So, life has been busy. Again. I don't know where this week has gone, let alone this month. Can you believe that it's nearly February? It's more then a month since we celebrated Christmas. Boy, it's been a busy month!!

So, as usual, just a rushed post full of pictures...

Jake has totally loved the swimming pool this year. He's always been a bit apprehensive around water, so it's great to see him swimming freely and having fun. Being an only child, he loves any and all company in the water and manages to coax us all in from time to time. Thank goodness our water is heated, or I wouldn't get past my knees. Connor thoroughly loves the water. Here the boys are cooling off with my dad, Pa...

Connor's had a haircut since this. He's too cute for words at the moment; crawling all over the show and full of smiles...

Our house is coming along well and I'm very proud of how I've managed to co-ordinate contractors around one another. The big move has officially started and we're hoping to be completely in by next weekend. It's all VERY exciting. So, this is our lounge. These pictures were taken last week sometime after they'd finished sanding, but not yet varnished our floors. I wish I could have kept the floors this way forever...

This is Jake's new bedroom. It's a lot smaller then what he's got at my parent's house and I'm really worried about getting a bed + toys in. Fortunately, I ordered him a new bed, which comes with a desk & bookshelf below the actual bed. He's as excited about his new bed as he is about the move at the moment...

Next up is my bedroom, which is quite a bit bigger then Jake's room and I'd be more then happy for him to have the extra space, but my queen size bed with extra length and side cupboards that's been in storage for 5 1/2 years won't fit in his room...

And besides, look at all my wardrobes!! I am going to have to go on a serious shopping spree to fill those. Excuse the dusty doors, they've been cleaned since these pictures...

From sanding the floors, the entire house has been under a thick layer of dust. It was pointless to start cleaning until my window frames had been knocked out and replaced...

This, obviously is looking down the passage towards the front door. Jake's room is on the right, mine's on the left, with another spare bedroom on the left ahead of mine. Bathroom and guest loo on the right...

The guest room to be...The bathroom & floor sander...The other half of the bathroom - it's tiny, but it'll do for the 2 of us...Entrance to guest loo, sure you don't actually want to see the toilet, unless of course you visit us and need to use it... Part of our kitchen. The long cupboard doors on the right open into my pantry...

We had our wall raised a little and closed up the doily-type holes that once decorated it. Didn't like the idea of anyone peeping through...

In between getting the house ready, we were invited to Rosanne & Gareth's for a braai. They made killer chicken's on the fire. FYI, yes, they are sitting on cans of lemon twist. Any sweet soda can be used; it keeps the chicken moist and it's just delish... The end result...They also did a braai bread, complete with onion and cheese. I didn't know you could put these things baking tray things on the fire, but turns out, they're pretty heat resistant. The picture speaks for itself... mmmm... Rose & Gareth are renting from me. Contrary to what their next-door-neighbour has to say about them, they are excellent tenants and I couldn't have asked for anyone to better care for my house. They're forever doing little things and turns out, they're quite house-proud. Here's the main bedroom...And the lounge looking across to their new bar, which Gareth built...Jake loves visiting them, they've got Wii games he doesn't have. Have you ever actually seen anyone playing Wii? It's hysterical and I promise to take some photos of Jake playing to post here soon... Connor was there too. He was sick and had a fever, poor little guy. Besides being a bit sick the last week, he's doing so well. He's got his first two teeth and is crawling and climbing everywhere. It's just a matter of time before he's walking all over the show, he can't wait to get going. I love this kid...Jake started golf lessons. He's been dying to give it a go and has been telling me for ages that he wants to learn, so when I got a note from school advertising playgolf (linked to playball, for those locals), I took him down. I was quite impressed and I can see how it's going to improve things like concentration and co-ordination. Plus, by the sounds of things, a lot of business happens on the golf course, so it's always good to know how, especially for guys. Perhaps I should take lessons too, I might meet a hottie on the course. Anyway, the lessons from a college just up the road from home...Jake's teacher, showing him how to stand and hold the club...Keep your arms straight and your legs slightly bent. Don't move your feet...Getting ready to go...Awww, how cute is this???At least he can hit the ball, we can work on direction... Seriously, too cute...A full swing...We've spent quite a bit of time cleaning up and getting the house ready for moving. The kitchen's been scrubbed out and the first boxes have been unpacked. Since everything has been in storage for 5 1/2 years, it's all got to be washed before it can be packed away. It's been quite a mission, but we're getting there. The kitchen's all packed now and my new washing machine went in yesterday. My fridge is in too. I can't wait for us to be settled in there now. Anyway, my folks helped us move a few boxes (OK, a lot) this week and we had our first meal in the garden afterwards...My new window frames... The burglar bars are in now too and the plastic's off, so they're looking great. I've had safety glass put in right around the house, which makes it so quiet inside when the windows are closed... My mom and Jake...Buitenverwachting wine and Butlers Pizza, it was divine...The floors have been varnished; this is the lounge. I love my floors...My clean kitchen...My pantry. I'm really looking forward to filling this. Grocery shopping here I come...The other view of my kitchen... And Jake's room once again. His new bed has been delivered, but is in the lounge at the moment. He can't wait to make it up. They're painting this week, so once his room is painted, we can get it set up... So, there you have it. That's what we've been up to. I'm off to the J & B Met today with a guy from work. I've never been to the races before, so I'm looking forward to seeing what it's all about. I have a pretty dress and bright red glitter shoes. I'm definitely packing my camera, so pics to follow. Got no clue how to bet, but I will be taking a gamble today and I'm looking forward to that. Hope you all have a stunning weekend, the weather here is breathless. Perfect!

