Hi everyone...
gee the time has flown...the last couple of months has seen us celebrate and reflect on what would have been Eli's 7th birthday...as always, we wonder what he would have been like as a little man, and how we would have been as a family...it was a very reflective day, again with tears and beautiful sunshine. Very low key day which usually just unfolds for us...nothing specific is ever planned, it just 'comes' as is. The lead up, we took archie to the melbourne show and then the aquarium - he had an absolute ball, but we continually miss our son and archie definitely misses his 'big' baby brother eli...
eli certainly had the brightest star in the sky that night.
We are continuing to be booked steadily. We have a couple of families coming through at the end of october and had a family through the holidays which was terrific...we are looking forward to the summer months - and i know archie is keen to play with our next 'visitors'.
The cottage works are slowly coming along...very dependent on this spring weather, but looking forward to having it all completed by christmas!
There is really not much other news from us...just busy with every day life doing 'stuff!'...
we have done a couple of presentations and just gearing up for christmas now which will be on us before we all know it...
our next big 'day' is melon's anniversary of the day he died...i remember as if it was yesterday. 12.55pm on Sunday 16th November...it will forever be a day in our memories...
take care everyone and have a terrific couple of weeks!
lots of love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxox
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Slow and steady!
hi everyone
we have been busy with just general lives, but very aware that we are moving into a very difficult time of year for us...eli's birthday, the anniversary of his death and then into christmas 6 weeks later. We also have petes birthday and mine in january..and of course fathers day...so lots on and lots of time for reflection-as we always do...
We have had the fortunate luck of helping another two grade six students do their rotary awards this year - their community service they chose to help the cottage. While one of our kids dropped out for various reasons - Jackson and Kelsey have done a terrific job in identifying a number of things kids who visit (at their own age 11-13) would like to play with (minus computer stuff!)
so thanks to both, we now have a netball hoop, a sandshell complete with toys and stuff and some very clever football posts (star pickets and poly pipe!)...they managed the whole thing from go to wo and have done a great job...
I asked Kelsey what helping the cottage means to her..and she wrote the following:
"My name is Kelsey and im 12 years old. Im doing my grade 6 rotary and i chose volunteering my time for Melon's Cottage." I am motivated to help Melon's Cottage because it was a cause that helps families have time away from the hospital.
The best thing about helping out Melon's cottage was being able to buy equipment for the kids my age that wasnt already at the cottage. The project allowed me to witness the generosity and support that businesses have towards such a wonderful cause"...
well written kelsey - well done :-) Couldnt be prouder....
The other thing which is going a little slower than hoped is our concreting and cottage upgrades...we are really hoping to have the works finished off by mid september, but im thinking its now likely to be a bit longer... :-( but we will get there :-)
we would also like to shout out to Glenn and his mates for organising a fishing day with some of the proceeds to the cottage..Glenn and co...we cant thankyou enough! The money has helped pay for all the sports stuff that Kelsey and Jackson organised for us! WIN WIN!!!
alrighty, thats it for us now...will touch base in another couple of weeks...bring on the nicer weather and sunshine!!
love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
we have been busy with just general lives, but very aware that we are moving into a very difficult time of year for us...eli's birthday, the anniversary of his death and then into christmas 6 weeks later. We also have petes birthday and mine in january..and of course fathers day...so lots on and lots of time for reflection-as we always do...
We have had the fortunate luck of helping another two grade six students do their rotary awards this year - their community service they chose to help the cottage. While one of our kids dropped out for various reasons - Jackson and Kelsey have done a terrific job in identifying a number of things kids who visit (at their own age 11-13) would like to play with (minus computer stuff!)
so thanks to both, we now have a netball hoop, a sandshell complete with toys and stuff and some very clever football posts (star pickets and poly pipe!)...they managed the whole thing from go to wo and have done a great job...
I asked Kelsey what helping the cottage means to her..and she wrote the following:
"My name is Kelsey and im 12 years old. Im doing my grade 6 rotary and i chose volunteering my time for Melon's Cottage." I am motivated to help Melon's Cottage because it was a cause that helps families have time away from the hospital.
The best thing about helping out Melon's cottage was being able to buy equipment for the kids my age that wasnt already at the cottage. The project allowed me to witness the generosity and support that businesses have towards such a wonderful cause"...
well written kelsey - well done :-) Couldnt be prouder....
The other thing which is going a little slower than hoped is our concreting and cottage upgrades...we are really hoping to have the works finished off by mid september, but im thinking its now likely to be a bit longer... :-( but we will get there :-)
we would also like to shout out to Glenn and his mates for organising a fishing day with some of the proceeds to the cottage..Glenn and co...we cant thankyou enough! The money has helped pay for all the sports stuff that Kelsey and Jackson organised for us! WIN WIN!!!
alrighty, thats it for us now...will touch base in another couple of weeks...bring on the nicer weather and sunshine!!
love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
Saturday, August 9, 2014
Busy busy everywhere :-)
Hi everyone
We have had a really busy couple of weeks with a couple of presentations, a trivia night and our concreting finally starting...couldnt be happier!
Our great mate Marnie came along to a presentation for the Metung Lions which went really well...its a real pleasure to keep all of our services groups up to date with how we are tracking...
We have also had a very amazing family come and stay at the cottage recently...our sincere thoughts and condolences are with you guys...to have families come and stay with us truly validates what we do is needed, and that even in this very small way, we know we can make a difference to those who come and stay with us...
We also attended a Trivia Night in Melbs which was especially put on to raise money for melon's cottage. Wayne and Alexa Black who run trivia nights, save one night a year for a charity...this year they chose us! We cannot say thankyou enough to lex and wayne and all the volunteers on the night who made the event a huge success! We even had very very special appearance by Andrew Wishart who belted out a couple of tunes for us to entertain the crowd! All the hard work they did (especially lex pulling together a massive prize list!!!) raised just over $12,000 for our cottage. It was especially nice for lex to come and visit the cottage first hand so we could show her what the money will be used for... which brings us to our next point...
as you know, fundraising this year will contribute to bringing our little cottage up to DDA compliance (fancy standards for wheelchair access)...so we have widened our paths (hence the concreting)...we will be working on the side balacony and installing a new door, and making a couple of minor adjustments inside. Its been on the table for over 8 months, so its wonderful to have the money to be able to do it with all the amazing fundraising, but it will be even better to further improve the access to some families. We are really happy...so a massive thanks to all those involved, and i will keep the pictures coming...on here as well as on facebook. For those who havent connected to us on facebook, just type Melon's Cottage and you will find us :-)
There is also a major fishing event being held in Lakes Tyers shortly where some tin rattling will be happening - so will try and write about that one next time...its busy busy!
I dont say much about the families that come through for many reasons, but what i will do is start inserting some of their comments that they have left in our guest book. I know i say it all the time, but to see the difference it makes for some of these wonderful families who stay makes every day worthwhile...it truly is a privlidge.
Anyways, will sign off today and leave happy sunshine kisses your way.
love and hugs
the simpsons
xoxoxox
We have had a really busy couple of weeks with a couple of presentations, a trivia night and our concreting finally starting...couldnt be happier!
Our great mate Marnie came along to a presentation for the Metung Lions which went really well...its a real pleasure to keep all of our services groups up to date with how we are tracking...
We have also had a very amazing family come and stay at the cottage recently...our sincere thoughts and condolences are with you guys...to have families come and stay with us truly validates what we do is needed, and that even in this very small way, we know we can make a difference to those who come and stay with us...
We also attended a Trivia Night in Melbs which was especially put on to raise money for melon's cottage. Wayne and Alexa Black who run trivia nights, save one night a year for a charity...this year they chose us! We cannot say thankyou enough to lex and wayne and all the volunteers on the night who made the event a huge success! We even had very very special appearance by Andrew Wishart who belted out a couple of tunes for us to entertain the crowd! All the hard work they did (especially lex pulling together a massive prize list!!!) raised just over $12,000 for our cottage. It was especially nice for lex to come and visit the cottage first hand so we could show her what the money will be used for... which brings us to our next point...
as you know, fundraising this year will contribute to bringing our little cottage up to DDA compliance (fancy standards for wheelchair access)...so we have widened our paths (hence the concreting)...we will be working on the side balacony and installing a new door, and making a couple of minor adjustments inside. Its been on the table for over 8 months, so its wonderful to have the money to be able to do it with all the amazing fundraising, but it will be even better to further improve the access to some families. We are really happy...so a massive thanks to all those involved, and i will keep the pictures coming...on here as well as on facebook. For those who havent connected to us on facebook, just type Melon's Cottage and you will find us :-)
There is also a major fishing event being held in Lakes Tyers shortly where some tin rattling will be happening - so will try and write about that one next time...its busy busy!
