RIP Frederick Donald Davis

My FIL Fred Davis passed away today aged 86. He was taken to hospital yesterday morning at around 4am. When we saw him yesterday he was in a semi conscious state and breathing quite laboured. Today when DH rang the hospital they said they didn't expect him to last the day. He died from pnemonia. He is know sitting up on that bright star with his wife Betty. He is looking down on his family and telling us he is happy and looking after us all as usual.
My DH (Bill) is holding up well, but just more quiet than ever.
Even though they are old you sometimes expect that they will live on forever, but no We all have to go at some stage.
Not sure of the funeral date as yet.
He is notin pain now and breathing well at last.
Enjoy eternity Grandpa (this is what we all called him, I suppose it stuck from when we all had our kids and referred to him while they were around.)
Love all those that you have around you and never forget to tell the ones you love just that, that you love them. Thank your parents for what they have done for you and never leave words unspoken as it may be too late .
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

I've been a baaaaaad girl.......

Jodie informed me tonight that I had spelt Chelsie's name incorrect. I am not sure where but if I have I have to correct it You spell her name CHELSIE.....I am so sorry Jodie and Jeff and of course Chelsie. Am I forgiven?
I am also sorry that I haven't blogged lately.
What has been happening........
Days seem to come and go very quickly. I think it might be that I am getting old.
I am sick of being sick. I have had a cold for the past few weeks, ever since the opening of the new shop. Maybe I'm working too hard.
I am always tired. Maybe not getting enough sleep.
AM I happy? Yes, I have the best family out and I love you all so very very much.
What more can an OLD, HARD WORKING, TIRED lady want out of life.
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

What's been happening.????????

The last week has been rather hectic for me.
Saturday last week, we had a great day in the shop, when it slowed down at about 4.20pm I decided I would take a small break and play solitaire on the front computer. BAAAAAAD idea, I heard the back door of the shop open and close and I thought it was Jodie, but when Jodie didn't appear I got up to investigate. I saw a person wearing a black windcheater with a hood heading out the door. I immediately ran, but no one was there. I thought I was going crazy, until I came back in to the office and realized by handbag had gone, I rang the police and while I was waiting I then realized that my laptop had also gone. So handbag with money, d/licence, medicare card, bank cards visa cards and my working with children card had all gone with my bag. It wasn't the money but more the cards and all the running about applying for new ones, I was puzzeled as to what I had in my bag, as I knew it was rather heavy, and I thought but my purse and money wouldn't weigh that much. It wasn't until Sunday late morning that I remembered that my digital camera and my card were also in the bag. My card had all the photos of Melinda's wedding that I took. I know I have the professional ones but these were the personal ones of the reception. Bugger. Can't cry over spilt milk and too late to remember to lock the back door, and too late to not leave my handbag in clear view. I can only say well I'll have to start again. At least we were insured for the replacement of the laptop, the camera and by bag and purse but its just a pain. To know that you have been violated. As the police said I was lucky that I didn't happen to go down to the office while he was there. He could have had a knife or anything, so I suppose I am lucky. Maybe I should buy a tatts ticket.
Then everything going really well the past week with the shop and again on Saturday arfternoon at approx 4.30p.m I had to ring the police. This time we had a 13 yo girl dissappear from the shop. Finally after 20-30minutes of looking with her mother we found that she had walked home. I think last night I should have had a stiff brandy. My heart was racing quite fast with all the drama. I have decided that next Saturday I am going to be a lot more aware and nothing is going to happen.
That tatts ticket is really looking good. What do you think? It can only get better.
Well during the week Laura (customer of Arty Pants) had a baby boy, so congratulations to Laura and Dave and Kaytie on the safe arrival of Luke, your precious son and brother. Maybe a scrapbooker in the making.
Still waiting on news from Chrissy. She it due I think either today or tomorrow. Good luck Chrissy and Scott, can't wait to hear the good news.
Our first real full week of classes in Cranbourne. Started Sunday with Jodies 2in2, Andreas doodle it and transparency, Becs Staxs of cards and Jenny's beginner class, only one to wait on is The Kidz Klassz that begin next Saturday with Fathers day items. The other classes have just taken off and well recieved and so the kidz klassz have lots of bookingzzzzzzzz. Shae has done a sample for the Penz and the Canvaz klazzes still going to do the sample. If I haven't put in enough zzzzzzzzzz I just thought I would add some more because I think it is nearly time for me to go and relax and then go to zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy.

Time for another!!!!!!!!!!

