Our Hill

Our 'official with ring' engagement anniversary.

This is one of my favourite family traditions. And the kids love it too.
We take them back to the spot Daddy Proposed to Mummy and have a picnic.


Last week we were dropping a friend home and by accident happened to be driving past our hill.

We gave a contended sigh and said 'oh its our hill'

And we knew we would be back shortly.
It had been a year since our last visit and here we drove past twice in a week!

Four days ago The Mr texted me saying happy anniversary..

I was like 'ummmm it's on the 26th....'

He said I always forget the exact day. All I know is that I knew for days beforehand that I had the ring and that I was going to propose and that I was happy nervous all week about it.

It was the last secret I was ever to keep from you.


and my heart melted into a puddle on the floor.


Our yearly picnic and pictures at our hill makes me feel funny.

I don't think about the pressure of parenthood too often. I mean its just my family...

But being there each year makes me look at what our family has become from that first time.

I feel such emotion about making sure I get things right

I see my family before me.

I see what was and what will be.

I see humble beginnings and two people muddling through life together.

It makes me want to be better.

And the kids wrap themselves in blankets and roll down the hill like crazy people.

They make me laugh.

And I love that they love to visit our hill with their nostalgic parents.

And they ask when are we going to visit the tallest hill... .Not THE tallest hill (mt gravatt look out) the other tallest hill.... the tallest hill where daddy gave you the ring...

I love that to a child's eye, a tiny hill in the city is like being so lofty, high in the air.

Just like a young couples goals 14 years ago.


May we be able to stay always on the tallest hill, the happy heights of life together. xx

Class Gifts {A christmas Tip}

I really love the idea of gifts for everyone in the class.

But it can be hard to find that many gifts {at affordable price}



This year I now have 3 kids in school so around 75 gifts are needed! yikes!

I know I swore never to give out a candy cane {here and  here}

Well this year I'm reneging. Sorry! I broke my 4 year ban!! Tsk Tsk!


I love this idea all over pintrest. I filed it away all year. I did want to do it for Valentines but it isn't really celebrated here amongst little kids.

 However...I did think it was a perfect idea for end of year class gifts though

Merry Christmas Photo Candy Cane


Have your child pose for a photo holding their arm out. Try to focus on the hand.

In photoshop or similar Add any font/colour you like saying Merry Christmas
{do not put it near the edge of the photo. It will be cut off like some of mine were}

Print lots !!

Cut a slit above and below the hand

Slip in a candy cane or lollipop
{candy cane must be of the shrink wrapped variety. These are the coles 50 mini candy canes for $4}

Enjoy handing out to your friends!

All the neighbour kids have thought this was such a neat optical illusion so hopefully kids will think they are fun. A gift and card in one.

Previous Class Gift Ideas Here:

Glitter Playdough
Felt Christmas Pencil Toppers
Cinnamon Ornaments

Lolly String Advent

I've had lots of polynesian friends graduating school and seminary.

My facebook is full of people with hoards of  Candy Leis around their necks.

Yum! Jealous!

They reminded me of this idea I saw over at pintrest and I just knew this would be our easy , enough for four kids, lolly advent.

Items needed:
1 sheet of Cellophane per Advent (so I used 4 sheets)
Curling Ribbon
Lollies/Candy/Chocolate/Small gifts
Number Stickers (optional)


Firstly buy hoards of disgusting cheap lollies to ensure crazy kids all holidays
If I was amercian this would be a great use for leftover halloween candy.
If I was rich, or lived in a cooler house I would use fancy chocolate {no go here - Melty mess}

Open a sheet of cellophane and cut in two.

Place a lolly in the middle and wrap it around and secure with some curling ribbon.

Continue on placing a lolly and tieing it off.

When you get towards the end of the first cellophane piece double over both sheets and secure the new sheet of cellophane to the last lolly on the first sheet and they will join together.

KEEP GOING.

And they will look like this! Enjoy!

Hang them on the wall, Lay them across the mantle/bookshelf, Wear as a necklace

 

Now mine only contain 12 Lollies. 
BUT you certainly can keep going to 24 {your advent will be very long - around 2 metres or so!}

Last year I switched over to a 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar and it worked real well.