I dont say much about the families that come through for many reasons, but what i will do is start inserting some of their comments that they have left in our guest book. I know i say it all the time, but to see the difference it makes for some of these wonderful families who stay makes every day worthwhile...it truly is a privlidge.
Anyways, will sign off today and leave happy sunshine kisses your way.
love and hugs
the simpsons
xoxoxox
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Trivial stuff!
Hi everyone...
Well, this last fortnight saw us head to the Urban Funk Dance Group's show which was held at the Central Pub with all proceeds coming to the cottage. All of the organisers and kids did a ripping job and it was a terrific night with around $1500 raised!
We have also hosted a family this week, but unfortunately couldnt get too close because archie has been struck down with tonsilitis...we know how frustrating it could be when people who were sick would come to visit us when we had eli....so we ALWAYS declare cooties to the families...and unfortunately just couldnt get together...i do know however they have had a great time...and thankfully they have been able to do a few things while here...the weather has finally turned to winter!
We are gearing up for the Trivia night to be held in Flemington on 19th July. We still have 2 tickets available on our tables, so if you are keen to come along...we would love to see you. Lex and Wayne have done an amazing job...and there will no doubt be a couple of surprises on the night...hopefully some more deatils to unfold over the next couple of weeks! Thanks to those who have already signed up...pete and i are looking forward to catching up with you!
We have a couple of more presentations to do over July...so again, busy busy but looking forward to it.
Archie is being more and more aware of melon as each day passes...he asked the other day when his baby brother can come home...i guess for us it will just be one question at a time as he wraps his head around it. When we reflect it really is one of those things that we want and need melon to continue to be part of the family, and its a very delicate conversation which unfolds almost each day. Im sure we will get there!
anyways...thats it from us for these few weeks...if youknow anyone who would like to come and stay with us...please encourage them to come and visit...we would love to see them/or YOU!
take care
love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
Well, this last fortnight saw us head to the Urban Funk Dance Group's show which was held at the Central Pub with all proceeds coming to the cottage. All of the organisers and kids did a ripping job and it was a terrific night with around $1500 raised!
We have also hosted a family this week, but unfortunately couldnt get too close because archie has been struck down with tonsilitis...we know how frustrating it could be when people who were sick would come to visit us when we had eli....so we ALWAYS declare cooties to the families...and unfortunately just couldnt get together...i do know however they have had a great time...and thankfully they have been able to do a few things while here...the weather has finally turned to winter!
We are gearing up for the Trivia night to be held in Flemington on 19th July. We still have 2 tickets available on our tables, so if you are keen to come along...we would love to see you. Lex and Wayne have done an amazing job...and there will no doubt be a couple of surprises on the night...hopefully some more deatils to unfold over the next couple of weeks! Thanks to those who have already signed up...pete and i are looking forward to catching up with you!
We have a couple of more presentations to do over July...so again, busy busy but looking forward to it.
Archie is being more and more aware of melon as each day passes...he asked the other day when his baby brother can come home...i guess for us it will just be one question at a time as he wraps his head around it. When we reflect it really is one of those things that we want and need melon to continue to be part of the family, and its a very delicate conversation which unfolds almost each day. Im sure we will get there!
anyways...thats it from us for these few weeks...if youknow anyone who would like to come and stay with us...please encourage them to come and visit...we would love to see them/or YOU!
take care
love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
Sunday, June 15, 2014
update!
Hi everyone
In a big effort to blog a couple of times a month - here we are :-)
A massive fortnight in the Simpson house...we were the recipients of an amazing gift of $23050 courtesy of the EastGIppsland Convoy for Kids proceeds...i honestly shed a tear or two...that amount of money secures our future for around 5 years! its amazing to think that that amount of money can make such a big difference for us but it does...when i can work out how to get the photos onto the blog from my phone, i will make it a priority! A small community group to put on such a HUGE event is fabulous...the other great thing is the money was split three ways, so we received some as well as AngelFlight (which is close to my heart) and Camp Quality! some very very happer campers as receipients thats for sure!
We also hosted about 15 VCAL students from the local Secondary College who held a casual dress and market day with proceeds coming to the cottage! Approximately $380 was raised - but the best part is the students were able to come up, actually see the cottage and what we do, and hopefully keep us in mind as they grown into young adults...its lovely working with the local kids...and very cool we can make an impact on them :-)
We are still pretty busy doing presentations and do perhaps 2-3 every month or two...just depends on what is going on...Pete recently did one for the Lakes Entrance Legacy Widows which he enjoyed immensely...Pete is very passionate about legacy..his wonderful poppa does some amazing work with Legacy in Deniliquin :-)
We have had the builder up to look at the work needing to be done, so we are hoping we can get a quote and works started really soon...we are also working toward a quote for some concreting and landscaping too...so that will keep us very busy!
We are also working slowly towards the trivia night to be held on the 19th July! We absolutely CANNOT WAIT! will keep you posted on that too!
take care everyone and stay warm!
hugs and warm winter sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
In a big effort to blog a couple of times a month - here we are :-)
A massive fortnight in the Simpson house...we were the recipients of an amazing gift of $23050 courtesy of the EastGIppsland Convoy for Kids proceeds...i honestly shed a tear or two...that amount of money secures our future for around 5 years! its amazing to think that that amount of money can make such a big difference for us but it does...when i can work out how to get the photos onto the blog from my phone, i will make it a priority! A small community group to put on such a HUGE event is fabulous...the other great thing is the money was split three ways, so we received some as well as AngelFlight (which is close to my heart) and Camp Quality! some very very happer campers as receipients thats for sure!
We also hosted about 15 VCAL students from the local Secondary College who held a casual dress and market day with proceeds coming to the cottage! Approximately $380 was raised - but the best part is the students were able to come up, actually see the cottage and what we do, and hopefully keep us in mind as they grown into young adults...its lovely working with the local kids...and very cool we can make an impact on them :-)
We are still pretty busy doing presentations and do perhaps 2-3 every month or two...just depends on what is going on...Pete recently did one for the Lakes Entrance Legacy Widows which he enjoyed immensely...Pete is very passionate about legacy..his wonderful poppa does some amazing work with Legacy in Deniliquin :-)
We have had the builder up to look at the work needing to be done, so we are hoping we can get a quote and works started really soon...we are also working toward a quote for some concreting and landscaping too...so that will keep us very busy!
We are also working slowly towards the trivia night to be held on the 19th July! We absolutely CANNOT WAIT! will keep you posted on that too!
take care everyone and stay warm!
hugs and warm winter sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Oh dear...i promised... :-(
I have just had a look at how long its taken me to get around to writing the blog...it has been absolutely forever, with a few big anniversaries in between...
Im sooo sorry! Time has definitely got away from us...
where to begin!
November 16 saw us reflect again on Eli's loss...incredibly difficult...many tears and we still find it very hard. Archie is now becoming more and more aware of Eli's presence in the simpson family which is just so very sweet. I often reflect how Eli's life is going to continue as we encourage archie to know his big brother...i guess it will come as it comes.
Christmas was absolutely FLAT OUT with 6 families visiting from mid december right the way through to the end of January! We had that really hot spell in January and thankfully things held up pretty well. Christmas itself was pretty chaotic because archie picked up a really nasty virus...so it was a struggle. It was also time for archie to hand over his dummies to santa...but he did REALLY well although he still says now that "Santa came and took my dummies and left HEAAAAPPPPPSSS of presents"...im guessing he is still cranky with santa LOL
Just before the Christmas rush we were able to complete the kitchen renovations in the Cottage. They turned out absolutely perfectly. We cannot thank Adam Greenwood and his team, and the Lakes Entrance Betta Electrical store (and Voltage Electrics, Risely Plumbing and Reece) enough for all their time and effort. I will post photos at the end of the blog so you can see the difference...its absolutely amazing and for the families who have stayed with us since, they have raved about it :-)
This years fundraising concentrates on having the house upgraded for wheelchair access. We have finally got our plans sorted and are now waiting on quotes to get the work completed hopefully before the September holidays...its going to look fantastic. We only have to tweak a few things inside, and most of the work will be done on our pathways and balcony on the outside, so i will keep you posted :-)
we have been absolutely blessed with a whole heap of amazing groups and organisations who have approached us this year to get involved with their fundraising efforts for Melon's Cottage...
We have been involved with the EastGippsland Convoy for Kids which was amazing, we ran our Mothers Day Melon's Cottage Raffle which was a huge success (and thanks to EVERYONE for helping us with that)...as well as a Trivia Night which will be held in Melbourne on 19 July 2014. That event sold out in 4 days which is fantastic and with lots of auction items - we will definitely see you there.
We cannot forget some of the other fundraisers which were run with just a few weeks - Ambers Gift. A wonderful story of a selfless 6 year old girl Amber Wilson who donated her hair so that wig makers could make wigs for those who have lost their hair from cancer treatment and all the proceeds to Melon's Cottage. A total of approx $3,200!
