tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87131969526439941312024-02-19T04:18:20.191-08:00Life, Love and everything elseAll about my loves,life and everything elseMadeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.comBlogger312125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-50773273637671850022009-01-08T06:13:00.000-08:002009-01-08T06:15:17.937-08:00I'm movingTo here <a href="http://lifeloveandeverythingelse.wordpress.com/">http://lifeloveandeverythingelse.wordpress.com/</a><br /><br />See ya there!!Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-15850025472615920362008-12-04T20:59:00.000-08:002008-12-04T21:17:42.734-08:00What a week!!Boy what a week. It's been a humdinger of note!!<br />I had hoped that I would start to wind down for my hoiday- but no such luck! Before I leave next week, I have to move a mountain and then dig a hole to start growing a new one.Sounds a bit cryptic, I know- but that's what it feels like.PMSL<br />I started this week with very definite ideas of what I would like to achieve- and got horribly sidetracked by other pressing needs. In fact it almost felt like I had a new baby - you have this list of stuf you would like to do for the day- and it's really not very ambitious- i.e when baby goes down for a nap in the morning I would like to brush teeth,brush hair and have a shower. No such luck as baby does not go down for a nap. LOL.Sigh- That's what my week has been like<br />And to top it all my wheel got clamped by our security ,my key broke in the frontdoor lock and Pierre's bakkie packed up.<br />Thank goodness for good friends otherwise we would have been really up a creek whitout a paddle.They kindly offered me and the kids their home to come eat and bath while Pierre was fixing the lock- and then P joined us for dinner and a well deserved drink.<br />And last night we had an awesome end of they year party- with a Casino theme- we got to dress up nicely and play with plastic money- great fun and just the perfect end to an otherwise shocking week.<br />And of course the biggest event of the week- it was my sisters birthday.<br />So happy 43'rd bithday Sis- we'll be there in a week and a half to celebrate with you! Woohoo! (you'll be glad to know that I've told the kids all grownups are 21) *evil grin*Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-16853538031834514532008-11-30T21:12:00.000-08:002008-11-30T21:24:24.267-08:00What a lovely dayWe spent the day with my cousin and his wife. We had a huge, big family and friends get together as they had a few things to celebrate- his birthday, moving into a new house and her babyshower -baby is due end Jan. There was a lamb on the spit, wine and lots of fun.From my cousins side I was the only family member, but his wife is one of 7 children-6 daughters and one son. Every second guy we spoke to was a brother in law- lol. And her sister just had a baby 8 weeks ago- too sweet the little thing man!<br />Here is some pics.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkxUgUyqf6_wKeGu4ukMM1W5Thx3p3q4mFswXq365t7q9Nfkea2FNEFxSpoXiGUEHlf4RgIqx0ibrTjhsnXRKGDDGgobR4FY0bzhoNzVEoqc56tc2usHqaH8o8-pi2ws-j7PN_Rm0Jwre/s1600-h/SV601142.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkxUgUyqf6_wKeGu4ukMM1W5Thx3p3q4mFswXq365t7q9Nfkea2FNEFxSpoXiGUEHlf4RgIqx0ibrTjhsnXRKGDDGgobR4FY0bzhoNzVEoqc56tc2usHqaH8o8-pi2ws-j7PN_Rm0Jwre/s320/SV601142.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274687688052253346" /></a><br />The spit<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZBpfFlW73aZZX6w-M4CuJSqBahkDkOs0BbawBj5lNLR66kcgYRky0bsgpMlhRWg-8btWQWTONLRwtOpvTz74-ZiyHpiV1_UPEUGOqxLqmvsiY-ZphYm3Cv-1sAr48ZS5VKfDVCtWkDL2/s1600-h/SV601141.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ZBpfFlW73aZZX6w-M4CuJSqBahkDkOs0BbawBj5lNLR66kcgYRky0bsgpMlhRWg-8btWQWTONLRwtOpvTz74-ZiyHpiV1_UPEUGOqxLqmvsiY-ZphYm3Cv-1sAr48ZS5VKfDVCtWkDL2/s320/SV601141.