That way their interest didn't peak, the countdown started around the same time school holidays started, less lollies to consume, and gave me more time to make the advent calendar. After an initial why don't we have an advent calendar yet whinge the kids were totally fine with it when I said it was the 12 days of Christmas and started on December 14.

This year December 14 is a Friday and the last day of school. Perfect time to start I say.

But there is still time for them to convince me to add more to their lolly String Calendar :)

Our house is a magnet for the local children and I had a few wide eyed ones here yesterday eyeing off our calendars. They all thought they were amazing! And were jealous! So hopefully that means they have kid approval and if you make one everyone will love it! I've got leftover lollies and will use it to make a calendar to give to one of the neighbour kids. Because I'm kind like that.

Crazy Candy Calendar for your Crazy Kids!

Religious Advent Calendar {A Christmas Tip}

I love advent calendars

It's like a sport.

Each year I have to make a new one... or five.

There are so many types out there I'll never get through them all.

I have three in the works for this year and hope to share them this coming week

'Cause December 1st is NOT FAR AWAY!

I've been making these Jesus Gift Tags/Ornaments for about 9 years now!?

To make a Jesus Tag

Cut pictures from the Ensign Magazine {we borrowed from Grandma's stash}or print some

I just used a glue stick to stick the picture onto regular white copy paper

Cut around leaving a small border of white

Glue onto cardstock. I used what I had on hand - Dark Blue and Gold

Cut again leaving another small border.

Laminate!!!

Cut around lamination, add a bow {12 for $2}by piercing a hole at the top.

Add a string.

And you have a Jesus Ornament, Gift Tag etc

We did this for family home evening and I discovered that I had 24 exactly and the thought came to me to make them into an Advent calendar.

So all I did was add a number sticker on the back

And paint some twigs/branches from our back yard white


And here is a Christ Centred/spiritual Advent Calendar



This is very basic as there is nothing that goes along with it, and I'm sure the children will be more interested in their lolly one, but the trying is what matters when building Christ Centred Christmas Traditions. If you wanted to go further you could:

Attach matching scriptures for each day
Discuss what is happening in each picture
Reuse as an Easter Countdown too!

Or just use as a decoration. My 9 year old came home to find it all set up on our mantle and say wow thats really pretty! Lets hope her admiration continues in December ;)



Note* it's really hard to photograph sticks. I promise it looks much cuter in real life




Previous Advent Calendars

Bon Bon Advent
Envelope Tree Advent 
Lolly Cup Advent
Filter Paper Advent
Christmas book-a-day Advent

Bunting {A Christmas Tip}

With like 5 weeks left till Christmas I'm starting on my Christmas posts.
Previously under the 12 Days of Christmas this year I'm calling them Christmas Tips

Christmas tips could be anything - craft, presents, decorating, food etc but I'm putting them all under one topic for ease and if there are more or less than 12 this year!



On Friday night I taught a Christmas Bunting Class at a Midnight Madness activity and thought I would share it here. With the left over scraps of material I made some mini bunting (about 8cm high)

I used a rotary cutter and mat to cut triangles but scissors would work fine.
 I made a template from a piece of cardboard to cut around.
I personally prefer isosceles shaped triangles to equilateral.

*note you will get double the amount of triangles from a fabric such as spots, stripes etc - material where the pattern doesn't matter if it is upside down. On fabric with a pattern that must face right way up you will get half the amount of triangles (otherwise the reindeer etc are upside down) so if you are making lots beware you will need more of a fabric in those patterns.

.
Place TWO triangles together right sides out.

Sew a V down the two long sides of each {pair} triangle. Repeat for every triangle pair.

Trim if necessary.

For large triangles around 14 pairs {so 28} are needed per a 3m packet of bias binding.

For the mini triangles 21 pairs {so 42} per 3m packet of bias binding.

Sew some bias binding closed for about 15-20 cms. Then  place a triangle in between the bias binding. Slowly sew the short side, unsewn end of the triangle inside the bias binding. Leave a finger width or two gap and add another triangle. Continue till end of your bias binding.

Hang and enjoy.
I have one hanging on my fireplace mantle. Decorate the top of a dresser/bookshelf.
Along a window or even on the Christmas tree. Above a child's Bed.



A member of the class ordered 5 kits to give as teacher gifts. I've been able to cut enough tiny triangles that I have enough leftover that I think I might copy that idea. I'll add something else but with four teachers to buy for (one of my children has two part time teachers) I'm happy to have that ticked off my list of things to do.


