Tuesday 26 July 2011

What an exhausting two days it has been.  And all of it was thanks to the stress of my internet connection malfunctioning.  I don't know about you, but it seems to me that my internet has become a big part of my life.  I'm not to sure if this is a good thing or not...

I found myself at a loss today and yesterday, because my main means of communication with my husband was gone.  I had to put off doing banking till the problem is solved and worst of all for me, though not for the kids, school was sunk today.  That is what happens if your school lesson is suppose to be online...  (and here I thought I was being clever!)

How is it that I got myself so suckered into this web?  I am shocked by my own addiction to the web.  I realize, that I have become caught in the community that isn't physical!  HELP!!!  This is not good.

And then my boys can't understand why I don't want them on the net?  Or on a cellphone of their own?  Nevermind the horrible stuff out there on the net!  It is a social addiction.  We become addicted to the social networks we build, the blogs we read, the-click-of-a-button fast information we can find.  I was horrified at the thought of having to enter a bank the other day, even though I had to deposit money into my own account!

And I always thought myself free of this addiction.  When have a tool became a bad habit?  Was it when it became a social group?  Was it the interaction that caught me?  I think so.  You see, I love being part of all my facebook friends lives.  For many of them, it is the only time we can catch up on what we are doing.

If it is not a bad addiction, then why did I feel like I was having withdrawal symptoms?

Well, tonight I'm saying goodbye to you all for a whole month.  I'm going away, and will have very limited internet access.  Even less than what I have now...

I hope you'll miss me, as I'm sure to miss you all.  Maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to send you all a postcard from Tioman...

Goodnight all.  I'll see you all soon again.

From little old me.

Friday 22 July 2011

Lessons learned from a toddler

Yesterday, I got to spend some special time with my littlest monster.  She is almost 2 and has suddenly started to show an interest in wanting to know what everything is called.  So I thought it is time to sit down and do some floor work with her.

What to teach?  Where to begin?  So we started off with red.  She loves red and has shown that she knows there is a difference in colour out there.  So I thought it was an appropriate place to start.

We started of by finding all red toys, blocks, cars and anything else that is red.  We made a big pile on our mat and started to play.  Using both Afrikaans and English talking about each toy as we played with it.  Later we drew red lines and red circles on scrap paper, till I was seeing lines and circles.  But she just loved it.  She couldn't stop.  For the first time in weeks, she wasn't driving me insane, but was actually absorbed in her task.  (Obviously, she was getting bored with her own company, while mom was else where occupied.)

She was so proud of herself and her accomplishments. Her vocabulary grew exponentially to the exposure. It was difficult to stop this onslaught of greed to learn more.  What I tried to contain to an hour went on for the rest of the day.  We just found more to learn all time.

It is so precious to see this.  For me the greatest blessing of being a stay at home mom is to be there to see them learn.  I missed most of this when my boys were this age, because I listened to people who believe that children should be send of to school at an early age.  Looking back now, I am so saddened by the loss of this time with the boys.

It is amazing to watch how these little things just suck up knowledge.  The more you give them, the more they'll take on!  They are more absorbent than a ton of sponges! 

The sad part of watching them grow is that you know that soon not much will be new for them. There will soon not be a new thing to wow them with.  But for now, we explore the world through the eyes of a two year old and love it.

To me it is a blessing to once again see the world from a child's perspective.  To remember to stop and smell the flowers, because they are there to smell.  To have fun squishing mud through my toes and fingers, because it feels funny and makes us laugh.  To be amazed by the colourful rainbows in bubbles. To be fascinated by the sounds of pouring different things through a funnel.

It reminds me to look at the crows and sparrows that fly high in the sky and not see them as pests, but wonderfully created animals in God's Kingdom.  To look at the mountain and to remember that God created it to show us that He is a consent in our lives just like the mountains.  We might move away, but He is always there.  To look at the ocean and all the mystery it represents and know that God is even more mysterious, but is as easy accessible to us today as what the ocean is.  To know that if only we go looking, we will learn to understand Him, and find marvelous qualities there.

If you have a young child nearby, take him/her for a day to show you the world through their eyes. Take them into the garden or a park.  Somewhere close to nature and be reminded that we should look at God with that same inquiring mind and be awed by Him.  And where better to go find Him than in His creation. 

Have a blessed weekend all.
From little old me.

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Being Multi Lingual is a Blessing

Language is one of humanity's main characteristics.  We can communicate with others by using a vast array of sounds and writings due to language.  There are more than 6500 spoken languages in this world. In India alone there are 365 recognized languages, not just dialects.

In the Bible we learn that languages were meant to split us up, to drive us apart.  For me, languages is the flavors of this world.  I can listen to the various music made by all the languages for ages. To me each language has its own song.  A rhythm, that when learned, helps you to communicate with a people other than your own. I call this rhythm a language's "sing-song".  You pick-up the "sing-song" and you'll learn the language.

In my family, we speak (at least) two languages to each other, but have a reason to learn a lot more.  My husband and I are Afrikaans speaking by birth.  When the kids came around we were already so involved in speaking English in our environment, that they got a dose of both.  To make life more interesting, we had Congolese tenants living on our property that spoke French and the boys picked some of that up.  Our full time domestic helper is Xhosa and teaches them Xhosa.  Dad works in Brazil, so he needs to learn Portuguese. And mom just like to learn phrases in as many languages as possible, especially from all the different countries we visit.  When we are on a role, we can really have fun with all the mixes of languages spoken between us all.

As for my kids, between the 3, my oldest is the most fluent in Afrikaans.  Since the middle one refused to speak it till recently, he has some catching up to do, but is getting on nicely. His Xhosa is far more superior than his brother's though. The last monster is still deciding which one she will favor, so she just uses them all.

One of the main reasons why I find languages so important to learn, is because of the respect you get when you talk to someone in their mother tongue. (Although, my poor kids probably won't know which one theirs is, for mom speaks a different tongue for every mood she has.  ;) )

I, myself, are quick to pick up a language and with a bit of effort, I can quickly learn enough to get my wishes known while traveling.  My husband struggle.  For him learning another language takes dedication and effort.  He struggles to remember what he learned yesterday, never mind about a year ago.  Funny, my kids are OK with picking up languages.  Not brilliant, but they don't struggle too much. 

If one of them would have struggled, it had to be the middle monster.  He only started talking at the age of 3!  The reason being, that he couldn't decide which language would be the easiest to communicate the most effective with.  That is why he choose English.  Until we started school and Afrikaans and Xhosa became part of his daily learning, he wasn't too keen on speaking it. I was worried that he might be one of those kids that you hear should be taught another language as it confuses them. (Not that I really believe that theory.)

