A New Year

So this is my first post in the longest time-but I thought it would be appropriate seeing as I have so many new things to look forward to. Mainly the fact that I'm hopeful for this year-hopeful that I will BE more true to myself and with others in this new year. I look forward to getting to know some of the awesome people at church-their stories and lives and effect on the community. Its Gods grace that sustains me and His love which ultimately supports me through this life-without Him I am lost and alone and bitter and resentful and completely screwed up. Wow! I'm glad He's around!

Henk and I have been married for 23 years-'looks like we made it -look how far we've come my baby...' well done love-can't say you've ever had it easy-the best is yet to come...for sure!

Rach will start Grade 11 this year and Josh will do his Grade 8 in drumming. I'm thankful to Jesus for bringing them safely thus far-I know He has the best of intentions towards them-may their hearts be drawn to Him-the lover of our souls.

My word for this year is HOPE-everyday I want to see that reflected in something I do or say.
Blessings

If I can make it there I'll make it Anywhere-New York New York

Yip in a months time Coral and I will be off to New York to visit with Veronica and Janine. We're gonna take a bite of that Big Apple and spit out the rest.Whooppee!! Can't wait for this journey to begin.Lifetimes are made of memories( and photos of those memories, of course). Here's hoping for great weather and good times.Come on Summer-Come on!

Then its off to visit my favourite city-Vancouver-it's like Cape Town-only there's REALLY BIG mountains-you know what I mean.Rhones is fetching us in Seattle-heard so much about that city-can't wait to explore!

What a privilege it is to be able to do this right now.

wedded bliss

Rhones and Renee are out from Vancouver-its been wonderful having them bake out on my stoep. We managed to leave the stoep for a morning and go off to the Elephant Sanctuary near Hartebeespoort Dam. It was awesome-Rhone and Rachel were brave enough to be kissed by elephants on their cheeks!Got cute pics! We attended Alex and Mariettes wedding-what a pretty pair they made.May Love and Mercy follow them all the days of their lives.Got great pics!I have so much to scrap now-its a little overwhelming.On the first we will meet Tim Holz at another Scrapbook convention-can't wait. On the second I will fly down to Durbs for Michelles wedding-what a busy lady I am.Blessings Hails.PS: Josh got his learners and nags to drive everywhere-everyday!

Creativity

I think that when we are being creative we really are touching the heart of our Father-God. After all he is the ultimate creator and has made us in His image.We are just the some of the most privileged women alive to be able to do what we do-freely and with some measure of peace. My heart goes out to women everywhere in this world who do not have the same freedoms I do; who cannot worship as I do or have beautiful,crazy arguments with families-as I often do or who cannot just take time out as we are now and make something beautiful.Wilnas classes are just brilliant-I know how much effort it takes just to come up with an original scrapbook page- never mind a series of art works like these.To all of you reading this blog -if you don't know what I'm talking about see Wilnas link on the right hand side of this blog.

Much Love to one and all

A New Season

There is so much to look forward to this year.Little things we take for granted-time spent with our children in conversation; time spent driving them around on their crazy schedules;time spent cooking them great meals-all the things they probably will not look back and remember-but I will. There is no time like right now to enjoy right now. My family have this saying;"Who gave you tomorrow?" So today let me do things right-it may be the only opportunity I get.

This photo is right outside Rhones' house in Vancouver-pretty isn't it?
I won a prize on Wilna's blog so my heart berry happy!I love stuff!!!

Christmas

This is the season we take time out to remember the baby Jesus, sent as a sacrifice from His Father. When I remember my own son as a newborn and the overwhelming sense of love and responsibility that came with that package; I think of what the Father must have been feeling, knowing the pain his son would have to endure in this world for a people like us- completely unworthy of the sacrifice. If I had been Mary I would have begged that He choose someone else for the task- I think had she had the complete picture she might have opted out! As we celebrate the joy of giving this season, may we ponder this: The only thing worth giving is the message of the cross. Jesus past, Jesus present, Jesus future. May we meditate on this message this Christmas.

Joy to you all this Season-may it be one filled with hope.

7 weird things about me

So Wilna challenged us to name seven things about ourselves that are completely out of wack. Well I had a challenge for the longest time in the church we attend because the communion cup was communal.You know everyone drinks from the same cup-well I am weird in that I will not drink off the same vessel as anyone else.Yuck! Luckily i mentioned to someone that I was considering purchasing the little cuplets on trays-now those of you taking communion will know what I'm talking about,right? Anyway-I am pleased to say our church must have heard the cry because we now have those very same cuplets and I know that God had mercy on me and prompted someone to tell someone if you know what I mean! Okay so thats one ummmm I drink more tea a day than I think is healthy for any one being; I don't suffer fools easily- I prefer to teach them if they're teachable! Ummmm I don't eat raw tomatoes either,nor cheese for that matter-unless its melted mozzarella on a Bugatti's pizza! I love home cooked food best of all. I never answer the phone unless its in the morning and nobody else is home-cause then its usually Helen. I hate TV for the time it steals from families.I think thats enough weirdness for now....