No I am not going to rant and rave, its no use crying over spilt milk. Saturday I was sitting at the shop, and I heard the back door go. I thought it was Jodie coming in, as she said she might come in. No one came , so I got up and as I was walking up the back, I saw in the mirror in the class room a figure of a person wearing what I think was a black windcheater with a hood. I immediately ran. but when I got there there was no sign anywhere in the corridor, so I went back inside and found that my handbag was not there. Stupid me had forgotten to lock the back door. but then I realized that it was not just the handbag, but my laptop. I had only had it for about 4- 5 weeks. Rang the police and waited. Then I rmembered that I had cash in the h/bag as well. that was a bummer but cancelling all the cards and getting new ones and having to pay for them was what I am upset about. The police informed me that the computer would have been sold withing 1 hour of taking it, and it was a windfall for them, but not much I can do. After a restless night Saturday, I was thinking that my h/b was rather heavy, what did I have in it. Then Sunday Morning I remembered. MY Digital camera, and worst of all I had purchased for Melinda's wedding a bigger memory stick (1gb) and all the photos were still on the stick. I now do not have a camera OR THE PHOTOS. Thats is what makes it worse. I have the professional photos but the photos on the stick were from the reception. What a bummer.

I have spent all day on the phone cancelling all the cards and getting replacements but it sure doesn't help. I also have contacted the insurance they were supposed to email to me the claim form but so far nothing has turned up. Will ring again tmorrow. I have calculated approx $2500 - 3000.00 gone. in goods and cash. Well I suppose that is what insurance is for, thank god.

We have had a very busy few days at the shop and the classes are going wild. Jodie had a class yesterday and she had 13 booked in. All seemed to have a great time. Well done Jodie and thanks to Bec and Andrea for helping out.

Good luck to Andrea, Jenny and Bec who have classes booked for the next week.

Kids classes are slowly starting to fill up and Shae and I are doing the class samples on Friday night. Wish us luck.

Jodie has been very busy organising the monthly kits and I must say they are just scrumptious. Everyone who has purchased them has been raving.

Another thing that has been going wild is the mystery packs. we have people buying one then coming back for more.

On the home front: Mark is going great and his leg is slowly healing, Jodie has been busy with the shop and her two children being sick and now Jeff is sick, so she is snowed under with sickness. Glad she seems to be staying well. Melinda also has had a sick husband thankfully she is ok. Although Her, Jodie and Bill are a bit upset at collingwood being defeated by RICHMOND.

Bill well he had had my car resprayed. I do not drive around in an old taxi but a new blue car, a bit different to a mottley yellow car. I wonder if it will go faster......even though it is not red.

I am leaving you all here with the thought it is not what you have in material good but what you have got in your family protect them.

Keep smiling and healthy

l

Judy

I'mmmmmmmm soooooooooo sorrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyy

Yes IU really mean that, I am so sorry.
Since I last blogged a lot has happened.

1. The New shop Arty Pants, opened in Cranbourne on the 28th July 2007 Shops3/4/5 Bella Centre, 33-39 High St Cranbourne Vic Next to the NAB or for those who frequent the pubs, diagonal to Kellys pub in Cranbourne.
2. My Son Mark has had a new change in his life, and I am so proud of him. He is a New Man.
3. Mark also broke his ankle (but then we were told it wasn't broken, then told it was and then told no it wasn't who do you believe. Then after a Cat scan no breaks but he has badly damaged all the tendons and ligament in the ankle, so they are keeping it in plaster until the 6 week time is up and then see shat they are going to do.
4. We closed the shop in Hampton Park on the 20th July, ( On the 22nd it would have been 12 months since we opened a retail store.
5. So many wonderful people came out of the woodwork and helped us pack up and un pack the shop. Thank you everyone you know who you are.
6. I have had to go a see a cardiologist. (maybe open heart surgery I was told ,I think I was told this just to scare the absolute s**t out of me) Well it worked. I have been told now that they are trying fluid tablets to see if they can get rid of excess fluid to make my heart beat stronger and not harder. It seems that the muscle around the heart has thickened and was not allowing the heart to relax, which in turn made the muscle become rigid which in turn made it worse. so I have been told. Well not one any more but two fluid tablets in the morning definatly make me we we we weeeeeee all the way where ever I go. And then they decided to change my blood pressure medication. I go back a see him again in 3 weeks. I wonder what else they will come up with. Well at least I am losing weight ( must have been holding a lot of fluid because I have droped quite a lot.
7. On top of all this, I get the most horrible cold.....Cassie had this the weekend the shop opened, whe wasn't the well little chickadee at all, all she did was sleep. Then when Cassie was on Antibiotics and was getting better, Chelsie got sick, all she has wanted is her Mum then surprise surprise Last Wednesday guess who started to get sick You guessed it....Me! By Saturday I had lost my voice and then Sunday all I wanted to do was sleep, then I though I was starting to get better but it went to my chest and again I feel terrible. I understand how Cassie and Chelsie felt. Well today is Tuesday and I am still not any better. I have Thursday as a day off so if I am still sick,maybe I had better head for the Drs.
8. Melinda a Glenn have been sick with both of them having time off work
9. Now Mark is sick.

