Stressful ..... but such a great ending.

In March 2013 Jamie made it into Stellenbosch University for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer studies. Because of his excellent grade 11 marks, he was given an immediate place in res. Everything was sorted and sealed.

 I was extremely proud that he had successfully taken himself through High School and was now about to reap the rewards of an on-campus Varsity education. He was elated and keen to move away and have his independence.

(Jamie on left...... good mates off to Stellenbosch Uni.)

DUCK!.....Incoming curved ball
 .... Jamie then decided he was not going to study at Stellenbosch. He wanted to stay at home and do the same degree via correspondence. As a mom, I was quite relieved I'd have him a little longer. Boyd too was happy as Jamie had been working for him whilst he was studying and doing such a wonderful job. Boyd now entertained plans of Jamie continuing  to work for him as he studied at home.
Sorted! ...... NOT.
Jamie's friends left for Stellies and we noticed that he was feeling down. We also wondered if he was staying at home because of his girlfriend who had decided to study her degree via correspondence.
Boyd stepped in and we both put pressure on him to get his spot back in Stellenbosch and go.
And so he did.
Sorted..... NO!
Two weeks after being at Stellies he sent this email to Boyd.......

Hi Dad,

Please read this whole email sorry it’s so long.

Well I may as well just cut to the chase. I’m not happy. And I screwed up.

My screw up was saying yes to you when you asked me if I wanted to come to Stellenbosch. My screw up was letting you spend all that money getting me there when all I wanted to do was wait until Monday when our work arrangements started properly. My favourite day was right before I left when I was buzzing around doing work at clients. I had never been so excited or proud of what I was doing in my life. But I felt like I was failing you. I was so unhappy those last few days as you could probably tell. All I could think about was how disappointed you were that I wasn’t down in Stellenbosch with Sean and Joel.  So when you asked me if I wanted to go I told you yes. And it is the biggest mistake of my life. I know you always wanted me to go to University because you didn’t have the opportunity. I thank you so much for this opportunity but it is bitter sweet. I feel like I am living your dream down here and I am finally going to stop and say I cant do it. I cannot live the next 3 years or even next week doing something because my father wanted me to do it. I am so sorry to do this to you but I have a flight booked back on the weekend this week. I know you may absolutely hate me for this or even want to disown me for how I have done this. But all I want to do is be in business with you. I have looked up to you for years and all I’ve wanted to do was work with you, have you teach me and eventually take over the business. Instead I felt like I was just the joke of the family. The kid who was staying home to work because he wouldn’t go to university! I thought the only solution was to leave.  I know what I’m doing is wrong. Its more than wrong it borders on betrayal. But I’m coming home on Saturday. And I hope you will still love me after this. I know you spent upwards of R40 000 on me. By the end of this year you will have the entire amount paid back into your account. R20 000 by July and the other R20 000 by December. Don’t worry about a car, or a holiday or birthday presents or anything else, I don’t deserve it.

I will adhere to absolutely any rules you set for me and will work my ass off. Ill wake up at 5:30 everyday and take Codey and Tanna to school for you guys. I will continue to take codey to gym. I will start learning sales with you and help you out. I’ll even pay rent if you want me to. I just wanted to tell you because as my role model I feel like I am absolutely betraying you. But I have to do this. If you don’t want me in the house then just tell me. I will make a plan. Thank you for always being there. Im so sorry dad. But I just cant do this. This isn’t home sickness, and it has nothing to do with Brittany. She will be gone the following year to Malta or Pretoria. I know what direction I want to take in life and it doesn’t involve a degree. It involves being like you. I am still at lectures all day so please just whatsapp or email me. I don’t think I can handle a phone call yet anyway. Love you dad. Hopefully this is not the end of our relationship.

Jamie

This letter gutted me.

SO..... he returned home.... we welcomed him back into our home and the business. Of course!

Fast track 2 years down the line and I honestly know he did the right thing.

He is working full time for Boyd, earning a salary of note, and clocking up mainly distinctions in his Computer Science degree. He is still totally in love with lovely Brittany after 2 and a half years.

Sorted...... Yip, 

(well for now at least. hehe)

So glad my boy stood up for what he felt was right for him.

