juggling act of life

Halooo! yes, it's been a while....

2012-02-29T15:18:00.000+02:00

Almost a week but believe me my friends in the computer/tablet/phone, I am very very busy. But, a quick catch up:

Work is hectic. I some days do not even realize that the morning is gone by the time it's 12! A big demanding but hugely intricate and satisfying project. There is really very little in our field that meets the adrenaline rush of retail architecture.
My iPad is amazing - I think it buys me about an hour to hour and a half's time every day. And you are just so much faster in referring on site and getting back on mails.
I had a tummy bug on Sunday night/ Monday. Lost time at work and left me still exhausted and I think dehydrated although I am taking more than my fill of re hydration products.
The Princess is finding her feet with grade 1 and so am I. The earlier to school times, the afternoon activities, tying her shoes for netball, the whole story.
She is fast learning about economics, both in terms of real money for tuck shop and in terms of trade via the sticker trading that takes place every day at after care.
On Friday it's grade 1 swimming gala and she is very excited about all that.
The boys are enjoying school and have started with Letterland. Harry Hatman and Annie Apple all over again. This week C took honey and L took a Mega blocks hen to school.
We are flying my MIL in to attend the Princess' ballet concert. They are both beyond excited. And you know I love having her around.
I am not getting to much blog reading or real book reading but am currently busy with "The hare with the amber eyes" in paper and "The Help" on kindle for iPad.
I have a real craving to create - but am too tired in the evenings. Maybe if this tummy thing is sorted I will get there?

So what's happening around your corner of the world?

Seems like meme time again

2012-02-23T11:49:00.001+02:00

Debi is one of my oldest blogging friends - hers is the second blog I ever really read (the first was Tertia's) as the expecting mom of twins. I see her as way more than a blogging friend - she is a real friend and has been for over 4 years.

She tagged me for this little meme:

The (bendable) rules:
You must post these rules.
Each person must post 11 things about herself on his/her blog. (I am skipping this - as she did and you can too)
Answer the questions the “tagger” listed for you in her post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
You must choose 11 people to tag and link to them in the post.
Go to each blogger’s page and mention that you have tagged
him/her.

The 11 questions Debi gave us to answer: (and boy can she ask difficult thought provoking questions):

1. Word association. I say “tender”, you say Steak! Ok, you can see I am craving a nice juicy matured rump steak
2. What is the most important virtue you possess? Difficult one.I would say to multi task. I can seriously muti task and keep my mind about all the different tasks.
3. Favorite song and why? My favorite favorites are all classical pieces, but in popular music - "I can see clearly now" as sung by the Hot house flowers - not the Jimmy Cliff or Johnny Nash versions but this one with it's haunting piano. It just makes me all positive when feeling down. Where even on You Tube the original video seem to be lost so this is more for the music only

4. If you had to choose someone from the Bible that most closely represents you, who would it be? After a lot of thought I think Esther. I think courage and being forced to have courage is what I have been about for the last few years.
5. A quote or inspirational verse that you turn to when times are tough. Habakkuk 3:19 (NIV version here) The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights. We have a beautiful hymn that the kids love to sing from verse 17 to 19 and I sing it in my head when happy, when stressed, when sad.
6. What is your favorite recipe? My playdough recipe it is truly the best play dough you will ever have and last for ages. A simple variation on the usual one using gliserine that makes all the difference.. Reminding me I need to make some.
7. Most dramatic childhood memory. The night my dad passed away. And the few days following that.
8. (for a school throw-back question) If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? An Accacia Xanthophlea or Fever tree- part of the African thorn tree family. You see, they have those thorns everywhere that really hurts, but they provide shelter for a lot of small animals like birds, where the thorns prevent snakes from reaching their nests, shade for animals in the hot summer months and gum for the bushbabies and flowers and pods for the birds to eat. Elephant also loves their pods. And it is very very hardy and I love the lush green stem. It's a bit out of the ordinary.
9. If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be? The twin skin I can not get rid of, no matter how much weight and fat percentage I loose. (Keep in mind I had two babies of 3kg in there at a stage)
10. Coffee? Iced, frozen, hot or not? Any form, I am an addict. But my best is a nice foamy cappuccino.
11. A moment in time that changed your life? Meeting my hubby. Without him, my life would have been totally different.

The 11 questions I want answered:

Name the one product in your kitchen you can not function without.
If you can change your career decision, what would you like to be (disregard training, money etc- this is a dream job)
What is your favorite toy (as in gadget, craft item, etc)
What is your favorite book of all times? (or just choose one for now)
If you could give your 16 year old self one bit of advice only, what would it be?
Chocolate or vanilla cake? And specifically what type.
Meat, fish or chicken?
On what would you spend R300 or 40US$ or the equivalent thereof as a spoil for yourself?
Which building in the whole wide world do you think is beautiful or have captured your attention?
If you could go on a dream holiday right now, no costs spared, to which one destination will you go and who will you take along? (no world tours allowed - one destination)
If you were a flower, which one will you be. And why?

So, I decided to tag the last 11 people that left comments on my blog who are:

Kat in Africa , Heather, I'm so not a blogger (private blog), Blackhuff, Lea White, Fiona, Karen - Mom again@ 40, Alidaonline, Hayley, Shayne (private blog) and Marcia.

Thank you all to your loyal and regular comments.
And if anyone else wants to do this, just do it and tell me you have done so. I would love to go and read it.

From day to day

2012-02-21T16:12:00.000+02:00

I am so totally busy at the moment - it's crazy.

So, about my last post, if you want to know how I met Nelson Mandela, go check out this old post: I served him tea.
The Princess would have had her first netball day today and I would have been at her last match, but it got rained out. Big disappointment, I'm sure.
We are at the moment interviewing to replace a staff member that is leaving. It is shocking that I got 15 CV's in one and a half days with one advertisement on our local professional institutes' web page. Shows you how tough it is out there.
Mr L had another little development explosion and I looked in wonder this morning at the OT when he copied a form with composite shapes. Something I had no idea he could do.
I spent the whole evening last night, not even really watching Survivor, to search for the Princess' first school library book. It was in our room, where I kept it so that is does not get lost before she takes it back tomorrow. Last night, it was just gone. Found it after searching through every bookcase (and we have a lot! We all love books), next to Mr C's bed. He must have decided to take it to nap time yesterday afternoon as we allow them to read in bed.
The boys had two days of mid term break on Friday and yesterday. I think they loved spending a bit of time at home.
I am totally excited about the Princess' upcoming ballet concert - but more about that in a separate post.
And they are practicing for the grade 1 gala where they will be swimming (or hopping if they can not swim) breadths of the pool for sponsorship. My mom and I will go for the little event in the 2nd of March and watch them swim. Apparently she is one of the stronger swimmers that will do a length too.
And wow, I did not realize how expensive sport shoes can be for 7 year old. Luckily they also use them for school shoes in winter.

So what' happening in your life my friends in the computer?

A bit of a Meme thingy

2012-02-17T12:46:00.001+02:00

Gee, I am so busy at work, not time for the usual bit of photos on a Friday. Hence, I am playing along with Wenchy - just because I have one that I think most people do not have. Can you spot the one I am thinking?

Please play along – place an X by all the things you’ve done.

Shot a gun X
Gone on a blind date X
Skipped school
Saw someone die
Visited America
Visited Mauritius
Visited Europe X
Visited Australia
Visited Sun City X
Visited Cape Town. X
Been to Victoria Falls
Been to court. X
Been lost X
Travelled to the opposite side of the country (by car!) X
Visited Pretoria X (Hell I live here!)
Swam in the Ocean X
Cried yourself to sleep X many times.
Played cops and robbers X
Played cowboys and Indians X
Recently coloured with crayons X
Travelled by train X
Sang Karaoke X
Sang a solo or duet in church
Paid for a meal with coins only X
Made prank phone calls X
Laughed until some beverage came out of your nose X
Caught a snowflake on your tongue X
Had children X
Had a pet   X
Been skinny-dipping outdoors X
Been fishing X
Been boating X
Been downhill skiing & made it down the hill without falling
Been water skiing
Been camping in a trailer
Been camping in a tent X
Flown in a small 4-seater airplane
Flown in a helicopter
Flown in a hot air balloon.
Walked on a glacier
Driven a motorcycle/been a passenger X
Been bungee-jumping
Gone to a drive-in movie X (In fact we are going again tonight)
Done something that could have killed you-but didn’t X
Done something that you will regret for the rest of your life X
Met Nelson Mandela X
Visited Asia
Rode an elephant
Eaten biscuits or cake for dinner: X
and ice cream for breakfast. X
Been on TV. X
Stolen any traffic signs X
Stolen any traffic cones
Been in a car accident X
Donated blood
Played bowls (old man’s marbles)

So who else is playing along?

You can stay in the car....

2012-02-16T09:20:00.001+02:00

....she said on Monday morning, waving a kiss over her shoulder as she walked to the school gate all on her own. I watched her through the fence until she dropped her bag in front of her class and jopined a group of girls doing handstands . This is the grade 1 girl that cried that first morning, that did not want to let go of mom. In just 3 and a half short weeks her confidence has grown in leaps and bounds. I feel rather nostalgic, but very proud.

First day in sports clothes

We have also reached the end of another era. A few weeks ago after a big garage clean out we took every single bit of baby stuff we had and donated it to Hospice. We took some of the good stuff to one of the second hand baby shops but after being offered R150 for a perfect high quality camping cot we decided to rather donate it and let some good come from it for others. And then. last week one of Hunter's field guiding friends had twins - an unexpected no 4 and 5 to the number of kids. We decided to give them our much used but still good twin stroller (btw it is a Maclaren twin stroller and my, I loved it and it served us so well). Now all things baby is removed from our house. For walks, we use the soap box cart that my FIL made for us, the Princess rides her bicylcle, and in the shops, we are well trained in shopping cart use by now.

And so we grow and thrive. Well, most of the time.
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So blogging friends, following on my Blast from the Past post last week, it seems we could have the beginnings of a linky or such. So, say every second Thursday every body that is interested will be invited fro a Blast from the Past post where you link back and show us one of your old posts, that we might never have seen. So, for next Thursday the 1st of March, lets do this: Go back to the first March that the blog you want to link existed, find your favorite post from that month, and link it. I will keep the link open for a whole week.

Life's eternal questions, or those I am asking at the moment.

2012-02-15T13:51:00.000+02:00

Where does little girl hair clips and hair bands go to? Is there a very special Bermuda triangle just for them? I swear I bought a whole packet of both just 5 weeks ago. I have 3 bands and 2 clips left in school rules green. And I can find no more in the shops.

How does a whole ballet bag with shoes, leotard, socks, overshoes and tutu get lost, ok more likely stolen with no trace left? And why does neither Lucy nor my mom think it is not important enough to tell me that this happened for 5 days / when we needed it for Saturday's practice. And no, I am not taking blame away from the Princess, she has punished herself enough, but she did tell (2) adults that was with her the Monday that did not care to tell me.Why then will the special satin ballet shoes that we bought for the exams and concert that I specifically took out of her bag in January and that I want her to use now be missing in our house. Yes, I am disorganized, but these were put somewhere where Lucy did a clean out. Then certainly she must know where they are?

Why do we now have potty training regression once again? The vicious circle of holding in and constipation is with us , again. Sigh. At least he went at school yesterday. Huge relief for all, but why? I am tired of the 2 steps forward , one step back thing.

Why are the kids so tired in the afternoon that they claim not to be able to do anything but the moment I do something ( like making dinner or such) they magically have enough energy to help , ahem, pest me?

Why is the only kid not interested in doing OT homework in the afternoons the only one that is suppose to be doing it? I have given up trying to do it alone with L so we now do a group effort, just a pity L is the one not actually interested. Thank goodness the school have asked to do it there too - so at least some of it gets done.

