Devestated!

I've just discovered that my favourite magazine (where I've kept every issue since I first subscribed a couple years ago - my first ever subscription, it was that good!), Notebook: Magazine is no longer in publication! I'm so sad as I always looked forward to receiving my copy in the mail each month. It was a really good quality magazine with heaps of helpful information (and no celebrity gossip etc), which I would read from cover to cover. Apparently because of the quality, the cost was getting too high. *Sigh* It was a beautiful relationship while it lasted!

Looks like I might be starting a Better Homes and Garden subscription after all - I'd toyed with the idea this time last year, but thought that one subscription would be enough!

Vaughn Graduates

Another key event in Vaughn's downhill run to Ordination - his graduation! Yesterday he received his Bachelor of Theology & Bachelor of Ministry as well as a vocational certificate in School of Pastoral Theology. A significant day, but low key for us as we prepare for next weekend!

receiving his double degree


receiving his vocational certificate


receiving a gift from "Lutheran Men"

Stoles

Vaughn's stoles were consecrated and presented to him today at St Paul's Glenelg by Pastor Rob Sellars and the ladies who designed and created them for Vaughn. The stoles are so beautiful and ladies so very talented. We are both very happy with them and excited to bring them home today!

The Remainder of 2010

So what does the rest of the year look like for us? Here's an overview:

Vaughn finishes studying at ALC next week (!) and graduates that weekend (27th Nov). The following weekend he is then ordained... what a build up of 6 years (4 at ALC)!

On the 10th Dec, after having our household items packed and taken earlier that week, we fly to Melbourne, where we will be based until our big move.

I can't wait to fly to the States on 22nd Dec, where we will celebrate Christmas with my mum's family. It's only a short visit of 2 weeks, but it will be so wonderful!

On our return to Australia on 7th Jan, we'll stay in Melbourne, with a few trips here and there, until we finally fly up to Cairns on 24th Jan. Our stuff arrives on 25th and I'll then be busy unpacking... how exciting!

I hope to blog again before much of the above takes place, but that brings you up to speed, once again!

A New Home Next Year

We finally found out where we are being placed next year: Cairns, in Far North Queensland! It's going to be quite a different lifestyle from what we've ever lived before, but we are really looking forward to the adventure that lies ahead! For more information on the Parish, click here.

And here's where we'll/I'll be setting up home from 25th January!



Yep, your eyes don't deceive you... we have a pool in the backyard, which is almost a prerequisite for any house in Cairns. Due to the tropical climate (& therefore humidity), the pool is going to be a lifesaver during those unbearable days.

Visits

My parents came for Amy's big birthday bash and loved catching up with their granddaughter:

Mum & Dad Visit Aug 10

And during Vaughn's mid trimester break, we visited family and friends in VIC. We didn't get many photos, but I did get these ones of Amy loving the water feature and pot in Nanny & Pa's backyard! She kept splashing about and dipping her head in the water! Needless to say, she was saturated afterwards!

Melb Sep-Oct 10

Amy's Birthday

Yes, our gorgeous little girl turned 1 in August and we had lots of fun celebrating!

First up was our combined "Mother's Group" party:

Amy's First 1st birthday party - Mother's Group

Then came Amy's actual birthday:

Amy's 1st B'day - Actual

And finally, the big shindig - her "birthday party'!

Amy's 1st B'day - Party

So much fun had by all!

Question?

I've been very naughty and haven't updated my blog in quite some time. So my question is: should I do separate posts for each 'topic' to update you on, or just one big blog with lots of topics?! Hmm... this will be a rhetorical question (as much as I'd love your feedback), because by the time anyone will have read this post and responded, I will have already decided and done one or the other (I need to seize the opportunity now and update my blog and not wait... or else you could be waiting a long time again!). (Still feel free to give your opinion, I just won't be able to take it into account!!)

xxx