Lately...

By PaisleyJade - Thursday, November 09, 2017

It's been a while since I've posted a 'lately' or 'loving' post. It's actually been the most intense few months filled with so much sorrow, stress but also adventure and joy. As I mentioned here, we suddenly lost Symon's dad just over 2 weeks ago. It has been a difficult time, but the gathering of family, sharing of good memories and the firm knowledge that after this short life we will see Dad Drake again is a solid comfort in the middle of the darkness.

So here's a wrap up of all the happenings over the last month...

Symon had another knee operation. Thankfully this one was just a minor one (compared to last time) and recovery was a lot less intense.

Our son Mykah turned 16 in late October! He planned a pretty laid back birthday, knowing he was having 2 trips to Auckland over the few days following it (one was for his Chinese language group at school to collect an award they won (first place!) for a Chinese film competition they entered). Love you Mykah!

We've had some big first time moments recently, like our oldest son Jasher voting for the first time this year in our general elections, and Mykah getting his learners drivers licence!

Our church recently had a major auditorium revamp which looks amazing! I had the privilege of beating Symon to the new stage to speak (thanks to his knee surgery). I spoke on the Identity (podcast here).

As a family we went to Armageddon in Auckland this year! Jasher (our oldest) went down early with friends (dressed as Ken Masters off Street Fighter), then joined us again for our day trip at the end of the weekend. The kids loved it!

Then there was the loss of Symon's Dad which really has shaken the family. It's an honour to be a part of such a precious family.

The formal lounge renovations are nearly finished, with a slight pause due to all that's been happening lately. I can't wait to show you all the room, but just have to finish a couple of projects before I can. I'm hoping we can finish it before the end of this month before I start to go crazy with Christmas decor!

One of our lounge additions is a letterboard. I'm loving finding quotes for this each week. Follow my recent ones here on Instagram.

Symon decided he was getting sick of his beard and shaved most of it off a few days ago. The family aren't too phased by it being gone, but we've been met with quite a few shocked reactions and even a guy who knows him being hesitant if it is really him and checking by looking at his shoes! I think he looks a lot younger... like he's my third son...