Why, on a night when you really have not time to get dinner done, are the kids extra irritated and all demand instant attention? Why then is the blue scissors/ little arb toy, Valentines button lost? And then you burn the food?

And the most important at the moment:Why oh why did I buy those Toy Story shirts on sale for the boys? It's the first time I am confronted with the refusal to undress and have a shirt actually washed. Will I be the worst mother of the year and let them sleep in a shirt they wore the whole day and how do I actually get them to remove it the next morning ? Because believe be brutal force is the only option. Why does shirts not come with an autowash on the body option? Or why do I not make them disappear! Nope, wrong answer.

So which questions are you asking today?

Love

2012-02-14T13:02:00.001+02:00

This morning started early - just after 5am a "Mamma" sounded from the Boys' room - Mr L was awake and needed some company. I brought him to our room to snuggle in bed. About 20 minutes later Mr C fell out of his bed, crying. I went to him,. cuddled a bit and then decided to get up and get everybody dressed. My poor hubby is not feeling well - a cold and a terrible cough did not make for a good night's sleep. SO I took the Boys downstairs for breakfast and came up again to shower and dress and wake the Princess. We said a quick Happy Valentines day and the morning routine show was on the road.

The usual morning rituals were delayed a bit by the Princess writing a note on her heart for her teacher and prefect, and the boys walking around showing theirs off for their teacher. After a more stressful than usual breakfast, begging, threatening with late to school and rushing to the car, Hunter's cars' battery was flat (no obvious reason?) and he took my car to drop A and C off as L has OT on a Tuesday morning. But just as he left the house, a quick hug and Happy Valentines again.

After dropping off L at school the text message comes from my love - the "Happy Valentines and I love you message". The "I love you" he sends me every day of my life on my phone or by mail. And that I totally adore! And I remember the roses he brought me on Friday before our date night - the flowers he brings me almost without fail on or around the 10th of every month with a "Happy 134 (or whatever) months anniversary". These are so precious to me - to remember our vows every month of the 11 plus years that we have been married And I know, ours is a love that lasts every day and every year, not just on the 14th of February every year.

Tonight, we will do what we have done for the last couple of years -exchange a little love note and have a dinner together, on our own patio, by candlelight, catered for by Woolworths. A spoil of good food, at half the price of dinner out and none of the over crowded frustrations. Our own little special ritual of love.

May you and your love have a great day of love. Any special plans?

Blast from the past post

2012-02-09T12:38:00.000+02:00

Way back in September I did a few blast from the past posts, where I showed you some of my favorite posts from way back. I am resuming today and my, am I enjoying going over them and picking the best bits.

This one is one of those classic photos I will never forget. The boys were 5 months old at the time....go here.

So who else wants to join in remembering those old blogposts, way before we read each others blogs? SHall we do a linky. Who is interested?

Rainy days....

2012-02-08T12:00:00.000+02:00

Following a cloudburst on Sunday morning....

And where was Mr C? Searching for his misplaced rain boots. And then the rain started again...

The Princess' rainboots from Pick n Pay - the boys' from PEP stores

Playing along today with Angie

and Parenting by Dummies for Wordful Wednesday

Oh my gosh, I am stressed.

2012-02-07T13:53:00.001+02:00

I have heaps of work stress at the moment and I am not doing so well with handling it. I think I am ok temper wise, but it tires me out continuously. I am exhausted all the time.The point is, I am handling it.

For background: I am working on a rather sizable redevelopment on one of the shopping centers in Pretoria. It is stressful working in amongst complaining tenants, irritated shoppers and demanding contractors. Last week one of the other woman in the project team had a little break down. She is directly in the line of fire from the tenants and shoppers and things got rough . She was handling it, and well too.Then her little 6 year old grade 1 boy started crying when she took him to school in the morning and was clearly hugely upset about something at school. She went to sort it out with the principal and on returning to the office broke down.

On Friday the two of us had a little chat about it, and it transpires that we both feel the same about work stress. We can handle it, but the moment that something goes wrong with our families we tend to break down, and then that gets fed back to our work.The next 18 months is going to be hectic for me. Please oh please keep my family safe and happy. Because if that breaks down, I might just need more than bloggers support.

So I am wondering how do you do on the stress scale? And in terms of what type of stress?

Obsessions

2012-02-06T15:52:00.000+02:00

Every now and again I am totally amazed at how obsessive kids get about a certain topic/ item or something or the other. Mr L is a bit higher on the obsessive scale than most which does contribute it's fair amount of tension in the household, but so be it. We will remember these fondly as time goes by. So in honour of fond memories, let me tell you about the current obsessions:

Mr L is totally tool obsessed. He still adores his drill, screwdrivers and assorted tools they got for Christmas. He also has this thing about the lawnmower and weedeater. He constantly wants to be assured that they are safe in the garage, have their electrical cords with them (kid you not!) and that no crocodiles will eat them. ( the product of a Corcodile hunter episode he watched) Yes, I know it sounds rather entertaining, but it can get to you showing him the lawnmower etc in the garage 10 times a day. In addition, regardless of where we visit he needs to know where their lawnmower is. And mowing the actual lawn can be a tad tiring for us all (total SID kid behaviour). What he wants to be some day is everybody's guess but I would think that saving unsuspecting lawnmowers from crocodiles is high on the list.

Mr C is our little astronomer at the moment. The planets, black holes etc totally intrigues him. He just wants to look at Skywatch on the iPhone (I have so far managed to keep it secret that it is on the iPad too). In addition we get informed a million times a day about how many planets Jupiter is from the sun, and that Keppler is a planet too. That a black hole can eat planets. And so forth and so forth. Cute and rather brainy for a 4 year old, but I tell you, one can only talk so much about planets and stars on that level. At the moment he wants to be an astronaut when he grows up.

The Princess has the very obvious one. Her much anticipated Leappad is the bomb. Enough said, we have started with the time management lessons involved in getting some or other high tech pleasure in your life. The little device has certainly amazed me with the feedback I as a parent gets from it. I am seeing much joy in future from this, but we as parents will have to manage this carfeully. And no, she does not all of a sudden wants to be a computer specialist, she still wants to be a Veterinary surgeon, just these days she wants to protect the rhinos too. So she wants to be a Vet that helps rhinos. Future iPad or other high tech devise in hand no doubt.

So what does your kids obsess about or do you remember some of your childhood obsessions. I am told that I totally obsessed about stationary and pens etc. This has not changed one bit. I still adore my coloured pens. I only write in colour - black is for those of us who can only think with the left hand side of their brains

Thats motherhood for you

2012-02-03T21:16:00.000+02:00

We all know that motherhood is not moonshine and roses, bubbles and unicorns . It's more poo and puke with the occasional tears of joy thrown in to rescue us amongst the tears of despair . Ok may be I am exaggerating just a wee bit.

Tonight was one of those nights. Gosh, it was rough. I actually forgot how tough things used to be because we had a rather good run the last few months. Tonight brought back those pre- SID diagnosis and pre-OT days . L was tired, very tired. To top it all they had tuck shop day at school. Not my favorite day. Over sugared tired mom and kids are just not my required Friday relaxation mode. Dinner time he did not want to eat and kept laying on the couch. Then going upstairs for bath and bed and all hell broke loose. No, I do not care to go into any more details. Believe me you do not want to know them. At last the boys were in bed and the Princess and I came downstairs for a bit of time together. ( A bit of background - they watched Soul Surfer today at aftercare) As we settled in on the carpet to watch Noot vir noot, she with her Leappad in hand, me with the ipad in hand, she said : "I am so glad I gave my heart to Jesus a long time ago, just like the girl did in soul surfer". Just like that, it was all worth it. A moment sent to remind me that at the end, motherhood is all about these moments. Those that really mean something . That mean the world to us. The rest, are just the background to the story.

Just like some weekends are dogs -

2012-02-01T12:32:00.000+02:00

you know, those ones that just leave you totally disappointed and tired - some weekends are golden. You get things done and achieved, you manage some great family time, you actually sleep (and have a nap) and wonder above all wonders, the kids were happy and amicable. This past weekend (thanks goodness because the previous one did not), fall into the last category. It was busy but golden!We had a quiet Friday and Saturday night and on Saturday the Princess had ballet rehearsals followed by a party. On Sunday we all attended an extended family gathering for a 40th birthday party. It was a great venue that does not specifically cater for kids but provides lots of room to play.

But, as you all know, better said in my favorite pictures of the weekend:

The Princess ready for her "Liewe Heksie" party dressed in an old evening dress of mine (translated I think to Dear little witch) a TV programme we loved as kids too.

Sunday's family gathering:

Somehow just a few pebbles add to the fun

Look at the dirty face

Little girl secrets

Proud of this capture - only the face in focus.

The cousins with their birthday aunt.

I just love the total softness of the colour and the light in this one.

So what was yours like? And how is the week treating you?
Mine has been tough - two sick kids, a major drama on site on my project and just busy busy busy!

Gee, its been a week and a half!

2012-01-27T14:01:00.000+02:00

Busy, busy, busy. At work things are positively crazy with my big project for the next 18 months in full swing this week. I discovered exactly why the iPad is such a total hit this week - well in terms of entertainment I could always see the appeal, in terms of work it has astounded me. If I did not have my iPad with me yesterday I would have had so much more to do today at the office. A huge time saver! And in my fast paced very visual industry it is fast becomming a must have item. And iCloud - I just love it.

On the school front I feel comfortable with what the Boys will be doing this year. Apart from the activities they were doing last year we are delighted with the new ones added. Obviously the most important of all is to continue with Mr L's OT this year. They will be continuing with their Junisport - a general sport ans gymnastics program. We have added Mikimaths and swimming to their program. We believe that swimming is a life skill so this is essential to us. In addition, yes folks, my boys are starting with rugby! They had their first training session yesterday and had so much fun. So we thought that was it. Then on Tuesday their teacher approached me when I picked them up - it seems that Mr C is incredibly interested in the pottery classes, so much so that he can not rip himself away from it. And we know that for a SID kid pottery can only be beneficial, so we enrolled them both. Busy programmes, but every activity is at school apart from the swimming where they get collected from school and delivered back.

Coping with extra mural activities for the Princess proved to be more of a challenge. Being a Primary school and offering.a huge amount of activities means you have to phone or find out from the coaches etc when the activities are and try to co ordinate the lot yourself. Her request was simple - continue with her ballet and the netball which she enjoyed so much last year. The ballet is was already sorted last year, but getting the times for netball proofed a challenge but at the end her teacher pointed me to the grade 1 coach who gave me times and days. So then we proceed to book swimming ( which to us as parents are a given) - then the glitch. She had to pass an evaluation to qualify to swim with the school coaches and to be allocated a group. Yesterday she passed it! I was so proud at how hard she tried and with how much determination she did it. She would love to do hockey but the season has not started yet and the times and days have not been set. So when she was not chosen for the choir we decided to offer her speach and drama. I think she would enjoy it but I also believe it is a confidence booster. She is forever acting out roles at home so it could be just what she would love. And being a great speaker is certainly a plus in today's business world.

The weekend is a busy one for our Princess - they have ballet practice as they prepare for their big yearly production, every Saturday until mid March, to be followed by a witch themed party. On Sunday we have. A family birthday celebration around lunch time.

So how was your week and what does the weekend hold for you?Oh yes, and this was my first ipad post!

