Handmade with Love

A small handmade by mum gift for minimoo :)

I can't wait until we have a name for her. Any suggestions?

Dear Baby, 22 Week Update

Current weight: 65.3kgs (up .5 kgs since last week)

Total weight gained: 0.30 kgs (original weight: 65 kgs)

Babys growth this week: Average length from head to bum is 19cm, her ears have reached adult size and can hear everything in the outside world.

Times I have vomited this week: 3 

Thoughts this week: 

I know what people mean by the 2nd Trimester glow (not that I am glowing, I dont think, but I certainly feel like I am). My skin is better than ever, I am staying up later and getting up earlier (and not napping!!) am generally happier and positive about almost everything! 

I got to see my little 3 month old niece, Shire, yesterday! She's SUCH a cutie!! I hope our little girl is as happy, settled and well behaved as her :)

(Minimoo's fleece suit we bought for her in Australia for when she's 6 months old!)

Dearest Baby Girl,

Another week has flown by and I am on the countdown! Only 18 weeks until you are due for arrival into this crazy crazy world! I really hope the aftershocks have settled down by then - I am praying that all we have been through lately wont be affecting you and giving you any anxiety. All the books tell me that you can sense my mood and can easily relate to it when you are in the world. I'm trying to take it easy, and stay positive, I hope you can feel that too. 

Whatever happens, aftershocks or not, we will protect you and look after you and try and teach you all we can about being a citizen in this world. When you're older I hope you love this earth and want to look after it as much as I do. 

Love, Mum x

Easter Weekend

Well, let me tell you! I have had the best weekend!

Mostly, I watched a lot of Lost (up to season 3.5, don't spoil it) but that also involved awesome friends, some quality time with the Hubs, great food, Church and celebrations, hot cross buns, creme eggs, BBQs, board games and card games, awesome weather and general happiness <3

Graeme and I managed to slip in some time to eat ice-creams in Sumner while doing some Earthquake tourism (We haven't really gotten out much and seen the city to be honest). It was wonderful and the sun was just setting.

(Taken on Graeme's iPhone)

On [resurrection] Sunday we had 2 Church services to attend. After the morning service we had a great big [free] feast. Graeme and I were on Potato Salad Serving Duty (we were the best). I'm not sure how many people were there, but they filled up our whole auditorium and it was honestly such a delight to have them in Church to celebrate Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection! I seriously met so many new people who have been coming to our Church for a few weeks now and somehow they had evaded my eyeline. So glad I got to meet many people and make some new friends! It seems C3 is growing right under our noses.   

  (Photos taken curtosy of Matt Lang of http://www.mattlang.co.nz/)

 (Photos taken curtosy of Matt Lang of http://www.mattlang.co.nz/)

 (Photos taken curtosy of Matt Lang of http://www.mattlang.co.nz/)

At the end of both Church services we also celebrated Baptisms - a bunch of people were baptised symbolising their death to sin and resurrection into Gods Grace! What a special weekend to be baptised too! Congratulations if that was you!

I have so much to be thankful for on the anniversary of my saviours betrayal, death and resurrection - but mostly I am thankful that it was him who took up the cross when certainly, I should have been there. For all of my sins, I deserve that death. The difference is, I would have been guilty and I would still be in the tomb. Thankfully, Jesus was guilty of nothing, was the Son of God and he rose from the dead, sealing our salvation. What a man!

Happy Easter!

Beauty Secret / Tip

Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!

In 2 years working at a beauty clinic and having to do professional skin analysis and product recommendations on a daily basis I realised how complicated each persons skin is. That's why, I am convinced it is SO important to know your own skin.


If you don't know the ins and outs of your skin, you should definitely have a skin analysis done. If you're in Christchurch, give Body Business a call and they do them for free, no obligation (at least, they used to! :) )


One of the most common skin complaints that people had no idea about was the difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. They are COMPLETELY different. Dry skin is your skin type - It may be flaky, course and show signs of premature aging. Dehydrated skin is a skin condition that can be remedied and may come and go depending on climate, the products you use, what you eat (lots of salts) etc. 