Getting real.

Now that my boys are older I feel comfortable revealing their true identities(wink). I think they would also be happier to drop their pseudo-names!

 so....... drum role please.... Cooldude and WizzKid

are really........ Codey-Reece and Jamie-Scott

Two very special boys who continually make this momma very proud. 

X

WizzKid Decides!

WizzKid has been working for his dad(MrGee) for almost two months. It was unexpected and a shock to all! Well... let me back up and explain.

WizzKid has always wanted to go to varsity. His two fields of interest have been Biology and Computers(IT).At one stage he wanted to be a doctor but later on he decided IT was the better option. So he applied for a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science at Stellenbosch University. His very good Cambridge marks got him a place in the course of his choice and Res. We were all so excited for him.

Just before Christmas he sat Mr Gee and I down and said that he did not want to go to varsity. He had decided he was going to work for MrGee's company, and that he would do his studies through UNISA(distance learning). We were ok with his choice and felt it could work.

Then, after his friends had left for varsity, WizzKid became VERY grumpy. We spoke to him and we wondered if he had made the wrong decision to stay at home and not go to varsity!

After persuasion from MrGee, WizzKid said he would go. In 2 days we re-organised his entry and WizzKid told his girlfriend he was going to varsity the next day...... and off he went!

It was a frenzied emotional time.

Ten days after WizzKid had been at varsity he phoned me and very politely said that he was coming home.He told us that he did not want to go back into another glorified schooling system. I totally understood, but I also knew he was coming back for his girlfriend. He paid for his flight home. Things were tense when he arrived home.    

- VERY TENSE- 

MrGee and him negotiated, and a plan was set in place. Initially it was flippin hard for all!

WizzKid now works full day for MrGees company. I am so glad my son had the strength to say THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE!(and he did it so respectfully)

SO.... WizzKid works for MrGee...... and things are GOOD! Yes, it was a shock, but I am seeing God's hand move beautifully in this chapter of our lives.

GOD IS GOOD..... all the time!

WizzKid turns EIGHTEEN!

"To My son....   18 wonderful years have come and gone.... it has been a blessing being your mom. I admire you for the perseverance and consistency you have had with your studies. You have astounded me with your focus and determination. Well Done! I believe there is a bright future awaiting you. Thank you for being an amazing role model for CoolDude and Tanzi. I pray Gal 5:23-25 over you, the fruits of the spirit. Love, joy, peace,goodness,kindness,faithfulness,long suffering,self-control and patience and more patience and then a tad more.(hehehe) I love you. xx Lots of choc and coke Momzilla."

We tried to trick him and wrapped up a big box that contained an apple and a Big Mac Burger box.

WizzKid was rather relieved once he was holding his Macbook.......

"Dear WizzKid I love you because you make me happy, you play with me and you are funny! I know we had some rough times .... like you kneed me in the chin and elbowed me in the hip. Still you are awesome!! Love Miss Tanzi"

"Dear WizzKid.... first of all its kind of hard to believe that you can drink and drive now! Just don't attempt both at the same time! Anyway you're an awesome brother and I am extremely grateful you don't threaten to hit me or swear at me like most other brothers do. I hope that one day I can achieve the goals for myself like you have done for yourself! Love CoolDude."

"Dear WizzKid....where ever life takes you I am here for you, you will never be alone. I am always here to listen.... unless you need a loan! (pulling your leg) I will love you forever Dada."

My Scotty is all grown up!

Mr Piano Man

Six years ago Grandpa Boom gave us a keyboard that he had been blessed with a couple of years before. I remember him saying that he heard the Lord tell him to pass it onto us.

For most of our married life,MrGee and I have had a piano.....So why would the Lord want us to have a keyboard? Initially we all had fun making airplane, machine gun and animal sounds on it but then the novelty wore off.
In 2008 we moved from Johannesburg to Hillcrest. The kids each got their own rooms and WizzKid decided he wanted the keyboard in his. He just started playing about on it, trying to figure out songs that he heard on the radio. Often I'd hear him playing late into the night. After five years of 'tinkling about' without one lesson he is able to play beautifully and he's almost completed his first composition .... it's brilliant!

Thank you Grabdpa Boom for being obedient to the spirit's prompting.