Luckily, that doesn't seem to be the case.  He has developed a knack for learning languages.  Now he'll happily try to speak to me in Afrikaans and to my right-hand in Xhosa.   Every now and again he will remind himself of the Portuguese phrases he learned in Brazil or practice the Spanish he hears on some of their DVD's.  He is quick to get the pronunciation correct and remembers it well.  His biggest dream is to learn to speak Japanese.  Since we are off to Malaysia next week, he is putting in an effort to learn basic Malay phrases. Especially the one for "no chillies in my food please". 

My oldest has recently started to cotton on to the sing-song idea, and since then is picking various languages up far quicker than before.  Once he realized not to pronounce words in an English phonetic way, but in that languages own phonetic sounds, he is improving a lot.  Funny that, for I have thought that since he is so fluent in both English and Afrikaans, (and since he has been exposed to so big a variety of different sounding languages from a young age,) he would be able to sound languages easier.  He still struggles if he forgets not to sound words in English phonetics.  When I remind him of the unique sing-song of that language, he picks it up and remembers.  Currently, he is doing great in learning Malay phrases for the holiday.  Even though he struggles with it, he is still very keen in learning new languages and has a list of what he would like to learn.

Monster number 3 is diffidently a lot more verbal than her brothers, although she is not showing any signs as to what language she will consider as her primary one.  She learns the correct terms for everything around her in all three languages spoken as a family (Afrikaans, English and Xhosa) and seems to choose the one she finds the most comforting to say.  So with her, we have a whole new language developing, for she is a mixed-grill of vocabulary.  Would love to see what words she is going to bring back from our trip.

Things I have learned from my kids and our own experience is that for one, not everyone is gifted to learn languages quickly.  Two, it is not impossible to learn a new language, no matter what your age,  just as long as you have the motivation. Three, the more exposure you have at a young age, the more likely you are to pick-up on languages.  And Four, the more languages you speak, the more you can learn.  It is just to overcome that stumbling block of learning your second language.

As to how to teach your kids a new language?  Teach it to yourself with them.  Use it in the house.  Instead of using the home language phrase, use the new language phrase you learned today.  Make it fun.  We have tickle sessions where a certain phrase will make mom stop and anything else will have me tickling them.  Toss a beanbag, where the one who throws it says the phrase in your home language and the one who catches must repeat it in the new language.  (Obviously, limit the kids to learned phrases only.)

Start with basics:  Hello, Thank you, Please, Excuse me.  Naming myself, you, others, basic actions, basic needs. Think of questions you may ask when traveling in a foreign environment.

Most of all.  When it comes to learning a new language, learn to speak it first, Don't worrying about grammar and reading.  Just get communicating.  The grammar and reading will come later when you are fluent enough to hold a conversation.

And when everyone in the house has been blessed by being fluent in the new language, mom and dad will have to find a new language to learn.  Otherwise, you won't be able to give each other secret information in front of the kids anymore.  ;)

Enjoy communicating, whether in your own language or in a foreign one. 

Blessing to all of you from little old me.

Monday 18 July 2011

Will Madiba Day work?

Well, happy birthday Madiba.  You deserve every extra day God has graced you with.  I hope that He will show you His true love for you this year.  You were a great statesman and leader to your people.  Your struggle to free your people from oppression is impressive, I grant you that.

Unfortunately, I don't see the reason to spend 67 minutes today doing something good for Madiba's sake.  It does not mean I don't want to do good.  It doesn't mean that I don't get the whole idea that the people out there is trying to make the world a better place.

It is just that when I do good it is for God and Christ.  Not for a mere human being.  93 or not, Madiba is only human.  My eternal happiness is not thanks to him. Not matter how much Madiba magic he uses.

Sure, the little effort people across the globe are putting in today, might make a difference to someone's life for one day.  Maybe it will improve their lives for a week or a year.  But will it actually make an everlasting difference?

How many of us are going to spend our 67minutes today for the eternal good of mankind?  Who of you are going out today and talk about the ultimate rescue from the biggest from of oppression?

So today, that is what I plan to do.  Today I will tell you not about Madiba magic, but of God's magic.  I want to tell you about an oppression that is the main problem of this world.  The reason why nothing good we do today will impact the world we live in.  I want to tell you of the one Man that did bring us the ultimate rescue.  A rescue that has eternal value.  The One Way to peace and no suffering.

You see, God created a good world.  He created man to live in peace and harmony with Him.  But Man wanted to be like God.  Man wanted the same powers as God and when temptation came, Man turned his back on God and seized the opportunity to try and be like God.  The only problem is, that humans can't be gods.  We can't have godly powers, for it destroys our souls.*

We became imperfect and we could no longer be in God's presence.  For even a glimpse of His glory will kill us.  No longer did we stand in relation with God.  War existed between us an God.  No matter what we do.  We will never be good again...

We faced a dark future, and the brokenness and pain we see in the world today is all because of this act of defiance. Our own rebellion has cause our own downfall.
We are under the oppression of our very own sinful nature.  We need to escape and overcome our own sinful self.

You see, even if you never disobeyed or disrespected your parents and other people older than you and placed in authority over you.  Even if you never committed murder, physical or in your mind. Even if you never had sex with anyone other than your wife or husband and never lusted after another.  Even if you never stole a minute of your life, not to mention anything that does not belong to you.  Even if you never told tiniest of white lies or any form of an untruth.  Even if you were never jealous and wanting something that is not yours to have.  Even then:  you sin. 

You see, in our current state of our nature, we are incapable of loving God the way He should be loved.  We are incapable of putting God first. We are incapable  not having idols.  We are incapable of respecting God's name.  We are incapable of even having 67 minutes set apart for God, never mind 24 hours.

So you see, we are doomed, by our own nature.  In every religion across the Globe, people fear their death, for with death comes judgement.  And deep inbedded in us, we know, we don't stand a chance.

But God is Good.  He knows we can't avoid damnation by ourselves.  He knows, that no matter how good we are, we will not be good enough.  So...

He had a plan from the beginning.  He allowed Himself to come down to earth as a Man, born from a young, virgin maiden, just like He said He would to the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 7:14)  He suffered in this life.  Living a life of an outcast, being sneered at, bullied, and even complotted against.  Eventually, He was brutally killed, in a shameful death on a cross.  Again this was prophesied by Isaiah and many others.  When He died, the earth shuddered, the sun hid its face away.  Nature was ashamed by the awful murder of its Creator.  Man's sinful nature seemed to have overcome God.

For three days, the earth held its breath.  Waiting...  And then, that glorious morning arrived!  Christ rose from the grave.  His resurrection was to symbolize, that His plan had worked.  He had faced God's wrath.  He become our sin.  He was killed in God's anger.  He has faced our punishment.  Death could not hold Him, for He is God.