For example, my skin type is Oily (I can't change that), and most of the time I suffer from dehydrated skin. Crazy huh!! Infact, I discovered that most people in Christchurch had bouts of dehydrated skin, especially in a period of season change, or winter. You can tell if you have dehydrated skin by pinching your cheeks and forehead skin - It will create little horizontal or vertical crevices and look like it lacks water (because it is... it's dehydrated.)


You can remedie dehydrated skin really easily. Drink lots and lots of water is the cheapest easiest way!


Get yourself a GREAT toner. And by toner I don't mean the cheap type you by from the super market that probably has alcohol in it and is designed to dry out your skin and remove surface oil. No Ma'am! Thats no toner at all! You want a hydrating toner that will add moisture and will prep your skin to absorb your moisturiser well. (You can thank me later for that tip alone)


If you are severely dehydrated there's lots of other extras, you could invest in a hydrating serum to use once or twice a week, you could use a hydrating masque (NOT a clay masque) or you could use some pampering and buy yourself a professional facial!


Hopefully that helps you understand your skin a little better. If you want more info on any skin type feel free to ask me, or book yourself in for an analysis :)

Dear Baby, Week 21 Update

Current weight: 64.8kgs (up 2.4 kgs since last week)

Total weight gained: -00.20 kgs (original weight: 65 kgs)

Babys growth this week: Average length from head to bum is 18cm, her spine is well fused, her heart is pumping like a champ and her head is 5cm from ear to ear. The body (head to bum) is about the length of a big banana. My tropical little princess!

Times I have vomited this week: 1 (YAAAAY!!!)

Thoughts this week: 

Feeling so good lately! The morning sickness has eased this week, we have a new midwife (who's great!) and I generally have more energy (I haven't even napped in the last 2 weeks!!!!) Now that we're past halfway the end is in sight and I am beginning to mentally prepare for birth, a newborn (and what they become later in life). Life will change, and I can't wait!!

I had to go back for another anatomy scan this week where they remeasured everything again, In our last scan her spine hadn't finished fusing and they couldn't get a good reading of the heart. All is well after today though, and we have a new picture to put on our fridge!

(MiniMoo at 21 weeks today. It may look like she has a mermaid tail... her legs are actually  hoisted up around her head... Today she's called my little fishy :) )

Dear Baby Girl,

You. Are. Such. A Wriggler!! I got to see you for the third time today, we had another scan to make sure everything was growing well since the last time you were balled up in such a funny position! Your Papa couldn't make it so a good friend of ours, Rachel Badger, came along to meet you for the first time! You certainly put on a show for us, rolling all around, shaking your head and waving your fists. Right at the end you put your legs right up to your face, you probably could have scratched your nose with your toe if you had wanted. It was so funny to watch!

You're getting so big now and I can feel you all the time. When we go to bed your Dad puts his hands on top of you and you kick away for him. Good party trick!

Stay strong Baby Girl, we love you so much already.

Love, Momma x

Dear Womankind

Day Seven: Write a Blog To Encourage Another Beautiful Woman

Dear Proverbs 31 Wife,

You are a hard worker, selfless, creative, valued and an inspiration. Thankyou for giving me so much to be in the future. Through you I realise that I am not limited or have any bounds. I should do what I am good at and learn to do other things. Thank you for teaching me more about my husbands wants and needs and also my own. Please, keep pushing us to be greater women.

From, Sophie

Lover of my Soul

Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.

Jesus, lover of my soul, thank you for bringing me to life. When I was lost and dead to myself and the world you lead me hand in hand down a path to your grace.


The darkness faded, the shadows became people, and suddenly I realised you were next to me the whole way. Everything about you became clear and I knew how much you loved me. Light opened up, it blinded the night creatures and they scuttled away. What was left was you. Colours came into focus and my vision became clear.


This world is so beautiful. In moments you spoke of how wonderful this world is and how much you adore me. I knew of a plan for my life to help and seek the lost so they would see the beauty too. 


Jesus, thank you for making my heart come alive in those days. Thank you for saving me.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast 2011

In March Graeme and I went to Brisbane and the Gold Coast for 7 days. It was just brought to my attention that I never posted it on my blog (or even mentioned we're having a wee girl!!) So I am doing a serious blog-date now.

We went to Aussieland for 2 reasons - 1) To have a baby moon holiday and explore and adventure. 2) to visit family over there and coincide it with attending a joint 50th and 21st birthday for an aunt and cousin.

