Sunday 2nd August

The summer has been terribly temperamental and to me hasn't really turned into anything....we do have glorious warm sunny days, but if this is the hottest summer in years that everyone has been predicting then yuk yuk yuk.


This morning however the weather was clear and as Gran has brought Phil an old fashioned bamboo fishing pole we decided to take the boys fishing while we sat on the banks enjoying the break in the weather. Bordehill Gardens has two lovely fishing dams set in beautiful gardens and was the obvious choice for the outing.




Megs had lots of fun running freely in the fields while the boys sat patiently on the dam waiting for a fish to bite - unfortunately their patience wasn't rewarded but the time out in the fresh warm air did us all good and it was nice to relax after all the work we have been doing getting the Pedal Studio website ready.

Saturday 1st August 2009

A couple of days ago Mom and I took the children plum picking at Tulley's farm and I decided to uses the fruit and try my hand a jam making....I LOVED it - miles away from the "me" in SA who didn't even know jam sugar existed (lol), I now even have plans for some raspberry jam when the fruit ripens in a couple of weeks. Simon, mom and the kids thought the jam was great and I confess to a sense of true satisfaction watching them enjoy it on toast for breakfast.

Wednesday 29th July 2009

Today our precious baby turns 1 and to celebrate he took his first two little steps to much applause and excitement. I simply cannot believe that a year has passed already, and the trauma of this day 12 months ago seems like such a distant memory.....Nick has grown to be a delightful child who seems to touch the lives of all he encounters, his wonderful, tolerant nature brings calm to our home and the joy he has given us all is beyond words.

Happy birthday my baby boy....we love you!!!!!

Blessing Ceremony 25th July 2009

After much planning the day of the blessing finally arrived....I was always determined to have the ceremony while my mom was in England, but unfortunately was unable to find a minister who (a) was prepared to do a non-denominational ceremony in our garden and (b) was available on the weekend we needed, so my wonderful friend Kerry once again came to the rescue and agreed to officiate the ceremony for us.



Mom and I have spent weeks shopping around for plants to fill all the pots given to us when Liezel and AJ returned to South Africa and the terrace looked a picture in all lavenders and pinks (inspired by you Bee). The weather cleared for the afternoon and with most of the important people in our lives present the day couldn't have been more perfect. The absence of the whole extended Robertson family was felt as was of course my Dad's and my extended family and not to forget the fairy godmother's but we know that they were with us in spirit and we felt their presence around us.



Linnie opened the service for us with a wonderful prayer that I only wish I had had recorded, her sincere words brought tears to my eyes and just set the tone for the whole ceremony. Kerry was ever eloquent and both the bible reading and promises which she had found where sincere and filled with love. Tanya and Andrew both read blessings for their new Godson and we lit a candle to symbolise Nick's light in this world.....a very special day for our family, knowing that our son has now been dedicated to God in the presence of some of the people we love most in this world touched Simon and my hearts beyond measure.


Below is a copy of the order of service as I want a record for Nick to look back on in years to come.

Welcome = Andrea Opening prayer = Linda "How loved am I" by Abundant Life (Song)

Opening words = Kerry

This ceremony for Nicholas John is a time to bless his life and to ask God for his protection, to remind Simon and Andrea how much of their lives must now be devoted to caring for Nicholas, to guiding him and to nurturing him. It is also a time to remind Megan and Phillip of their responsibilities to be kind and helpful to their new baby brother and the important role they will have throughout the whole of Nicholas’s life. The family are going to light a candle for Nicholas, to symbolise his light in this world and we ask God to guide and protect him so that his light may continue to burn brightly.


Candle lighting ceremony = Us 4 (with blessing below to be read by everyone while we are lighting)

Nicholas, we wish you long life and happiness We trust you will be kind and compassionate May you have success and good fortune and may your life be one of love.


Blessing = Tanya

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. May God be with you and bless you; May you see your children's children. May you be poor in misfortune, Rich in blessings, May you know nothing but happiness From this day forward. May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home And may the hand of a friend always be near. May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you, May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.


Service of Dedication = Kerry

Children are a gift from God. Psalm 127:3 proclaims that "Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." As believers we are called to recognize that children belong first and foremost to God. God in his goodness gives children as gifts to parents.

They not only have the awesome responsibility of caring for this gift, but also the wonderful privilege of enjoying the gift. Because children belong to God and are given by grace as gifts to parents, it is only proper and appropriate that children be dedicated back to God.

We are told in 1 Samuel 1 that Hannah presented her son Samuel to the Lord. In Luke 2:22we read that Mary and Joseph brought their baby Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem in order to present him before the Lord. In the same way, Simon and Andrea today bring their son, Nicholas John, presenting first themselves and then their son before the Lord our God.