Who started all this sickness.

Apart from all this we are all fine and doing great.

Again I am sorry for not blogging earlier but..........

Keep smiling and healthy

L

Judy

bad bad blogger

Yes I know, I haven't posted for such a long time. Well I do have an excuse. Arty Pants is moving to bigger and better premises and I have been really busy trying to sort everything out.
I think everyone will be surprised to find out this news, but we feel that it is for the better. Jodie and I are quite excited, but aprehensive due to all the hard work that is ahead of us.
I have been blogg jumping but I admit that I haven't had the time to post on my own blogg. Also I have been watching all the goings on on the Arty Pants forum.
The shop has been rather hectic over the past few weeks and we are holding massive specials all the time. Then one of our suppliers and myself have been organising Childrens classes for the upcoming school holidays, what a lot of fun.
On the home front, all seems to have settled down since the birth of Chelsie and the wedding of the year. Melinda is in the midst of scrapbooking her photos, and she is doing just a great job. Chelsie is now three months old, doesn't time fly. She is gooing and gahing and on the verge of laughing. Everytime you see her she is smiling. She gives just the greatest biggest smile ever.
Cassie is just the wonderful big sister,sometimes she is toooo kind.
Taylor has started at a new school and from what I can gather she just loves it. She seems to be the really big kid on the block now. She idolises Cassie and is just so grat with Chelsie.
Jodie is coping well with the two kids and Mark seems to have settled in well without Danni. Melinda is just loving her married life and is still teaching.
Bill, well what can I say, Bill is just Bill and so supportive as usual.
Mum is so settled into the dementia section of the nursing home and is just so calm, it is amazing.
My only down side at the moment is that I am lonely......... Lonely you say, yes I am lonely. I used to speak with my brother Jim on a regular intervals, but i am finding that I am really missing him. I know that he is happy, but I just do wish that he was as least able to talk on the phone. and as for my mum, I used to speak with her daily but she also can't hold a understandable conversation, so as you can see why I am lonely, not for the love and conversation of my family but for what I can't have. But life must go on and I will cope. I have some wonderful friends and a suppoortive family.
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

Arty Pants forum is up and running.

Arty Pants forum is now live! www.artypants.com.au/phpBB2. Take a look and start chatting. The colours are still not correct and if you have any suggestions please let us know, We are open to all suggestions.
Jodie has worked long and hard on organising this forum so I think she has done a wonderful job. There was a lot of stress sweat and tears gone into the organising as well as looking after a 9 week old baby and a 3 year old and owning a shop and running a house, so here's 3 cheers to jodie. Wel done!!!
This is just a very short blogg so I will blogg again soon.
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

Mothers Day!

I wish all mothers out there a wonderful and peaceful Mothers Day.

Enjoy and celebrate that you have brought into this world new life.

Life is too short for regrets, tell them daily that you love them:

1. love them for who they are,
2. acknowledge them for who they are
3. respect them for who they are,
4. enjoy them for who they are.
5. they are Your children,
6. they are individuals
7. BUT they have their own mind.

Enjoy your day.

Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

RIP William Houghton (Bill)

I have just spent 1 hour blogging and I lost it. I think it might have been for the best, because it was very depressing and negative and I don't think any of you would want to read through such blab. No more tears or negativity.
My Uncle Bill (Bill Houghton) passed away last night and I have been sitting here typing how bad cancer is and how it sucks. I have had tears rolling down my face and onto the keyboard, so maybe thats what happened, I fused it .
Anyhow CANCER SUCKS. (as Dawn Stan would say).
My Uncle Bill was the best uncle and a wonderful man.
my condolences to my Aunty Marion, Billy and Judy, Bob and Sheila and Carol and all their families. He is like an eagle soaring high above all and watching over everyone who cared.
I think that is enough to say. No more hours of feeling sorry.
Be happy Uncle Bill, and say Hi to Dad, Val and Jim for me.
Awareness is the cure for cancer everyone so please be aware.
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy
xxxx

My tag of interesting information.

I have been tagged by Janet.

Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1. I do not like anyperson touching my feet. I can't even stand Bill's feet touching mine while we are in bed. I have told Bill that he will only get to touch my feet when I'm dead.
2. I have really curly hair and I hate it. When I was younger I used to have long hair and I would have a shower before bed every night and wash my hair and tie it back to tight so that it would dry like that. Didn't fix the curles but I did only have wavy hair during the day.
3. I am the youngest of my family. I have two sisters and 1 brother and they are all alot older than me. Valerie was 16 years older, Marjie was 14 year older and Jim 11 years older. My mother was 44 years old and my father was 48 years old when they had me. I always told my parents that I was an after thought.
4. I look more like my Aunty Joan (including our ways and mannerisms) than I have ever looked like my Mum. Maybe their is something my family never told me.
5. I was 20 when I got married and was 22 nearly 23 when I had Jodie.
6. During my second Pregnancy, I was six weeks pregnant when I had a curette, and the baby survied. (Mark) I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 5 months. and then it was a shock, as I was told after the results of the curette that I would never be able to have any more children. I went on and proved them all wrong. with two extra children.
7. On every wedding cake I have made I have always put in a special little something on the decorations signifying the individuals of the couple. eg. Melinda and Glenn got tiny little blackboards signifying they are both teachers. Jodie and Jeff got a paint brush and a knife signifying their love of art. I have even put in a little carrot signifying the love of carrot cake. quirky I know but that me.

