15 Precious Years...

 I'm not sure how it all happened quite so quickly.  Where did the years go?  How is my tiny baby already bigger than me?  OK, OK, I know I'm not the tallest, but I'm suddenly starting to feel properly short!  It honestly feels like yesterday that the doctor plopped a tiny wriggling newborn in my arms and yet, it was quite literally a lifetime ago.  I'm sure all moms relive the day their babies were born moment by moment.  It's such a special moment, the one when you become a mom.  What a treasured memory for me.  Pity Jake doesn't remember any of it, it was such a special day.

We had no idea what we were having when I went into labour with Jake. The excitement of not knowing and of sharing your happy news with family and friends is indescribable.  Jacques phoned his mom and I phoned mine - little did we know that our two families were all together at my parents house, eating crayfish and drinking wine in the garden as they waited the whole, long day for Jake's arrival.  It was a beautiful autumn day and they got to enjoy all of it, as Jake was only born at 5:40pm!  The moment Jacques' mom answered the phone, he burst into tears and couldn't speak to tell her what we had.  I remember holding my baby tight and saying to my mom "I'm holding the most beautiful little boy in my arms".  Needless to say, she went ballistic and even the neighbours knew that our baby had arrived.  Blue ribbons were tied around the tree on the pavement outside our house and everyone raced to the hospital to meet the new addition to our family.  I wasn't even out of the delivery ward when my whole family came in to see me.

Jake was going to be Emily if he was a girl, or Ryan if he was a boy.  My due date was 9 May, but Jake decided to stay tucked up for a whole week longer!  During that time, Jacques came home one day and suggested Jake as a possible name.  We both loved the name, but decided to wait until the baby arrived to see what suited him or her best.  After we'd phoned home to tell everyone that our baby was safely here, our family in turn phoned just about everyone they could think of to share the news that Jake had arrived.  And so, the name Jake was almost decided for us.  But it was the perfect choice and Jake is a strong name.  Co-incidentally, Jake is the American version of John, which is my dad's name.  Jacques is the French version of John and Jacques' grandfather was Jan, which was the Dutch version of the name.

Anyway, tonight we have Jacques' parents & Rosie, Gareth & Rylee coming for dinner - lasagna, as well as butter chicken (Jake's request), with garlic bread and salad and chocolate birthday cake for dessert.  Jake's also having a little dinner with friends on Saturday night, they're going out for burgers and shakes.  Life starts to get exciting when you're 15.

I'm not often allowed to take photos of Jake these days.  I'm really not allowed to share them on social media.  He's cute though, even though he's a quiet soul.  He's gentle and sensitive and so kind and caring.  I snapped these photos on a recent holiday (Jake added the "best friends - told you he was cute)...

 Relaxing at one of the camps...

 At the entrance to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (pics to follow soon).  See how tall he is???

Jake, the world is your oyster and life is just beginning for you.  Always remember that what you put in is what you get out of life.  Nobody can be mean to you if you are always nice, unless there's something wrong with them!  You are a good person.  You have a lovely, caring heart and you are growing up into a an amazing young man. Don't ever be selfish or jealous.  What you put out is what you get back - remember that one, it's important!  Keep your amazing sense of humour - it was take you a long way in life.  Laugh a lot, especially at yourself.  Be silly!!  Don't worry about other people's opinion of you too much.  Be true to you.  Listen to the people who love you most, we know you best.  Don't take life too seriously.  Work hard to be the best you that you can be.  You are working towards your future.  Do it well!!  Believe in yourself.  I know that I do.  You are such a special person - a little piece of Dad lives on in you and that's amazing.  Wear your name with pride - you come from an incredible family.  Most of all, remember how much you are truly loved.  I am SO proud of you and I love you with all my heart.  Happy 15th birthday my darling, sweet boy, my pork tjop (chop).  Love you millions and trillions, Mom xxx

Open house...

We had a burglary on 5 February.  Yes, sure!  A free for all.  Come into our private living space, our home and help yourself to the things that we've worked hard for.  The things we've saved for and loved.  Yes, they're worldly possessions, but they were our possessions.

A burglary leaves you with such a bitter taste in your mouth.  It makes you anxious to be in your very safest place, your home.  It's an invasion of your privacy and your mind goes into overdrive as you imagine these villains breaking into your space, rifling through your wardrobes and touching your thing.  Who are they?  What do they look like?  What did they need our things so desperately for? Were the watching our comings and goings and planning their bargain shopping for a while?

It was the middle of a sunny Tuesday.  My parents had gone out to a doctor's appointment and lunch for a friend's 80th birthday.  Jake was at school.  I was at work.  I picked Jake up from school and we came home to find the mess.  We actually heard a heavy thump and I'm not unconvinced that we didn't disturb the burglars.  They broke in via Jake's room, cutting the glass out of a window pane and pushing the burglar bars out.  I imagine they'd sussed the place out properly before breaking in, as they went for the room with all the electronics in it.  Poor Jake.  He came home to find that his room had been trashed and all his treasures taken - phone, Xbox, headsets, controllers, games, shoes, money, coin collections, watch, bags, camera, Nikes...  I lost my laptop, as well as a bracelet that my sisters gave me for my 40th and a necklace that Jacques bought me (irreplaceable).  My dad's laptop and headphones were also taken.  My dad's study and my bedroom definitely came second to Jake's and he took the worst hit, especially since he saved up for his own Xbox and most of his games and things have been birthday and Christmas presents.