2011 Favorites

2012-01-24T13:56:00.001+02:00

Yes, I know 2011 is loooong gone, but I have been compiling this little list which just grew and grew and well, finished or not, here they are:

Favorite songs: Adele - Rolling in the deep

Elvis Blue - Hallelujah (cover of the old Leonard Cohen song)

Drink: Non -alcoholic - Lime & soda, Alcoholic - gin & dry lemon
Food: I grew a rather irrational love for hummus and taramosalata
Movie: New Years eve
TV programme: Celebrity apprentice but a year of very little TV in general
Gadget: My iphone - I totally adore it
I phone application: Instagram
Ringtone: The overture from Big Blue
Book: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls - read my review here.
Clothes shop: Big Blue
Coffee shop haunt/alone time hiding place: Zafferanos in Groenkloof.
Beauty product: Annique's green roiibos resque cream - really awesome stuff for any irritation from pimples to rashes to insect bites and Tanquil body treats hand mousse which cured my winters hands.
Night out with hubby: The night we spent alone in big five country doing our bit for our rhinos' conservation.
Break away from home/holiday: Our recent one in Mtunzini - the first time ever that the kids were so easy and we had no need to do the usual "be thankful for the holiday speech". It was a fantastic holiday.
Blogposts: My favorite (and not so retailers ) about well, our local retailers.
Scenes from a pediatric ward (my most hits post ever)
All about books today - featuring my top 10 books of all time
Photos I took:

Little man C at Sanlameer beach in April

Little man L's feet in the hammock at home

Egytian geese on the river at Mtunzini in December

Water lillies on the dam in Pilansberg March

Internal of the Prot Edward light tower April

Hope you have enjoyed my overview - what was your favorites?

The 7th Birthday report

2012-01-20T11:37:00.002+02:00

So the Princess turned 7 on the 11th of January and as she really wanted, for once, to have her party on her actual birthday we agreed to a small Spur party with friends. She wanted a camp out 70's party at home with a sleepover but we felt they were too young for that - so we bribed with the Spur - to which she agreed BUT she still wanted her flower power 70's theme regardless. So we made a tie -dye shirt for every little girl to wear to the party and attached the invitation to it.

For her I made some extra items for a total tie-dye outfit. (BTW anyone wants a tutorial?)

The cake was a giant cupcake with all fllower power type things (see here) and I made paper table cloths for the theme.

Every girl got a little tub with beads and flowers to string, which started with huge enthusiasm but was abandoned by all to play with abandon.

So there was a fun filled afternoon with burgers, ice cream and blowing the candles of the cake.

And she loved every moment of it!

And the best about the party? Mommy (also sporting a tie-dye Tshirt)sat and chatted! So relaxed. And my two cousins took the photos for me so I really can not take credit for the above.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

First day of big school

2012-01-18T15:29:00.000+02:00

My alarm was set for 5:45 - a full half hour earlier than usual. I woke up, showered and went downstairs to fix lunches, and then to wake up our little grade one Princess. All the tears and uneasiness of the previous days were gone - she was so excited! What a happy morning.

Of course, things went downwards just after we got to the school and found out that she was not in class with a single one of her group of 6 friends from the year before. And that her two besties were in class together. In fact, the only girl in her class from the previous year is one she had a particular love/hate relationship going. Luckily Lilly, the twin sister of one of her boy buds and a friend from another class last year is in the same class. Then her one bestie said that she should not worry, they can play together during break. So that was sorted.

During assembly the headmaster named all the grade 1 kids that had their birthdays during the holiday - hers was nice and as big as the others on the screen and she saw it there, but he read right over hers not mentioning her. The tears started welling in her eyes and she said that she does not feel welcome in this place at all and wanted to go home. With luck we then moved to their classes and after seeing her teacher she piped up happily until it was time for mommy to leave. Huge big tears. Actually the only ones in her class. My heart broke. But her teacher came over, gave her a big hug, asked me to take a picture and her to wipe her tears as we can not have a pic with tears, and problem solved. A smile, and I could go.

When I picked her up this afternoon it was all smiles - excited and happy with her pretty teacher. I was so relieved. Actually I should have known that she would bounce back, but we moms worry, don't we? When we walked into aftercare (the idea was to meet the teachers, go back to the office with me and then to aftercare tomorrow) she saw two of her besties and some other friends and the playing started immediately. I was immediately dismissed back to the office and she stayed.

All in all, a good day, after all.
(BTW Mommy was all smiles at school, walked in at the office to tell them about the morning and shamelessly started bawling her eyes out)

"Mommy", she said to me last night...

2012-01-16T14:36:00.002+02:00

right after we read a book about kids going to grade 1 for the first time, "I am so excited, but I a just a little bit scared". I asked her why and she said: "What if I do not like the teacher or she does not like me? What if I do not have any of my friends in the class with me?" But I know it's much more. It's the fear of the unexpected, of the unknown, of the newness of it all. Of growing up.

My answer was simple: "Don't worry my love, mom feels exactly the same. " Tonight we will mark the huge bag of stationary and all the bits of clothes. Tomorrow I will make a last attempt to get the ever out of stock school school scrunchies and she will spent her last pre-school day quietly at home with Lucy.

Om Wednesday we will be in grade 1. Excited, but a little bit scared.

Funny how the work year started so nice and slow...

2012-01-13T11:24:00.000+02:00

just to burst out of its seams into full force yesterday. But a lot has happened this week and a lot has to happen.

Someone had her 7th birthday and had a lot of fun - for the first time ever having her party actually on her birthday. But more about that in a separate party post. I have to show off the cake though - it was such a headache for me but I am totally happy with how it turned out. She had this 70's hippy idea in her mind and we made tie-dye shirts as invites to all the friends, so I had to make a "flower poser" cake. She wanted flip flops, and then reminded me of our giant cupcake pan - so we made a giant flower power cupcake cake with a chocolate bottom and vanilla top(icing on top piped with two colours to look like tie dye). Cupcake bottom made of fizzers to make striped cup and flip flops made of foam and pipe cleaners. She helped all the way and loved her cake. The 7 out of flowers was totally her idea.

Apart from her party we had the usual gifts and cupcakes for breakfast at home straight after waking up and a braai with granny the evening.

Love how she let her brothers each blow one candle with her.


She has a serious LPS addiction - I think about 20 pets now.

And then I had my first mommy failure moment of the year. I forgot that the Boys' school opened with the private schools on Wednesday and while driving past it saw the cars and had a bit of a facepalm moment. Eish! So back to school 2012 for them was on Thursday and my, what a change from last year for L! Happy to go to school and even happier when I fetched them the afternoon.

My two little Lion -class kids ready for school.

I am doing a i365 photo a day from the iphone (or ipad) shared on instagram, twitter and facebook this year as #catjugglesi365 - I miss capturing those daily life shots.And so much easier now on iphone! But as some of you are not on one of them, I am also sharing it on Captured by Cat when I get the chance. Do pop over and have a look at our first week of the year.

And I have joined the ipad ranks - thanks to the office. The main project I will be working on for the next 18 months is going to be run from ipads so I need to get sorted with it. Lovely to icloud with my phone! Total integration if you want. Still waiting for my ipad sim though - seems Mweb business takes 5 to 7 days to produce such from and existing account, but I shall wait. I know that I will enjoy it for private use too mainly for reading stuff I suppose. Kindle looks great on the ipad.

My dear Princess

2012-01-11T09:58:00.001+02:00

Picture taken on Christmas day by my cousin Ananda.

This morning as you stumbled into our room, your little heart still fast asleep, mine jumped right into my throat! My, have you grown up with leaps and bounds this last year. Or maybe it just feels that way every year. This one is going to be big for us all - big school, uniforms, homework, formal sports and all that goes with it. Mom is excited, but just a teeny bit scared - I guess like you are feeling too.

Mommy is so proud of you my darling - so proud about how much you care about others. How much love you have in your heart for people and animals - how you love your furry sisters too. I love it that you decided to share your big moment this morning and let your brothers each blow a candle with you.

I also love your independence - how you go on play dates without any fear or tears. How you love to help in the kitchen and how much effort you put into your own birthday cake and the party packs for your friends. Your enthusiasm is contagious - I will never forget how your eyes sparkled when we made the tie-dye shirts and invites for your friends for your party today.

Mommy feels truly blessed to have you as my daughter. I love you to the moon and back - as many stars in the sky and as many grains of sand as on the beach at Mtunizini.

Happy happy 7th Birthday! May your year be blessed beyond words.

Christmas re-cap 2

2012-01-10T09:53:00.000+02:00

We were very blessed to have my in-laws with us from the 24th and the kids were delighted to have both their grannies and gramps with them for Christmas. We lean towards the Catholic tradition of fish for Christmas eve so we had yellow tail and calamari for dinner followed by the Christmas story as read by Hunter and the first year ever, carols as sung by the kids in really loud enthusiastic voices. I will never forget that.

Much wanted Zoobles was a great hit.


Simple table with candles, wire boabab and pastels

My these power tools was a total hit - just like dad's.


L even slept with his tools for a few nights.

We always leave Christmas father rather alternative snacks - last year it was beer and biltong, this year it was litchis and coke - it was so hot, we reasoned he will need to cool off in that hot coat. He brought, as always, small little gifts and some sweeties.

This little Pet Shop baboon was promptly named Rafiki.

As per the last 3 years we had a late lunch and invited all we knew that were alone for Christmas. We were 13 adults and our 3 kids - our house burst at the seams but we had a great lunch. I went for a very non-traditional pastel polka dot theme (and got crackers to match at Checkers!) based on my little Christmas cake I made at the boys' schools moms craft night.

The ladies each got a little note book decorated with polka dot ribbon and cupcakes (ai Marcia all thanks to you)

The men got a mini Lindt choccie and our Christmas card.

The kids had their own tree crackers, a book each and a kit kat Father Christmas

And you know, we all had a great time - especially the kids - as the dirty faces testify.

And we parents too!

It was such a great Christmas and I love that we made the day special for so many people.

Back to work

2012-01-09T13:04:00.000+02:00

So today is my first day at work for 2012 - seems not to be too hectic as some people are only opening a week from now. But yes, this year is going to be hectic work wise - I just know it. A big project and hopefully some others to follow.

We had a really great holiday - I think it is the first time since we got married that Hunter and I had such a long holiday together- 3 whole weeks. I of course, had another week before that. But it was good. But we have realized what we actually need is a week off together with the kids at school - in order to get things DONE. But nevertheless - a quick re-cap:

Week 1 I still had Lucy at home to look after the kids while I ran around doing various errands - it really was a bit hectic. I did make time to meet up with my dear old primary school friend Janine - it was great spending time with her. I also got to meet the fabulous Marieks - was great to meet at last. In amongst this all my car got serviced and I bought two big shelve units for the kids' rooms and moved most of their toys to their rooms - a great great move and so much easier to keep tidy. But it was busy - I realized later that I should have made a bit more time for myself.

Week 2 was spent in Mtunizini in North KZN = camping at the same ground we did last year, and it was fantastic. It is truly amazing to see what a difference a year makes with the kids. It was way way easier than last year. Way easier. We swam a lot, we ate a lot and we slept really well with great naps included. See here for some pictures

Week 3 was Christmas and following on to New Years and my in-laws spent it with us. It was a week filled with time with the grandparents, afternoon naps, swimming and eating. Spending time with the extended family. More about Christmas later this week, but New Years hubby and I went to a propert party at friends. It was great fun.

Week 4 was just us 5 (+2 dogs) at home - which was a great move. Well, with Lucy there would have been better, but alas. It was filled once again with swimming, some afternoon naps, Hunter doing a mammoth job in the garage and us getting rid of a pile of baby stuff - selling some and donating the rest. I mostly minded the brood and did laundry etc. It was good to do this - just us all at home. We have not done this before.

So onto 2012 - may it be a great work year for all. This week it's Lucy and the kids at home until school starts on the 18th and yes, we have a birthday on Wednesday to celebrate when the Princess turns 7 - so lots to do there.

So what was your holiday like and are you back into the "normal" wing of things - whatever that might be?

Christmas re-cap no 1

2012-01-03T16:54:00.001+02:00

I have not even shown you one little bit of our Christmas and the New Year is already 3 days old. So, we put up our tree rather early this year - on the 28th and int he middle of the day to avoid the tired children unpleasantness of years past. Once again, my little perfect moment in my head - kids gently adding decorations with Michael Buble's Christmas album playing in the background did not come true. In stead of him gently singing "It's beginning to feel like Christmas" I had 3 kids singing "Silent Night" and "we 3 kings" on top of their voices. Not what I imagined - but perfect in every way unimagined. It was so sweet - but so loud.