Wordless Wednesday ....

WizzKid's three week adventure up Mount Everest to Base Camp.

Forgotten memory.

A facebook friend reminded me of this, today..... it had slipped my mind for more than a decade!

"Just had a memory flash-back .... Do you remember when WizzKid was about 3 , we were at City of Life and he tried to get MrGee's attention during the service but MrGee was too engrossed in the message so WizzKid walked to the front corner , whipped it out and "sprinkled" all over the floor ! We were in fits of laughter when MrGee suddenly realised what was happening ! :-) You remember ? lol good memories !"

What a wonderful memory to include in his 21st speech! haha

We Love Umdloti!

I jumped out of bed ready for a little adventure. For the past 2 months the mantra 'Life is so short' has been ringing in my head and since I have recently conquered my fear of flying/heights and a few other things, I was excited to stop the monotony of the school week and do something different. So I made a few calls and was able to find an apartment right on the beach... Umdloti Beach.

Umdloti Beach has always been a favourite of ours as it is never overcrowded, and a portion of the beach is protected by a reef creating a calmer swimming area which is great for younger kids and ......... body-boarding moms! Yes...... I did it! At the age of 41, I body boarded for the first time and it was amazing! Haha ...no pics so moving on.... Miss Tanzi ALSO body boarded for the first time this holiday. CoolDude taught Miss Tanzi how to Body board. In the pic above you can see him watching his protege take the wave. She is fearless. And of course biggest brother WizzKid is on hand to help her when she gets dumped by the wave. Miss Tanzi is so proud of her efforts ...... but in the backgroung comes Cooldude to refine her skills once more! hehe

WizzKid performing his latest cover.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

The Midmar Mile- The world's largest open water swimming event

As a family, we love doing things together. Having a teenager in the mix makes it even more interesting! WizzKid now loves admiring the opposite sex and so the annual Midmar Mile Swim event up in the Natal Midlands is a DEFINITE favourite of his!

Driving infront of us was a bakkie(truck) with two young guys in the back .... then 6 girls hitched a lift and hopped on. WizzKid commented," Mmm, that's every teenage guy's dream!"


Most of the girls don't like to walk around just in their costumes, so they 'fashion' dresses out of rubbish bags. It's quite a long walk to the start....we had Miss Tanzi and a sick CoolDude, so we took the car.



We arrived at 7:30 am ...... registered by 8:30 ...... and then we waited till Wizz Kid's race at 12:15 pm.

WizzKid and Sarah(a swimming friend whom we lifted) listened to music on their Ipods ..... ALOT!

MrGee and Miss Tanzi swam in the dam.

And then WizzKid swam. He did a good time of just under 25 minutes for a mile in a dam!
Very proud of you my eldest!

WizzKids newest cover version.

Boys version of 'One' by Metallica

Wordless Wednesday.

Who would have thought .......

The student advisers at the British International Distance College(Cambidge) said WizzKid would manage well with their Grade 10 and 11 Curriculum, (even though he was only in Grade 9). So 6 weeks ago WizzKid signed up for Science,Biology and English.

The beauty of this system is that they work 90% on their own.... when they are stuck and do not understand something they are encouraged to find out the answer for themselves. Google and reference books being the preferred mediums. Students are able to contact a tutor, but we have found it takes way too long for a response from them!

He was finding the work fine until today. After a morning of frustration WizzKid came to me with the news that he could not find a solution for a chemistry problem. My first response was "Let's have tea." Which we did.

After we were sufficiently replenished, I read his manual on 'Ionic Binding' and then ...... *choke,choke* ..... proceeded to explain to him what ionic binding was! Even more shock ....... HE TOTALLY GOT IT!!
So yes ...... who would have thought that a marmie who did science 20 odd years ago(and not so well) would be able to teach her son today! *whoop,whoop*

Second Duet....snippets.

My perfect day!

We all woke up early ... bright eyed and bushy tailed! By 7:20 am breakfast had been devoured and the boys started their half an hour of gym. I packed Miss Tanzi a snack and dropped her off at preschool.
By the time I got home the boys had already started their quiet time/devotions and I was able to enjoy a peaceful cuppa Earl Grey Tea.
At 8:30 formal schooling began and it continued til 3:00. During this time I picked Miss Tanzi up from school at 12:00 and brought her home for lunch.
We all worked hard and and extremely well!

