK, but I much prefer LibraryThing. Check them out, and let me know if you join too, and I can look at your library of books.

Click here to see my LibraryThing catalog, or here to see my bookshelf on shelfari.

Wii

2007-01-14T23:18:00.000Z

Yesterday, we bought a Wii! Can't believe we found somewhere that had them in stock.. We played on it quite a bit last night, but then had to leave it to go to a Youth Standards Night, where Andrew and I had been asked to speak. We spoke about the 'For the Strength of Youth Pamphlet' our talks were only part of the whole evening, which was really good. I felt the spirit. This afternoon we went to the baptism of Sam Amery, this was also a really lovely meeting filled with the spirit. I am so glad to know that the church is true!

Oh! and by the way - Andrew is addicted to the Wii. We'll have to take video of him playing and post it up - it is hilarious, especially boxing!

The world of the internet

2007-01-07T23:11:00.000Z

I decided to start using Google Reader today, and have ended up adding a lot of feeds. It's been really interesting. Thanks Stevie for introducing me to it.

Just one of the interesting sites I found while adding feeds was this one.

Have a go and see how well you know me, by going here.

And also an interesting article about the church.

Are You In There...?

2006-12-01T21:41:00.000Z

Are You In There...?
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

That's me looking at baby. It's quite a bump now.. and we are both getting more and more excited. I only have 2 weeks left of work, then its almost Christmas, the New Year and then Baby time. Can't wait. We love baby so much already, and we haven't even really seen him properly. Love you baby!

Baby Munzer

2006-11-17T19:52:00.000Z

Baby, Peeping Out
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

I can't believe I haven't blogged about our baby yet. This is our scan at 16? weeks.. but I'm 30 weeks along now.. only 10 to go!

Being pregnant is great! Of course there are times when its really uncomfortable and scary (thinking about labour), but it's all for a little baby. My baby - who will learn and grow and be wonderful. I'm so grateful for the many blessings in my life. I feel so blessed with how well everything has gone so far. Just hope I can do as good a jon looking after our little one in his life, as Heavenly Father has done up 'till now.

Can't wait for baby!

Nursey

2006-08-06T20:17:00.000Z

+ Helper!
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

My new calling is as Nursery Leader.. they are all so cute! But I still find trying to actually teach them a challenge. Any tips greatly appreciated.

More photos of Southmead Nursey.

Honeymoon

2006-08-06T20:07:00.000Z

DSCF1192.JPG
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

This is one of my favourite photo's from our honeymoon.. This was at Salzburg Zoo.. we bought these tourist cards that got us entry to loads of stuff in Salzburg, and as we were only really there one full day we rushed around trying to make the most of it. One of my favourite days!

I'm Married!

2006-08-06T19:42:00.001Z

holding hands
Originally uploaded by SteveCottrell.

OK.. so it happened a while ago now.. but I thought I should really add it to the blog. Our wedding day was the best! It couldn't have been that way without the wonderful friends and family who helped out, and who came to enjoy this wonderful day with us.. seriously I can't imagine it being any better - it was GREAT!

I love being your wife Andrew.. and I'm so grateful that you are my husband!

More photos from our wedding.

Ubiquity

2006-01-27T00:45:00.000Z

top technology & internet story for 2006?
Originally uploaded by robinh1973.

...showing Nathan how to blog..

Back to work I go..

2006-01-24T14:15:00.000Z

UP
Originally uploaded by flashofgenius.

It's been a long and eventful break, but next week I'm back to work. I haven't had time to get bored during my time off though.. I got engaged, went to visit family and friends across the UK, found dresses for the wedding, been house hunting, sorting out a mortgage and spending time with my bestest friend in the whole wide world ever and always will be.. Andrew.. plus lots of other great and wonderful friends too.. Life is great!

PS this is a photo of Unum in America not the one I will be at.. the only photo tagged 'unumprovident' on flickr

Hiding

2006-01-15T09:18:00.000Z

DSCF0088.JPG
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Yes, it seems as if I have been hiding so far in 2006, just like Andrew in this photo. I haven't been hiding, I've just been busy.

Currently I am trying to find a job (almost done), find a wedding dress (proving difficult), a house (can't buy it without a job), design wedding invitations (Andrew will be a big help!) and I'm sure there is lots and lots more...