Our little wooden menagerie serves us well and the kids love to play the scene out.

That night the magic of the lights led to a lot more carolling.

Scenes from the tree:

The advent calender was a huge hit once again and the kids waited in total anticipation to open it.The non sweets days were such hits.

More about the actual day to follow

So 2011, really...

2012-01-01T10:27:00.000+02:00

As Charles Dickens started "A tale of two cities" : "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,..., it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair" pretty much sums up 2011 for us our most difficult year following on 2007/2008 when the twins were small and sick.

The worst of times certainly were the 9 weeks with Lucy on sick leave, the realization that Little man L had serious issues and the incredible lack of sleep. Work issues for both Hunter and I and the high cholesterol shock I had.

In between sits the journey towards getting him back on track, the rough but encouraging ride. The changing of eating plans and cholesterol medication. The operation to the Princess to alter those very dominant ears into the "normal".

The best of times was the realization that in Little man L's reports back from school and the OT that we are seeing a small miracle in action.His eventual potty training. The absolute blossoming of Little man C in school and the Princess' incredible year in grade R. Reaching that magical 4 cholesterol count in December and having an incredible holiday - amazed at the progress in ease of camping that a year makes. The prospect of a course for Hunter and a good project for me lightens the load.

2012 is for us a year of hope - a year of looking forward and progressing onwards. Looking back on my phrase for 2011 - "Light as a feather on the breath of God" certainly is a shock, because I was anything but light. The year was heavy, and staying light was simply too much. But this year will be filled with hope, every day. With the grace of God.

Here's wishing you all the very best for 2012 - may God bless you beyond your expectations. May God fill our hearts with hope and love.


Original source unknown

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

It will always be remembered as the holiday in which...

2011-12-30T15:44:00.001+02:00

someone got rid of their training wheels....

someone at last braved the waves...

and someone else became king of the pool in his polyotter.

It will also be remembered as the holiday the Princess and I saw a fish eagle catch from a barge (actual catch just missed on camera)

We had the loveliest holiday camping - lots of sleep, lots of swimming and lots of sun. Lots of great family time too in Mtunzini. And to log off with a 3 more favorite shots:

BTW I have over a 1000 unread items in my reader. Seriously...

From us to you...

2011-12-24T23:27:00.004+02:00

Checking in

2011-12-21T06:58:00.001+02:00

Fron a great holiday on the Kzn North Coast. We have rather shoddy reception so I am not doing anything blog-wise at the moment. (over a 1000 unread items in my reader). Will be back soon.

11 years ago yesterday...

2011-12-11T22:42:00.001+02:00

had exactly the same weather. Cloudy but not cold, with intermittent bits of rain, and intermittent bits of sunshine. I remember the weather 11 years ago so well because it was our wedding day. Such a hugely happy day and the day that started this family. If you have never read about our wedding day or want to see some pictures- have a look here.

We spent the day quietly yesterday, me keeping the kids busy and Hunter doing errands, but on Friday night, when Lucy could babysit, he took me out to dinner. More romantic is hardly possible. He took met to the little restaurant where we ate most of our date night dinners before we got married - Piero's Tutti Pasta. Where we spent the evening before the day we got engaged and where we spent the Friday night before we got married. Piero and Moira sat down with us the Friday night after our engagement, when things were quiet and just a few of the late tables were left. They told us their story and I will never forget how Piero told Hunter to tell me that he loves me, every single day. Something he has clearly remembered because no day goes by without those words in some form - my voice, by text , by email....

The last time we were there was when we were pregnant with the twins - more than 4 years ago. But boy, was it great - so nostalgic.We walked in after all this time with Piero rushing down the ramp and exclaiming -" Mr and Mrs G! It's been too long!" It definitely has been too long. I was rather stunned that he remembered us. Still the same arbitrary decor, still the same hand written wine list on the wall. Still the same Italian opera music with Piero filling in with his great tenor voice every now and again. Still the same seasonal fare on the menu. And still the same wonderful food - Italian with his own twist. Italian like you will find nowhere else but maybe in Italy. We shared fresh artichoke in a tomato and basil sauce and his signature snails with polenta in a napoleotana sauce for starters - with his fresh garlic on the side. I had my ever so favorite fillet in mustard sauce with pasta on the side and Hunter, initially sad not to see his favorite ravioli on the menu, indulging in it after all, as Piero made the "off-menu" item for him. We ended with Piero's copyright registered Pepperato gelati (black pepper ice cream) with a dark chocolate sauce. My, it was so good. And the best thing is, you can still bring your own wine and not pay corkage! We are seriously debating getting a babysitter again and going this week before he closes for Christmas as I am craving his fish bobotie - his own twist on the South African tracitional dish and as we know (and Hunter keep saying) the artichoke season is almost done.

Happy happy Anniversary my love. With you, life is always one great adventure. Thanks for this trip back in memory lane - it might just become a more regular one.

BTW - what do you think of my new blog header? I just love it!

Much crazyness

2011-12-08T12:22:00.001+02:00

Tomorrow this time, we will be having our annual office lunch, and in all honesty, it can not come soon enough. I am totally exhausted. On all levels, this year has taken it's toll. I have a few admin things to do and the odd request, for the rest I am doing a big tidy out in my office.

I have made a DVD for each child that was in class with the Princess for this year - a bit of (not so random) act of kindness spirit by me for the children and their parents who have contributed to make this year a very special one for our grade R's. I delivered those today. I also gave out teachers gifts to which I added some note books made by me and the Princess using a cupcake punch I took over from Marcia. Boy did we have fun ! I am so going to use this punch and make more of these notebooks (Thanks Marcia for the inspiration). Although the bigger "real" presents hit the spot with all of them, they all loved the handmade notebooks.

I am looking forward to doing some de-cluttering in the house next week, finally getting Christmas cards out (yes, they will be late) and seeing some friends I never get the chance to see during the year.Lucy is still working so she will mainly look after the kiddos. My dear Huberta car will also go in for her service. There wil also be plenty of prep work for the holiday and Christmas.

And the big thing! I still have to complete the photobook for my inlaws' Christmas present and totally make the one for my mom!

I have also received the most stunning present from my Secret Santa - thanks and how did you know that my mascara was close on empty? And for sure this is not under a R100! But I feel thoroughly spoiled and although I did not want more note books - that one I do want! It is beautiful!She has stuck plenty of Hello Kitty stickers on the parcel and it is Joburg post so I do suspect two lovely bloggers in particular that took part in the project. In return, I have posted my gift - it was incredibly difficult for me as I could get no feel of what she will like - so I hope she at least likes what I got. I so do not want to be the one to disappoint.

And now I have 446 items in my Reader - eish, sorry guys - next week.

It's been a while...

2011-12-05T13:03:00.001+02:00

and I have 364 items in my reader.... but I will get to you, I promise. See, it's been a super busy but great weekend. Let's recap:
On Thursday the Princess had her Playball prize giving - she did really well. We also got a stellar report card ( I am super super proud!) from school and from the Playball and Netball instructors.

With her Playball instructor

On Friday I took my "Birthday day off" and did my hair, went to yoga, had lunch with my mom and a friend of ours and in general had a great time. The evening we had the Princess' grade R graduation - we were so proud of her. It was a great little concert (they did a very funky little dance and song) with their official graduation following. Now it's onwards and upwards to grade 1.

I want to be a Veterinary surgeon some day - yes, she and all her friends! Seem the 6 of them will go together all the way to Onderstepoort (our Vet faculty)! LOL!

With her graduation buds singing the school song.

On Saturday I joined the Zumba class followed by the Princess' class party where the whole family was invited. This was followed by a photoshoot (for which I do not hold much hope - I now know Little man L and studio lights does not align) and an early dinner with our buds S&L and the girls at Magnolia dell's Huckleberry's.

So cute - they made a little friend.

Enjoying the water slide sprinkler fun.

And on Sunday I turned a year older, although I feel 30 never the less - some days I do feel at least 60 after very little sleep but I digress... My family thoroughly spoiled me and we changed our picnic plans to the Spur due to the weather. It was a quiet but good birthday- just what I wanted.

Thanks for all your kind birthday wishes - on Facebook and Twitter and all. It really played it's part towards making it a great birthday.

A great weekend just Makes my Monday.

Playing along with Cheryl.

Dear Secret Santa

2011-11-30T20:28:00.001+02:00

I am participating in the Secret Santa project this year, and am really struggling to figure out what to send to the blogger to who I am Secret Santa. So, I have decided to do a little post so that maybe my Secret Santa can get some ideas. So for R100 or less, I would love: (And if the family read here they could also get some Brithday ideas, but alas...)

Fenjal bath oil or foam bath - a lovely memory of years gone by. I can recall my gran so well when I smell it.
Anything to craft with - pretty paper, ribbons whatever.
Any bath stuff - especially Tranquil body treats stuff.
A good book - even second hand
Beads and other prettyness.
Cute lace summer scarf that you see at all the Chinese shops- in light pink , light blue or grey
Colourful flip flops - I wear a size 7. I love colourful flip flops.With stuff on.Especailly those Pick n Pay cheepies with lots of cuteness.

What I really am not crazy about right now:

Edible stuff - with my cholesterol issues I really have to be careful. If it has less than 5% fat per 100g I guess it's ok - go try, very little is.
Bangles - I can not really wear bangles - they irritate me when I work.
Although I am crazy about note books I have about 4 unused ones lying in my bedside table.

So hope that helps?

I have also received this lovely award by many bloggers - the only ones I can remember in my fogged slightly sleep deprived mind today are To love Bella and Dear Max, .My sincere apologies if I forget to mention you here, I have really not kept track with this - crazy time of the year.

So I have to tell you 7 random things about myself:

I can not eat cooked oats - jip, I have huge tactile issues (I guess L's issues should not have been a surprise to me). When I get home I have to take all jewelery off and tie my hair up otherwise I just can not function
I really do not like noise and very loud music. I love soft music, preferably classical or jazz. Sometimes the noise levels in the house totally drives me over board.
If I could sing better I would love to sing the role of Carmen in the opera by Bizet. I would love to passionately sing the Habanera in a black and red Spanish dress.
I can not put nail polish on my own nails - I really just can not. I do not have the time for "proper nails" so I just do not "do" nails.
I also can not do my own eyebrows - I leave that to my much beloved beautician friend.
I really want a second island honeymoon with my love.
I am totally addicted to humus, taramosalata and tahina with biscuits I am allowed to eat. And pasta - I can live from pasta. I think somewhere in my precious lives I was both Greek and Italian

Now this one has really done the rounds and I am sure almost all of you have received it - so I would like to award this to everyone that reads this post. Go ahead dear - take it and thanks for your kind comments. As the Golden Girl song goes: "Thanks for being a friend".

The cutest little fur trees ever

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000+02:00

featured in the school's annual Christmas play on Friday night. Somehow I always feel that the year is over once this concert is done and dusted. Really, I was so proud of my little fur trees - participating and singing along. Mr C was quite the showman and Mr L surprised us. Still can not believe how far he has come this year.

I'm a little fur tree growing strong


A Christmas tree is what I'll be.


We 3 kings from Orient far, one on a bike and one on a car, one on a scooter tooting the hooter following yonder star...


While waiting for her brother's concert, the Princess caught some play time with old friends from the school.

After the concert we rushed to the Princess' school for a charity Christmas tree and picnic.

And while we are on the topic of the weekend, it also had a party in store

Putting up her hand when the clown asked who wants to be an animal doctor one day.

With Ollie the singing clown.

We also did some painting and potato stamping

And put up the Christmas tree - but that is another post all together.

Playing along today with Angie

and Parenting by Dummies for Wordful Wednesday

Today, I cried...