We also had a raffle which was run in the honour of Les Cramp - a terrific local identity who died in March. His wonderful partner Carol contacted us and ran a raffle at our local establishments and in Les's honour, donated over $1000 to our Foundation. We will make sure that we have something special in the Cottage to honour Les's memory...
We have also been recently contacted by Casey from the urbanFunk dance group who will be holding another concert later in June at the Central Pub. As with last year, all donations will come to the Cottage - its just amazing! We have also been the recipients of many donations by our local service clubs and businesses who continue to give...its awesome to know that melon has touched so many lives...
For all those families who have stayed with us since we opened in 2012...we cannot speak enough of how these guys feel when they come and stay. I know we harp on about it, but it truly is a priviledge to do what we do...the amount of amazing people we have met and continue to meet is humbling. Archie is at a great age and like us, cant wait to meet the "families" who come and stay with us.
Alright will sign off for now...and make sure i post some photos of the last 8 months or so - EEEEEK...so thanks for being so patient...and thanks for those few who have said "you know jodes, we havent seen a blog in a while!" Can i recommend you also friend us on facebook - i know its naughty, but we do alot of our stuff on their now i know how to use it better :-)
take care everyone and i will DEFINITELY be back sooner rather than later this time round!
love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxox
Im sooo sorry! Time has definitely got away from us...
where to begin!
November 16 saw us reflect again on Eli's loss...incredibly difficult...many tears and we still find it very hard. Archie is now becoming more and more aware of Eli's presence in the simpson family which is just so very sweet. I often reflect how Eli's life is going to continue as we encourage archie to know his big brother...i guess it will come as it comes.
Christmas was absolutely FLAT OUT with 6 families visiting from mid december right the way through to the end of January! We had that really hot spell in January and thankfully things held up pretty well. Christmas itself was pretty chaotic because archie picked up a really nasty virus...so it was a struggle. It was also time for archie to hand over his dummies to santa...but he did REALLY well although he still says now that "Santa came and took my dummies and left HEAAAAPPPPPSSS of presents"...im guessing he is still cranky with santa LOL
Just before the Christmas rush we were able to complete the kitchen renovations in the Cottage. They turned out absolutely perfectly. We cannot thank Adam Greenwood and his team, and the Lakes Entrance Betta Electrical store (and Voltage Electrics, Risely Plumbing and Reece) enough for all their time and effort. I will post photos at the end of the blog so you can see the difference...its absolutely amazing and for the families who have stayed with us since, they have raved about it :-)
This years fundraising concentrates on having the house upgraded for wheelchair access. We have finally got our plans sorted and are now waiting on quotes to get the work completed hopefully before the September holidays...its going to look fantastic. We only have to tweak a few things inside, and most of the work will be done on our pathways and balcony on the outside, so i will keep you posted :-)
we have been absolutely blessed with a whole heap of amazing groups and organisations who have approached us this year to get involved with their fundraising efforts for Melon's Cottage...
We have been involved with the EastGippsland Convoy for Kids which was amazing, we ran our Mothers Day Melon's Cottage Raffle which was a huge success (and thanks to EVERYONE for helping us with that)...as well as a Trivia Night which will be held in Melbourne on 19 July 2014. That event sold out in 4 days which is fantastic and with lots of auction items - we will definitely see you there.
We cannot forget some of the other fundraisers which were run with just a few weeks - Ambers Gift. A wonderful story of a selfless 6 year old girl Amber Wilson who donated her hair so that wig makers could make wigs for those who have lost their hair from cancer treatment and all the proceeds to Melon's Cottage. A total of approx $3,200!
We also had a raffle which was run in the honour of Les Cramp - a terrific local identity who died in March. His wonderful partner Carol contacted us and ran a raffle at our local establishments and in Les's honour, donated over $1000 to our Foundation. We will make sure that we have something special in the Cottage to honour Les's memory...
We have also been recently contacted by Casey from the urbanFunk dance group who will be holding another concert later in June at the Central Pub. As with last year, all donations will come to the Cottage - its just amazing! We have also been the recipients of many donations by our local service clubs and businesses who continue to give...its awesome to know that melon has touched so many lives...
For all those families who have stayed with us since we opened in 2012...we cannot speak enough of how these guys feel when they come and stay. I know we harp on about it, but it truly is a priviledge to do what we do...the amount of amazing people we have met and continue to meet is humbling. Archie is at a great age and like us, cant wait to meet the "families" who come and stay with us.
Alright will sign off for now...and make sure i post some photos of the last 8 months or so - EEEEEK...so thanks for being so patient...and thanks for those few who have said "you know jodes, we havent seen a blog in a while!" Can i recommend you also friend us on facebook - i know its naughty, but we do alot of our stuff on their now i know how to use it better :-)
take care everyone and i will DEFINITELY be back sooner rather than later this time round!
love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxox
Saturday, October 12, 2013
6 months gone - just like that!
hi everyone
well - I thought i should get more active on the blog and post at least once a month as a wrap up...and boy...i didnt realise that it was April since we last blogged...eeeekkkk...where has that time gone?
I will try really hard and do a short wrap up of the last 6 months and PROMISE to be more discliplined! I must admit though, its been a pretty hard winter and archie has been sick alot through the cooler months, so it will be nice to celebrate alot more sun, and hopefully heaps less illness...
I know i say it often, but we really have been flat out...lots and lots of presentations and donations coming in from all over which has been brilliant. We also had our first community working bee at the cottage which by all accounts went great! The gardens and the cottage got a big spruce up and it come out beaming...so thanks so much to everyone who helped out...we are looking to do something similiar once a year...so we will keep you posted...
we have had some terrific donations which have been amazing...$12,000 from the WoodGroup PSN in sale and we are putting that towards a new kitchen for the cottage (which is scheduled for november)...just before christmas.
We have also been lucky with big donations from our service clubs, Rotary and Lions, our local schools who have held events on our behalf, and even a dance troup! We have also received a large donation from our local Palliative care group and from VIATEK down in Warragul...its great to know that our cottage is starting to be discussed broader than east and central gippsland...
we have had a busy 6 months with families...and are expecting a full house over christmas/new year period which we (and our local businesses) are looking forward too...
Anyways, i will leave it for now...
Happy birthday also to our beautiful boy Melon...Eli would have been 6 this year on the 28th of September...as always its a very hard time of year where we reflect on what should have been. The day he died we often spend time on reflecting what was...what we do know though is that he was so bloody brave...and for all those little poppets still fighting, keep going...sometimes you lose the battles, but win the war...good luck!
loads of love sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
well - I thought i should get more active on the blog and post at least once a month as a wrap up...and boy...i didnt realise that it was April since we last blogged...eeeekkkk...where has that time gone?
I will try really hard and do a short wrap up of the last 6 months and PROMISE to be more discliplined! I must admit though, its been a pretty hard winter and archie has been sick alot through the cooler months, so it will be nice to celebrate alot more sun, and hopefully heaps less illness...
I know i say it often, but we really have been flat out...lots and lots of presentations and donations coming in from all over which has been brilliant. We also had our first community working bee at the cottage which by all accounts went great! The gardens and the cottage got a big spruce up and it come out beaming...so thanks so much to everyone who helped out...we are looking to do something similiar once a year...so we will keep you posted...
we have had some terrific donations which have been amazing...$12,000 from the WoodGroup PSN in sale and we are putting that towards a new kitchen for the cottage (which is scheduled for november)...just before christmas.
We have also been lucky with big donations from our service clubs, Rotary and Lions, our local schools who have held events on our behalf, and even a dance troup! We have also received a large donation from our local Palliative care group and from VIATEK down in Warragul...its great to know that our cottage is starting to be discussed broader than east and central gippsland...
we have had a busy 6 months with families...and are expecting a full house over christmas/new year period which we (and our local businesses) are looking forward too...
Anyways, i will leave it for now...
Happy birthday also to our beautiful boy Melon...Eli would have been 6 this year on the 28th of September...as always its a very hard time of year where we reflect on what should have been. The day he died we often spend time on reflecting what was...what we do know though is that he was so bloody brave...and for all those little poppets still fighting, keep going...sometimes you lose the battles, but win the war...good luck!
loads of love sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Where has the time gone?
Hey everyone
Wow...where has the time gone...just looking at our previous post - almost a month has gone by! We have all been good (apart from the usual coughs and colds)...hard to believe that archie turns two in two weeks time...we cant believe it!
