Birthday Celebrations & Finding a Caravan

Birthday Celebrations tonight. I think having a birthday cake made my Husband's day. It really didn't feel like his Birthday - He had to go back to work and it was the kids first day today. But we celebrated in style tonight.
Tonight they are enjoying playing a game of this.
We purchased Steve's Birthday present on our last day of our holidays, we managed to buy our Caravan. So many expensives this Christmas, we decided that rather than spent extra money on presents this year, our birthdays, Mother's and Father's Day presents etc would all revolve around preparing us for our holiday. All being well we head off to Brissie tomorrow to bring it home.This is to be our home for a few months when we hit the road later this year on our big adventure. Getting excited now - buying the caravan makes it a reality. Mind you it is working out to be quite an expensive exercise. One of the other girls I work with has also just bought a caravan and they are planning on taking off on a big trip this year too so we have had fun comparing notes and ideas.

I also picked up another bargain whilst I was on holidays. I have been looking for a new bedspread for a little while now. Whilst shopping with Sarah we found this one on display at "Snooze". They had a 20% sale on so I decided to buy it. Sarah thought we should get it a little cheaper since it was displayed on a bed. I really didn't think there was much chance of that happening, but she decided to ask. Imagine my surprise when they decided to give us a 40% discount. I literally bounced out of the shop with a huge smile on my face. I also learnt a valuable lesson - it never hurts to ask.
I also managed to pick up these gorgeous cushions to compliment my new doona. Just love it.

We have had a lovely week since arriving home. We have had house guests since we arrived home and are enjoying having them with us. Our good friends the Vanderduys are home from PNG on furlough for six months. The have four of the most wonderful children. You can tell we are very biased. They are our adopted Grandchildren. They plan to move into their own home in the next week - we will miss them but plan on spending plenty of time with them and having the kids over for sleepovers.How could you not loved these gorgeous pair. Saturday evening we packed a picnic tea (sausauge sizzle) and headed to this amazing park for the kids to have a play. THEY LOVED IT. then we had dinner there before heading to Macca's for ice-creams before comin home. Places like Macca's are a bit of a novelty for these guys. You just find take away shops in the highlands of PNG.
Whilst we were home enjoying the company of these guys, Chloe went on a road trip with her friend Fiona. Chloe got the Monday off work, so the girls headed out to Emerald for a long weekend. They stayed with my good friend Karen and her family and they spoilt the girls rotten. They fitted so much into their four days - it was amazing. Here are the photos to prove it.
Mud fights in the River.
A Picnic and photoshoot at Fairburn Dam.
Breathtaking scenery at the Dam.
Looking for gems at the Gem Fields.A bit of sking and wakeboarding on the dam. Action packed four days is all I can say.

I have been busy making some tags for the Scrap of Faith, hope tins. Hope to have them posted this week Gail. I will leave the photos for another day though.

Once again I have so many things to be thankful for this week.

1. Answered Prayer.
2. Provision of a Caravan at a really good price.
3. Increase in wages this year - help cover costs
4. Working with great teachers who are not afraid to show their appreciation.
5. Shopping trips and bargains.
6. The Rockhampton Grammar School
7. Promptings of the Holy Spirit
8. Being loved by our adopted Grandchildren.
9 Sales
10. Cuppas and quality time with friends.

Well it is late and I can hardly keep my eyes open- got to hit the sack as we have a late night ahead of us tomorrow night.