The things on my Table...

Jake is a bit of a hoarder.  Come to think of it, I might be a bit too.  I think I was far worse when I was a kid than I am now.  I hate things lying around; I like clean tidy surfaces.  It doesn't happen often, but I like it when I get the house organised and neat.  There's something very satisfying about walking into a clean house.

My garden, on the other hand, is a complete mess.  I wish I knew where to begin, or how to do the things that need to be done.  Jake and I have decided that we're going to start working on it little bit by little bit and maybe one day we'll have something that we can sit in and enjoy for hours.  In the mean time, we have our stoep or little patio if you prefer.  There's a plastic table and chairs set out there, althoug the table is so full of clutter, you can hardly see the table for all the junk.  It's generally Jake's place for dumping things that he's not allowed to keep inside.  And mine, for that matter.  One day, it will be clean and tidy and we will be able to sit outdoors and enjoy our dinner on warm summer evenings.  One day.

For now though, it makes for quite interesting photos.  So, these are some of the things that you're likely to find on my garden table at this very moment.

Shells... these are strung together on wire in the shape of a heart.  I'm planning to hang this on the wall outside.  My mom and dad bought this for me somewhere up the West Coast.  Simple and sweet and I love them... 

My orchids are doing really well out on the stoep too.  I had three stems of blooms on this one this year.  My other one seemed to be dying off at one point and the leaves turned dark purple, but it seems to have revived itself and I have all my fingers crossed that if blossoms again next year.  I love my orchids, they make me happy... 

*** Thank you to anonymous for correcting me... my flowers are fucshias, not freesias.  I do actually know what freesias are, they smell gorgeous, but apparently just suffered minor-freesia-amnesia while typing this post...***

 Just before Christmas time (shocking), I bought 4 little freesia seedlings.  I had no idea what their flowers would look like, simply picked 4 with different names.  The first has blossomed and it's GORGEOUS.  We have the sand and hanging baskets to replant them, but just haven't had the time.  They grow nicely on our stoep anyway...

 The flower on the right dropped off shortly after I took these photos...

A shark's jaw.  This once belonged to a ±6m long Mako shark and I've been to shy to post pictures of it, in fear of offending someone.  I work for a marine electronics company though.  We sell electronics to fishing companies and one of these companies has shark fishing rights.  Our sales guy managed to get this jaw for Jake.  It was partially cleaned and we've done a lot more work on it.  We just need to dust it off now and give it a coat of lacquer and it'll be done.  With all it's teeth in tact, this is one of Jake's most prized possessions, along with a small crocodile skull that he bought with his own money while we were in the Kruger last year.  He can't wait to take it to school to show it off again (he took it in last year when it was still a bit smelly, it's much better now)...

 Beans.  Jake de-shelled some beans he grew at my parents house and left the beans outside on the table.  When I water the orchids and freesias, the water runs out from the bottom of the pots and collects in the middle of the table.  The beans were starting to wrinkle in these pictures (taken on Tuesday) and have since split open to produce little roots.  Jake is thrilled...

 Almonds.  Jake stole these nuts from my mom's cupboard a couple of weeks ago.  He's had great fun trying to get inside the shells to eat the nuts.  So much easier to buy them de-shelled, but it keeps him busy.  And they make pretty pictures...

 Venus Fly Trap.  This little plant has been incredibly successful on our stoep.  We've had a few in the past (Jake requested his first for Christmas when he was just 3, but called a "penis fly trap" back in those days), but they've never done very well indoors and all died within a couple of months.  Jake got this from a friend for his birthday last year and it's growing beautifully.  Jake does catch flies to feed it from time to time, when he feels like it's not doing it's job properly...

 Leftover dinner... 

Hanging baskets.  These have been sitting on the table since I bought the freesias in December.  Disgusting, I might have to pot these today, just so I feel better.  After cricket, homework, swimming, shopping and dinner...

 A spark plug.  Jake picks up the weirdest things on the way to school in the mornings, when we're lucky enough to have time to walk...