Australia was great! It was [very] warm. Graeme and I got to do lots of driving which we love, we got to see family who we have so much fun with, and we got to explore.

When we first got there, the main order of business was attending a masquerade ball for our cousin Ngakita and her Mum, Aunt Vicky. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to a masquerade ball!! It was fun, and the cool part was they had a professional photobooth there. I've never been in one, but it was really awesome! The screen counted down, took 3 photos, then printed them out straight after!

After the family events we borrowed a car and drove down the coast to meet up with our good friends Mel and Rob! It was so good to see them, and they had us stay in their lovely home! They drove us all over the coast for sightseeing and introduced us to lovely Australians! :)

We went to Movie World care of Ron, Graemes Granddad, with Kim, Grae, Izy and Steve. It was lots of fun, and even though I didn't get to go on any rides, I still had a blast!

They both took Monday off work as well to spend an extra day with us (yay!) and we went to the Vic / QLD border. Cold Rock icecream (delicious!!) got me into trouble and mel managed to convince us that they  GPS chip all of the sim cards in Australia. We thought we were being traced by border security!!

After staying with Mel and Rob, we went and stayed with Izy and Steve. Graeme and I went on a date to the mall where Graeme happily shopped and bought himself new clothes (:)) and later on we went to the casino and spent a lot of money in a few minutes, and then had the most fun on the lion pokie machine.

It was so much fun staying with Izy and Steve, they are such great quality fun! They also took us to the beach and out to the broncos league club for dinner (Nom Nom all you can eat!) and two lizard encounters (or was it the same lizard??). 

On our last night, we all went to South Bank and walked through their beautiful gardens - I could NOT get over the amazing looking structure purple vine flower features. It was so beautiful!! South Bank was great, and they even shouted us a trip on the big ferris wheel :)

Thank you Australia for a great holiday and great memories to have! So stoked we were able to have an international adventure with a baby on the way! Boy are we blessed!!

Dear Baby, 20 Weeks Update

Dear MissyMoo,

You are half way done baking and time is flying! Soon you will be here in our arms, and soon you will be running around a playground, before we know it you will be all grown up and having your own children, just like me.

I am treasuring this time that you are inside me so much. Really, the thought of it is so strange, I can feel you moving all the time and sometimes it blows my mind. Last night when we were trying to sleep it felt like you were doing cartwheels, or somehow you have learnt martial arts. I kept feeling you kick and punch in all different directions. You are such a strong and active girl!!

Right now, I think you are Gods little girl. You are ours, but you are His too. He's with you right now, growing you and looking after us both. I pray for you everyday so you will know His love and love Him back. Through this 20 week journey so far the main thing I have learnt is how little control we have, and how much God has. I trust him for our lives and am thankful for each and everyday with you.

See you soon little one x

(16 weeks on the QLD border)

Current weight: 62.4 kgs

Total weight gained: - 2.6 kgs (original weight: 65 kgs)

Thoughts this week: Half way!! Hoorah! Time goes slowly but so quickly at the same time. I know the rest of the time will fly, and before we know it we will have a sweet baby girl in our family! I am feeling especially emotional this week, tears come to my eyes far too quickly and I am finding myself being offended by the slightest comment, or overwhelmed with joy and love at the drop of a hat. On Saturday I had a scary breakdown because I wanted to go for a drive and get raspberry licqorice at 9pm. That involved an 'ugly' cry. I'm not really sure how Graeme does it, but he is the best at handling out of control hormones. 

Babys growth this week: Average length from head to bum is 16cm, currently working on covering its skin in oil and fat to protect itself and also fusing its spine together.

Times I have vomited this week: 8

I've never really experience the NZ health system properly (thank God!). I have been to my GP a lot, had head stitches and a fractured wrist when I was 9, and went to the emergency room this year for a bad ear infection. That's about the extent of it. 

But so far, boy oh boy am I impressed with the level of care I have received so far through this pregnancy! I have had 1 doctors appointment, 3 midwives appointments, 2 prescriptions, 2 ultrasounds (and a third one next week), and really feel like I have received the best possible care in all situations and I haven't paid a dime. Thank you NZ health system! :)

Who Inspires Beauty

Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?

I know a lot of people who inspire beauty - most of them are women. Perhaps there is something beautiful about a female spirit? Not to disclude them, because I have also witnessed moments of true beauty from men as well. 