Now I tag.....umm let me think. Chrissy, Connie, Mel Diener, Dawn Stan, Steph, Bec, and anyone else who has not been tagged. I can't think of anyone else who has not been tagged.

Thanks Janet for tagging me. It is amazing the things that you think of. Once I got going I had trouble stopping.

Wednesday we held an all day crop. It was a really great day and everyone said that they enjoyed themselves. It was a full house and we were asked when we were having another.

Friday night again we cropped and had a full house again. and next week is booked out as well. The crops are certainly taking off.

I worked again today, I am really tired on a Saturday after the Friday night crop, as I open the shop on the Saturday morning. I had a very productive day today and got all our paperwork ready to do the accounts ready for the accountant next week.

Tomorrow Bill, Mark and I are taking Taylor to the aquarium. I am sure we will all have fun. Taylor is so excited, as she has been waiting to go there for a long time. Yes i'm taking my camera of course.

Bill, Melinda and Taylor went to the nursing home today to see my Mum and Bills dad today. Mum asked Bill if he went on the honeymoon with Melinda. I know you have to laugh at the comments you get from them both, otherwise you would end up crying all the time. They both were happy they said and comfortable.

Well I am going to get some rest and its off to bed for me.

Keep smiling and healthy.

l

Judy

Badddddddd Blogger!!!!!!!!

Yes that's me. I am sooooo sorry, I have been recuperating after such a busy time.

In a matter of 2 months, I have had my brother pass away, the birth of another Grandaughter and the wedding of my youngest daughter Melinda. They say that the only time you usually see all the family and that isat a wedding and funeral. This is just so true. I have seen more of my family (distant family) in the past two months than I have seen of them in the past two years. How sad is that. It doesn't help that we are spread over three states.
I am still working long hours but I must say it is very rewarding. No not on the money side of things, but to be able to work in a place that is also your hobby, it is just, just just............great.

My life at the moment is, work Monday thru to Thursday 9.30a.m.. - 5.p.m. Friday 9.30am to by the time the crop is over leave the shop at the minimum of 1.am saturday Morning. Then work in the shop Saturday 10am - 5p.m. and then Sunday 11am - 3 p.m. As of Tomorrow I will be having Sundays off and Jodie is going to work the 4 hours as Jeff can come in with her and help out.(she can't feed while serving, unless she wants to flash her boobs). Jodie has been coming in on a regular basis but it is very hard with a 6 week old baby and a 3 year old, just to get organised. But all the amount she comes in helps me. Thankyou Jodie for all you do...

Bill has been fantastic... I could no ask for a better husband. The support he gives is remarkable.(i don't know what I did to score such a catch, but whatever it was I must have done a great job of it.) Thankyou darling for standing by me in thick and thin. I love you.

I have rambled on enough,
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

The finish to a wonderful day.

After lots and lots of photos, it was on to the reception. With fun and dancing.
We had a DJ and he was setting up during the time between the ceremony and the reception. Majority of the guests went up to the RSL to enjoy the hours space, a lot just stayed at the reception centre. I must say that the AMBERLEE Receptions is definately the place to have a function. Nick and his staff were just so accomodating. We had a couple of elderley people. My Mum and Bills Dad< They wouldn't have made it if we went to the RSL. So they supplied us all with Tea and Coffee and biscuits. This was definately not part of the costs, but just as an added extra. Then I was asked if they could take out some hot nibble to guests who where trickling back. I said we hadn't paid for the hot nibbles, only pre dinner drin ks. Nick told me he hated wastage and he had quite a lot left over from the night befores wedding and would I mind. Of course I said I have no troubles. They served them and I think everyone had had their fill.

Then came the time for everyone to take their seats. Would you believe 8 people didn't even show up. We paid $65.00 / head for everyone and 8 didn't even show up. How rude. Especially when three of those were people who had rund up to ask if they could bring someone, and then thay didn't show. Any how the night was a big success.

The soup: choice of Pumpkin or Hearty beef and vegetable.
The Main: choice of Roast leg of Lamb or Oven roasted chicken.

