THE DOWLING-ATHERLEY FAMILY~ The Diary of our dream * New Zealand *

2008-04-14T21:36:00.002-07:00

Good afternoon people!! I know I'm getting told off for not upating my diary but i have been so busy, now that I need to write it down nothing springs to mind what we have been up to. Well Carly is off to Thialand soon ( O yeah we had a dillema with her passport as she only had one month left before it expired and she has to travel with at least 6 months so we hastily sent it off down to Wellington and sighed a huge sigh of relief only to look at it and realised they haven't put her visa's in, OK think nearest office to us is probably henderson so off we race there to get them stamped in, phew!!!!! Then told need jabs at least one month before you leave so its in your system whoops!!!! Got to go to the doctor to order jabs first. She will be gone for 4 weeks home for 2 weeks and then she has an opportunity to go to Mongolia to help build a school for charity, so she's looking forward to that. The kids break up on Friday for Easter holidays and go back may 2nd. Billie-jo is playing netball, Jaden is playing football for his own team, Paige & Carly are playing in football teams of their own. At the Easter weekend there was 21 of us who went down to Rotarura, that was a fantastic weekend, mark turned 40, yes 40 so it was just a brilliant weekend. Our Summer is over and we are now in Autumn but we are still having lovely weather. Well we were until yesterday and today the heavens opened and it poured.

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Carly just before her big leap

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This is Carly doing a bungee jump

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Jaden stuffing his face
Jaden says to say hello to Harry and all his friends at Wadebridge
school and that he still thinks of you and he wants to know if you like
his hair? He says he will come home for a visit one day.

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in the forest

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Still in the rainforest looking out over mauri land & water

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eerie

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Stan & Jaden

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Stan the Man took us thru the rain forest

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The kids playing in Lake Taupo with black swans swimming by

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soaking our feet in a hot spa

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Mum & I in the hot water lake

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Still in Taupo and still in the lake

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Jaden in a hot water spring lake down in Taupo
the water was about 28 degrees

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Dad your like a little garden gnome,fishing for prawns
and you actually tried 1 2 3 so proud of you !!!!!!!

2008-02-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

This was the last sunset for 2007

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Huka Falls

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Taupo

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Mum

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On holiday down at Taupo with the crowd

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Jaden with his hair getting longer

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Prawn fishing can you see the prawn, o wot fun we had that Day
Eh Dad! Yes can you see Mum surprised in the background thats
cos it was my first catch and we 'd been there for 5 hours already.

2008-02-28T22:14:00.001-07:00

Billie-jo & Gabby

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Billie-jo & Emma

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Holly & Jaden (his girlfriend)

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Kate Jo & I at Snowplanet

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Jaden's 6th birthday

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Me Debbi Jo Sharon

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That's me with all my hair cut off

2008-02-28T21:50:00.002-07:00

Gosh I can't believe I havn't written on my blog since the beginning of January, I seriously have a lot to catch up with. Well Mum & Dad have gone back infact its been almost 3 weeks since we took them to the airport, it was such a weird feeling not having them here. Since they have gone we have discovered that Marks Mum has breast cancer and she has been in hospital and had her op we are now waiting for the good/bad news they took out 4 nodes to be checked and we will get the results today so I have everthing crossed for her, its times like this that you wish you can magic yourself back. Well i have got myself in the swing of things at work and already working with 5 families which im told your only suppose to have 4 seeing as I'm part-time but its good.

2008-01-11T17:17:00.002-07:00

Well I shall continue with my blog as many of you all are still reading and wondering how we are getting on. Just got back from our week away down in Taupo, so I shall update photos shortly. Thanks Mandy for photos of Grans party it was great looking at everyone and how they have changed, especially the children, keep them coming. Paula Palmer I shall email you very soon I have some good news for you. Congratulations to you Julia for getting your visa. Summer is here, its gorgeous! Write more soon!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE

2007-12-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

I shall think of you all tonight when we see the new year in before you, but I shall also think of you on your new years eve which will be at 1pm in the afternoon our time, we shall raise a glass to all our friends and family in the uk whilst out on the boat, Happy new year everyone xxxxxx