We only heard from our insurance company yesterday, to finally confirm that they will be paying out against our claim.  It's been touch and go for a while - our alarm wasn't armed at the time.  Fortunately it wasn't a mandatory security measure, so we are going to be compensated for our losses.  I took Jake on a shopping spree this weekend past.  I had to replace his Xbox and games, regardless of what the insurance decided.  He is super chuffed with his upgraded Xbox and new games.

The point of entry - Jake's window.  The glass and burglar bar are lying on the "grass" along with the crank for our blinds that they used to force the burglar bar out...

 Jake's room was properly searched.  I was terrified of his knife collection that he always keeps in the draw next to his bed.  The burglars discovered them and we found 2 on the floor in my dad's study...

 The empty shelves that once housed Jake's Xbox and games.  Fortunately, the didn't find Jake's new Xbox control and they left his speaker too.  Oh and his TV.  I don't think they had enough time to get that off the wall...

 My room wasn't too bad - they'd only emptied one shelf and scratched through a bag of clothes.  And then obviously taken my laptop and jewellery from off my desk...

 Jake was super thrilled with his haul of new games, shoes, phone, Xbox and headset.  I was terrified at the thought of having to pay them all off, so very grateful that insurance is paying out...

Sending love,

Sue xxx

Junior Rangers...

 Some time ago, I wrote about Jake having been chosen to become a junior ranger.  The process involved a formal application and only a handful of kids were chosen.  Jake didn't make it on his first attempt and had to wait a year to reapply, but was very excited when he was accepted into the program.  Sadly, one year in, SAN Parks pulled the funding on the program and it was closed down.  The woman who was running it for SAN Parks, Christa, decided to run with the Junior Rangers program on a private level and it's also open to anyone who's prepared to pay the quarterly fees.  It's something that Jake looks forward to ever month.  Well, mostly, besides the early morning wake up on rangers day.  2 weeks ago we went down Venus Pools at Cape Point for the rangers lesson on star fish.

It was a stunning day, the weather was perfect and the cold water crystal clear.  The pool was unexpectedly gorgeous and the water was tempting - if I'd had a ozzie, I might even have braved a swim.  I left my camera at home, so these photos are all from my phone (sorry, not the best).  They're all taken looking into the water...

 The kids bravely waded into the water to have a look below the surface at the hidden treasures below...

 Jake overslept, so didn't have anything with him- he's such a pain to get up and going in the mornings.  The joy of being a teenager...

 Fortunately, Christa had bowls and managed to get them big star fish to check out on land...

 Everybody wanted a touch...

 The absolutely stunning Venus Pools.  they're tidal pools, but if you're looking for somewhere to spend a day at the beach, a little off the beaten track, this is your spot.  No sand, no crowds and this gorgeous pool almost all to yourself!  Just check the tide times, it's a tidal pool and the waves do come crashing in...

 Out in nature, in his happy place.  You wouldn't say that if you saw him slobbing on his bed playing Xbox, but he does love being outdoors.  It totally energizes him...

 

 The star fish set free, with the sun's reflection glowing on the water...

 Some of the kids checking out a little red sea slug that Christa found for them...

 

 Looking for treasures.  This pool was full of little fish and snails and mussels and star fish - so much to look at...

If you do go visiting this pool, please be careful of the sea urchins.  Their spikes are not your friends!  Flip flops or water shoes or flippers are a good idea...

Some pretty cushion star fish in an assortment of colours.  Teeny tiny stripey snails too...

So Junior Rangers still exists as Cape Town Rangers.  The program is great.  Jake's meeting up with the group this coming Saturday at St James to explore the sea anemones there.  Hopefully he gets up in time to actually take his costume with this time!  He's made some awesome friends, as have I.  Long live rangers!!

Love

Sue xxx

All things merry and bright...

Christmas was a month ago.  A whole month!  And I've only just found time to have a quick squizz at some of my photos.  It was AWESOME!  We ate, drank and were very merry.  We started the festivities with a delicious dinner at Rosie and Gareth's house on Christmas Eve.  Their table looked magical and the food was divine.  Plus, it was awesome to see Rylee so excited ahead of bedtime.

Jake was a really good sport and did his best to make the holidays magical for all his younger cousins...

Rylee has an elf that visits him over the holidays.  Connor and Bi have an elf too, but I don't have pictures of their one.  Rylee's elf is called Elfie.  Elfie arrives on 1 December and Father Christmas picks him up when he drops off the presents on Christmas Eve.  Elfie's job is to keep watch on Rylee and to report back to Father Christmas on his good/bad behaviour.  Elfie can be really naughty and Rylee gets so excited to wake up and find what Elfie's been up to during the night.  After dinner, Rylee cried big, fat tears at having to say goodnight to Elfie...

