The photography...

Despite having begun my photography course on Monday evening, my camera has lain silently on the kitchen counter ever since...

The purpose of me doing the introductory refresher coures is just to help the basics become standard.  I don't want to take "auto" photos, I want to know and understand the workings of my camera.  The hows and whys.  I'm sure it's all pretty simple and I love my lecturer, Amy.  She's funky and confident, knowlegeable and down to earth.  By Monday, I will have taken a trillion photos, I hope.  I need to take 3 crystal clear, manually taken, printed images with me.  I can take any style of photo, of anything I like - landscape, portrait, still life - anything...  and that's the problem.  What the heck do I shoot?  If they'd told me to take photos of apples, or plants, or pets, or kids it'd have been easy, but tell me to go out there and find the perfect light and the perfect setting and take a completely manual photo of anything is just too many options for me.

So, hopefully, I'll be back on Monday to share what I've learnt over the weekend.  I just hope that I find some inspiration soon.

Wishing you all a happy weekend, promise to be sharing lots of photos soon!

Love,

Sue XXX

Life's dramas...

To say that it's been a crazy time for us, would be a serious understatement.  From one thing to the next, it's just been insane...

It started with Jake and his dental issues.  We regularly visit the oral hygienist and if she's worried about anything, we're referred from her to the dentist, which is what happened at our last appointment.  She discovered a hole in one of Jake's permanent molars and he was referred to the dentist.  We were fortunate and managed to get an appointment within the following week.  Jake was nervous, but keen to get the problem sorted out.  

Unfortunately, after hearing the dentist go on and on about the necessity of good brushing habits, when Dr G proceeded to whip out his HUGE syringe with LONG needle affixed to the end, Jake clammed up.  An hour later, much talking and bribery, we left without having the filling done.  Jake was bitterly disappointed and I was quite upset - dentists are not cheap!  Our next appointment was made for a full month later

After chatting to a friend, I decided to try her more kid-friendly dentist.  Our new dentist, Dr B is not contracted to medical aid (health insurance) rates, so she's really expensive.  She's young though and has a TV up on the ceiling and really got down onto Jake's level.  She never uses the words, needle, injection, pain, which is far better when your child is terrified of needles.  She managed to use her "wand" to put a small amount of anaesthetic into Jake's mouth, but he got such a fright when it pinched him, that he jerked away and clammed up again.  By the time, he'd decided to be brave again, the first lot of anaesthetic had worn off and the dentist had run out of time.  So, that was our second full hour's app.

Again, we were lucky enough to get a second (now our 3rd attempt) appointment fairly soon after the first with Dr B and Jake was definitely going to have his tooth filled.  He'd been threatened within an inch of his life.  He was so brave, I was so proud of him.  He managed to have the full anaesthetic, however when Dr B started drilling, her nearly flew off the chair.  She tried a few times and eventually gave up.  Apparently in kids, sometimes the sensation between the vibration and sound of the drill gets confused with pain.  Our only option - sedation.

So, that was it.  An appointment was made with the anaesthesiologist to come sedate Jake in the chair, while his filling was done.  Jake actually had 3 sites that needed work, two between 2 sets of baby teeth (poor brushing & poor flossing), so sedation it was.  I was nervous, Jake was nervous, but he had a pre-med and after that he was like a drunk man, falling all over the show.  He was a star when they put the needle in his arm and within an hour, it was all over and I had him safely back in my arms.  He's relieved it's done and is now brushing and flossing regularly.

I was ticked off that the first dentist hadn't picked up the 2 other problems, even with X-rays, so we now have a wonderful new dentist and hopefully Jake will grow out of his dentist issues with time.  For now, I'm just relieved to have had the work done and that he has no recollection, or fear from it.

Other more minor medical drama, saw me standing on a stray piece of glass in the lounge, after Jake had broken a bowl 2 or 3 weeks earlier.  I landed up having to go to the doctor to have it cut out in the surgery, there was no way I could go near it, it was so painful.  The injections (2) were not fun, but very necessary and I was very relieved to get the shard out.  The piece of glass had actually broken up inside my foot, so it took quite a bit of digging around and the doc said he took quite a bit of tissue out my foot in the process.  Needless to say, my foot has been very tender ever since and I'm not 100% convinced that all the glass is out, but it's not sore to walk on.  Well, not really...

Further "news" is that my mom broke her foot.  She didn't fall, or do anything silly, she simply stepped on it funny and heard it crack as she was going down the stairs into the garden at home.  She was OK for a couple of minutes, then couldn't put any weight on it.  I knew she was really sore when she told me she needed an X-ray.  It was evening and Jake needed feeding and bed, so I was just going to phone Rosanne to ask her to take my mom down to the hospital, when the phone rang and it was Rosanne asking if we had any strong pain killers.  She'd fallen at work and thought she'd broken her foot.  Jake stayed home with my dad and I carted them both off for X-rays.  Both of them have broken the same bones in their feet, on opposite sides (mom's is the left foot, Rosie's the right).  Since Rosanne's happened at work, she's been able to claim her expenses through Workman's Compensation.  Her break was pretty bad and she's actually going in on Thursday to have a plate put in to hold it all together.  Today is 2 weeks since they crazily broke their feet within 20 minutes of each other and Rosanne is still very bruised and swollen.  My mom's break has been far less painful, with very little swelling and pretty much zero bruising.  She's seeing the orthopedic surgeon next Tuesday, so she's got everything crossed that she doesn't need surgery too.  

