When and Where to Marry

In Australia civil marriages are overtaking marriages held in a church. There were 25718 marriages in the last year conducted by marriage celebrants and 14966 religious ceremonies. I did wonder whether this allowed for ceremonies that were conducted by an ordained minister or pastor but were not held in a church but held on a beach or in garden or some other place. Some ministers or pastors will not marry couples outside a church. Others do not have a problem with it. In my opinion how is God’s creation any less a suitable place to be married than a building … Continue reading

New to Food Blog but Years in the Kitchen

I’ve been cooking since I was around seven or eight years old and let me tell you that’s too many years ago to want to count them. I had a mother who encouraged me in the kitchen. Back then I cooked mostly cakes and sweet things but by my early teens, I regularly cooked meals for the family. So I guess by now I ought to have found out a bit about food to pass on. I will be writing 6 food blogs per month. For those who don’t know me, I might be new to the food blog but … Continue reading

Planning a Wedding – Things to Consider

Reading the forums recently it seems some people are planning weddings and looking for ideas. Here are some things to think about. These are not from our wedding – that was way too long ago. But from our daughter’s wedding and other recent weddings. 1. Guests The number of guests and how to accommodate them all is often an issue. What follows is a good solution. When our daughter was married they had a garden wedding. The garden did have a marquee available if it was needed, but it was a brilliantly sunny day. I’m sure a lot of prayer … Continue reading

A Wedding Gift toTreasure

Is there a wedding coming up in your family? What about a unique wedding gift? In the marriage blog I wrote about a unique recipe book. This is adapted from that idea. What about giving the happy couple a book of the family’s favorite verses and those of family members? Each page could include a favorite bible verse or two as well as a few lines about why that verse is special to you. You might include an example of a situation or story of where that verse was a help to you in your life or a drawing, a … Continue reading

A Unique and Memorable Wedding Gift

Some people come up with great ideas for weddings. This is one of them, which was planned and put together at least six months before the wedding by the mother of the bride. As soon as she knew the wedding date, the mother of the bride contacted all members of the family and asked them for their favorite recipe. The plan was each person would have an A4 page on which they were encouraged to print their favorite recipe, whether it was for main meal, dessert, cakes etc. After each person had printed out the recipe they were asked to … Continue reading

Predetermining Choices

Are you trying to predetermine your child’s choices and interests? That’s something I see happening in families. It’s something I’ve had happened in my life. When I was going into high school I had a choice. I could either take geography or history. My mother convinced me to take geography because she hated history. I did and have regretted it ever since. That’s one case but it happens all the time. Then there’s the young girl who was forced to learn ballet and play the piano when she had no interest or aptitude for either. Friends of ours were adamant … Continue reading

Not Your Average Honeymoon

How’s this for a different idea of a honeymoon? This couple chose to forgo the traditional honeymoon idea of a trip to some lovely beach resort or exotic place. Instead they have gone to Kabul. No, that is not a misprint. They are honeymooning in the war-torn Afghan capital. It’s certainly a far cry from the traditional romantic honeymoon idea. Of course, this is not your average younger couple – all starry eyed either. The newlyweds, Maggie Heartsch and Jean-Paul Bell are middle aged. She is a nurse while he is a clown-doctor. Don’t know what a clown doctor is? … Continue reading

Starting a Motor

I don’t really remember when I was really young. My parents often ask me about this or that family vacation and I truly have a hard time remembering. Sometimes they show me pictures which help my memory a little bit but I am largely unable to mentally recall much of my time when I was young. Part of my problem is reflection. I don’t really take the time to remember my past because my present is so busy. It is hard to commit time to remembering games in the backyard with my brothers when I’m concentrating on managing a 400+ … Continue reading

Picking The Perfect Valentine’s Day Movie

Valentine’s Day is almost here. In previous blogs I’ve given you unique gift ideas, affordable gift ideas, over-the-top gift ideas, and simple gift ideas—so basically you have no excuse not to be prepared tomorrow. For those of you who rather not shower your sweetheart with presents, but rather give him or her the gift of your presence, this blog may come in handy. There is nothing wrong about spending Valentine’s at home. A quiet romantic dinner for two is nothing to complain about (nor is a rousing dinner with five kids over a heart-shaped pepperoni pizza). Whether you will be … Continue reading