It's been a LONG TIME!

So back in October, Doug and i briefly talked about how we can get this blog back up and running again...we want to hear from EVERYONE...not just Doug and Chrissy...we want EVERYONE to comment, Not just Doug, Chrissy and Malia...laugh.  If you know someone that is not on this blog...invite them...we want this to be a family thing...

The night of Uncle Craig's burial, i found a piece of paper on the table at Aunty Paula's.  Daniel had written a memory he had of uncle Craig.  At the bottom of the paper he wrote something along the lines of...that's my story...add yours next...i wanted to add to one, but...it got passed around, and got lost i guess...plus it was only a piece of paper, and wouldn't host nearly enough room for all the stories we have.  So i propose, that as it is the christmas season, and Uncle Craig was a VERY BIG PART OF CHRISTMAS...how bout we pay tribute to him, but sharing our favourite Uncle Craig moment(s). 

I guess i'll start.

I have many Uncle Craig moments...the infamous "Grandma and her twin" toast, being with him at the cafe when he wanted to make chocolate custard, and instead of adding chocolate sauce, he added gravy mix...having him come and stay with us in Auckland for the Christmas holidays.  We always looked forward to that each year...until that ruddy sewing needle came out, which he used to clean mine and my brothers finger nails (remember that boys?).  I could talk all day...most of my stories are funny...as im' sure all of ours are...but i guess today i would like to share a more spiritual experience i had with uncle Craig.

When i went to the Temple for the first time, i had invited family and friends to join me.  I left a message for Uncle Craig...but funnily enough...i never heard back.  Anywho, i went and received my endowments...surrounded by family and friends.  Uncle Craig wasn't there, so i figured he never got the message.  Anywho, the endowment session finished, and i was taken into the Celestial room...the first people i saw...and in order...Mum, Dad, Dillon...i gave my parents a hug...went over to give Dil a hug...and as i looked over his shoulder...Uncle Craig was there in the doorway with a huge smile.  He started to walk over to me...but then motioned that he'd wait...as i was a little emotional and overwhelmed...in a happy way mind you...after i went and talked to him...i told him i thought he never got my message...he said he had, but couldn't get hold of me to tell me he couldn't really do endowment sessions because he found it hard to sit for long periods of time...but he made a special trip up to the Temple to see me and let me know he was proud of my choices that day...and to congratulate me...and let me know...he got the message...bascially....  the Ordinance workers said he could get dressed in his whites and meet me up in the Celestial room...now...that was kind've a hard thing for someone to do back then...they were quite strict about that...but...Uncle Craig always got his way...haha. I really appreciated that.  I never really thought of myself as one of the favourites or special ones in the family (probably cause of my blunt nature...laugh)...but for him to say he made a 'special' trip up just to see me come through to the Celestial room made me feel somewhat of a favourite...hehe.

Fast forward to the day of his death.  Mum and i were in the Temple around about the time of his passing.  Whenever i do an endowment session i ALWAYS think about my wedding day.  That is the memory i have attached to the endowment session...because of the ordinance that takes place in that room before the sealing.  That was my favourite part...and i can think about it for a whole session.  This session was like no other...i began reflecting on my wedding day...when my mind was all of a sudden... cast back to my endowment day...and for some reason...the memory was always of me looking over Dillon's shoulder and seeing uncle Craig.  But the memory was kinda different in the ending...i don't know why...as in real life...uncle Craig began to walk towards me, he stopped as he did.  But instead of just standing and waiting where he was till i had finished debriefing with Dillon...he motioned with a smile..."i'll catch up with you later'...and walked out.  I thought...odd...it didn't happen quite like that...and my mind replayed that moment over and over again...little did i know at that same time, my uncle had infact...walked into the eternities.  Even though i am not a visionary person with a psychic ability...nor do i consider myself more special than anyone else in the family...I like to think that Uncle Craig, once again...made that special trip up to the Celestial room to let me know...he was in the right place...and that he would catch up with me later...in the eternities.

I miss my uncle Craig...i wish that i had've told him i loved him, but i never did...unless i wrote it in a card...i never said it out aloud...i just assumed he knew...i'm sure he did...but i still should of said it...but i've never really been able to express those kind of feelings, cause...well...i've just always found it hard...but contrary to popular belief...my heart is full of more love than the Tin man...laugh.  I love you uncle Craig...have a great well deserving rest...

that was my long experience/memory...what's yours? who's next????

My new photo blog!

If you get time...head on over to my new photoblog...i'm trying to get back into the whole photography buzz...

http://www.chrisdilmakphotoblog.blogspot.com/

Enjoy

Chrissy

ALL BLACKS FOR WORLD CUP

There is no guarantee that the All Blacks will win the World Cup. That much we know. But there are plenty of reasons for New Zealanders to feel confident that the All Blacks can do the business this time. I have joked that we have never lost a World Cup game at home (citing of course our dominant performance in 1987 when no team got within 20 points of us). Joking aside it is fact, and if you look back over the history of the World Cup you can see that the home side have performed better than expected.
The All Blacks managed to put the controversy of the Cavaliers tour to South Africa behind them to dominate the inaugural tournament. In 1991, England made it to the final despite their loss to the All Blacks in pool play, in 1995 South Africa won after a series loss to New Zealand a year prior, in 1999 Wales pushed eventual champions Australia to the brink in the quarterfinal, in 2003 Australia beat an All Black side who had, just months earlier put 50 points on them, and 2007... Well, good ol’ French, the exception to the rule. They lost to Argentina (twice!) and their historic win over the All Blacks took place in Wales. Go figure.

