Happy New Year

As you may have noticed, postings on 'The Collings Zone' have been rather sporadic of late. I intend to write with a little more regularity in 2010, if not posting more often, then at least establishing a regular rhythm.

Today is the First of January 2010, so Happy New Year. I guess I should take a little look back at the year just gone. 2009 was a big year for me and my family. It began with a trip to Melbourne for the National Christian Youth Convntion. This was a big week. It was challenging going about the business of the conference with two young children, but I also found myself challenged to 'put my faith where my mouth was'. I came home and did something I had been thinking about for a long time - I volunteered to help feed the homeless at our church drop-in centre. This has become an important part of the expression of what it means to me to be a Christian.

The year also started with me in the aftermath of some difficult finacial times in 2008. This lead into the onset of the 'global financial crisis'. Could things get any harder? I had wondered. Ironically, the despite the lack of a pay rise that year, the crisis seemed to make life a bit easier. The price of both petrol and milk came down, and we were even able to take the plunge and buy our very first house - something I really didn't think we would ever do. This has brought its own challenges such as mortage, rates and insurance, but we have gained some wisdom on the way, and its a wonderful feeling to know that if the kids draw on the walls we don't have to worry about getting in trouble from the owners of the house (unless I decide to tell myself on me).

2009 also brought big changes for my wife, who began to fulfill a life-long dream and study nursing at university. She had applied "just in case" not holding up many hopes, but I knew she would get in. She has now succesfully passed her first year and is loving it.

At work we finally moved into our new office building at Cimitiere House. It's pretty flash, and has a very nice view. Unfortunately, as a green building, it has no air-conditioning. I really don't know how I am going to cope in the months from January to March, which tend to be the hottest times of the year in Tasmania.

In the later months of 2009 I decided to get a bit more serious about writing my novel. I have made substatial progress and I'm aiming to have the first draft complete before I return to work in mid-January. It's been a lot of fun.

I said about a year ago, that I wanted to focus more on God's Kingdom and less on the everyday worries of life. Well, there have been times when I have succeeded, and there have been times (usually when interest rates go up) that I have fallen back on old habbits. I continue to endevour to live a life of faith, rather than a life of fear.

So, what will 2010 bring? Well my oldest daughter will be starting kindergarten this year so that is a big event. Beyond that, I'm not sure. Continuing to make our new house our our own, working, Linda studying. I really don't know what else.

The story continues...

Sharing and Generosity

My daughter Chloe is growing up so fast. It is exciting to see her begin to mature. I observed something in her the other day that impressed me. We were at the supermarket. Both kids were tired and crabby so we were trying to get through our fortnightly groceries quickly. To distract the kids we sometimes let them hold items. Harrison was holding something, I can't remember what it was. We had just grabbed a packet of buscuits from the shelf and had handed it to Chloe. Harrison immediately saw them and began to cry and protest. "Biccies! I want biccies!"

Straight away, Chloe handed the packet to her little brother. He stopped crying. I thought this showed a great deal of maturity for a four year old. It seemed that Chloe had enough generosity, not only to share, but to give away something to make somebody else happy. It occurred to me that she must understand that ultimately the biccies were mine, regardless of who was holding them at the time. She knew that when she got hungry, she could come to me and I would give her one, so there was no reason to clutch them closely to herself. This made me very proud.

I begin to understand a little of what it means to have 'the faith of a little child.'

Balancing Family and Work

The guys at HighCallingBlogs, FaithInTheWorkplace and Laity Lodge Family Camp are asking the question "How do YOU balance family and work?" , and giving away a free family camp (http://llfamilycamp.org/family-fun-time-giveaway/).

For me, it's a lot of little things. We often think that 'family time' has to be complex organised activities, but I think that everyday activities like getting the kids bathed and ready for bed is just as important. Some of the most special times with my children have been playing rough and tumble games on the floor after dressing them in their pyjamas.

Then there are times like today, when I took the kids for a daddy-day, doing the groceries and playing in the playground, so that my wife could do her university study in peace.

We do of course have special activities. A favourite family activity is taking the kids to the playground, or having a barbecue. As my kids grow older I'm sure we'll come up with other ideas.

Show Day

Today was the Launceston Show. We decided to take the kids to it as it is a public holiday. They had a great time. One of the highlights (especially for kids) is always the animal nursery. It had been moved from its previous location but we found it eventually. Chloe loved it. She patted a goat and a lamb, and loved looking at the ducklings.

	Chloe had her very first show ride, on the little boats. She watched it for a little while before deciding she wanted a turn. She had a ball and didn't want to get off.
While searching for the nursery, we found a stand by the Red Back Boot Company. Chloe had lots of fun tipping the readbacks into the toilet and flushing them. It was a fun game and very cute to watch. Harrison spent a good deal of the time sleeping, but when we did wake up, he loved the animals and the food.

Of course you can't go to the show without dropping some balls down the clown's mouth. Chloe had a game (on Minnie Mouse) and won herself a little plastic doll. It was pretty cheap, and the head keeps falling off, but the joy on her face when she won it was worth the $4 to play.

Harrison's First Steps

Last night Harrison took his first steps. It has been a while coming. On Saturday he stood up, unassisted for several seconds. Last night he repearted the performance and took several steps toward his mum. It won't be long before he's running around the house.

Chloe Sign Language

Chloe has been learning a lot of interesting things at childcare. The latest thing she has been learning is sign language. I was quite suprised when I read about it on her room's door. When we got home I asked her about it and she immediately showed me how to say "toilet", "stop" and "no" in sign language.

Not bad for a three year old!

Harrison Speaks

Harrison is beginning to clearly say several words. They are more than sounds because he clearly understands their meaning. Over the last couple of days he has said "Mummy" and "Harry". I believe I have also heard him say "Daddy" though not quite as clearly.
Not only does he speak, but he points and gets very excited. He has also become very good at waving. He always waves goodnight to us from his cot when we put him to bed.

Chloe Artwork

Chloe has been busy creating artwork.

Fun in the Snow

We spent this last weekend in Hobart. There was a lot of snow on Mount Wellington so we headed up to check it out. There were a lot of people up there. I have never seen so much snow on the mountain before. Chloe had an absolute ball.

Some photos of the day are below. I'm quite happy with these shots considering they were taken on my phone.
Click photos to enlarge