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274687674150930834" /></a><br />Kids playing in the water<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0crzctGruNF5yGleT9YLS5o7Gqe0g5SuqjfN4xYhBluT_2_BX-dlxwIX1yzhUlR8iylsvTNuxaraYHsiaoNZKK8kx9uCPjygDuCndG2wYcOBX_iiDo1HgDQI-ndmB4I0-VvOHjyiLwdA/s1600-h/SV601139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0crzctGruNF5yGleT9YLS5o7Gqe0g5SuqjfN4xYhBluT_2_BX-dlxwIX1yzhUlR8iylsvTNuxaraYHsiaoNZKK8kx9uCPjygDuCndG2wYcOBX_iiDo1HgDQI-ndmB4I0-VvOHjyiLwdA/s320/SV601139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274687667262046882" /></a><br />Babyshower pressiesMadeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-75874263944310168022008-11-27T21:47:00.000-08:002008-11-27T21:58:48.497-08:00Checking my list twiceFound this on <a href="http://jentyrambling.wordpress.com/">Jenty's</a> blog<br /><br />1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper- the gifts have to travel this year<br /><br />2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. <br /><br />3. When do you put up the tree? Normally 16 December - dont like to have Christmas forever<br /><br />4. When do you take the tree down? Before New Years- I hate going into New Years with a tree<br /><br />5. Do you like eggnog? Blegh-no<br /><br />6. Favorite gift received as a child? My Ballet Barbie- I still have it<br /><br />7. Hardest person to buy for? My Dad<br /><br />8. Easiest person to buy for? DH<br /><br />9. Do you have a nativity scene? Nope<br /><br />10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I dont like Christmas cards- I worry about all those forests<br /><br />11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A Basket with smelly's- it was really cheap stuf-given as a Corporate present<br /><br />12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Dont really have one<br /><br />13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When I know what everyone needs<br /><br />14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope<br /><br />15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I keep on trying to convince my family that a fancy Fish braai will be nice- it's so hot here on Christmas.<br /><br />16. Lights on the tree? Yes.<br /><br />17. Favorite Christmas song? Jingle bells- and all its variations!LOL<br /><br />18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? We alternate between my parents and in laws- so this year we are travelling<br /><br />19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? No<br /><br />20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel<br /><br />21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning<br /><br />22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The prices of food and the toys<br /><br />23. Favorite ornament theme or color? We have a few handmade ones from my MIL- they are very special<br /><br />Tag yourself if you feel like doing it, and leave me a comment!Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-76828078414506121042008-11-21T21:03:00.000-08:002008-11-21T21:08:16.828-08:00SandpitThe sandpit is eventually finished- it took us two years of talking about it,planning it and drawing it- finally it's done. Here's some pics<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIFXsFCpfosMzv8b0cE_X-e_9G6VrJ0rcXQGPSweBm2sN7mk5Jx44Nmvd0or1_lFwkjWziS1fX7-YVqYtZLOfaNd7v7iUaCPr9GhxVhj7NRF3NuIgyJhSv0nkN5L6BbMyxoLfUjqMlMHs/s1600-h/SV601125.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIFXsFCpfosMzv8b0cE_X-e_9G6VrJ0rcXQGPSweBm2sN7mk5Jx44Nmvd0or1_lFwkjWziS1fX7-YVqYtZLOfaNd7v7iUaCPr9GhxVhj7NRF3NuIgyJhSv0nkN5L6BbMyxoLfUjqMlMHs/s320/SV601125.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271343732126481522" /></a><br />Proud "owners" of the sandpit<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FahRUcrORqHjUZXt2EerajltvXi1UMgI4BzRsJiK4ZxFvOB07V4CQJCRQosFjEbsMOGRtT56zWooJdR_HDQTBU6RA8aWYIAZewyP1KbjxMgEuhfYCkm_E06drKDuik3B01uIGsqfat81/s1600-h/SV601122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FahRUcrORqHjUZXt2EerajltvXi1UMgI4BzRsJiK4ZxFvOB07V4CQJCRQosFjEbsMOGRtT56zWooJdR_HDQTBU6RA8aWYIAZewyP1KbjxMgEuhfYCkm_E06drKDuik3B01uIGsqfat81/s320/SV601122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271343719620755634" /></a>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-33769138883640015732008-11-17T00:01:00.000-08:002008-11-17T00:01:00.868-08:00Some snippets of the kidsI was sitting and "painting" nails with Catmen- more like "schmeering"- lol and I told her I loved her- very clearly she asked me- If you love me mom- why do you leave me with Ouma? Wow!<br />First she said it so clearly - I was quite amazed at her reasoning - for 3 I think it's very good.Of course she put me on a gulit trip - until I remembered that me and Pierre also have a right to spend some alone time together.