For me, it's been a busy time.  I've been helping out as much as I can with shopping and lifting.  With Jake back at school and homework and sport back in full swing, it does get a bit hectic, but I am SO grateful that its not ME that's having to keep my foot up.  After Joanne's 2 broken feet earlier this year, our family tally's up to 4 and I think someone's telling us all to take life a little slower.  The pace has been far too fast for far too long.

Added to all that, Jake seemed to have had a slight bug over the weekend, but is feeling much better today.

And that brings you all up to speed on why I've been a bit absent on my blog.  Hope you'll all forgive me!!!

On a plus, I've started my photography course (last night was my first lecture) and I'm very excited about sharing my photos with you and getting your opinions soon!

Sending lots of love,

Sue xxx

PS.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by the Boston bombing yesterday - the world is out of control and my heart is so heavy today for all affected.

A crazy time...

Hello!  Nope, I haven't disappeared - life's just taken over all my free time lately.  I promise to do a post tomorrow.

Hope everyone's well.

Sending love,

Sue XXX

The Easter Weekend...

Jake & Pip (now 8 weeks old)

Most of you, who know us, know that Jake and I seldom have nothing on.  Our lives are busy and we like it that way.  We like to be busy and surround ourselves with the people we love.  Easter is a special time of year for us and so it was no surprise that we spent most of the weekend charging around and trying to squeeze as much into as little time as possible.

Saturday morning, Jake had a fun morning on with his cubs pack.  They'd planned an egg hunt in the local retirement village and were all super excited about it.  Each cub had to make an Easter bonnet and they were to go in uniform for an Easter parade and egg hunt.  We spent a bit of time on Friday making his hat and he was super proud of it.

We used an old cowboy hat from Disney and converted it into a bunny.  Jake even made his own pom-pom...

 Well done Jake (and a few others), your hat is gorgeous...

 The cubs were each assigned a few residents to chat to and to take with them on the egg hunt.  It was great to see the cubs and old people enjoying each other's company...

 Jake won second place for his hat and was very proud of himself.  He's here with 90 year old Alice, who also won second place for her bonnet...

 There were literally hundreds of Easter eggs and each resident and cub were each allowed to take 5 home with them...

 After the cubs party, we had Corky's birthday party!!  I cannot believe that our little Corky is 4!!  For the first time, he wanted something other than a "Thomas" party.  I can't wait until I know how to edit these pictures properly, the pink overhead lights didn't help me, but you'll get the idea.  Just imagine that it was sunset...

 While a family friend made the cake, Jo was responsible for these really cute pirate ship cupcakes - also photographed at sunset...

 There was dress up stuff for the kids, which was a real hit...

 With fun things for the kids to take home...

  "Captain Connor" with his very clever mommy...

 Jake was such a good sport and joined in on all the fun.  I even managed to get him to put his arm around Corky for this photo...

 Because they weren't sure whether they'd be in their new or old house for the party, Jo booked the lifestyle centre in their complex for the party...

 Corky and TJ (or "Teej" as Corky calls him these days)...

 On the pirate ship jumping castle - these guys look scary...

 Help Auntie Sue - I can't see where I'm going...

Bi in her new boots - she won't take them off for much...

 She's realised that she can see her picture on my camera after I've taken her photo, so I can get her to look at me.  Please note the pretty pink nails too!  Jo says she sits so still while she has them done...

 A jumping castle is always a hit with kids.  Especially one that doesn't look like your standard jumping castle...

 Hi Bi (or Bibi as she calls herself).  You're too cute and I love you...

 Jake was a little put out with me.  He's so much bigger than the other kids and he's so rough.  He was put on duty to watch that no little kids got hurt, but it only lasted for 2 minutes...

 Corky loved every moment of his amazing party...

 And Bi thought it was hysterical that she couldn't stay on her feet...

 This is Corky with his best friend Aiden aka Spidey the Pirate...

 Excited to finally be allowed near the party table...

 Then it was time to light the candles and sing to the special boy...

 Time to eat!  That's Corky's girlfriend, Hannah.  she's 7...

 This is probably my favourite photo of the birthday boy...

 Gareth was in charge of braai'ing the hamburgers...

 When my mom phoned to wish Corky happy birthday on Saturday morning, she asked him what she could bring with and he asked her to bring Bi a present.  He obviously felt a little guilty being indulged, while she got nothing.  Needless to say, Bi got something from us too and she was thrilled with her new things...