He gave up His life, not just 67 years, to rescue us from our oppression.  He overcome, not by a warlike struggle, that harmed men, but by Godly Power. The only person hurt was Him.

And through Him we can stand in God's presence once more.  We are no-longer outcasts. No longer do we need to be God's number one enemy.  If we turn from our own sinful rebellion against God.  If we stop wanting to be our own god.  If we accept Jesus as our Lord and God, and face God with him on our side, we no longer need to fear judgement.

When each and every human being on this earth has turned to Christ and stand firm in Him, we won't need to suffer.  There won't be the need for 67 minutes drives for doing good.  We will all want to do good, all the time.  We will all love our neighbours as ourselves. When Christ rules every person on earth, we will have reached Heaven.

So I suggest, for today, spend you 67 minutes, on finding God's place in your life.  Give it to God and not Madiba.  Then you will do eternal good...

My God's Love enfold you today and bless you, now and for all eternity.

From little old me

PS: *(Don't confuse powers with character traits please.  Those, we can obtain and did have before our fall from Grace. But that is another rambling all on its own.)


John 3:16  "For God so loved the world tht H e gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Rom: 1:16 "I'm not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, first for the Jew and then for the Gentile"

Saturday 16 July 2011

Kids and Sport

I must say!  I am one very proud aunt.  My nephew (10years old) was chosen to represent South Africa in Australia next month in the Karate discipline.  Who would have thought that I would see one of my family members represent our country at the Commonwealth games!

It must be the blessings of the in-laws.  My husbands family also have a couple of green and gold carriers, for gymnastics.  Quite something.  But with all these top performers in the family, it makes me wonder if I'm doing something wrong.

Don't get me wrong.  I'm really chuffed with the achievements these kids have reached.  And at a very young age as well. Not something to be picky about.  I love that the kids had it in them to do it. And I appreciate the effort my sisters-in-law have put in to getting their kids to these levels.  BUT...

Truth be told, I'm glad it is not my kids.  It is nice to stand on the sideline and cheer on the troupes, but to face all that pressure?  I prefer the pressure I have thanks. ;) (OK, I'm a bit jealous as well, but only a little bit.)

I feel that if a child has the natural inclination to perform in athletics, he will get there.  You can either push it at a young age, or you can let them discover it for themselves as they grow older.  My kids have some great natural talent in some of activities, but they don't want to do the competitions. 

Does that make me a bad mother, for not pushing them into the competition?  I know that, when they do compete, they do well.  The problem is, they don't like loosing and will therefor rather not compete.  I understand that 100%. 

Anyways, shouldn't kids of this age, rather just have fun doing all the various activities?  Do we need to expose them to the cut-throat business of big competitions?  How many times do you hear the parents complain about the bitching and fighting amongst the parents at these competitions? It is scary what goes on behind the scenes.

If your child do compete, good on you!  I admire your nerves of steal.

For me and my kids?  We are happy and content in keeping active in a fun way. Doing something we love and are good at.  That is enough blessing for us for now.  And should we become competitive, we'll cross that bridge hopefully with style.

Remember, the idea of kiddies sport is FUN, not winning.  Even if winning does make it more fun. Be blessed by the fact that your child is healthy enough to do a sport.  Try not to live through your child, but let them make their choices.

And this is why I am so proud of my nephew.  He decided at an early age, this is what he wants, and he is going for it.  He is blessed by a wonderful mom and dad that support him 100% all the way there.  He is his own driving force, and I think he is going to make it big. 

And if your child choose differently, it doesn't make him a failure.  Just a person that is possibly content with who they are without having to proof themselves to anybody.  Maybe they are scared of loosing, but no amount of pressure will make it fun for them.

Don't assume, ask.  Be in contact with your child's feelings and help them to understand that no matter what their choice, you'll support their choice.

In this way, you can bless your child with a love for sport, not because of winning but because it is good, healthy fun.

Hope you all had a great sporting day!

From Little old me.

Friday 15 July 2011

Lets be animated...

You know what I love about animated movies?  It is how the creators of these movies gives life to mundane, ordinary objects of our day to day life.  As you can probably tell, I just returned from my date with bratling # 2 and we went to watch 'Cars 2'. 

Can you imagine a world were normal things come to life?  Imagine walking into your kitchen and discovering that your pots and wooden spoons are arguing about the taste of your cooking.  Or hearing the plates in the dishwasher complaining that the water jets is not working as well as it should, and they are still soiled.

What about your clothes having a nice sing-a-long in the washing machine?  Or maybe it complains to the iron that it made a pleat in it, where no pleat should be.

Or what about the lounge furniture?  Maybe you have a couch that hates animals, and shoos them off all the time.  Or maybe you have a chair that loves the cuddle of a fury creature and that is why your cat always end up on it.

What stories will be told by all our gadgets? 

Cellphone:  "I just hate going to the movies!  I always gets turned off and can't watch what is happening! Is it my fault that I start ringing when I get exited?  I much rather stay at home!" 

Or the camera:  "Wait till I show you what the kids got up to today!  Honestly, they are going to give their mother gray hair with all their tricks!"

What will you PC or laptop have to say? "It is so boring...  All she ever does, is go to the same old boring sites.  Wish I can get hacked again.  Maybe I'll then get to meet some more fun computers to hang out with..."

Would the lady gadgets team up and form social clubs and support groups?  Would the male gadgets have to best each other, no matter what their job description is? 

I can just imagine it.  My cellphone, PC and camera, will have a good sit down and talk about how wonderful all the latest family news and photos were.  And what can be done to make me access more friends and family.  How can they work together to make sure my life is easier?  But then one would say something stupid and the other will get all huffed up and soon a cat fight breaks out.  Eventually, the timid one will apologize and call it quits.  Then all will be better. Or, maybe that is what happens when your gadget gives up the ghost.  It just had enough of all the other gadgets and their attitude towards it.

My husband's cellphone, notepad and camera would brag about who got used where and who did the best job in helping my husband in his various tasks. They will argue about who's job is the most important, and which one is the most needed.  Then they will start bragging about what each one can do and how they helped my husband in the last 24 hours. They will kick back and enjoy a good battle of mine is bigger than yours.

Sometimes, I'm rather glad my animals can't talk.  There is a couple of them, that I suspect will ramble my ears of my head.  And maybe I don't really want to know what my cats think.  Especially the one...  I have a sneaky suspicion he doesn't like the way things are run in this house. He can't see why he should not be the center of attention at all times.  His name should have been Garfield for all his attitude.

And if my car had to have a will of its own?  I can just imaging what she will do.  Maybe she will be able to better defend herself against the reckless shoppers that bang their doors open and harm her.  Ever notice how many marks your car have from parking lots at shopping centers?  Won't it be nice if your car could hit back?