The Amazingness of Andrew

2005-12-23T23:26:00.000Z

DSCF0947.JPG
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

I don't think I can put in words just how amazing Andrew is. I am forever finding more things which I love about him. He is the loveliest, sweetest, kindest most talented guy I know, and I get to have him as my husband.. and he will be father of my children.. and he loves me, respects me, cares for me, trusts me.. I am so blessed, and I do realise it. When we meet people up in York they all tell me how amazing he is, like I wouldn't know.. but I do. I know. Love you always Andrew!

Thinking...

2005-12-05T18:46:00.000Z

DSCF0585.JPG
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Played three games of Chess in one afternoon.. and won all 3 times!

I can't believe it! I didn't even think I was that good.. maybe this is my talent. It was a lot of fun though. I really love the Munzer family, can't wait to be properly part of it.

My Favourite Day So Far

2005-11-25T01:50:00.000Z

By the Box Tree
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Andrew proposed this morning.. he is the most amazing thing that has ever happened in my life. I love him so much.. and I love him more all the time. I can't wait for us to start our future together as husband and wife.

Scrabble

2005-10-29T10:29:00.000Z

Scrabble
Originally uploaded by Hedgen.

It has been a long time since I've played Scrabble. Andrew was a good opponent.. however I did win :D

It was such a close game. At several points we had the same score.. right up till the end.

Ever more excited!

2005-10-28T19:00:00.000Z

Today I got a letter from the Europe Central Area Presidency. It made me so happy!

My favourite part.. and I loved the whole thing, was where it said;

Come to Europe expecting to see people join the Church. If you do, you will see more people enter the waters of baptism, even a "goodly number." (Mosiah 18:7)

I've wanted to expect that, but felt that maybe I shouldn't.. now I know that I should expect that, and I will! I'm so excited, and just hope that I can be as strong, faithful and prepared as this presidency, the prophet and my mission president have expressed in their letters. I really want to be the best missionary I can be.

As an extra note.. my favourite scripture of the moment in Romans 1:16, it may actually be my favourite for life! At last I have a reason for choosing one above all others.

Running with Angels

2005-10-13T00:34:00.000Z

Tonight we had a Stake Relief Society meeting. It was amazing! I felt the Spirit as we sang, as we listened to presentations and testimonies and spent time with each other.

Our Stake RS Presidency have decided to set us a goal to raise the bar in our physical fitness. Inspiration was taken from the book Running with Angels. There is to be a sponsered run in May 2006 for all the women in the Stake. Everyone was challenged to prepare for that day, and walk, jog or run it better than they could today. I'm sad that I wont be in the Stake to participate but excited for the challange anyway.

I hope Lorna joins in!

Enjoying Life

2005-10-11T17:48:00.000Z

Greek Chef, Helene
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

It's been a while since I blogged.. I've just been enjoying life! Last night me and Andrew cooked Moussaka (Greek food) for friends. It was really lovely. Food was good, company was better!

Thank you Andrew!

Greek Alphabet

2005-10-01T10:05:00.000Z

Greek Alphabet
Originally uploaded by Hedgen.

I still can't believe I have to learn Greek! Take a look at some...

Greek Church Website

Scary! but also very fun! There are so many good websites to learn from. At the moment I'm using this one, along with others.

Greek! Seriously.. that's all I keep saying in my head...

Oh! and take a look at Romans 1:16 I always liked this scripture,
but now even more than before.

Got my call!

2005-09-26T23:51:00.000Z

Greece Athens 2005 166
Originally uploaded by ourlife.be.

I'm going to Greece! I can't believe it!

I need to learn Greek. Madness!

Wow! I can't wait!

Still waiting

2005-09-21T20:05:00.000Z

Waiting Girl
Originally uploaded by Smaragd.

...so it didn't come today.. oh well! maybe tomorrow! I'm so excited, I just can't hide it! :D

Mission Call

2005-09-20T22:56:00.000Z

I am sooooo excited!!!! Bishop called today to let me know that Stake President had my mission call.. he knows where and when I will be going. So, Bishop gave me his number to find out too.. but I just got his answer phone. Then.. he called back! But said that he couldn't tell me, I had to wait to get my call myself... so now I'm waiting. Very excitedly waiting :D

Lorny Time

2005-09-19T21:50:00.000Z

Lorny Time
Originally uploaded by Hedgen.