Red and White Mini Bunting.

So festive I think anyone would love it.





and have your heart melt when your 6 year old makes her own out of the scraps of the scraps.

Clutter. Christmas I blame you.

I love christmas

no surprise to anyone really

BUT I'm starting to get that anxiety, deep breathing, eye twitching itch of craziness that hits me this time of year.

Where in I hate my tiny house - 7 people here effectively living in what feels like a 2 bdr apartment.

Wherein everyday I curse the lack of
study, sewing room, craft room, storage, and wish for large areas in which to decorate

my cupboard is bulging and can barely close due to gifts
I have homemade christmas presents half made skulking around the place
The makings for a pinata on top of the piano
Kits for a christmas bunting class also a top the piano
The makings for 3 advent calendars floating here and there and everywhere
The regular toys that make me question buying more!?!
Christmas Grocery Items and gingerbread house kits on kitchen benches
70 class gifts in a bag in my way

stashes under beds
 a top of bookshelves
on the piano
on the tiny computer desk
a messy kitchen table everyday
walking sideways to get to areas!?!


The one depressing downside to Christmas in my house

IS.THE.MESS!!!!!


and I haven't even started baking yet or crafting with the kids.

I can't stand a cluttered dining table so it is cleared every day... but where to put the stuff!?!

Normally I love my cozy house but this time of year makes me wish that I was getting a proper large house with places for everything from santa

I've been a good girl... I promise.

Photo Family Reunion

Had a bit of a family reunion

Grandparents wedding anniversary, extended family birthdays and more birthdays.

Celebrate it all at once.

It was rainy

The girls had new cute hairclips {ebay christmas present, found by kids}

A good excuse to take some photos

We're all a bit messy in this family. Messy Genes I call it.  {Proven Here}
So when we look even remotely cute its an excuse to take LOTS of photos.
You never know when we may look passable again.

Whenever The Mr is stuck seated next to me I try to take lots of selfies.

But he just won't play along.
It's the day before our 14th engagement anniversary. I want a nice photo with you!?!?!
It's not that much to ask surely.

Goes along with my other problem.

Whenever my girls visit either of their great grandmothers I always desperately try to get a photo of them all together. Never works. Never comes out cute. Always someone crying or refusing the photo{yes grandmas included!} It makes me sad as I know my grandmothers won't be around forever.
But we keep trying right? That's all we can do.

 

 

And lastly a reason for perhaps why we are messy.

A rainy day, cute clothes, you gotta jump in puddles right. I can't resist allowing them.

 

 

 

 

 

and exactly 40 mins after arriving they looked like drowned dirty rats. But you don't need to see that.


Sadly I had multiple places to be and felt I left the party just as I was warming up.
I shall have to organize another family reunion.
I was just beginning to enjoy myself.

Operation Christmas Child {volunteer}

After seeing it on another blog {thank you!! for the idea and push!!}


I knew I wanted to volunteer to sort Christmas shoe boxes for Samaritans Purse

Operation Christmas Child is a charity giving Christmas Gifts to children all over the world.

It was so fun. I'm glad I went and plan to go again. Wanna come next time?

Production line where we unpack and inspect and fill boxes

20 minute training and I was off!!

On to the production line.

Most of the boxes we were sorting happened to be for 10-14 year old girls.
{but there are presents for each age group eg 2-4 years, 4-8 years, 8-10 years}

Each box needs to contain:

Something for school
Something to wear
Something to love
Something for personal hygiene
Something for fun

It was so great to open each box and see what things the givers had lovingly placed inside.


Each box has to be opened, inspected, non allowed items removed and all packaging removed.

Then all packed back in and on to the conveyor belt to be sealed up, boxed in big boxes and shipped.


While watching the training video I was perfectly fine and then it showed the part where we inspect any letters included in the box to make sure it is a kind/sweet/uplifting message.

All of a sudden I was so overcome and I started Bawl!

It was embarrassing. But I think I managed to keep my tears in check.

Not everyone includes a letter but at each letter I came across my heart soared and I could feel the love spanning the world. The love put in a box with carefully chosen items to be opened on the other side of the world, where I hope the recipient feels the love bounce out of the box


Samaritians Purse Warehouse at Yeronga (where I went) is open nearly every day and some evenings as they try to reach their target of 50 000 shoe boxes filled and shipped.