Imagine how burglar proof your house can be! 

Ah well,  we don't live in animation.  So, I better go see what I'm going to make for supper on my own.  Can't just shout orders to the kitchen equipment...

Why don't you dream up some fun animation ideas up for the stuff in your house.  Can make for fun dinner conversation.

Enjoy your evening. 
From Little old me.

Thursday 14 July 2011

Goodbye Harry Potter.

To all my regular followers, I'm sorry for being so quiet the last couple of days, but life got a little hectic here.  My head had to content with rambling in my sleep, as there was no other time for it.  Unfortunitely, I now woke up with a headache from all the blocked ramblings that didn't make it to the blog.  ;)  At least all the activities that kept me from rambling was good fun, and nothing too horrible to cope with.

This week is date week.  Yesterday I took my oldest on his date with mom.  He is finally old enough to legally go watch Harry Potter on the big screen.  Here comes the big confession.  We are Harry Potter fans.  I have to confess that we first discovered the movies and then the books, but from book 4 onwards, we eagerly awaited the next book or the next movie to make their appearance.  I've read the books more times than I could care to count. 

Don't get me wrong.  I know there is bad in the books and the movies.  I know it is not all healthy and good fun.  If you wish to dwell deeper you can find some scary stuff. That is why I place limits on my kids access to it.  It is not off limits, but within limits.  What I feel they can't deal with I don't allow them, till I see they are at a point were they can deal with it.  But I'm not keeping it from them.  To do so would be counter productive in this household. 

Apart from the fact that I love it, I also know, that my kids are like me. The more you say no, the more they will want to do so and will do so behind my back if given the opportunity. So I rather expose them in a controlled why.  One were we discuss the good and the bad of the books.

Originally, I watched the first movie out of boredom on an airplane, 9 years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed this magical world.  Then a couple of months later the second movie hit the circuit and once again I thought it would be a good escape from my depressed mood.  After that I bought the first book, and so my love relation with Harry Potter started.  I later tried to justify it, with the "I have to know what my kids will read one day" excuse, but truth be told:  I simply loved it myself.

So what make Harry Potter so popular?  Is it just good advertisement?  Or is the books really that good?  I must admit, like many Potter fans, I found the movies not nearly as good as the books, but I still liked watching them. But the books are amazingly well written.

Harry Potter is pure escapism.  J.K. Rowling manages to have you spellbound from the beginning till the end.  She abducts you into this mysterious world where everything makes perfect sense at the end of the day.  Where good always come out tops, but were the evil frustrates you to the point that you want to see it destroyed.

She creates reasonable explanations for baffling things in this world.  Why do you loose a key, or why are we depressed during raining weather?  Some times you wish it really was the explanation for that thing that drives you mad.

My husband hold out on the temptation till last year.  Calling it all sorts of names.  And then he finally sub come and started to read it.  He had to grudgingly admit to enjoying it. Actually finding it fascinating and spellbinding.

One negative about Harry Potter?  You struggle to escape his world to return to reality.  It is hard to come back from reading his story.  It is as if you have lost touch with a friend you really cared about. It keeps worrying at the back of your head.

So is Harry Potter a curse of a blessing?  Honestly?  I think he is both.  He is a blessing for millions of parents that struggled to get their kids to read.  He was a blessing for me when I was depressed or worried and needed an escape.  But he was a curse for me, because when I needed to focus, I still had him hanging in my head for days after finishing off the book...  He is a curse to those people, who wants to dwell in the darkness of the magical world, as he can be a foothold into it.

I don't think it is a healthy book to read if you are already inclined to paganism, for together with the Internet you can quickly get sucked into the occults.  I don't think parents should let their kids read it on their own, without knowing what goes on in the books and discussing the various aspects in the book with your child. Talk through the bad stuff, explain why it is evil and not something to wish you could do.  Explain why God wishes us to stay away from magic.

Harry Potter can be your stumbling block if you let it.  Or he can be just good entertainment, escapism, and an exciting story.  You must make up your mind which it will be...

For me, I'm sad to see the end of an era.  Yesterday I said a final goodbye to 3 of my all time favourite characters. But I'm also glad it has come to an end.  No more unanswered questions about what will happen next.  No more living in suspense. 

So, farewell all fellow Harry Potter fans.  It was a great fun, but now it is time to escape the magical world and return to the reality of our normal lives.

Hope you all have a magical day today. ;)
From little old me.

Monday 11 July 2011

A Blessing of Bubbles

I just love bubbles.  As a matter of fact, I think the only reason why there is such a fight in the house over bubbles, is because I want to make the bubbles last as long as possible and my kids want it all now...

I love bubbles floating away in the wind.  Playing on the breaths of wind that stir the air.  For me, there is not a lot of things I enjoy more than parking off on the grass, bubble machine turning bubbles out and watching the entertainment you get from bubbles.

It is fun to watch the bratlings, trying to catch the bubbles.  To see them run and jump as they grasp the air in their attempts.  I enjoy to see the dogs in confusion, when they bite the bubble and all is gone. Even though that might seem mean,  they love it!

Or what about the wonder on the face of a baby, as they first discover bubbles.  Their little eyes following these rainbow rich orbs, floating passed them.  I can stare at a scene such as this for hours.

I'll never forget it, but some years ago, when my mood was as dark as the night, weighed down with worries. While I was rushing off somewhere, there in the middle of the busiest road in town, right on eye level, floated a whole stream of bubbles.  They just kept playing in that stream of air, until they actually went to far to watch.  It left me with a ray of sunshine in my heart.  For the rest of the day, my heart was upbeat and happy.

Bubbles are fascinating.  They are filled with colour, and yet they are translucent.  They are matter, for it takes a visible form, but yet you can't really catch it. And oh, the hours of entertainment it brings to young and old alike.

I have been to one or two weddings where bubbles were used instead of confetti or streamers and rose petals.  It was so lovely to watch the cascade of bubbles floating past a bride and groom, that looks as if they too, are floating on the air from happiness.  It looks like a million prayers of well wishes floating of to God's throne, to bless this couple.

What is more relaxing than a nice hot, deep, bubble bath?  One where you can sink into oblivion, with no interruptions?  Maybe a nightcap of some sort, in your hand, maybe a nice book. Soaking up the aroma and heat, in that small world that is your bathroom.

I love watching my youngest monster unwind in her own bubble bath, made with bubbles out of her favourite purple dinosaur's tummy.  She will roll in the water, catching bubbles, clapping bubbles all over the bathroom floor, while filling the house with her laughter.