XXX

Shew...

Just had my security gates put up! That guy is welcome back in my house ANYTIME! Providing that, next time, he has his shirt off and I'm allowed to sit and watch him working all day... shewy, he was HOT...

School's on...

After much grumbling about going back to school, we're finally there. Jake decided during the holidays that he didn't care much for school, that he didn't want to learn to read or write and that he'd rather just stay at home. He's forever asking "but why do I have to go to school?". He woke up this morning and crawled into bed with me at about 6am. I told him I needed to snooze a bit more and rolled over, but it was hard to ignore him when I could hear him repeating over and over "good morning Mrs Knight, good morning Mrs Knight" (that's me reminding him not to just say 'hi' to his teacher). Funny kid. He eventually got up and decided that he was too nervous to eat, although I did manage to force feed him some pronutro (porridge) foie gras style (not quite ;)). I'm not sure why he was so nervous, since it's the same school he was at last year and he is very familiar with the teachers and facilities. His new teacher, Mrs Knight, loves nature, so I'm sure he'll enjoy sharing that with her this year. Needless to say, by the time we'd arrived at the school and I'd introduced myself, Jake had found his locker, put his bag away and disappeared. I found him playing with the boys, totally unconcerned about whether I was there or not. When I left, he was playing in his old classroom with one of the other boys. I left feeling a little sorry for myself, but at the same time so glad that he's going to have a happy day!! I can't believe that by this time next year, he'll be going into Grade 1! Sue x

2 in one day...

I'm sitting at home, waiting for something to download, so just a ramble...

So, it's back to school again tomorrow. With the Soccer World Cup happening around the country in June (or July), these Christmas holidays have been cut short by two whole weeks. The time seems to have flown by and I can't believe that it's time to get back into routine again already! I just love the holidays. But, Jake's lunch box has been packed and is in the fridge, ready to go in his bag in the morning. Clothes are laid out (doing all this tonight means 5 minutes less rushing tomorrow morning). Jake's quite mixed about going back to school this term. He's moving up from grade 0 to grade R (reception), so he's getting a new teacher. There will also be a lot of new kids starting tomorrow (the school only has one grade 0 class and 3 grade R classes), so he is looking forward to making new friends. Still, he's pretty much decided that he doesn't want to go to school, he prefers being on holiday. Can't say I blame him...