There was so much food on each plate, that I don't think anyone could have been hungry.
On each table was: Red and white wine, beer, and soft drink and water. They just kept on refilling and replacing all the bottles as one was finished they would bring in another. Great service.
Then it was time for the formalaties. Boy I was so tired, I am glad that it is up to the Father of the Bride.
Bill got up and spoke quite fluently (after a small hic cup when he forgot what he was saying). He thanked everyone who had to be thanked, welcomed Glenn into out family and said how proud he was of his Little girl.
Then Arthur spoke (Glenn's Dad) he also did a remarkable job.
Then as Glenn would say, it was up to the MAN. Glenn told how he loved Melinda and Her smile and that he was glad she had said yes to him. He thanked everyone, especially William and Judith (yes that it was he said he was going to call Bill and I on the night and He did, He knows how much we hate those names, but we just get on a laugh and always will and he will continue to call us them) and then he spoke of his father who I think got a biger and bigger chest with what Glenn said about his dad was just tear jerking. Then he thanked the wonderful bridesmaids and flower girls and of course his groomsmen. They all looked stunning at that long table. This littlies behave really well.
Stuart then replied and then it was time for the telegrams, they themselves I think make a wedding.
Tony (Groomsman, at Bill and My wedding, 33 years ago,) Proposed a toast to the Parents of the Bride and groom.Thanks Tony you did a great job. He filled in for Jim. (my brother who passed away 6 weeks ago) Jim was always the person who got up and spoke at all our family occassions, He was greatly missed on the night.
After that it was time to cut the cake and the bridal walz. What alovely couple.
After lots and lots of dancing.
THE DESSERTS.
They cought out a buffet of desserts. We had to pick out six - eight desserts for the night. The way the crowd decended I think it was well worth it and well received. I must say, not much left.
Then more dancing, and then it was the Garter and Bouquet throw. Melinda wore my garted I wore at my wedding but we bought a new one for her to wear also and that was the one that was thrown. It bounced of quite a few hands and then finally landed in Colin Houghton's hand,(One of my 2nd cousins) He proudly wore it on his arm for the remainder of the night. Then the bouquet throw. We were quite surprised at how far Melinda threw it. (Melinda has no coordination skills at all). Cindy Herdman jumped, (would have made any footballer proud) and she got the bouquet. Her Mum and Dad I think were saying oh nooooooooo!.
Then it was time for Melinda and Glenn to leave. We formed the circle while all the goodbyes and thankyous were said and they it was through a long tunnel they went out the front door. They were going in the photgraphers car (so noone could get theirs) as they were leaving I said my usual phrase as any of my kids go anywhere (Be good). Melinda's reply, I don't have to anymore I'M MARRIED! I think that said it all. They were going to the Frankston Beach for some night photos by the photographer. If anyone ever needs a photographer, I would have not hesitation in referring JAMES Babone. He was fantastic, well worth his money and went way beyond his duty.
Melinda and Glenn went and stayed at their own home in Cranbourne that night and left early Monday morning for Surfers Paradise.
After everyone left it was time for packing up. The presents(lots of them) the left over cake and then it was taking Mum back to the nursing home and then HOME.
Bill and I were completely and utterly STUFFED. I think it was just the fact that we had had such a busy time before the wedding with a funeral, with preparations, the birth of a new granddaughter and marrying off our daughter along with still working and running our own businesses. We couldn't just take time off and still get paid.

Melinda and Gleen returned home yesterday from QLD and said they had a fantastic time and again thanked Bill and I for all the work and effort into making their wedding day just superb.
And what Bill and I get out of all this,
We see our Daughter smiling and just so happy and in return we are just so happy that all is ok.
Life goes on! The circle of life! I seem to have this in a lot of my bloggs lately.
Bill and I always happy and don't interfere in our kids lives unless there is a need. We always say: IF OUR KIDS ARE HAPPY WE ARE HAPPY, BUT IF THEY AREN'T THEN DON'T GET ON THE WRONG SIDE OF US.
Life: A very long time. You are born and supported by your parents fully until you can get your own things. Then once you are old enough to support yourself, then you are on your own. If you make a wrong decision, you have made your bed then you must lie in it. Get yourself out of trouble, but at all times, we are there to support you mentally and help you mentally. You make your own decisions, whether good or bad, but they are your decisions and can't blame anyone else for them. It you fall we are there for you to help you climb up that ladder again. We will be there to share your good and bad times and know that our love has no boundries. We will love you forever, we may not like what you are doing or have done, but will ALWAYS stand beside you.
Keep smiling and healthy.
l
Judy

Sorry TOOOOOOOO tired!!!!!

I will blogg again tomorrow night, I am just so tired and I need more sleep. I have more photos of the wedding reception and will share I promise.
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

continuation of the Fairy Tale

We were all seated when the Music commenced.

