Christmas 06

It's a bit late to write lots but has been a good Christmas (not relaxing but fun). Spent time in Bristol on Christmas before heading to Wellington on Boxing Day to see rest of North clan. Rest of the week was catching up with friends. 2007 is just round the corner. Happy New Year to you all!

Elf Yourself

Stumbled across this website today and gave me a chuckle as I added a few faces and emailed a few friends. Enjoy!

www.elfyourself.com

While shepherds watch...

Here is our little shepherd with his shaker that he made. Dan sang the Calypso Carol with all his friends at church, yesterday, just before the puppet show performance which he loved! It was great seeing him involved and reminded dad of his 'teatowel-on-the-head' days! (Although, there are rumours of dad's other Christmas acting parts... :))) - u can try and guess the part that helayed - the video had better not ever appear from his teenage years)

Guitar playing

Found a few interesting sites for budding guitarists!

Australian scientists have created a T-shirt that allows air guitarists to play real music - without resorting to a real guitar.The T-shirt has motion sensors built into its elbows that pick up movements and relay them wirelessly to a computer which interprets them as guitar riffs.
See http://www.aboutlife.com/node/11611 for more details.

and also no more guitar practice needed, check out www.e-zchord.com

Flies with no legs

Sarah's inspired thought at breakfast table this morning - 'what is the difference between a raisin, sultana and currant?' In my infinite wisdom, I delved deep in to the vaults of my brain....
and then typed in the question into google. And here we go....

1. A raisin is a dried grape.
2. A currant is a dried zante currant, which is a type of seedless grape.
3. A sultana is a dried green grape and it’s bigger than a currant but smaller than a raisin. thus the dried fruit hierarchy goes: raisin, sultana, currant.

Aren't you glad visit the North's blog today?

Stare!

I got this sent on email today and haven't seen it for years. If you stare at this picture long enough you should be able to see a giraffe. This is weird. Give it a try.

Fireworks...

Dan was desparate to see a bonfire and fireworks this year, so in the end, we went up to a free fireworks display in Bradley Stoke (geeky dad found out about it on the web). We went with some of Daniel's friends (Matt and Tom) and had a lovely time watching them and then talking about all the colours on the way home. (Photos taken on mobile phone)

Last weekend

Was another busy weekend! Sarah went down on the train to Salisbury to visit her friend Emma for a catchup day and had a great time. I had Daniel and Hannah for daddyday and we did all exciting stuff like visiting the bottle bank and a few other errands and then had fun when our friends, the Wallers, who popped round in the late afternoon. Then the real fun began because bathtime arrived and Isaac stayed for bathtime tooooo!! And lovely Lydia bathed Hannah again. Was crazy especially as I needed to get over to the BISC Reception evening but we loved it! Here's a photo of the four friends lieing on our bed! Can you see trouble ahead with these mischiefs and tricksters?

where the world meets...

Been another crazy weekend and will write more later when brain is working but here's a glimpse of the BISC International Reception that I was involved in on Saturday night. Great fun! (Thanks Sarah R for video and Hannah S for photos - grand job)

The problem of poo

A contact lense company and one of the world's largest car manufacturers have combined forces to make and distribute some magic chemicals that composts cow poo quickly and stops bad gases.
Check out more details here. (Really interesting website anyway)

A Taste of the UK

Last night, was a very cool night with a large event that Stew was involved in helping organised called 'A Taste of the UK'. It was run by our Globe Cafe team at Ebe and had around 110 international students turn up to enjoy the delicious meal of Bangers and Mash and also Apple Pie and custard. Also, we had UK food quizes, video clips of the UK history (including Lizzie, Charles, Di) and our friends in band called Transition entertaining again. Was a good night. Had some interesting experience with a guy who walked of the street for a chat too...long story!
Sorry photos are pretty poor - person's camera used turned out to be broke.
Home life is usually busyness. Hannah has a tooth broken through so waiting for the toothy grin. Bit of an early start today with both of them. Bless!

