Tracey's Christmas Decorations

This is an example of the decorations that my sister Tracey makes.  This particular one is very simple, she also does beading and uses different colour threads.  She sews different words on, or even names depending on what she's asked to do. I think they are just awesome, and a good deal - considering the amount of work that goes into it.

Phoebe's Day

Yesterday was Phoebe's Day for sure.  She was so excited to have her special friends all together at her house.  Logistically, getting them here was a nightmare - 7 loud girls, 2 very loud boys & one poor mother...+ the girls all had 3 bags each! Insane.

What a gang of happy kids - it was a pleasure having them all here.  Dressed up in their party dresses, looking all 'Posh'.  The thrill of the afternoon came when Brod arrived home - time to feed Viktor.  They put on an awesome show for the kids - lots of screaming and scrambling.  The ONLY thing we forgot to do was to have the actual tea - they ate all the food of course, motored through everything as it hit the table...but no tea was drunk. 

Time to put up the Christmas Decorations - Phoebe & Brod are going to help Nathan & Chrystal with their move.  More service this afternoon with a trip to the Hillcrest Hospital...Stake Youth Activity. 

November Memories

I had a great Birthday yesterday - surrounded by good friends & family, visited with more good friends, and had fun with the family. And really appreciated it all. 

Thanks for all the sms', emails, calls & visits.  Very memorable indeed.

Awesome Brod came home with cake and lots of party snacks for an impromptu party. 

31 Today!

The sun is shining - it's an awesome day!  I have not had a sunny birthday...in years, if ever!

Tea Party

Phoebe is planning a 'Tea Party' with her friends from school, for this Friday. It promises to be quite an event!  She announced it during Show & Tell on Monday, and has not had a moments rest from the girls in her class.  I believe she regrets having ever said anything - she gave a little sigh as she sat in the car on the way home today...and rolled her eyes. 

Noah had his Speech Therapy with Jane today - followed by his yearly hearing test with Julie Cardona.  All is well - hooray!  Those sweet ears of his in good working order. 

Jonah dressed up in his PJ's especially for Speech, and then ended up sitting in the car with me waiting, listening to Fawlty Towers.  He was frustrated, I was having a ball. 

Sophie had her Tuesday Treat, and so was all smiles.  She goes home with Warrick (her best cousin) on a Tuesday, while Phoebe is at Recorder.  She loves it at Hiram & Amanda's place.  Brod has had a great day, working hard - since I was out the office all day...we really are quite a distraction to eachother.  We spend more time chatting and laughing, so every few days I get booted out. It's either that or we argue like cat & dog.  So funny.

Tomorrow I turn 31.  I love birthdays - such a great way to evaluate the past year & see what has been achieved/forgotten.  I feel really blessed to have many good folk around me, to influence me for good - encourage & support me...and love me as much as I love them. 

Happy 32nd Tricky Trace

It's my sister's birthday today - and I am listening to Country Music in her honour.  We had an impromptu Family gathering here yesterday.  It's been over a year...crazy.  Just didn't have Tracey & family here.  The kids (10 of the cousins) spent the afternoon throwing pine cones at each other while jumping on the trampoline. We shared brownies, apple crumble & pavlova.  Yum yum.  I've been dancing around the house this morning to work it off. 

Nathan & Chrystal move this weekend to Kloof - very exciting!  They are looking forward to this new adventure.  I reckon they will really enjoy the convenienve of Kloof Life.  I turn 31 this year.  It has been one hectic year - my head feels like it's still spinning...we have been really blessed Brod & I.  With the things we've asked for.  God is great!

Birds in my garden

The weather is 'fair to vrot' outside, as my mom would say.  Overcast & cold - but the birds love it!  They are having a ball in my garden.  My best moments for bird watching are washing the dishes (still got to get a dishwasher) & hanging up the washing. 

I discovered a gorgeous pair of nesting finches outside my bedroom window the other day, so special to watch.  And the female yellow billed kite is still sitting on her nest - I can't see inside yet - my elevation is all wrong...I'm waiting for a little fluffy heads to peep over the edge of the nest.  Brod still feeds the male kite when we have some extra steak or chicken - we've named him Viktor (you've got to roll the 'r'). 

Truly the funniest bird to watch while building it's nest is a hadeda.  Talk about awkward.  That long beak is hillarious. I honestly believe that the hadeda is the 'cow' of the bird species, a common site & not very alluring - but it serves its purpose.  The chick was awfully cute. 

We've also been collecting the fallen 'unapproved' weavers nests - I love the smell of  the grass & leaves they use when it's still green.  They've since been thrown out of course. 

I am a very content lady in my little sanctuary.  Working hard with BvonB, house cleaning, kids, sewing and my YW calling at church - and am feeling fulfilled (with the odd 'freak-out' session).  Life is mostly good.

Thursday Madness

Today started early with Noah checking to see if it was school today - lucky for him, no.  He has the 2nd evening of his Beehive concert tonight.  He plays the role of Joseph in the Nativity scene.  Very sweet. 

Sophie had her Grade 1 orientation at KJP this morning - she will be in the same class as her cousin Warrick Austin, their teacher is Miss Mitchell.  I am amazed at how our little family is growing up - it's lovely to see.  We went on a mommy-daughter date to the Roses Cafe @ Kloof Mall to celebrate & both walked out with big round & happy tummies. 

Phoebe had a school outing to Paradise Valley Nature Reserve this morning - and even got to travel on a big bus like all the "Gogo's" travel on. 

Jonah is currently out for the count having his mid-day nap, wearing his old faithful SuperMan suit. 

Time to get ready for Speech!

xxx

It's a great life!

It's early...pretty early really...04h45 actually. I've been up since 2am. Silence is my new favourite sound & this is my time to get lots of it. Life always seems more exciting to me at this time of the day.

I'm pretty happy to have finally started our family blog - holding thumbs that I get it right. Welcome, great to have you aboard - have a look around & let me know what you think.

xxx
Melis