Rylee's nativity scene that he made at school...

My parents joined for dinner too.  My dad had a bad eye infection and had been to the ophthalmologist that morning - he's looking so much better since then...

Rylee handing out crackers - can you see the excitement?

A plate full of YUM...

Our little party - it was delicious...

A very excited little boy...

And his equally excited big cousin.  Gosh, it feels like yesterday that Jake was Rylee's size...

After supper treats - little sweetie pies with white chocolate, coconut and blueberries.  So yum...

Rylee sharing the love...

Getting ready for Father Christmas's visit...

These boys are so precious.  We really missed having Connor & Bi with us too...

Water for the reindeer...

And sleeping on his feet - waiting for everyone to leave so he could get to sleep and tomorrow could come...

Teenagers still love surprises...

Our latest Christmas tradition is to wait until Rylee wakes up, then take Jake's sack to Rylee's house and they open presents together.  It's such fun.  Problem is that Rylee likes to sleep in.  But just wait, can you see how tall Jake's got??  I am properly short these days...

Super, super excited...

Rosie and Gareth had their kitchen done up recently - looks gorgeous doesn't it??

But enough about that... Look at that little boy in his undies...

It started off calmly.  Rylee had far more presents than Jake (51, to be precise!)  Rylee opened all his presents in his undies...

Rylee tried to slow down and see what Jake was getting too...

But once he realized that he was getting even cooler stuff, that idea disappeared out the window...

The teenager found Father Christmas's stash before Christmas morning.  Fortunately Father Christmas had wrapped everything already, but this long tube had Jake quite excited.  It was only a scratch map, but Rosie had told him that it was a bonsai growing kit and I think he was a bit worried that I'd bought him something so boring...

See?  Jake was totally forgotten about...

Jake got a few good surprises too...

Disbelief...

and real happiness...

Yep, he got the new Xbox remote control.  It came all the way from England, because they aren't yet available in SA...

One of Rylee's favourite presents - a share the love t-shirt...

Which meant he put some clothes on to unwrap the rest of his presents...

Father Christmas made sure that Hilux got something too...

Thank you...

Rylee's started pre-school this year.  He got some awesome new goodies for big school - a new backpack was one of them...

Jake got a 2ft gummy worm... he's still eating it...

Rylee's very into pranking people at the moment, so he got lots of gag gifts...

A Remote Control Sheragegni...

The gift highlight for sure!  Rylee was straight outside to play with his new toy...

And everyone piles off outside to watch his every move...

Christmas lunch was a chilled affair. Jo made delicious mocktails for the kids...

And granadilla champagne cocktails for the grown ups...

Rosie was super creative with her gifts this year.  She made my dad a chocolate guitar!!  And please note how much better his eyes were already looking from the night before...

Reindeer craft beer for Paul...

And money Christmas trees for Jake and Connor.  Isn't she clever???

Once everyone was settled with drinks, it was time for presents at Nini's house...

Jake and Connor. These two spend a lot of time together online, playing Fortnite...

Our fairy...

Nini pranked Connor for Christmas. All he wanted was money and she'd wrapped a huge box and hidden the money in that.  He was so disappointed at the thought of getting a toy...

A Cabbage Patch Doll for Bi...

She's been such a girly girl with her dollies.  Not sure what Jake thought was so funny, but anyway...

Cash is king...

Rylee's been asking me since about May for a Nerf Gun.  He helped choose it online, so has been very patiently waiting for this gift...

I bought Bi a glitter L.O.L. doll.  I had no idea what they were about, but she was thrilled to have a new one to add to her collection...

Starters...

Bi got a new iPad and headphones from Father Christmas...

After starters, it was time for a swim...

And, oh, one last picture of the most beautiful girl in the world in her pretty, sparkling Christmas dress.  Isn't she lovely?

And that's it for another year.  I have been really bad about taking photos lately.  I have so many that I need to take and print and I just don't seem to get there.  Life is crazy.  And Jake's also a very unwilling subject these days.  Hopefully that changes soon.  They're such lovely memories to have and look back on in years to come.  

On a happy note, my dad seems to be doing really well.  His feet are looking OK and they're getting lots of attention.  My mom is doing everything she can in the hopes of helping him keep his feet for a little longer.  Fingers crossed.  We've booked a few nights in Kalagadi in March, so we're hoping and hoping that we don't have to cancel that.  Jake and I have also booked our annual Kruger holiday again for June/July school holidays, so lots to look forward to at the moment.

Jake's settled in to Grade 9 well.  I went to a meeting last night for his grade and met his teacher - she seems lovely and I think he's going to have a busy, happy year.  Jake got academic colours at the end of last year through very little work, so he is determined to work this year to improve his results.  Fingers crossed!!

Love,

Sue