Out first were the Flower girls, Cassie (3) and Taylor (8). They were just beautiful. White dresses with a blue sash and carrying a basket of red roses. just superb. The two of them were just so confident and so different to the rehearsal. They walked slowly and smiled at all you took their photos. They took their place at the Gazebo. Next was Shona, Melinda met shona during her nursing course and have been friends ever since. Traveling to NZ together and nightclubbing. Shona has a beautiful smile, and her comment was that the day was just like a dream. Then came Adele, Melinda and Adele met at school and have been friend since Grade 5. Instead of Schoolies week at the end of year 12 they both traveled to China for 22 days. Adele was the one with the rose petals and pancakes in the morning. Then the maid of honour. Kristy. Kristy and her family lived next door to us for over 13 years and Melinda has been friends with Kristy since Kristy was 4 and Melinda was 6.Such a Beautiful Friendship, Like diamonds. Kristy stated that she thought she was more nervous than Melinda. She has only ever been to 2 weddings and this was her 2nd and best.

Then... after a short pause.

Melinda and her father Bill arrived. arms gently entwined, what a magical sight, the smile on both was wonderful to see. Bill stood proud and tall of his beautiful daughter. Walking up to the gazebo and handing his daughter to her husband to be.

Now Time for some photos

This was when Melinda saw the horse and cart for the first time and Bill Melinda, Cassie and Taylor travelling in the carriage.

Then there is the proud father of the bride, Bill and his daughter Melinda. Can't you all see how proud he was? Then it was time for the Vows. It was such a lovely but simple ceremony and one filled with plenty of love. They with plenty of cheers, they were pronounced Husband and Wife. Mr and Mrs Glenn and Melinda Hamilton. They made a lovely couple and quite obviously deeply in love. Then it was time for the fun photos and fun.

Melinda's Maternal Grandmother (Nana) and her Paternal Grandfather (Grandpa)..They were quite honoured to be part of their grandchildrens wedding. Although I am not sure if either really new what was happening.

Then that right me in a hat and all dolled up with Glenn, Melinda and Bill.

Melinda and Glenn enjoying their time with the horse and cart.

And then finally tonight I will leave you with OUR FAMILY.

In the front are Taylor and Cassie, Left to right

Jeff, Jodie, Chelsie, Judy, Glenn, Melinda, Mark and Bill.

The Davis Family as we are: Full of fun and laughter, Love and happiness and we wish everyone out there a wonderful night, and may they share their love with their own families, as we share ours.

I will post again tomorrow with more of the fun of the night with the reception details and MORE photos.

Keep smiling everyone and keep healthy.

Love and thanks,

Judy

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

What an absolutly wonderful and magnificent day.
The weather was tremendous, no rain in sight, the sun was shining, the birds were even singing and horses were very well behaved.
The day started at 6.30am. Adel, one of Melinda's Bridesmaids stayed overnight on Saturday, got up and cooked Melinda Pancakes for breakfast and threw fresh rose petals over her for good luck, it is apparently good luck, and boy was the bride to be pampered.
7.30 off to the hairdressers for Adele and myself
8.15 Melinda Shona and Kristy arrived at the hairdressers, then it was Jodies turn then my mums (Marj) and then the very excited flowergirls.
The makeup run started at 10.30, as we were finished at the hairdressers, we headed home to the have the makeup applied. It all ran so very smoothly.
The flowers arrived at 9am and then it was Bills turn to take them off to Glenns house.
I picked my Mum up at the Nursing home at 9.30am and was back home at 10.15
Mark decided at 11am that he needed a haircut, so I took him down to Fountain Gate and while I was there I just happened to get a couple of bottles of Champagne. Before I left I decided to put on some homemade sausage rolls for the girls to nibble on. (I forgot them), Thankfully
Kristy and Adele decided to go near the oven for some reason, and found that the oven was warm. Saved by the bell.
When I got back from Foutain Gate we cracked the Champagne. 2 bottles do not go very far when you have 9 women,three men getting ready for a wedding. But it was just enough to wet the whistle.
At 2p.m. Taylor's shoes broke (Flower girl) so Melinda (Veil and all) along with her 3 Bridesmaids headed off to Fountain Gate to get some new shoes.
While they were gone Helped Mum get dressed.
Home again home again Jigety jig came the Bride and Bridesmaids, then the rush started.
The photographer arrived at 2pm and set up, and started taking photo's of everyone before they got ready. They got some beautiful shots of My mum with her 24 Great granddaughter (Chelsie).
The bridesmaid were in one room, I was in another with Melinda, Bill was in the ensuite having a shower. She LOKKED Awesome!!!!!!!!!. It just a speachless moment when you see you daughter first in her wedding dress and veil knowing that she soom will be a married woman. That initial sight is breathtaking.
PHOTOS PHOTOS and MORE PHOTOS, those of you that are married would understand that statement. You get sick of smiling.
Then it was time to get the flowergirls dressed. They were sooooooooooo patient. and they toooooooo looked georgeous. They got their necklace and bracelet on and they were ready. For a Three year old and an eight year old they were just so well behaved.
Then time for mum to get dressed.
Stocking, skirt camisole, jacket and then beieve it or not a hat. Yes I wore a hat. I felt just so special.
Then I looked over at Bill, standing in the background, in his stunning black suit, with his Silver vest and tie. I now know why I married him 33 years ago.. Maybe in the background but always there. Thankyou darling.
I walked out to see my 3 kids, Jodie looking soo well and beautiful in her tuorqoise tope and straight hair, my daughter Melinda in all her finery and looking stunning in white, and then my son Mark, what a stunner. Black Suite and vest,and turqoise tie. He is not always around but to see him standing there watching in awe as everything unfold around him was tremendous. Bill and I are just so lucky to have 3 absolutely together kids. They wouldn't miss anything that the other is doing. Thankyou my darlings you all are a credit to your Mum and Dad. We love you. Thankyou.
Then after more and more photos, it was time. The cars were waiting out the front, one for the Bride and her Father and the two flowergirls, and one for the three bridemaids and mother of the bride, Jodie Jeff, Chelsie, Mark and Mum (Marj)were off in Jodies car.
One minor stop, Cranbourne Hall. and there waiting was a beautiful white carriage, with two beautiful dressed white horses, and gentleman dressed in red top, just to sett off the occasion.
Out of the big car and into the Carriage went Bill, Melinda and the two flowergirls. I don't know who was so excited. The adults or the flowergirls, Taylor kept on saying I'm going in the carriage.
Off again. What a great site. Melinda and Bill even told us they had Japanese tourists stop and take photos, it just looked magical.
I was first to arrive at the reception centre, I jumped out of the car and made my entrance, The group and atmosphere was estatic, there were kids and parents from the schools at which Melinda and Glenn teach.
Mark and Jeff were handing out order of service sheets, the Celebrant welcomed me and then it was off to the Gazebo where I went and greeted my new son soon to be. He and his groomsmen were up there looking very dapper indeed. The groomsmen in their black suits and blue ties to match the bridemaids and the grrom........well what can I say....There in his black suit and gold tie, very stunning. I think the longer he waited the more nervous he got.
The the shout went up, There they are in a horse and carriage....... It was just all so fairytale like, I feel like I am writing a book.
I am going to close this blogg this time for now and will return soon with the remainder of the farytale.............and photos.