 Oh Da-haling...

 The shoes were definitely her favourite though and she loved their clicking noises.  Bi also loves music and she loves to dance, so took to the floor in her new shoes to entertain us all...

 Waiting patiently for the next track...

 Corky was very good and waited patiently until all his friends had left before he started opening presents...

 We gave him a Thomas Train (thanks TJ for bringing them all back with you from Germany) and some silly things like slime and pirate stickers, but the real highlight was this moustache.  When he found it at the bottom of the gift bag, he held it up and said "do you know, this is just what I've always wanted?" - now please scroll back up to see the table full of dress up stuff, and tell me why the moustache was so exciting?  It's the small things that count...

 Hannah got a kiss to say thanks for her gift...

 And Teej's gift of a new engine station was definitely a highlight...

 Bi is all set to enjoy Corky's gifts too...

 Easter morning was fun this year.  Jake is very much on the fence about it all and heard from a teacher at school (so he tells me) that the Easter bunny's not real and that it's impossible for a rabbit to jump over walls, delivering eggs.  Said teacher went as far as to tell them that it was only parents who do the egg hunt.  I was very upset about it last week, but he is growing up and he can't be the only wally left defending the bunny, so I have tried to be as honest about it as possible.  I just told him that if he doesn't want to believe any more, there won't be any Easter eggs to hunt for.  He did tell me that I'd put one egg on a rock during his hunt though, so he pretty much knows.  I'm very sad that this magical stage of his life is drawing to a close.  Thank goodness he has younger cousins to keep it alive for us all.

The weather was a bit iffy and rain was forecast for Easter, so the bunny hid Jake's eggs mostly indoors...

 It's so much more fun outside though...

 And he did leave some on the stoep for Jake to find...

 Jake was chuffed with his haul and he ate himself into a near coma for the rest of the weekend...

 We had a brunch at my folks with my sisters and their families.  It's our little family tradition...

 The bunny visited at Nini and Pa's house too and it was really special to see Corky & Bi enjoying themselves so much...

 Jake also enjoyed the hunt...

 Bi got a bunny from Auntie Rosie and Uncle Gareth...

 After breakfast Jake and Corky had Easter eggs filled with custard for dessert.  Have you seen that ad on TV?  Who else tried it?  Was delicious and well worth stealing eggs from your kids for...

 Jake's egg had a hole in the bottom so he was sucking the custard out (pssst Jake - you need a haircut!!)...

 Corky being silly for the camera...

 Pip enjoyed the morning with us too.  He's still so tiny, even though he's already 8 weeks old!  He's unfortunately been diagnosed with a cleft pallet and will need surgery when he's a little older.  It means that my mom needs to keep him till he's 4 or 5 months old, but hopefully the surgery will be successful and he'll still be able to find a good forever home after that.  The hole in his pallet is really tiny and he has managed to drink a bottle, but has always sounded as if he has a cold.  The risk is obviously that he can easily get fluid on his lungs.  Also, now that he's started solids, we have to keep the food very moist and soft, so that nothing gets stuck in the hole.  It makes caring for him feel more risky, but we mustn't forget why his name is Pip - he's our little survivor.  And you have to admit, he's darned cute...

 Duracell adores him too and has been so gentle with him.  He's starting to play a little more roughly now that Pip's getting bigger, but it's all fun for these two...

 After a nap at home after brunch, Jake and I decided to make a flask of coffee and to head down to the beach.  We picked up my mom and dad on our way.  It'd been threatening rain all day, but it was so warm we were sure a good thunderstorm was brewing.  I love going to the beach when its stormy and the waves are rough and the wind is cold.  Sunday was nothing like that though.  The clouds were there, but the air was warm and the water was calm.  It was magnificent...

 The air was clear and you could see for miles down towards Cape Point (your left of the photo)...

 Looking up the beach in the opposite direction, you could see the rain coming...

 When it started to rain a little too hard for us, we headed for the car and took a drive further up the beach, stopping in along the way at various spots.  This section of the beach had lots of crushed mussel shells.  The sand was chunky, almost like a mini-pebble beach, the way I like it...

 Toes like his daddy...

 And hands the same too...

 We were out until the sun set - it was beautiful...

 I love how Jake really doesn't care about his clothes getting wet on the beach...

 Jake & I - in hind sight, I shouldn't have crouched down, then you could've seen how tall he's gotten!  Won't be long before he over takes me... 

 True love...

 Special moment...

 Jake's trying to master the art of rock skimming...

 Despite how empty the beach looks in my photos, there were lots of people out and about.  Can you spot Jake in his red shirt??

 One last photo of our beautiful mountain...

We ended our weekend off with the most delicious sushi dinner with Jake's granny and grandpa and his Auntie Tam.  They'd been away camping for the weekend, so it was nice to spend some quality time with the rest of our family.

I hope that you all had a very blessed, special Easter!!

Sending lots of love,

Sue XXX