Dedication photos

Nearly forgot to post these photos from Dedication service and meal. Not great quality but there you go! All very snotty in this house at the mo. Hannah is very grizzley because of cold and teething - we can feel her first tooth but taking ages to break through!! Come on! We will soon have the toothy grin :)
Busy week here again. Stew involved in helping run international student event on Friday night which already has loads signed up to come. Way more than expected. See Globe Cafe website for details.

Dedication is what you need....

Was just reminded of the theme tune to tv programme 'Record Breakers' from my childhood days, as I thought what to write in this post.
Saturday was a mad day, getting stuff together for today - slightly late night but heh. Today was Hannah's dedication at church and had some family and friends travel to come to the service and lunch afterwards. Great to be able thank God in public for the gift of Hannah Grace and dedicate her life to God. As parents, Sarah and I want to teach Hannah and Daniel God's ways and values and pray they will make the choice to follow Jesus for themselves. I guess for us, as a family, one of our values is to worship God in all circumstances even when stuff gets thrown at us in life. That is a choice (and sometimes not easy at all) and we want to teach Hannah and Daniel that. We also pray they will be children then young people and then adults who are 'a man/woman after God's own heart'. Btw, you should have heard Daniel singing the whole of Indescribable at the top of his lungs this morning in the service.
Will post some photos soon when I get around to downloading and sorting them out. Put need to put a recent photo on this blogpost.

Delirious in the West Country

On Friday night, I went down to Exeter to see Delirious play down at Exeter Uni. It was a long, traffic-jammed journey and instead of some unhealthy junk food before the gig, I had to buy a sandwich with SALAD! (Containing my 5 portions of veg for the day/week). Anyway, Tim Hughes was supporting and was great just to spend time out of church-situ to worship God. Anyway, Delirious were quite amazing - probably the best of have ever seen them. Visuals were amazing! Dont want to give the game away too much because I know others who are seeing them this week at Newport! :) You are in for a treat! was great to get out for a night, especially in this really intense couple of months.

Welcome back to blogging world

Well, as usual i have not managed to keep our own home blogsite up to date. I can keep all the other websites I do up to date but fail miserably here. Its a shame because have some great photos to share. Below are few up to date ones of Dan and Hannah.
Life has been very crazy over the last few months, with family life keeping us on our toes, plenty of teething but no teeth yet, dan started playgroup and loving it, etc. Church is very busy with a move to a new sunday morning venue, after outgrowing the previous one. Lots of new people around to connect with and get to know.
During the summer, which seems like light years away, we had a lovely week holiday in July down in Exmouth and then a week of daytrips in August which was great fun too. Daniel and Hannah are great source of entertainment and laughter as well as very tiring. Although, Daniel is actually learning to sleep at night a bit better after 3.25 years of never sleeping past 7am and usually nearer to 6am or before. Must be playgroup tiring him out.
I would like to say that I will keep this blog up to date but i have said that before and don't want to break any promises.

The Alpha Course

just started a new Alpha Course at Ebe, thought you would like to see this...

First pictures of England football team returning home!

this email made me laff!

Dan's Birthday

It's been a crazy 48 hours and Dan is wrecked but had a wonderful birthday! Here are two photos, one from his party on Sunday with bouncy castle and one with his older friends today! Both were a lot of fun. We are recovering and was lovely to see Dan so happy. Will attempt a few video clips in a few days.

Eve of Birthday Party!

Its been a very busy few weeks with church and family life. Lots happening and this weekend has been crazy with Daniel's 3rd Birthday party tomorow with a bouncy castle and then his birthday on Monday with birthday tea with more lovely friends. Will post some photos. Better carry on with the preparations. Here is 2 recent photos that we like.

Its another early start....is it lunchtime yet?