All packaging must be removed from every item {cardboard, shrink wrapping, plastic} because many towns don't have waste disposal and we don't want to add to the waste if there is no way to dispose of it.  Since packaging must be removed toys/jewellery/hair accessories/ pencils were placed in small material drawstring bags. There are people who sew hundreds and hundreds of bags for this purpose. If sewing is your thing maybe you can donate that way. I smiled as I grabbed those homemade bags to hold hair bands and jewellery.

The work was easy, the company very kind. It was nice to hear some stories of the recipients.

I'm hoping to make it back there again hopefully even a date night packing with The Mr.


Service is such a blessing. As in I know it blesses me.

First of the Season {Mango}

We're late! Like a month late! Usually we've eaten our first mangoes before now!

This year is just flashing by to me. I swear it was September a few days ago!


On the weekend I finally bought home our first mangoes.

My kids love mangoes so we were easily able to bribe housework in return for first mangoes {win!}

It's become a funny little tradition
{photographing my kids eating our first mangoes of the season}
I have no idea why but we've been doing this for 5 years now!

So please indulge me

and if you would like to see how much they've all grown.

2011

2010

2009

2008


and I can't wait till I can buy tray fulls at reasonable prices. The girls will be in heaven.

Halloween or Hall-o-wont

Oh it happened


You can't be a halloween grinch forever  {see  here and here }

The dollar stores are going to win eventually

{my kids are in love with everything halloween at the stores... we need that zombie hand mum, that glitter pumpkin too...spiders and webs... that broom made of sticks in a must have... and the list goes on and on}

Happy to report that I bought none of it {where will we put it, store it etc I exclaim!}


However you can only be negative about it all for so long without seeming a party pooper.

This year we were invited to several halloween parties.

The Mr voiced his No but what can ya do. He said he would allow the kids to attend halloween if they could think up some *good* reasons why they think they should. They did well and came up with some smart answers


so we Join the fun.


Part of me wants to fight, but I'm too tired


I still struggle.

It's like the  spirit of the law or the  letter of the law

To me the letter of the law would state no halloween.
Too many negative connontations, evil, making bad appear good/fun, far from being Christ Centred, what kids need more candy!

The spirit of the law states
what kids don't love dressing up, who doesn't love lollies, a party can be fun, trick or treating and meeting neighbours is a fine way to spend an evening, it's a holiday that can be enjoyed by all faiths and cultures, spend the time fellowshipping and friendshipping...

and so I'm still stuck.

I wish I could be like the Mr and just know one way or the other. He is a firm no and does not participate. Me - I'm pressured from the kids, from the stores, from the friends, from the invites.


But I'll support those who made a wonderful evening for the kids. To see the teenagers organizing and running an activity for little kids was heartwarming especially when they could have been off having their own party. Even if there was a little too much gore and the small children were scared.

It seems its getting bigger every year and I won't be able to hold off for much longer


This year a Hall -o- might

we'll see what next year brings :)

{Helping Hands}

It was Helping Hands Day day down our way on the weekend.

This year I've been involved in the organizing of our service projects.


We participated in Red Cross Training {so we can be ready to serve in a crisis or become volunteers}

and we packed 2500 hygiene kits
for Rosies on the Street, a domestic violence shelter, 139 club and The Red Cross.

Sams Warehouse kindly gave us a discount in our purchaseing of so many items. The emails have been flying back and forth for months with our orders, changes, budgets, where to find so many of the items. Most of which was done by the Public Affairs director and not me! It's definately a long process!

A long process to have so many 'helping hands' available on the day that the kits were all packed in just over an hour! Some very capable people I work with had the room set up for production line and we whipped those kits together in no time. Each Kit was packaged in a large zip lock bag and contained - a face washer, hand towel, toothbrush, toothpaste ,soaps, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, mints.

The children and youth ran around replenishing stock on each table. We had babies to the elderly all working together. The spirit in the room was wonderful. Everyone was happy, everyone was helping. Everyone asking what do we do, put us to work.