 

 Pretty stones and a boxer charm.  These are in one of the orchid pots.  The boxer Jake picked up somewhere and it reminds him of Danie's dog, Laila...

 Roots.  OK, these are a given, since there are plants growing on the table, but just make for a fun picture...

 A spider's nest.  I'm sure there are plenty more underneath the table and chairs, but I'm not looking.  We seem to have quite a few black widows around, which Jake loves and I'm petrified of.  This one was tiny though, so he can stay...

 A marble.  Again, Jake's obsession with picking things up.  I'm in there too.  And my orchids.  And my roof... 

 And that's my table in pictures.  I do need to sort it out sometime, but I'm not in any rush, there's too much happening on there.

Sue X

 Yesterday ended up being a totally crazy day.  I was all organised for Valentine's Day and for our picnic, but just landed up having a million other things to sort out in between everything else.  Once we got through to Danie's house, things slowed down a little and we were all sorted by the time he got home from work.  The picnic was packed, flasks ready and we hopped into the boat and headed off for a little cruise.  I managed to convince Jake that it wasn't a fishing trip, so we were all able to relax and enjoy being together.

A total sop, I know, but I love making new, happy memories.  I get that from my mom.  So many people don't enjoy Valentine's Day, but I just think it's fun.  Like Halloween.  Next year I'm going OTT...   

 Jake took some bread crumbs with to feed the fish and ducks along the way. We saw millions of fish, so he was a little disappointed about not having his rod and reel with him. Next time...

 Jake had fun being our skipper for a while.  He's pretty good at it too, considering he's only 7.  It gave Danie time to give me some Valentine's cuddles...

 My two special loves...

 Our "little" feast.  I had all good intentions of doing everything myself, but didn't quite get the chance.  Sorry to all my veggie friends, my man is the complete opposite.  We did have grapes and nuts on the side, with humus and mini rice cakes (which we didn't open).  We also had Valentine's Biscuits, heart shaped chocolates and hot chocolate.  We nearly sank the boat on our way home...

My guys again...

 And this is the view from where we dined.  The wind was blowing a little and it was a bit chilly on the water.  We just drifted a bit while we ate, before heading home.  Just us, was just perfect.  Thank goodness we packed warm tops and a blanket... 

The rest of the evening was quiet.  Jake went to bed and Danie settled in front of the TV, while I read a magazine.  I am tired today though and have a sore throat starting up, so looking forward to my bed later.

I had to make a decision today about my garden that I didn't want to make.  Jake and I have been so excited about having a pretty garden and I know it's physically not something that I can do on my own.  I don't have the strength.  So getting someone in to sort it all out in one go, irrigation, composting, ordering, planting, digging out grass, etc was the answer for me.  It's the only way I can possibly get it done.  It is just Jake and I in the house, so the heavy man work isn't possible. I also realistically need to think about whether I'm going to sell the house one day (if I ever move out), or rent it out.  And renting it out is a better long term plan, financially.  I can't imagine how heartbroken I'd be if I'd spent all that time and money on the garden to make it beautiful, only to see it go to ruin through a tenant's lack of interest.  So, for now, until I have a clearer plan on my future, I'll just have to settle for 2 trees and ugly, uneven grass full of weeds.

Sending lots of love,
Sue X

All you need is love...

Happy Valentine's Day! 

A few years ago, Valentine's Day, like so many other days, was a day I dreaded.  The memories of happy times haunted my thoughts and made my whole body ache, leaving me feeling physically ill.  It doesn't ever go away completely.  Until you experience the hurt of a loss so close to your heart, you cannot possibly begin to imagine the feeling.  But here I am.  I'm happy again.  It's Valentine's Day and I'm really looking forward to spending time with the people I love most in this world.

I woke with Jake creeping into bed with me, smelling of sleep and snuggling in, up against me.  He wrapped his not-so-little arms around my neck and held me, showering me with kisses.  That is before he leaped out of bed to fetch my incomplete gift (pictures he printed, but hasn't finished colouring in) and to ask the whereabouts of my gift for him.  Sweet child.

