The inaugurated the MGLs as a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right.

Last weekend The Missionaries of Gods Love attained the inaugurated the MGLs as a Religious Institute of Diocesan Right. It has been a long process and although we were unable to be there, we were there in spirit. 
This Blog post says it all.
http://www.acountrypriest.com/the-mgls-big-day/

A little gem of a shop

Just recently we were in Melbourne while young Brid was attending a Ballet Summer school program..We were walking through the city streets and stumbled across a most gorgeous little shop in a dark but mysterious little alley way.
We couldn't resist and bought 2 dresses for Brid. Dermot had chosen one and I had chosen the other.I was a little nervous as I'd never purchased a designer dress for her and was concerned about sizing. The sales girl was delightful and reassured me that we could return them if necessary.
So after a lovely mornings, umm afternoons shopping we returned to our apartment just in time to collect Brid from the Ballet school.
These are the dresses we chose and I can tell you, they look lovely on Brid..

Its a gorgeous label called Princess Highway and it is so refreshing to find nice dresses.

A fashion tag...

Hi everyone, I was tagged by my darling daughter, Sararose.

 1) How would you describe you style?
This depends if I am at home for the day or steeping out for the day.

Depends . . If I am at home, its very simple skirt or pants and old t shirt. When we are out or expecting guests, I will change to dressier clothes, apply make up and jewellry.

 2) What are you wardrobe staples?

My staples would be long skirts, long dresses and slacks. Nice feminine tops, and always a cardigan. I have a black cheapy from Coles, I love it because its light.

 3) Most expensive clothing item you own?

I love shopping at Laura Ashley, but my most expensive item would be a woollen stretch skirt   from Metalicus.

 4) Most wanted item?

A loose pair of jeans.

 5) Favourite designer?

Laura Ashley

 6)How much do you spend on clothing?

Not sure! I am Blessed to ne spoilt by both my Mum and my darling Husband.  

 7) Favourite places to shop?

My favourite shop, well its our local shopping centre.. Garden City- or now known as Westfield kotara  

 8) Favourite fragrance?

Chanel Mademoiselle

Christian Dior “Hypnotic Poison”

 9) What is your go to outfit when you don't have anything to wear?

This would definitely be my Black pants which matches with random coloured topds or a black/ cream skirt. Easy...Add scarf, beads and your sorted...

 10) Most prized possession?
My pearls. I love pearls.

Now who to Tag.....

 Vicki, Creating with Wisdom

Therese Aussie Coffee Shop

Leonie Living without School

Gae Cherished Hearts at Home

Renelle Doves Rest

Tricia Do Whatever He Tells you

Erin Seven little Australians and counting

I look forward to your response ....

ACTIV8.........

Its been such a long time since I blogged.
I have been reading my blog list. Posting a few comments,
On my blog rounds, I noticed over on Sues blog that she is doing an A to Z in a month.
Sounds so good. Totally inspired and then......started writing, no inspiration.
although I might just have an A....

Activ8 youth team. We have the best little Youth group in our Parish. We have a full time Youth team who live in one of the Parish houses and oversee the entire youth program every week. They put aside there work for the year, and focus on the youth of the region. Its a volunteer position, that these young adults take up for one year.
Every Tuesday Brid attends her youth group.
There is a junior youth group on in the afternoon and the senior is on in the evening. Sandwiched nicely between them is a youth Mass at 7pm. Its a very youth focused Mass and every child has the opportunity to help out in some way.
Brid has gone from strength to strength with her youth group. They focus on various different programs throughout the year. The last project was to present the Stations of the Cross as a dramatisation for the Parish. Last year they watched and talked about " the great adventure series"
Every Sunday night we come together for our regional youth Mass. Again there is always a job for the children and teenagers to do, if they would like to.
Last Saturday night - the day before Palm Sunday, Brid was asked by the team to attend Gracefest in Sydney. They set out at 3pm for there 2 hour trip to Sydney and joined all the other young adults and teenagers at St Marys Cathedral.
We were a little worried about her going without us, but we just needed to trust she'd be ok. She was fine. There was so much for them to do, Adoration, opportunity for confession, witness talks, Talk by Cardinal Pell, Praise and worship, chatting- networking and just loads of fun.
They got back very late and boy was I pleased to hear her voice as she walked through the door, but excited that she got to be responsible and enjoy a night with friends.
So that would be my A if I was linked to the blog..