ALAN~ RIP

2007-12-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

We lost a dear friend of ours on the 22nd Dec, so it had put a damper on our xmas really. We had his funeral on the 27th and I must say it was the best funeral I have ever been to. It was all about Alan and afterwards we celebrated his life, it was beautiful. We have spent every week with them since we came here and they became our family. It was a privallege to have met him and we shall never forget him. We spent Xmas day with our other friends at the beach but we didnt go out on the boats. kate & I went swimming and it was warm. Xmas eve we went to snowplanet and went tabogganing and on Boxing Day we spent the day at the races which raised our spirit a little once we started winning. Today is New years Eve and we all went along to the Lugge which was good, and tonight we have been invited to go to our friends place for a party to see the new year in. News Years Day we are going out with a crowd who have boats and Jimmy is going to attempt to teach me and the girls to water ski, they also had a sea biscuit for xmas and already tried it out, I nearly wet myself when Carly went out on it she flew in the air and came down with a bang. Anyway peeps who have been logging in and keeping up with what we have been up to, DO YOU WANT ME TO CONTINUE THRU TO 2008, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT?

2007-12-04T01:13:00.000-07:00

Well Christmas is soon upon us and I just want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. xxxxxxxxxxxx

Puhoi

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carly hooked a double wammy

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Smile jaden.

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Mum looking the part

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Mum & Dad holding on for dear life

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Having lunch at Puhoi

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2007-12-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

2007-12-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know that Carly, Mum and Dad have had a car accident BUT they are all fine, just a few bruises and a stiff neck.

2007-11-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Just updating to Paige's progress for her soccer she never got in, but it was so close, she was dissapointed but you know Paige she just dusted herself off and said 'O well, next year', thats my Paige. They have 3 weeks left at school and then its Summer Holidays, we have planned to go on Holiday on the 4th january to Taupo for a week. The weather is now warming up, and the kids are now getting into the habbit of putting sun cream on in the morning as part of their routine. We have got a pool now set up in the garden and it warms up by the time they get home from school. Took Mum & Dad fishing last weekend Carly & Bj caught baby sharks and we threw them back into the water and dad came back from the local pub and said that sharks taste good, yuck! I took the girls into Auckland on Monday to see Justin Timberlake omg he was amazing. Everyones all well here, see you all soon x

2007-11-28T00:02:00.000-07:00

Well it's nearly one month already that Mum & Dad have been here. its great having them here. Well theres deckys up in shops and Bing Crosby is singing that he's dreaming of a white xmas. 'Is it Christmas' I ask Mark 'how the hell did that happen, didnt we just arrive in New Zealand' Boy that has gone quick, we are absolutely loving it here, probably cos we have our own house and feel more settled. So its rather non comercial for xmas here, by now the kids would have had the Argos book out and an A4 sheet of xmas list thrusted in my hand, and probably by now i would have got it and wrapped most it up by now, so now frantically going out Christmas shopping. On xmas day this year we are meeting three other families and going out on the boat to an Island that we have found recently over the weeks and taking a buffet, Marks into making his own sushi and yesterday i bought a homemade xmas cake with figs,fruit, nuts in a rich red wine, I have already tasted some and omg its delicious. We're having secret santa, best home made xmas hats, and dressing up as a disney character and playing games on the beach with lots of drink, how different to previous xmas's. We had visitors 2 weeks ago from the boys I grew up with in Blisland they rung me and said 'hey where are you I'm standing on your doorstep' it took a while before it registered it was here, so emotional. We cant believe its been 8 months already and we dont have no regrets, we have met some great people, and those are the ones that want to share xmas day with us. I can see the look my Dad gives my Mum, hey Shirley bit of alright here isn't it?

Our boat

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Dining- room

2007-11-27T23:58:00.000-07:00

Lounge

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Part of my house

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These guys turned up on my doorstep 2 weeks ago, boys from back home.