The point is, home field advantage in World Cups, and in most sports for that matter, is indeed an advantage. Unless of course you are the 2007 New York Giants who were 10-1 on the road and 3-5 at home, then they went on to beat a previously unbeaten New England Patriots team on neutral ground in the Super Bowl. But I digress. All the knockout games are at Eden Park, and we haven’t lost there since 1994. Is it any comfort to know that it was France who beat us in 1994, and on a Sunday? Maybe not, forget I said that.

Another reason for my optimism is our depth at the centre position, and the lack of full backs playing at the centre position. In 1999 we never came to grips with the retirement of Frank Bunce so we opted for Christian Cullen (stifling our most devastating full back ever). In 2003 Tana Umaga went down and no faith was shown in our back-ups (Ma’a Nonu and Dan Carter), so Leon McDonald took over, which begs the question: Why were Nonu and Carter selected in the first place? And then in 2007 Mils Muliaina played centre because no confidence was shown in Conrad Smith.

It’s interesting to note that Carter, Nonu and Smith will be key figures in our quest to win the William Webb Ellis trophy in 2011. Heaven forbid if Nonu and/or Smith was to get injured, let’s hope the coaching staff has enough faith in SBW and/or Richard Kahui to slot into the midfield. The last thing I want to see is Israel Dagg running around with a 13 on his back!

The third reason why we can win is because we have an experienced captain. I think Richie McCaw would admit that in 2007 he was still a little green. He opted not to adjust game tactics (i.e. take a drop goal) believing that just keeping ball in hand against the French would eventually pay off. It didn’t help his cause when McCaw stated after the game; “At least we played good rugby.” Taine Randell had difficulty leading a group of experienced players in 1999, and Gary Whetton failed to inspire, and was even outplayed by lock forward Kevin Swords against in a miserable game against the United States in 1991.McCaw is respected by all, he is still playing at a high level, and his experience will prove invaluable.

Finally, an interesting statistic was pointed out to me while watching Reunion (rugby talk show) this week. The winners of the last three World Cups were eliminated in the quarterfinal in the previous World Cup. Here’s what I mean. The 2007 winners (South Africa) lost in the quarter final in 2003. The 2003 winners (England) lost in the quarter final in 1999, and the 1999 winners (Australia) lost in the quarter final in 1995. Trivia question: Name the rugby power which lost in the quarter final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup? No prize for guessing that. I just love those kinds of historical statistics.

There is still quite a bit of negative talk out there about referees, injuries and choking, but I choose to be positive. It probably helps that I haven’t borne the brunt of recent World Cup disappointment due to a mission and living overseas, but I think we should all take this opportunity to support the All Blacks as we host the best sporting event in the world. Goooooooo All Blacks!

SIMPSONS MARATHON

Hear ye, hear ye,

On Friday July 29th at 7pm I will be holding a SIMPSONS MARATHON NIGHT at 3 Goodwin Terrace. We will be watching it on the projector downstairs. I have checked that there are no All Black games on. If you would like to come, please bring something to eat or drink. Doesn't have to be much maybe just a few munchies. I haven't decided which season/s we will watch, but I think it will be somewhere between 4 and 7. There will also be a trivia competition to see how much you know about the Simpsons. The champion will receive the "First Annual Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Simpsons Knowledge." If you dress up as a Simpson character you will receive a prize, otherwise just show up and enjoy the night!!

Douglas.

Any questions email me at elderstrother@yahoo.com or text at 021-032-1813

If you disapprove of the Simpsons, sorry but I can't help you out.

A hilariously horrible photo session with the Cassidy Grandkids!

So, Jaylah was blessed yesterday, and we thought...what a good opportunity to take pics of all the grandkids to date...WHAT A MISSION! all but two of the grandkids cried, screamed, moaned, didn't want to have a photo, didn't want to be next to anyone...and so the story goes on like this....only good old Dazza...a.k.a Darren and Jaylah...would you believe, managed to hold it together the entire time.  It probably didn't help there were 5 adults barking commands at the kids...it certainly didn't help me...the one trying to take the photos...laugh... the group shots were just tragic...haven't managed to upload them yet...but if nothing else...at least their individual shots came out somewhat good.  I thought i would share....them.

Starting at the oldest grandchild and working our way down to the youngest!

Darren

Alec

Danaka

Logan

Naima

Raya

Seddon

Jaylah

And that's all we got...thus far!

Noelani Julliet Lardelli

Well I thought I'd put up a more recent pic of Noelani Julliet Lardelli. I still can't really see any family resemblence and she doesn't look like Sam. Dad reckons she looks like Kaea and Jennae's baby Ashlyn, I can't see it? Her hair is rather light, lightish brown and when it is wet it curls on the end. So I guess we are going to have another curly mop. Tonight when I was straightening my hair Jason said, oh that will be Noelani in a few years time. Well I should be in bed as it is past midnight, but it is too tempting to browse the net while both children are fast asleep.

THANKS!

Aunty Puanani stopped by the other day with a fab prize for guessing (incorrectly) Malia's baby stats. I never win competitions...and even though i kinda won by default...i'm feeling pretty awesome right now...so Thanks heaps.  We definitely look forward to redeeming our prize at Hell's Pizza...which F.Y.I i only tasted for the first time a few nights ago and am now a fan!  On another note, thanks to everyone for the well wishes and to those who have been by to visit our newest edition and also for the lovely goodies...i never thought i'd appreciate nappies so much!

