God's Girl Has Decided.

In the last 6 months Tanzi has asked me often if she could be water baptized. Boyd's Dad water baptized both Codey and her 6 years ago in our pool, but when she heard it was good to have it done in front of friends and witnesses she was adamant she wanted to do it again.

                            

Tanna's name means 'Princess', and from 2 years of age she would get upset if we did not call her 'Princess of Wonderland". Then, when she was about 6 years old  I remarked,"Hey but I love you so much my chicken". Very respectfully she said ," Please don't call me that, you can call me God's Girl."

And so, that's what my beautiful, caring, loving, modest girlie was to be called.

After her baptism a lady asked to pray over Tanzi. She spoke how Tanna was gifted with singing and was anointed for leading people into the presence of God. 

God have your way in Tanzi's life.

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.

We'Re all MAd HerE....

Happy 11th Birthday my precious Tanzi.
You light up my life and bring me so much joy.

 Continue to grow your relationship with Jesus. I pray you remain gentle-hearted and compassionate..... and that your love for life and people impacts your friends and community. 

You are a 'Bubble of Joy' (as one of your teachers called you)

and truly a blessing to many.

Just beautiful all round.

This wedding stood out from every other one I'd been to.

Not just because the bride and groom were gorgeous looking.

Not because my girl was the prettiest flower girl.... ever!

Not because the preach was good.

Not because we had so much fun at the reception.

Not because it was planned and orchestrated to the T.

This wedding was beautiful because........ the covenant that God wants every couple to share in was respected and honoured. Both had waited and kept themselves pure for marriage. 

What blessings they will experience.

These days ..... nothing is sacred. Instant gratification is the rule of the day... with very little thought given to the consequences of bad choices that ultimately affect our marriages... and futures.

Red Carpet Event

Just love the way this girlie gets into character. She loves the lights, action and camera.

Here she is all set for a friend's Red Carpet Birthday Party. 

(Only girls allowed.... whew)

She planned the whole affair....Decided what she was going to wear.... borrowed the shoes from her brother's girlfriend and bought the false nails and eye lashes with her own money.

So glad she allowed me to do her make-up otherwise I would have felt totally redundant as a mother!

We are EX Bunny Parents

The somber pic below is of Miss Tanzi and Avicci her Bunny. She loved him dearly, but once again she was scared that he would get sick and have fits like the other bunnies she had had. 

After much deliberation we decided it was best to give him to a very deserving owner that had lost her bunnies to a vicious dog attack.

 Not only did Avicci have his name changed to Jelly Bean but he also gave birth to three little bunnykins..Yes........... He was a SHE!  

Miss Tanzi saw the pic and was happy, although she started to haggle for another. 

NO!

I love the little critters but 

it's too heart breaking.

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!

This girl is awesome!!

Miss Tanzi had Grandparents day at school. She was SO excited that my Mom and Dad decided to come. Even though she didn't perform on stage for them, she loved the fact that they met her teacher(who we all think looks like Granny!).

The next day, I received this letter....

"Dear Mr and Mrs Gibbons

Mrs Gademane has commended Tanna to me for her cheerful disposition and willingness to serve others.

It would seem Tanna has a special ability to notice when teachers and friends need help. I am so proud of her. I trust she continues to grow as a pupil of integrity, living out the ethos to which we hold so dear."

My girly is beautiful from every angle!

Family Time in the mountains

Five days together at Champagne Sports Resort was just what we all needed. It was the first time we had stayed there and we were amazed at all the different activities they had to offer. We played tennis, squash, bowls and we went for a walk in the mountains. Just one walk, as it is not the boys favourite thing to do.

Boyd and I went on a couple more walks.... Below my face says it all as I try to keep up with the Egyptian slave master!

I think Jamie missed Britt too much and a couple of times I could see he just wanted to be at home seeing her... but I think the delicious buffet cheered him and Codey up daily! They love their food.

Miss Tanzi made friends with everyone, and was very brave to enter two talent events. She sang 'Roar' by Katy Perry and performed 'The Cup Song'.

First Shearing!

Mr Gee made very eager Cooldude wait till the first of January before he could shave off his few upper whiskers!

                          

Who knew we would spend SO much moola on a razor! But anyway the momentous occasion was not to be missed by all...... Even the cats joined in.

      

         

           

Congratulations CoolDude.... You certainly are turning into a very handsome young man! A man full of wisdom.... A man of stature! I love you.x

A very special birthday message

"Dear Fifi,

Happy Birthday and may we spend many more together.

I am proud of you. How you have coped with the season change 

in your life as the kids grow and go! Also how you have conducted

yourself with your new working situation(five mornings a week) and also

being able to keep up with the home and kid's demands.... and husband

demands;)

You are smart, likable, witty, strong and an incredible mother.

May God guide you through the challenges you are facing and will face.

Don't forget, the Lord is your strength and you can do ALL things

through Him who strengthens you.

Lots of love

MrGee "

So Grateful.

We started visiting a new church a couple of months ago....CityHill in Hillcrest. Steve Wimble(the pastor) is a brilliant teacher of the word and we always leave church encouraged and equipped with practical 'tools' that can be implemented in our lives.