CoolDude did English, Science, Afrikaans and a shack load of maths!
WizzKid worked through some Biology,Physics, Chemistry and English. He is doing Grade 10 and it is complicated! My latest teaching advice for him is ........ "Just google it!" (I thank the Lord daily for the Internet. ;) )

At 3:00pm WizzKid and I did a few errands. We visited the post office, got photos reproduced for his swimming buddies and we bought a huge birthday cake for the swimming club. Then the boys were dropped off at swimming at 4:00 and I came home to make dinner.Whilst making sweet and sour chicken with noodles I watered half the garden(it's so dry here), bathed Miss Tanzi and sent off some important emails.... oh yes and I checked facebook.(of course!)

At 6:45 I picked up the boys from swimming. They ate at 7:15 and then enjoyed an hour of jamming on their guitars. Miss Tanzi played housy-house as they practised.

It is now 10:00pm(MrGee is away) and I am enjoying the peace in the house and the clicky-clack my fingers are making on the notebook!
A day done and dusted ........ productive and pleasing!

Wordless Wednesday - - WizzKid's 15th Birthday Party!

!Happy Happy!

FIFTEEN

Heck-a-ba-decka ........ where did the time go?

~

It seems like only yesterday when the nurse placed you for the first time in my eager arms.

It seems like only yesterday when I felt those first maternal instincts that made me realise I could quite easily sacrifice my life for you.

It seems like only yesterday when you brought such joy into my life.

WizzKid, .... you are such a blessing, I love you dearly!

~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY HANDSOME BOY!

~

x

WizzKid's Goals

After a pep talk about commitment and goals, WizzKid emailed this to MrGee and I.

"Just to show you guys what I would like to do and be. The last goal is the most important to me."

Goals
• Make Level 3 swimming
• Earn Some money from a triathlon
• Get 80% aggregate (grade 10-11).
• Be the fittest, biggest guy at swimming training.
• Play lead guitar in a band.(Think Youth Band)
• Earn R3000 a month from Bid or Buy.(a selling portal )
• Be the guy who throws parties and has the most friends!!

I LOVE IT !

x

A hodge podge of news from our corner ......

in MrGee's favourite form ........ 'HEADLINES PLEASE!'

WIZZKID RETURNS HOME!
Yahoo.... our eldest offspring has come back to homeschooling. His reason ...... Too much time is wasted at school and then ....... you get to do a shack load of work at home! (nice). He couldn't justify the wasted time .... I couldn't justify the moola that we paid for him to do that shack load of work at home..... CRAZY!

Smiles all round ... Cooldude is very happy to have his big brother home.

100% SHOW OFF!

I often hear parents saying to their kids 'Stop showing off!' Well in our household it's quite the opposite. We love it when they 'show off ' ...... we see it as a platform for them to grow in confidence as they share their talents with the people that love them the most. And of course no one 'shows off ' better than Miss Tanzi.

She should have her own channel .......TanziTV-24/7 !

TO BE OR NOT TO BE .....

Okay, so I snuck up on the dude that is cool..... yip, this is a first and now I have it forever on camera! You see, it was a first for a hairdryer ever to grace Cooldude's hands!

~PAUSE~

Have you heard of Justin Beiber? If you haven't , he is a 15 year old Canadian pop star whom the young girls ADORE.(his pics are below left.)

Cooldude is above right. Spot the resemblance?

~PAUSE~

About 2 months ago a stranger in the supermarket said to Cooldude, 'You look just like Justin Bieber!' and ever since then Cooldude has received comments that he looks like this Canadian Popstar. Unfortunately he sits in an 'uncomfortable seat' ....... you see the girls LOVE Justin Bieber, but the boys HATE Justin with a passion.(green-eyed-monster-sydrome for sure!)

How does Cooldude deal with the situation?.......He jokes and laughs with the guys when they rag on Justin Bieber, ....... but these days he is alot more particular about how he looks and his hair is of upmost importance which makes me think he definately cares about what the girls think!

Hugs

x