Augrabies and other wafflings...

This week seems to have just flown by - I can't believe it's already Friday!! Mind you, I have only had a 3 day week and it has been a busy one (at work - finally!!!). Jake & I spent last weekend in Augrabies, with our good friends, Wesley & Lizelle van Vuuren. For those of you who don't know South Africa all that well, Augrabies is in the Northern Cape, about 100km outside of Upington. It gets very hot there in Summer time. Wesley's birthday's on Christmas day and he'll be turning 30. Christmas is also harvest time for them (they grow grapes for export/rasins), so it's generally an impractical time of year for a party of any kind. So, this last weekend being a long one, Lizelle organised a surprise party for him and we all went up to Augrabies for it. Rosanne and Gareth drove up with Jake and I and we just had such a good time together. Once again, Jake travelled like a star. He slept a little, sang a lot, nattered away and looked for holy smolies, which are giant bird's nests built on power lines and were called "holy smolies" after Gareth saw one and said "holy moly". We stayed in a lovely self-catering guest house, which had an enclosed lawn area and jungle gym for Jake. We spent most of our time at Wesley & Lizelle's though, which was literally right across the road from the guest house. It was really great having a few days away from the rush of every day life so soon after our Greek holiday. Jake loves it on the farm and Wes has made up a little farm yard for the kids with ducks and geese and chickens and goats and a pig (called Suzy, yes after me). The chickens have 3 tiny chicks and about 18 eggs that they're sitting on and the geese are sitting on another 6 eggs. Lizelle's also expecting their second baby, so their farm seems to be very fertile indeed! We spent some time over at Kamkiri, which is a privately owned game reserve, where we did horse-riding. I haven't riden since the day before I found out I was pregnant with Jake (4 years at the beginning of September) and I was really nervous about it. Amazing how one loses confidence in one's abilities, when actually horse-riding's a bit like riding a bicycle - once you know how, you can't forget. Once I was back in the saddle, I just didn't want to get out again. I'd love to take it up again, but I just never seem to be able to find the time. I must try looking into it properly again. I'd love to get Jake riding too. Some photos of our time in Augrabies...

Horse-riding (look how fat I got on holiday!!):

Jake's first time in the saddle:

Jake & Lara-Lyn:

Jake at Saturday night's party:

Jake & I at the Canyon in the Augrabies Falls National Park ('scuse what we look like):

I was a bit worried about going up, because Douglas was going to be there, with his new fiance (who he hasn't even bought a ring for yet). I needn't have worried though - he didn't even bother introducing her to us and they had a huge fight. I did help her with the dishes, just so I could get to know her a little - she's really young (23), but seems sweet enough. I just hope she knows what she's getting herself into, he's a real player. Anyway, we all got along fine and it really wasn't that bad. At least I know now that he definitely isn't the one for me and I'm quite contented with that. He didn't spend too much time with Jake either, which I was really glad about - his behaviour with Jake after we broke up was shocking.

We got home from Augrabies on Tuesday evening, had supper with my folks and went straight to bed. Jake spent the day with my mother-in-law on Wednesday and put his swimming skills to test by falling in the pool. Not as dramatic as it initially sounded, he was playing on the top step, but did go completely under water. He came up laughing, so I was happy with that. His swimming is coming on well again now. This term didn't start off too well and he vomited in the pool during his first lesson. He's still insisting that his teacher holds him through the lesson, but his confidence is definitely up from where we left off at the end of last term. She's spent a lot of time working on his style while he wants her to hold him, so I'm really happy with how he's progressing now. It's been a frustrating time for me watching from the side of the pool, knowing how well he really can swim.

I'm going through a bit of post-holiday blues with him at the moment too. He seems to be going through quite an awkward stage. He's just decided that he won't smile or say hello to anyone, no matter what I say or do. I've discussed it with him and have explained that from now on, if he's rude to people, he will be sent to the bathroom, until he decides to be the polite little boy that everyone loves. It seems to be going well so far (only been 2 days). He's also not eating all that well at the moment, but I'm not too worried about it. I've put him onto vitamins, because they say it increases appetite. I'm also working on sitting at the dinner table for evening meals (we often eat off our laps) and he's not allowed to leave the table until we're all finished eating. Giving him a choice - sit with us and eat, or sit in the bathroom. He seems to be eating better at the table too. And he's not getting nice snacks during the day (sweeties or biscuits or chips) unless he eats properly. Blackmail. Like I've told so many new mommies lately, it's all about perserverence. And Jake's grown about 8cm since his birthday in May, so he's obviously not doing too badly.