And nothing gets the boys faster to the tub, than the promise that they can have a nice, long, play-bubble bath.  That means a nice deep and warm bath with loads of bubbles.  There is normally a fight for who goes first, for the first one gets the most bubbles.

And then I remember my own childhood.  How my brothers and I used to rub the soap onto our facecloths in patterns and then blow through the facecloth on the other side to make bubble patterns on our facecloths.  Use to keep us entertained for hours.

Do you remember all the funny hairdos you made with the bubbles?  And the beards and mustaches!  It was so funny, we even had to call mommy to come see.  And now, I have my own children doing it.  And I get to have all that fun all over again.

I think that when my time comes to go Home, you can scatter my ashes, while you are blowing me kisses of bubbles.  I would like that.  It can be the last bubble bath this body takes.

I hope you all will find a way to go blow some bubbles today and unwind.  Even if it is only through your facecloth in the shower, where no-one but you will see.

May the bubbles buoy up your soul today.
From Little old me.

Sunday 10 July 2011

What is Heaven?

What is your idea of heaven? What do most of us think heaven is about?  How often to you hear someone say, 'this was heaven'  or 'that was heavenly' or 'almost like heaven".  You may even say so yourself, many times over.

We use heaven and the Lord's name so quickly and easily.  We give normal humanly created things 'divine' status, without thinking twice.  Ice-cream, cake, and food of all sorts, often gets a divine status.  Maybe you think that heaven is going to be filled with an as-much-as-you-can-eat buffet?  Or maybe it was a piece of music, or art, or even a movie.  So, is heaven going to be a theater filled with cultural pieces to keep you from boredom?  Oh, the best I heard was a shopping center being called divine!  I mean really?  Can you imaging a mall in heaven?!

OK, I know there will be a feast in heaven so tick the food idea. I'm sure there will be music of some sort.  BUT SHOPPING?  What glory is there to God in a mall?!

So what is heaven going to be like?  I know some people will say that it is a place where you won't know your mother-in-law, for there will be no pain. Or other similar silly statements.  What about the pearly gates with a couple of angels or saints doing guard duty, judging you worthy of heaven or not?

Heaven is a subject of jokes for many people.  And believe me, I have laughed at my fair share of some.  It can be very funny, if you don't understand heaven.  If you look at heaven from a human perspective, you can think up some really funny scenarios.

But what is Heaven?  Why do so many people want to believe in Heaven?  What does it hold for us?

I think the idea of Heaven is for many people the hope they need to get through their suffering.  A place where they hope to meet up with loved ones that has passed on to the next life.  Maybe they hope it is a place where they will get their just reward for all the good things they have done. 

Is Heaven real?  Oh yes!  For sure it is real.  But Heaven is holy, it is divine and it is Godly.  It is not at all something we as normal humans can understand.  The Bible is very clear about Heaven in certain aspects. 

Heaven is God's dwelling.  If you enter heaven, you will stand 'face' to face with God.  We all know that, that is impossible to do now.  God's holiness will disintegrate you as you are now.  No-one can see God and live.  So Heaven is a scary place for a mere sinful human.  Unless you have a Shield that can protect you from God, you don't stand a chance.

Heaven is holy.  It is a place set apart for God.  We shouldn't take Heaven lightly, as it is declared holy by God for God.  So we should treat it as holy.  Just like the temple of old was holy, so Heaven is holy.  We can only enter it if we were ceremonially washed and cleansed.  Only after we have been atoned for our sins.

As for angels or saints passing judgement? God will be your judge.  Your acceptance into Heaven will only come if you pass Jesus' judgement on your kinsmanship to Him.  If you don't stand in relation to God, you won't enter.

Next time you think of Heaven, don't imagine a worldly view, but focus on the Godly view.  Don't take it lightly.  You cannot enter it on your own.  You won't see all your friends and family members there.  But you will see God and spend eternity with Him, if you enter by His Grace, in the presence of His Son, washed from sin by the blood of Jesus, atoned by the ultimate price of Christ's death on the Cross, having Jesus as your shield from God's wrath. Basically, if you stand firmly in Christ, I will see you there.

Then we can glorify God together.  We can bless Him with our prayers and songs of praise together with the angels and all the saints. We will be blessed in joining Him at the biggest wedding feast ever held.  This is Heaven. 

May God bless you all this week. May He give you a glimpse of Heaven as you find a song or prayer of praise rising to your lips.  May it come in thanks for all the blessing He gives you on a daily basis.

God bless you.

From Little old Blessed me.

 

Saturday 9 July 2011

Why is it that the sun brings us so must happiness?

Good morning world!  I hope you all are having a super day.  Here the sun is shining and they say, that regardless of the fact that right now it is 6 degrees Celsius out there, we are in for a hot day.  Would never say it is winter in Cape Town the way the weather has been this week.

At least it has put a lot of Capetonians in a much better mood.  Having the sun around does do that to us.  Which makes me wonder...

Why is it that everyone is in such a better mood when the sun shines?  What is it in us that makes happier in the sun? 

If it is raining for days nonstop, we all get depressed and angry at the world.  J.K. Rowling, created these monsters called 'dementors' in her books that breeds in mist and foul weather.  Their sole purpose is to suck all happiness from the humans nearby.  I can completely relate to that.  It is as if everyone goes mental and derailed of their faculties when the weather turns foul.  Even the smallest child sub-come to it.

When it is dark outside, many of us live in fear of one sort or the other, while waiting for the sun to come out again.  Either real fears for ones safety, or emotional fears about all our worries weighing us down.

And normally, the answers come when the sun is out.  The fears melt away to a point where you can deal with it. 

But, then there is the greatest darkness.  The one that binds you.  It blinds you to all normal light.  It throws you into a deep dark pit of depression, and like being kissed by a dementor, you are left soulless, living an existence with no joy, no hope, no love.  Just a big hole of nothingness left in your heart and mind.  There is almost no real cure for it. 

Doctors pump you full of drugs, that is suppose to help.  And sometimes it helps for a while, but soon that darkness is back.  It sneaks up on you and snare you into its claws one more time.  It becomes a vicious cycle of take drugs, feel better for a while and then you are back in the pit.  Take more drugs, feel better for a while and then you are back in the pit.  And this just keeps going on.

So is there a real cure?  Is there a way we can get out of this darkness forever?

I believe yes.  It worked for me, and for countless other people who also struggled. 

You see, there is a Greater Light.  One that no darkness, however great, can hide.
This Light will give you the joy, the hope, the love and the forgiveness you need to help you see the Light.  Once you walk in this Light, the darkness will try to overcome you and steel you away, but if you clang to the Light and hold onto His Word, you will never again be caught.  Jesus is the light, the way and the truth, no one can enter the Light if not through Jesus.  (Read John 14.)