Oh, I also keep forgetting to mention, for those of you who read the tragic story of the Macs, who lost their 11 month old daughter last February (their link is on the right). Well, they've welcomed a new baby into their lives, a son, Levi!! They've got photos up and he's real cute. It's amazing how life has run in such a huge circle for them so quickly, it must've been such a roller coaster for them. Through all their tragedy last year, to the happiness of holding a new baby in their arms. They're so young and such strong people.

Other then that, not much to report. My house is coming along pretty slowly at the moment. I guess it's the wrong time of year to expect much to be done in a hurry. Anyway, they start sanding my parquet floors & raising my boundary wall on Monday, my burglar alarm's in already and my new slam lock security gates go in next Friday. I'm still waiting for one last quote for aluminium window frames with built in burglar bars (I have a few rotten wood ones), before I can order them and I'm meeting with a woman tomorrow re building plans for my palisade fence. The guy is on my case & wants to get started ASAP. All in all, it's costing a small fortune to make our home secure, but I'd rather be safe now and buy my dining room table at a later date (bugger!!). So, things are happening, it's just difficult co-ordinating it all. Also, I hate meeting with contractors; I hate them knowing I'm a woman on my own - they always seem prepared to rip you off so easily. On the other hand, I've had so many offers to help me move, I'm so lucky to be so cared about!

Anyway, nearly bed time for me (it's 21h09), so time to love and leave you. Sweet dreams XXX

Life in a tent...

After Christmas, Jake & I headed off to Kommetjie, where my in laws were camping for the holidays. We had quite a few friends up there too, including my best friend, Jacki (above).

When Jacques was alive, we used to go camping every once in a while. I think had he still been alive, I would probably be out there camping every weekend. Life's different now though and I've changed a lot (probably not all for the best, but I'm happy) and, while we had tons of fun, I've realised that I'm just not a camper. I tried really hard for 5 days, but I would just rather be in a guest house then in a tent. Call me a snot-nosed snob, that's just the way it is. I like comforts and private bathrooms. I am also quite a nervous person by nature and found it very difficult physically falling asleep in a tent and went for about 3 days on very little rest. We suffered some very hectic wind and I'd lie there imagining the wind running down the road, shaking all the trees as it came for us. Then it'd grab our tent, shake it up and run away again. I'd lie there waiting for the next round to begin. Besides that, our tent was right next to the road, which meant that any car driving past sounded like it was going to drive over us - a bit like playing chicken with your eyes closed. Still, as you'll see in the photos, Jake had an absolute ball and it was fabulous to get him away from the TV and computer at home. It was awesome spending time with friends and family.

Despite the wind, it was still hot and we tried to get the kids down to the beach as often as possible. Meant we could get some sun on our bodies too. Mostly, though, it was just too windy. Jake was the youngest kid in the group and I am finding him a little awkward settling into a group at the moment, especially with older kids. I guess it comes from being the only kid in a houseful of adults. I'm trying to ignore the bad behaviour and praise the good, but it was quite difficult to do so when kids are telling tales. So, there were a few fights and disagreements, but I think generally the kids did alright and I think they all went home feeling like they'd had a good holiday.

So, here are some of the kids on the beach. They're digging a hole to Timbuktu. Jake's the one fully dressed, complete with jeans and takkies (sneakers)...The guy in yellow is Steven; he's Jacki's son. Her & I always have a quiet giggle about how much we like each other and how little our kids like one another. It seems impossible. So, we generally end up spending time together without the kids, it's just less effort. Plus, it means we get to have a glass of wine and watch grown up stuff on TV. Below is Jake's very diplomatic Auntie Tam sorting out some kind of a spat between Jake & Steven. The boys had to shake on it. Personally (and I guess it comes with age) I think they just need to agree to disagree...Jake's favourite spot at the campsite, when not on his bicycle, was the hammock behind his grandparent's caravan. He's not sleeping, by the way, just pretending for the sake of the camera. Oh and my child also loves any kind of fruit. If I put out a bowl of cherries or litchis next to a bowl of sweets, I know he'd definitely grab sweets first, but he'd devour the bowl of fruit. On this day, I bought him a whole punnet of cherries. The bowl was full and he ate every single one of them. Oh and please note how short Jake's hair is. He's been begging me to cut it on a number 1, so I decided to do it after Christmas. Looks like a convict, doesn't he? At least he has a nicely shaped head - I couldn't get away with this...Jake & Uncle Justin (father to Abi & Becky, which explains their beautiful tans over my son's white legs) getting the fire ready for dinner...

