E - Vida

It all started with the much-anticipated office move. One week later, we were sitting pretty at our spanking new offices, but waiting for adsl and telephone connections! Thanks, Telkom, and Merry Christmas to you too! We spent an evening at Uncle Andel and Aunty Rob, who were babysitting all the other Klaasen kiddies...and opened their doors to us too! On Day of Reconciliation, we visited Heldbergplaas and Jorja had a blast! And we celebrated 52 years of marriage with Gramps Ikey and Gran Jean... The parties didn't stop there - we enjoyed sharing in Tristan's 2nd birthday ...and Uncle Abe's 70th birthday And then carol chorused from All Saints Plumstead, to St Michaels All Angels and then rounded it up at FBC! By now the Christmas tree, stockings and lights are up and the gees is here! Just a few more trips for last minute groceries and stocking fillers, and we'll on the homestraight! So you see, while we haven't actually experienced any snow of th

The article that I contributed to for Women's Health magazine hit the shelves at the beginning of this month. Quite unbelievable, I think. The article was based on being body confident -in your own way. I shared a bit about my involvement in extra mural activities as a school-going kid, missing out on sharing clothes and shoes with my sisters - since I was much bigger than them - the absolute awe that I experienced during my pregnancy with Jorja and my reignited body confidence after our stint in Argentina introduced us to the wonders of walking! Here are some snaps of the article: ...And while we're on the topic of photoshoots, while Lee, Deb and Matty have been visiting with us, we took the opportunity to capture some family shots. Here's a sneak peak taken by a bystander's cellphone! It's not everyday that we get to use your photographs in official shoots or publications, but be encouraged to print out the special memories that you do capture. I think it'

Up country, so far, far away A young, special lady did stay With hair tied back tight And her specs sitting right This is what Kirsty did say: "Oh Ash, post more pics of your girl - the one with the brown, wild-haired curl And mention my name, or it won't be the same It'll mean more than a gem or a pearl!" So Missy, this post is for you And for all the kind things that you do Keep warm from the cold - it's quite icy, I'm told And we'll catch up again soon, with you!

I'm toying with the idea of whether we're putting up a Christmas tree, this year. And then also, if so, when will we put it up? I love all things festive - have always had a soft spot for a pretty wreath hanging on my front door (but scared that it wouldn't last the length of Advent!) and it just won't be the same to quickly put up a tree, just a few days before Christmas and then have to bring it down again before New Years, so as not to appear to be delayed. Of course, the other factor to consider would be: Where would we put it? Have you ever seen a Christmas tree suspended from the ceiling, so as to deter a busy 18 month-old from ripping the creation to threads? Should've put one up last year, for this reason alone! A Christmas day photo of Jorja taken in 2009 This week we're mailing off Greeting Cards and participating in Secret Santa name draws. All I want for Christmas is peace and quiet, good food, lots of photo memories...and a few gifts of my own, o

It was a week of many 'happy returns'...Well actually, it all happened on one day! On Monday, we celebrated P-J's father's birthday, with the arrival of P-J from Buenos Aires and Deb and Matty from Belgium! It's been a year since we've seen the other du Plessis family, and it was so exciting to see Jorja and Matty interact, 1 year later. We are so happy to have P-J home (thanks for staying, Aunty Dom)...bringing local treats like dulce de leche and the much loved alfajores! So the week has been pretty eventful - catching up on everything ranging from growth spurts and new habits to reunions and 12 day laundry backlog! Despite the fuller social calendar now with our special visitors, it's ironic that I feel more relaxed, knowing that P-J is around - my faithful tag-team partner. Things have busied at the Events Office this month as well, and we're preparing for 2 major back-to-back events, followed by an office move - and all this before Christmas,

In Cape Town, many are following the story of the murdered British tourist on the weekend. A tragic account that's gripped our country and really brought some bad attitudes to the surface. It seems that many locals are just using this opportunity to vent, criticise and de-face the image of the city, the law enforcement and the government. Few know of the 3-year old Argentine girl that was rescued yesterday after falling down a 21m well - the fact that she only sustained minor scrapes and bruises and that miraculously, this young child was able to follow instructions from the rescuers to strap on the harness correctly and be pulled out. What a triumph! How much time do we spend on the wrong type of news? Be encouraged to read news with fresh eyes, seeing it for what it is and amending our attitude towards it. You can make a difference! Here are some recent pics taken over the weekend (It wasn't in the published news, just in the du Plessis Dispatch ): Andel still looking

While I submit this entry from a grey and sometimes rainy Cape Town, my dear husband is just about getting ready to wake up at the start of his Friday morning in a hot and humid Buenos Aires! Travelling up on last Wednesday morning, the girls are 'doing it for themselves' here at home, and we miss Daddy so much! Thankfully, P-J had a good flight and arrived safely. It's full steam ahead on that side until he returns in 2 weeks' time, DV. In the meantime, Dom has moved in and we're trying to keep moving like a well-oiled machine! This weekend we hope to go swimming (30deg day predicted for Sunday) as well as spend time with Uncle Lee-David, who has arrived for a short visit from the States. Go figure. The brothers will have to have a concentrated catch up once they're back on the same continent... On Sunday we're participating in the Big Walk event and somewhere in between that and the pool, we've got to do the normal household chores too :) This week, I