This is why, we normal people feel happier when the sun shines.  It is God's reminder of the Bigger Light, His SON, that He has send into this world to safe us all from the darkness.

So today I want to bless you all, by praying that today and every other day here after, you will wander in the Light of God.  Never to be stolen away from His grace. 

If you need assistance in finding this Light, and you can't send me a personal message, speak to minister or a Christian friend nearby.  Or any person, that you know is a follower of Christ.  We will all be delighted to help you find the Light.

May the Joy of God, fill your day and weekend.

From Little old me.

Friday 8 July 2011

Luggage! The Bane of Traveling!

I'm planning yet another holiday.  I know, life is tough for some of us.  This time I'm going with all 3 kids.  Now, normally, I'm not faced traveling with the kids.  I love dragging them of to go see new places.  This time is it is going to be a little bit more interesting, for two reasons:

Firstly, I'm traveling for almost 24hours, doing one stretch of 9 hour flying with a toddler, that refuses to sit still. Best of all?  The flight is while she is normally wide awake and we land at our destination at 5am in the morning!  Looks like mom and daughter are in for a interesting 48 hours.

The second thing that has my cage rattled, is that for the first time, I'm doing connection flights with booked in luggage.  I normally travel with only backpacks, but this time, the dive gear must go with.  Which leaves me with very little option but to take a big bag for the airplane's belly.  My 3 little backpacks just don't have enough space for it all...

This is actually my biggest worry.  You see, when it comes to trusting other people with my belongings, I just don't.  Not strangers at least.  Plus that with the great reputation that Johannesburg airport have for 'loosing' luggage, my confidence is almost 0%. 

It seems that this trip is going to be far different than any other trip we did before.  For one thing, we are going to spend a lot of time doing things with and for the kids.  The only luxury we are allowing ourselves is a bit of scuba diving, where the kids will have to deal with a foreign babysitter, that probably can't speak English. ;) But we promise we won't let it take up too much of our time.  We will still snorkel and play with them.

I must admit I enjoyed my holiday without the kidlings, but I know that it is far more fun to enjoy a holiday through the experience of a child.  We have quite a bit of exciting things lined up for all the kiddies and I can't wait to see their faces.  It will be worth of every complaint of boredom and hunger, and I bet there is going to be loads of those!
Another thing that is different is all the things that is going with.  Well, we've done the dive gear thing before, but that was before kids and with our own car.  This time we have a lot of luggage and a pram!  I'm starting to feel like a real mom...  My poor husband have to finally admit to being a family man!  No more mister Camel guy. 

How do normal people do it?  How do you manage to travel with loads of things and stay sane?  Do you actually have a holiday then?  Or is that why you all think I'm crazy to travel with my children? 

So, today I need your help.  I'm desperate for some advice on how to travel with  luggage that must be booked. I'm sure most of you have far more experience with that than I do.  Do I plastic wrap or not?  What is the best for locking it?  What type of bag do I take?  A big travelers bag with wheels or a suitcase with wheels?  (We are still staying in backpacker accommodation and roughing it up.)
Now, please bless me and our fellow travelers with some of your tips.  I anxiously await your ideas. Even if it is just:  'You are nuts Lulu! This can't be done.'  I love challenges like that.

May the sisterhood of traveling pants be with you all.

From Little old me.

Thursday 7 July 2011

Some Ramblings on Raising Kids.

OK, I'll confess, my last post was a seriously biased post!  Not all kids in the regular school system are brats and not all kids that are homeschooled are angels. Ask me, I regularly have to confess to having 3 bratlings.  And my kids have some lovely friends that are in normal schools with mommies and daddies that work.

So how do they do it?  How do you have well balanced kids when you are working and sending them to school? I think the magic lies in parent involvement.  If mom or dad makes time for their child on a daily basis. Talk about nothing and everything, show interest in the child's life. If you do this, then your children learn they too are important.

Find out what is going on at school.  Be the nosy, over involved mom.  Your child will love it at times, and hate it at times, but you will know what is going on.

Make sure that you make time to talk to your child about the important things in life.  Don't expect the church to tell your child about God.  You must teach your child about God.  If you don't know the truth, study it with you child and find the answer.  Teach your child to question all the "truths" out there, without having to go and try it all out. 

Can you imagine what will happen if your child decide to find out the truth about drugs by first having to try it out?

Don't expect the school to tell your child about creation, for they teach evolution.
It is easier to deny God than to understand the mystery that is God and His creation.

Sex education in school is more about how to avoid getting a STD than the true reason for it and why it should be sacred.  Remember, to the world out there sees sex as a recreation tool, not a beautiful thing to be shared between a husband and wife.

The schools are very secular,  so if you are not, you have to spend extra time teaching your child your values.  Not just the values, but also the reason behind the values.

Todays kids are not satisfied with a "because, this is the way it should be" reason.
Be prepared to back-up whatever value you teach your child.  They will need to defend themselves in the world out there, if they don't live the way their friends do.

If the parents build the foundation of their child life, it doesn't matter where they school.  Make sure your child can defend their views without fear. Help them to not just gain knowledge, but to apply it.  Remember, the power lies in  applied knowledge.

And then be there for them, when the system makes their live a misery.  Because the system don't like independent, well adjusted kids.  They don't make good slaves...

So, if you have ticked all these boxes, give yourself a pat on the back and bring the kids over for a playdate. ;)

Enjoy your day!

With love from little old me.

Tuesday 5 July 2011

Homeschoolers Rock!

You know what?  I love my fellow homeschooling friends!  Especially their kids.
Home schooled children are not like other kids.  They often grow up with virtually no electronic gadgets or very limited time on them. Most of them have some form of religious influence in their lives about which the parents are passionate about, so there is good grounding.  Mom is generally around to talk some manners into them. And overall they are not obnoxious brats that demand you give them what they want.

When a bunch of homeschoolers get together, you don't hear, "I'm too old to play with that one", or "please mom, I don't have anyone my age here to play with". You don't hear, "We're bored. Please can we play Wii/PSP/or whatever other electronic gadget?"

O, no!  You will find the homeschoolers off exploring the world together, finding tadpoles and snails.  Dreaming up fascinating games involving toys made from wood, mostly sticks, and nails taken from dad's garage.  Yes, there is the bought toy, but hey, if my friend don't have one, lets make one up.  And then that toy looks far cooler than mine, so lets make more.

And before you know it, you have 6 knights practicing sword training on the grass in the rain. Or little girls making pretend stews in their homemade pots.  They don't come and ask you for anything, you might even forget you have them all at your house, because they are all outside playing.  Or if they are indoors, it is with lego sets, building empires and games. Or they'll ask permission to turn your lounge into a nomad tent town.

