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.

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!

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!

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

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.

.

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!

Family is Key!

One thing Mr Gee and I agree on 100% is that family is uber precious and important.We are in a church that says 'The family has become an idol!'

 We love our church, but do not agree with them on this point.

We firmly believe the family is endorsed by our Father in Heaven.

So we plan time, as often as we can,together for having fun. 

We took a ride/walk to a waterfall at Giba Gorge and afterwards had a delicious brunch...... just making beautiful family moments.

Family update

So this is what's happening in our lives at the mo.....

MrGee is doing so well. He is managing his weight.... something the doctors said he would battle with because the steroids and cortisone he has to take make him ravenous! He is still travelling up to Johannesburg every week(a 6 hr drive) for business. Vault-IT is growing even though he has had to diversify his business due to Google making off-site storage a free service. But as I've seen in the any years we've been together MrGee always makes a plan. So although we are watching what we spend we are doing alright.

WizzKid is in his last year of school and is battling to decide between studying a BSc in Computer Science or Microbiology. At one stage he had thought of getting a swimming bursary and studying overseas, but he told us he doesn't have the desire to swim another 5 years after school. In a way I'm glad as the thought of him moving to the USA scared this momma! He is driving like a pro and hopes to get his license in the latter half of this year. We have told him that he needs to save R20 000(about $2500) towards a car and then we will put in the rest. He is working furiously at getting this amount. He also has a girl that he is about to ask out.... eek! This is definitely an exciting chapter in his life.

CoolDude is in grade 9 and loving Waterfall College.After 7 years of homeschooling this small school has been an absolute blessing to us all. I LOVED the years I had teaching my boy, but I felt,due to our similiar personalities, he needed to be taught by someone else so that I could just be MOM!.... I am a bit sad that he has chosen to stop swimming as he has SUCH potential in that field bt he told us he hates it and that it makes him depressed knowing that every day he has to finish off with 2 hours of swimming. He is a much happier boy these days.

Miss Tanzi and I are having fun learning together. We are doing Sonlights condensed World History for her Grade 3 year. She is coming along beautifully with her singing and is proving to be a natural butterfly swimmer. I'm so happy for her that she has made friends with a couple of girls in our complex and enjoys making cookies with them and selling to the neighbours.

I am back into my walking and pilates.... boy am I unfit and stiff jointed! My mosaicing has taken a bit of a backseat as I've been sorting out the lounge and rearranging things. I'm having fun revamping old picture frames. MrGee and I are in our third month of marriage counselling and things are coming along really well in our relationship. This year I've decided to serve at Childrens Church and I'm enjoying building relationships with the 10-11 year old girls.

Love Fifi x

 

Worth the trouble.

Three years ago we had a water pipe leak in our kitchen that caused our parque flooring to 'pop up' in some areas.Initially our insurance was not willing to pay for it.... but after a little pressure they conceded.

So.... on the 18th March the sanding began......

 after one day of sanding, and one day of varnishing the job was done.We just had to stay off the floors for the following day and then the kiddies had some fun.......

 oh and Fanta.... he got to turn the dial for Twister!

 

So glad to be getting our lounge back after THREE weeks! Yip.... the insurance company just forgot to move us back in. All fixed now, and looking beautiful! So worth the wait and fuss.

New improved cast of Friends ....?

Mr Gee and I are blessed to have such good friends. Lets keep the good times rolling..... No pun intended at all! *evil laugh*

Happy New Year

What a stunning send off to a rather yucky year and a great welcome to 2013, which I believe is going to be a much happier year!
For the first time ever the whole family managed to stay up and see the new year in. We all sipped champagne as we watched a neighbour set off some stunning fireworks.
This morning MrGee and I watched movies in bed till 11:30.... so relaxing.

I am believing that 2013 will be a year of restoration and reconciliation.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Overall 2012 has been a horrid one!
But let's start with THE GOOD because there was one and it was a biggie!
MrGee's kidney transplant. On the 12th May he was rolled into theatre and fitted with a fully functioning kidney. 7 months down the line and he is doing wonderfully! God was GOOD!
Oh yes.... I lost some weight. That's always good unless you're an anorexic.
WizzKid climbed Mount EvErest to Base Camp!
CoolDude started at Waterfall College in Grade 8.

THE BAD.....for MrGee and I it has been the hardest year regarding our relationship. I don't want to go into it much, but I will tell you that he chose to separate from me for 5 weeks in January. I was devastated and begged him to go to counseling. Which he did and I'm thankful for that.

THE UGLY ..... MrGee and my relationship has gotten worse since the Transplant. Even with counseling and guidance from the church, we have battled and still are. I'm not sure what next year holds, but I will be seeking employment and pushing into God like never before!

                                ! WISHING YOU ALL A FANTABULOUS 2013 !

Musa!

This little boy is very special to us all. He was named after MrGee because of the help we gave his parents in the run up to his birth. His dad,Paul,is our handyman/ gardener and has been in our employment for about 6 years. Paul is very sweet... The kids joke that he sees me as his mother as he wishes me a Happy Mothers Day every year.;) When MrGee and I had an issue and I went to stay at my moms for a couple of days Paul sent me a message begging me to come home because he was missing me. Sweet hey?
Anyway, the bottom line is that if I had not helped Paul and his wife by getting them admitted to hospital for an induction they would have lost Musa. Because they were so grateful for our help, they named this precious boy.... Musa Boyd Makwakwa.

A First For Us All

In December we ventured overseas for the first time as a family. We visited England, France and Dubai. Two weeks prior to us leaving, Heathrow had been closed due to heavy snowfall and so we were hopeful that we would get to see some of the white stuff.
You see .... NONE of us have ever touched snow!
But, sad to say, the snow had melted by the time we arrived in England and our wish remained ungranted..... THAT IS UNTIL TODAY! And we didn't have to travel too far for our first snowball fight. On our way through to the Midlands I picked my Dad up from Howick. You see he TOO hasn't ever been in the snow!

Farting Chickens!

Disgusting yes .... but that's what the boys have named the Chicken Corden Bleus that they love so much.

One of my treasures is family.

Recently I have neglected my blog. A lot of my spare time has been spent on Facebook connecting with friends(most of whom I see weekly),commenting on pics, and uploading photos to an audience that probably isn't really interested in what my daughter is baking or what my sons are excelling at!

As my brother once said about my blog.... "Who wants to read about what you're doing?" To which my response was, "I blog to create memories for my family, if people want to read them that's great." But with Facebook, memories can not be created.

My family is growing up so quickly and I want those memories written down and remembered so that I can look back and laugh, cry and even cringe at the goings on in our beautifully chaotic mix that I call family!
"For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
So.... my dear blog you get more of me!

Ladys for a day.

I hadn't been counting down the days till the Royal Wedding but 5 days before the special occasion I decided it was a good enough reason to get together with a couple of close friends and have some girlie fun. And that's exactly what we did. Hat's all round, cucumber sarmies, Earl Grey Tea and cream scones were the order of the day.



In true girlie form we criticised attire, applauded style and nibbled continuously! What more could a gal wish for..... oh yes..... a romantic, smoochy kiss.

No such luck - protocol prevailed!

Special friend.

It's a sad day for Miss Tanzi, as her very best friend, Tayla, leaves this week for Australia. Tayla's dad has been offered a teaching position overseas and her family are happy to be relocating to broader horizons.




This is the second of Miss Tanzi's close friends who have moved overseas. Tayla and Miss Tanzi have managed to squeeze in as many play dates as possible before their seperation and I do know that lil' miss Tayla will always hold a very dear place in Miss Tanzi's and my heart.