We rushed to get ready for our day and headed off for breakfast at my parent's house.  I made heart-shaped french toast for Jake, Connor, Bianca and my dad for breakfast, a special Valentine's Day treat.

We have been baking Valentine's Day biscuits for those nearest and dearest and Jake was thrilled to be going off to school to spoil his teacher with chocolates and biscuits.  We will be dropping biscuits off to all our special family during the day.  Jake is more excited about this than anything else today!

This afternoon we head off to Danie's house for the rest of Valentine's Day.  I have a picnic planned and we're supposed to be going out on his little boat this evening, but the wind doesn't seem to be playing fair.  Jake will be disappointed, because it means no fishing for him, but it doesn't matter where we have our picnic.  We can have it on the lounge floor, as long as we're together. 

So, to my special Valentine's boys...

My darling Jake, thank you for being you and for giving me a reason to live and to laugh again.  You are so special and so gorgeous and I am so proud of all that you are.  It's been such fun being your mommy and I love watching you grow and learn.  I love you more than words can say.

My special love, Danie, thank you for giving me a reason to love again.  I didn't think it was possible.  you are wonderful in so many ways and I love just being with you.  Thank you for accepting and loving me (and Jake) warts an' all.  I love you so much and can't wait to see you later.  Counting down the hours.

Happy Valentine's day.  May your day be filled with moments to treasure and reasons to love.

Sue X

 The weekend was quiet and relaxing for a change.  I had my hair done (thanks mom!) and spent time with my family.  Life is always so hectic, it's good to slow down sometimes and spend time with the ones we love.  Especially since it's Valentine's Day this week.  We had a lovely braai at Rosanne and Gareth's house yesterday and Joanne and Paul came through with the kids, so the whole family was there.

As you can see, Little Bianca is growing more and more gorgeous every time I see her.  She's too cute for words and is such a happy little girl.  I can't believe she's growing as fast as she is, but when I think back to Jake, it feels like moments ago that he was doing the same things as she is.  Besides crawling around like a mad woman, she's starting to get very steady on her feet and if she doesn't realise you've let her go, she'll stand for a few seconds before landing on her bottom.  She's also teething like mad and the stream of drool running from her chin to her chest is continuous.  Poor little thing.  I wish she'd get her first tooth out already...

 Connor's not too thrilled about having to go to school every day at the moment.  I think, like Jake, he'd much rather be at home playing in the garden, swimming and watching TV.  The new routines means that he isn't sleeping as much as he'd like during the day.  He's been very good about using his potty and doesn't seem to be having any accidents.  We see these two cuties almost every day during the week.  It's become part of our morning routine, to pop in at my folks for a fried eggie on toast with them both.  Since Jake's not a breakfast person, I'm only too happy to do this if it means he's got something in his tummy before school.  Connor's also not eating too well at the moment, so it's a good thing he enjoys his breakfast.  In true girl style, Bianca loves her food, especially eggs with the boys in the morning.

Connor got a little sun burnt at a birthday party on Saturday morning.  Here he is showing off to us all (again) how well he can use the potty...

 There's my angel.  He's getting far, far too big, way too fast.  He didn't even want to hold my hand at school the other day, which nearly broke my heart.  But at the same time, it's so amazing to see him growing and learning to be more and more independent.  He's the most precious thing in the world...

 Rosanne baked her own cheese and onion bread for the braai.  It was more than delicious...

 Oh my word.  How cute is this????  I want one...

And that's about all the news from our side.  Life is good!

Love,
Sue X

Reminders...

Jake and I have started walking to school in the mornings.  The bell is ringing earlier this year than it did last year and so by 7:50, Jake has gone into his class room, leaving me nearly 30 mins to walk home and get to work.  I'd like to jog it, but I'm too unfit, so walking will have to do.  I love having the time with Jake in the mornings, it's our special time to chat and catch up. 