Had a bit of Lorny Time recently. It was really great! It was quite a different holiday for us. Much more relaxed, lots of quiet time, reflecting, enjoying, being amazed by the world around us. It was a needed break.. I'd recommend it.

Stars

2005-09-13T06:13:00.000Z

It is amazing to think about how much we understand about the stars, and yet there is so much more we don't.

Stars are amazing! Our world is amazing!

Oh Lord my God when I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed
How Great thou Art!

Time

2005-09-12T22:55:00.000Z

It is a strange thing, time. At work an hour can go past so slowly, waiting for the time to leave. At other times it can go so quick, when you have too much to do. Spending time with friends can go by without even noticing quick or slow, just enjoying each moment.

I should spend my time more wisely.

What a fantastic weekend!

2005-09-10T23:35:00.000Z

London Temple
Originally uploaded by Hedgen.

I have had a really busy, but amazingly brilliant weekend. I love the Temple! and I love to talk with friends about the Gospel, who are as excited about it as I am. To round off the day, Tom got baptised! It was just lovely to be there with him. He is such a great guy.

My birthday!

2005-09-08T12:48:00.000Z

Today has been great! There are so many good people in my life right now. I am so thankful for each and every one. I really wasn't expecting too much from my birthday this year.. I hadn't really planned anything, or thought about it too much. I think that made a real difference every small thing just made me feel good. I've loved it!

I also managed to tell work today about my leaving to serve a full-time mission. I had been worrying about what to say, but it went really well, and everyone was really happy for me.

What a great day! Thank you everyone!

Mi Amiga Lorna

2005-09-06T23:41:00.000Z

IMG_1237.JPG
Originally uploaded by Munzerr.

Tengo una amiga que se llama Lorna. Lorna vive en Montacute lejos de Bristol. Yo vivo en Bristol.

Ayer, conseguimos ir y visitar con Lorna. ¡Fantástico!

If you need some help

Today was a good day

2005-09-04T23:41:00.000Z

I had one of those lovely days today.. The sun was shining, the lessons at church made me think, I felt of the Spirit.. and then I got to spend time with friends. It had been a while since I'd seen Nathan, so it was nice to see him again. Ceriss cooked a wonderful roast, and Tom asked me to talk at his baptism. It was just a wonderful day!

In our testimony meeting today I was struck more than ever of the importance of actually sharing a testimony. There were some, as there always are which were lectures or stories, and during those times, even if I did learn a little, I didn't feel of the Spirit as strongly as when someone simply spoke of their beliefs in Christ and His teachings. I love feeling the Spirit so strongly that my heart pounds.. and that happened today! I think it was my heart which really made me feel the difference in peoples testimonies. It was amazing!

Collection of quotes...

2005-09-03T14:46:00.000Z

I'm trying to sort out my room today. I need to decide what to keep, what to give or throw away. I always quite enjoy finding things in my room that I had forgotten about. I've found some scribblings of quotes from books that I have read, or talks I have heard, and thought I would include them in a blog.

Temple and Cosmos - Hugh Nibley

"Without light, matter is inert and helpless."

"matter is to be acted upon. You can't blame it for making you sin, ... matter is inert. We make the matter act; it doesn't make us act."

"without the ordinances, one has no way of controlling matter, for such control begins with the control of one's self."

"Glory is shared intelligence."

"It is better to be ignorant and interested than ignorant and not interested, and there's no 3rd alternative here. We're ignorant in any case, so you might as well be ignorant and interested in these things."

"There is nothing superfluous anywhere."

"When is something proven? When you believe it!"

"...remember it is an act of faith to believe our senses..."

Meek and Lowly - Neal A Maxwell

"...meekness is needed in order to be spiritually successful..."

"...serious disciples are urged not only to do good, but also not to grow weary of doing good."

"We are urged not only to speak the truth, but also to speak the truth in love." [Eph 4:15]

"Righteous sorrow and suffering carve cavities in the soul that will become later reservoirs of joy!"

"The capacity to lead is associated with the capacity to learn..."

"But long before our knees willingly bend, there must be genuine intellectual humity."

"Humbleness of mind is the initiater of expensiveness of mind."

"...the truth will be resented less when the messenger is meek..."