A little something from Anthony Butters

Here's the latest Anthony Butters movie...mean stuff Anthony.  Keep em coming.

Family members who look like famous people...

I thought I would post a blog of family members who look like famous people. Of course it is subjective and you could disagree (and probably will).
Tell me what you think...


Morne Morkel (South African cricket player) - Tim Butters


Irene Van Dyk - Awatea


Orlando Bloom - Dennis


Phil Waugh (Wallaby) - Elias


Helen Hunt - Crystal


Eddie Munster - Mason


Billy T. James - Uncle Gordon


Boss JD Hogg (Dukes of Hazzard) - Cooper


Shia Lebeouf - Kaea


Hansie Cronje former South African Cricket captain - Michael Butters

FINALLY!

Well, it took me 11 days from my due date to SPONTANEOUSLY go into early labour...and 2 days before i was labouring enough to warrant me the right to go to hospital.  Another 6 hours into the hospital round of labour...Noelani arrives...WHAT THE??? i was in labour first...COME ON...laugh...i was even more determined to get the kid out before midnight.  After 18 hours in Hospital....we welcome our second daughter Jaylah Anataia Iola Lohana Makata into the world on April 26th 2011...pretty cool...Noelani and Jaylah share the same birthday, they must be the chosen ones or something?. Jaylah's middle names are after my dad's Mother and Dillon's Mother's Mother...Jaylah's lungs are pathetic in comparison to her elder sister who's lungs were incredible at birth.  She came with a head of hair...but yet again, nothing in comparison to her sister's jet black crop that was so thick you couldn't see her scalp...her fingers are super long...same as noelani i would say...there is more finger than palm.  Though with her parents lack of sporting ability...i don't see her palming a basketball anytime soon.

Jaylah weighed a healthy 8lb 14 oz and was 56cm long at birth.  She and i had a few things that worked against us in labour, so she eventually...like her sister...had to be born via emergency c-section...which was a lot tougher than Naima's delivery...in that i had a lot of scar tissue which made it harder for the surgeons to get to Jaylah quickly and safetly...put it this way, i was told it take bout 10-15 mins to get the baby out and about 30-45 mins to stitch me back up...we went into theatre just after 7.30, she was born at 8.24pm...and we came out of theatre just after 9...i started off with a resident surgeon who i was told by the nurse is Excellent...and ended up with the Big Cheese of Surgery when the Resident gave him a look that was like...Ummm...this is complicated and i don't think i can do this without assistance...YAYNESS...but...i was pretty relaxed about the whole thing...infact the surgical team said i was the most chilled out woman they'd had in surgery all day and my surgery was probably the worst...and they had done a lot of c-sections that day.  I didn't see the point in kicking up a fuss when my body was already numb and i couldn't feel anything.  i don't get why woman still panic and scream.  But anywho, seeing as it was more complicated then first thought, i was advised not to have anymore children, but i think i'll leave that up to Me, Dil and Heavenly Father to decide.  I still feel there is atleast one more child yet.

I'm happy to report, that Naima LOVES her little sister.  She insists on holding her all the time, gives her cuddles and kisses when she cries...she's responded to the change very well.  I'm so proud of Naima. Her sole chore is to get us Jaylah's wipes and Nappies whenever it's changing time, and so far...she's taking her job very seriously.  She's a good little helper.

Jaylah on the other hand...spends most of her time with her face like this? LAUGH! she does cry a lot...having said that, she's very easy to settle...so long as there is enough milk on offer, and a strong daddy's arm to cuddle her FOREVER...boy does she love her cuddles.  She's hates her cot, but we're forcing her to sleep in there...well, as much as we can. 

When she's not asleep...she usually looks like this...annoyed for no reason, bored, and hungry.  Her eyes were looking like they might go lighter...but today...they looking very dark.  Sorry Dil, guess your wish of having a child with green eyes won't be fulfilled this time round.  But...he really shouldn't complain seeing as both his kids are exact replica's of him...i don't see either of em looking like me....and i did all the hardwork.  Where's the justice?  But yes, apart from not having slept since Jaylah's arrival, we are very happy to have a little bubby in the house.  I can't wait to be well enough to start taking awesome photos of the girls together. I'm sure Naima will be more than willing to give Jaylah some modelling tips... Naima's already introduced Jaylah to Michael Jackson...infact right now she watching an M.J dvd  together.  Naima is telling her all about the music videos.  Jaylah seems...bored!

And the winner is . . .

Here is my first granddaughter - Noelani Julliet Lardelli. Her first name is Malia's middle name. Her middle namd is Jason's Mum's name. She is so cute and loves being the centre of attention as you can imagine. She has long fingers - longer than her palm. Warren says that he has never seen that before and he is already imagining her "palming" a basketball (I wonder what we're getting her for Christmas). We are going home on Friday and the next wave of support is coming from Gisborne - Jason's Mum and Dad and Sam who hasn't seen his sister yet. I'm sure that he will be a big helper to Mum.