Anyway, tonight I've got my niece & goddaughter's school fashion show; tomorrow's art, which I'm starting to get irritated by - I just don't have the time for it at this point in my life. I seem to be missing kids parties and with working during the week, my weekend time with Jake is precious. I'll finish the painting I've been doing, but I think I'm going to quit once it's done. At least until my life quietens down a bit, which'll probably only be once Jake leaves home one day. Tomorrow afternoon, I'm going through to Wellington with my friend Jacki and her son, Steven. Jacki's boyfriend's got a holiday house there and has left his keys with her while he's overseas. We're going to spend tomorrow night in the jacuzzi and drinking wine. Home on Sunday, no plans. If the weather's nice enough, we might go through to the Blue Peter for sundowners.

Enjoy your weekend! Look after yourselves and all your cute kiddies. XXX PS. Some photos from Augrabies, I have more, but don't have my camera with me today.

To my child...

I've read this before, but think it's so true. Life gets so busy and we tend to let the small things pass us by without a thought. Our children are such wonderful blessings to us all and this poem always reminds me to just stop and enjoy each passing moment. One day our kids will grow up and move on with their own exciting lives, following their own dreams. So spoil them while you can, in whatever way you choose, especially with your time.

Jake & I made a vegetable garden this past weekend. We planted cherry tomatoes, strawberries, child-friendly flowers, a lemon tree and various seeds (all in pots). Every evening when I get home from work, I help him fill his watering can and let him water his plants on his own. He digs in the sand and gets muddy and he loves ever second of it. He did most of the planting on his own and is very, very proud of his little garden and it's been wonderful watching him learn about planting and fertilizing and watering and pests and now waiting for his seeds to sprout. I can't wait for his first "harvest"!! It's so important to give them the happy memories of a fleeting childhood that they so deserve. This poem makes me cry every time I read it. I love you, Jake XXX

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying. Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is. Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play. Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together. Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles. Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by. Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned. Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them. Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys. Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you. Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry. Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars. Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows. Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given. I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore. And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............. AUTHOR UNKNOWN

There and back again!

Well, before everyone bites my head off for not blogging, I thought I'd better try find some time during my day to type up a higldy-pigldy post. Work has been busy since I got back, but seems to be settling down (at least for a few days before month-end) again now. Gives me time to do things like this...

Packed and ready to go (only 1 of those bags was allowed for Jake & I!):

My mom, Jake & I on the flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg:

So, we had the most amazing holiday ever and it was an experience of a lifetime. The weather was unbelievable and it went up to 47 deg (apparently) the one day. We have all come back nice and tanned, although mine seems to be fading already. I wish it was summer already so I could show it off a bit before it's completely disappeared (I never go brown!).

We started off our stay in Greece with a few days in Athens. It's a massive, busy city (aren't they all?), but there's plenty to see and do on foot. The whole area is just seeped in history and I learnt so much. The Acropolis is incredible and it's quite amazing to be there, knowing that the Parthenon and other main buildings of it were built during the 5th centuary BC!!! The views of the city from the acropolis are stunning! We also visited Poseidon's Temple, which was built sometime between the 5th & 6th centuaries B.C. too.

Jake & I at The Acropolis "the Gateway" (note how white I was!):

Kathy, my mom, Jake, me, Michelle & Joanne at Poseidon's Temple:

Our next stop away from Athens was the beautiful, vibrant island of Skiathos. Skiathos is about 50 mins flight north east of Athens. We spent 2 nights in Skiathos (one on land, the seond on our yacht, "Thetis") before our sailing trip began. From Skiathos, we visted Skopelos, Alonissos and Skiros. We visited so many tiny bays and saw the most incredible places along the way. The sailing was a fantastic experience, although it was lots of hard work and plenty of stress, which we weren't prepared for. My uncle was our skipper and to say he was hard on us at times, would be an understatement. There were at least 2 occassions where I ended up in tears, threatening to catch the next ferry in the opposite direction. I mean, why can't they just say front and back or left and right?? Still, we had tons of fun on the water and it was also time where we were forced (when we weren't working) to relax. We couldn't do anything, except play games, lie on the deck or snooze. Being on yachts allowed us to visit places you can't get to without a boat, we saw things that most tourists never see. We saw dolphins 3 times, once right next to the boat. It was incredible!! And the waters are so blue and so warm - at 10m, you can still see the bottom!

Jake was an absolute star too! He slept on all the flights (6 in total) and behaved so well on the yacht. He had a special spot to sit when we were coming into/leaving port and he never really performed over having to sit quietly while we did our thing. And it was fabulous to have so much time with him. We played cards on the deck and swam and went to the beach and ate ice-cream and just generally enjoyed one another's company. It's been really difficult getting back to reality and I'm really not enjoying having to come to work full time anymore. I'm desperate for a half day job and I've decided to give my current job till the end of the year, before I ask them if they'd consider employing me half day. It's so convenient...

