E - Vida

The last few weeks have just flown by - busy days, rainy days, sleepy days and birthdays! On 5 June, we celebrated Jorja's 3rd birthday. She woke up that Tuesday morning and exclaimed, "I'm free!" That week, we had some heavy rainfall, creating water-clogged fields and blocked drains on the roads. Let's just say that if you weren't able to stay in bed and read or watch a movie, the grey weather just made us feel very, well, grey. On 9 June, Jorja enjoyed a colourful (and bouncy) 'Hermie and Friends' party - and the weather held! P-J made glossy red toffee apples as a party treat and it was enjoyed by kiddies and adults alike! The next morning, Church started at 10am (and not a moment sooner) because we were all very sleepy! I think we even had birthday cake for lunch... On 17 June, we celebrated Father's Day, and thanked God for all the men in our lives. Having a son of our own this year made it even more special than before, prayi...

While the pc is dormant I hope this buys us some time Let me quickly just state it with a odd little rhyme Our stories and pictures Too many to mention Will be here when we recover the online connection! Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

Today we dedicated our 11 week old son, Ethan Izak to God. Together with our family and our church, we promised to teach Ethan God's way and will for his life. We asked Lee + Deb together with Andel + Robyn to support us in our role as parents - to help us set a good example as we look after Ethan's mental, physical, emotional and spiritual welfare. Looking around the church, at family and friends, we were reminded of God's provision. Looking down in our arms, at Jorja and Ethan, we were reminded of God's blessing. Today marked 1 year since the passing of Gramps Ikey and I will always remember the song that he sang for all of us, his grandchildren: "Jesus, here's another child to hold Keep this child safe and warm This world can be so cold Take this child in your arms And never let him go Jesus, here's another child to hold" What a reassurance that we can hold on to - God cares for Ethan! We had a special day. Sent fro...

This photo was completely un-scripted! I was across the room in the kitchen, when I heard Jorja's story start: "Once upon a time there was a girl..." And she was off. Jorja really loves that opener! I heard her comment about whales and a kangaroo (two different books) and then asked me if Ariel was a whale or a shark ...and when I turned around, I saw this pretty picture - No wonder Ethan was so quiet - he was concentrating very hard on his reading lesson! I am so grateful for Jorja's interest in reading. Admittedly, we didn't have a big role to play in it. It's thanks to the gifts of book sets from loved ones that first sparked it and now Jorja is very keen to have anyone spare a moment and read a few lines with her. (I say WITH her because she's highly likely to takeover the story-telling time.) I can only hope that we will help her nurture her interest in books and that it will develop into a love for reading - the powerful resource ...

Oh it was a cold and wet start to our weekend and we tried to not let it dampen our mood! (Ethan found this to be excellent conditions to try out his 7+ hour sleep stint again) Breakfast with the Klaasens kicked us off in style - homemade muffins, scrambled egg, crispy bacon and fresh orange juice. Never mind Jungle Oats, THIS was the breakfast that champions dreamt of! After getting everyone washed and dressed, we played family band - when Jorja hands out the instruments (all notorious noise-making gifts from loved ones) and we all follow her lead in making a joyful noise. How she still manages to 'bust a move' while strumming her guitar and singing lead vocals is beyond me... In the tea break, PJ whipped up some awesome hot chocolate, with "the perfect cocoa to marshmallow ratio" (Rio - 2011) and in walked Papu and Yaya to grab a cup too. By 2pm, Jorja was down for a nap and we did some light 'straight-pulling' to make the house look slightly l...

By 10pm last night, everyone was in bed and we were all set for a good night's sleep. This was going to be the smoothest Sunday AND Mother's Day, ever! Then at 11pm Jorja woke up. I rushed to the bathroom when I heard P-J ask her why she couldn't hold her wee in just a little longer to reach the bathroom! Poor girl was distraught about the mishap and the crying just got louder, which then made her already tight chest even tighter! Through semi-closed eyes, we changed clothes and mopped up and then tried to get her back to bed. All the while, little brother slept in his cot... Small mercies, I say! Jorja migrated to our bed quite early this morning and the duvet wars ensued. By 6am I was up and Ethan was back down :) Jorja and I bathed, ate breakfast and got dressed. This day was on the up again. While I was making her bed, she called me, "... Hey Momma, um... Happy Merry Christmas? Hey Daddy, what must I say again?" (whispering, whispering, whispering...)...

... Is the Lindt chocolate made-up lips sitting on the backseat! P-J sent me this photo while he was still on his way to drop Jorja at Bonny Babies yesterday. Jorja found a piece of chocolate in her (Sunday) snack bag, left in the car, and quietly and carefully proceeded to apply the Lindt- flavoured lipstick while her Dad shuttled her to school, blissfully unawares! Con - She's eating chocolate... way too early... on a Monday morning Pro - She'll burn it off before she comes home *Disclaimer: We cannot confirm or deny where the chocolate came from. So, technically, we aren't aiding her!