The last month or so has been really busy with the cottage - with 4 families staying since the end of Feb...we have really loved hosting the families...they have been terrific and have really appreciated their time together here at the cottage with their families...its been lovely. Heres hoping that they will all return again for their own family holidays in a beautiful part of the world :-)
We have been really lucky to have been approached by a couple of grade 6 girls from 2 local primary schools who are in the middle of doing some work to achieve their Rotary Service Certificates. Part of their gig is to spend time doing a 'community service'...and they have come and helped at the cottage - in two ways. One, we gave them a task and small budget to help decorate the inside of the cubby that the Paynesville Mens Shed donated to us (through the Paynesville Lioness), as well as helping to organise all facets of our mothers day raffle (our major fundraiser for the year). As you will see by the photos below, they have been great, and done a tremendous job with the cubby. We are advised that there a few 'loose' ends to tidy up, but they should have it done by Mothers day - its awesome.
The raffle is also going really well - again, the girls helped us to sell some tickets yesterday and together, we managed 6 books which is a terrific effort. We are hoping to head to the Metung Farmers market on 11 May...so if you still havent picked up a ticket, please come and say hello. it will definitely be the last chance, with the raffle drawn on Mothers Day.
We also had a lovely story shared with us last friday. I went to bank some raffle money, and Elaine from Just Books had said that three children had come to her to bank some money they raised for Melon's Cottage the weekend before by selling Lemonade locally here in Kalimna...So our bank account is $8.70 richer for their efforts - how fantastic is THAT! We are aiming to drop a big thankyou this week-but this is a shout out to Flynn, Sophie and Paris - THANKYOU guys...awesome!
We also had a terrific surprise when Archies care (Early Learning Centre) here in Lakes Entrance also held a funky hair day with proceeds to Melon's Cottage. They raised about $31.00 which is great! We used the money to pay for Easter Eggs, so the lucky family who was staying with us at the time received heaps of eggs through an easter egg hunt...it was fabulous fun...Its also nice to still be able to invite the families down to share a bbq or pizza with us...we always look forward to that :-)
anyways...if you are local and not doing much on 19 May, we are looking to have an open day/working bee for the cottage...just doing a few bits and bobs...with a bbq to boot...if you are interested in joining us (from 10.30 - 3.30), we would love to see you...just inbox us so we can organise catering if you are intending to stay for lunch...
take care, and please, if you have a chance, please buy a raffle ticket...its our major fundraiser for the year (plus there are heaps of groovy prizes to win - 11 in total!)
luv and hugs
the Simpsons
xoxox
Wow...where has the time gone...just looking at our previous post - almost a month has gone by! We have all been good (apart from the usual coughs and colds)...hard to believe that archie turns two in two weeks time...we cant believe it!
The last month or so has been really busy with the cottage - with 4 families staying since the end of Feb...we have really loved hosting the families...they have been terrific and have really appreciated their time together here at the cottage with their families...its been lovely. Heres hoping that they will all return again for their own family holidays in a beautiful part of the world :-)
We have been really lucky to have been approached by a couple of grade 6 girls from 2 local primary schools who are in the middle of doing some work to achieve their Rotary Service Certificates. Part of their gig is to spend time doing a 'community service'...and they have come and helped at the cottage - in two ways. One, we gave them a task and small budget to help decorate the inside of the cubby that the Paynesville Mens Shed donated to us (through the Paynesville Lioness), as well as helping to organise all facets of our mothers day raffle (our major fundraiser for the year). As you will see by the photos below, they have been great, and done a tremendous job with the cubby. We are advised that there a few 'loose' ends to tidy up, but they should have it done by Mothers day - its awesome.
The raffle is also going really well - again, the girls helped us to sell some tickets yesterday and together, we managed 6 books which is a terrific effort. We are hoping to head to the Metung Farmers market on 11 May...so if you still havent picked up a ticket, please come and say hello. it will definitely be the last chance, with the raffle drawn on Mothers Day.
We also had a lovely story shared with us last friday. I went to bank some raffle money, and Elaine from Just Books had said that three children had come to her to bank some money they raised for Melon's Cottage the weekend before by selling Lemonade locally here in Kalimna...So our bank account is $8.70 richer for their efforts - how fantastic is THAT! We are aiming to drop a big thankyou this week-but this is a shout out to Flynn, Sophie and Paris - THANKYOU guys...awesome!
We also had a terrific surprise when Archies care (Early Learning Centre) here in Lakes Entrance also held a funky hair day with proceeds to Melon's Cottage. They raised about $31.00 which is great! We used the money to pay for Easter Eggs, so the lucky family who was staying with us at the time received heaps of eggs through an easter egg hunt...it was fabulous fun...Its also nice to still be able to invite the families down to share a bbq or pizza with us...we always look forward to that :-)
anyways...if you are local and not doing much on 19 May, we are looking to have an open day/working bee for the cottage...just doing a few bits and bobs...with a bbq to boot...if you are interested in joining us (from 10.30 - 3.30), we would love to see you...just inbox us so we can organise catering if you are intending to stay for lunch...
take care, and please, if you have a chance, please buy a raffle ticket...its our major fundraiser for the year (plus there are heaps of groovy prizes to win - 11 in total!)
luv and hugs
the Simpsons
xoxox
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Easter is nearly upon us!
HI everyone
Well, what a couple of months it has been! We hope everyone is going really well, and the start of the year has been a cracker...
Its amazing to think that just over a year ago, Melon's Cottage opened its doors to families in need. It has been one monumental and emotional journey (although i dont like using the word)...but it truly has...we have had the most amazing families come and stay with us and we thank them for sharing their worlds with not only us, but the Lakes Entrance community. The families are continually amazed at what is available to them thanks to our local businesses, and the fact that they can just 'be'...it truly is a privledge to be part of this..and we know that melon would be just so proud..as we are of him.
So...since we last blogged, and including easter, we will have had another four families through our door...AWESOME! and a terrific way to begin another 12 months...we are so hoping for at least 20 families this year...and we think its an acheiveable target...we just need everyone to let people know the cottage is available for them...We had a lovely surprise from the Early Learning Centre in Lakes who held a 'funky hair friday' and donated the proceeds to the foundation. We are looking to spend the $31 on easter eggs for the family who is going to visit us and will be here for the easter break...im thinking an awesome easter egg hunt will be the go! I will see if i can get some photos!
We have also kicked off our mother's day raffle - our second year. By all accounts the ticket sales are steady as she goes...but with 11 fantastic prizes on offer - who WOULDNT be interested! its our major fundraiser for the year, so if you are interested, just email us on eli-simpson@hotmail.com and we will send you the info...
We are gearing up for easter, and are pretty sure its thankfully going to be a fairly quiet affair...the simpsons are good, and just busy like we normally are...but it will be nice to find some time to spend together...
anyways...please take care over the easter break and we will blog again soon!
Love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxoxo
Well, what a couple of months it has been! We hope everyone is going really well, and the start of the year has been a cracker...
Its amazing to think that just over a year ago, Melon's Cottage opened its doors to families in need. It has been one monumental and emotional journey (although i dont like using the word)...but it truly has...we have had the most amazing families come and stay with us and we thank them for sharing their worlds with not only us, but the Lakes Entrance community. The families are continually amazed at what is available to them thanks to our local businesses, and the fact that they can just 'be'...it truly is a privledge to be part of this..and we know that melon would be just so proud..as we are of him.
So...since we last blogged, and including easter, we will have had another four families through our door...AWESOME! and a terrific way to begin another 12 months...we are so hoping for at least 20 families this year...and we think its an acheiveable target...we just need everyone to let people know the cottage is available for them...We had a lovely surprise from the Early Learning Centre in Lakes who held a 'funky hair friday' and donated the proceeds to the foundation. We are looking to spend the $31 on easter eggs for the family who is going to visit us and will be here for the easter break...im thinking an awesome easter egg hunt will be the go! I will see if i can get some photos!
We have also kicked off our mother's day raffle - our second year. By all accounts the ticket sales are steady as she goes...but with 11 fantastic prizes on offer - who WOULDNT be interested! its our major fundraiser for the year, so if you are interested, just email us on eli-simpson@hotmail.com and we will send you the info...
We are gearing up for easter, and are pretty sure its thankfully going to be a fairly quiet affair...the simpsons are good, and just busy like we normally are...but it will be nice to find some time to spend together...
anyways...please take care over the easter break and we will blog again soon!
Love and sunshine
the simpsons
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Merry Christmas and New Year
Hi everyone
Well - i cannot believe we are in the month of February - almost half way through...where has that time gone!
There has been plenty happening in the world of Melon's Cottage...with quite a few families coming to stay with us over the summer. We had a lovely time getting to know them and the path they are walking...every one of them has such an amazing story and we wish them well as they continue their treatments (or in some cases - just check ups because their treatments have finally finished)...
Christmas was a pretty quiet affair for us...we travelled to daylesford a couple of days to spend some time together (it doesnt happen very often)...then we headed to pete's side of the family for xmas day for some yummy christmas lunch...its always such a reflective day...but we got through it. We bought a couple of candles and made sure they were lit to remember melon...