Until then
Keep smiling and healthy
L
Judy

Less than 24 hours

The cake is fianally finished.I finished it this morning and it is now at the reception centre.

Well tomorrow at 4p.m. Melinda will be marrying Glenn. What a wonderful couple they will make.

Everything is finally ready, all we have to do now is to get the hair done, makeup makeuped, drink a few leisurely champagnes and get ready for the big day.

We looked at the flowers today. Van Wyk Flowers are the best. I certainly can recommend them. Melinda got to do a final view of them today and even pick what color ribbon, and if anything needed changing they would have done it today. What service. They will even deliver for a small charge of $10.00. Couldn't pick them up for that price. and then as we were leaving them they handed me a bouguet of roses for the house. FANTASTIC service.

Time for Bill and I to start relaxing.

The weather is supposed to be good.

I will post again with photos of the day on Monday, so stay tuned.

Until next time.

Keep smiling and healthy

l

Judy

Thursday already!!!!!!!

How time flies, it seems just like yesterday that we held Melinda and Glenn's Engagement party and here we are only three more sleeps until the BIG WEDDING.
The plans are all going great.
I have to thank quite a few people:

• Jodie, thankyou very much for all your hard work you have put into the invitation, Rsvp cards and finally yesterday the place cards, They are a credit to you and it just shows that the money put into your education definately was not wasted. You certainly have excelled this time. You have a two week old baby along with a three year old and you have still managed. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.
• To Vanassa, thanks for arranging the decorations for the Gazebo, it is greatly appreciated.
• To Jenny and Marni, thankyou from the bottom of my heart for all the work you do in the shop, without you two I would still be stressing as to when I would be able to finish the last minute shopping for the wedding.
• I have been offered many hand for the preparation for the wedding to all of you that have offered Thankyou.
• Yesterday, I was to go and ppurchase a small heart cookie cutter for one of the decorations for the cake, I happened to be talking to a lady and gentleman who came into out shop for the first time YESTERDAY. I hadn't met either of them before, complete strangers. The conversation got onto Cake decorating and the heart cookie cutter, she said she thought she had one in her stash and that she would check, Approx 2 hours later the gentleman came back into the shop with a cookie cutter in his hand. Hows that for firendship. I have it on loan until today. Thankyou Sharon very much. It was really appreciated.
• To the many people who come into the shop with wishes, thankyou. Your kindness is very much appreciated.
• And finally to my darling husband, Bill, thankyou for your support through the past few months. Without all the love, support and encouragment you have supplied me with I would be in a little pile on the floor.