Now B should be pretty easy.



 

Papa Benedict

Today I woke to the news that Our Holy Father would resign in less than a month. Was I shocked?
Initially a little, but no not really. I think he has made  a rather courageous move.
I have hardly listened to the news regarding his decision because, I didn't think the media would do the situation justice.  I felt a man of his integrity and prayerfulness would be guided by the Holy Spirit.
I like Bishop Bill from Maitkland Newcastle dioceses believe its a rather humble and admirable decision.

Bishop Bill Wright, speaking to 1233 ABC Newcastle's Jill Emberson this morning, said that he was very surprised to hear the news. "I was very surprised that there was no leak at all," Bishop Bill said. "It's another occasion when the Pope has impressed me. Anyone who does something that no-one has done for 600 years is sticking his neck out in a way. It takes imagination and a certain humility. I think it's an admirable thing to do."

I remember his instillment all those years ago and the public reaction.
This time Brid is at an age that she will understand more clearly the process, so we have decided to down our other work and concentrate on the life of Pope Benedict and the process od election.
I was quite inspired by Elizabeths Blog post, clearly setting out information on the election, the conclave and many other interesting rabbit trails.



Last year Pope Benedict XVI at the Papal audience on our anniversary. A treasured memory .
 

We watch and wait as this all unfolds and welcome our new Pope next month, and prayerfully remember our Present Pope.

Just another day in the Catholic Church.

God Bless you all.

xxxxx

Liturgical Year

OK...
I have to confess last year we did a horrible job trying to keep a track or even stick to the Liturgical year and celebrating the various Feast days.
The truth is that Brid is older and I need to make it all much simpler and easier to follow.
This year at Summer School of Evangelisation we all chose, seperately decided to attend a lecture called Prayer Boot Camp...Wow what an awesome lecture series.
It looked at various ways to pray and keep that alive daily.
One way was the Prayer Wheel.It breaks prayer into 5 min sessions, over an hour..

We were challenged to start our day with Adoration at 6am.
Well lets just say as the evenings do not end until 11pm at least, I chose to do my hour of prayer elsewhere in the day. I have actually kept this Challenge going.
Dermot &  I reflected on our prayer life and we realised that we actually do pray more than we first thought.We enter into the Readings of the day, we discuss them,We pray at meals, The Angelus etc..
So what have I discovered in all this??
That I just need to let go and believe that God will use this time of messiness and disorder to put  a fire in each of us, for more of his word.
I have begun by finding a Character Calendar connected to the Liturgical year..
I downloaded it and placed it on my desktop to view daily. This ha been a real treasure to find.

While we attend this 8 day retreat, our summer school, I always ask God what he wants for my year ahead.
He has done some amazing things in the past. Relocating us, finding a Ballet School, A new Church.
This year I was open to his desires again, and the word that kept coming into my heart  was

                                                    ........... PRAY...

I feel utter peace and surrender to the Lord about this.
But I must tell you more. The last 2 years I have been in a very baron place. My Desert place as I have called it. Unable to pray, talk to God, before the tabernacle after Communion. Its been terrible, but I feel a total healing of this now. It happened at Summer school after the Reconcilation Evening.

Adoration...
 

                                           SO I AM BACK......PRAISE GOD FOR THIS.....



 

A special couple of days

Recently Brid and I were in Melbourne to see Mr Rider- our Ballet teacher. He played several roles in Sleeping Beauty - the Ballet.
The call went out to Australian Conservatoire of Ballet members and some selected international guests some months ago. Several grades of Ballet students were given the opportunity to perform in this production.
Brid had worked hard academically and with her fine arts -Ballet and Piano, all year so a little treat was in order.
We flew down and easily negotiated the way to our hotel with the use of the skybus.
We had just enough time to dress into our best dresses and head for the Melbourne Arts Centre.
Our hotel was rather close, so this made dinner on the way rather easy.
We waited a while for the show to begin, beacause I had though it was 7pm start. But it was a 7.30pm start.
We arranged to meet Miss Kristy- Rider wife and a most beautiful dancer. She was seeing the ballet alone so it was nice to meet up with her in between each Act and chat.
We were taken to our seats. Row C. WOW is all we could say...The best seats. We were 3 metres from the stage and as the seats wrapped aroud the front of the stage, they were front row.
It was the most amazing costuming I had ever seen in a Ballet and being that close, we saw every detail. The highlight for brid was when Mr Rider came out for the encore, he winked at Brid. It was a very special moment.
Brid was invited backstage to meet a few cast members. That was exciting.
Mr Rider just looked like he belonged on the stage. He just shone. He played the best Puss In Boots.
So Cheeky.