<br />Poor pumkin fell asleep while sitting ast the coffetable on her arms. Shame- I just per straight into bed like that.Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-67244828710884873732008-11-16T20:40:00.000-08:002008-11-16T20:43:49.463-08:00Beauty and the beastWe went to go see beauty and the beast - It was awesome! The costumes were very good!!<br />My favourite scene was were the beast had to learn to be a gentelmmn and tried to say please to Belle- he had never used the word before and couldn't get past the first P. It reminded me so much of how I batlle daily with the kids to their pleases and thank you's. LOLMadeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-48018753147187675032008-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:002008-11-15T00:01:01.569-08:00Peace in our timeI've been thinking about this for a while. As a mom I have special powers- the most special power I have is my NEGOTIATION SKILLS. Honestly ask any mom of preschoolers and they will tell you that they can negotiate their way out of a paperbag..because we can ....honestly.<br />What do we mom's use as tactics...easy. <br />Bribery - if you eat your veggies you can have pudding<br />Threats- if you dont stop fighting I'll take that toy away<br />and of course<br />Corruption - If you rub mom's feet you can have sweets for breakfast.<br />So I reckon I can negotiate peace between Israel and Palestyn- or whatever warring countries take your fancy.<br />Bribery- If you stop shooting at each other you can have interest free loans from the IMF<br />Threats- If you dont stop fighting you cant have any more aid from some aid agency<br />Corruption- If you are nice to each other you can serve on the UN council.<br /><br />So I think I'm going to sign up for the next UN Presidency. Maybe we will still see peace in our time- at the very least my name is as unpronouncable as all the previous presidents.Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-45974084349952410892008-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:002008-11-14T00:01:01.530-08:00Real momsI saw this meme on <a href="http://jentyrambling.wordpress.com/">Jeanette's</a> blog - cool hey!!<br /><br />“Proponents of memes suggest that memes evolve via natural selection — in a way very similar to Charles Darwin’s ideas concerning biological evolution — on the premise that variation, mutation, competition, and “inheritance” influence their replicative success. For example, while one idea may become extinct, other ideas will survive, spread and mutate — for better or for worse — through modification.”<br /><br /><br />So we’re all about mutation and propagation here, people. As we’ve all already subdivided and had kids, let’s mutate! Add yours to the list.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://wouldashoulda.com/2007/03/18/one-set-of-boobs-to-go/">Real Moms don’t flinch when they talk about boobs</a>. They do make you laugh your brains out.<br /><br />2. Real moms go on vacation. <a href="http://selfmademom.net/2007/03/23/me-directing-traffic-or-how-my-vacation-was/">Real moms go on vacation and learn to play traffic cop</a>.<br /><br />3. Real moms <a href="http://mom-101.blogspot.com/2007/03/my-child-is-smart-want-to-punch-me-now.html">brag about their kids</a><br /><br />3. Real moms <a href="http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/03/01/dont-tell-me-about-admirable-moms/">do not mince words when they present the truth.</a><br /><br />4. Real moms <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/">juggle</a><br /><br />5. Real moms <a href="http://www.workingmomsagainstguilt.com/">“resist the guilt and embrace the journey</a>”<br /><br />6. Real moms don’t give a <a href="http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/momsrising/signUp.jsp?key=1687&t=petition.dwt">damn to media generated Mommy Wars</a><br /><br />7. Real moms have <a href="http://abadmommyblog.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/potty-mouth/">kids with potty mouths</a>.<br /><br />8. Real moms <a href="http://jentyrambling.wordpress.com/2008/08/27/where-theres-smoke-there-will-be-fire/">sometimes forget about toddler-proofing</a><br /><br />and mine...