The honest truth is that I try and surround my self with beautiful people on purpose. I have no desire to be around ugly and mean spirited people. Those people damage me and bring me down to their level. I constantly want to be around those who inspire and uplift me. So, really, most of the people in my life inspire beauty.

Uniquely You

Project 31. Day Two. 

What makes you uniquely you?

Like everyone else, I have my own experiences and influences that have shaped me and caused me to become who I am today. Mostly, my family, my God, a few friends, and most recently my marriage and own little family.

The truth is, unfortunately like most girls I have never thought about what sets me apart. Which is sad really, because without knowing who we are we can't appreciate and value ourselves as we should.

I would like to think that I am a fighter. I have had experiences and situations which have torn me down to nothing, and I have fought to stand back up. Most of all, I fight so that I don't have a bitter heart. I choose to see the good in the world, and fight very very hard to see the good in some people. Most days I feel as if I am in a fight, and most days I feel as if I am winning. Some days I dont win and those are hard days, but I still get up the next day.

I think I am an ideas person. I think of a lot of brilliant ideas, and start most of them. Mostly they come from out of the blue. I feel as if I have tried a lot of different things to gain experience but would not call myself adventurous. I am terrified of car crashes, I have been in too many, and dont like to be driven by other people. 

 I talk too much about helping people, but don't help people enough. I think most of us do this. This year I have plans to change this. 

Some would say that I have had it easy and spoilt, others would say that I have made some big mistakes and that I have learnt from them. Some might call me selfish, others might call me giving. Some might call me unmotivated and misguided, others will call me a dreamer who strives. I'm not really sure which Sophie you know, but perhaps thats what makes me different? I am unique because I don't fit into your perceptions of me. On the surface I seem one thing, probably because I have caused it to be that way, but on the inside I am someone completely different.


Who do you think I am?

Project 31

Proverbs 31  

A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.

 She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

 She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 

She watches over the affairs of her household 

   and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Day One: What does beauty mean to you?

The above proverb says that beauty is fleeting, which is true in a physical sense, but I think real beauty lasts forever, it grows and flourishes and is the physical being of love. Love is beautiful and when something is made in love or starts because of love or represents love it is beauty.

Green leaves on a tree are beautiful. Flowers in cluster are beautiful. A single lonely flower is beautiful. Grand mountains and rugged terrain is beautiful. Nature is beautiful because it is Gods perfect creation.

Often times the human spirit is beautiful; it has hope and is courageous and triumphs. 

Beauty is not loreal, or covergirl, its a spirit that lives inside of us. That spirit is loving, kind, generous, hopeful and reaches out from that person and manages to touch the life of another. We can only achieve that beautiful spirit with God.

Better'erer

We strive to be kinder, smarter, happier, funnier, friendlier, thoughtful, peaceful, resourceful, successful... Better.

Yesterday wasn't good enough, today will do and tomorrow can be better.

We look forward in hope that the next moment could bring something new and challenging, something to show us who we really are.

Most of us dont know that, but in our finest moments and in the most challenging times we reach a certain level of joy that makes us know that this is what we were made for.

What were you made for?

And what have you done since to live that?

The Journey Blog

I would like to introduce you to a new blog, and I would really like it if you clicked THIS link and went and visited right now.

This blog (The Journey) belongs to Katie, who started Amazima ministries. She's Christian, she's American and she is young.

Katie trained as a teacher and then moved to Uganda and started an orphanage there. She now has 14 beautiful girls of all ages under her care. Some she has officially adopted, others are in the process of being adopted. She feeds them, cares for them, teaches them, disciplines them, and loves them; She is their mother now.

I am so crazy ridiculously inspired by her and their new home. What a wonderful thing to invite people into your home. Check out her blog, read their families adventures, and while you're there why not send an encouraging email or flick them some money!? :)

Colour My World

I can't wait to get all of our things out of storage and into my hands! Lately I have really been missing my craft boxes of goodness. I packed them away thinking I would only miss them for a few weeks, but those weeks turned into months and now I'm pining after them!

I love Color Me Katie's blog. She's an artist / photographer and everything she does is about colour. It's so inspirational! I particularly love this post she did, here are some photos from it. You should definitely check out her blog!