Life has been filled with much recently. Some good and some not so good. I have decided to take some time out from my blog and will be posting again when I am ready.
Loving learning,a place to share our journey...
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Joy Dare October week 2
This past week I reached counting 1000 gifts to be thankful for.
It has become a daily habit to find something to give thanks to God for no matter what we face.
Sometimes it is not easy when life burdens one with challenges but it is worth it!
So I will continue to count my blessings....
Day 9
989) acceptance in Him
990) His strength, not my own
&
991) knowing nothing can separate me from His love
990) His strength, not my own
&
991) knowing nothing can separate me from His love
Day 10
992) thankful to find joy, great or small even in difficult times
993) happy sounds of cousins on a long distance phone call.... knowing they will see each other soon
994) thankful for groceries just when there was little left
993) happy sounds of cousins on a long distance phone call.... knowing they will see each other soon
994) thankful for groceries just when there was little left
Day 11
995) thankful that last night's intruders did not get into our home and we were not harmed
996) thankful for some quiet time to myself while my eldest did his chemistry practicals and the youngest explored the science centre with his friend
997) humble thanks for God's family that is beyond our comprehension....
and His provision through someone we don't even know
998) thankful for financial help to replace our gate motor after it was stolen last night
999) thankful for a beautiful evening..
blessed to be surrounded by my family...
a simple meal shared outdoors...
delicious best ever chocolate mousse for dessert
made by my eldest and his sweet girlfriend
996) thankful for some quiet time to myself while my eldest did his chemistry practicals and the youngest explored the science centre with his friend
997) humble thanks for God's family that is beyond our comprehension....
and His provision through someone we don't even know
998) thankful for financial help to replace our gate motor after it was stolen last night
999) thankful for a beautiful evening..
blessed to be surrounded by my family...
a simple meal shared outdoors...
delicious best ever chocolate mousse for dessert
made by my eldest and his sweet girlfriend
Day 12
1000) reaching 1000 things to give thanks for no matter what life holds
1001) encouragement and blessings from my far away mum
1002) end of a challenging week...hopefully some rest and relaxation over the weekend
1001) encouragement and blessings from my far away mum
1002) end of a challenging week...hopefully some rest and relaxation over the weekend
Day 13
1003) seeing my teen daughter and her friend enjoy a happy fun filled girls day today....
1004) an evening of fun and dancing with hubby and some friends
.....laughing at princess movies, eating pink food and wearing crowns!
1004) an evening of fun and dancing with hubby and some friends
Day 14
1005) conversations with my farm sister and my mum
1006) hubby's helping hands around the house today
Day 15
( a gift re-read)
1009) thankful for wise words on motherhood from Kat at Inspired to Action :
1006) hubby's helping hands around the house today
Day 15
( a gift re-read)
1009) thankful for wise words on motherhood from Kat at Inspired to Action :
"The best I can do is to show them what following God looks like, what good choices look like, what love looks like. My job is to invite them to journey alongside me, teach them as much as I can and pray for them constantly.
Ultimately, though, their responses and decisions I must entrust to the grace of God. Unlike a marathon, boot camp or grad school, following all the rules doesn't mean I get the prize of perfect kids."
&
1008) thankful for friends who make me laugh
1009) thankful for shared lifts for the children today....giving me extra time to help my daughter get ready for her trip to the farm in the morning
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Science Centre Fun
Today the boys and I visited the Cape Town Science Centre again.
It was good to just have some time alone with my thoughts while the boys were kept busy.
Behind the green door, our eldest was occupied with practical chemistry lessons. These lessons have been taking place over the last few months and have been of great help to him in preparation for his exams.
He will be writing physical science in the next couple of weeks.
Our youngest had a friend with him and they were free to explore.
A great place for busy boys to discover new things and learn while having fun.
Certainly one of our favourite places!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Joy Dare October week 1
Day 2
(a gift falling)
970) plans falling into place for my daughter to visit far away family
&
971) visit from a friend I haven't seen in a while
Day 3
972) early morning coffee at the neighbour in my pjs
973) house full of kids and their friends...love it
974) my mum sending me photos from her visit at the farm
975) having my precious baby nephew here this afternoon
976) another generous donation of bath sprudels for my son's fund raising project for the Chaeli Campaign
977) lemon curd and ice cream for desert
Day 4
978) rain watering my garden today
Day 5
979) morning walk and talk with my daughter
980) a friend popping in unexpectedly for a visit today
981) teens filling the house....loud and happy
Day 6
982) beautiful truth in Ann Voskamp's words...