 The next day after a very late night and after a lovely Breakfast we headed along Southbank and into a popular Ballet chain. We spend an hour or 2 looking, trying items on and chatting to the sales staff and a few girls who looked like they may have been in the Ballet. Of course Brid asked them.

So hear are a few photos of Brids treat -and of course it was my treat too...

Waiting before the Ballet

Brid and Miss Kristy. waiting to see the Ballet

Brid and Mr Rider in front of the aussie ballet box for some props.

After a morning shopping at the Ballet Shop. Brid in front of the poster advertising the Ballet at the Arts Centre.

 

titanic

Brids costume for her dance to Titanic

Modesty and virtues

A few weeks back  Brid attended a Catholic teen girls retreat in Sydney run by the Religious Sisters of Mercy, USA, along with 17 others teens, ranging from age from 13 to 17.
Brid attended the retreat last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. She enjoyed the Faith, the Friendship and fun.
This year we weren't too sure if she would make it, as it was being run 5 days after we returned from our overseas trip.We prepared her for this and said if its Gods will, it will be done.
Anyway, I contacted the Mum organising the retreat, saying we couldn't get her there. To my total surprise within hours this Mum had organised a lift for Brid, a bed at a trusted friends home before the retreat. I knew it was Gods will, so we said Yes.
Now this in itself was HUGE for me. My baby girl going away for 4 nights without one of us. We entrusted her to Gods' care and she was away to enjoy her retreat.

This years was all about friendship.
Beautiful theme and very timely in Brids' life.

While she was away she took a book called Fashioned by Faith. Great read. Very enlightening for her. I posted about it previously here . I believe every house should have a copy of this book.
Another girl had a book called Dressing with Dignity which I had read many years ago. She mentioned this to us as we were chatting after she got home safely, and asked did I have it.
"Yes I do"
I found it on the book shelf and gave it to her.
She absorbed herself in it. She said " Excellent book, everyone should read it".
It was like music to my soul to be able to share these books with Brid. Its lovely that her friend where reading them as well. she left our copy of Fashioned by Faith with the family she was staying with, as she was keen to read it.
So its quite interesting that these books will do the rounds of young teens and experiences shared. Brid has lent her  All things Girls series to amother friends to read  through.
Its such a Blessing that these girls consider there modesty and there dignity to be so important. They live it, breath it and share it. The saint that comes to mind is St Maria Goretti. St Maria Goretti Pray for these young girls.
 

  

Little Pleasures

A few weeks ago I heard one of my favourite songs from original Evita the Soundtrack, with Julie Covington, as Eva.
I was in my Saturday Morning ballet class and our teacher was playing through a famous musical soundtracks collection, especially for ballet class. Anyway, I heard this tune and immediately recognised it. "High Flying, Adored".
I couldn't get it out of my head.
When we got home, I searched for the stylus to our Turntable..!!! It wasn't anywhere to be seen. I really wanted to Play this soundtrack, the new one with Madonna, just doesn't do the musical justice.
There was several other Vinyl records I was bursting to play as well.
We fixed the Turntable situation by purchasing a new one. It was easier than sourcing a stylus that may not be compatible with our old turntable..... and I was a teenager again playing all my records and enjoying the lovely quality that a record produces, opposed to CDs.

So, I owe my Ballet teacher totally responsible for this extravagent outburst. We told him last lesson and he was totally oblivious to the fiasco that his soundtrack collection created. It has been fun teaching Brid the art of the 'record player' and its delicacy. She has embraced it and has been playing all types of our old LP's.
  

The Magnificat.......

Today is the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady....