Last night I finnished the bonbonieres, the place cards, the table settings, have everything ready to put into the car this morning to take to the Reception Rooms. I did some more decorations for the Wedding cake, (still not finished but will be by Friday night ready to take to the Recption rooms Saturday Morning).I then put a treatment into my hair, gave myself a small pedicure, I must say I finally got some time for ME.

I think after Sunday, I will be offically exhausted.

Thankyou all again for your support.

Keep smiling and healthy

l

Judy

6 more sleeps

Well it is down to single digits until the wedding. It is becoming the wedding of the year the way things are going.
We had a rehearsal for the big day yesterday Sunday, It all went extremely well. Having a three year old as one of the flower girls is going to be mighty cute. We asked Cassie to stand near Taylor and hold her hand and she put her hands on her hips, stamped her foot and said an outright NO! i DON'T WANT TO. Of course we all laughed. I wonder what she will be up to on Sunday. We then told the young girls to pretend that they are holding their baskets with flowers. Taylor held hers at the right level, Cassie held hers up around her head. Then is was practising for the walk up the aisle. Well Taylor walked rather fast whilst holding on to Cassie's hand and Cassie looked like whe was flying. Ater all the fun side everything went off really well. The Boys weren't quite up to their old self, They had Glenn's Bucks night on Saturday night and I think they were all a little under the weather.
Talking of Weather. I have heard that the day is supposed to be around 22 and sunny. So should be a good day.
After the reahearsal, Bill and I and Melinda and Glenn went in to the reception hall and did the final preparations and paid all the moeny. This went off really smoothly as Well. This is the same reception house that Jodie and Jeff had their reception in, but I must say that the NEW OWNERS are a lot more organised. Even down to arranging to order a Taxi for the Newly weds at the end of the night and the time. We were extremely impressed.
Melinda rang the photographer and he will be at our home at 2.20p.m. on Sunday as we will be leaving at 3.20p.m
The Bridesmaids are staying over on Saturday night and I think they are all going out for Dinner on Sat night, They asked Bill and I but I declinded as I think Bill will take me out on Friday night as Friday is our Wedding anniversary. We will have been married for 33 years. You don't get that long for murder, do you? Bill can never remember whether our anniversary is 30th or 31st March . It is quite funny actually. I wonder if he will ever remember?
I had better go and do some work
Keep smiling and healthy
l
Judy

Countdown until wedding

With only 1and half weeks to go, I have been rather busy trying to sort out the final arrangements.

• Met with Glenn's parents on Sunday Night. Bill cooked a lovely meal and then it was down to business. Numbers stand at 113 plus 2 children (the flowergirls) It has been decided that each family pay for their own guests and we split the bridal party and the kids guests 3 ways. Then it was the cost for the celebrant, cake, cars, flowers etc etc. These costs also are being split 3 ways. Bill and I are up approx $1000.00 with this arrangement. We are not complaining.
• Monday night Melinda Glenn and I went to see the reception rooms to arrange menu(can't let you know the menu yet, will tell after the wedding,I will say it is YUMMY, especially the sweets) and colours for napkins, and all the final arrangements for the reception and paying the money. All went very smoothly. I must say that the new owners are very easy to speak with and we have had not hassels.
• Tuesday, I opened the shop, then left Jenny and Marni to manage it. (Jodie came in again, I don't think she trusts me. Ha Ha). I went to Frankston, collected my outfit, bought a hat, bought shoes for mum to wear, organised the items I need to complete the cake, bought stockings, ribbon for bonbonieres, and after approx $600.00 later and a cup of tea and some lunch, I left Frankston and returned to the shop.
• On my return today, the boxes for the bonbonieres were delivered to the shop, so that another thing I can get on to.
• I went home to a wonderfully clean house. Debbie Hemple came in today and did a marvelous restoration to my house. Thanks Debbie, it was great to go home and not have to do anything.
• I am now just relaxing, checking out blogg world and then I think it might me time for bed. ready to start another busy day.

Jodie dropped Chelsie off to Moniques today and then came into the shop with Chelsie, of course I had Nannie cuddles. It is wonderful to have a newborn around again. They smell just so scrumptious. She did try to get some food from my boobs but I told her in no uncertain terms that they are a dry agrument.

I have decided that the time has come, I must get my beauty sleep.

Keep smiling and healthy

l

Judy

Photo At Last

Blogger is being nice, today. I chose this photo as I feel that it is such a beautiful photo of Chelsie. I did a layout last night and I think it turned out really well.

Aren't I just so good at bragging. I don't care if you don't like me bragging , you will just have to put up with it. I am a proud Nanie.

Jodie and Chelsie are going home from hospital tomorrow (Sunday). Cassie is just so excited that she is taking Chels home. (She has already shortened her name.)

Keep smiling and healthy.

L

Judy