Last Sunday, Rob, Ilana, Aunty Heidi and I participated in the 2010 Ithemba Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon with my Mom - a breast cancer survivor herself! Seeing the thousands of people (and pooches) that turned out for the event, coupled with the good weather and beautiful view all played a part in a lovely day - but the best part was the walk! I desperately miss the walks that we took (every day) in Buenos Aires. There is something scarily advantageous ( for lack of a better word ) about not having easy access to a motorcar... So much so that I've asked P-J to consider packing it away on some days, encouraging us to walk or use public transport more often. Especially now that the weather is getting better too...I find walking to be a lot kinder than running, a very social exercise option and an effective soother to busy Jorja, most times. And let's not forget about being Green about it!

While it hasn't been a particularly hard week, it has been quite busy one and I am grateful for the weekend to embark on more routine-less activity! Perhaps I am more tired, because I've had more sleep? Imagine that! Jorja slept through the night on Wednesday and Thursday night, and Mommy's body doesn't know what has hit her! We launched into the work week on Monday with extra-curricular activities on Clifton 4th beach. More of that to follow later... On Wednesday we attended our church's AGM and since Thursday we've been helping my Klaasen family pack up their home and prepare for their first home move! This weekend we are sharing in the FBC Family Fun Day. Apparently, P-J and I are fun enough to man the jumping castle... Sorry guys, no pics this week - Oh, except for this one: Beautiful Cape Town, South Africa

One day last week, we arrived at BB much earlier than normal. We were surprised to see that Gran Jean was also in the parking 'lot'. Gramps was off to the hospital for a check up and Gran was visiting BB... Natasha was still getting ready for school when we arrived, and she hurriedly got her books and bag together and waited for her lunch pack before heading off. When Jorja saw it though, there was an uproar! She wanted a pack too! So we wrapped 2 quarter sandwich blocks in wax paper, popped it into a plastic bag and presented it to Jorja. She was well chuffed! Jorja walked hand-in-hand with (Great) Gran Jean and Natasha, as she head down the road to school. And upon her return, Jorja decided it was time for a lunch break! My colleagues and I often talk about lunch (especially between 11h00 and 14h00)...Take-outs, home creations, school days and the cost of it all! There are so many opinions on the topic and memories of leftover potato and meat food on bread, samosa filling bei

Take a look at the growth in just 12 months, to the day! Here Jorja has to be 'propped up' as she sits quietly and watches on as guests visit to celebrate PJ's birthday and Jorja's dedication day. 11 October 2009 And here Jorja helps her Dad test out his birthday gift, complete with sound effects and toe actions! 11 October 2010 Our Jorja is progressing so quickly and photo memories are very useful for comparing facts, capturing special moments and reminding us of the Favour on our lives! Today I am especially thankful for another (full) year of life that P-J has been given - good health, exciting work and travel opportunities and a positive and renewed attitude. We cannot take any of this for granted. I am also thankful every time Jorja and P-J share a father-daughter moment - like when she hugs him, or calls after her " Dadda " in the loudest voice that her lungs will allow or asks for his hand to help her down the steps or into the car. I enjoy watching

We had a good laugh on Wednesday morning when Jorja started an impromptu pose-session, modelling a gift from Australia! Hold it Freeze Check accessories Follow stylist's prompting Do your own choreography And cheese! She had us doubled over in laughter! Not even two years old yet, what does she know about posing and performing? And yet, she does it so well! At 16 months old, we are noticing many changes in Jorja's behaviour and speech development: She insists on kissing her Dad goodbye in the morning and won't exit the car until she's done it. Although she hasn't mouthed the word "cold", she knows that things in the fridge are also temperature-related, like a heater and oven, and so for now, the chilled glass beetroot jar is " warm. " She's enjoying d0-it-yourself meals more often now and there's less mess than before! Our Jorja is growing beautifully!

It was a weekend to remember - the sun was out in full force and Jorja needed to expose her toes! To add to that, Jorja's tomy takkies had finally given up the ghost and Wellies in Summer was not an option! We visited Ackermans in Ottery and were relieved to find basic takkies for daycare and general use. We also found a pretty pair of sandals, complete with pink flower piece and light blue beading. Jorja was so chuffed with this arrangement, that she walked out of the store with them on! And did she have fun watching her toes wiggle all day? Jorja enjoys playing in the garden at home Jorja inspects her Dad's 'Office' in Llandudno And while we're on the topic, it is very exciting to report that we were finally able to test out the Paez shoes that we brought from Argentina! It's a very common shoe in BA - ' Born and Raised in Argentina ' This Friday, Fellowship Bible Church (our home church) together with Cape Mission International will embark on