With the huge response from the competition, I declare Chrissy the winner (as she was the only entrant). Here are Noelani's statistics with Chrissy's guesses in brackets.
Born: 26 April 2011 (25 April 2011)
Time: 12:42 pm (4:27 pm)
Weight: 6 lb 6 oz (6 lb 7 oz)
Height: 47 cm (53 cm)

Congratulations on Jaylah - born on the same day as Noelani - how about that 2 girl cousins on the same day! Your prize will be coming soon when we get back to Hamilton.

Holly's competitive nature

The setting is the annual Koromatua School triathlon. Mason is so far leading the individual race with 50 metres to go ... check out the video.

Kainoa's basketball tournament

Kainoa made the Waikato Under 12 A Boys team this year. Mason was also the coach of his team. They have been training since Nov last year & was working towards winning the Rotorua Easter Tournament. They had 5 games in total & won them all. Counties-Manukau won 55-10. Hibiscus Coast Development Team won 36-0. North Habour won 30-17. West Auckland won 27-26. Hibiscus Coast A team won 39-21. It was a round robin competition so no final as such. We knew our hardest game would be against West Auckland who are the defending champs. It was such an exciting game. I was videoing the whole game & my legs were shaking from nervousness. It was close the whole game. We were up by 1 pt at the end of the game, but the ref decided to call an intentional foul on our team right on the buzzer. So the other team got 2 foul shots. They only needed to get 1 to go into over time, but they missed both. Phew! Kainoa had a wonderful tournament. He wasn't starting 5, but definately contributed especially rebounds & steals. He also made 2 crucial lay ups in that close game. So Mase has 1 tournament win under his belt as coach. And Kainoa has 1 tournament win for Waikato rep teams under his belt now.

By Nina ...

Why we love Grandma!

Malia's post got me thinking about some of my favourite memories of grandma...i started chuckling to myself a lot as i thought about some of the mihi moments as well...i felt like sharing them because i'm bored and have nothing to do.  The following events are ones i was actually at...

1.  Watching Grandma clean her fish tank...and then watching her give the fish a bath, before drying them with a tea towel and placing them back in water.

2.  Taking Grandma a bottle of sparkling grapejuice and chocolates on her birthday one year, when she was still living with Uncle Craig as the nunnery (spelling?).  Uncle Craig made the famous toast "to grandma and her twin"...the room went dead silent, before Steve, Mum and I BURST INTO FITS OF LAUGHTER! grandma had a horrid look on her face and said "why would you say a morbid thing like that?" to which craig replied "i always think of you and your twin on your birthday" to which steve and i replied with even louder fits of laughter...the kind where your eyes close and your stomach starts to hurt.  Uncle Craig got annoyed and kicked me and steve out of the flat....i guess that was really an uncle Craig moment, HOWEVER the look of horror on grandma's face when uncle craig toasted her deceased twin whom she nor craig have ever met was the icing on the cake...as we all know how the much the super natural freaked grandma out.

3.  After Grandpa Strother's passing, and the Walmsley's left for the states, it was my job to stay with Grandma at night and be her bodyguard.  Uncle Howard and Aunty Lorena were living at the house at that time too.  I'm sure most of us who had the priviledge of being her bodyguard will remember how early she would rise...to write stories, or opera music...on one such morning...say 2am, grandma turned the light on as usual and began singing to her hearts content.  I tried to keep sleeping, but was finding it VERY HARD...being the respectful grand-daughter i let her go for gold...hoping she would tire any minute, turn off the light and go back to sleep...an hour later...she still hadn't...till i heard uncle Howard yell from the end room...MIHI SHUT UP!

4.  It was always very easy to give grandma a fright.  I remember one weekend when i was like 5 or 6 mum and dad left me with Grandma cause they had to go on a scout camp or something like that.  Uncle Howard was still living there at the time...he wasn't married yet either.  Anywho, i was playing at uncle warrens one night, and grandma sent uncle howard over to pick me up.  When we got home, uncle howard told me to go through the back door...i wasn't sure why...and he said i had to be quiet.  So we quietly walked in the back door, and peered around the corner into the lounge...grandma was sitting real close to the tv watching that show "beauty and the beast".  I didn't know what we were doing or why we were being sneaky....Uncle Howard then let out this huge RAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! grandma almost hit the roof...he pushed me into the lounge and he snuck back out the door...and then came in through the front.  I wonder if uncle Howard even remembers that...probably not...but i do...cause I WAS THE ONE THAT GOT IN TROUBLE! i laugh about it cause i think it's funny grandma would even think i could have such a deep man's RAAAHHH voice. I always remember having to be weary of approaching her in public places..incase she didn't realise it was me...a couple of times when i got punched or something thrown at me for giving her fright, when all i was simply doing was saying hello.  I know WE ALL have stories like that.

5.  Being made to do the FLOWER RUN!  Porky drove the van, me and a few other cuzzies would be driven around Temple View at night to cut flowers from peoples gardens for Grandma everytime she did flowers for weddings ETC.  She said the people at those houses we took flower from were fine with it, but the fact that it had to be done at night when no one could see, and that we also had to be quick and quiet...just didn't figure out LAUGH!  We would drive around till we pretty much had a van load of flowers...of which most went to waste...cause we cut the wrong kind.

6. If you ever needed a quick fizzy fix, you could always count on grandma...Lift was EVERYWHERE!

7.  Having to watch "The Bodyguard" or "last of the mohicans" whenever i stayed at grandma's.  Does anyone know how many times she actually paid to go see the Bodyguard??? i hear it was in the double digits.

