Cassie's Cuddles

VCE results are in! My girl was up at 6 am this morning (highly unlike her), waiting for the 7am results on the computer. Of course it crashed for about 15 min ( overload I imagine). Anyway, she recieved a great mark 87.8! She can now get into the course that she wanted to at Melbourne University, without even applying for the special consideration ( because she was home schooled until year 11 and 12), she doesn’t even need it! Way to go Steph. I am so happy for her, she is such a good worker, and I can honestly say that she did it on her own. I have been amazed at how many people have assumed that she would not do well, and they have actually said that there is no way that she will be able to get into Melb Uni because she won’t get a high enough score..I am proud of Stephanie’s character, she didn’t get upset, she just did her work, and now she has proved them all wrong. Well done!Lachlan had a birthday party last week. Stephanie arranged it all. Lachlan’s birthday is actually on the 27th of December, but we had a party early so he could actually have some friends over. They had to dress as Egyptian, Greeks or Romans. It was a good night, and Lachlan really enjoyed the effort his friends took to get there. I loved Cassandra’s costume, what do you think? Who knew sheets could be so useful? The next morning we got up at 4 am to go to Geelong Adventure Park. The Today show was hosting a free entry between 6-8am. Bargain! I dragged my Dad along too, it was a good morning. CAn you spot us? The girl in the pink is the weather girl.I know we have done more, but I have already forgotten :/  We just spent the day with some family doing an early Christmas. It was very nice. Yesterday we spent the day at Church, followed by lunch, then  tea at another church followed by another church service. It was a big day, but enjoyable. I had a lady ask me what the church was on about, and was able to answer. My heart is the happiest when I can speak of the gospel, there is no greater joy. My salvation is sure, it is not based on me, it is based on my saviour and his amazing mercy. The Bible is my only authority for knowing what God wants, who He is, who I am. The OT points to Jesus, and the New reveals Him. He died to take away my sin, He has given me all things. How can I not rejoice? Ah, it is good to share the gospel, what a privileged.

I made up some little kiddie bags for an outreach Christmas dinner for two weeks ago. The groups that the church invited are people who are good at recycling, creative etc, so I tried to reach them where they are at. I tried as part of my little bags to make up a pegdoll kit. Do you like the stickers? lol, it is a little lame, but hopefully the big bouncy ball etc made up for it.A couple of nights ago we also had a final night for the oldest three at their youth group. Jared and I and the younger two went as well, it was a hat night. They had a huge twister (no, thanks), and played “who knows the book of Hebrews the best” I am so glad that I memorised that chapter off by heart 20 years ago! Take the time to memorize it’s awesome how God’s word will come back to you over your life. ON that note, I am going to bed, I am tired.

My time is up! November has gone, and I have not lost 36 kilos, but 20! Although it has made a difference to me, It is still disappointing. I have to be honest, it was easy to stay motivated for about 4 months, afterall people where supporting me financially, I was exercising and everything was falling into place. I lost 2o kilos quite easily, and loved maxing out the credit card buying some new clothes that don’t look as big as a three man tent! Then suddenly, my thinking changed. I lost some more weight, but then put it back on, so that is where I am at. 20 kilos. Now is it the end? Well, it is for the finacial support to the children’s home in India, but I will continue and try to be a good girl again. I am a little sad that the home won’t get as much money as I hoped, but they will still get about 13oo dollars if everyone pays. That should help out right? I have to be honest and say that I have to really loose another 3o kilos to be “normal”, but wobbly skin might/ will  be an issue. I have been blessed in the last month of having someone offer me their weight machine, this nearly made me cry, cause seriously, it will make a difference.   I hope you can see a difference.  Thank you to anyone who has sponsered me. I will list my bank details so you can direct deposit with “India” as the deposit word. I will send you a receipt and a thankful heart ( not literally cause I only have one, and if I gave it to you, it would defeat the purpose of trying to get healthy right?), you know what I mean though right? I am thankful.Before…marshmellow ladyAfter…slightly smaller marshmellow. The biggest difference has been in my face.  Anyhow..these are my details.

Cassie Hood

BSB 704230

Account number 417556

Police Credit Co Op.

I have had a lovely week. My sister’s friend gave Jared and I an opportunity to have a mini two day holiday in Phillip Island. Jared is very busy right now, so I took Camden and Cassandra. We had a lovely little holiday, it was so nice to focus on just the two younger ones.We went searching for seals, we went to the library. We went swimming, in both the pool and at the beach. Tough life eh?Cassandra insisted that I took this photo of the pigs from a book found in the library for Stephanie ( you now know that Stephanie loves pigs right?).Let’s just say that Stephanie wasn’t as thrilled as Cassandra was giving it to her, lol.Here are the kiddies outside of our little home.You should have seen the size of the pool! We had it to ourselves, coolness!oh, yeah, I’m still enjoying the beach….now for the pool.I have a new appreciation for Camden, he showed patience, simple enjoyment, and was able to work the DVD player when I couldn’t 😀 Cassandra tripped over at least three times on the first day (due to excitement I guess), it was a lesson in self control, she wanted to let out a huge scream, but I was able to say in a calm way ” self control, I know it hurts, but try to calm yourself” and she did. I need to do a little bit more of that I think. I enjoyed the holiday, but was very thankful to go home, I missed the rest of my family. It was lovely to come home to a clean house ( My girls blessed me so much, by putting in some hard work to get everything in order). Oh, and we ate pizza. Don’t you think that my children look tired? Yay, at last, I tired them out!!