Luke 1:46-55

Mary's Song of Praise: The Magnificat

⁴⁶ And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,
⁴⁷ and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
⁴⁹ for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
⁵⁰ And his mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
⁵² he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
and exalted those of humble estate;
⁵³ he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
⁵⁵ as he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

Its so quite.....but WHY

It's pretty quite around here this week..
WHY you may ask???
Dermot is away. He was asked to go Skiing with a friend.
I encouraged him to go. I thought He would enjoy a week away, particularly in Male company.
I am so pleased he took our friend up on the offer.
Saturday, saw him preparing for his Trip. He chopped lots of wood for our fire. Ranging from very small kindling to much bigger pieces.
I helped him pack and shop for a few little treats.
Yesterday at 6.45 saw me wave off Dermot to catch his lift to the snow.
Dermot has never been to our Aussie snow before. He has always hesitated to take us as a family, as we know it quite expensive.
I took the 3 of out children to the snow when they were younger. We kept our costs down and had a wonderful time.
I am really Praying that Dermot not only has a great time but enjoys the companionship.

 Brid and I are here by ourselves, Brid steadily moving through her assigned workload. Me, answering the phones and keeping messages as needed for Dermot.

Getting back to the quite. It was odd not having Dermot here on a Sunday, We went off to Mass last night and that was odd too. Dermot is always beside me, healways hold my hand and we receive Holy Eucharist together. Brid normally sits with the choir, but last night we sat together.

We ourselves don't have any big plans just our normal everyday things.

Dermot called today. " I am off to learn how to fall with Grace". I had to laugh. Its been a long time since he was on skis. ( And then it was in the Swiss Alps- I tried to prepare him that the Australian Alps are totally different).

So its hot water bottles and extra blankes for me this week?

I was admiring a lovely tray that my Mum has when I was visiting last.  It was an oval shape with proteas covered by glass. It had rattan wound around the sides to make the sides and the handles. I did remember it being at my Nannas’ place and  overlooking it as a child. But there was something about it I liked very much.

I pressed Mum for where it was from. “Was it Nannas?” I queried.  I learnt that not only was it not Nannas but it was my Great Great Grandmothers –Ma Cross as we call her. “wow”. I was taken aback.  
I asked where she normally stores it. Mum replied it is normally downstairs. It’s an area that I don’t often go into it, as the door is shut. As I haven’t lived at home for 25 years I just don’t venture there.
So at this moment she had no real spot for it. I began suggesting spots to put it but nowhere I suggested was appropriate for various reasons.
I mentioned in passing that I needed to replace my present tray, as mine was coming apart at the corners.  It has become quite unsteady if used as a breakfast bed tray.
I thought no more about my comment and just admired the tray  as the antique it was.  
I put the kettle on for a cuppa with Mum and she said, “You can have it if you like?”
“Oh no Mum you hold onto it”.
She insisted and all of a sudden I was given this tray. The only stipulation. “It must stay in the family, so make sure the girls know that”.
When I got home, I was stumped. Where to put it. Yes it was hard decision to make, because it is quite big. I thought it would fit above my microwave, but alas it was too wide.
So I positioned it on my kitchen table with our fruit on it. So it is being used every day.  I can take the fruit off it when I need it. I will probably find a more suitable spot for it but for now it works well.

Whenever, I look at it, it reminds me of my Nanna her Mum Nanna Brogan and her Mum Ma Cross.

A Pointe step

It was with great excitement that we left the house today on our way to the ballet store.. We eagerly dresses and hurried through our daily chores. Brid needed to have her toe nails cut very short and  wear comfortable clothing. Brid chose her dance pants.
Brid has been waiting on this day for some time..Dreaming and wondering what it would be like..
We were heading to the town to pick up our gorgeous Ballet teacher as she was keen to oversee Brids Pointe shoe fitting.
On route we received a call, 'I have locked myself out of the house..' this meant Miss Kristy was unable to come with us. I said to Brid, "Let's pray".  If God wanted her to come with us he will make it happen. Within 5 minutes we got a call- She could come with us... I was quite pleased, as this isn't just a pair of Ballet slippers, these are Pointes. I needed help and from  a trusted teacher, who has Brids best interest in hand..
We arrived at the store, my heart thumping, so I can imagine Brids excitement. We were called over and the fitting began. Firstly, Brid was asked to do a few Ballet feet positions and then each foot was drawn and measured and the length and width taken..