I was able to talk to a few representatives from the charities receiving the kits and they expressed their thanks and said that the kits are truly appreciated. From people ripping open their kit the minute they receive it to spray deodorant all over themselves, to a mother and children forced to flee their homes running on adrenalin and when they see that hygiene kit laying on a hotel bed they break down for the first time. That someone had thought of them in their hour of need - its something they distinctly remember.

Service without any reward is good.

But knowing a few back stories on how much these kits mean to people also helps.

Its nice to know they will be appreciated.


Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this Helping Hands Day Happen!!

Ball {old government house}

My dress was purple, my hair curled up do, - cant tell from these photos,

 a fun typo on the sign making the ball seem more important than it was.

Last friday I got to go to a ball in old government house

such atmosphere!!

We were tired and The Mr stuck late at work meaning no dinner out beforehand and the dance floor only got pumping as we were getting ready to leave....

but it was so lovely.

It's amazing how you can just feel old buildings

Carved stone and old furnishings and we took a trip down to the cellar and just seeing the dirt between the thick walls and windows - theres a pulse to old buildings, you can feel those who have been before.

We only go out a couple times a year without kids so regardless any night without kids is always refreshing. I was asking around who was going and some people said it wasn't their thing. I joked 'any...thing' that involves alone time with the Mr, Food, No kids ... is a winner in my books no matter how terrible the event is... yeah I have low standards these days :)

Blessings courtesy of a lovely sister in law who takes children for sleepovers!!.... Even when The Mr rang and said he was stuck at work and I was now eating some dry leftovers..

I wasn't disappointed...

I was in a quiet house, sat still for a moment to watch my tv shows, to put my make up on as slow as I want, to walk around the home unhindered with nary a whine or complaint or want of my body....

It was going to be a good night

A sleep in, a breakfast at a cafe for my hazy muddled morning head, back to collect the kids and my date night was over.

All the kids rushing us with big smiles to be scooped up reminds us that date night is good for everyone. Oh how they miss us so. But not so much they didn't have an awesome time with cousins.

I hope they hold the ball there again. I want to dress up, dance more, hold The Mr closer and tighter, feel the presence of those gone before and hopefully not be as tired, and get a professional photo :)

Scheduling time

Last year my brother and sister organized a dessert night for their birthdays. It was so nice just to have us siblings together. We said 'when was the last time JUST us four were together....ummmm'


when we were kids??

Crazy isnt it!

So they once again organized another one for this year birthday.

Such a lovely treat.

No kids and just my brothers and sisters.

Oh they make me laugh. I love to laugh with them.

and its reminded me that sometimes we forget to make time for those that matter to us.

How often do I set time aside for my grandmothers, time for siblings, and even alone time with husband?!

When we have our own families to worry about our previous families are often forgotten and left behind. Which is kinda sad. those relationships left untended to shrivel. We might see eachother every 6-8 weeks or so at birthdays, gatherings, functions... but do we really SEE eachother?

One time I was talking in a group about families and I realized that I rarely call my siblings.
Without facebook I don't think we would ever talk. Sad.

So I'm grateful. For siblings.

For siblings who organize dessert dinners.

Yum

Fundraisers and Conference

On the weekend I was able to attend the A miracle for Marianne Fundraiser.

The Marianne Thrush Appeal has been organised to assist Marianne Thrush have a second chance at life when she makes medical history becoming the first in Australia to undergo a full stomach transplant. Marianne will also receive a new small intestine, pancreas and duodenum in the marathon operation at the Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Melbourne. All money raised will go towards general living expenses for Marianne, her mother Lorraine and younger brother Scotty, who is still at school. The family are now separated from other family in Brisbane when it became necessary for Marianne to be transferred from the Princess Alexander Hospital in Brisbane in April this year and are trying to run two homes.

 
On the weekend I was thinking about the Thrush family and the very first time I saw them. 14 years ago I remember their family of 8 filing into our church at Kangaroo Point in single file from oldest to youngest dressed ever so perfectly and demurely. They were visiting our church for the first time investigating our religion and I think everyone was so taken with how perfect and well behaved and wonderful their family was. We moved away soon after but still see some of the family around at different occasions.

I was so happy to be able to attend this fundraiser and gave my girls free for all do anything they wanted. Facepainting, chocolate bar coin toss, popcorn, softdrinks, photobooth, oreo balls, brownies, sausage sizzle. It was so nice to know 100% of the money was going to Marianne and her family.