<br /><br />Real moms <a href="http://lifeloveandeverythingelsy.blogspot.com/2008/05/feedback-on-some-reading.html">kids resist all attempts at finding their own solutions</a><br />The rules:<br /><br />Copy the above text to your blog, leaving all links in tact, and add in who tagged you. <br />Add your ‘real mom’ contribution to the list. <br />Tag as many moms as you can. <br />And meme-ify! <br /><br />I'm not tagging anyone- just let me know if you have done it!!Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-16891874608352732782008-11-13T00:12:00.000-08:002008-11-13T00:17:03.728-08:00More of what I gotup to last week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyoiP36cH2yT8P49hucVjDm7GVI9OwUICD_Zi9y5MPMh-o7OKz9DOZEcHnuI5DEznuZ9fzuoB1KzwJICMA9vcfoEpCWWTzrhMaW_GO01gNWPZfsLtkToD5DegI0_G9dHNcHxhXpnHJA5h/s1600-h/Carmen+Magic+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyoiP36cH2yT8P49hucVjDm7GVI9OwUICD_Zi9y5MPMh-o7OKz9DOZEcHnuI5DEznuZ9fzuoB1KzwJICMA9vcfoEpCWWTzrhMaW_GO01gNWPZfsLtkToD5DegI0_G9dHNcHxhXpnHJA5h/s320/Carmen+Magic+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268052364806174562" /></a>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-31430834559441012992008-11-11T22:02:00.000-08:002008-11-11T22:17:45.575-08:00Getting to know youLove these things!!<br /><br />* Do you have any pets? <em>No- only a stray cat in the complex that's trying to become our pet</em>* What was the last book you read? Russian Concubine<br />* Do you like to cook? <em>Not at the moment- I'm all cooked out</em><br />* What's your favorite food? <em>Cheese</em><br />* Do you have brothers and sisters? jip- <em>One sister</em><br />* Which sport do you like? <em>The armchair kind- lol</em><br />* Do you live alone? <em>nope</em><br />* Do you live in a house or an apartment? <em>House -IMO</em><br />* Have you ever lived in another country? <em>nope</em><br />* Have you ever met a famous person? <em>Ja- bumped into a few</em><br />* How do you spend your free time? <em>Free time- you're joking right?</em><br />* Tell me about a favorite event of your adulthood. <em>meeting my babies</em><br />* Tell me about a favorite event of your childhood. <em>swimming in summer</em><br />* What are your hobbies? <em>This is as funny as the free time one-lol</em><br />* What countries have you visited? <em>Germany,Brittain,Namibia,Botswana,Zimbabwe,Bapetikosweti</em><br />* Which country are you from? <em>SA</em><br />* What do you do on Sundays? <em>Visit with family and friends mostly</em><br />* What do you do? What's your job? <em>I do life- lol</em><br />* What is your motto in life? <em>Be wise</em><br />* What kind of food do you like? <em>lekker food</em><br />* What kind of people do you like? <em>good people</em><br />* Which languages do you speak? <em>English, Afrikaans- can swear in German,can say "Wena"</em>* What are you best at? Sleeping!!<br />* Who do you respect the most? <em>My Dad</em><br />* Who has had the most influence in your life? <em>My mommie</em><br />* Would you like to be famous? <em>Nope</em><br />* What do you think you will be doing five years from now? <em>Work eat and sleep</em><br />* Are you a 'morning' or 'night' person? <em>Morning</em><br />* When do you feel best? <em>In the morning, afternoon, or evening? Morning</em><br />* How many times did you move as a child? <em>2 times</em><br />* What kind of woman/man would you like to marry? <em>Am married to my best friend</em><br />* What cartoon character best describes you? <em>Garfield</em><br />* If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? <em>Americ</em>a<br />* If you knew could you try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt? <em>Being a full time millionare</em><br />* What super-power would you most like to have, and why? <em>Eyes in the back of my head and supersonic hearing- I'm a mom DUH</em><br />* Would you live with someone without marrying them? <em>Depends on the circumstances</em><br />* Would you rather take pictures or be in pictures? <em>Take</em><br />* Are you a beach, country or city person? <em>Combination- all depends on my mood</em><br />* Where do you spend most of your money? <em>Sad fact of life- Food and school fees</em>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-80532568023816584752008-11-10T03:54:00.000-08:002008-11-10T04:03:36.362-08:00Off sickI was off sick last week- I get sick every November- I should just learn my lesson