8.  Kelly brought Vince over the Grandma's to officially meet.  I was there when Kelly said "This is my fiancee  Vincent" to which grandma replied "is it Vince or Vince-sensual"  that was one of the other times i was kicked out of the house for laughing too much.

9.  You never really know what to say to things grandma counts as a compliment.  After getting married i gave grandma a photo of Dil and i on our wedding day.  Oneday we had gone over to pick up something from uncle craig.  Grandma was in the shower while we were there.   As we were leaving she comes to the door and yells across the street..."oh your photo looks beautiful.  You look like one of those suicide bombers and Dillon looks like a Sihk"...i'm like..."gee thanks grandma...i feel so much better about my looks"...she said..."No, it's a compliment, suicide bombers look pretty".  Cool i guess.  I miss her random comments and compliments...

10.  I've witnessed many times when grandma has had her vivid handy to colour in worn carpet or fix marks on a wall.

Well, i've rambled long enough...i could go on all day...but i won't...who else has some funny stories???

WHERE ALL THE STROTHERS AT?

There's not too many of us strothers on here yet...i'm still wanting to hear more funny stories.  make sure you let everyone know about this blog.

SHOULD I BE OFFENDED?

I did something the other day and Jason said 'That is such a Mihi Strother thing to say'. I thought to myself, should be offended or laugh? Let me explain. We have a glass conservatory connected to the house. For MONTHS I have been asking Jason to help me clean it. You may not notice but if you look up close it was covered in mould. I really wanted it to be clean before winter and before baby came. Jason's solution was to pay someone to clean it, whereas I thought I have a perfectly capable husband who can do it for FREE! So last weekend Jason couldn't say no to his grumpy pregnant wife anymore and we decided to clean it. All up it took us about 5 hours! Yes it was a very thorough clean and Jason even mopped the ceiling as best he could with disinfectant. Even though I was a bit sore afterwards I was very happy to get the job done. I said 'Now I would be happy if we paid someone else to come clean it from now on'. That is when Jason said 'That is such a Mihi Strother thing to say'. I know what he was meaning. He was thinking I was too embarrassed to have someone clean the conservatory because it had been neglected for so long (the water was black when we were cleaning people). So now I would let someone clean it, now that it was already cleaned. But actually my reasoning was that I wanted to do a really good job of it myself first so that I knew it was properly cleaned, then any cleaning from now on would just be to keep on top of it. So now it won't be a big job for someone else to do and probably not as expensive. It wasn't because I was embarassed for someone to see our dirty conservatory! Plus how would Jason know that would be something Grandma would say, he only knew her for a few years, not like the rest of us. So do you guys agree or disagree that I have a little bit of Mihi Strother in me??? And should I be offended or just laugh!

STROTHER RECORDS and interesting facts

A couple years back, Michael Jnr and I were talking about putting together a book of Strother Records. We were super keen when we first started out, but haven't done much for a long time. It's not so much finding the time (at least for me it isn't), it's finding the motivation and coming to grips with the magnitude of the project. However, we do have some records and interesting facts that have been brought to our attention, so I thought as a matter of interest I would share some with you.

NAMES
Peni-o-terangi has the longest first name
Ani, Tia and Jay have the shortest first names
Seddon Kimball Craig Richard Cassidy holds has longest full name
As for the shortest full name, it's a bit of a mystery. I have always thought that Grandma Strother didn't have a middle name, which means she would hold the record. However, Uncle Craig has told me that he thought she may have a middle name but he wasn't sure what it was. In that case, the record would belong to Uncle Gordon, who doesn't have a middle name.

BASKETBALL
Riki was the only one to play for the National Basketball team. He did so from 1992-1997 with his last game being against Yugoslavia. In his time as a Tall Black he played against Magic Johnson, and managed to get a fastbreak dunk in the game. Unfortunately, the cameras missed it. So we only got to hear the crowd cheer and the commentators say that he dunked it. Pretty lame TV3, pretty lame! He also played First Division in 1987, and then from 1991-2003 winning 3 titles with Auckland and 2 with Waikato.

Also, Mason (94,95) and Nina (95) both represented New Zealand at the Under 20s level. Mason played over 100 First Division games for Auckland and Waikato from 2000-2004 winning a title with Auckland and 2 with Waikato.

The family members to play for the A1s were: Riki, Karly, Daniel, Porky, Nina, Mason and Uncle Ken. Of course Uncle Ken was known more for coaching both the A1 Boys and Girls. He led the Boys to seven national titles and the Girls to one.
It's important to mention that Dennis played for the A1s at Wellington Boys College.

RUGBY
Dad coached the First XV for a number of years starting as an assistant in 1979. He was head coach from 1980-1988, 1995. In 1986 the First XV held the Moascar Cup, the most coveted trophy in NZ Secondary Schools rugby. He coached Richie Blackmore (NZ League rep), Jamie Joseph (All Black and current coach of the Highlanders), Norm Berryman (All Black), Eugene Sharrock (All Black trialist), and of course Uncle Gordon (first Maori coroner and current rugby referee).
The family members to play for the First XV were: Uncle Gordon, Daniel and Steven. Daniel played first class rugby for Waikato making his debut against Bay of Plenty.