2011-11-29T13:45:00.001+02:00

huge big fat crocodile tears, here in the office - I never do that! In the post came a beautiful hand made card, totally in a class all of its own. And in it, a beautiful book mark of a gold plated eucalyptus leaf.From my BFF in Oz. You see, it's birthday time for me soon, and this year will be the first in many that the two of us have not somehow got together on or close to the day - mostly on my "birthday day-off" I grant myself every year. I am feeling a bit at loss as to what to do with my day this year - yes, I will go to the hairdresser, and possibly for a facial.But I know I am going to miss her warm voice, her big hug and her conversation - one that never seem to cover everything we had to say. Somehow the time was never enough. Somehow only know, we realize how much more time we should have spent together. I miss you my friend.

It's been a rather BIG weekend for us.

2011-11-27T20:33:00.001+02:00

Yes dear readers, I am THAT mom - the one that couldn't potty train one of her kids. The mom that got a Play therapist involved to do it - well, the mind part, and then with huge help from the hubby actually forced the little man out of his nappies. For the last 7 weeks, no 1 had been going stellar. No 2 has been more of an issue - in fact, I spent hours (literally) in the bathroom with Little man L to get him to do those no 2's. Talking to him, having his Dino do no 2's with big high fives thereafter. It has been totally exhausting. There was some crying involved by both of us.

Then, on Saturday, he casually walked to the downstairs loo, got on it and did his no 2. I saw him by chance, and man, did we make a big thing out of it! I was hopeful, but scared of that one odd bit of progress that might just regress. But yesterday, he did it twice. In the same, quiet way. We had MacDonalds for dinner - a small celebration.

The long and short of the story is that we as moms tend to always feel so incredibly easily like failures. I beat myself up on this one - boy, I did. I mean what is wrong with me that I can not potty train my kid. Really? Then when I read that SID kids do potty train with great difficulty, I relaxed a bit but when the OT indicated that she thinks it is a mind issue and not a body issue, and we got the Play therapist involved, I really felt the urge to get this done. I mean, he on his way to turn 4 at the time. The fact that his therapy was at that stage between the two of them amounting to almost a R1 000 a week certainly played a part.

So yes, we all sometimes need to be a bit less tough on ourselves - but boy, does it feel great when we reach that milestone! We threw away all potties yesterday - just to get it out of the way. Over kedovers! Done.

And this really really Makes my Monday - no heavens, it makes my year!

Playing along with Cheryl.

In other parts ot the world, today is Thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T12:24:00.001+02:00

Image credit

And although it is not observed here and we have none of the history attached, I love the idea of a day to say thanks, To be thankful. We had a particularly harsh year this year - lots and lots of thing and stress to absorb, and therefore, making a list as to what I am thankful for, is even more meaningful. For us, it is also at the end of the year - both calender and school wise.

My wonderful, dear super supportive husband without who I can not imagine my life as it is.
My beautiful Princess who is kind, understanding and such a good girl for her age. For her huge need to be recognized.
My little man C who has blossomed this year in school and is just doing so well. For his huge need to be loved.
My little man L who has really developed totally beyond all expectations and comprehension this year. For his huge need to be understood.
For Lucy being healthy again - her health issues has been a huge strain on us all, even more on herself I suspect.
For my mom, who has helped where she can with the practicalities in our lives.
For my MIL and FIL for their unconditional understanding and support.
For our ever so patient, ever so understanding and ever so loving puppies. You girls rock.
For the wonderful and understanding teachers, OT and Play therapist that my kids were blessed with this year.
For our house, despite possibly being too small, still the place where I feel home and loved most.
For the business that has survived the toughest year since I am an owner. It's been a leaner year, but it still provides for us and the others that work for us.
For hubby's work - although stressful , a good job never the less.
For our cars, that despite not being the newest, still runs smooth and takes us where we want to be.
For you, my blogging friends, who in the midst of a year of friendship turmoil have shown me fantastic support and love.You know who you are.
And for my Father above without whom I would not have survived this year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all - wherever you are.

It's just so more real with every milestone

2011-11-23T10:48:00.001+02:00

Every event - that our little Princess is growing up so fast. Just the other day (ok in January 2007) she went to school for the very first time. She was all of 2 years old and desperately needed the social interaction.

Yesterday I watched my little girl all dressed up in her big school uniform. Excited and ready to go to grade 1. Not so sure if the mom is ready to go to grade 1 but I guess that is totally irrelevant.

They are allowed to wear their big school clothes to pre-school this week as part of making that going to grade 1 a bit easier. BTW - I was rather impresesed by the practicality of their uniform - a skort (short with skirt front) for playing and a golf shirt.

Playing along today with Angie

and Parenting by Dummies for Wordful Wednesday

and Twinfatuation for Way back Wednesday.

Blood brothers...

2011-11-22T13:35:00.001+02:00

Or so you think they will be. After all, they have shared more time together than any of us did - spending 9 months snugly together in utero. But those scans showing them kicking each other must have been a warning I forgot. The honest truth is that since opening their eyes on Saturday morning, it has been the one fight after the other. They are both covered in bite marks, pinch marks and lots of tears have been shed. Its almost a full on war! They kick, they tease, they cry. The intensity of the fights far surpass anything I have seen between non-twin siblings.

We are exhausted, feel rather defeated. Hunter in an attempt to promote peace sat and showed them how to (peacefully) play cars together. It worked, for a bit. Just a bit. This morning seem to have been a bit calmer. The calm before the storm?

So when last did you go to the drive-in?

2011-11-21T13:48:00.001+02:00

I have the memory of myself running around at the drive in in my jammies and gown as a little kid. Later as teenagers, it was always with someone else's parents - my mom never went. By the time I was dating, the golden days of the drive in was mostly over and Pretoria did not have many left.

Well, we did on Friday and my, was it great. Here in Pretoria we have a drive in theater on the top of the Men.lyn park shopping center - for the grand total of R63 per car. Our friends S and I regularly go with their kids and have taken the Princess along on occasion, but we last went before L walked. When they suggested we go on Friday afternoon, Hunter knew he had a not too late afternoon and we agreed.

We met in the food court for a quick dinner and parked next to each other for the viewing. The firts movie was "Hoodwinked 2" which the girls loved. Our two boys and their youngest all went to sleep in the back of the cars (we had the very back 3rd row down) about half way in. The other 3 girls watched it till it was over and after a visit to the ladies and a snack, went to sleep on the back seats.

Which was great - because we had quite a great movie for the adults to watch - "Anonymous" about the theory that Shakespeare did not actually exist. It is a great period drama and I loved it.

Will we go again? For sure - if a kiddie adult combo shows again. What will we do differently? Pull the boot to the front for the kids and take our camping chairs and maybe take the bakkie (truck). And a flask of coffee - to help with staying awake through the second movie.

So when last were you at the drive -in? And would you consider it in a safe and clean environment?

Today.....things I know

2011-11-18T13:30:00.000+02:00

I am still so very in love with the beautiful anniversary roses my hubby gave me (he often does, on or close to the 10th of the month). They are truly stunning and smell great too - not often the cut roses smell great. But sadly die so soon in the heat.
I am busy making photobooks for the grandparents for their Christmas gifts - it's going to take a lot of effort but I know it will be the best presents ever.
I am a bit at loss for a present for the hubby - we always do books, but he has so many to read.
The social schedule for the next few weeks is hectic - speeding towards the end of the year. 4 Kiddies parties, one concert, one charity Christmas tree, one grade R graduation and concert, two friends socials, one birthday and one anniversary.
I can not believe I am going to buy school clothes for the Princess today. Gosh, she is really going to grade 1.
After a lot of thinking and asking around, I have ordered some labels over the internet to mark those hundreds of pencils, etc in the school pack we bought for grade 1. I hope they are worth it, but for sure they will save time.I ordered from Staystuck over the internet and they are beautiful.
I am excited to have Christmas at home this year with all the grandparents and some more family to share the day. We have done it the last 2 years and we love it.
I have all the little bits to make our advent calender and will post the pdf to all soon. Excited to start with the Christmas excitement.(If you do not have one yet, look at my post - still prepared to mail the template)
3 weeks, and my work year is over! For a glorious full 4weeks of holiday.

So, what's happening in your word?

The Princess goes to the ballet - again.

2011-11-16T12:42:00.001+02:00

Last year we saw the South African Youth Ballet Theater's production of Sleeping Beauty. This year it was the turn of Cinderella and we once again joined the school and some friends for the special dress-up and party Saturday morning show. It is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the wonders of ballet and the theater with a more relaxed atmosphere, snacks served in interval and a chance to dress up like your favorite character. They also have the option to meet the main cast after the show and have their programs signed. The Princess went as the Fairy Godmother this year, after being Sleeping Beauty last year. Look out for The Nutcracker next year - always fun before Christmas.

So what about an advent calender?

2011-11-15T15:35:00.001+02:00

Some of you may remember that I made an Advent calender for the kids? I know quite a few of you loved the idea.(click here to see full post)

This year I am making it again - I am however going to be a bit more creative - I have some stickers for some days in stead of sweets, as well as those temporary tatoos and a looking for other small bits to add. I am also going to for instance put a picture of an ice-cream in one day and that day we will go out for one etc.

So I am thinking of being festive and sharing - if you would like to make this for your kids, I will mail you the A3 pdf file - you need to print it out in colour and buy one of these (the Big Jim 350mm Organizer available of Game for R59,95) and fill with whatever you might like. If you can get to me in Pretoria, I will even print one for you to collect. Full instructions in the original post. I have swung it around into portrait frame this year because the tag to hang it is in that direction.

So if you are interested, leave me a comment with an email addy and I will send it on to you.
Happy festive season!

All about books today

2011-11-14T15:07:00.001+02:00

So a short while ago Robyn got a book swop going on her Bookclub blog and I joined in without thinking twice - as most of you know I am one of life's perpetual readers - have been since I was 5 years old and will be until I can see no more. There is very little better than a good book.

What she asked of us is to send someone our favorite novel of all time. Wow, such a difficult decision for me as I love so many. I have had a list in the back of a note book for years - I add to it, I take away, but I have not ordered it in numbers for years. And I did find it daunting to do - in fact, I have settled on a top 10 (in no specific order) and then a top 10 to 20 etc. Down to 40 - I have some that I have fallen out out the top 40 as I have added new books. I use the following criteria to build my list: 1. I have to immediately think that I need this on my top list, 2. I possibly gave it a 10/10 when reviewing it in my book journal, 3. I want to read it again or have read it several times and 4. I must remember the name and author's name - that way I know it stuck well enough to recommend to someone else.So I decided to send her my top love story ever -" Love in the time of cholera"(see below).

In return, Shayne sent me " Five quarters of the Orange" by Joanne Harris, a book that I actually have a history with - I have read many of her books (loved "Chocolat and "Coastliners" best) but somehow gave up on this book and had to give it back to someone I borrowed it from - so I never finished it. So now, I will attempt it again but only after I finish "7 Dae" the new Deon Meyer released today and delivered to me by the friendly Kalahari folk this morning. I took my lunch time, had a coffee and read the first 65 pages. But back to my top 10 books.

Although through the years I have taken care of reading the prize winners as well as most of the classics (yes, I have read the whole of War and Peace), I must stress that this is a very very personal top 10. Those that spoke to me, those that moved me and those that I love to read time and time again.

So, my top 10 books of all time (in alphabetical order):
Atonement - Ian McEwan

Ian McEwan is the master observer of the human emotions and dealing with it. This is just such a masterfully told story of a young girl's world going wrong and influencing so many around her. Stunning read - have read it 3 times already and have never seen the movie - I have to admit that I am scared the movie will take some of the magic away

Lord of the Rings Trilogy - JRR Tolkien
Such a classic - the very very best fantasy ever written. Have read the whole trilogy twice, and some a third time.For once, the movies did well with the books. And do read The Hobbit before you tackle these.

Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

The best love story ever written - spanning over more than 50 years. I can just imagine the two on the boat at the end of it. I have read it at least 4 times and want to read it again. Never saw the movie but apparently it is crap. So just don't - read the book! It will make you believe in love forever.

Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie

A wonderful story of the birth and the life of a man and two nations - colorfully woven with the magic of India. Not exactly sure of how many times I have read it (I do not always make the note in my book), but I bought my own copy after having borrowed one as a student.

One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Yes, I know, two books by one writer (which must make him my favorite although I am not so sure about his newer books - he was the Nobel literature prize winner in 1982). The magical family saga that introduced magical realism to the world. Stunning - but remember to refer to the list of characters - after 4 reads I still sometimes get confused between all the Aurelios.

People of the Book - Geraldine Brooks

A more recent first read -The magical story of a little Jewish prayer book and how it came to be saved through many wars by many people of other religions. Read my full review on my Bookclub blog

The Book Thief - Markus Zusaf
I have only read it this year for the first time, but a magical magical book and story. In general I avoid World War 2 stories but this one is wonderful and imaginative and so uplifting. Do read it.

The House of the Spirits - Isabel Allende
Stunning family saga over many generations taking place in Chile and to the background of the never ending South American wars and civil wars. I love how she portrays woman and the relationships between them. I have read it 4 times and the movie is ok - great actors, but totally ignores one of the generations.

The Songlines - Bruce Chatwin

Without a doubt the most unusual choice in the list and a very personal one - I am quite sure you will not find it on many "Top 100 books" lists. But to me, something that speaks to me about man, and our restless nature. I have read it many times, lost my original copy when I loaned it to someone and had to re-order one. I only know one other person who have ever read it - Dana Snyman, the travel writer, and he says it is one of his favorites too.
Wuthering Heights -Emily Bronte

The only real classic on the list - there has to be one and currently this is my top one ( some of the others are Modern Classics thought). I love the story of Heathcliff and Catherine and the incredible moody atmosphere that permeates the whole book. One to be read over and over again. During dark and light moods.

So please tell me - who is your favorite writer and which are your top books (be it 1, 3 or 10) . And have your read any of my top 10 and what is your opinion of it?

Today I am feeling....

2011-11-10T09:59:00.000+02:00

cranky, irritated and very very tired. I have shouted at all and sunder and really, I need to regroup myself here. Center on being a better person. All because I am exhausted and tired - yesterday was extremely hot in our part of the world and last night was terrible. Both the boys woke up, hot and sweaty and of course, L struggled to fall asleep again. Last look I had on my phone was 3:30 - somewhere after that the two of us fell asleep to wake up at about 6 again.Poor kid must be exhausted too - hope he sleeps at school.

We have had two weeks of good sleep with only 2 of the 14 nights not sleep through nights - the last 3 has not been great. Amazing how quickly one grows used to good sleep and how your body (and in my case mind) struggles to re-adjust. Here's hoping this is just a glitch due to the heat mainly and not a new pattern.

City of Jacarandas

2011-11-09T14:06:00.000+02:00

Last week a collegue and I did a little photo drive/walk up the one little hill to take in as much as we could of the Jacaranda filled city.

The University of Pretoria node

Panorama

Another Hatfield view

Herbert Baker street - the only one with white Jacarandas

The Brooklyn Node
Playing along today with Angie

On traditions and memories.

2011-11-08T11:20:00.000+02:00

Ever since the birth of the Princess we have been taking family photos every year - in her first year we had two sessions, mainly because I won the second one. I like to use a different photographer every year for variation. I do not have the details of the older years, but our last two years were done by Jeanette Verster - stunning photos and my favorite family shot ever (2010). Sadly, this year I have made a bit of a boo-boo with this all.

It has been a tough year for us, both in terms of time and emotional stuff, but also on the business front, where we have felt the pinch of the global economic crunch for the first time. So, ~~clever~~ I tried to save costs and when the photographer at the Princess' school (and a well known children's photographer) offered to take sibling pictures too, I saw the chance to have at least nice shots of the kids and be done for the year. And what a mess that was - gosh, I was so upset. She asked us to be at the school hall at 1:30 and she was available up to 3pm. We were there at 1:20 - to be faced with a queue of 7 families before us (and another 4 after us). The photographer had her second shoot doing individuals and she doing the groups. She was taking up to 10 to 20 minutes per sibling set - the wait was long and hot. So not what a SID kid need in his life. She the second shoot started with the boys she gave up in 5 minutes - L was just out of it. The flashing lights, loud kids etc, just got to him. Adding to that they gave him a toolbox with talking tools to hold - of course, taking his full attention and resulting on him looking down all the time. She made a snide little remark to the main photographer that "this boy is impossible to work with" The main girl assured me that it will be fine. Another 15 minute wait while she was photographing the school secretaries' grandchildren, she informed me that we will have to come back on Monday as she had someone waiting for her for 15 minutes already. It was 2:45! To say I nearly freaked out with all this is enough said - I merely said: "oh, but it's not 3 yet! I think she saw the anger on my face because she quickly re-phrased that she said that to get the kids moving! So NOT on, because then the Princess was all nervy and C nearly freaked out. Total waste of time - I saw the pictures today and yes - total crap. The other families before us - lovely pictures. The ones she took of the Princess in the morning are lovely and I will certainly buy them, but none from that afternoon. I do hope their school ones are ok - the girl they use there is ok, but not great.

So, now I am without the potos I use every year for our calenders and although I have lovely shots I have taken of the kids through the year, there are few featuring all 3 and 1 of us all together. I also use them for the covers and first and last page of our yearly photo books. So in a whim of time on Saturday I saw a Groupon offer coming through and bought it - we shall see what it brings, but let's hope for the best. If not great, it's no big money loss and it's close to home.If I get one great family one and one of the kids together I will be happy. Next year, we will do it "properly" again.

2005

2007

2008

2009

2011

So do you take family pictures every year? And have your read "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin - if you have, you will understand - all about being the keeper of memories for the family which does indeed contribute a lot to my happiness.

Things I have learned this weekend...

2011-11-07T12:23:00.000+02:00

Starting your weekend at 4 pm on a Saturday is so not on! The weekend is way too short. My course only finished after 3:30 on Saturday.
We have come a long long way this year - the kids are pretty amazing despite little moments of unhappiness. The were so great this weekend.
If you make a game of helping mommy and daddy in the garden the tidy up takes less the time that in usually does - seeing who can collect the biggest bunch of pine needles is a challenge for 3.
Camping in the lounge on Saturday nights ensures a night of great sleep for all.
It is totally possible that 2 4 year olds and a 6 year old take naps on both weekend afternoons. Hunter is amazing facilitating this one.
De cluttering can be extremely rewarding - I tackled an area yesterday that has bothered me forever and I can not stop looking at it and feeling happy about it. There are almost 30000 other spaces in our house that need that attention too.
3 kids can have huge fun digging into the recycle bag and making boats - the Princess saw it in a book and I had great fun helping them to make their boats For the boys we simply used a container that will float with a cut off cooldrink top. The Princess did a more complex design.. After that they played for hours.

So what did you learn this weekend?

Our little Jacaranda blossom

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000+02:00

For the entree to this post, go see this one from Wednesday. When at last the Princess got over her reluctance to pose amongst the Jacarandas, she literally blossomed .I am so glad I did these.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

In very short bullets....

2011-11-03T16:10:00.002+02:00

I wrote a really great post and Blogger ate it. I have the text elsewhere, but there was lots of links and pictures in it. Ugh - another day.
I am on a course tomorrow and, yes, wait for it, Saturday from 8am to 4pm on hoe to design Green Buildings For work. I can not believe I agreed to miss a weekend day for work but really, it is about new legislation and if I did not do it now it would just have been in December or January.
I discovered that my local gym has a lunchtime pilates class on a Thursday - I went, I nearly died (it was abs day - not my best). My whole upper body is one burning mess as I am sitting here. I am going to be very sore tomorrow. I will do my utmost to be there again next week though.
My trusty Thermofan oven broken - not only the element, also the fan. Eish, unexpected rather large cost. And this weekends without my oven.
I need to decide what to make for bookclub meal on Tuesday. Am leaning towards asking Hunter to make curry and to make an extra non curry chicken dish for those who do not eat curry. It will certainly be a great change from the usual. And last time I asked all those present (9 /11) was enthusiastic about strong food.

And with that, I am off to fetch the kidlets and fish and chips for dinner.

Carpe Diem - seize the moment!

2011-11-02T10:29:00.001+02:00

As most of you know, it's Jacaranda time in our city and I rarely make full use of the photo opportunities it gives us. The tourists stop and take photos, we just pass by. And would you believe it that I have never taken photos of my kids amongst the prettiness. So on Saturday I decided that I am going to do it - Seize the moment- alone with the kids. At first, the Princess did not want to work with mom, so our first stop was a shoot with just the boys. Ten minutes later and a few streets on, she was ready - but I am saving those for Friday.

Playing along today with Angie

I never dress the boys the same - in fact, I never buy them identical items - apart from some exceptions like these Superman shirts where there was one design only available and as they are all about superheroes at the moment, they each got one - which they both chose to wear on Saturday. And that reminds me about these (another same dressed rare moment): (Playing along with Cheryl for Way back Wednesday)

Age of the Boys: 1 year (October 2008) Age of the Boys : 4 years (October 2011)

So yesterday was one of those days

2011-11-01T11:18:00.000+02:00

I rushed through everything at work - it was busy. Yes, I did manage a post but it literally took 10 minutes, if that much. And I felt sort of queezy and tired and a light tummy ache. By evening, I was just not well. Hard to explain exactly what but suffice to say that I am feeling much much better today and that I will blame it all on a tummy bug that I possibly handled better than the usual.

I had such a smile about all those first songs/lp/tapes etc on yesterday's post - and if you have not left a comment there, please do - I just love reading these. And go read the comments - very entertaining. I think If I had prizes to give, Jane F would certainly get for the corniest choice and MomAgainat 40 for the funkiest.

I am planning to do a list for November to do items but it is rather daunting already..... End of the year madness my friends.

I have promised Marcia to link up with her virtual craft day and although I did not physically do this on Thursday night (I went to bed really early), it is what I have completed since the last craft day.

This will be fixed at our front door and features two big hearts (a green polka dot for H and roses for me), and 3 small ones for the kids (green for the boys and red for the Princess) and a sun presenting the presence of God in our home. This project has taken quite a while as the small red tiles were out of stock for months - I later improvised and used a different small red tile for the "K" and then completed it. ("Welkom" is Welcome in Afrikaans)

So what is your favorite type of craft?

Remember that first one,

2011-10-31T14:11:00.000+02:00

your first LP, or in my case, seven single you bought? Gosh, excited to take it home. Putting it on the record player, moving the needle carefully over the vinyl, and waiting for the music to fill the air.I vividly remember my first - bought at the OK bazaars in Waverley. I begged my mom and she gave in and I skipped home with "I have a dream" in my 10 year old little paws - it must have been around 1979/1980. I sang out loud with Abba, I loved it. My cousin and I had fights over the correct words for the song, and honestly, I would have to Google it to make sure. A few years later I bought my first LP with my own money - "Baby Makes her Blue Jeans talk" by Dr Hook - another great memory of tight high wasted Nine big boys jeans and paisley shirts.

Now the Princess was quite a follower of the previous season of Idols SA - somehow the last one was not followed as much. But she is an Elvis Blue fan - from early on she loved him and my, was her day made when he won. On Friday nights we cuddle and watch "Noot vir Noot" (a local music quiz show we both love - yes, I do admit it, that features a guest artist every episode) and much to her delight Elvis Blue featured. Oh my word - she moved to the Ottoman right in front of the TV and watched. I remarked that we should really buy his album an support a great local artist. On Saturday morning at the shops she saw it on the shelf, and mommy gave in - well, I would admit to enjoying the Cd tremendously. In the car, I had to put it on and immediately play her favorite, Lighthouse. And she sang, and loved it. I am wondering if she will remember this as fondly as I remember "I have a dream".