already- LOL. So this is what I got up to while at home<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAGfiLA-lQe8G-e1KNr8N-jV9jUoQSTQMfFpF9bn9_nZb9GjiRpvGV0PbpniorksnwOUFv2vmMh255AOYZ38cvHNsv9N-iGadCzrmjecy7HfQmZqOoEErIq2a_n_ICLsnfwYxZZErKgt7/s1600-h/Dad+%26+Andrew+Reading+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAGfiLA-lQe8G-e1KNr8N-jV9jUoQSTQMfFpF9bn9_nZb9GjiRpvGV0PbpniorksnwOUFv2vmMh255AOYZ38cvHNsv9N-iGadCzrmjecy7HfQmZqOoEErIq2a_n_ICLsnfwYxZZErKgt7/s320/Dad+%26+Andrew+Reading+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266997729939790914" /></a>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-53619780980908655972008-11-06T10:52:00.000-08:002008-11-06T10:52:00.115-08:00The kids bedroomWe moved them in togeteher and it seems to be working fine. Some before and after pics.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7F-j_7KgB9DW6_DIMra9tP84u73lmsLoQ2_Onusire29LiQXXjNFy1nZbXut-nPo_FsiVjbxAPsm0mC04NTYb0UMFNK2bSzbj_AwrVhxFd71lhIPWfPrtCmBI2voobJbZjwYuBfuOv00q/s1600-h/SV601054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7F-j_7KgB9DW6_DIMra9tP84u73lmsLoQ2_Onusire29LiQXXjNFy1nZbXut-nPo_FsiVjbxAPsm0mC04NTYb0UMFNK2bSzbj_AwrVhxFd71lhIPWfPrtCmBI2voobJbZjwYuBfuOv00q/s320/SV601054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264880386919063138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMBiVpUQp6ErmO7KOLDthQsKt9z0r-3nUGBpVHrW9LjSd7NQvamES-cJptT0iXGqVVxWLBntsKfQMM0GK3ciH6JSqFXgEn32-ZKvfwSJXZEZgQi_XtdViyHn-QbN7gUdUcvDJJUVKJc_H/s1600-h/SV601053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMBiVpUQp6ErmO7KOLDthQsKt9z0r-3nUGBpVHrW9LjSd7NQvamES-cJptT0iXGqVVxWLBntsKfQMM0GK3ciH6JSqFXgEn32-ZKvfwSJXZEZgQi_XtdViyHn-QbN7gUdUcvDJJUVKJc_H/s320/SV601053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264880382968612434" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KOTi2WhrOVAG5S5vojRax740fH74hsD1jYt8BOlp7XYu7g9ftmT6Yz4uaG3VWjH7ACOSQ9G23hyzbw7jFLkFXPGqXzKZqoJ-DY084LXZA6Ew8Ab1Y2RQUtHjeyFy_hEL3H7LC4ACm5mW/s1600-h/SV601114.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KOTi2WhrOVAG5S5vojRax740fH74hsD1jYt8BOlp7XYu7g9ftmT6Yz4uaG3VWjH7ACOSQ9G23hyzbw7jFLkFXPGqXzKZqoJ-DY084LXZA6Ew8Ab1Y2RQUtHjeyFy_hEL3H7LC4ACm5mW/s320/SV601114.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264880390996473618" /></a>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-12137156752874319502008-11-05T10:49:00.000-08:002008-11-05T10:49:00.648-08:00GraduationAndrew had his graduation ceremony at school today- too sweet man!! The kids were asked what they want to be when they grow up- and all the boys wanted the be rockstars!! LOL. The girls were a bit more ambitious and we had doctors vets and princesses.Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-77222643619416313632008-11-04T10:27:00.000-08:002008-11-04T10:47:50.297-08:00It was greatWe had a wonderfull break. Just what the doctor ordered.This was the first time that I have been to the bushveld in early summer and I can really recommend it. The bush is nice and green, most animals have babies (ag ma) and you get to see some spectacular ligthning and thundershowers in the bush. We had our own personal "fireworks" display every night. We were even so lucky as to see a shooting star!!<br />Here is a few pics and <a href="http://www.wagondrift.co.za">link</a> to the place.<br /><br /><br /><br />The view from our chalet<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa-HcFPgD2uxrPxab0mHc4yZHx_Q8EomUvA1r8KRUaFNEdndOdfH4jJIDhLOu2-jQHtfuZepog-Q7da6hfr6AXixHN-56d4MSPO4JLnj3qjRAJW5m6__HnpJFbrJdEIyuiK7GA3kNKECv/s1600-h/SV601091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMa-HcFPgD2uxrPxab0mHc4yZHx_Q8EomUvA1r8KRUaFNEdndOdfH4jJIDhLOu2-jQHtfuZepog-Q7da6hfr6AXixHN-56d4MSPO4JLnj3qjRAJW5m6__HnpJFbrJdEIyuiK7GA3kNKECv/s320/SV601091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264874947468328930" /></a><br /><br />We took a drive through Cullinan- the kids in a big mining equipment thingie<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRISu9qq3MWjiZpI_gazOwzI9wvP4jqfj1YKQxYlCgMuarMKk7dliwbCTL21EWCAFD6pgALobPyEd0pYswFckQEKcakTj3aRB8X5Z3Bp51hCBM3MIoqXEKIrX_13cSikBwdeqYMhlRlXcv/s1600-h/SV601094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRISu9qq3MWjiZpI_gazOwzI9wvP4jqfj1YKQxYlCgMuarMKk7dliwbCTL21EWCAFD6pgALobPyEd0pYswFckQEKcakTj3aRB8X5Z3Bp51hCBM3MIoqXEKIrX_13cSikBwdeqYMhlRlXcv/s320/SV601094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264874957907375394" /></a>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-14495726964146495442008-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:002008-10-31T00:01:02.088-07:00I give upI've had it- I'm finished klaar,gedaan.It's been a though year at home as well as at the office. So we are off for a weekend away. I should have gone away in September like I was thinking of doing,but with everything that was happening I didn't think it was the right time. So we are going away now. Whoohoo.!!Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-36894351405396811422008-10-30T21:43:00.000-07:002008-10-30T21:48:40.820-07:00A DilemmaAndrew's school notified us very late in the afternoon that they would be closed today. They were going to have a water outage and according to health regulations a school cant be open in such an event. So that left us whith a problem as what to do with Andrew for the day.<br />Luckily Carmen's school said that he could come there for the day. I though Mister would object hugely- but after me telling him- he cried a few crocodile tears and then seemed to be ok with it.<br />He stuck to Carmen the whole day- played with her friends and even took a nap in the afternoon!<br />Needless to say both kids were awake till about 8:30 in the evening but went to sleep together. Usually Andrew goes to sleep about 7-ish and Carmen 8:30.<br />So TG for Carmen's school coing to the rescue!Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-35692951918248385422008-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:002008-10-26T14:07:35.963-07:00I only realisedyesterday how far Carmen has come this year. We went to the schools oriantation day and I recalled what worried me at the prevous orientation day a year ago.<br />She wasn't properly potty trained- and I was stressed hugely about it as the school required them to be fully potty trained.<br />She was very attached and didn't let go of me for one minute.<br />This year she is toilet independant.<br />She goes of on her own to play and try out all kinds of dangerous equipment (according to me). She thinks they are just plain fun. lol<br />She is an independant little girl who doesn't need mom all the time.<br /><br />Amazing hey!!Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-32339698601095017242008-10-21T21:44:00.000-07:002008-10-21T21:49:04.962-07:00A little bit schocked.A couple that me Pierre and I know is gettting a divorce. We would have never pegged them to get a divorce. They had their issues as all couples do - but seem to work through it with love and respect for each other.<br />To say that we are shocked is an understatement. These two have also been married for 20 years. It just shows you- you can never tell. What happens behind closed doors is a mystery to all of us.Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-49182737699590867242008-10-18T00:01:00.000-07:002008-10-18T00:01:01.675-07:00I'm steamed, I'mpissed. I'm a large lady ok. Voluptous,full figured,fat. Call it what you want. So of me and my generous curves go to find an outfit for a smart evening do, I have been invited to.<br />Riiiiighhttt.<br />Guess how many shops actually stock things for us larger than life girls.4- JIP 4. Out of a possible , oh say, 20 plus clothing stores in a mall, exactly 4 stock plus-size clothes.<br />And to add insult to injury,rub salt into the wounds, they (those evil Retailers) recon a lady of my size should wear a black plasic bag with holes cut in for my arms and neck. Cause thats what the evening wear for plus-size looks like. A black plastic bag with holes in. Oh some of them has some stuck on bling. Charming.(not!)<br /><br />I mean, how hard can it be? This summer particularly the styles suit a more curvy figure. Those empire style blouses,maxi dresses,low v-neck blouses- would look stunning on me. You would think it would be easy to rustle a few of those up in my size. But nooo- there is not one of those stylish garments in my size.<br />They all for those girls that believe a salad leave constitutes a full meal.<br /><br />I mean it's not rocket science right?<br />Us larger ladies are more and more becoming a fact of life and we have moola to spend. I'm sure these evil retailers would actually LIKE some of my moola.