Life in the Boom Family is never dull! Here I share the latest dramas and joys.

Eliza and I have just had six wonderful days in Christchurch together. She was competing in the singing competitions, which culminated in the Dame Malvina Major Aria Competition on Monday night. It was a fantastic night of music and song. And then we had the thrill of hearing Eliza being named as the winner! Great celebrations!

Whangarei soprano wins Christchurch Aria

It has been way too long since I wrote a post here. If I’m not careful it’ll shrivel up and die from neglect. I have however been posting regular updates on my Facebook page…

This new year has kicked off in wonderful fashion with plenty of action. We’ve had hundreds of visitors (literally), bought a derelict old bungalow read more | 1 Comment

I’ve just watched the video of Eliza singing at the IFAC finals on You Tube. And of course, I cried. Well done, darling. You are beautiful. xxx
So for those of you who have asked if and when you can watch Ellie singing with the orchestra at the finals concert, here’s the link to one of her songs. :) Just click on the link below the photo… read more | 3 Comments

A few weeks ago my twin sister Penny and I celebrated our sixtieth birthday! We had a fabulous evening of celebration and thanksgiving, full of memories and dancing…we hired a six-piece swing band and everyone came dressed in wonderful 1920′s costumes.

And then yesterday Penny gave me the most amazing (late ) birthday present!!  - an amazing painting she did for me, looking from the… read more | 2 Comments

Before all my children (except Katie and Ellie ) arrive for the evening, I want to add a special post about Mother’s Day. Of course I’m missing my darling Mum very much today, but last night the Lord gave me a special gift – a dream! I dreamed I was visiting people in hospital when suddenly I saw Mum in a bed! Her face beamed with joy when she saw… read more

With the shorter days and autumn leaves turning beautiful golds and reds, I’m loving anew my Homewood stove. I love seeing the children all gathering around it, jostling for the best place, and reading their books while I prepare dinner.
Last week I discovered this beautiful prayer and I’ve made it my special Homewood… read more | 2 Comments

Eliza recently attended the NZ Opera School in Wanganui and was awarded a $5000 scholarship by Dame Kiri te Kanawa. She has a busy year ahead of her; she is teaching lots of students, is completing a post grad course at Waikato University with Dame Malvina major, and will be doing lots of travel and competing… read more | 4 Comments

In less than two weeks I’m heading with a friend to go to China for a fortnight. We’re going to be talking with lots of mums to encourage them in their parenting. I’ve been trying to make sure all my ebooks are up and running – too tricky trying to take a whole lot of books with me!

I’m really looking forward to meeting the people and also seeing… read more | 1 Comment

Today was the first year anniversary of Dad’s death. I can hardly believe it. John came up from Auckland and we four siblings had a wonderful lunch at Reva’s at the town basin – a place where Dad loved to go and look at the boats.
Then we went to the grave. What a beautiful place Maunu Cemetery is – stone walls, huge stands of trees read more

Oh, wow! I’ve just watched Jules Riding and Katie singing Surrender on YouTube. Must confess I cried as I watched it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mavZN5OUBY