To Draw Closer to God - Henry B Eyring

"...hear the voice of God in words of the weak and the simple..."

"What the sunshine is to the field and to the flowers the Spirit is to the life of man."

"Your problem and mine is not to get God to speak to us... Our problem is to hear."

"Listen with the intent to obey, then obey."

"Rememberance is the seed of gratitude, which is the seed of generousity."

"...the Holy Ghost will come, not because of one great moment, but because of many little moments of submission."

"His faith reassured him that someday, when God told him how it was all done, he would see all truth as perfectly logical, transparently reasonable. In the meantime he was enjoying discovering what he could with the logic he could muster."

"We may be tempted to be too indirect in our bearing of testimony. You do not have to speak loudly or long. But you must be clear."

"...the effect of sincere prayer and of careful scripture study is to always feel an urging to do things... Real spiritual sight comes to the heart softened by obedience."

Spiritual Roots - Stephen R Covey

"True knowledge is a state of being."

"Continually choose highest good over lesser good and evil."

"...admission of our ignorance is often the first step in our education."

"Listening involves patience, openess and the desire to understand."

"Mind versus mattress!"

"He didn't just say this is the truth. He said, 'I am the truth'."

"Spirituality... a consciousness of victory over self."

"...become a light to people, and not their judges."

"...trust is the highest form of human motivation."

"True communication is a two way process... It is not the importance of the subject so much as the depth of interest that matters... meanings are not found in words... (but) people."

"The highest principle in the Gospel is love of God and people, not love of the principles."

Minds, Brains and Science - John Searle

"...perception is a function of expectation."

How to be totally miserable - John Bytheway

"People eventually become what they think about..."

"Happy people know that activity and depression are opposites."

"The righteous rejoice while the miserable murmer."

"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions"

[Oliver Wendall Holmes]

"Happy people love to learn."

"FEAR - False Expectations Appearing Real"

"He who waits for roast duck to fly into mouth must wait very long time."

"It's hard to keep frowning when you know someone else is smiling because of you."

Zen and the Art of Motorcylce Maintenance - Pirzig

"personality... intuitive sum total of everything you know and feel about it."

"...condemnation of technology is ingratitiude..."

"Familiarity can blind you too."

"Did Einstein really mean to state that truth was a function of time?"

"How amazing it is that everything in the universe can be described by the 26 written characters..." [Or infact by only 2 states, computers use binary.]

"Mental reflection os so much more interesting than TV it's a shame more people don't switch over to it. They probably think what they hear is unimportant but it never is."

"If you got to ask what is it all the time, you'll never get time to know."

"Stuckness shouldn't be avoided. It's the psychic predecessor of all real understanding."

"Enthousiasmos -> enthuasiasm -> 'filled with thoeos', God or Quality"

"It's amazing the number of mistakes a little light can prevent."

An Inventor in the Garden of Eden - Eric Laithwaite

"...although no-one believes a scientific hypothesis except its author, everyone believes an experiment except those who performed it."

"...wisdom, in fact, dwells in the Arts..."

"...we shall never understand why masses are attracted to each other. Calling it 'gravity' only names it. Likewise we shall never understand electromagnetism, not even electric current, in the sense we understand why actions are taken as the result of of jealousy, compassion, greed or almost any of the so-called abstract things."

"For what shall it profit humans, if they know the Origin of the Universe but lose their ability to use it?"

"If a man and an earwig both fall over a cliff, the man falls to his death, the earwig floats down unharmed. But if instead both are soaked with water, the man will suffer little ill effect but the earwig will most certainly drown."

"The force of analogy is this, that it refers what is doubtful to something like it which is not in question."

"Nothing is impossible, but the probability of their happening lies between a googol and a googolplex."

Mathematics - The Science of Patterns - Keith Devlin

"Mathematical symbols are no more mathematics that musical notation is music."

"Three points either lie on a straight line or lie in a circle."

I think I got a little carried away.. and I didn't even type them all out.. there is so much interesting stuff out there to read! WOW!

Salsa!

2005-09-03T02:10:00.000Z

Fantastic! Great! Loadsa fun!

Learn Salsa online

Dancing is one of the best things ever! I will really miss dancing while on my mission... I still can't decide on my favourite style. Salsa is great though.. but Jive can be done to such a wide variety of music. Jive throws are fun! I just love to dance!