We were busy all through January, with back to back visits in some cases..it was amazing. We are so very proud of the cottage...and the usuage. We are also really stoked that our local businesses continue to support us, by supplying some terrific stuff for the families FREE of charge...it includes a yummy fruit and vege platter, a meat pack, mini golf, dvds, and a cruise on the gippy lakes, as well as some fish and chips, and a meal voucher at the pub...the look on families faces as they realise all these things are free is seriously priceless...no one expects it, and it just makes a difference for them to enjoy that little bit more...SO THANKS!
the other amazing thing thats happened is that we won the Community Event of the Year - for Lakes Entrance with the opening of Melon's Cottage. We were both in shock when we received it...to be recognised for something we have worked so hard for is truly amazing..and we cant do what we do without the support of those around us - so it truly is a team effort. The award is a reflection of that...so well done to EVERYONE involved...
So we are expecting another family at the end of the month, and then Easter has been booked already which is terrific...
Our fundraising has also far surpassed our expectations...with donations continuing to come in. Many of them are left of field...but we are so happy with our position as it stands...we have a few events coming up this year, with our Mothers Day raffle (hopefully we can start selling tickets in March)...and then a few other little things in the later half of the year which still need to be confirmed. The main thing for us though is that our insurances have been paid, and we can still afford our bills - which is working well with all we have received through donations so far...
We hope that everyone continues to do really well this year...and for those that have had a very ordinary 2012...we hope 2013 is much better for you...
Please enjoy some of the photos...and if you are a facebook fan, we have set up a facebook page for Melon's Cottage which covers a bit more of the day to day stuff, particuarly around our fundraising...
take care everyone
loads of love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxox
Well - i cannot believe we are in the month of February - almost half way through...where has that time gone!
There has been plenty happening in the world of Melon's Cottage...with quite a few families coming to stay with us over the summer. We had a lovely time getting to know them and the path they are walking...every one of them has such an amazing story and we wish them well as they continue their treatments (or in some cases - just check ups because their treatments have finally finished)...
Christmas was a pretty quiet affair for us...we travelled to daylesford a couple of days to spend some time together (it doesnt happen very often)...then we headed to pete's side of the family for xmas day for some yummy christmas lunch...its always such a reflective day...but we got through it. We bought a couple of candles and made sure they were lit to remember melon...
We were busy all through January, with back to back visits in some cases..it was amazing. We are so very proud of the cottage...and the usuage. We are also really stoked that our local businesses continue to support us, by supplying some terrific stuff for the families FREE of charge...it includes a yummy fruit and vege platter, a meat pack, mini golf, dvds, and a cruise on the gippy lakes, as well as some fish and chips, and a meal voucher at the pub...the look on families faces as they realise all these things are free is seriously priceless...no one expects it, and it just makes a difference for them to enjoy that little bit more...SO THANKS!
the other amazing thing thats happened is that we won the Community Event of the Year - for Lakes Entrance with the opening of Melon's Cottage. We were both in shock when we received it...to be recognised for something we have worked so hard for is truly amazing..and we cant do what we do without the support of those around us - so it truly is a team effort. The award is a reflection of that...so well done to EVERYONE involved...
So we are expecting another family at the end of the month, and then Easter has been booked already which is terrific...
Our fundraising has also far surpassed our expectations...with donations continuing to come in. Many of them are left of field...but we are so happy with our position as it stands...we have a few events coming up this year, with our Mothers Day raffle (hopefully we can start selling tickets in March)...and then a few other little things in the later half of the year which still need to be confirmed. The main thing for us though is that our insurances have been paid, and we can still afford our bills - which is working well with all we have received through donations so far...
We hope that everyone continues to do really well this year...and for those that have had a very ordinary 2012...we hope 2013 is much better for you...
Please enjoy some of the photos...and if you are a facebook fan, we have set up a facebook page for Melon's Cottage which covers a bit more of the day to day stuff, particuarly around our fundraising...
take care everyone
loads of love and sunshine
the simpsons
Our Australia Day award for the Community Event of the Year for LAKES ENTRANCE
Selfies after putting up our christmas tree
Thanks to the Paynesville Lioness and the Paynesville Mens Shed for building us a cubby for the Cottage...the Kids who have visited have LOVED it!
archie at christmas...
our candles for Christmas day
Archie with Great nan and poppa from Deni
Merry Christmas everyone - from Archie!
Friday, November 30, 2012
The new edition!
Hi guys
it has finally arrived! Thanks so much to the Paynesville community (Paynesville Lions, Paynesville Lioness and the Paynesville Mens Shed) for making the cubby and bringing it to the cottage...its bloody brilliant! Archie has had a road test and it passes with flying colours...we have a some painting to do on the inside, but im sure if we sorted a working bee, we will get it sorted quick smart!
we are also going to be at the makers market tomorrow (1st dec) in bairnsdale selling our wares that we (the charity chooks) have been making all year...all proceeds to melon's cottage, leukaemia foundation and angelflight...so if you are around, please call in and say hello!
a few pics below of the cubby and some of our goods for sale...
hope you have a great weekend and catch you again soon
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxox
it has finally arrived! Thanks so much to the Paynesville community (Paynesville Lions, Paynesville Lioness and the Paynesville Mens Shed) for making the cubby and bringing it to the cottage...its bloody brilliant! Archie has had a road test and it passes with flying colours...we have a some painting to do on the inside, but im sure if we sorted a working bee, we will get it sorted quick smart!
we are also going to be at the makers market tomorrow (1st dec) in bairnsdale selling our wares that we (the charity chooks) have been making all year...all proceeds to melon's cottage, leukaemia foundation and angelflight...so if you are around, please call in and say hello!
a few pics below of the cubby and some of our goods for sale...
hope you have a great weekend and catch you again soon
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxox
gorgeous dolls with accessories
little xmas babushkas
lovely elephants
archie road testing the new cubby
very very cool! Thanks to everyone involved!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
A very busy xmas ahead
hi guys
wow...a week and a bit on from Melon's 4th anniversary...the tears have certainly not dried up. We went to another fantastic fundraiser last night for "Cooper Trewin"...who passed away at 16 months of age with SUDC...(Juvenile form of SIDS)...i cannot tell you how much i cried throughout Coops mums presentation...all i kept thinking was that my heart was so sad for all those families out there who have lost a baby...it really doesnt matter how they gained their angel wings...its really about the families - all of them...who are left behind to grieve and try and fathom the loss of their child. The words "its shit" comes to mind...and i guess for those who are left behind...all we can try and do is keep the memories of our children alive...
anyways...
A huge lead up to december....christmas, like birthdays and anniversaries are such a difficult time in the Simpson household...but i know we will get there...small steps...sometimes 20 steps back, and 1 forward, but that one forward is certainly one to celebrate...
We are involved in a few things over the coming month...
Firstly, the Paynesville Mens Shed with the help of the Paynesville lions and lionesses have made a cubby for the cottage and it will be delivered this coming thursday...so stay tuned for photos...we are looking forward to it coming, and its right on time :-)
we are also off to the sale races at the invitation of Eastcoast Plumbtec who will be holding their annual christmas party which includes an auction...all proceeds this year will come to Eli's Foundation - amazing!
We were also lucky enough to enlist the help of Christine Watts, a local author and artist who we approached for a brilliant raffle prize. Christine kindly donated an amazing felt peice which will be raffled off by Kids On Collins - a childcare centre in Melbourne who we are now affiliated with. Proceeds from the raffle will also come to Eli's Foundation which is totally amazing...
We also received a donation from Snowy River Cycling from Orbost who very kindly donated their time to ferry the Great Victorian Bike Ride participants from point a to point b - for a gold coin donation...to think that people will think of us for their fundraising is so humbling. We have done so very well since the cottage opened, and we are continually amazed at everyone's generosity.
The best thing we can ever hope for is that eli's memory remains alive...and by the looks of that, we have been able to achieve it...what a special little man...he really is just so loved by everyone - thats the best gift we could have ever asked for...
the 2nd best gift is that families come and stay with us at Melon's cottage...and to that end...we are stoked that we have 8 families over our xmas/new year period until the beginning of feb and we are already booked for easter...its AMAZING! when we opened the cottage, we were hoping to help around 12 families...and we will meet that figure AND some...everyone who comes is such a gift...and we can see the difference it makes. Some come to celebrate the end of treatment, and we know a couple have come to share time as family to say goodbye...to say its a priviledge to share these milestones is an understatement...we have walked a mile in these shoes...and we know that it makes a difference...