(side note..... Steve Wimble's son is one of the boys who cornered Miss Tanzi and stole her chocolate! Luckily he escaped the wrath of her chompers... the other guy was not so lucky!)

Anyhow... this past Sunday Steve spoke about gratitude and being thankful for what we have.

I decided to reflect upon my blessings, so thank you Jesus for.............

MrGee's new kidney

healthy, happy, life-loving children

a beautiful home and garden

an architectural job

a domestic worker 

true friends... Marcia and Pauline 

the 8 years I got to home-school my children

the leafy suburb of Hillcrest we live in (it's really beautiful!)

a Hubby who is faithful, dependable, hard working and a wonderful father

2 cats who fight to sleep on my side of the bed each night

the beautiful pinky/orange colours in Your sunrise

technology (blogging memories and catching up with Facebook buddies) 

a reliable car

family that have not emigrated overseas. We are all still in South Africa... this is quite amazing!

my health

............... and there is so much more.

It's all about what we focus on.

As Pastor Steve encouraged "Think of a doughnut.... we can choose to see the hole or the delicious ring of pastry!" So simple, yet great reminder.

.

Happy Happy Daddy-O!

Another year has past and  MrGee seems to be defying the aging process.He's looking so healthy thanks to his new kidney! All three kiddies made reference to it in his birthday card this year.

                        

"Dear Father......... Happy 21st Birthday ... Oh mom just told me it's your 45th.... yuss, you look young! Love Miss Tanzi"

"Dear Daddy-O ..... I'm so proud of the young man you have become! I'm proud to call you my son... Uh wait, sorry. Dad I forget how old you are because of your 'Harvey Hair'! Love CoolDude."

"Dear Daddy....... Happy womb exit day! Congratulations on making it to 45! Most people would say that you're half way through life but I am constantly reassured by myself that you are going to live till 150 years of age. Love WizzKid."

                                                  HAPPY 45th BIRTHDAY !

                                 

The Little Red Hen

Cooldude is an amazing boy. He has such a compassionate and caring heart. He had been studying all afternoon, and had had enough! As I called for Miss Tanzi to brush teeth and get in bed, he said " I'll read her a good night story." I was like ..... " Son,are you sure?" 

"Oh yes mom, I'll have fun."

Miss Tanzi's favorite book was located and Cooldude began reading "The Little Red Hen." 

I started to hear shrieks of laughter so I giraffed my head in and found out that Cooldude had put a spin on the story........ It was now called "The Little Red Suicide Bomber Hen." 

She was in stitches ...... Cooldude you rock as a big brother! Xx

Dear Farther......

Miss Tanzi loves writing little notes to us.

Dear Farther

I love you because you play games with me and you are kind to me. Your awsome.... This is what it stands for.

A. for Awsome

W. for Workaholik

S. for Sweet

O. for Original

M. for Making happyness

E. for not been Empty harted

Thanks for being a great dad!

xxxxxxxxx

HAPPY 70th DAD !

 My Dad is one of a kind..... he is loud and bolshy. Feisty and argumentative!

I say this with a smile on my face..... as I know my Dad would be quite happy with this summary as he is very proud of who he is!

 And I am too.... My Dad HATES injustice and has on many occasions stood up for the underdog.

 My Dad may be loud and feisty, but he is interesting and there is NEVER a dull moment when he is around! 

My dad is a music lover who has always exposed my brother and I (and his grandkids) to artists of note. 

My Dad is fun!

I love you Dad, and look forward to many more happy memories made.

x

The Sickening Truth!

CoolDude did his Science expo on the dangers of living close to power lines.

Quite scary stuff!
He came first in his grade with 91%
I'm SO proud of you my son.
X

My little vampire.

Brirring Brirring ....... Brirring Brirring

"Hello my names Karen, you don't know me but my son,James, is in your daughters class, 

and well .......... she bit him today. "

"What? No, not Miss Tanzi! She would NEVER do that, she's such a gentle soul."

"My son said it was the new girl(Tanzi is new) in his class. I must say its quite a bite. It's very bruised and my son said it bled at school."

"She's asleep, but I'll ask her tomorrow morning and get back to you..... I'm sure it wasn't her."

Next morning.

"Miss Tanzi, do you know James in your class?"

"Yes mom."

"Did you bite him yesterday?" 

"Oh yes!"

"You DID?!!!!"

"Yes... He deserved it. He and another boy chased me and tried to steal my chocolate ..... They pinned me against the wall, and I had to bite him."

Oh heck .........

Then I thought good on you girl, as she needs to stand up for herself. 

The bite was bad.... I saw it. Miss Tanzi said sorry and James promised he wouldn't tease her again. 

Oh my word .... A week into school and my girl has been nick named 'chompers' by her Zulu teacher .

First day in a uniform!

 After a long wait Miss Tanzi got a place at Curro Hillcrest Christian Academy. We've had an amazing time learning together for almost three years but I have felt the season was coming to an end. The house is going to be VERY quiet without your beautiful singing and constant chatter.

The schools motto is 'DEVELOPING GREATNESS' and I pray, my precious heart, that greatness abounds in every area of your life. Enjoy your learning journey at this remarkable school!