" And He knows your name and He holds the stars and His girds underneath and He never lets go and He is joy and He is light and He is the warrior who defeats the dark"
983) my dad popping in for coffee and taking my daughter out to an art exhibition
984) laughing with friends
985) winning a book prize for my youngest
984) laughing with friends
985) winning a book prize for my youngest
Day 7
(a gift eaten)
986) doughnuts brought for us by my daughter's friend
986) doughnuts brought for us by my daughter's friend
Day 8
987) good first day back at school today after the week long break
988) a brisk walk in the biting wind ...clearing the mind and getting the heart pumping
988) a brisk walk in the biting wind ...clearing the mind and getting the heart pumping
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Sweetarts 3D edible art workshop
Yesterday K enjoyed a fun afternoon creating some 3D cake pops and figurines with Jacki of Sweetarts.
.
My favourite are the Minnie mouse and the pink teddy bear!
Jacki is passionate about sharing her talents with youngsters and inspiring them to be creative.
If you would like to book a workshop with Jacki, you can visit her website here:
Monday, October 1, 2012
Slow Living Month 9
September seems to have been super slow with not a lot happening compared to more productive months, but as usual it is good to look back and see what was was achieved.
NOURISH:
NOURISH:
We enjoyed a fragrant chicken curry using Indian Tomatoes from last months freezer supply and the butternut and orange chutney that has been standing in my fridge for a while.It truly was tasty!
I have wanted to use some Lavender from the garden in my cooking for a while so my daughter and I tried our hand at some lavender shortbread.
I have wanted to use some Lavender from the garden in my cooking for a while so my daughter and I tried our hand at some lavender shortbread.
We also made shortbread with lemon balm. The lavender shortbread was the winner!
If dinner is cooked in the oven, I continue to make the apple and oat bake for hubby's breakfast. My daughter made a double batch of jam squares one evening too when she needed eats for a function. Her brothers were happy to have the extra delicious snacks too!
As we had sufficient gooseberries, I made another gooseberry pie.
If dinner is cooked in the oven, I continue to make the apple and oat bake for hubby's breakfast. My daughter made a double batch of jam squares one evening too when she needed eats for a function. Her brothers were happy to have the extra delicious snacks too!
As we had sufficient gooseberries, I made another gooseberry pie.
We have been enjoying guacamole at lunch time as avocados are in season. We add tomato, finely chopped onion, coriander and chilli from the garden, garlic and lemon juice...delicious!
PREPARE:
This month I made a batch of sweet chilli and tomato sauce with tomatoes and chili from the freezer.
This month I made a batch of sweet chilli and tomato sauce with tomatoes and chili from the freezer.
My home made pickled onions were great and I made a second batch which are just as good!
Lemon curd has been made again and again, enjoyed with pancakes and fresh fruit.
REDUCE:
We continue to recycle paper and glass and I reuse card board boxes when I need to package any orders.
We continue to recycle paper and glass and I reuse card board boxes when I need to package any orders.
GREEN:
I have been neglecting my worm farm for some time and am always amazed that the worms are still alive when I do peek in there! This month I have been paying better attention to it and have reaped the benefits with some worm tea to use in the garden.
The compost heap has given us an amazing amount of beautiful rich and dark compost which has gone into the garden.
The compost heap has given us an amazing amount of beautiful rich and dark compost which has gone into the garden.
GROW:
My friends and I have been sharing seeds this month and we are enjoying swapping and trading seeds.
I have harvested tomatoes, lettuce, mustard greens, gooseberries, herbs and lettuce.
I look forward to summer and more bountiful harvests!
We have planted a butter spoon tree and it seems to be doing really well. It was given to me by our local nursery in exchange for a bag of old newspapers on arbour day.
I look forward to summer and more bountiful harvests!
We have planted a butter spoon tree and it seems to be doing really well. It was given to me by our local nursery in exchange for a bag of old newspapers on arbour day.
Petunias were planted between the cabbages. Gem squash, strawberry, cucumber and basil seedlings were planted . Sunflower, water melon, spanspek, bean, radish and squash seeds went into the beds and pots.