GOLF
Uncle Howard holds the record for the lowest score on an 18-hole golf course with 71
Dad holds the record for the short 9 course with 25. Uncle Howard said he thinks he remembers getting a 25, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Dad also holds the record for most holes-in-one with 3, and yours truly is the youngest to score a hole-in-one, aged 16. Uncle Mark also has a hole-in-one to his name.
Uncle Howard has won the most Strother tournaments with 7 (2 in the Best Ball format), and Aaron is the youngest winner, aged 13.

EDUCATION
You would think that the Walmsleys would own all these awards, which is basically true (although I don't have that information available yet), but the youngest to sit School Certificate, University Entrance and Bursary was Jennae. She sat Maori in Forms 2, 3 and 4. She scored an A in School Cert and Bursary, and a 1 for UE.
The only current PhD is Uncle Michael, although Michael Jnr is working on his, and of course Kaea is studying to be a doctor.

CHURCH
The only family member to serve as a Stake President is Uncle Scott. Grandpa Strother served on a Stake Presidency and Temple Presidency, and was a bishop and Branch President. Other bishops include Uncle Ken, Dad, Uncle Gordon, Uncle Scott (I think), Uncle Michael, Mason (currently) and Michael Butters (currently). Karly is in a Bishopric, and I believe dad has been in a Bishopric for a total of 17 years. Uncle Michael was the youngest bishop, aged 24. Pater is the only one to have a former All Black preside at his baptism. (Todd Miller)

MISSIONS
The most common mission is the Melbourne/South Mission. That is where Uncle Clive, Aunty Lynette, Uncle Howard, Riki and Karly served. Three have served in New Zealand. Richard (Auckland) Aunty Lorena (Christchurch) and me (Wellington). All in all 37 family members have served missions in nine different countries. Good work guys! Michael Jnr holds the record for cheapest transfer ($2). He literally ran to his next area. Not sure where the 2 dollars came in though.

MUSIC
Lani was a member of Elemeno P which debut album "Love and Disrepect" was released July 4th, 2003 which was top of the charts in NZ and number one on the RIANZ albums chart. Other albums released included "Trouble in Paradise" (2005) and the self-titled Elemeno P (2008). In 2006, Elemeno P won Best Group at the NZ Music Awards.

(BAD) HEALTH
Uncle Craig holds the record for most medical conditions on his medic alert bracelet. (Of course he's also the only one WITH a medic alert bracelet) It reads: asthma, Allergy Frozen Plasma, Anaphylaxis, Hepatitis C, Aortic Valve Replacement, S.B.E Prophylaxis on Anticoagulants. Just don't ask me what they mean. You could ask Kaea. Uncle Craig doesn't however, hold the record for most operations. That would be me with 12. 5 ear, 3 lung, 2 heart, tonsils and adnoids. I know Uncle Craig is jealous. And lastly, Uncle Craig has the longest recorded hospital stay (3 weeks).

EATING CONTESTS
Cameron, Richard and Porky are the only ones I know of that were in eating contests. Cameron ate 6 hotdogs in 2 minutes in Japan losing only to a professional eating contest guy (no, it wasn't Kobiyashi), Richard ate 23 slices of pizza at an Elders Quorum activity on his mission and Porky ate about 20 or so slices of pizza at an Priests Quorum. I might have been 23 also. Gee, no wonder they don't have all you can eat at Pizza Hutt anymore!
The eating contests we have now only involve toothpicks and chopsticks. I think Ryan holds the record with 59 Baked Beans eaten in one minute (with toothpick) and Coleman holds the record for most uncooked grains of rice picked up and put into another bowl with chopsticks (29)

THINGS NOT IN ANY PARTICULAR CATEGORY
Uncle Mark has built a trebuchet replica (a medieval catapult for throwing heavy stones) that has a counterweight of 70 kgs, and can throw a 4-pound shotput 53 metres.
Some nitwit decided to hula hoop for 3 hours, 1 minute, 5 seconds without stopping. I wonder who that was?
Roman has the fastest rubix cube time of 43 seconds
Ryan has limboed at the height of approx 40 centrimetres.
Michael Jnr has the fastest time for reciting all of the Articles of Faith (60 seconds)

While this isn't extensive it gives a little insight as to how talented and how awesome you guys are. If you have records that you want to make known let me or Michael Jnr know.

Malia is online

I know you are all excited because now I am officially signed in. Well I have nothing interesting to report except to say I am here. I guess my first proper post will be a pic of the new baby. I see mum is doing a competition. I guess I should tell people when my due date is? Or do you have to do some investigating yourself? Actually if you really want the prize (whatever it is) I will leave it up to you to find out for yourself! Since what I am writing is rather boring I thought

I would just add some photos. These were taken over summer time at dinner when I wanted to take some nice pics and first Telen took this shot, then Sam, then Cooper, as you can see they were all copying each other.

Guess Jason and Malia's Baby's Stats

As all of you know, Malia is expecting a GIRL!

I would like to hold a competition to guess the statistics of this upcoming Strother Family member - what will her number be I wonder?

Rules:
Everyone is invited to enter the competition - any age.
Only one lot of statistics is allowed.
Group or individual guesses are allowed but you cannot do both (eg. Nina can't enter some guesses for herself and then for Mason and herself).
Deadline for guesses - 10 April
Prizes given for individual and overall winner

You may guess:
Height
Weight
Date of birth
Time of birth

My decision is final and no arguments will change my mind!
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

New Zealand vs. South Africa

I told myself I wouldn't just blog about sports, but after what transpired overnight in the Cricket World Cup I couldn't help myself. The Blacks Caps, led by an inspired Jacob Oram, find themselves in the semi-finals once again. Ironically, it is at the same venue where New Zealand suffered it's most embarrassing loss in it's 81 year history. That's right, the fourth loss in an ugly 4-0 whitewash to Bangladesh last year. That is typical of the Black Caps. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But that's why we love them. And then hate them. And then love them again. It's also typical of the sporting rivalry we share with South Africa. So I thought I would compile a list of five lowlights, and then five highlights.

