A Bronze Medal

Saturday morning was filled with excitement as we took the boys to their first Karate competition. We were up early and there was a great sense of anticipation. Z did very well and had 3 rounds in the competition. His 2nd fight was won and he was placed 4th in his division.

J was aware that some of the boys in his division were really big and had higher belts than him. He was not sure that he would do too well but it was with great excitement that we watched him compete and come in third place! He won a bronze medal!


The top 4 in J's division.


The bronze medal.

We were very proud of their accomplishments in their first competition and they were taken out for dinner by their Ouma and Oupa to celebrate their success.

Philladelphia

Today a friend and I loaded up my little car with the children and we set off for a wonderful day out in the country ,in a little village called Philladelphia. I did not know it even existed until a few weeks ago! It is so tiny,that if you blinked you may pass right by without stopping to enjoy this quaint place. There are farms surrounding the little village. The children are pictured above, outside the post office on the main street. The date on the post office building is 1904. A gem stone shop, a coffee shop as well as an art gallery and potters gallery are also on the main street.

The children had the pleasure of being taught by our new friends how to make Challah, a traditional Jewish bread. It is a plaited loaf ,sprinkled generously, with sesame or poppy seeds.

We enjoyed the loaves fresh out of the oven with lashings of strawberry jam and cheese.....delicious! We will certainly be baking our own at home. The "friend up on the hill" ,as our new friend called her, came down to the village to hand deliver some honey for us. What a treat to buy eucalyptus and orange blossom honey for R20 a jar! An interesting and fun filled day was had by all.

Scrapbooking

We met for our Keepers Club yesterday and the girls had fun creating a scrap book page. This is K's page. They so enjoyed spending time being creative and preserving memories of days gone by.

Making Pancakes

This was sent to me by a dear friend....Enjoy!

Six year old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his
parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the
counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister,
spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most
of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the
floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.
Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this
to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or
on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked! Suddenly he saw
his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away,
knocking the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up
this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white
and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears
welled up in Brandon 's eyes. All he'd wanted to do was something good,
but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe
even a spanking.
But his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him
and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how the Almighty deals with us.. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a
friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of
anything else to do. That's when the Almighty picks us up and loves us and
forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop try ing to 'make
pancakes'
for Almighty or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then
they'll be glad we tried...

I was thinking and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed,
friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said,
sometimes, 'I love you' can heal & bless! Remind every one of your
friends that you love them. Even if you think they don't love back, you
would be amazed at what those three little words, a smile, and a
reminder like this can do.

Suppose one morning you were called to the Almighty; do all your friends know you
love them?

Never stop 'making pancakes.

Experiment time

Just had to share this.....anyone seeing this would wonder what on earth was going on in our lounge tonight! J needed to do a science experiment showing a simulation of multiple pulleys. Of course we all had to have a go. I was glad Eric was home to share in some of what we get up to ,while he is out earning a living so we can get up to all we do!

Wild weekend.

Well what a weekend. The children all had friends on Friday after schooling was done and the weekend seemed to get busier and busier. We had a great time but I am glad to have Monday here and a chance to get back into some routine.

J spent some time working at his ouma and oupa on Saturday as he is earning extra pocket money. It has been good to see him working for the things he wants at a young age and I am thankful they have lots of work for him to do around their home and can afford to employ him. It has been character building for him as he has had to pass up on some of the invitations his friends have made, as he has made a commitment to do the work at their home. He does this happily and usually comes home feeling tired after a days work.

We had the pleasure of a wonderful evening with friends on Saturday night. Their daughter of 3 is one of our God daughters. We had a great time catching up over a delicious braai. The children played outside late into the night with their jay boards and flopped into bed near to midnight.

Sunday,we had the privilege of going to the baptismal service of our 4th God daughter.It was a wonderful service at a nearby Anglican Church. It brought back memories of my childhood in the Anglican Church.It was mothering Sunday and the moms all received a little posy of flowers. Afterwards there was tea and cake.
We went on to pop in at friends who needed help with their Internet connection but unfortunately Eric was unable to help. As we were in the area ,we had planned to pop in at my dear younger sister. We were invited for am impromptu lunch of rolls and salads and all sorts of great toppings. The cousins were glad of a chance to spend some time together, and I was blessed with a lot of cuttings and seedlings for our garden.
The children spent the remainder of the afternoon at their Ouma and Oupa while Eric and I went to our church for the membership course. Needless to say, it was a wild but wonderful weekend.

Today brought the routine of school and extra murals and I had the chance to do some gardening and make another pot of Granny's famous chicken soup for lunch!

The children have used all the Internet time for the month so not sure how much blogging will be done until the end of the month....am able to use Eric's computer tonight.

More Than Just a Game.

One of the cells in which the prisoners played soccer with anything that would pass for a ball.

