THE MARRIAGE

Had to include this great shot taken by Mark Gunter of the happy couple. Peta went through school with Mark the photographer. Check out his beautiful galleries by clicking on his name above.
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Peta said, "We're not having a wedding cake, Mum!" Fay had other ideas which turned out to be spot on. Ice cream cake complete with their 2 dogs, all their cars and the happy couple as well!!! All specially colour co-ordinated! The cake was a hit and didn't last long at all.

The event was a beauty!

It was a privilege to be able to witness the marriage of our daughter Peta to Jon Eke on Friday 22 February 2008. It took place quietly, solemnly but without incident in downtown Newcastle. Jon's parents - Chris and Rhonda - were also there to witness the happening.

Afterwards, Jon and Peta joined about 30 close relatives for a feed at The Brewery down by the water in Newcastle. What a beaut spot. All Jon's and Peta's siblings were there, with their families. I was pleased my sister and 2 brothers were present. They come from Sydney, Narrabri (NSW country) and Canada.

The next day, Peta and Jon had invited a bunch of their friends to celebrate the marriage in their backyard. A pool party! People came from Sydney, Cooma, Dubbo, Cairns and Canada. It was beaut to catch up with quite a few of their friends from different eras.

Do you like the shot of Peta with her cousins (minus Jemma) and of course her Canadian Uncle Bill! Think Alan took that one. From left: Deb, Nathan, Peta, Jeremy, Stuart. Other photos are by Alan and Bill. Thanks guys.

Sunday was relax, recover, tidy up and relax some more. Jon was thrown into the pool at one stage. Peta laughed and was then selected to join her husband in the pool.

Fay and I said farewell and headed to Taree to spend a few days with Bill and Alan (and Nathan briefly) at a resort Seashells at Hallidays Point. Very easy. It's 2 hours north of Newcastle. My Dad used to live in Hallidays Point till he died in 1992.

We expect to be back in Dubbo on Thursday 28 Feb to relax ourselves. Guess church camp is on this weekend! Hope you like the photos. Did you check out Gunter's photo site? Absolutely great. Thanks Mark.

LOGAN JACK'S BIG MOUTH

So, who does he get his big mouth from?

He loves bikkies (cookies), Weet Bix, baked beans, grapes, nectarine, cherries, peaches, spag bol and even sultanas that his father has rejected from the Just Right packet! And, as the above photo shows, he likes Arrowroot biscuits too. We haven't tried him on Iced Vovos as yet.

LJ is now 16 months old. This guy just makes so many people's lives richer. You've just gotta wonder about his future eh?

Sorry about the carry on; he is my only grandchild!

Next post will tell you about the marriage between Peta (our #2 daughter) and Jon Eke. It happens 22 and 23 Feb. Stay posted. (Or come back later!)

ADVICE FOR LOVERS

Read this in our daily devotions... thought you might like a read.

Author Steve Stephens offers these suggestions to help build and maintain a happy relationship:

• start each day with a kiss


• always wear your wedding ring


• go on regular dates


• accept your differences


• be polite


• be gentle


• give little gifts


• smile often


• touch


• talk about your dreams


• adopt a song as "your song"


• laugh together


• send cards for no reason


• do what your partner wants before they ask


• and learn to listen to what's not being said


• encourage one another


• do it his or her way
  
• compliment one another daily


• call during the day


• slow down


• hold hands


• cuddle


• ask for your spouse's opinion


• be respectful


• always welcome your spouse when he/she comes home


• make an effort to always look your best


• wink at each other


• celebrate special events


• learn to apologise


• forgive quickly


• set up regular romantic getaways


• ask "What can I do to make you happier?"


• be positive


• be kind


• be vulnerable


• respond quickly to your spouse's requests


• talk about your love


• reminisce about favourite times together


• treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy


• send flowers on Valentine's Day and anniversaries


• when you're wrong, admit it


• be sensitive to your spouse's sexual needs


• watch sunsets together - see above picture


• say "I love you" often


• never go to sleep angry


• end every day with a hug
• get professional help when you need it


• and above all, pray daily for (and with) each other

Can you think of a few he's missed?