There was such a positive feeling at this activity. People donating their time and money and goods all working together for a common goal. Just such a lovely feeling. With a small group of people almost $5000 was raised in a few hours! What a wonderful response and congratulations to those that pulled it all together.


If you couldn't make the activity and can't make the Fun Run here is the banking details if you wish to make a donation:

http://themariannethrushappeal.org/
Commonwealth Bank
Name: The Marianne Thrush Appeal
BSB: 064 480
Account: 10380831

The rest of the weekend was conference.

We had our conference cinnamon rolls (second year now... is it becoming a tradition?)
covered our lounge with mattresses and pillows and blankets.

For the first time ever ALL the girls sat and watched ALL four hours of conference.
Then the next day they all sat and watched in church.

My heart swelled. You know all those years you struggle. You always think arrgggg is this worth it!?! I used to get so frustrated and think you've been coming to church every sunday for ____ years and you still don't know how to sit still!?!

It may have taken 10 years but all that slow training is worth it. They sit for 5 mins one year, 10 the next, and eventually they can do hour stretch. Now to work on absorbing all the information they are listening to! Consequently tonight we are planning Conference Jepoardy for FHE.

Such a wonderful weekend with wonderful weather, food and spirit.


Our photobooth photos cause they're fun

around my neck

I've wanted one of those necklaces with your childrens names engraved on them for years


Years!


Last year I even sent The Mr an email showing several he could choose from and order and his christmas shopping would be done! but he didnt particularly like them and instead of getting out of christmas easy... he made it hard for himself



 I was back trawling the internet again these last few weeks after several things preventing such as:

 cost
 many not allowing over 24 letters (and I have too many kids with long names :)
 I'm not actually a necklace person (even though I love necklaces on others)
Scared of kids breaking it (I have lost a few necklaces through babies pulling)
I'm not an online shopper and only got a credit card this year and don't like to use it
(rectified this month by several of my first purchases! watch out! yikes!!!)

Well....

 then I came across this lady in NSW  selling them and offering a facebook deal of $15

So I had to get it of course!!

fits price, room for long names, and it'll be ok if I don't wear it always.


Only problem is I've worn it, and I was going to keep it for a christmas present

(anyone else buy stuff and wrap it for christmas for themselves??)


Oh well. More reasons to shop for something else for Christmas


anyone else love their personalized jewellery? I'm still getting used to it.

any favourite recommendations?

1-Up {extra life}

me last week - Coochimudlo island

I must be getting old.

Lately I've been worrying about having enough time to accomplish everything I desire in life.

I'm starting to wish I believed in reincarnation! One life is not enough!


It doesn't help when we live a split personality in house shopping.

The Mr shows me properties far away out bush and shares his dream with owning land.

The girls say they would love it, desire a big back yard


We live in the inner city and love our life
- always something to do, lots of people around to do it with
everything within walking or bike riding distance.

The Mr works in the city and travels alot so needs to be near both the city and the airport.


naturally I want both lives.


and what about the beach!? The beach life sounds nice too!


I want so many:

lives
houses
artistic persuits
careers
to live in other countries



By golly I want it all!!!




But often life is a simple one.


and there just isn't enough time to live every dream

But just try and make the one life I have the best I can regardless where and how it is.


and even if those other lives must just remain dreams

Just keep skating... just keep skating...

Where have I been? Its holidays! 

Pyjama days, cinema visits, sleepovers at grandma's, beach and Iceskating!


I love it when things get better.

Remember  this post ?

Well we've been iceskating a few more times since then and every time it's getting better and more fun. I barely had to help anyone out this last time. The kids love iceskating and it's become a holiday tradition along with going to the movies. It is a must! Probably because they live in a hot climate and have never seen snow but it holds so much appeal to them.

I was super impressed with my ability to skate and film footage without dropping the phone.

I've got skillz I tell ya!


I've also made my first attempt at editing lots of short video's together to make one movie of our iceskating. Editing is long hard boring work. Cutting down the clips, choosing which ones to use, watching it over and over and over again! A few hours to make a short piece. But I'm sure I'll get better and faster at it and The Mr will be glad that I've finally learnt and will perhaps not annoy him to make our Christmas movie this year!

 

enjoy our awesome moves :) Its compressed so sorry about the quality :(

 

 

 

Its important to get a self portrait on the jumbotron