I have a couple of quotes to share from our guestbook:
"We wish you all the best and hope the Lakes Community continues to support Melon's Cottage"
"We have been overwhelmed by your generosity and the generosity of the Lakes Entrance community...It is so nice to have a change of scenery to feel refreshed. The kids dont want to leave and together decided that we need to stay here for '100 nights'"
"We thankyou for the inspirational idea and follow through of Melon's Cottage - clearly so much work and thought went into this and it is so appreciated...wishing you all the best for the continued success of Melon's Cottage - a lovely tribut to the memory of your brave son Eli Charlie"
"Special special place and we are so happy we could be here to share the beautiful place you have created. What amaing people you are to take all the feelings you have and turn them into this haven for others"
I guess this if from the mouths of our families who have stayed with us...hopefully they articulate it much better than we can...but we just knew it would make a difference, and by the above, it certainly has!
anyways...time to fly...and hope to touch based again in the next couple of weeks.
Take care
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxo
wow...a week and a bit on from Melon's 4th anniversary...the tears have certainly not dried up. We went to another fantastic fundraiser last night for "Cooper Trewin"...who passed away at 16 months of age with SUDC...(Juvenile form of SIDS)...i cannot tell you how much i cried throughout Coops mums presentation...all i kept thinking was that my heart was so sad for all those families out there who have lost a baby...it really doesnt matter how they gained their angel wings...its really about the families - all of them...who are left behind to grieve and try and fathom the loss of their child. The words "its shit" comes to mind...and i guess for those who are left behind...all we can try and do is keep the memories of our children alive...
anyways...
A huge lead up to december....christmas, like birthdays and anniversaries are such a difficult time in the Simpson household...but i know we will get there...small steps...sometimes 20 steps back, and 1 forward, but that one forward is certainly one to celebrate...
We are involved in a few things over the coming month...
Firstly, the Paynesville Mens Shed with the help of the Paynesville lions and lionesses have made a cubby for the cottage and it will be delivered this coming thursday...so stay tuned for photos...we are looking forward to it coming, and its right on time :-)
we are also off to the sale races at the invitation of Eastcoast Plumbtec who will be holding their annual christmas party which includes an auction...all proceeds this year will come to Eli's Foundation - amazing!
We were also lucky enough to enlist the help of Christine Watts, a local author and artist who we approached for a brilliant raffle prize. Christine kindly donated an amazing felt peice which will be raffled off by Kids On Collins - a childcare centre in Melbourne who we are now affiliated with. Proceeds from the raffle will also come to Eli's Foundation which is totally amazing...
We also received a donation from Snowy River Cycling from Orbost who very kindly donated their time to ferry the Great Victorian Bike Ride participants from point a to point b - for a gold coin donation...to think that people will think of us for their fundraising is so humbling. We have done so very well since the cottage opened, and we are continually amazed at everyone's generosity.
The best thing we can ever hope for is that eli's memory remains alive...and by the looks of that, we have been able to achieve it...what a special little man...he really is just so loved by everyone - thats the best gift we could have ever asked for...
the 2nd best gift is that families come and stay with us at Melon's cottage...and to that end...we are stoked that we have 8 families over our xmas/new year period until the beginning of feb and we are already booked for easter...its AMAZING! when we opened the cottage, we were hoping to help around 12 families...and we will meet that figure AND some...everyone who comes is such a gift...and we can see the difference it makes. Some come to celebrate the end of treatment, and we know a couple have come to share time as family to say goodbye...to say its a priviledge to share these milestones is an understatement...we have walked a mile in these shoes...and we know that it makes a difference...
I have a couple of quotes to share from our guestbook:
"We wish you all the best and hope the Lakes Community continues to support Melon's Cottage"
"We have been overwhelmed by your generosity and the generosity of the Lakes Entrance community...It is so nice to have a change of scenery to feel refreshed. The kids dont want to leave and together decided that we need to stay here for '100 nights'"
"We thankyou for the inspirational idea and follow through of Melon's Cottage - clearly so much work and thought went into this and it is so appreciated...wishing you all the best for the continued success of Melon's Cottage - a lovely tribut to the memory of your brave son Eli Charlie"
"Special special place and we are so happy we could be here to share the beautiful place you have created. What amaing people you are to take all the feelings you have and turn them into this haven for others"
I guess this if from the mouths of our families who have stayed with us...hopefully they articulate it much better than we can...but we just knew it would make a difference, and by the above, it certainly has!
anyways...time to fly...and hope to touch based again in the next couple of weeks.
Take care
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxo
beautiful felt peice from Christine Watts - THANKS CHRISTINE!
more information on the terrific work christine does can be found at:
www.christinelwatts.com.au
Thursday, November 22, 2012
4 long years melon...
The 16th of November 2007 at 12.55pm we said our final goodbyes to our boy. It was the hardest thing we have ever had to do in our lives. Below is what we wrote for our boy as we remember his beautiful spirit and the emptiness we have felt for the last four years.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Our beautiful boy. Four long years since you left us. As we all grow a year older, you remain forever young. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of or spoken of melon, such is the impact you had on our lives. 12.55pm on Sunday 16 November in 2008 you left us after such a courageous fight. What a privilege to be there for your last moments, to tell you that we love you and you will always be carried in our hearts. What we would do to have just one last kiss and hug, but you know that.
"When nights are cold and stars are few
we close our eyes and think of you
A silent hope and silent tear
a silent wish that you were here"
See you in our dreams melon
you are so deeply loved and missed every single day
mum, dad and baby brother archie
xoxoxoxox
Our beautiful boy...who would have thought 13 months later you would be gone from our lives
.jpg)
best superman we know....
.jpg)
Love you melon...your memory lives on in our hearts every single day
Friday, September 28, 2012
Happy 5th Birthday melon
Hi everyone
well..its that time of year again when the simpson's reflect on what should have been...Melon's 5th birthday...
once again many tears were shed, pancakes eaten and even archie got into the act and played with a couple of angel's which sit on eli...
As pete often says, its a time when we think about what should have been...and he is right...eli's 5th birthday...kinder and off to school next year...christmas with his baby brother and family...so much to look forward too but will never be experienced...
These anniversaries get harder and harder as the time goes by...but the days in between seem to be just living life...
Melon would have been plenty proud of what we have achieved as a family...in fact, the cottage is currently home to another family who are seeking a break from the heartache of hospital life and cancer/leukaemia...
we absolutely know we are doing the right thing and that the cottage means such a lot to these families...we look forward to picking some flowers from his garden today...and we might just even get a birthday cake together...but who knows...we will just go with the flow and do what feels right...
our beautiful brave boy...forever young and always missed.
Love you to the moon and back melon...and you are in our thoughts every single day
happy birthday mate
mum, dad and baby archie
xoxox
.jpg)
Happy 5th birthday melon...xoxox
well..its that time of year again when the simpson's reflect on what should have been...Melon's 5th birthday...
once again many tears were shed, pancakes eaten and even archie got into the act and played with a couple of angel's which sit on eli...
As pete often says, its a time when we think about what should have been...and he is right...eli's 5th birthday...kinder and off to school next year...christmas with his baby brother and family...so much to look forward too but will never be experienced...
These anniversaries get harder and harder as the time goes by...but the days in between seem to be just living life...
Melon would have been plenty proud of what we have achieved as a family...in fact, the cottage is currently home to another family who are seeking a break from the heartache of hospital life and cancer/leukaemia...
we absolutely know we are doing the right thing and that the cottage means such a lot to these families...we look forward to picking some flowers from his garden today...and we might just even get a birthday cake together...but who knows...we will just go with the flow and do what feels right...
our beautiful brave boy...forever young and always missed.
Love you to the moon and back melon...and you are in our thoughts every single day
happy birthday mate
mum, dad and baby archie
xoxox
.jpg)
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
hi everyone
geez...i know i keep saying it, but its absolutely amazing how quickly time flies...incredible really to think we are fast approaching melon's 5th birthday...28 September...gee...it feels like yesterday when we lost him...where does the time go...
So, we managed to get through Father's Day...and again pete's birthday on 16th September...we did what we could, and spent a bit of time in the garden, both on the day and leading up to them...i know pete takes much solace with his time in melon's garden. Its actually a great time of year for the garden because everything is in in bloom...really pretty.
As always...i think we will just need to see how the day unfolds on melon's birthday...a friday actually...and kind of poetically, we actually have a family in up at the cottage so that will be nice. Keeping to the Simpson family tradition, we will make some pancakes for eli's birthday...and then just 'be'...see where the day takes us. I know many people who have lost a child will celebrate with a birthday, friends and family around. For us however, its an intensely private day where we do our own thing, only really stopping to share with others when we can open our hearts, which usually happens in the afternoon. Such is the stark contrast of how we grieve...we are all so individual and express grief so differently...and thats completely ok. As wamma would say - whatever blows your hair back!
Its also ninny's birthday this month...amazing to think she died so very young at 75 with pancreatic cancer...but so much comfort to know she was there just before melon was...to welcome him with open arms...
anways....the Charity Chooks have been busy busy once again, with an event to raise money for angel flight...we managed $500 which was awesome...so thanks to everyone who came to make it happen...you rock!