We have just finished watching an amazing movie based on a true story, called More Than Just a Game. It is about the political prisoners on Robben Island in the 1960s. What an incredible story of how they built up a soccer league with about 8 teams! After 4 years of asking,they finally got a soccer ball from the authorities.
It became their lives and their reason for living. They ran it in a most professional manner and it was taken very seriously among the prisoners. It gave them hope and a purpose. These early prisoners left a legacy for those who followed behind them to Robben Island.

What a pity that this story is not told to those who visit Robben Island. We thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the lives of the Robben Island prisoners. There was however some swearing so you may want to preview the movie before your children watch it.


Cousins enjoying the trip to Robben Island

Autumn is here.

This is a photo of a beautiful place called Kenmo Lake not far from where my sister lives in Kwa Zulu Natal. I would love to be there now to see Gods glory displayed as the season changes. There is a definite chill in the air this week and the evenings are darker sooner. Seven thirty at night feels really late as it is so dark by then.

Today is a quieter one as Z is not too well. He is running a temperature and his nose is all bunged up . He slept in my bedroom last night and has hardly left there today as he has been watching Animal Planet and Discovery while cuddled up with his bear "love teddy". I love that he still loves his love teddy at age 8. Who knows how long love teddy will be an important part of his life.

K and I have had a great time in the kitchen making Granny's delicious chicken soup (the verdict from J is that Granny makes it better!), cheese bread to go with the soup and macadamia and peanut butter biscuits. There is a delicious aroma of biscuits floating through the house. We had a great time talking about the power of the tongue and sharing girly talk.

J has been diligently getting on with his new maths lesson , a narration for language and some more science experiments regarding levers. I love it that I am part of their learning and am learning more each day.

We will do some reading aloud this afternoon all cuddled up on my bed. I am grateful for a king size bed where we can all pile on! Later we will have our movie night. We were supposed to have one every Thursday evening but since J started ballroom dancing, and he is not home, we just do it when we can. His dance partner is recovering from a cough and cold so I suggested they give dancing a miss this week. He is going to be doing his first karate competition in 9 days and it would not be a good idea to catch a cough and cold now.

Mmmm....Keren just brought me one of of the macadamia and peanut butter biscuits....they taste as good as they smell!

Some thoughts....

As I was reading a magazine today, I read something that struck a cord within me. It is from Above Rubies by Nancy Campbell.

May God bless you and strengthen you as you daily nurture the children God has graciously given to you. We live in an age that is twisted out of Gods pattern for living. You do not have to conform to its pattern. Instead shine like beacon lights in this world as you raise your family for God and uncompromisingly stand up for the truth. Love righteousness and hate evil. Raise your children to do the same. Lift up the banner of righteousness for it is only righteousness that exalts a nation.

It made me think about the choices we all have daily. Are we conforming to the worlds pattern or are we seeking to shine like beacon lights in our homes? It is so easy get caught up with all we do in our homes and not deal with the problems that raise themselves. Just this evening, at the end of a full and busy day, some sibling arguing reared its ugly head.....it would be so easy to just ignore or shout at the offending siblings, but some hearts needed to be dealt with. Gently,the children were reminded to talk kindly to one another and both soon came to realise they needed to change their attitudes towards one another. Even I need to be reminded that I do not have to conform to the worlds pattern. I need His blessing and strength daily. It has been said that parenting is HEART work.

The things they do!

Just had to share what the children have got up to......This is how J cleaned the kitchen counter after lunch!

I am sure it is easier to use a cloth than haul out the vacuum cleaner!

K found a fantastic way to put her hair up while I was reading aloud and she was not allowed to interrupt and leave the room and get a hair band!

Fabulous Friday

K has decided she wants to learn how to bake and cook new dishes. We started off on Friday morning with a baking session. She made some bran muffins and Irish soda bread with little help or direction from me . The result was delicious .... we had fresh bread piled with cheese, lettuce ,tomato and gherkins for lunch.

The proud baker!

In the afternoon , we headed off to meet friends. As we drove past Fish Hoek, the children noticed some fishing boats in the bay and at the beach. They were curious to see if there had been a catch. One quick call to our friends, and they came to meet us on the beach.

The children were fascinated as they watched the nets being pulled in, teeming with fish! What a catch! There were hundreds of Yellow Tail ! There was great excitement as the fishermen loaded them into the back of a bakkie for the market. Some were sold right there on the beach. I was tempted to buy one but could not face gutting and cleaning it



The children were very brave about exploring the fish...looking at the gills and touching the eyes and feeling the scales. They enjoyed the hands on experience. The girls also found a huge jellyfish which they decided needed to be rescued. It was carried back into the sea amid squeals and laughter! We spent a further hour on the beach and the children made the most of the warm day and calm , cool waters.

Hands on!

Operation Jellyfish Rescue.

I was spoiled with a beautiful bunch of flowers when Eric came home and take out pizza for dinner, a rare treat!

Thankful Thursday

I got this idea from Jonathan's Blog. He is a young boy who stumbled across my blog and he lives in USA. He has brain cancer and is determined to fight it. It is inspiring to see such courage in a young person facing something so huge. Please keep him in your prayers.

