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