The cottage is looking forward to another 2 families visiting over the next couple of weeks. We have again been really lucky to receive some terrific donations...we just cannot thank everyone enough...the response has truly been amazing.
For those interested, im heading to melbs to attend Light the Night for the leukaemia foundation...its hard to believe we were their 'inaugural' gold balloon ambassadors...in 2009 at their first event...it was a truly amazing evening, and one we have tried to attend ever since...so..if you are interested in coming along for a walk - or learning more about the event, please email me at eli-simpson@hotmail.com and i will see if we can catch up on the night...its always such a beautifully reflective event...one we are looking forward to participate in once again...its on the 26th September...at the Alexandra Gardens...but again, let me know if you are interested to ensure we can walk together...
I think thats about it for us at the moment...i will try and get back to you by the end of the month for melon's birthday...
the simpsons are doing well...all very busy...pete with work...and archie with just being archie lol...growing like a weed and just near 17months already! A really typical boy with lots of spunk and very very busy!
anyways...will close for now...
take care everyone
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxo
.jpg)
.jpg)
geez...i know i keep saying it, but its absolutely amazing how quickly time flies...incredible really to think we are fast approaching melon's 5th birthday...28 September...gee...it feels like yesterday when we lost him...where does the time go...
So, we managed to get through Father's Day...and again pete's birthday on 16th September...we did what we could, and spent a bit of time in the garden, both on the day and leading up to them...i know pete takes much solace with his time in melon's garden. Its actually a great time of year for the garden because everything is in in bloom...really pretty.
As always...i think we will just need to see how the day unfolds on melon's birthday...a friday actually...and kind of poetically, we actually have a family in up at the cottage so that will be nice. Keeping to the Simpson family tradition, we will make some pancakes for eli's birthday...and then just 'be'...see where the day takes us. I know many people who have lost a child will celebrate with a birthday, friends and family around. For us however, its an intensely private day where we do our own thing, only really stopping to share with others when we can open our hearts, which usually happens in the afternoon. Such is the stark contrast of how we grieve...we are all so individual and express grief so differently...and thats completely ok. As wamma would say - whatever blows your hair back!
Its also ninny's birthday this month...amazing to think she died so very young at 75 with pancreatic cancer...but so much comfort to know she was there just before melon was...to welcome him with open arms...
anways....the Charity Chooks have been busy busy once again, with an event to raise money for angel flight...we managed $500 which was awesome...so thanks to everyone who came to make it happen...you rock!
The cottage is looking forward to another 2 families visiting over the next couple of weeks. We have again been really lucky to receive some terrific donations...we just cannot thank everyone enough...the response has truly been amazing.
For those interested, im heading to melbs to attend Light the Night for the leukaemia foundation...its hard to believe we were their 'inaugural' gold balloon ambassadors...in 2009 at their first event...it was a truly amazing evening, and one we have tried to attend ever since...so..if you are interested in coming along for a walk - or learning more about the event, please email me at eli-simpson@hotmail.com and i will see if we can catch up on the night...its always such a beautifully reflective event...one we are looking forward to participate in once again...its on the 26th September...at the Alexandra Gardens...but again, let me know if you are interested to ensure we can walk together...
I think thats about it for us at the moment...i will try and get back to you by the end of the month for melon's birthday...
the simpsons are doing well...all very busy...pete with work...and archie with just being archie lol...growing like a weed and just near 17months already! A really typical boy with lots of spunk and very very busy!
anyways...will close for now...
take care everyone
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxo
.jpg)
our melon and ninny...2 peas in a pod
.jpg)
melon and dad on their only fathers day together...spent at the anakie gorge
Light the Night in 2010...fabulous event
our visit to visit the angel flight crew in fortitude valley recently...gidday guys!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Hi everyone
.jpg)
I have just realised its been nearly 3 months since we have posted...where has that time gone? amazing how quickly life just flies by...
Alot has happened in that time...as it always does...so, i will try and remember to cover EVERYTHING...
first and foremost, we have had some terrific families come through the cottage...it has been an amazing success and we look forward to hosting more families into the future...so if you know of ANYONE who is bereaved or is looking after a child who has cancer/leukaemia, please put them in touch with us...they are more than welcome to stay!
we have also been amazingly blessed with some terrific support from our local community groups, businesses, and as always family and friends. Pete and i are busy with presenting the cottage to those groups who are interested in knowing our story. We have been seriously overwhelmed and extremely humbled by the generosity of these groups and their ongoing support to our cause. Because of them, we have been able to watch our bank account grow, which is a massive relief for us..as it will ensure the cottage will remain free of charge to our families that visit. Without the support, we just cannot do what we do...so from us to you...thankyou so very very much. It truly means the world to us!
Family life has been busy busy...after a different job for 3 months which took pete to the city once night a week, he has well and truly settled back into life at home (and we are happy to have him home consistently!)...Archie has been so-so...and has suffered terribly with recurrent ear infections. Poor little thing has been constantly on antibiotics and really miserable, so it was off the ear specialist and within 2 and a half weeks (and the threat of leaving him with the specialist!)...archie had grommets put in and seems to be much much better. Hard to believe archie is almost 16 months now...he is at a fabulous age...nice and interactive and most importantly, he loves to dance! Its a cracker...
We had our final fundraiser for the year in early July, with a couple of local politicians - Darren Chester (Federal MP) and Tim Bull (local MP) brave enough to colour their hair and walk onto a footy oval and umpire a game of seconds....then half time through the seniors, they shaved! It was great to watch, and the crowd got right behind them...so on behalf of Eli's Foundation, we would love to say thanks to everyone involved with the day, and particularly Darren, Tim and Ray Burgess (and of course the chooks)...who helped make the day a great success. We raised about $3500 which was a tremendous effort, but most importantly, we raised awareness within the community about the cottage.
We are also truly amazed at the generous offer from the Lakes Lions Club who are kindly donating half the proceeds of their "SPRING RAFFLE" to Melon's Cottage, the other half is going to a terrific cause in the Peter McCallum institute...So if you are floating around Lakes Entrance, please get behind this great raffle - the proceeds are going to some awesome causes! Marnie and I will be selling some raffle tickets out the front of Foodworks on 15th September (in the morning)..so if you are around, please call by and say hello...we would love to have a chat!
We have been really lucky and able to tell our story of Melon's Cottage to roughly 2-3 community groups a month...so while we have been extremely busy with that, we are just so proud to be able to spread the word far and wide...and while its hard work trying to fit it in with everything else, i think its been a great success...with heaps and heaps of support coming from the most amazing places...so THANKYOU...i know how much this means to the families using the cottage.
Speaking of which, we would also like to say a massive thanks to Challenge, who allowed us to use their retreat on the gold coast for a week...unfortunately we had a pretty rough time, and pete had to fly home early, we still loved our time away-even though it was a short stay...archie LOVED the open areas and the beach...and he was tuckered out at the end of every day...
its with great sadness that we found ourselves saying goodbye to three people over the past 3 weeks. Yeiyah (our 'nana' next door when we lived in altona all those years ago) passed away, a much loved member of the Department of Sustainability and Environment - Dave Needham and very very recently, Sue Morrison...a woman who had the most amazing and loving spirit and a true angel passed away suddenly. All three made a deep impact on our lives and im sure on many many others...you will all be sadly missed. We met sue (a dedicated member of the Bairnsdale Amaroo Country Womens Association) when they catered for Eli's wake and then again 6 weeks later when pete and i attended Silver Linings Funeral's christmas memorial. Pete being pete chatted sue up and volunteered me to join the CWA to 'make a decent sponge'...sue and her fellow CWA ladies were happy to have me in their fold when i was ready. From then on, the simpsons and the CWA ladies formed a firm friendship and bumped into each other from time to time, but always at christmas, at the memorial where the CWA catered. We kept in touch and they were all thrilled when they found out Archie was born. Their card congratulated us on archies birth, and it was lovingly signed "CWA Aunties"...and thats what this group of fabulous women are to us...a whole bunch of new 'aunties'...
I approached Sue to see if the 'aunties' might like to cater for our Cottage opening, on the proviso they bought some jelly slice! And so they did...and put on a great CWA spread for all our guests...We were then asked to present to the group, just last wednesday (15 August). I remember talking for much longer than i was given, but was much more open to the group..such was the relationship we have. It was a massive shock to learn sue passed away suddenly, and i can only begin to imagine the lasting legacy she has left for us all. I said to Jill (president of the CWA in bairnsdale)...giving sue a cuddle was exactly like giving my nan a cuddle. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her...
Its ironic that in someone's deepest grief, there is the gift of life...we would love to say a massive congratulations to rae-lee (our fave nurse) and shane on their impending arrival...and also megs and adrian on number 2...what an amazing gift.
