turns out...........

Maisy is a BOY named MILO! FINAL ANSWER!

a quiet sunday afternoon....???

Today whilst at church.... I was in the nursery taking care of the children when the primary president came to find me. It was loud in the nursery and I couldn't really figure out what she was telling me. I could make out the words "brody" and then "door" I immediately thought..."OH NO... has he done another runner????" But then she said "STITCHES" I felt myself get shaky and emotional as I tried to gather my things including owen and ava I frantically make my way over to a big couch in the church hallway and there he is.... my wee Brody with a big ball of paper tissues on his bleeding head. He is sobbing and cuddling me. He would not let me look at his cut, but his teacher is a nurse and said it would need stitches so we headed off to the urgent care. Poor brody cried all the way there. and sweet little sensitive Kyle sniffled and tried to hide the little tears that were sneaking out and rolling down his freckled cheeks.
When we got in there (me and Brody) they lay him down and put a movie on for him, Brody kept asking for kyle the whole time. I finally had to go and get him to stay by Brody's side. When the doctor injected numbing medicine in Brodys cut, he screamed out in pain, Kyle had to cover his ears because it upset him so much to hear his brother cry. I just find it amazing at how close they are. They are soo lucky to have each other.
Brody got 4 stitches in his forehead and took it like a man! They didn't have to bind him up in sheets (like Kyle had previously had to endure) I was soo proud of him. I promised I would give him a sweetie, so we picked up his presciption and a bag of airheads (as promised) even though it was sunday - ;)

milo or maisy????

Yesterday as I was visiting a friend, a lady approached me asking if I have lost a white dog. I quickly said I hadn't and went on my way. I turned back to see the lady looking somewhat stressed, so I asked her what was wrong and she told me she had found this dog but she couldnt keep it. and apparently it costs money to take it to the pound!! I looked at the lady, then I looked at the dog. Took a deep breath and then decided to take the dog home to the kids. I told them we were just looking after..... (quick check) er "him" until we could find his owners. The kids were just delighted!! They decided to name him milo.
Eric came round to give us some doggie supplies and play with..... (quick check) er "HER" ... so long story short we might have a dog, and it might be a girl named Maisy!!

tears,fears and fugitives.......

Brody has always had seperation anxiety! When he was 18 months old, he started nursery at our church. Every week without fail, someone would bring him to me informing me that he was sick. We slowly began to recognise a pattern, he had mastered the art of making himself throw up!! He was assigned his very own teacher. I would hand him to her, she would hold him over the bin let him do his thing, and that was that!
When Brody was 4 we signed him up to pre-school. Every morning he would happily chat the whole drive to pre-school, but as we approached Ms Jones house, he would get hysterical, crying kicking etc etc. I would carry him up to the door, and as I drove off, he would happily sit at his place and get on with his work.
As we know, Mr Brody just started kindergarten, his first couple of days were pretty perfect, but as the week progressed, Brody began to get upset as I pulled up to the school. On one occasion, he actually was running after my car as I was driving off, (there were 2 teachers holding him back as they ushered me to keep going) it was very upsetting to me but I figured that this was somewhat normal and that he would figure things out.
This past Tuesday, I received a phonecall from the assistant principle, informing me that Brody had managed to escape from school, and was trying to make his way home. I was shocked and upset about the incident and decided to remove the kids from the school.

THE NEW SCHOOL......
We went back and forth about what to do about Brodio and decided that moving him to a school that offered half day kindergarten was the answer. The school of choice teaches a grade above public school so we decided to take this opportunity to place kyle back in 1st grade and be with his correct age group (instead of being the youngest and smallest kid in his class)We thought long and hard about this and decided to go for it.
When it came to telling the boys the news, Brody was excited about the fact that school for him was only 3 hours long. But Kyle........ dear sweet little Kyle, was just heartbroken! I took him up to say goodbye to his teacher, and he just held her and sobbed. I watched with teary eyes as I wondered if I was making a big mistake.
Mark and I went to the shops to buy some last minute uniform stuff for the new school, and they began the very next day.

They both went without a hitch. Later that evening Kyle asked me..."mum have you ever been the kid in the playground that nobody plays with???" My heart just dropped... "why? is that what happened today kyle?" and he shook his head and bravely said no!
Later that night as I was tucking him into bed, he looked at me with a quivering lip and said..." I was that kid today" I had to look away to stop myself from losing it. He told me he asked someone if he could join in their game, but he said... "its too hard for you!" I told him it would get better and that he would make some friends really soon.

THE PLAN......
The next morning Kyle excited told me that he had come up with "A PLAN" He would talk to his teacher about the fact that nobody was playing with him outside, he was soo excited that he had solved his own problem. But when he came home that afternoon I asked him about the plan, and he said the teacher told him she would talk to the kids but she forgot! so he played alone for recess once again!


It is so hard to see your child struggle, and this was weighing heavily on me.

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO BE THE SUPERHERO IN YOUR OWN LIFE!