LOWLIGHT(1) In the 1995 World Cup final we faced South Africa only to lose 15-12 in extra time. We won't mention anything about food poisoning.
HIGHLIGHT(1) The following year the All Blacks won their first test series in South Africa sealing it with a 33-26 win in the second test in Pretoria.

LOWLIGHT(2) South Africa stunned the Netball World with a dramatic semi-final win over the Silver Ferns in the 1995 Netball World Championships, being led by outstanding GS Irene Van Dyk
HIGHLIGHT(2) There is a saying "If you can't beat em, join em." In Irene Van Dyk's case she beat them, but joined them anyway. Van Dyk moved to New Zealand and became a Silver Fern not long after.

LOWLIGHT(3) Despite their Apartheid laws the NZ Govt had no issue with the Springboks coming to NZ for a rugby tour which caused protests nationwide. Households were divided, games were cancelled, and players were getting hit by flour bombs.
HIGHLIGHT(3) We managed to clinch the 1981 series 2-1 with an Allan Hewson penalty goal in the dying seconds of the third test in Auckland.

LOWLIGHT(4) Johan LeRoux grew tired of Sean Fitzpatrick so he decided to bit his ear.
HIGHLIGHT(4) LeRoux was suspended for 19 months for his actions, and we won the series.

LOWLIGHT(5) Because of their Apartheid Laws, South Africa didn't allow non-white players to tour their country. Eventually a compromise was made when NZ's non-white players were given "honorary white" status. A slap in the face to the Polynesian and Maori communities.

HIGHLIGHT(5) It has nothing to do with the previous lowlight, but at the 1992 Cricket World Cup, a new opening batting combination was formed. That of Mark Greatbatch and Rod Latham. They blasted their way to an unforgettable run-a-ball 100run opening stand against the Proteas winning by 7 wickets.

Another oldie!

All i can say is WOW i have bushy eyebrows!  Come on family...get blogging!

They just don't make show like they use to!

Watching T.V. the other day and had to turn it off because it was full of reality tv rubbish; surely know one cares about watching other people cook and compete against other people cooking, surely know cares about watching fatties cry and moan and compete to be the biggest loser. I admit I will watch the finale to see how well they have done and I may even clap for some of them, but the journey has been made out to be too much drama. What happen to people making shows that are not about real people and fun to watch, not talking about How I meet your Mother, which never seems to actually happen, or Home and Away etc. I am talking about shows like MacGyver and Mash, sure at that age I didn't have hearings aids that actually allowed me to hear what was going on, and sure I didn't even understand the jokes anyway, but I enjoyed them. I am talking about seeing my Dad, who rarely cries (the only other times was when Grandpa died) openly weep at the last episode of Cheers.
Blog your favourite old show and tell us something worth watching.
Love you all and loving the Bogs, photos and comments
Wils

Our Big Boy!!

Our not so little boy had his first solids... he wasnt too sure about it at first but loves it now... thought these photos were priceless.... he gets bigger everyday... Preparing him to be an All Black!!

From Aunty Lynette

Hello family! I've joined the blog. Can't wait to read all the fun posts.

Aunty Lynette

Check it out!

Sorry, one more thing from me...check out mine and Dilz blog and comment there as well.  It's our photoblog...kinda like a challenge against each other to help us both improve our photography skills!

http://chrissyvsdil.blogspot.com/2011/03/so-this-is-my-night-shot.html

A few tips for blogging.

Just to make it a whole lot easier for me...i added an email subscription on the sidebar instead of having to manually input everyones email addresses into the settings (of which it only allows 10 email addys...silly really).  This allows you to be automatically updated anytime someone posts somethings...i'm not sure about it alerting you when someone comments though...but you'll be able to tell if someone comments on a post...by looking at the number of comments at the bottom of a post.  Does that make sense.

So simply type your address into the email subscription bar and you'll get a confirmation email...after that, you're good to go.

OH, also...you may notice in the sidebar...LABELS!!! Just so in future if we ever want to go back and read posts, instead of having to scroll back through hundreds of posts...simply click the cuzzies name...or topic in the sidebar....so you can see only the posts done by that cuzzie...or in that catergory.  If you would like to make a new label...simply go to NEW POST, EDIT POST, select the box next to post you want to add a label to...above the posts you'll see a drop down box that says LABEL ACTIONS...click on new label...and type in the new label.  If you ever want to use that label again, when you write a new post, before you click publish, you'll see a little box at the bottom that says LABELS...click on show all and select the labels you want...hopefully this all makes sense...just trying to help keep the blog a little more orderly.

