June's Joys

Finding joy in everyday life...

chilly but sunny winter days

breakfast out with hubby and our youngest

friends and family helping out with lifts while my car is being repaired

hot chocolate shared with dear friends

warm fires on chilly evenings surrounded by my precious ones

friends bringing firewood and marshmallows to toast on the fire

late night chatter with my girl as we share my bed

happy father's day celebrations with family

connecting with an overseas friend 

hearing from more old friends

seeing my kids connect and hearing their laughter

date night with hubby

braai and fun and games with friends

houseful of happy, bubbly teens

an afternoon spent with family friends who have known me for over 40 years

watching His plans unfold

a morning with my cute nephew, love the constant chatter and little imaginative brain working overtime

a morning spent birthday shopping with my soon to be 20 year old

visiting teens who call me mom

endless supply of wool given to me by friends

a wonderfully encouraging read gifted by my sweet girl

a medical scare that turned out to be nothing

my car back home

an afternoon enjoying the theater with my youngest

girls morning out with friends

wonderful results for my girl

my dear sister who just knows when to call

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Weekly Wrap-Up: End of Term!

It has been weeks again since I have blogged. 

Perhaps a little hibernation with the cold weather we have been experiencing.

 We have also come to the end of term 2 and now are on our winter break. It has been a busy time especially for Keren who has been writing her mid year matric exams and making sure all her relevant assignments and projects are done. She is almost done and I cant wait to have all the work marked, filed and handed in for further marking and moderation. 

I am certain she will continue to do exceedingly well in all her subjects. She did very well in her midyear art exams which were written at her art school. The painting she did for term 2 has been sold and she has her first commission from one of the teachers at the art school. It is wonderful to see her being able to earn from something she is fiercely passionate about and loves to do.

She is working on two paintings at the moment and I love to watch the pieces as they develop. 

Zak finished off basketball for the term and is not keen to continue. He has decided that rock climbing is something he wants to continue with as he really enjoys his weekly climbs at City Rock. School work has been completed for the term and he is enjoying the freedom of the holidays. 

Its wonderful having Josh here on the days he doesn't need to go on site and he is working remotely. It gives me pleasure to be able to make all my kids a hot lunch, freshly squeezed juice or a hot chocolate while they are working. I love hearing the interaction between my three too. 

We have been enjoying warm fires, good wholesome home cooked meals and the company of good friends. Last weekend Zak and I enjoyed the theater. Our neighbor was performing in A Midsummer Night's Dream. A real treat enjoyed with neighborhood friends.  

Plans for the holidays include a mini trip away for Keren and me which we are both really looking forward to it. Today it has been wonderful to get up and have no agenda. Keren has been working on her painting and Zak has gone off to City Rock with his friends.

 I am already loving the break from school.....

Weekly Wrap-Up: The Overdue One

Yes, its been two weeks since a weekly wrap up post. Life has been happening. We have had days of rain and chilly temperatures as well as gorgeous sunny days with no wind. School has taken place in warm beds or under blankets on the couches. Its such a blessing to be able to let the kids sleep in a bit too on chilly mornings. 

Keren has written her first exam for matric, her art theory exam, and she has spent weeks working on her practical which she handed in today.

 An offer to purchase it was made too!

Zak got his belay license at rock climbing last week and has been attending basketball. He and I finished up his anatomy and physiology course . I wonder what course we will do next...perhaps another geography course or more science. 

I have been roping him in in the kitchen too and he has been making delicious garlic cheesy scones to accompany soup dinners, apple and cinnamon muffins and pancakes too. Its good for boys to know their way around the kitchen!

Evenings have been cozy with a fire when needed and the family gathering in the lounge. We have enjoyed watching series and I keep my hands busy knitting. I have been donated wool of all colors from friends and its been fun to knit them up into beanies and booties for a local project. The Zoe project makes mum and baby packs for new mums at the local midwife obstetric units. The mums are often from very poor homes with little for their new babes, so its a real pleasure to know that these beanies and booties will make a difference and keep these babes warm. 

Weekends have been good. Lots of rest and relaxation. I still don't have my car since the accident so I look forward to weekends and getting out a bit when hubby is home. We have enjoyed Saturday morning breakfasts at a local nursery. They have great specials on during the winter months . Yummy hot chocolate and bacon on french toast for a steal. Zak joined us this past Saturday and really enjoyed it. We had  a lovely walk in the nearby forest this weekend too.

 It was wonderful to enjoy the wide open spaces and the great outdoors. 

Monday's Multitudes

It's cold out and there is snow on the distant mountains.

Winter is here!

 There is much to be thankful for!

a fire warming the lounge this evening

warm blankets

hearty soup at lunch time shared with my girl

catching up with my far away farm sister on the phone

my cheery niece popping by

movies with girlfriends, a great laugh

Saturday morning breakfast out with hubby

hot chocolate specials with extra chocolate and marshmallows...only R6! (we will be going back)

an unexpected visit from my brother and cute nephew

friends and family helping with lifts for the kiddos while I don't have my car

discovering a beautiful park that I haven't been to before

knitting, relaxing and therapeutic

steaming hot rooibos chai

mosaic work 

hubby's cooking, a delicious curry

hugs from my teens

His provision and faithfulness

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