in pieces

Not many brides are lucky enough to wear their dress twice. On Sat. we held our Aussie reception, and we Leigh and I decked ourselves out again. Leigh was a little disappointed of the numbers of people that came, but I think it was great, as it allowed me to meet people on a more personal basis, and TRY to stick names and stories to them! Leigh made and showed an incredible video from when we were married in Canada- which made me cry again! and I wrote a new song for Leigh, which was fun. As well I made an extended slideshow of us growing up, and pictures of who was who in our family, so that people would know my family. Both Sarah and Mark dressed up again too, and MC'd the event. We did a bit of decorating as well, and when we arrived, we were surprised to find that the hall had just been previously used for a Flower show. They had extra bouquets left over (in a harvest theme) which i used for decorating. Also Leigh's Grandma has beautiful rose gardens in her back yar...

HERE'S A BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT TO MY AWESOME, FUN, AND "EXTREMELY-GOOD-LOOKING" HUSBAND! (we just watched Zoolander again) Leigh just turned 24 on the 18th of October. He was so excited that he was finally home for his birthday - first time in 4 years! Here's the joke, his dad was called away on an outtrip driving Semi somewhere, and his mom was called away to Horsham for work there! grrr.... can you believe it? So we celebrated with his brothers and sister. The day started with freshly made Cinnamon buns (by me!) and then we woke him up with his presents. He got some great things, one of his favorites being a magnetic globe that just suspended in mid air. It's cool And I got him a fancy new leatherman - THE JUICE S2 - cool! We had Thai peanut satay chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and green beans for supper. Along with a fabulous Mud Cake - yum! Later on, we had VB Stubbies. Not bad. In the photo, all the balloons behind Leigh were filled with all the messa...

Today I made coffee. When I reached into the cupboard to retrieve a mug I pulled out a gorgeous yellow one. It reminded me so much of my coffee times with my sister-in-law Glenna - favorite mug - yellow. Today Leigh and I also decided to try out pilates again. Man - they make it look so easy. This also reminded me of Glenna again. Our attempt at getting fit before the wedding, lasted only a week or two. How long will this one last? We'll have to see. I miss Glenna This is her and my favorite nephew

So here was my chance to impress the family. Carlene (Leigh's mom) was away with Sarah for soccer and wasn't able to make her mom a cake for her birthday. I proudly stepped up to bat, as I was certain that this was a sure-fire way to display my talents to Leigh's family. On my first day in Australia, I had spent the day making pumpkin pies, not only to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving, but also to keep myself occupied so as to combat jet-lag. Even after a few mismeasurements, ending with 6 pumpkin pies, instead of 1, I still accomplished my goals, and everyone loved the pie (except Leigh's brother Dean who hates pumpkin). Still this was gonna be great. I would use the extra pumpkin puree from the pies to make a delectable pumpkin spice cake that would really put me in first place with Nan, and would also show the Aussie culture the great things that sweet pumpkin goodness has to offer (Incidently. Nan has alzheimers, and I don't think she knows who I am, and pumpkin ...

This here is Bluey - He is the Oliver Family's pet sheep. He's quite cute and looks innocent as seen here... But don't be decieved - Bluey is a sheep not to be tangled with! Right here, he's trying to show Leigh who's boss!

So when I hopped off the plane here in Australia, I was so so excited about checking out if it really was true. Does the toilet drain in an opposite way to Canada? I had to see it for myself. Unfortunately upon inspection, I found that the toilets I've seen just flush straight down not in circular motion, so I couldn't tell...sinks too - now to check the tub? One thing I DID find out...is that there are 2 buttons on a toilet to push for flushing. Apparently one is for a half-flush (a wee-wee) the other, a full-flush (uh-hem???) . Man the things I've learned here already!

Well here I am in Australia and having a glorious time. This here is my friend Kanga...nah just kidding havn't come across any Kangaroos or anything! However when I look outside I can't help but be amazed how much this place could be found in Canada - it seems so similar! But I haven't really left the house much yet.Still recovering from the 17 hour plane ride. Today we go into Ballarat to see the city and do some shopping.

i was actually able to get my hands on a couple more photos. here's the girls.... and here's the gu ys...

Here' a picture that our photographer Corey, took while at our farm - i took it from his website...pretty impressive

We have been married for 13 days now - and it has been so much fun! Although it has been quite a busy and trasitionary time, as we have had stayed in 6 different places since the big day, and took a week to show Leigh's family around Vancouver and Victoria! whew! It will be nice to finally settle somewhere someday...hmmm well...that won't be for awhile as Leigh and are heading to Australia on Sunday....staying a few places there as well... With Leigh's family, his grandparents, AND one lady offered her place to us to housesit while she is away for 2 months! we just have to feed the chooks (ie: chickens!) That will be great! A house to ourselves! Then we will head back to Vancouver via Hawaii - our honeymoon!! woohoo...10 days in Hawaii...then back to Vancouver, only to hop on a plane back to Saskatchewan for a January Christmas. Eventually we will make our way back to Vancouver to actually settle. So far we haven't been able to get our hands on Corey's photos yet fr...

we had the most glorious day. Our wedding day was perfect!!!! It was icky and rainy all week, and then on Sat it cleared up and it was sunny and beautiful. I just have to say - that marriage is AWESOME!!! so AWESOME!!! I love it. Soon I will get some photos online so people can see us! THanks to all that were able to make it and celebrate with us!