The month of september brings time of reflection...it would have been Melon's 5th birthday. All we have are photos...and his smell on his special clothes has all but faded. We still wonder what he would have been like...how he would have embraced his little brother archie, whether they would have looked the same and whether he would have retained that beautiful sensitive soul he had. 5 years old...i can only wonder 'what would have been'...off to school next year...but it will never be.
anyways...thats about it...3 months packed into a post! i promise not to leave it as long next time!
hope all of you are going well...
take care
loads of hugs and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxoxox
The lovely spread organised by the CWA ladies for the opening of the cottage...
Our lovely CWA 'aunties'...sue (in aqua) will be deeply missed by all those knew her...
Big melon - kicking back in north melbourne
.jpg)
Big melon just after he had his spleen out - yes, morphine officially kicked in!
Good on you Darren Chester and Tim Bull - bloody awesome effort!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Hi everyone
Cant believe how quickly the month has flown by...
I would like to thank EVERYONE who supported the Melon's Cottage Mothers Day Raffle this year...we raised a whisker over $4,100 which is bloody AWESOME!...It has far exceeded our expectations...and it will go a massive way to supporting the cottage into next year...its WONDERFUL...so thanks!
We could not have done it without all those who helped sell the tickets, friends, family and local businesses, as well as all of you who brought a ticket or two! A massive thanks also goes to those who sponsored the prizes...nath, tash and their six gorgeous girls who donated the dinner party for 10 (worth around $850)...dave and tanya for helping with the mothers day hamper from terry white chemist in bairnsdale (worth $300) and to deb and gez who donated a really nice Rip Curl watch (worth $250)...we had so many wonderful comments about the great prizes...so i think thats what helped make it all happen which is TERRIFIC...
our first prize went to Mary Hamer from Lakes Entrance, 2nd prize, Peter MacDonald from Rowville and 3rd prize, tina o'donnell from Lakes...well done guys!
our next fundraiser (and the final one for the year) is coming up on 7th July...so keep the space free. We cant say too much, but hopefully it will be advertised in the paper over the next week or so...so keep an eye out. Lets say its your chance to watch a local game of footy and have a laugh at the same time...it should be a cracker. Will be more to come soon.
We are hoping that this will be the last fundraiser for us this year...but if you would like to donate to us...please get in contact with me at eli-simpson@hotmail.com OR if you would like to hold a fundraising event on behalf of Eli's Foundation, please let me know...more than happy to help!
Mothers Day was a really busy one..we were supposed to go for a walk/run, but the weather turned out to be really bad, and we had to go to hospital with Archie as he had a pretty tidy temperature that we couldnt get down...so we were sitting in hospital at around 6.30am...and home by 8.30am...and we were all EXTREMELY tired. Archie was ok...poor little thing is having heaps of issues with his ears and throat...hopefully he will get above it all soon and his immune system really starts kicking in...its bloody hard on everyone really...no sleep and grumpy child...hmmm....reminds me of melon at times.
So mothers day was very so so in our house...i was pretty sad that i didnt get a real opportunity to miss melon, but as always, we lit his candle...and i heard lots of his songs throughout the days leading up to mothers day and after it as well.
Miss you every day melon...every single day.
Anyways...best fly...got a fair bit to do as always...the cottage has gone a little quiet...but we are hoping it will pick up a bit through the holiday period.
Take care everyone
lots of love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxo
Cant believe how quickly the month has flown by...
I would like to thank EVERYONE who supported the Melon's Cottage Mothers Day Raffle this year...we raised a whisker over $4,100 which is bloody AWESOME!...It has far exceeded our expectations...and it will go a massive way to supporting the cottage into next year...its WONDERFUL...so thanks!
We could not have done it without all those who helped sell the tickets, friends, family and local businesses, as well as all of you who brought a ticket or two! A massive thanks also goes to those who sponsored the prizes...nath, tash and their six gorgeous girls who donated the dinner party for 10 (worth around $850)...dave and tanya for helping with the mothers day hamper from terry white chemist in bairnsdale (worth $300) and to deb and gez who donated a really nice Rip Curl watch (worth $250)...we had so many wonderful comments about the great prizes...so i think thats what helped make it all happen which is TERRIFIC...
our first prize went to Mary Hamer from Lakes Entrance, 2nd prize, Peter MacDonald from Rowville and 3rd prize, tina o'donnell from Lakes...well done guys!
our next fundraiser (and the final one for the year) is coming up on 7th July...so keep the space free. We cant say too much, but hopefully it will be advertised in the paper over the next week or so...so keep an eye out. Lets say its your chance to watch a local game of footy and have a laugh at the same time...it should be a cracker. Will be more to come soon.
We are hoping that this will be the last fundraiser for us this year...but if you would like to donate to us...please get in contact with me at eli-simpson@hotmail.com OR if you would like to hold a fundraising event on behalf of Eli's Foundation, please let me know...more than happy to help!
Mothers Day was a really busy one..we were supposed to go for a walk/run, but the weather turned out to be really bad, and we had to go to hospital with Archie as he had a pretty tidy temperature that we couldnt get down...so we were sitting in hospital at around 6.30am...and home by 8.30am...and we were all EXTREMELY tired. Archie was ok...poor little thing is having heaps of issues with his ears and throat...hopefully he will get above it all soon and his immune system really starts kicking in...its bloody hard on everyone really...no sleep and grumpy child...hmmm....reminds me of melon at times.
So mothers day was very so so in our house...i was pretty sad that i didnt get a real opportunity to miss melon, but as always, we lit his candle...and i heard lots of his songs throughout the days leading up to mothers day and after it as well.
Miss you every day melon...every single day.
Anyways...best fly...got a fair bit to do as always...the cottage has gone a little quiet...but we are hoping it will pick up a bit through the holiday period.
Take care everyone
lots of love and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxo
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Hi everyone...
we are so sorry (yet again!) for the long delay in posting...its been an amazing month or so with archie's first birthday, me back at work part time and pete being away a couple of days a week with a new job for the next 3 months...i guess the words adjusting and adapting come to mind!
After a wonderful cottage opening, we had our first family through...they were truly amazing...and we were so very lucky to have them as our first family...we couldnt have asked for anything more! Big kisses your way Zara...lol...hope you get better really soon!
I have done a few presentations over the last month to some local rotary groups and the lakes lions group which have had a terrific response. Its really nice to know that there is so many people out there that underpin our community spirit...its actually really humbling to be a part of now...lots of people out there to help and to make a difference...
Archies first birthday went really well...we decided to have a naming day at the same time (to save people travelling again)...it was a great turnout and we were stoked to be able to celebrate with family and friends. Of course Eli was never far from our minds but we know he looks after his little brother - in more ways than we probably realise...we all lit our candles for melon...(and had a bit of extra cake too!)
Our raffle for the cottage (which is drawn mothers day) has been a great success and fundraiser...its been sensational really and we cant wait until we touch base with the winners...not many sleeps now! So for all of you who have helped, thanks SOOOO much...there are still tickets available if you are keen...just get in contact with us at eli-simpson@hotmail.com
So thats really it for the simpsons at the moment...we are still waiting for more bookings to come through..but we are so happy in the knowledge that everything we have put into action has worked...and we look forward to welcoming more families into the future.
take care eveyone Once again, thanks for ALL your love and support...it really is appreciated!
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
xoxo
we are so sorry (yet again!) for the long delay in posting...its been an amazing month or so with archie's first birthday, me back at work part time and pete being away a couple of days a week with a new job for the next 3 months...i guess the words adjusting and adapting come to mind!
After a wonderful cottage opening, we had our first family through...they were truly amazing...and we were so very lucky to have them as our first family...we couldnt have asked for anything more! Big kisses your way Zara...lol...hope you get better really soon!
I have done a few presentations over the last month to some local rotary groups and the lakes lions group which have had a terrific response. Its really nice to know that there is so many people out there that underpin our community spirit...its actually really humbling to be a part of now...lots of people out there to help and to make a difference...
Archies first birthday went really well...we decided to have a naming day at the same time (to save people travelling again)...it was a great turnout and we were stoked to be able to celebrate with family and friends. Of course Eli was never far from our minds but we know he looks after his little brother - in more ways than we probably realise...we all lit our candles for melon...(and had a bit of extra cake too!)
Our raffle for the cottage (which is drawn mothers day) has been a great success and fundraiser...its been sensational really and we cant wait until we touch base with the winners...not many sleeps now! So for all of you who have helped, thanks SOOOO much...there are still tickets available if you are keen...just get in contact with us at eli-simpson@hotmail.com
So thats really it for the simpsons at the moment...we are still waiting for more bookings to come through..but we are so happy in the knowledge that everything we have put into action has worked...and we look forward to welcoming more families into the future.
take care eveyone Once again, thanks for ALL your love and support...it really is appreciated!
luv and sunshine
the simpsons
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