<br /><br />So until these evil retailers come to the party I'm taking my moola to go find myself a decent seamstress- who can rustle up a few of these stunning outfits for me.<br /><br />Retailers :0<br />Me:still pissed of.Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-75196213541084325352008-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:002008-10-17T00:01:01.320-07:00Four Foods on FridayHere are this week’s four questions.<br /><br /><strong>#1. Share a cupcake, muffin or cookie recipe.<br />#2. Cupcakes, muffins and cookies require something to drink. What do you drink with them?<br />#3. Which do you prefer, mini muffins and cupcakes or full sized ones?<br />#4. What type of muffin or cupcake pan do you use? Silicone, disposable, etc.</strong><br /><br /><em>1.)Ermm muffin recipes- Ja,well no fine<br />Look at muffin recipe. Climb in car. Go buy Woolworths delicious muffins . LOL<br /><br />2. Drink a cup of coffee with it for sure!!<br /><br />3.Mini's for the kids. Full ones for me please!!<br /><br />4.You have disposable?!! No fair!! I must get myself over to the US of A sometime. I'm just using good old fashioned tin ones. But have been eyeing those silicone ones for a while now</em>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-86229657203676066802008-10-15T23:25:00.000-07:002008-10-15T23:28:29.233-07:00It's murder on thedealing floor today. We woke up to see the Rand devalued a whole 100c- 1 Rand overnight! I have never seen a market like this- and our phones have been ringing since 7 this morning with panicked customers.<br />We do live in interesting times.Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-64168810328114647422008-10-13T21:38:00.001-07:002008-10-13T21:40:08.197-07:00It was wortha try. We tried to get Carmen of her night time nappies this weekend. It did not work. She usually sleeps very well- but as soon as we took the nappie away she became very restless- as well as wet the bed. So we are back on the nappie. A few more months wont hurt.Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-10853065125376534472008-10-10T01:01:00.000-07:002008-10-10T01:23:28.423-07:00Happy Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulpv7x5TxpHB0M0legKoIuCz1nlKvQ37rzQLAZOaZgSzifOBHjI_EbeJiFbkEy-oz4im07rvCNNgPyhTXfipR6ax7RVabL3uw4EO9RPUo4YNvRNMxF2LbPznMOrfI4xVKA6IoiG96bbLY/s1600-h/IMG_3369.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjulpv7x5TxpHB0M0legKoIuCz1nlKvQ37rzQLAZOaZgSzifOBHjI_EbeJiFbkEy-oz4im07rvCNNgPyhTXfipR6ax7RVabL3uw4EO9RPUo4YNvRNMxF2LbPznMOrfI4xVKA6IoiG96bbLY/s320/IMG_3369.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255398944894890162" /></a><br />It's Andrew's 5th Birthday today. I cant believe he's 5 already. That cute baby boy who laughed so easily (and still does)is 5!!<br />Happy birtday Big Boy- Hope you have a wonderfull day!! Lot's of love from Mom,Dad and Carmen.<br />Photo taken by <a href="http://www.jeanetteverster.com/">Jeanette</a>. Go visit her awesome site!!Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713196952643994131.post-90742674175934470122008-10-09T03:00:00.000-07:002008-10-09T22:46:53.092-07:00Booking through Thursday<br /><br /><br />What was the last book you bought?<br /><br /><em>The Russion Concubine</em><br /><br />Name a book you have read MORE than once<br /><em><br />How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk</em><br /><br /><br />Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?<br /><br /><em>Dale Carnegie's - How to win friends and influence people</em><br /><br />How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews<br /><em><br />A combination I think</em><br /><br />Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?<br /><em><br />Both</em><br /><br />What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?<br /><br /><em>Plot!!</em><br /><br />Most loved/memorable character (character/book)<br /><br /><em>pass</em><br /><br /><br />Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?<br /><br /><em>Russian Concubine</em><br /><br />What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?<br /><br /><em>Crucial confrontations- about a week ago</em><br /><br />Have you ever given up on a book half way in?<br /><em>Jip- hate books that I can predict</em>Madeleinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13321680437868486417noreply@blogger.com0