The kids spent a lot of time playing cricket in the street too. Jake's big cousin, Abigail helped him learn a bit about batting. I guess it's my fault that my child's not well educated yet in the sporting world, but I'll just blame that on Jacques. Because I can...

Starting to get the hang of it...And then he decided to face the ball without Abi. Such a proud moment...He wasn't that keen on the fielding part of the game though...Uncle Steve was quick to give Jake a hand with the bowling. Steve's a deputy head at a school (can't remember which - sorry!) and he's amazing with the kids. Generally, at the moment, Jake's better one on one rather then in a crowd. Steve spent a little time chatting to him and Jake warmed up to him so beautifully. Steve's married to Michelle and they have two stunning kids, Matthew and Jemma. Another friend, Craig, who's married to Julia, spent time with Jake and a couple of the kids, including his own two, fishing off the rocks. Somewhere along the line, Jake thanked Craig for taking him fishing and told him that he wished he also had a dad. It's all about spending quality time with these little beings... We went to the nearby snake park - definitely not my favourite place, but you gotta be brave when you've got kids. I even managed to take a few blurred photos...Seriously, just look how short that hair is. Oh and that's a Gaboon Viper next to Jake. They have the longest fangs and highest venom yield of any venomous snake. Thank goodness for the glass. I'm surprised this photo isn't more blurred...

Afterwards, they 'kindly' let us hold corn snakes. It was another brave mommy moment for me. Jake was too scared to hold one, so I had to show him first that they weren't going to hurt him by holding one myself. I don't like snakes, I think my biggest thing about them is that I don't know how clean they are. I mean seriously, have you ever thought about where's a snake's butt is while it's slithering all over you? And how do they keep themselves clean? I'm not a neat fanatic, but I can't get my head around this. For real. Least I got managed to get Jake to hold it...

By the end of our visit at the snake park, Jake had decided that he wants a corn snake for his birthday. It's just not gonna happen, kid-o. I'm very sorry...

There was also an Iguana at the snake park, which the kids were allowed to pet. I didn't touch it, they're a bit freaky...

But, turns out, it's another 'have to have' pet...

My folks came up for the day on Old Year's Eve. Jake was really excited about seeing them and kept saying, 'are Nini & Pa really coming to visit me?'A scenic snap of the beach down at Kommetjie. There was a lot of seaweed around, which wasn't great... My fully clothed son running away from the waves. That's Steve with him again...The water was FREEZING though, so I don't really blame Jake for not getting in. My feet were in cramps just from putting my toes in...

In the evenings the wind made it quite cool, so we all huddled up close to the campfire. The kids carried on riding their bikes until bedtime. A couple of evenings, Tam organised sing-songs for the kids by the fireside, which they absolutely loved. They played games and sang things like Alice the camel. They were each snuggled under a blanket and we all went to bed afterwards...

On Old Year's Eve, Jake had a late afternoon nap and I managed to get him to stay up to see the New Year in. He actually only went to sleep eventually at about 2am and was up at 8 on New Year's Day. On Old Year's they organised for some minstrels to come through the camp. They stopped at each site and played a tune before moving on to the next. The kids loved it, following behind on their bikes...

Did any of you see the moon on Old Year's Eve? Besides having a partial eclipse, did you know that it was also a blue moon? Do you know what a blue moon is? For those that don't; it's when there are two full moons within one month. The next time this happens will be in 56 years time and I'll be 88, if I'm still around at all and Jake will be 61. Scary thoughts...

Jake with his grandparents and cousins, Abi on the left and Becky on the right...

Jake & Grandpa Hubie on the scooter...

Jake pretending to eat an uncooked crayfish. We were totally spoilt with these while we were away...

And that just about brings you up to date on our news. I need to take some photos at the house and do an update on that, but you'll have to wait a day or two. Hope you're all well!

Love Sue XXX