Day 4 off the beach.....

11-22-14

Day 4 and I honestly didn’t think it could get better then this.  We decided to rent a condo in Mooloolaba, off the ocean front (approximately 12 minutes from the last condo).  This little town is a busier tourist area, but the beaches, oh my goodness!  Being from Pacific NW, I honestly thought I had seen some of the most beautiful ocean fronts, but God has corrected me.  There are absolutely beautiful serene beaches on the other side of the world also.  

Some of you reading this might think we are crazy pair, and for good reason you may think that when I tell you the next thing about the planning of our trip.  

A few weeks out, I remember sitting down and commenting to Bob about finding a place to stay while we were on this trip.  Neither of us knew where to stay, nor did either of us want to pick the place not knowing…. but faith is what we live each day by, why stop now.  :)  Bob found the place in Marcoola, our first condo for three nights, quiet quaint area that we loved.  So we left on our trip knowing that we had 3 days on the calendar in Australia with no reservations or place to stay in mind for the final 3. Courageous?  Yes!  Faith?  Yes!  A little crazy?  Absolutely!  But…. Here we are in a condo, that we thought we would never be able to afford, thank you Travelocity, for two nights looking at the ocean from the 10th floor.  Our faith, or some of you may think craziness, blessed us once again.  Thank you Jesus!  

Been having so much fun!

Bob and I are moving on to another condo today, so I wanted to make sure that I updated our posting before we get moving.  Yesterday we spent the day at the Australian Zoo , founded by Steve Irwin.  Here is yesterdays....

 CLICK ON PHOTOS TO VIEW IN ZOOM

11-21-14

What an exciting day that Bob and I embarked upon. We had the opportunity to spend the day at the Australian Zoo that was founded by Steve Irwin. We saw some amazing animals that just had us in awe of God's Creations, once again. Everything from Kimono Dragons, koala bears to kangaroos, tigers and crocodiles. 

Although it was extremely warm outside,  we were so captivated by the layout of this zoo and the habitats that were created for each of the different animals, that we were able to look past the heat that was radiating on us all day.   Lots of time, love and just plain out education, was obviously put into the development of this amazing zoo. To see the genuine conservation efforts solicited through out the zoo, was heart touching and thought provoking a motivation to be a part of the change. 

A story that really touched me was that of a tiger that had been born 14 months prior with a life altering birth defect. He was blind. What really got me thinking about this was the plain out sad truth that IF he had been born in the wild, his survival story would probably not be a happy one, if one at all.  But because these animals are so Abundantly cared for in this zoo, the zoo keepers were able to recognize the defect in the proper time, with the proper tools, and after surgery, were able to help this tiger live each day to its fullest potential, healthy and happy, and ALIVE.  

Sibling love....

The trainers come in everyday and spend 2.5 hours straight with them to keep them comfortable with human interaction.

This is the blind one......

This one was the sibling of the blind one. 14 months old......

Caroline was initiated...

so I was told.....  Read further to find out what that included.....

The first night we decided to walk from our condo to the beach. It literally was right through the trees.... The sand is so so very soft!  Love it!

as I was having fun taking photos... OUCH, I stepped on something.... Instant pain radiating through my foot and all I could think of was, "I am going to die in Australia and it wasn't even on the plane..."  Intense pain and we went and met the Lifeguard.  So awesome are the accents!  Okay, back on track.  He couldn't even tell me what it was that I stepped on except I needed to go  straight to the "Chemist" which is the Pharmacy in the States.  So we went to the Chemist and because there was something still in my foot, he said I needed to go and see a DR.  Heck no!  I am not seeing a DR. ;) Dr Bob worked on my foot with a blade and tweezers and with steroid cream and meds, I can walk around. But...oh my gosh does it itch and is still swollen.  Nothing is going to stop me tho!

To Be Continued.....

Irwins to Australia...........

Yes, you read right! AUSTRALIA! So blessed! Bob spent the last two weeks traveling for work and his final destination was Australia.  So.... Caroline invited herself. ;)  Using some air miles, we booked my ticket and planned a much needed vacation.

The flight was loooonnnnggg and with an accumulated 3 hours of sleep, I was allotted lots of time to read, think and pray.  (oh... and breathe a lot of recirculated air... LOL)

It is warm and humid... a much welcomed change from 30 degree weather at home.  We are staying in a little town right off the water called Marcoola in a condo located right off the water front.

To Be Continued........

Blessed beyond words.....

Quite often I sit back and wonder, where did the time go? I am still in denial that I have 3 kids that are almost all adults and are moving forward in the direction they are pursuing for their own lives. No longer do I volunteer in classes, run kids to and from everything, sit on parent boards and committees, etc.... Now Bob and I are blessed to watch the seeds planted over the many years, grasp for fertilizer and stretch out for the rays of vitamin D that will feed and nurture them.

Bobby is on his final year of college in Spokane and this mom is looking forward to spending more time with him when he completes his AA.  I know, wishful thinking, but hey, a mom has to wish.  It has been so much fun to watch him grow in so many amazing ways.  We are hoping that when he is done in May that he will move to this side of the mountains again.  ;)  I love to watch Bob and him hang together.  I really am amazed at how alike they are!  Bobby has taken up BBQ'ing and man, he does a good job!

Kyleann moved back to Washington and will complete her AA in May also.  Her plan is to complete her Bachelors and teaching certificate at Western University upon completion of the AA. She has really amazed us with her perserverence and dedication to make decisions that have been difficult, yet so detrimental to her future endeavors.  She has a passion for life and this momma is so blessed to watch!

Taylor is fun!  We love to watch him experience life and just have fun!  He is on his Junior year of high school and is driving and working.  He and his friend Christian, started a small group of middle schoolers in September, that meet once a week and fellowship and study different lessons from the bible.  We love to watch God working in his life as he ventures out seeing where life is going to take him.  He is such a blessing to us!

Leanne, our niece moved to Connecticut in June.  Although she is missed, we are truly excited for her. She is finding herself and venturing out.  She has such a heart to love others and find out who she is in the process. She blessed us in the 2 years she was with us, and will always have a home here.

We have a new house guest.  Matt.  When Leanne moved out, Matt moved in.  Talk about keeping us laughing.  We met Matt through our church and have been blessed to have him in our home.  He is obnoxious, in  a good way, and just fun to have around.  He has taken a mentor roll with Taylor and it has been so detrimental in this time of Taylor's life.  Matt works at New Life and is also starting on staff for Wyldlife, Young Life and has asked Taylor to be a student lead with him.  Taylor loves Matt, as we do also.

To Be Continued........

my all time favorite picture of my handsome son Bobby!

Matt & Taylor - August 2014
Kyleann, Taylor & Karie (Taylor's girlfriend) - June 2014