The shelves were being searched for a small size, a narrow foot. At last the moment, Grishko was the first to be tried, Russian pointe was next, then Mindens.
It was around about that time, that I realised Brids' foot was so tiny. These tiny shoes were being put onto her feet, and they were fitting..
Her Teacher and the fitter were talking terminology I was unfamiliar with. I was totally dependant on them and their expertise. Brid was to tell them how her feet felt in each shoe and this determined it being correct, or not, for her feet. 
She stood in second in a grand plie in each shoe and this was were it was noted how the foot felt on her. Was she cramped or was there too much room. Then she walked to the Barre', was asked to rise first on one foot then the both. My heart jumped, she looked so grown up.
All those Demi pointe classes, all those extra stretch lessons to gain her strength in her legs, back and her feet.

The decision was made and the Russian pointe was the one chosen.
I know God was with us in this fitting because as soon as she tried the Russian ones on, I got this sense, these were the ones, but as I knew nothing about this area I said nothing. 
The fitting was written up and the fitter explained several things to me,she drew were the ribbons and elastic was to go and in general was very helpful.
Our dear friends came along as well, and it was Chantelle who piped up, giving advice to Brid and helping her like a loving friend would do. Afterwards Chantelle gave Brid a card congratulating her on Her first Pointe shoes, so special, and so sweet.
It could not have been a more special day..Our friends, our teacher, all there for one reason to support and advice us on this important decision in Brids life, A ballet dancers life..  

Come over and look

The verdict....come over and see what the latest is...

4 big reasons...why...

Lately, I have not been able to spend the time on  posting on my blog or commenting as much as I have in the past...I still read my blog lists, but seem to run out of time to comment...Sorry guys....There are many reasons for this...
1. I gave myself a Challenge several months ago now, to complete my chores before turning on the computer every day..This has been great as sometimes I just don't get to turn it on at all....This has given me amazing freedom...
2. I  created a chore list and a weekly fortnightly monthly- you get the idea chore list. This has certainly been very beneficial to our family..I now know exactly where I am up to in our household chores.
3. We leave early afternoon a few afternoons a week to attend Ballet class for Brid..therefore I am without internet connection...you may say, Why not connect to WiFi..Yes that would be easy, but seriously I am enjoying doing other craft and leisure activities whilst waiting in the Ballet foyer. I have been known to knit, sew, embroid, mend and replace ballet ribbons and make Brids Skirt - with a little help from a friend all in the foyer...
4. ...and the biggest one, is that  I have started adult Beginner Ballet classes. Its been loads of fun, I have learnt so much. I am understanding Ballet terminology and French. I am given position corrections by my ballet teachers, they care so much...
I have lost several kilos and most of all gained more flexibilty in a troublesome hip condition...I practice every chance I get. I am doing at least 1 class, if not 2 a week..
This week is open week At Ballet so I get to watch Brids Classes and she in turn gets to watch mine .The courtesy rules of open week is that she is to not interrupt or  talk during class.
Brid  has been a wonderful help for me. She is very encouraging and supportive, as is Dermot.
So I have made myself a new pledge, I will post once a week, hopefully Friday nights and comment on all those amazing blog posts I have seen lately...

As you can see our life is pretty full and we are all the better for our activities we are participating in....

Love Leanne xxx

CathFamily - awesome Aussie Catholic website

Featured website - CathFamily - CathNews

Just not enough......

Well its been so long since I last posted on my Blog.. Its been so busy around here.
I must let you into a couple of secrets ....
Firstly, I have been following my Daily Weekly Fortnightly household chores list and its been amazing the difference..
As I said in my last post, I thought I was organised, but writing it down and following the list, gives immense freedom..I say to myself when I am about to clean an area not on todays list "thats not on todays list". I then move onto what is on the list. The only thing that is still not under control is the Office. I am working on it though.

Secondly, Brid has increased her hours for Ballet, so with her Jazz and Itish Dancing it keeps us pretty busy in the afternoons. Her teachers Miss Kristy & Mr Rider are very happy with her progress, and are learning her aspirations.