On my way home from dropping him at school this morning, I had a few thoughts running through my head.  Just some random ramblings...

Fallen leaves on the road - a reminder that autumn is coming;

Thunder rolling above - a reminder of cold winter rains, of days lazing on the couch with good movies and a fire blazing;

A beautiful view of Table Mountain - a reminder of a trip to the top for a hot chip lunch with Jake on my birthday;

The smell of Milkwood trees - a reminder of happy camping trips in Onrus with the Moelans family and friends;

Swallows circling the sky above me - a reminder of vultures circling in the Kruger and of many happy times shared there with family and friends.  Oh when can I go back there again?; 

Holding my baby's hand on the way to school - a reminder of how fast time goes, that he's not really a baby any more and that it won't be long before he doesn't want to hold my hand any more;

The sun rising over the hills - a reminder of watching the sunrise from the beach front.

So many reminders of how fast time moves and of how life changes and changes us.

Thinking today of random things.  Hoping to see old friends later for an early supper, I can't wait!

Sue X

Just a few...

 I took these snaps on the beach last week Tuesday.  It was chilly and windy and yet the beach was still packed with bathers, surfers and swimmers.  Jake and I had warm tops on and didn't make to much further than that cream building before turning and heading back for the car!  Jake also succeeded in getting himself stung on the foot by a blue bottle, so he wasn't too happy about that.  I don't know what goes on in his mind sometimes.  No matter how many times I warn him that it doesn't matter what shoes he wears, stamping on blue bottles is not a good idea.  Their tentacles are long enough to reach his knee.  Anyway, hopefully this time he's actually heard me and he won't do it again!  Boys...

 Danie's also got himself a "new" toy.  He bought it off a friend who had an accident on it and has spent a bit of time fixing it up.  He's loving being back on a motorbike, I'm scared stiff of the thing, it's far too fast.  Jake will NEVER be allowed one of these...

The weekend started off great, we met Jake's grandparents, cousins and aunties on the beach front in Sea Point for a sun downer picnic.  It was windy as hell, but the kids had a ball and we all enjoyed catching up a bit.  Here's Jake (in his Rollerblades) with his cousins and auntie on the see-saw...

He loved having everyone with him, he's such a family boy...

 Other than that, the rest of the weekend wasn't the greatest, but I had some fun time with Jake.  I took him for a Wimpy breakfast on Saturday morning and we went to a movie (Jack & Jill - it was hysterical).  Jake has gone totally fishing crazy and it's all he wants to do, so most of our free time this weekend was spent enjoying that with him.  It's so nice for him to have a hobby like this, I'll do whatever I can to encourage him.  His wife may hate me for it one day, but at least he won't be a total couch potato...

 We went out on the boat fishing on Saturday evening, Danie had been cycling and out with a friend all day and I don't think he was much in the mood, but we managed to scrape him off the couch at 5:30 to go...

This precious child was so super excited.  We'd been to the tackle shop on Saturday morning after our movie and we had made our own special bait for the trip.  He couldn't wait to get going, especially since the fishing specialist at the shop had told him that his bait was going to do the trick and that he needed to get out at 4pm.  The wait till 5:30 just about killed him (adults can be so boring!), but once we got going, he was super excited...

 Our home made (super smelly) bait worked a treat and Jake managed to catch a whole bucket full of little fish...

On Sunday morning before church, Jake was out on the water again, but while there was lots of action around his hook, he didn't catch anything.  He will keep on trying...

 Yesterday was killer hot and we were dying to get home early enough to have a swim at my mom's.  Jake was also exhausted from 2 late nights and I needed him to have an early night.  We ended up having a braai with friends at Danie's house, which went much later than expected and we only ended up getting home a little before 7pm.  Jake had a quick dip at my folks when we went to fetch the dog, then it was home to bed.

 Hope that everyone else had a good weekend and that you have a great week!!

Sue X