All Dad needs now is a beer

2007-11-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

Jaden & Holly his girlfriend

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It didn't take Mum long to find her way round my kitchen

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They made it

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Mum came thru waving the Cornish flag which now flies proudly on our boat

HERE THEY COME

2007-11-27T22:25:00.000-07:00

2007-10-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone, sorry not been updating my diary but I have been so busy with unpacking and moving into our new home, I shall update some photos very soon. Well I shall give Mum a call tonight to wish her bon voyage as she starts her journey out here, she will reach us on Friday, we are all going to meet her at the airport but ssh dont tell as I told her only Mark will pick them up. Cant wait to see them. Well Paige is into her 3rd week of twice aweek skills training and loving it and getting very near to the 12 Nov whether she goes down to Nappier or not. Carlys holding two jobs down at the moment and raking it in, She took us out to dinner last night. Well its still Spring but boy it was 25 degrees today suppose to be like this until Thursday. Well i Havn't even thought about Christmas yet, if I was home I would of at least been half way thru my list by now. Anyway still thinking of you all, speak soon to my nearest & dearest. x

2007-09-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Paige,

United Soccer 1 would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your selection in the United Soccer 1 U16 Girls Academy commencing on October 14th. United Soccer 1 will be operating an U16 Girls Academy on behalf of New Zealand Football. 24 - 30 of the best U16 players in the our region (Far North, Northland, North Shore and Waitakere) will train twice a week (Sunday 12 – 1.30pm and Monday 6.00 – 7.30pm) for eight weeks. On November 12th 18 players from the Academy will be selected to represent United Soccer 1 at the New Zealand Football National Age Group Tournament in Napier from December 16th – 20th.

Good Luck

NOT LONG NOW MUM COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS

2007-09-12T01:06:00.000-07:00

We are off to see Snow Patrol on Friday. The children break up next week for two weeks, and we pick up the keys on 21st now, which is good so we will have 2 weeks to move everything in, so here we go again with all the packing, mind you we didn't unpack everything. Our evenings are now drawing out and the kids are out playing longer. Had fresh snapper for tea, mmmmm No Mark didn't catch it, our neighbour who went out on his boat yesterday brought 2 round.

Carly's 1st car - Betsy

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Hot Water Beach Coromandel

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2007-09-10T22:37:00.000-07:00

Congratulations!

United Soccer 1 is pleased to announce that your Daughter Paige has been nominated to trial for the United Soccer 1 Under 16 (Born in 1992 and 1991) Girls Academy.

Commencing on October 14th United Soccer 1 will be operating an U16 Girls Academy on behalf of New Zealand Football. The 30 best U16 players in the our region (Far North, Northland, North Shore and Waitakere) will train twice a week (Sunday 12 – 1.30pm and Monday 6.00 – 7.30pm) for eight weeks. On November 12th 18 players from the Academy will be selected to represent United Soccer 1 at the New Zealand Football National Age Group Tournament in Napier from December 16th – 20th. The head coach of this age group is Grant Machin
The Trial will be held on September 15th North Harbour Stadium Domain 3 (Artificial pitch), 2pm – 4pm

2007-08-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Well dont the weeks fly past when your having fun. We bought our own house and move in on the 28th september, cant wait, altho it means packing it all up AGAIN!!!! Mark & I booked tickets to go and see Snow patrol on the 14th. We are meeting Jo & Darren in Auckland and making an evening out of it. The kids have been practising cross country and did the real one yesterday, out of Jadens age group he came 2nd and Bj came 11th. I have started running on a Monday night with some people that I have met, I would like to do the half marathon being held at the end of October but not sure if the timeframe would allow me, I shall see. I completed my four week course at the Alcahol & Drugs course and can now honestly say with my hand on heart that yes I'm an alcaholic, and that girls YOU ARE ALOWED TO HAVE A DRINK EVERY NIGHT and not save it to Friday night and have a binge but we all knew that right girls? My tutor says so and what she says is gospel. So got my certificate now, so ask me anything? Ha h

One more week and then its spring did we just have winter? Todays temp was 21. Altho having to move in a bit we feel very much settled, wouldn't call it quite like home yet but definitely feel that we did the right thing, Carly actually said yesterday 'Do you know I don't think of Cornwall very much these days unless someone brings it up' She is so much happier, and doing alot more and ssh but she has a boy-friend, (you know a friend who happens to be hot) Moria if your reading this your emails keep bouncing back at me as with alot of emails that I'm sending out to others and I dont know why so can you email me so I can reply as I have deleted most of my messages. Anyway peeps have you all had a good summer holiday? I'm genuinely asking! Speak soon Mum, love and miss you and cant wait to see you in 70 days and 12 hours 15 mins 10seconds.

