Monday's Multitudes

Being thankful for what God has done is one of the most important attitudes that we can have. It's not only important to God, but it's really important to us. It changes our lives when we're thankful. I believe that gratitude is powerful. I think it puts a smile on God's face, and it does nothing but good for you and everyone around you. Good things are in store when you understand the power of being thankful. (Joyce Meyer)

spur of the moment dinner with my sister and brother and their families
cousins delight at seeing one another again
hearty laughter with friends
red peppers in the garden
a morning walk
a debt forgiven
relaxed getaway to my Dad's beautiful home with my dear sister
perfect summer evening, kids swimming until late, family and old friends, good food
delicious dinner at the Eastern bazaar
puppies and kittens
fist beans and courgettes in the garden
seedlings, a gift from my neighbor
summer fruits and watermelon slush
boys playing wild and free, outside until dark
wrapping up school work for the year
a trip to the farm for my girl
Christmas carols and picnic with my precious ones
 giant tree lit with light and hope
safe travels for my girl and my sister and her family
prayers of faithful friends
getting a much needed appointment at the last minute
days with no particular agenda now that school is done
champagne and strawberries and celebrating a dear friend's birthday
scrabble with hubby
our dear son spending an evening with us
pizza evening with my brother and his sweet boy
unexpected visit from my cute nephew
father and son time
Christmas cheer
Sunday chats with far away family
carols floating on the wind from afar
my boy popping in for lunch
early birthday treat of a relaxing pedicure

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Weekly Wrap-Up: Wrapping Up

It has been a few weeks since a weekly wrap up post. A busy few weeks with my daughter's hospitalization , recovery and a week long visit from my dear farm sister and her family with lots of fun socialization and enjoyment of being together.

There have been last lessons in art, basketball and technology classes. 

Last youth group for the year too.

Keren wrapped up her assignments and projects for the year so we could send in her portfolio of work. She is so blessed that she didn't need to write final exams for the year due to her illness and will be passed on the work she has done for the year. Thankfully her year marks have been good so there is no concern regarding her passing the year. She got her year end results from her art school and they are outstanding. I can hardly believe I will have a second home school graduate this time next year! Where did the years go!

Keren went back to the faraway farm with my sister and her family for a glorious and much deserved month long holiday. I am a little green....

Zak and I have wrapped up his course for the year and he has done well. We have spent last few days sleeping when we please, eating when we please and just relaxing after a particularly tough couple of months.

We enjoyed the annual lighting of the St Luke's Christmas Tree and carol service last Sunday. A tradition that we have kept for many years. It was wonderful to picnic and relax surrounded by family and friends and enjoy the spectacular sight of this tree of light and hope. The Caledonian pipe band played and the Welsh choir sang for us. A magical evening which just gets one into festive mode!

five minute friday: dear

Dear me

Yes, this too shall pass

Dear brother, I love you, thank you for your loving care

Dear son, I miss you terribly

Dear son, I love your hugs

Dear daughter, you are my ray of sunshine

Dear hubby, thanks for your wisdom and calm ways

Dear friends, you are precious, thank you for caring

Dear Mum, I know you pray for me every day and I am grateful

Dear Dad, thanks for making your home a place of refuge for me

Dear sisters, you are my girls and I love you

Dear God, I know there is hope in you

Thanks for the link up Kate

Monday's Multitudes

Continuing to count His blessings.....

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handfuls of freshly picked tomatoes

hugs from my youngest

my girl sleeping soundly beside me

her appetite returning little by little

friends and family picnicking on our lawn on a perfect summer evening

staying out there as the stars came out, chatting, laughing and connecting

shopping with vouchers again

unexpected visit from my boy at lunch time

blessed that my girl will pass year end based on the work she has done for the year despite missing final exams

thanksgiving evening of fun with my precious family

my sweet nephew relaxing on the couch

more lunch time visits from my boy

winning a dinner for two

soaking summer rains

take out treats for dinner

wise counsel

mosaic fun with a dear friend

picnic lunch with a friend

boys having their first summer swim, lots of laughter and splashing

starry, windless  and perfect summer evenings

early morning hour long conversation with my much missed mum

movies and ice cream with my precious ones

excitement at seeing my dear sister

His peace in my heart

Monday's Multitudes

These last few weeks have been some of the most trying times we have ever faced as a family. Family changes and a very sick girl. And sometimes we are given more than we think we can handle or endure but we have One who can handle anything! In the midst of pain, sorrow or sadness, He is near and somehow He makes things good.