Last week I did some research into shelving for our laundry.It clearly needed organisation, but what will what to do? After careful consideration I asked Dermot to come with me to investigate my research. We purchased the rails, the bands and all that was necessary for giving our laundry more storage and effieciency. I purchased a drying rack and several shelves, just enough to get my baskets and washing up off the appliances. We have our resident cat, Bailey, using the laundry, so we are unable to put anything at floor level. He needs room for his bedding and food etc. He doesn't climb so high shelving and washing baskets are safe from cat fur.

We helped a dear friend move into her new  home. Her first ever home that she will own.. We are so pleased for her. It was exhausting, but lots of fun, and having moved just in the last few years we knew a few tricks to help out on moving day..such as strip one room at a time once the all the furniture is gone, so it can then be placed in the similar room at the next house. Hanging clothes can be put straight into the wardrobes saving on sorting later.
So thats been our happenings and Its been  very busy time of late.

 

encouragement night

Our Last encouragement night saw some 9 or so women listening to a very organised homeschool mum discussing,  organising your household chores whilst homeschooling.

Wow, I was pretty impressed.

I thought I was organised.! I just hadn’t written it all down.
It took me a few days to take in all the information and process it all. I wasn’t sure how to go about this but I knew I could use this information.
I began drawing up my chores list. My zoned areas. How will I break it down. Hmmm.
You see I use Enjo and its pretty easy cleaning a home with it. No chemicals just a cloth and water...after 20  years of nursing in intensive areas my hands could do with a break...
So where did I start. I worked out the zones- mine are kitchen, laundry, lounge, family, bedrooms, bathrooms, office, outdoor. I am not going to be able to break these all up into individual days because for us Sundays are not work days.
Firstly, I looked at the jobs required daily for each zone. Then worked out the extras I wanted to achieve each week, fortnight, month, 3 months, 6 months and yearly.
Once I had it all on paper, it seemed really easy. I have drawn up my lists and placed them n my pantry. I used Saturday to do a complete houseclean and with enjo, it was pretty easy. The longest task was vacuuming.

Monday saw me enjo mop. Tuesday was my ironing day. I was meant to dust the lounge area but it was just attended to, so I began on some long term projects- wash main bedroom window and wash the curtains. Looking sparkling.

It has been quite freeing, as I had in the past kept all my records in my head- now they are laid out on paper and I can tick them off as I they are completed. I liked that Tuesday is my ironing day. No other extra job and it got done.
I have Brid do a job or two for me outside instead of sitting reading for her break. It has made a difference to her concentration level.  Dermot is helping out as well.
I have set myself a task do all my jobs before I sit down for a morning tea break with Brid. It certainly has given our home order.

So thanks Mel for your great tips and ideas. I was totally overwhelmed on the evening, but we have embraced a new order in our home.  

A Birthday Present...

Brid celebrates her birthday the day after mine, and it has always been said that she was my birthday present.
Each year Brid is Blessed to have a party to celebrating her Birthday...How indulgent you may say. I look at it differently, it’s an excuse to gather her family and friends around her and celebrate....I love figuring out what theme we should use every year. Its lots of fun planning and creating.  
Brid is Blessed to have a great group of teens to socialise with in her area.
So what did they get up to, you may ask? Well, inspired by a recent Body Shop party we attended, I suggested to Brid that we have a Pamper party.. Yes, that sounds fun.
The guest list was drawn up. The invitation were designed by Brid, The rsvp date  set and then the invites were send out.  A few friends were unable to come, but they were there in spirit.

The girls were gathered together and we began soaking feet, exfoliating and massaging with a gorgeous foot moisturiser. We moved onto hands where we soaked, exfoliated, massaged and then filed and painted their nails. There was lots of chatting and laughing, along with eating of yummy party food.
Brids sister, Louise popped in to join the party, it certainly made Brid’s day.

I thought several hours would be plenty of time for feet, nails, Hair and makeup. I was wrong; we could have another whole party with the activities we missed, buts that ok. Everyone got into the swing of things pampering each other and doing each other’s hair. The straightener, the Curler and the hair accessories were working overtime.

We barely had enough time to open the well thought out presents, sing Happy Birthday to Brid, cut and eat a slice of Cheesecake, before it was time for our guests to go.  
It was such a great afternoon, and a perfect way to spend your 14^th Birthday. It was only topped off by family arriving for a family dinner, just as guests were leaving. Busy busy day, but it was lots of fun.  Phew,,now to recover...!!!!