So what was that first song you bought? That first great music memory?

It's THAT time of the year again....

2011-10-28T12:50:00.000+02:00

The time when Pretoria dresses herself in purple Jacarandas to the tourists' delight and my sinus' disaster. But yes, it is pretty and does warm most hearts every year.

To me it always signals the beginning of the end of the year - the start of the silly season, hectic programs and trying to fit everything in. I have been rather down - no , rather make it anxious the last couple of weeks - I am totally stressed (mostly about work) and the year has really been one of our toughest ever. I can feel the dark wolf chomping at my heels but am more determined than ever to win him on my own.The realization hit me today that in 6 weeks time we will be closing the office for the builders holidays - and anxiety about everything that needs to get done before then. In 8 weeks time it is Christmas and this year, I am slacking with the present department - only some stocking fillers bought and something for our little cousin. But we will be home for Christmas and I am looking forward to that. In 7 weeks time we are going on holiday - now there's a light point in all this. Another light point is this:

The Princess with her graduation invitation. Yes, without a doubt, we will be proud grade 1 parents next year. And to come back to this post, big and proud to be graduating, but clutching Blanky Bear - her little security object, that now gets stored in her memory box, but taken out again now and again for some comfort.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

I had it!

2011-10-27T14:01:00.002+02:00

With the constant fighting, bickering, crying. Over who chooses which DVD, get's out of the bath first or last or whatever, chooses the Bible story - I can go on and on. Constantly being accused of choosing a favorite.Of not remembering who last choose or did what.

So I took a page out of the school's book - we now have someone that is the "engine" of the day - they get to make the choices, they get to go first or last or whatever the issue might be. It is only our 4th day on it but I have to say that it worked like magic.I even had to make the rule that whoever is the engine can move the rocket ship in the morning.

So what's your magic tips for peace in the home?

The ambiguity of being 6

2011-10-26T09:45:00.000+02:00

Mostly she is mommy's big girl, my helper and the one I can rely on to be more flexible in most situations. On Saturday she joined me for my Zumba class - the instructor announced a few weeks ago that on Saturday mornings girls over 5 are welcome to join. They were 3 - the one 5 and the other I would guess about 9 or 10. And they had fun.And she did most of the workout not sitting out one moment- the challenge was mainly moving between the flowingness of ballet to the rhythm of the Latin steps. She does her school work with confidence, she plays her Netball and is apparently quite the goal shooter and is getting more and more independent - this morning she helped C to pour his second bowl of breakfast. She opened her book pack for grade 1 this morning (we were at the info evening last night - lots of emotions) and oohed and ahhed over every pencil and bag - excited for all it will hold.On Saturday night she and Hunter watched the whole of Lion King - until very late and although she was sad to see Mufasa die, she was not scared. She danced her first ballet exam with huge confidence. She is taking more and more responsibility for her siblings In fact, sometimes one has to stop her from being a "little mommy" and taking too much on herself. After all she is not the adult. She is only 6.

Which I clearly saw yesterday too. When I told her the morning that we were going to the grade 1 evening the night and Lucy will be looking after them she cried. And cried. And cried some more. None of the boys were upset at all. Picking her up after school she cried again. And refused to tell me about her day. Apparently mommy is not allowed to go anywhere - daddy is ok -he can go, but mommy not. Mommy goes to bookclub too many times (it's once a month) and to girls craft night too much (once a month too - been there only twice) and out with daddy too much (we are lucky if it's once a month). So someone told me that we spoiled her by not going out and away enough. Really, I do not think it is spoiling your child by being with them - rather, maybe just a case of not used to us being away. Something she has to get used to. When I left last night it was a shower of tears again. And anger.

I will chalk it up to the ambiguity of being 6 - being on the threshold of going to big school - that first step of really growing up. But still wanting to feel sheltered and be mommy and daddy's little Princess.

It's really tough to grow up - but we are enjoying the ride, be it with tear filled eyes.

And just like that!

2011-10-25T13:56:00.001+02:00

Disqus is gone! At last I emailed their help desk, who first showed me that Disqus was in fact working properly on my blog and then helped me to remove it. So it's gone! So Blogger, please give us a way to comment on our comments and I will be a happy person. The main reason for removing it remains that a lot of bloggers have told me that they struggle to comment or that Disqus takes ages to load. With 45 pageviews for a post and only 8 comments, I can believe it's true! So here goes people - now is the time to emerge from your quietness and comment to heart's content. No more excuses - it's de-lurk day.!

Learning takes place in life, not just at school

2011-10-24T13:36:00.002+02:00

On Wednesday the Princess danced her Royal Academy of Dance Primary Ballet exam. I found the whole idea slightly stressful (but I do find that most things stress me out a bit at the moment) - she, on the other hand, apart from a bit of worry a week before, did not. In fact, as I photographed her little group just before they entered the studio, she was relaxed and smiling. Good preparation goes a long way.

While they were dancing away (they were the last group of the afternoon), we had tea with their teacher and had a chat about the value of the exams - why do we do it? After all, most of the girls will never be ballerinas. A mom mentioned poise, grace and stature, another the value of learning to follow directions closely and paying attention - something one of the grade 1 teachers mentioned at the open day of her new school. (She mentioned the ballet girls and the karate and judo kids for interest). The teacher mentioned another aspect specifically pertaining to the exams - the value of doing your first test or exam outside the school environment. Learning to cope with hard work and stress before actually going to "big school". Whatever your motivation may be, extra mural activities does add to the learning environment.

The girls returned smiling and excited and the Princess proclaimed that she will do her exam again tomorrow if she can. Such enthusiasm. Proud mommy moment.

As we drove home the first big storm with hail of the summer hit us. Gosh, it was huge.

Silly Princess displaying the plats when undoing the ballet do. Pippi Longstocking she says!

Thursday bits and pieces

2011-10-20T13:39:00.002+02:00

I am taking a sanity day tomorrow - work is hectic at the moment but one day less will not make that much difference. I just need a bit of time for myself. I am going to see Leon's play therapist in the morning for feedback - try and make a gym visit and meet old friends for morning tea. Then some sleep me thinks. Just a bit of a breather.
The Princess loved her ballet exam yesterday - funny girl! But I am grateful that her firs step into the world of tests and exams was positive.
We had an impromptu date night last night - it was lovely. And perfect. And great to spend a bit of time just the two of us.
I need to decide which books to buy for bookclub for November - any recommendations?
The year is speeding to an end and for once I have not yet bought a single Christmas present. I do not have many to do, but I often start early. I do have a brilliant idea for the grandparents which I need to bounce off Hunter tonight.
Our silkworms are huge fat monsters this year - thank heavens spinning has started in all earnest as they are getting a tad gross.
We have a brilliant new recycling company in our area - they pick up all recyclables at the curbside in their bags that they replace every Monday as long as the items are clean and dry. Recycling made super easy and convenient.
I so love my iphone.
I have at last started to use Google reader - and am loving it. I am slowly adding blogs so pleas cut me some time if I have not commented on yours for a while
I can not get rid of DISQUS. I tried to delete it again - it told me it can take up to 48 hours once again, more than that has gone, and still I have it....never, never add it! Nice is it may be.
And for your entertainment - the kids have a new game called - "Presenting" - that they made up - it basically consists of them dressing up and shouting "Presenting" and we clapping our hands and taking photos (some rather blurred as presenting is accompanied with dancing etc)

So what's happening on your corner of the world.

Sometimes the city gets to us all

2011-10-19T11:20:00.002+02:00

and then it's good to have a breather in one of our green city lungs. On Sunday afternoon we went for a walk around the dam (and a swim for the puppies) - some walked with joy, others lagged behind, but a break out of the ordinary to nature, how contained, is always good.

Playing along today with Angie
and My Little Drummer boys for a Wordless Wednesday

What I did not include

2011-10-18T13:31:00.001+02:00

in yesterday's post, for the fear that Mr Murphy is reading this blog, is that up to last night, Little Man L slept through for 7 nights. It is a first this year. Wow! Secretly that was my biggest milestone. But now I know that Murphy can read minds too.

Just to be shattered last night by first, him falling out of his bed, then the Princess with a puking incident, and then him waking again at 2 and only falling asleep after 5. Gee, am I wiped - totally. I am teary, tired, irritated and want to eat everything I am not allowed to eat - Bar One and Coke combination would have gone down so well today. It would certainly have helped me to be a wee bit more alert.

Do you know how I know the kids are really growing up fast?

2011-10-17T15:15:00.000+02:00

Was it the fact that I had the easiest Birthday party ever with the 3 of them? Only opening a drink now and again and for the rest they played and played.

Was it Little Man C taking the hand of a crying boy on Saturday to console him and play with him and making a new friend all on his own?

Was it the great evening we had "camping" downstairs and sleeping in front of the TV on Saturday night?

Was it Little Man L joining the kids in the front of the church with so much confidence? Singing along on top of his voice with praise and worship?

Was it a little girl spotting shoes in Pick 'n Pay and saying with a very authoritive voice - "Mamma, dis net my styl" (Mommy, It's just my style?) With luck they cost a mere R29,99 and made her very very happy.

Was it the realization on Sunday that I only need to buy night nappies for one kids - we are done with the rest?

Nope, it was the cry free hair cut and hair wash episode last night. For the amount of trauma this has brought through the years I almost can not believe we have reached this milestone. Sjoe, that is a biggy!

Little Man C's favorite things right now are:

2011-10-14T11:55:00.000+02:00

DVD: Anything by Andre Rieu (yes I know - a bit weird) and Happy Feet
Meal: Spaghetti bolognaise and two minute noodles
Fruit: Banana, apples and naartjies
Vegetable: Any form of pumpkin
Breakfast: Oaties or mini wheat bix
Drink: Water.
Drinking yogurt flavour: Strawberry
Sweets: Fizz pops and fizzers
Chips/crisps: Ordinary potato chips - he calls them "leeutjie chips" to the Simba lion on them
Toy: Puzzles and drawing/colouring
Colour: Red

Little man L's favorite things right now are:

2011-10-13T13:20:00.001+02:00

DVD: Cars, Bob the builder and Thomas the Train
Meal: Braaivleis, Fish and chips and two minute noodles
Fruit: Pineapple, strawberries and paw paw
Vegetable: Very few - in fact, he will remove them from his food but he likes raw cucumber
Breakfast: Tasty wheat porridge
Drink: Chocolate milk
Drinking yogurt flavour: Peach and Apricot
Sweets: Chomps and Jelly Tots - and any chocolate - he is quite the chocoholic
Chips/crisps: Nik naks or Cheese naks (which he calls "mannetjies chipsies" - to the man on the Nik Naks pack)
Toy: Anything with wheels
Colour: I actually do not know but as I have colour coded them from birth he tends to choose everything in blue which is "his" colour.

Silly billys

2011-10-12T10:19:00.000+02:00

I love my zoom lens and capturing the kids unaware, often just being kids. Two Saturdays ago little N-A was at the Princess for a play date. I captured them through the kitchen window on the hammock

And then they saw me and gave me great smiles.

An d this is about how Wordless I get.
Playing along at:

Playing along today with Angie
and My Little Drummer boys for a Wordless Wednesday

Her favorite things right now are:

2011-10-11T13:46:00.001+02:00

DVD: Sound of music, Wizard of Oz and Mamma Mia (do I see a trend of musicals?)
Meal: Braaivleis, calamari and tomato soup
Fruit: Mango, litchi and watermelon
Vegetable: Red or yellow peppers - raw, eaten like an apple
Breakfast: All bran flakes
Drink: Sprite zero - I am not happy about this as I try to avoid apartane for the kids etc, but it's all I am drinking at the moment
Drinking yogurt flavour: Ganadilla
Sweets: Sugus or liquorice allsorts
Chips/crisps: Big corn bites or fritos or Ghost Pops
Toy: My little Pet shop
Colour: Pink.