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relaxed evening with my connect group
my sweet little nephew here for the afternoon
orders coming in
finding the perfect birthday gift for hubby
grocery shopping with vouchers
wonderful morning walk
unexpectedly meeting up with a friend
eggs from my brother's chickens
lunch with a dear friend
a free facial, wonderful treat
free samples of facial products
family braai using hubby's new gas braai
another early morning walk with my girl, so good for the soul
a day out with friends
comfort of a friend
good medical care for my girl when she was so very ill
kind nurses
thankful to be allowed to sit with my girl day and night at the hospital
relief and eternal gratefulness that her complications were not permanent
prayers of faithful friends and family
thankful my boy was not as ill as his sister
well wishes and caring calls from family and friends
my sweetie regaining strength daily
whispered prayers at bedtime
hubby's homemade pizza
flowers brightening the room
visit from a caring friend
birthday celebrations with friends despite the chaos, good to feel normal
lunch with my three kiddos

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

Loaded Cauliflower

I mentioned this tasty dish in one of my previous posts and a reader asked me to share the recipe. I originally found the recipe on Facebook of all places! 

Hubby who is not a fan of cauliflower ate a little of it and said it was ok but for those who love cauliflower and cheese, this is winner. As its "loaded",  it can be enjoyed on its own as a meal, or if you prefer, as a tasty side dish. 

Ingredients:

large head of cauliflower

bacon

mushrooms

onions

chopped chives

mayonnaise 1/2 cup

sour cream 1/2 cup

shredded cheese 2 cups

Directions:

Heat oven to 180 degrees C

boil cauliflower for 8 to 10 minutes

drain,  cool and chop

in a bowl combine fried bacon pieces, mushrooms, chives and onion

add 1 cup of cheese, mayonnaise and sour cream

combine with cauliflower

place in a baking dish, top with cheese

bake for 15 to 20 minutes

garnish with more chives and serve

five minute friday: still

Be Still (Psalm 46:10)

Be still your anxious thoughts of mind;
Be still when answers you fail to find.
Be still impatient, questioning heart,
For I've held the answers from the start.

"Be still and know..."
Know that every need I will provide;
Know that I will never leave your side.
Know that your times are in My hands,
As in your life I work to fulfill My plans.

"Be still and know that I am..."
I am He who sees your every tear;
I am He who calms your deepest fear.
I am He who gives peace within life's storms,
While those tempests I use to strengthen and form.

"Be still and know that I am God..."
God, who sent My only Son;
God Almighty, Omniscient One.
God, who loved you enough to die,
So trust Me, my child; stop asking why.

"BE STILL and KNOW that I AM GOD."

(c) 2001 Holly L. Schmidtbleicher

Thanks for the link up Kate

Monday's Multitudes

connect group fun making up Christmas boxes for underprivileged kids
friends treating us to lunch on hubby's birthday
family dinner to celebrate his birthday
sun warming my back
spring showers for my garden
leftovers for dinner
ice cream and cookies with the kids
a sincere apology
playing scrabble with the kids
a new iron bought with vouchers
another prize, a lovely hamper of facial products
freshly mowed lawn
a much needed nap
good counsel
gift of a new pot from hubby, my 22 year old one broke
relaxed evening having dinner and listening to music with hubby
an excellent read
Sunday's service
a friend popping in to visit
hubby sharing his birthday treats

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Slow Living Monthly 9 : September and October

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, If a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, If the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive.” - Eleonora Duse

NOURISH: 

I have had a bit of fun in the kitchen recently. My aim is to try new recipes often and we have enjoyed a few new favorites more than once.

A quick and easy wrap filled with mince and marinated courgettes is a winner. Fully loaded cauliflower is another firm favorite. It is packed with mushrooms, bacon and cheese in a sour cream sauce.

Our lemons have been used in a variety of puddings that my daughter has made. The best being a lemon meringue pie. Rooibos and lemon iced tea is enjoyed on warmer days.

PREPARE:

Our daughter prepared  a tomato jam and an apple chutney.

REDUCE: 

I collected a broken mirror from a friend so I can reuse it in my mosaics. An occupational therapist was also throwing out a number of her clients half finished projects and I have claimed them to rescue the tiles for my own mosaic projects too.

GREEN: 

Lemon balm tea is a soothing refreshing drink I have been enjoying.

GROW: 

I love this time of year in the garden. It's so exciting to see the new growth. My California Poppies and sweet-peas are looking gorgeous. Seedling are peeping through the soil and there are first fruits of tomatoes, chilies, passion fruit and peppers. Carrots and beetroot are ready for harvesting, corn is knee high, beans are climbing the tripods and squash are putting out leaves.

I have planted aubergine, lettuce, peppers, basil, spring onions as well as numerous different seeds. It is going to be fun to see what does well.

CREATE: 

Beanies galore have been knitted from the tiniest prem baby beanies to slouch beanies for teens and a lovely new "tea cosy" style fitted beanie for my daughter, niece and dear sister. 