Life always seems to be busy in this house. Shame the days start so early with little boy who is an early riser and makes sure that we all know. Watching Barney here now to try and chill out. Apart from the early wakeups, things are going well. Busy few weeks coming up with church. Also enjoyed visits to see grandparents and greatgrandparents over the last few weeks.

England Supporter!

Liverpool are FA Cup Champions. Dan and Stew were very excited (well, Stew was and Dan just got excited because daddy was and hyped him up - as usual). Here's a photo of Dan with his favourite pjs on. We are getting ready for the first England match on Saturday 10th June. Btw, he has had a serious haircut since this photo was taken earlier this week!! It was getting a bit wild on top of his head.
Btw, have you seen this classic news interview from BBC News 24, from last week. Check out the video clip too.

The Potty has arrived....

At long last, Daniel has made it to potty training this week. After a lot of accidents on Day 1, he has done fantastically and now either goes by himself or tells that he wants to go or even holds on!! Some amusing stories but perhaps not for public sharing.
Anyway off to Birmingham for the weekend to stay with Sarah's parents and introduce Hannah to relatives (inc Great-Grandpa and Great-Nana). Also, looking forward to Liverpool thrashing West Ham in the Cup Final!! :)

Brother and Little sister

Dan is enjoying being big brother. Even this afternoon, he was almost dragging in his friend to see his little sister. Lots of kisses for Hannah from her big brother, and lots of smiles back! Great to watch!

Thomas the Tank Engine

Sorry for the delay in posting, it's a been a very busy time at home and church, but guess that is poor excuse really. Anyway, Bank Holiday weekend was a large community action weekend called 'The Noise' which Stew was involved in the organisational team. All went well, with a few 'What is going on?' moments. Photos and video clips here.
Then last weekend, we went to see Thomas the Tank Engine at Avon Valley Railway. We went our friends, the Ghali family (with son called Daniel who is same age as Daniel and Anna who is few weeks older than Hannah). The girls enjoyed feeding and sleeping. Boys enjoyed the steam engine ride and the bus journey too. Great fun! See photos below -


Hannah chilling out in dad's arms after a feed.

Big Brother!!

Daniel is getting into the role as Big Brother and enjoying making cups of tea for Hannah and showing her lots of things (despite the fact she is asleep). It's very funny to watch! Daniel is also enjoying his friends come round to meet his little sister, as you can see from the photo with Isaac and Lydia. (But what mischief are Isaac and Daniel planning!!)

Sleep Glorious Sleep! :)

Still here! All going ok really. Sleep different every night - one good night then one not so good. Still early days. Just resting when we can. Here is a sleep photo and photo below was from Saturday in hospital.

More photos from earlier

Thought I would post a few more photos from the first and second day, after seeking approval :)

Full head of hair!!

Hannah has a full head of black fine hair as you can see, completely different from Dan who was bald. :) She is doing well and fairly settled at the mo altho mummy is very tired with lack of sleep in hospital!! Soon be home!! Hurray! Dan and daddy are recovering from man-flu :))
Grandparents visited yesterday and were very excited.

Great News

We are really pleased to announce the safe arrival Hannah Grace North who was born at 4.24pm today (Thursday 16th March) and weighed in at 7lb 12.5oz. Sarah and Hannah are both doing well. We thank God for his goodness and faithfulness in His gift of Hannah. Big Brother Daniel is looking forward to meeting his little sister and will come in to hospital tomorrow. Thanks for your support.

Click here for short video clip of Hannah, 2 hours old.

I like climbing on daddy's back....

Dan and daddy are still enjoying special time together although helps when it doesnt start at 5am, like today! Dan is looking forward to becoming 'Big Brother' and loves his new bedroom. Keep your eyes on this website over the next few weeks. :)

Off to Center Parcs.....

We are looking forward to five days at Center Parcs at Longleat, from Monday with our friends, Waller and Powell families. 6 adults and 56 children (i mean 7 children)... should be great fun with lots of sport, chillin and the mobile phones dont really work and no email :)