Jake at the helm:

Jake & I swimming in Monastery Bay:

Fortunately, we weren't affected by the massive fires that have wrecked complete havoc across Greece. We did see the start of one big fire, which had apparently spread to 35km and killed 15 people by the time the evening news came on. Thankfully, we didn't have access to television on the yacht and if we did see one in any of the towns we stopped in, it was all in Greek, so we had no idea of what was going on around us. Since getting home, it's been quite frightening to see what we were in the midst of and to realise how many people's lives have been affected by this devastation. All while we were enjoying our holiday...Thanks to everyone who sent messages to check that we were safe.

And that's about it. We were all pretty exhausted when we got home after all the travelling, but relaxed. It was a stunning holiday and I would definitely love to visit Greece again in the future!!

PS. It's been completely impossible trying to decide which photos to put up on my blog and I still haven't had mine put onto CD yet (well I did, but the quality was so bad, the photo shop has to re-do them). So, here are just a few of my dad's from our trip, in no real order (more to follow when I get mine back!!)...

Skiathos Town:

Arch at Lalaria:

Jake & I in the streets of Skopelos Town:

View over Skopelos Town:

Skopelos

View from Old Town on Skopelos:

Steni Vala:

Jake & I in Orei:

Palio Trikeri (only has 30 permanent inhabitants!):

Sunset over North Bay. This was is an active volcanic cauldren:

Jake & Eve on the beach at Lanaria Bay, Skyros (nice, comfy rocks):

Skyros Town:

Our whole group (we were 5 yachts worth!) in Skiathos on our last night:

The crew of 'Thetis'

Our last day spent at Koukounaries beach, Skiathos:

Us at Koukounaries (Skiathos) on our last day:

Jake & I on the flight leaving Skiathos for Athens

Sailing into the sunset!!!

Well, this will be my last post before I go on holiday! I am SO excited!!

This last weekend was really such a good one, we relaxed and caught up with family. Friday night was a lazy one at home, Saturday morning was my art class, while Jake spent time with Jacques folks. They took him through to Gordon's Bay to take him onto (not out on) Jacques' uncle's yacht. He had a ball. I spent time with him in the afternoon and then dropped him back off with his grandparents to spend the night there. They braai'ed and his cousins slept over aswell, so generally, he had a ball. I went to a dinner at my neighbour's house on Saturday night - the one who I do my art classes with. He arranged a get-together with all the art students, so it was really nice getting to know the people that I spend Saturday mornings with. Sunday, I packed and spent some time lazing in the sun at the Blue Peter with my folks and Jake. I love going there on Sundays, to me, it's the perfect way to end a weekend. I can't wait for summer to start, so that I can be there every Sunday! Had dinner with Jacques' folks, which was really nice!!Jake & I at Blue Peter

Jake hugging his friend goodbye (she goes to school with him)

Lights out in the car on the way home

>With a friend's Jack Russell puppy

So, our holiday is upon us. I can't believe that the time has gone so quickly, it feels like we've been planning this forever. With all the rain and miserable weather we're having today, I'm really glad I'm going off to warmer shores for a little break. The flights are stressing me out a little, because I'm not sure how Jake will manage. I'm just hoping that he sleeps. His longest flight so far was only 6 hours and we flew during the day, so he was fine. Travelling over-night is very daunting. There is always so much activity and we arrive in Athens at 5:50am on Thursday morning, which means they'll be waking us up for breakfast at some unearthly hour like 3am. Why they don't just skip breakfast on these flights is a mystery to me. Still, we're all excited and I'm literally counting the minutes until today's finished. I can't wait to get away from the office.(The Thetis, above, is the yacht we will be staying on)

So, all that's left for me now are just a few messages for my fellow bloggers:

Caroline: Best of luck for everything that lies ahead. You are going to be a wonderful mother and little Butterfly's blessed to have been sent to you and Craig. I will be thinking about you all the time while I'm away and I can't wait to meet your princess when I get home (although, I'm still holding thumbs that she arrives before I go!). I still feel quite funny about the fact that the next time I see you, you'll be a mommy!! Look after yourself and enjoy this very special time in your life!

Ronnie: Happy 30th birthday for the 30th!! I hope that you are as spoilt as you deserve to be. I'm so sorry that I will be missing out on your party, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it anyway! I promise that I will find a special spot to have a drink on you somewhere in Greece. Will be thinking about you lots. I hope you're feeling better after your surgery wish you tons and tons of good luck as far as all that's concerned!!

To the rest of you - I am looking forward to getting back and catching up on all your blogs and news!!! Look after yourselves.

All my love, Susie xxx

Another one bites the dust...