I am going to do these from time to time to remember my kids' favorites years on

Some sort of catch up

2011-10-10T12:23:00.002+02:00

Its' been a while since I posted anything of much importance here, but a lot has been going on in my life. At the same time, my apologies too as I have not much in terms of blogs in a while or left comments. But here goes:

    My 25 year Matric reunion is over and done with. I helped to organize it and have regretted the decision to help plenty of times, but at the end, I am glad I did. It provided a lot of happiness to a lot of people. I will do a post later but I am at the same time totally amazed at how much people change and how little people change in 25 years.

    Little man L is doing fine - he had a crappy Saturday and a worst Sunday but today he seems fine. All the anti-biotics (two courses in a row) wrecked havoc on his tummy, but he was also just miserable, slept crappy at night and a lot in the day. I am so glad this is over - well, mostly.

    I am heading into very busy times at work - I am at the same time very grateful for work as our industry is under great economic strain, but on the other hand rather daunted by the task at hand.

    Tomorrow night is bookclub - always a highlight in my month.It will be the first month ever where I did not read a single bookclub book! Luckily the girls are super relaxed about this - so no problem.

    On Wednesday night I will be presenting the craft for "Mom's night out" at the Boys' school. I am doing mosaics and have been cutting tiles yesterday as I have only two cutters so we need to pre-cut enough for the girls to just make something, similar to a kit.

    I have finished my big mosaic project I have been busy with for ages - am going to grout it tonight and will show it soon.

    It is going rather well with the diet/life style adjustment - my cholesterol is not under the 4 mark yet, despite the medication and diet, but should be when I see her next.After 3 weeks on it I have lost half a percentage of fat and 1,7kg (but the important part is of course not weight - that is a by product). I am also a size down on pants.

    I am going to a coffe shop to have a cup and read for lunch today - I just need a bit of time away from everybody -some quiet time.

    My sinuses are feeling the newly emerging Jacaranda flowers. Not good news.

    I love my iphone 4! It was such a great decision. That's all.

    And I do not love blogger that is not allowing me to post this! Or save it.

I just need to mention....

2011-10-06T16:13:00.001+02:00

that moving from the right to the left is rather daunting.

Forgetting now that until a few months ago I had a rather smarter Nokia. So yes, I did choose an iphone and please excuse me while I am trying to train my fingers to swipe, click and pinch on a screen.

I am often surprised by the resilience of my children.

2011-10-05T13:12:00.001+02:00

As was proofed yesterday once again when Little man L went in to have his tonsils removed.

He refuse the pre-med.
He refused to have the tags on his arm - we added them to his leg at the very last minute
And he had a huge tantrum about putting the theatre "dress" on. In fact, when he came to he immediately asked where his clothes were.
When he came to, he immediately pulled out his drip - causing a few moments of drama.
Then he had some pain meds and he and Dino and Bunny napped for close to one and a half hours.
After which he immediately tried to yank those tags off and wanted to dress and devoured jelly, ice cream, salty chips and a tin of Coke - all supplied in a cute hospital version of a party pack.
And we were home by 12:00.
It all went fine and today he is playing very happily at home. I am so thankful!

Playing along today with Angie

So how did I do on the September goals.

2011-10-04T13:56:00.000+02:00

So how did I do with the September goals? It really stressed me out to have them logged here - maybe I was just very stressed in general, but let's see:

Read "The Happiness" project and get as much as possible out of the book. ( About 2/3 read and loving it - getting heaps out of it)
Read two other books to make my monthly 3 books goal. Finished "Belong to me on 6/9 had a crappy reading month - in general I do read3 books a month.
~~Go to the dietician and get sorted on the diet I need to have - I still need to tell you guys why I am doing this but rest assured - this is not going to become a diet blog.~~ Done 8/9
~~Plan The Boys' birthday party and do it! This is going to be small and low key so not too much planning there.~~ Booked 9/9 Party packs and favors bought 10/09 Invites sent 13/9
~~Discuss their little school party with the teacher and make a date for it. (their real birthday is on a Sunday this year)~~ Done 7/9 Party to be on 22/9 Party packs bought 10/09
~~Send the beanies off to Pink Hair Girl.~~ Done 6/9
~~Send the parcel to our little cousin in Cape Town - belated birthday gift.~~ No need to do - my BIL was here for a brief visit.
~~Send my gift exchange parce~~l. 14/9
Make Thank You cards for the knitting ladies that knitted the beanie for me. We sent of 44 at the end!
Make kiddie birthday cards
Do one craft with the kids per weekend and publish here- 1st one done this Sunday (3/9) Did not do rest of the weekends.
Tidy my shoes and the ~~last of my clothes and put in charity bag to donate~~
~~Sort out the rest of the Princess' clothes and put in charity bag to donate~~ 11/9
~~Sort out boys clothes for summer and put in charity bag to donate (also check some winter stuff that can be donated)~~ 12/9
Tidy glass desk are in the dining room.
Go to zumba at least twice and to gym at least 3 times a week. Total fail!
Sort out with Lucy re sick leave etc. This is a whole story on it's own and I am now done with this
~~Complete my 2008 photobook in order to use the voucher I have~~ 29/09
If possible do a 2007 book to use my friend's voucher she is not going to use.
~~Go to the moms night out at the school again.~~ Is only going to be next week and I am not only going, I am hosting a mosaic craft one.
~~And I am editing this to add a BIG one - get the Boys back to their own room and to actually sleep in their own room.~~ This has actually been a much bigger succes and way easier than I thought! A big yeah!

So all in all 11 out of 21 and two halves - so make it 12 - which is 57% - maybe not so bad.
Am I going to do it again? Well, yes, I think I just might. But I have decided to keep it to 20 maximum -which is a lot really! Maybe I should limit to 10 and then record extras?

A tough weekend = great progress

2011-10-03T11:54:00.001+02:00

This weekend has been super tough - one of those that leave you out of breath and exhausted on so many levels. And last night L had a "epic sleep failure night" - awake from 1 to 4 but these are happening less and less often. I am hoping that the tonsils removal tomorrow will also help in the nighttime waking department. But yes, possibly this week will be on the tough side too.

I haven't talked much about it but our dear Little man L at all of 4 years old is not potty trained. He has been no 1 at school, but has refused at home. No 2 - nope, nowhere. Hence on recommendation fo his OT we went to a play therapist to assist. I am really in the dark as to what she is doing and that it helps at all, but we do talk about his with him etc. The theory runs that it is a control issue but also sensory for SID kids.

After an exhaustive Saturday with nappies etc we went ahead yesterday and just did it - took away his nappy (which I then realized he has grown attached to - those cute dinosaur pull up ones) and payed very close attention to him to get him to the toilet in time. At first he fought us and did not want to put on underpants. He also fought every time we took him. Later he agreed to a pair of Lightening MacQueen undies (if there is any character that will get him to wear undies it will be this red car) and started to go himself. All and all only one major slip but we were all rather frayed at the edges by the end of the day. Today I am tired, but positive.

I have no problem keeping a kid in night nappies for a while- not forever, but a while - I check at wake time in the mornings and see if the nappy is dry - if it is for a few days we proceed to night times without. Neither the Princess or C ever had a slip at night due to this approach.

He went willingly to school today with his undies (several spares and pants in the bag) and a nappy for sleep time. Just a few minutes ago I phoned and no accidents yet! Please, please may this be the break through! No regression again. Done and dusted! Thanks to my hubby who has played a huge roll in all of this.

And I hate those pull up nappies - I am convinced it is a ploy by the nappy manufacturers to get kids to wear nappies longer - why not make them ugly and not attractive?

Photobooks - love them!

2011-10-01T20:48:00.002+02:00

Marcia hosts a virtual craft night, once a month on a Thursday. This month I had an urgent little matter - I had to get a photobook finished and done to qualify for a discount by Friday. So that is what I did for craft night - and here are some of my favorite pages:

First sheet of the book

Our kids all have a "month day" for every month until they turn a year - we take a picture with the cake. I combined all these to make a page for the boys - and gosh, stunning to see how they grew over the year.

My 40th birthday "party"

I have at last after 2 similar "year in review" albums find the method that works for me. I save all my pictures under each year and each week as the year progress. For this, I make a whole separate directory with the months. Under the months I add special occasions. I then copy only the ones I love into the month or the sub folder. Then I upload only the month or occasion that I work with into the programme and clear the list before I start a new page. More often than not, I do not use all the photos and do a sort of second selection. I use Qphoto's Picasso photobooks software, place my order on line, then save it on my computer (uploading over the web takes ages), and take it in to my nearest branch.

These have been a hit with all - and I love making them. Once you get to know the program well, you can customize a lot.

A lot going on.

2011-09-29T09:36:00.000+02:00

The usual bullet catch up on a day like today. I am actually super stressed at the moment - not one thing in particular - ok, maybe work, but also a lot of odd bits thrown in together.

The Princess is dancing her mock RAD primary exam this morning. My mom took her and I am waiting to hear how it went. But the hair! Gosh, what a drama -they had to have two pony tails to make two buns above the ears today and one should not wash their hair for a few days before making the buns as it "holds" better if the hair is not squeaky clean. So there were lots of tangles and lots of tears. As soon as ballet exams are over we are seriously going to cut off quite a bit of hair.
Yesterday I picked up the kids from school and then hopped on the Gautrain bus and then the train itself to meet Hunter at the Midrand station to go with him to a wildlife related function at St Stithians school. It all went so well with the train, I am still amazed and my, what a school! It was lovely to spend some time alone with the hubby - I really need it.
Little man L is having his tonsils removed on Tuesday - it is really high time and the only reason we have not done it earlier was the dreaded eye operation that was a possibility for so long - not wanting him to have two bit of anesthetic so close to each other. I am really hoping this will help him a lot. And promptly he then developed tonsillitis just a few hours after seeing the ENT - who faxed me a script.
Work is a nightmare - yesterday was a super crappy day. And I still can not get it that clients think you press a few buttons on the computer and magically a new design appears. It does not really work like that - there is a thinking process involved somewhere along the line. So yesterday I probably packed two days of work into 9 hours - gee, it was crazy. And I was tired as L slept crappy with his sore throat.
There has been a lot of talk about social media and marketing in the office and industry - and guess who is tasked to run this in the office? Jip, me!
On the 8th of October it is our high school reunion. I am in charge with the decorating etc. I have about 4 girls to help and we are keeping it simple - fairy lights, bougainvilla branches etc. But I am still stressing.
Doing the September to do list on the blog has totally freaked me out - not sure if I will do it again, but it has been a rather tough month.
I need to finish my 2008 photo book tonight or I will not get my 20 free pages from Qphoto. I still have October to December to do - a late night looming.....
I am going to the hairdresser on Saturday - I am starting to look like those fashionable grey haired woman - but just the bits on my head. Not a great look!
I have been asked to present mosaics at the Boys' schools' next "Moms night out". I have not told you much about the first, but a great idea and last time I learned beading. So of course I am stressing, but I know I will be fine.
In a very unfortunate twist of fate we have the Boys' very first concert/ Christmas tree on exactly the same night as the Princess' very last concert/Christmas tree in nursery school. I have simply asked the Boys' school which is smaller and has known us for years to consider moving theirs. Holding thumbs that this will happen.
6 days to cellphone upgrade day.... Guess what I am getting?
I am super excited by the fact that the office is very likely going to provide me with a tablet device of some sort (at the moment it looks like an i-pad).It is increasingly used on site by the building industry and I have a very big and exciting project starting first thing next year.
I can NOT get rid of Disqus on my blog - I have tried 3 times, every time it tells me that I have removed it and must wait 48 hours, every time it does not happen. So for now it is staying - I simply have neither the time nor the energy to fiddle any further.
And I have been a rather shoddy blogging buddy for the last 2 weeks - very little reading and comments. My apologies - simply super busy.

So, what's happening in your world?