This little guy is a month old and the tiny prem beanie is still way too big!

I adapted the baby pattern for the adult sizes and the recipients all love them. 

I have made some baby jerseys and booties too.

It was fun to put together the blue set, adding colours as I went along. 

Its a great way to use up even the smallest scraps of wool. 

It was lovely to create some mosaic projects again. 

My nephew loves his new mirror.

The blue one will go up in my son's room and the neutral one is for my sister. 

DISCOVER: 

I have been enjoying quick reads on blogs and in magazines. A recent win of a recipe book also makes great reading.

ENHANCE:

I joined a pay-forward initiative for the fun of it. My recipients will receive a surprise from me at some point during this calendar year- anything from a book, a ticket, something home-grown, homemade, a postcard, absolutely any surprise! There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit them and make them happy. 

ENJOY: 

Hubby and I had a rare weekend away on the West Coast. Wide open spaces, spring flowers and freedom. 

My sister visited from the farm and we enjoyed her daughter's photography exhibition.

'Beach and forest walks fed the soul.

My siblings and I visited the Oranjezicht City Farm and market. 

We celebrated the birthdays of my niece, daughter and hubby.

Weekly Wrap-Up: One With a Birthday

It seems the week flew by in a flurry of activity. 

Over last weekend I had the joy of going to watch my sweet nephew in concert. It was the cutest thing to watch these little people singing their hearts out with all the accompanying actions.

That's my cutie pie touching the floor and the little girl next to him spent the entire time covering her ears! Poor little thing! I am really not sure how the teachers managed to keep them all so calm and still for so long! 

This week kids got on with their work and kept on track most of the time. 

Zak has been enjoying a story about Joan of Arc and learning about Medieval times. We have decided to prepare a low key Medieval dinner next week some time. A number of years ago we had a wonderful Medieval feast with dear friends. The kids were much younger, we all dressed up, had a castle backdrop and a wonderful evening of fun. I don't think any of us will ever forget that evening! This time around we will keep it simple.

Zak had a long awaited haircut this week and is looking so good!

It was hubby's birthday midweek and our best-man and his wife treated us to a relaxed lunch out.

 We also enjoyed a lovely dinner together as a family and spent some time playing bananagram, a word game, after dinner.

Talking about word games, we have discovered online "words with friends" and scrabble. All week various members of the family have been challenging one another to games. It's great fun as one can play when you have a moment and a game does not need to be played in one sitting, a word or two played here and there. 

Zak and I have also been enjoying CNN Student News which is delivered to my in box daily. It's a great way to keep up with current affairs.

The week ended with art lessons and youth where Keren was running the night. It is wonderful to see her growing in her ministry to the youth. 

Monday's Multitudes

Finding joy in an overwhelming and scary world where nothing is as it should be....

movie night with the teens
an hour long phone call with a dear friend
fridge full of healthy food
granadilla blossoms daily
just picked ripe tomato
peppers growing in the garden
teens who do their chores without complaining
my dad's call
a wonderful evening out with friends
good reports from my son's employer, thankful that his work is going well
a gift from my girl, my favorite cookies
my sweet nephew on stage for his school concert, blessed to be there and witness the cuteness
coffee and chats with a friend
a good night's sleep
dinner with my oldest
Sunday worship
a walk with my youngest out in the fresh air
my girl's baking
my brother and his little family visiting for the evening

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Weekly Wrap-Up: Back At It

It's been a while since a weekly wrap-up post.

 There has been a short school holiday and now we are in the fourth and final term of the year.

 It feels good to be on the final stretch. 

Much of Keren's time has been spent on art and she had her grade 11 exhibition. 

 It was lovely to see her work on display and see what others in her class have produced too. 

She has also dedicated time to her practicals for consumers and has been baking delicious desserts, much to her brother's delight! 

Jam and chutney were made too.

The task of completing the terms work and final exams lie ahead. 

I have no doubt that she will continue to excel. 

Zak has been focused on his work and we have enjoyed some nature study too.

 It's wonderful to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and all that spring has to offer. 

Flowers of the fields, 

insects collecting pollen, 

birds chirping and long grasses dancing in the breeze...

all food for the soul!

A good start to the fourth term.

Monday's Multitudes

No matter what, it is good to give thanks...

friends and family who care

hubby's wonderful prize of shopping vouchers

fresh insight

hugs from my kids

a gift of my favorite chocolate bar from hubby

new friends

laughter

restful sleep

spring flowers in my garden

grocery shopping with hubby

meandering through Muizenberg and enjoying undiscovered finds

a kind friend bringing dinner

teens making dinner and cleaning up

dinner with my brother and his little family

a God appointment

a spring morning walk with my boy and our dog

a caring, praying "mom" substitute

His promises

my dear neighbor who always welcomes my boy

coffee with a friend

seedlings gifted by my brother

story time with my cute nephew

gift of mosaic supplies

His everlasting arms

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A Visit to Oranjezicht City Farm

For the longest time I have wanted to visit the Oranjezicht City Farm nestled on the slopes beneath Table Mountain.