(I had a fair amount of them on my property today, and I must admit, I only saw them if they came in to swipe some more food of the table, or had something really cool to show mom!)

Homeschool friends are never bored.  They are imaginative, fun loving and highly creative.  They are polite and friendly.

Best of all?  They can actually have a decent conversation with anybody, no matter what their age.  Even the really shy ones can talk your ears of your head if you try to win their trust.

So, why is this? Personally, I feel it is because these kids grow up in the way they were meant to grow up.  For one, they have mom with them for most of the time. They don't get shunted off to school to cope on their own.  They learn who they are from the people responsible for their existence, or those that took it over, if they are adopted.   They have firm foundations laid down in their understanding of self. 

You will seldom see a homeschool mommy trying to make her boy less boy and her girl less girl. Quite the opposite.  Boys are encouraged to be men like dad and the girls to be women like mom.  Homeschools, know the power of knowing your place in this world.  If the child is firmly rooted, they can fly.

So you see, even though it is a sacrifice to be a homeschool mom, it is a tremendous blessing.  It is a blessing to each child that is at home, for it builds self-esteem and save you child from harmful influences that you have no control over when they are at school.  It is a blessing for the mom, because you have so much more time to just love your child and prepare your child for the world out there.

For all those mommies out there that just can't be home for their little ones.  I am truly sorry you have to miss out on this blessing.  If you can make a plan to  change your situation, do so.

For those mommies out there thinking it is just an impossible task.  I thought so too, but God had other plans and I found out I can do it.

For those of you that still think I'm off my rocker.  Well, it is a mad house here.  So yes, you are probably right.  But then, I don't suffer from insanity, I absolutely love it!!!

Good night all, enough ramblings for one night.
From Little old me!

Monday 4 July 2011

Small blessings

My blog is about blessings.  The big ones and the small ones.  It is about telling the world to count their blessings and to show you were to find blessings.  I don't just want to ramble all the time, although I do enjoy it.  So today I decided it is time for a different type of rambling.  One that is more aimed at God.  Hopefully, my rambling today, will help you all to look for your own little blessing to say thank you for.

Today I just want to thank God openly for the blessings He has bestowed on some of my friends and family recently. 

Firstly, God blessed my mom at a ripe old age with a second love. My step dad is a wonderful man, who is great companion to my mom and today they have been married for two years already.  I thank God for the love He has given them. For the second change in life He has rewarded them with and that He has kept them both healthy enough to have shared many special things together in their short marriage.  May He bless them with many more.

I want to thank God, for seeing to it, that my friends stolen goods were returned.  For one it was complete, without any loss and for the other, the car was returned, yes not a straight thing, but it was found and is theirs again.

I want to thank God for giving one of our friend a job after he lost his job in a seriously unfair situation.  And I pray for all my friends, whose husbands are still searching for jobs.  May God give them solutions too, and may He do so quickly.

I thank God, that He had kept a great lady, a mother to one of my friends, healthy enough to celebrate her 91st birthday today with her family.

I thank God, that He has seen to it that our church's outreach soccer clinic last week was met with good weather and I pray for each child that was there to be kept in the palm of His hand.  The rain stayed away at the most crucial parts.

I thank God, that the group that went to Zambia, traveled save and was an encouragement for our missions couple living there.

I want to give thanks for every little bundle safely delivered into our circle of friends this year and pray for the save delivery of yet another little bundle due tomorrow.  May all of them learn to follow our King.

I want to thank God for every brother and sister in Christ, whom I have yet to meet, that was protected from Satan's lies this week.  I pray that more will have their eyes opened and join in our family.

I want to thank God for every gospel planting person out there.  May He reap rich rewards from their sowing. 

I want to thank God, that He has given us all one more day to repent and turn to Him. May we make use of His grace.

Good night all, and count your blessings with a thankful heart.

Sunday 3 July 2011

Ever wondered why you are so busy?

Have you ever went to bed at night and wondered where the day had gone?  Or maybe seen your child achieve something, and wonder when did he get so big?  What about that phone call you received to tell you someone you loved had passed away, and you wonder why you never got to see that person as often as you wished?

It seems that our lives has become so busy, we no longer have time to stop and appreciate what we have.  Even our holidays are jam packed with activities, because there is just so much to do...

I find it fascinating that in today's life, where we have dishwashers, tumble dryers, washing machines, bread makers and other time saving devices, we have less time on our hands than our parents had, and far less than our grandparents and great grandparents.

One generation ago knew how to sew, knit, crochet, process food to last a winter, grow vegetable gardens, make tools and do intricate woodwork.  These were not skills for the select few, but most people could do it.

Parents had time to read stories to their kids at night, especially the Bible.  Families had time to spend together, passing on the skills.

Truth be told, I would be lost if a world disaster hits us tomorrow and leaves us back in the stone age.  I can't grow a vegetable without chemical help, I can't kill an animal, I can barely think of a way to keep things clean with out our modern aids.

I have a telephone, cellphone, email, skype and facebook. And yet, I don't nearly keep in touch with my friends and family the way the old people did.  It is short notes here and there, but that personal touch of a well written letter is gone.  Phone calls are kept brief because one of you are busy doing something to keep you too busy to talk.

It is scary when you stop for a moment and look at our world.  This is not a rat race.  It is an ant colony.  We are all kept busy in one form or another.  Even when we rest we are kept busy.  Sport, movies, TV, clubs, you name it, there is something out there that you must do when you are having a rest from work.

It is no wonder so many people struggle to sleep.  We are so well trained to be busy, that our brains refuse to switch off.

The big question here is, WHY?   Why are we kept busy?  What drives us to be so busy?  Why can't we just snuggle up without having to do anything?  Just simply enjoy each others company. Why did meal times become only a time to feed the body and no longer to feed the relationships we are in, or even our souls?

I've struggled with this question for years.  You see, maybe it is because I'm actually a very lazy person and hates to be pushed around to do things, or maybe there is something more behind it, but I hate the rush of today.

Many of my friends are astounded that I get time to read a book in a couple of days, where they take weeks to finish the same book.  My reason:  I don't have TV, so I read while you watch your soapies.  But also, I need time during the day, where I can pause everything and just be.  I have found that if I don't make an effort to find just 5 minutes a day to do nothing in, I go insane.

So way is that time to stop so important?  God created in each and everyone of us the longing to spend time with Him.  We will not find peace, if we don't find time to spend with Him. The less time we spend with Him, the less time we have, the more unimportant things take up our time.  You can only connect with God if you are at a standstill.  God don't like hit and run conversations, because you don't get to hear what He has to say.

The Bible clearly shows that God speaks in the stillness.  When your heart, mind and body is in a quiet state.

O, we can speak to Him while we run around, don't get me wrong, I think God likes it when we talk to Him regardless.  But He LOVES it when we take the time to listen to His replies. 