I emailed his teacher to let her know the situation, and Kyle and I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to help Kyle make a friend.
The next day, We picked Kyle up from school and he had a huge grin on his face... he said he had made a friend!! It was such a special experience to be able to recognise that not only does Heavenly Father hear and answer MY prayers, but he hears and answers the prayers of my children. It was a beautiful feeling, and a lovely experience for Kyle to learn so early in his life that there is Somebody who loves him and is watching out for him.

The princess is 15 months!!!

What can I say about this girl????
This has been a whole new experience for me! I don't care what anyone says... girls are soo different from boys!!!! She has learned how to climb........ she is the only child of mine who has ever climbed out the highchair!!??? She climbs on the chairs, she climbs up the bunkbed ladder, she climbs up the huge play structure. What a busy little girl she is.

Fake cry! This girl can turn it on out of nowhere. (not a single tear though)


She knows how to say quite a few words including... mummy, daddy MARK, pizza, uh oh, NO!, MINE! (said with pout and major attitude) doggy, baby.....

She knows how to work an audience! She commands attention wherever she goes!


she is charminglast week at church, she stretched her arms out to 3 random people for a tight arm round the neck cuddle!
she is sweet
She LOVES SHOES! She is always wearing someone shoes. She likes to hide them too ;)
She LOVES to eat...... EVERYTHING! especially beans, raisins, bananas, pizza, chicken nuggets, she will not eat cottage cheese (cant really blame her)
She loves to put hats and headbands on, necklaces and bracelets, she loves to stare at herself in the mirror giving her self big kisses and excitedly saying "doggy" (she gets the word doggy and baby confused) she is just absolutely adorable. I LOVE my sweet little girl!!!

Brody is FIVE!!!!

Brody is growing up before our eyes......

He loves to play football (soccer) He loves to swim. He took swimming lessons this summer and is doing great! He can swim the width of the pool without his lifejacket. He loves action hero guys, and playing legos with kyle (his partner in crime)


Brody is known for his quick wit and his cheeky one-liners. He is a funny, silly little boy who loves to please. He is a joy to have in our home.




We celebrated his birthday at barros! Some of his most favourite people in the world were there, including his superhero BFF's Sy and "Sambrown". We ordered Brody a pizookie and he wanted doughnuts instead of birthday cake. this is the boy with a sweet tooth (which incidentally I am pretty sure I know which tooth it is... the one with the tell-tail brown dot??





I can't believe how big he is getting!! He is 43 lbs and only one lb smaller than kyle! I love how they share clothes and shoes.





Happy Birthday darling... I hope you had a fun day! We love you xxxx

big school boys!

Last week was "back to school" Kyle moved up to 2nd grade, and Brody started kindergarten!

On the 1st day of school, Brody just marched right in to his classroom without looking back! I was soo shocked that I went in after him to make sure that he was ok. There he was sitting at his table with his thumb up. I said "Brody, you are soo big!" and he said "yup, I'm a man now!" and I asked him where my little baby went, and he responded with... "he's gone!" I left feeling pretty proud of my "man" but kind of sad my baby was growing up.



The next day he was not quite as manly...........
I dropped the kids off, and they happily went to their playground, but as I was driving off I can see Brody trying to run after me with two teachers holding him back and ushering me to "keep going" I was sooo sad to leave him in such a state, but when I called to check on him the principle had got Kyle to come and stay with him and he was fine.

Ever since, Brody has been great at going to school, he loves his friends, his teacher and doing homework!!





Kyle was excited to be reunited with all his pals, and of was anxious to find them as soon as we parked the car! He loves school, but is not as enthusiastic as Brody about homework!




sigh..... Why do they have to grow up?

a phonecall from the F.B.I.....

A couple of days ago, Kyle and Brody were playing happily with Lego in their bedroom. Owen was across the street at Mary's house, and I decided to RUN to the mailbox, with Ava on my hip we ran there and back and were home within 2 minutes. When I opened the front door, Kyle was there to greet me, his face was pure white! holding the phone toward me, with eyes as big as saucers, he whispered in a panic... "mum, it's the F.B.I on the phone!" "WHAT?" how did they find out so quickly that I had left my 6 and 5 year old unattended for 2 minutes???
I take the phone from kyle, clear my throat and nervously say..." er hello??"
"Hi this is william jenson calling from h.c.i healthcare collections..........."


(almost as scary!?

brodio........

Brody came to me today and told me...... "mum, I have changed my name to Ben. I am not called Brody anymore" (trying not to laugh I ask him) "why are you called Ben now?" and he answers (with serious face) ..."cos I don't like the name Kevin!"



He came through to my room with his t'shirt hiked all the way up and announced proudly.... "Hey mum, look at my 2 pack!"



what a boy!!!

The most beautiful girl in the world.........

Last night I trimmed Ava's hair just a bit. I just cut the raggy ends off. I think it turned out soo cute. I am just in awe of how perfect she is, I sometimes find myself just staring at her. Here she is all dressed up for church, (thank you auntie Pauline for the beautiful dress) x

the other woman...........

Mark has another love....... They have been together for 10 years. He spends hours of his day with her, He spends hundreds of dollar$ on her, He LOVES her!!! I use to complain about their relationship, but I have come to accept her as part of our life.......


I am referring to...... Mark's TRUCK!