Well, after a lovely day out in Simon's Town with Jake yesterday, "the man" (not Jake, the other one) and I have decided to call it quits. It just wasn't working out as we hoped and he (believe it or not) has a LOT of issues to sort out before he has any hope of "winning" me. So, I'm back to me being single. And, actually, I don't mind the thought of it. I guess I've become so used to being my own person now and I'm so used to having time with Jake on my own and not reporting to anyone else, that adding another member to the equation, just complicates things. I don't think anyone really believes me when I say that I'm happy on my own, but my life is extremely full (bursting actually) and that between my friends and family, I don't have extra time for much else. I like my own company, I adore Jake's. What more do I really need at this stage of life?

XXX

PISS. To all the men in existence: LOOK IN THE MIRROR. WOMEN ARE NOT THE COMPLICATED SPECIES!

I'm sorry...

Well, been in a huge blogging slump lately (again!). Sorry for not being better about keeping in touch, I don't even have any decent excuses. Work's still completely quiet and I can only blame my absence on my books that I bring with me to read when there's nothing else to do... I have to find something constructive to do during the day. This sitting around doing nothing for hours on end is going to kill me sometime soon. I'm thinking of studying, but need to do something via correspondence. I’m not 100% sure that I’m actually motivated to do this and I have no idea what I’d choose to study. I’m not a career girl, quite honestly I’d rather be home tending to my off-spring. Looking back, the first three years of Jake’s life have flown by. One second he was a tiny, helpless baby, the next a beautiful, busy little boy. Where did the time go? I have missed out on so much…

Jake’s doing so well at the moment. He’s happy and he’s busy and he’s just generally enjoying life. He’s so easy to take around and he actually loves getting out and about. School-wise, he’s doing really well. I saw his teacher recently and she told me that, besides his speech being ahead of his class-mates vocabulary-wise, he generally has a good manner of speech. It made my heart burst with pride, knowing that I was doing alright as a parent. He loves baking and cooking and if anyone’s doing anything in the kitchen, he climbs up to sit on the counter next to you. He’s a huge help, loves grating and cutting and washing and fetching things. Baking’s his favourite and his latest batch of chocolate biscuits were a real hit. I had a good giggle when I was chatting to his teacher, she said she’d asked the class what goes into making a soup. The other kids all said things like jam and chocolate and bread; Jake told her that you put onions, tomatoes and carrots in (doesn’t sound too appetizing, but at least he knew what kind of things to use). I recently invested in a new car chair for him as well. He had a hand-me-down one from his cousins, but I have never felt comfortable putting him in it - the saftey belt seems to sit really high against his neck. The new one, a Ferrari one, is a real hit and Jake's so excited to show it off, it's so cute. Here are some shots of him sitting in it (Marianne, notice the length of his jeans - also time to get new ones!). He's such a clown! The Ferrari hat was Jacques' and hangs off a mirror in Jake's room...

Not much else happening at the moment. We leave for Greece in 16 days time, so just busy preparing for that. I’ve still got to get a bathing costume and some walking shoes. I hate shopping and yes, I will leave it till the last minute. Jake’s all ready to go, I must just sort out some in-flight entertainment for him. I’m actually quite nervous about the flights, especially our return leg. We arrive in Athens from Skiathos at 19:45, then leave Athens at 00:55 and arrive in Jhb somewhere around 9am. We’re spending the day in Jhb with my dad’s family, which will be nice, but my poor child is going to be exhausted. I’m pretty sure I’ll be close to finished by the time we arrive back in Cape Town at 19:00 that night. We land here on a Sunday and I’m back at work on the Monday morning, which is going to be fun.

This and That...

Well, since I've had a few requests, here are some pictures of my "art" that I've done/am doing. The first is of my charcoal still life that was done during my first class...

The next two are my oil painting that I'm still a long, long way off finished...

And here's the photo (although not a good photo of a photo) I'm using for inspiration. It was taken in Mauritius last September...

As you can see, it's still a long way from done. They joy of working in oil is that you can paint over what you've done and, generally, the final product consists of layers and layers of paint. My teacher tells me I paint far too slowly, the above is after 3 x 3 hour classes. I'll have to hurry up a bit if I want to get it done before I go to Greece!

I also took some picture of Jake this morning, so thought I'd put them up while I was blogging. He's discovered that if he stands up on the lower panel of the back door, he can reach the handle and swing the door open. He can also turn the key and unlock it if need be. I seriously have to have eyes in the back of my head at the moment. He's also back at school this week, thankfully. They seem to drain him of some of his energy. He's eating really well at the moment, which makes a nice change. He had two helpings of dinner last night and I think he's building up for another little growth spurt. I noticed this morning that the pants he's been wearing for the last 3 months, that were initially rolled up, are suddenly too short for him... xxx