Watch out that your life is not so busy that you forget the most important relationship there is.  The one between God and you. The next time you are so busy that you think your life is out of control, look at where you are at, in your relationship with God. 

Remember, there is someone out there, that don't want you to stand in relation with God and he will keep you so busy that you'll never find the time, unless you make the time.

So what blessing can I leave you with today?

I want to leave you with the words of the psalmist:

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation:  He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  Psalm 62:5-6

I hope you all have a more peaceful week my friends.

Yours in Christ.
Little old me.

Saturday 2 July 2011

Kids Holiday Clubs

So here we are, another holiday.  Yes, it is winter and in Cape Town it means rain and miserable weather for most of the time.  Time for lighting up the fireplace, bake pancakes, built indoor tents out of mom's blankets and pillows.  Lots of movies in whatever format, reading books under the blankets, sleeping late and playdates.

Except for one problem.  The gymnastic class has a holiday club for week one, our church a soccer clinic.  The art teacher is doing something, or the whatever activity is practicing for exams/performance.  And so the list grows with every holiday. The more activities people come up with the more holiday clubs there seem to be. I mean, my two boys have more invites for holiday clubs than what there days in the holiday!

Everyone who is anyone is trying to keep our kids busy, because "what do you do with them at home for 3 weeks?!  Give them to us and we'll keep them busy." ('Plus, if you go on holiday, we don't get pay, because we don't plan ahead for salaries when it is school holidays.' they never say openly.)

Now, don't get me wrong.  I don't have anything against it as such, but if my kids do every one of the holiday clubs they want to do, we will all be exhausted after the holidays.  I mean isn't that what school holidays are about?  Having a break from learning things?  Having the time to actually PLAY?  Or has PLAY become the new 4 letter word our kids mustn't utter?

Have our society become so obsessed with 'success' that our kids are no longer allowed to be kids?  When last did your kids stand outside in the rain, bare feet, catching raindrops on their tongues.  Or you allowed them to take over the lounge to built a fort from your blankets and sheets?  When last did you have a million kids over to your house, and it is not your child's birthday party, just because it is fun to watch them all play?

Our kids get little enough time for it when school is on, and now we fill their holidays as well?  And not with playdates and friends and silly picnics and family times, but with paid activities that will teach them and improve them...

I too, struggle with this.  My kids would want to do every holiday club they hear about, purely because the coaches makes it sounds as if the kids will loose out big time if they don't attend.

I can't say no to church activities, because it makes me feel less like a Christian, and I'm letting my kids into doom.  (OK, that does not really come from the church side, but more my personal guilt trip inbred over years of traditionalist religion.) 

If I don't let my kids follow the holiday clubs for their activities, they make me feel that I am not serious enough about the activities.  So I must be a bad mother, because I don't see the need for my child to have a chance at excelling in his activity.

OK, lets stop the bus and rethink all this...  Where is my ramblings leading us too?

It has let me to realize that, my kids don't need to go to every holiday club.  They need to play at home and with friends.  They need to hang out as a family with family friends.  They need to have 3 weeks of unscheduled days.  Where the only thing planned is how to built the sheet tent without it collapsing on them. Or how to catch that frog hiding in the pond... (apart from saving me a lot of money)

So what is the blessing?  The blessing of sending your kid on holiday club activities, can be many.  Not all aspects of holiday clubs are bad. There is a lot of good in some of them.  They are great for parents who still has to work while the holidays are on.  And church clubs are great for spreading the gospel.  I don't say don't send your kids.  Just rethink why you do it.

The blessing to me (and I hope to you too) is that after all these ramblings, I realize how easy one can get caught in thriving for success for our kids.  Or even how easy it is to just let go of them so that I can give attention to MY things, having uninterrupted ME time.  I've seen how quickly we get steamrollered into doing what other people tells us is right for our kids and doing what they tell us to do, because we don't want our kids to miss out.  And in the mean time we allow our kids to miss out on their childhood... 

Enjoy your child's childhood with them this holiday.  Try not to be too busy not to have some fun.

Happy holidays people.  

From
Little old me.

Friday 1 July 2011

So today I did the one thing I said I'd never do for my kids...

I bought a pram.  A pushchair, a babyseat on wheels.  After surviving 3 babies, with the youngest being almost 2, I finally found a need for a pram.

You see all these years, I never had the need of one.  My kids slept in my arms, got carried in pouches and backpacks or was placed in a trolley if the need arise.  So what made for the dramatic change you may ask?

Well, we are having one of our blessings in the form of a holiday in a few weeks time.  Singapore and Malaysia is on the map for this trip and unfortunately, it means a lot of walking will be involved. We will be going onto trains, buses and boats.  To make life a little easier, Madam must be accommodated in a form that will make it easier for her not to walk all the time.  Her legs are just not strong enough for all the walking involved.

The problem is, she is to heavy now-a-days to carry in the back-pack for long periods of time, plus the trains get rather full, and no-one likes to get hit in the face with a backpack full of baby.  Especially not if you consider that if she is on dad's back her feet will be on most of the Singaporeans' and Malaysians' head heights. So it brought us to this point.  We needed a pram...

Well, that was an education in itself.  To find the right pram.  Understandably, I did not wish to break the bank.  I'm not fond of borrowing, as traveling puts a hammer to things at best of times.  Secondhand options, at best were not what I had in mind. I needed something that was sturdy, but not bulky and easy to work with.

So off to the baby-shops I go to hunt down the right pram.  Now this was were I got educated.  You have a choice from a wide variety of prams.  Flimsy ones for R450-00.  No can do, as madam already weighs more than their max weight tolerance, (they say it can take her, but I doubt it will last as a dolls pram, nevermind my monster.)  Then on the other side of the spectrum is the pram delux, that you can take off road, on road, have the car seat, (hmm, I think we are past that phase) and all the other bells and whistles that "a mommy should not do without" for R5000.  What?!  I'm don't want to be funny, but even if I had all the money in the world, not even if I still had a whole rugby team to produce, I would not buy it....

It is heavy, bulky, needs an engineering degree to operate and all that so that you can impress who?  The baby?  He or she would probably prefer to be in your arms, close to your heart anyways.

Well, after a long search I found something suitable,  not the cheapest, but not more than what I feel is reasonable.  It's got all the features I need and best of all, my monster loves it.  Now the only problem is to convince her that she still has legs to use and can't be pushed everywhere...

So where is the blessing?  For one, I got the pram we need for the price I could afford. Two, my daughter loves it and three, I'm off on another great adventure in 27 sleeps. And last but not least, I learned yet again to never say never...

Enjoy your weekend everyone.

With love from
Little old me.