It is with a heavy heart, that I report of her terminal state. We don't know exactly how long she has, but we know that it will be soon. Mark refuses to make a statement at this time (it is still too raw).

beautiful little people.............

These are the cutest little faces that I get to see all day. I am so lucky!

Our Hotel................

"What is that smell?"

"Why is that man pushing around a toilet?"

"Is this carpet damp?"

"Are fridges not supposed to be cold?"

"What is that stain?"

"Why is this plug socket baggy?"

"Where are the cribs we ordered?"

"Why is this sticky?"

"What is that galloping noise?"

"Is there a horse race going on upstairs?"


ahhh disneyland...... magical!

funny boys

We were at the doctors office today getting the little kids check-ups, and we were waiting in the room for quite a while. Brody was keeping himself busy by looking at all the posters on the wall, then suddenly he caught sight of a large poster of internal organs to which he said (horrified) ...."MUM, thats not modest!!!!!!



Kyle excited came to me today and proudly announced..."Hey mum, I dont bite my toenails anymore!!!!"

It was a big day for the pugmire family!

.............Princess Ava Grace.............

The whole world seems to be obsessed with Prince William and his soon to be wife Princess Kate. There is one little girl, that I am obsessed with.... My own little Princess Ava....


Dearest sweet baby girl,

My heart is filled with emotion as I recall this time last year. Your precious birth mother was about to endure the most difficult time of her entire life. I was excited/nervous/stressed etc... preparing for the birth of our new baby girl. The crib was ready with fresh sheets and blankets, the car seat was waiting by the door, the cupboards were filled with sparkly new bottles, the changing table was stocked with crisp nappies, The closets brimming with beautiful baby dresses, I was just aching to dress you in. I was already in love with you Ava, I just couldn't wait to meet you. I wanted you soo much, I was so helpless and vulnerable. We were putting our hearts on the line in the hope of you. With adoption ANYTHING can happen.

On Friday 23rd April, I got the call, that your birth mother was in labor and was heading to the hospital. Your daddy and I raced to the hospital with every emotion but mostly just excitement. We ran into the hospital and were stopped by the front desk workers, they told us that we needed to wait. Auntie Mayte was talking to me on my mobile and told us you were born!!! By this time I was crying and pleading with the lady at the front desk, I was desperate to hold you, to look at you, to smell you. I waited impatiently. Then a nurse came down with a digital camera with pictures of you. I stared at the pictures of you, you were soo beautiful Ava. It felt like an eternity when finally I was allowed to come and meet you. This little angel that we had spent soo many hours discussing and planning for. I couldnt help but cry when I held you, It was love.

A month later, we said a heartfelt goodbye to your beautiful birth-mother, A woman who will forever be a hero in our family.

The adoption process was the hardest roller coaster we have ever experienced, but the lessons along the way were priceless, we found our friends, our testimonies were strengthened, and most importantly we were able to kneel across the alter and be sealed to you forever. What a special day that was!


You are such a blessing Ava. You have filled our home with sparkle, you have such a bright personality. you are beautiful and we love you more than I know how to express. You are so loved Ava!

Tomorrow is your 1st birthday, you are growing up way too fast. You love your daddy and your 3 big brothers. You love to play with your stuffed animals. You love to play in the dirt, you love to EAT everything!! You are good at standing, not walking yet, you are girly, sociable and happy.

I am soo grateful to have you, It is an honor to be your mummy.


Happy birthday darling girl
we love you xxx

We love our white haired, toothy, darling boy OWEN

some of my fave owen pics....






A little story.........



Last year as we were otherwise engaged, working on adoption paperwork, Owen had his 1st birthday. We rummaged through some drawers and found a wrinkly orange balloon. We blew it up and alas .... it became Owen's birthday present.
At grandmas house after dinner we wanted to sing happy birthday to our darling little boy. But, we had no such cake to put the candle in. Horrified at the idea of a handheld candle, Grandma insisted that we put the candle in a marshmallow. We all sang happy birthday as Mark held a marshmallow with a candle to the birthday boy. We gave the marshmallow to Owen, who seemed offended and threw it on the ground.

This year we wanted to celebrate in style and pulled out all the stops for our little man. We had a BIG party at the park with family and friends, our neighbour made a fabulous mickey cake and we had pizza. it was perfect!!

Owen's new obsession!



my brothers would be sooo proud




Owen is at a fun age as he is constantly learning new things. He is the cleanest of my children. He hates having dirt on his hands, and is helpful about cleaning up his toys, he loves to put rubbish in the bin.
He wants to be independent and likes to do things by himself. He likes to sit in a big chair like his brothers. He is 24 lbs and in the 20th percentile for his age. His fave foods are strawberries, grapes, pizza, milk. He has a love hate relationship with Ava. She is his partner in crime, but he does get jealous of all the ava attention . Owen loves to sing and dance, he gets all happy and sticks his little front teeth out, he is soo funny and cute. He is still not saying many words, most often he says... "aggy" (daddy) "mummy", "A-ah" (ava), "bye bye" "aah coo" (thank you)"

He is a ray of sunshine in our home, he loves to make everyone happy. We are very blessed to have him. We love you Owen xxx