I had fun creating this little feature which reminds me of my far away farm sister....
The wire heart was a gift from her, the base bought on a visit to the farm in 2009, and the stones were collected by her when she was living in a coastal town a number of years ago.
The petunias are producing beautiful lilac blooms now, reminding me of her daily.
The wire heart was a gift from her, the base bought on a visit to the farm in 2009, and the stones were collected by her when she was living in a coastal town a number of years ago.
The petunias are producing beautiful lilac blooms now, reminding me of her daily.
CREATE:
I knitted up a pair of chocolate brown fingerless mittens for my Mum and will be posting them to her shortly. Besides that, not much on the creative side for me. However, my daughter has been creating all sorts and I have lent a hand here and there when she asks for help.
She made "tea pot" invitations for her 15th birthday tea party.
I knitted up a pair of chocolate brown fingerless mittens for my Mum and will be posting them to her shortly. Besides that, not much on the creative side for me. However, my daughter has been creating all sorts and I have lent a hand here and there when she asks for help.
She made "tea pot" invitations for her 15th birthday tea party.
With the help of a friend she sewed her own "Infinity Dress" for her party in just two short afternoons. It is a simple dress with two long pieces that are attached to the sides. These can be wrapped in many different ways to create different styles for this beautiful dress.
She also made tea pot, tea cup and shoe shaped cookies for her party. They were decorated by hand, each one unique and delicious!
DISCOVER:
A friend gave me a very early birthday present which I have been enjoying...
"My 100 Favourite Herbs" by Margaret Roberts.
It contains a wealth of information about growing herbs, using them in the kitchen and to produce health and beauty products.
A friend gave me a very early birthday present which I have been enjoying...
"My 100 Favourite Herbs" by Margaret Roberts.
It contains a wealth of information about growing herbs, using them in the kitchen and to produce health and beauty products.
ENHANCE:
I enjoyed a visit to a local market with my sister in law. It was wonderful to sample all the different wares and I came home with some fresh vegetables for the week ahead.
I enjoyed a visit to a local market with my sister in law. It was wonderful to sample all the different wares and I came home with some fresh vegetables for the week ahead.
Our youngest has continued to sell bath sprudels to raise funds for the Chaeli Campaign as well as Peace pops.
ENJOY:
This month we enjoyed watching our two younger children perform at the Artscape Theatre as part of the
This month we enjoyed watching our two younger children perform at the Artscape Theatre as part of the
Beach walks and talks were enjoyed as well as a number of friends birthdays.
Lastly we enjoyed celebrating our daughter's 15th birthday over this past weekend.
Joy Dare, last of September
Counting my blessings...
Day 25
956) uplifting chats with my farm sister
Day 26
(2 gifts flourishing)
957) my lemon tree....flourishing since hubby moved it into a sunnier position
958) spring flowers bringing beautiful splashes of colour into my garden
958) spring flowers bringing beautiful splashes of colour into my garden
&
959) thankful for a young lady, willing to give up her afternoon to help my daughter with some sewing and then my son with science tutoring
Day 27
(2 gifts unexpected)
960) free "brand bucket" delivered to my door with seven different deodorants for us to try out
961) an awesome and very early birthday present from my neighbour ....
Margaret Roberts "My 100 Favourite Herbs"
&
962) catching up with hubby after a long and busy day
Day 28
963) beautiful sunshine, an answer to my daughter's prayers for her tea party this afternoon
964) the blessing of a gorgeous "tea cup" cake made by my neighbour for our daughter's birthday
Day 29
965) celebrating our daughter's 15th birthday today with family and friends
Day 30
966) catching up with a friend over a cuppa
967) a day with no agenda after two days of celebration
968) calls from my sisters this weekend and seeing my brother and his little family
August
Day 1
969) get together to celebrate a friend's daughter's 21st birthday....
lovely to get out and enjoy lunch with friends
964) the blessing of a gorgeous "tea cup" cake made by my neighbour for our daughter's birthday
Day 29
965) celebrating our daughter's 15th birthday today with family and friends
Day 30
966) catching up with a friend over a cuppa
967) a day with no agenda after two days of celebration
968) calls from my sisters this weekend and seeing my brother and his little family
August
Day 1
969) get together to celebrate a friend's daughter's 21st birthday....
lovely to get out and enjoy lunch with friends
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