I've Moved

...blogs not location!

I started a new blog a little while ago, and have been meaning to let you all know so you can follow me over there.. then I started writing and the vibe of my blog was quite different to this one. For the most part, I don't tend to talk much about faith (in great detail I mean), it turns out the new blog was a good place for me to be more open about my beliefs and feelings etc. So just a little warning before you move over there and think WHO IS THIS PERSON?! 

I've always been this person (just ask Lisa :P), it's just that I've not always felt totally comfortable to write about it.

So I hope you follow me over and enjoy the new blog!

www.traceyrankin.blogspot.com  See you there!

P.S Any goodbye to this faithful blog, it's been my home for what feels like forever (a lovely comfortable home), but time to move on.... bring on the new!

My sons

I missed my little ones... so this afternoon I took them to the park for some quality time playing.

Just to prove it's not all smooth sailing! ... Fighting over who is going to steer the boat.

All Shall Be Well

Julian of Norwich (born 8 November 1342 – died ca. 1416)  

"Ah, good Lord, how could all things be well, because of the great harm which has come through sin to your creatures?"

"And so our good Lord answered all the questions and doubts which I could raise,
saying most comfortingly:
I make all things well,
and I can make all things well,
and I shall make all things well,
and I will make all things well;
and you will see for yourself
that every kind of thing will be well....
And in these words God wishes us to be enclosed in rest and peace."

The Weekend

Some weekends are just perfect. Mix some stunning sunny weather, with a prayer retreat in New Norcia... it just doesn't get any better than that! (poor Lewy on the other hand may have had a slightly different weekend looking after the boys by himself!)

I headed to NN on Friday, and didn't take my camera. That's right, I DID NOT take my camera. On purpose..... I know. Long story short, this weekend was about God.. not getting the right exposure, angle, set up on my camera for the perfect photo. If I had my camera, I know myself too well - I would have spent majority of the time looking at NN through the lens. It was a hard call, but I'm so glad I left the camera behind to concentrate on the reason I was there.

I did however take a few quick snaps with the phone camera.

The prayer retreat was run by Father Anthony, one of the monks at NN and involved 4 sessions where we sat in a comfortable lounge room, seats in a circle, holding cups of tea and coffee, and listening to the lessons. When we weren't in the lessons, we had the option of attending the prayer sessions with the monks. Did you know that 7 times a day, they have set times for prayer together in the chapel? Not just any prayer, but that beautiful chanting prayer. It is so special and I really love going along to the chapel to listen. (Not at the 5.15am prayer though... eek!)

The weekend was a perfect mixture of time alone, time in the lessons and prayers, and time with others. I loved walking around the town, enjoying the fresh air.

Stunning views with the canola fields.

I sat in the Abbey Church by myself for a little while, so peaceful.

One of the sessions involved a Question/Answer session with one of the monks. In which you could ask anything you wanted. It went for 1 hour and was absolutely fascinating and inspirational.

I spent time alone in my room in the evening, sipping cups of tea and writing.

I met some lovely people and enjoyed amazing, spiritual conversations about Jesus and our journeys etc. To be able to sit and enjoy a meal with a glass of wine (made by the monks!) and openly talk about our faith and God... words can't explain.

Friday

I'll keep this short as I'm heading to New Norcia shortly to go to a Prayer Retreat. (excited!). I took today off as we were getting our new pool table delivered etc, so I made sure I enjoyed the sunshine and put my feet up a bit.

Remember my sponsor child, Jarren? I received an update today and was so touched when I read the note from his mother at the bottom of the form. Bought a little tear to my eye!!

So we've moved the old pool out and this is what the family room looks like now. Although it won't stay like this for too long, as our next refurb plan is to repaint and redecorate this room... so watch this space!

The new pool table... room still to be finished but getting there!

Have a great weekend all and soak up this beautiful sunshine!

Beach

Early morning trip to the beach before work? Freezing. But absolutely worth it!

Morning Glow

After reading the Instruction Manual last night for the new camera (so many buttons!), I decided to let the camera stretch its legs early this morning on the way to work.

I purposely left home early, so I could catch the sunrise.....and it was so worth it.

I was enjoying the moment so much, that my car automatically turned into Whiteman Park, so I could go to the look out and enjoy the very fresh and crisp morning air and the stunning view. 

The Laundry Room

Technically, this post should be named 'Fathers Day'.. because that's what today is.. but Lewy has spent majority of the time in the laundry room today, so it seemed an appropriate title :P

Another section of the house done and dusted.

Before...

After. So clean and fresh!

Another glorious day. After a special cooked breakfast for Lewy and giving him his Fathers Day pressie, we have enjoyed a day together as well as some productivity around the home.

Photos of Sam & Jacob... especially for Pam :)

This weekend has been so enjoyable. A much needed rest and refresher for the week ahead.

Now to start planning for our family room decorating. The final room left to do. I've had ideas running through my mind for ages now, and can't wait to get stuck into it.

Lewy has prepared a mouth watering Rogan Josh curry in the slow cooker for dinner tonight, a great to way to end a lovely day.

Happy Fathers Day to all Daddy's!