I am thankful for: the Lords grace in my life
my husband
my three precious children
my sisters and my big, little brother and his sweet wife
my mom and all the wisdom she has when I need to talk
my home
my wonderful, caring friends
my little car that gets me where ever we need or want to be

I think we can all take the time to give thanks for something every day There are so many people out there in this world who are suffering in some way or another. An attitude of gratitude is so important.

For Today Tuesday 10th March

Outside my window...a cool breeze is most welcome after the heat of the day.

I am thinking...I wish there were more hours in a day.

I am thankful for...good friends who share my life.

From the learning rooms...lots of reading on the Anglo Boer War.

From the kitchen...a delicious pasta with butternut, creme fresh, tomatoes and chilli.

I am wearing...a flowing turquoise skirt and a white T shirt

I am creating...memories on a daily basis as I share my children's days with them

I am going...to bath a newborn baby on Thursday afternoon....cant wait!

I am reading...Proverbs with the children. It is inspiring.

I am hoping...to wake up feeling refreshed tomorrow as I got to bed too late last night

I am hearing...the sounds of a TV programme Eric is watching

Around the house...All is calm and quiet as the children sleep soundly after a fun filled day,

One of my favorite things...A cool shower on a hot day

A few plans for the rest of the week: to declutter my bedroom ; see my friend on Friday ; celebrate 17 years of marriage on Saturday!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Our two cats have decided to drape themselves lazily over a poof . The days have been very warm and they laze there, most days, all day!

Please visit Peggys blog at at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

The Blessing of a new baby

Perfectly and wonderfully made !

Tonight I had the pleasure of visiting our home helpers sister in hospital. She gave birth to a baby boy last night at about 6.30pm. So he was barely 24 hours old. He is such a perfect little miracle. I just love those perfectly formed little fingers and toes and could sit and watch the expressions on the face of a newborn for hours. The visiting hour went by way too fast! Mommy is doing OK but very tired as she is sharing a ward with 3 other moms, one with a set of twins, and the babes are all there with the mommies too.

I had the pleasure of changing a nappy (yes pleasure!), cleaning the cord , swaddling him and helping the new mom with breastfeeding and burping the tiny little fellow. Yes, he was only 2,3kg at birth. All that midwifery training I had years ago came in handy . Babies have always been a passion of mine. I look forward to going to their home later this week to give him his first bath. The new mommy is a little daunted by everything but I am sure she will feel better when she is in her own environment .

The parents have chosen to name him Eric, after my husband. What an honour!

Keepers Cake Decorating

Yesterday the Keepers club got together to share a fun morning of cake decorating . A friend ,who is a caterer ,kindly shared her knowledge and skills with the children. I decided that Zak would have fun decorating cakes too and none of the girls minded he was there. He had to be reminded that the icing was for the cupcakes and not his fingers and mouth! We all enjoyed the beautifully iced cupcakes after dinner!

The children created these decorations for their cupcakes.

I got an "I love you mom" cupcake made with piped chocolate!

The happy faces tell all! They had a great time!

Kerens creations............

Zak loved all this "hands on , messy fun"

crystals and cupcakes and more

The kitchen has been a hive of activity this week. The children have made crystals and J has done loads of Science experiments. It has been lots of fun! He had the younger 2 stumped when he got a paperclip to float in a bowl of water. Try as they might, they could not do it!

Try it! There is a trick to it!

The kids were fascinated by the crystals!

K spent time baking a batch of delicious cupcakes for her Keepers of the Faith. More to follow on that soon...

Done all on her own!

Camping Weekend

Girls having fun!

We had a wonderful time camping this weekend with our dear friends,the Vels family. The weather was just perfect.What a pleasure to watch the children running free.They swam,enjoyed the animals and the playground, rode their J Boards, and had great fun at the party. They had sleep overs in each others tents.

My dear friend is so organised and I know that whatever I had left behind, or forgotten to bring, she would have! We shared our meals and ate well and enjoyed each others company.

I was so proud of Josh as he took charge in putting up the tents and directing us mommies on what went where.The girls washed up dishes after a huge brunch on Sunday. It is such a blessing to see ones children growing up and being able to contribute to the work that needs to be done to keep the wheels turning.

I once read somewhere that there are 4 "F"s that help a family have a great time and build memories.......Family, Fun, Fellowship and Food.......We certainly built memories this weekend!

Slow Dance

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids

On a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain

Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?

Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last

Do you run through each day

On the fly?

When you ask

How are you?

Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done

Do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores

Running through

your head?

You'd better slow down

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

Ever told your child,

We'll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,

Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,

Let a good friendship die

Cause you never had time

To call and say,'

Hi

'You'd better slow down.

Don't dance so fast.

Time is short.

The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere

You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,

It is like an unopened gift.....

Thrown away.

Life is not a race.

Do take it slower

Hear the music

Before the song is over.

This was sent to me on an email......a reminder for us to all slow down . That is what we did this past weekend as we camped at a nearby campsite. It was a wonderful weekend of slowing down and enjoying the company of good friends.