My sister, visiting from the Free State, managed to round us siblings up on Saturday morning for a visit. 

In the 1700's this area was part of one of the largest farms in the Table Valley. 

It is fed by perennial springs that provided water to the Company's Gardens way back when they produced fresh produce for passing ships and the colonists. 

With urbanization, the land was used for housing and later as a bowling green. 

The bowling green was unused for several decades and the City Farm was established in 2012. 

It is a non profit project that celebrates local food, culture and community.

The perfect place for my 3 year old nephew to discover and enjoy. 

I was reminded of childhood stories of Mr Mc Gregor's garden and expected Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton tail and Peter to be hopping past any moment.

There is a  market which is open every Saturday from 9 until 2pm.

The atmosphere was vibrant and friendly.

Fresh produce from the city farm is sold as well as produce from other suppliers.

My sister bought some smoked cheese, simply delicious!

There was a variety of fresh bread 

and sweet treats 

and samosas and mini pies to mention just a few!

Everything looked and smelled delicious!

Fresh mushrooms and chilies

or beautiful flowers and so much more!

A wonderful feast for the senses!

...... and definitely worth visiting again with a full wallet!

Monday's Multitudes

Thanks living...

connecting with our connect group

my precious nephew and his delightful conversations

generosity of my sister in law

my dear farm sister and her son arriving safely after a long bus trip from the farm

gifts in conversation: cousins catching up after months of not having seen one another

generosity of my sweet sister

farm cheese and other yummy home made delicacies from the farm

my kind and generous neighbour

my nephew spoiling me with sweet treats

smiles on my sweetpea's face today after a few tough days

coffee delivered to my bedside by hubby at dawn

fun evening with friends we have not seen in a while

family here, tots to teens having fun, good food, good times

thankful for our awesome pastor and the wonderful celebratory service today

ice creams and beach walks, my sister beside me, cousins having a blast on the beach

lunch with my oldest, just the two of us

my sweetie finding just what she needed in the shop

chats with my Mum

an unexpected warm greeting

friends and family celebrating our gorgeous niece's birthday together

watching the teens have a blast dancing and laughing

hospitality shown

my sister's gentle ways

enjoying seeing the boy cousins have a great time

my sister popping in with a tasty lunch for us to share

my neighbor blessing us with dinner

time exploring with my sister and my brother and his family

wonderful birthday party for my niece and my daughter, blessed that they have beautiful friends

family that cares

our precious girl, her 17th birthday today

mom and daughter massages, prizes won

pizza evening thanks to another prize won

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Weekly Wrap-Up: The Festive One

On Monday my eldest was working from home. It was great having him home and the two us enjoyed lunch out together, a rare treat, and wonderful to have alone time with him. It was his birthday treat from his Gran and lovely of him to share it with me. 

Monday evening was loads of fun!
We had a great big get together with family and friends at a braai to celebrate my niece's 19th birthday. Most of these kiddos have known one another since birth. Its wonderful to see them all growing up.

It was the first time we have been together in years on her birthday!

Keren wrote some term tests this week and been working long hours creating her candyland outfit the joint birthday party she and my niece are having on Saturday. 

There was little school for Zak this week as his cousin was still visiting from the farm .

 But we enjoyed planting our spring seeds, perfect timing as he is studying botany at the moment.

On Tuesday a friend, Zak and his cousin went go karting, an early birthday gift for his cousin.



The boys had a blast racing around the track !

Wednesday was Heritage day here in S.A. otherwise known as National Braai Day and hubby had the day off. Keren worked despite the fact it was a public holiday and she got her hair redone with one of her vouchers from the hair show.

I love the rich colour!

 Zak left on an adventure with his second cousins....
a four day trip to the Breede River, lucky boy!

They stayed in this beautiful house.

Had fun in the Jacuzzi!

And the great outdoors....

He had an absolute blast and came home happy and tired on Saturday.

Thursday my sister popped in for an impromptu visit and brought us the most delicious lunch to share. It has been wonderful having her here and spending time with her.

Friday she and my niece popped in again and took Keren off to get fabric for her party outfit. 

It was a whirlwind kind of a week, culminating with the girls joint party on Saturday night. The guests all dressed up in something beginning with the first letter of the name.



The pirate, Zorro and Katy Perry!

 There must have been 70 or more happy and loud teens and it was loads of fun!
 Eating, dancing, laughing and celebrating!