Just Thought you would like to know

At the end of our trip we stayed in Auckland for a few days and got to catch up with Kaea and Jaenne who had us over for a potluck and managed to get together Luke and Crystal and their families. First time I had seen Crystal in donkeys years who now has two little kids, met Jared who is a real nice guy and chatted with Luke too. Luke's wife and kids didn't get to make it which was a shame because I didn't really want to see Luke as much as I wanted to meet his family, sorry Puke. Got me thinking its a shame we didn't have enough time to organise and get more of the cuzzies there, mainly because we didn't have numbers etc. So here are our details if anyone is coming to the coast or even Syndey and want to catch up with Rak, Ant and Sarah call me or drop a line, there is a place to stay if you need it and transport if you want it.

Wilson and Rhiannon and Aja
wirifisih1234@hotmail.com
0449188509
I don't want everyone to post their details but I just hate the idea that a ctach up could have happen. So keep this somewhere and use it if you need it.
Wils

Its not every day you have an ALL BLACK at you wedding!!

This post will join Doug and Wilsons comments together... At our wedding we were lucky enough to have Jason Eaton, former All Black and current Hurricanes player... Dad (Mark) was especially excited as you can see from the photo.. Hows that for famous Willy??

And after our departure from Hamilton we went to stay with him and his girlfiend in Wellington. We were at the Cheifs vs Hurricanes game.. I think a few of you saw us on the big screen.... For the record Anthony was forced to cheer for the Hurricanes.. Not only was he sitting with 4 girls screeming for them but he was staying at Jasons house and even tho Ant is a big boy he wasnt game to go up againt the 7 ft somthing brick wall we like to Jase the Ace!!!

Famous People

If you read my comment to Doug's last post this post will make more sense, wanted to ask who are the most Famous you have seen in person? I want to find the family member who has seen the most famous person, of course the rest of the family can debate as to how famous they are. My most famous is a toss up between Julia Roberts, who I hate and Russel Crowe. I use to take Clients to a swimming pool in Sydney city at the same time as Russel Crowe and his son, and swim in the same pool. Also up there is 10x world champ Kelly Slater (or K-dogg as I call him) who I shared a wave in the surf a currumbin. Anyone match that?

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

Quick question to you sports fans out there. With Christchurch losing all seven of its World Cup games (including 2 quarterfinals), don't you think they should have given Waikato stadium one of those quarterfinal games? I guess it doesn't matter for me cause I watch rugby in the warm comfort my living room with a fridge close by, not to mention the convenience of instant replays, commentaries (sometimes from the the commentators), and a lack of drunks around me shouting obscenities at the ref and opposition (and sometimes the home team!). Wait, I'm losing my point... Ah yes, don't you think the good people of Hamilton deserve a world cup quarterfinal? Or are we resigned to a solidary All Black game against a team we beat by 128 points the last time we met. Boo hoo NZRU. We deserve a quarterfinal!! Sometimes it's not always about money. What ya think?

Let the fun stories BEGIN!

So, i thought i'd jump the gun and get the ball rolling...here's a photo i happened upon in my private collection...

I think this was taken back in Massey...awesome don't you think????  Does anyone else have any cool photos from the olden days to share??? Would be awesome to see em.

Oh, and while i'm happy to post this photo on our families PRIVATE BLOG, i wish to express my feelings of evil towards any person who decides to take this and post it on FACEBOOK! (atleast without asking my permission) Not to be nutbar or anything, but i'd rather these kinda things stayed within the family...and not on Facebook.  COOL BEANS???

A post from CHRISSY!

Sweet! Good to see Wilson has made a start to the blog.  I hope you all enjoy adding to this...which is why i've jumped on...hope wilson doesn't mind...to help you guys out with how to post on here.

As we want to keep this as private as possible...it would be a good idea if you can all forward me your email addresses...that way i can set it up so eventually i can make this blog completely private from Cyber Space...so please email me at chrissymakata@hotmail.com i'll give you 3 weeks to do so...once i've gotten pretty much everyones email addresses, i'll close it off completely to the public...this will probably make no sense to you guys...but i know what i'm talking about...so do the right thing...send me your email addys.

Wilson and i both know, it probably would've been much easier to do this on FB, but we wanted something a little different from that...something we could change up from time to time...design wise...and make completely our own.  The header is just something quick i threw together...and the background was just the first one in the design menu, so if there is anyone out there computer savy that would like to design a better header...feel free to do so.  This might seem complicated, but it's really not once you get to know your way around...any questions...just ask and i'll be glad to answer.

Anywho...i shall private email you all the username and password for this blog so you can get blogging.  I too look forward to reading funny stories etc etc.  PEACE OUT!

The Idea for this Blog

First off, thank you Chrissy and Dillon for putting the blog together, the idea came to us when I first saw the photo that was posted on Facebook and all the comments that followed. We want a place for all the family to log on and catch up, post photos, videos, favourite recipes, tips, travel plans, topics of debate, testimony, favourites etc. I remember Uncle Clive wanting to put together a book of stories of the family and how much I thought that was a great idea, a lot of stories go untold and lost and with a family of this size I know it would be a waste not to get these stories out. I spoke with Doug the other day and he spoke of how he and uncle Ken spoke of some of his experiences in Basketball and coaching, there was four hours of discussion with two hours of tape time. There is a lot of experience and knowledge that I want my kids to read about.

There is no set protocol as to how it works, we really just want people to post anything and I think it will flow on. Lets get all the family involved, having said that this blog is for family, I think people outside of the family won't understand half the stuff we joke about anyway so keep it to the family, all 180 whatever it is now.

I hope this takes off, if not it will just be another way for me and chrissy to mock everyone behind their backs. Lots of love and hope to read a post or two soon.
Wils