Update

2007-08-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

I cant believe I have completed 4 weeks at work, I'm going out tomorrow to visit a new family on my own, I'm still enjoying it as well. We have bought a new house and move in on the 28th Sept and now I cant wait. I'm so excited just in time for Mum to help me move in ha ha. Carly has taken up shooting clay pigeons, OMG!!!!!!!! We had parent/teacher meeting and they are pleased with Billie-jo & Jaden, jaden's teacher said her challenge is to keep Jaden challenged. he is the yougest of 18 children, and is keeping up with them, apart from pulling threads of carpet he should be ok. They are also picking up the accent and omg jaden says 'sweet as' or he will say eh on the end of almost everything, we cant stop laughing at him, and they all have had a growth spurt, Billie-jo has gone all leggy, good job summer is just around the corner so she can wear her trousers as 3 quarter lengths, ha ha. Paige has been chosen to play soccer at an Accademy so she is really wrapped about that, training is twice a week.

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Mark & I

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The one standing with lady prime minister is the kids Principle Diane Lambert

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Some of the children who did a maori dance at the school

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This is New Zealands Lady Prime minister who opened Orewa Primary

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2007-07-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

God wot another gorgeouus WINTER day we are having today, the sun is out and warm my washing is out and drying, sorry folks back home not rubbing it in, (much) no seroiusly its not funny. well just spent the morning with Jaden helping in his class Jaden got told off last Friday for pulling a piece of thread on the carpet and he thought it was fun to keep pulling and well you can imagine what the carpet looks like now. So yesterday I told him to stay out of trouble. He came home saying he only got told off a little bit today. Carly and I spent Saturday skiing OMG was I aching on Sunday, and she says to me come on lets learn to jump, so I followed her over this mould of snow and she turns round and sees me sprawled out one leg behind me the other in front, all i can say is im glad i practised my pelvc floor muscles after having the kids as i nearly wet meself laughing. Thanks for the photos you sent me Mandy wedding looked lovely, give my love to Tams and have a fantastic holiday. Work is going really well for me and Im enjoying it, I have been going into schools and getting to know people. Sharon, Carly & I are going to Auckland to see Gwen Staffani tomoz night, whoop whoop!!!!!

2007-07-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well a quick blog just to let you know how my first day went. So far so good, I think I'm going to enjoy it. I went thru all the paper work today and what my role is all about, but I will let you know when they start giving me my own case loads if I'm still enjoying it.
Some friends of ours went back to the UK 3 weeks ago and couldn't wait to get back here, but I'm sure it's got nothing to do with the weather your having, the good thing about us is Spring is on the way, whoop whoop!!! Then Summer, which I can have off, whoop whoop again!!!!
Seriously guys I do miss you! The children came home with smiling faces today after having 2 weeks off, Billie-jo said she has a new boy starting today from Notingham.

2007-07-12T22:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry only took these pix my camera died on me I took so many of the scenery (uh trees and stuff that some I had to delete ha ha) Aint he cute tho.

2007-07-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

Carly stroking the baby cub that the mum has neglected

2007-07-12T22:26:00.000-07:00

Gosh it's hard to believe today being 17 degrees and a blue sky that two days ago we had a horrendous storm with winds up to 180kmh. Trees have fallen in the roads causing motorist to turn around, Paige got stuck at work and we couldn't get to her in the end someone brought her home quite late. Auckland bridge was closed to motor bikes as the wind whisked two of them off their bikes. Friends of ours moved into their new home and their roof was ripped off, people lost their electricity that night and some are still out now. It was scarey! Wellits the end of school holls, we have had a good 2 weeks off, Carly & I drove to whangerie to Zion to see some lions, and we went to watch the new Harry Potter flim and Transformers which was excellent. Well I'm starting work Monday, quite excited about it really, how sad. Jaden had his friend Tayla round today and she put make-up on him i wish i had my camera handy bit it ran out of battery. He looked in the mirror and said Quote ' That don't look very nice Tayla you got got it on my eye brows' and went and washed it off, it was funny. O well Friday the 13th today going to dish up dinner then going out for an end of the week deserved drink.

They start them young over here

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Jaden trying on the uniform for size

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAIGE- 15

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