Accompanying them in making this commitment are Nicholas's godparents, Andrew, Linda and Tanya. And witnessing this as well are Megan and Phillip. Simon and Andrea, I call your attention to the commands of God recorded in Holy Scripture. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 tells us: "Hear O Israel: The Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on their children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Ephesians 6:4 says: "fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." God's instructions are plain. Simon and Andrea, love God with every ounce and fiber of your energy and teach Nicholas to do the same. As you love God, one another, and Megan and Phillip, you will model before Nicholas a wonderful love for God that he will want for himself.

Simon and Andrea, by coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to dedicate yourselves and your son Nicholas to the Lord? If so, please respond by saying "we do." Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment in the presence of God and his people (Andrea hands Nicholas to Simon as a sign of his spiritual headship in the family). So that Nicholas may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you Simon and Andrea vow by God's help and in partnership with these people, to provide Nicholas a Christian home of love and peace, to raise him in the truth of our Lord's instruction and discipline, and to encourage him to one day trust Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord? ("We do.")

Modeling this kind of love can not be done alone. It requires the help of others. For this reason, Simon and Andrea call upon the help of Andrew, Linda and Tanya. I now direct my questions to you. By coming forward before God and his people, do you hereby declare your desire to help Simon and Andrea fulfill the vow they have just made by becoming Nicholas's godparents? If so, please respond by saying "we do." ("We do.")

Having come freely, I ask now that you enter into the following commitment: So that Nicholas may walk in the abundant life that Christ offers, do you vow by God's help, to encourage, through praise and correction, Simon and Andrea in their effort to raise Nicholas in the fear of the Lord, to uphold them in prayer, and if anything should happen to Simon and Andrea, to assume responsibility in helping Nicholas receive our Lord's guidance and instruction? ("We do.")

And finally, Do you, Andrew, Linda and Tanya vow and promise to take as your spiritual child Nicholas, to nurture and protect, love and strengthen, keep from harms way and help to guide in goodness towards God this new soul on earth? ("We do")


Blessing = Andrew

"Nicholas with all our hopes and dreams for your future, we celebrate your being. May you always feel the love that surrounds you. May your days be filled with wonder and your nights be gentle. May your years on this earth be blessed with strength, health and wisdom. May the love you are be the power forever guiding your light on this earth. May God bless and keep you. And may your days be good and long upon this earth."

Closing in prayer = Kerry

The day ended with an early dinner on the terrace - Rob served his wonderful lamb curry with Naan bread and rice and I made a lasagne and salad followed by strawberry flan provided by Linnie - a feast for kings and one filled with laughter and fellowship....Phil and his little friend even wrote a song in commemoration of the occasion and although it took a little persuading finally sang if for us all ending a wonderful celebration.


Such a special special memory!

Weekend 24th-26th July 2009

Linnie was with us this weekend to help celebrate Nicholas's blessing day and it was so lovely to have my warm, precious friend in my home. I collected her from the train station on Friday evening and as Si was heading out for a poker evening it was straight down to the bottle store for a couple of bottles of bulmers and then home for a girly evening of pizza, drinks, laughter and friendship. My mom and Lin get along very well and it was cozy to sit in our jarmies and enjoy each other's company.

Saturday was the blessing day and it was awesome to have Lin to help me get ready, the ceremony was perfect (but that is for another post) and again it was incredibly special having the people closest to me all together. Sunday came all to quickly and although I am sure the rest of the Andrew family were delighted to know mommy was on her way back it was sad for me to have to take her back to the train all to soon....lifted only slightly by the knowledge that we will be with the whole family in less then a month to enjoy some of our summer holidays together.

Thanks you my Lin, you are one in a million, and I am forever grateful you are in my life!

Thursday 23rd July 2009

Being part of an "mom's" group with babies of all the same age has meant that there has been a load of birthday parties over the last couple of weeks and finding a free date to host Nick's party was really hard - especially as so many of the ladies are now back at work and we only have Thursday's and Fridays together.


As a result Hilary and I decided to combine Nick and George's parties for this year - George is exactly 2 weeks older than Nick so we planned the party for the Thursday between their birthdays and although the weather didn't oblige it still turned out to be a lovely morning.
The babies had lots of fun crawling around playing with all Nick's toys and the mom's could just relax and chat.


During this process I couldn't help being struck by how my life has changed and how for both Megan and Phillip's first birthday parties the stress started to build about 2 weeks before (along with the preparations) and ball ponds were hired and menus planned and now here I was the morning of Nicholas's party popping into Sainsbury's for a few things to eat and a couple of balloons.....and you know what Nick LOVED his first party as much as the older two loved theirs - the main difference was that I wasn't too exhausted with preparation to enjoy it lol - I am really starting to like the new me :-)

A poem by Megan

On reading Megan's latest topic book on the Amazon I came across this poem she had written earlier in the term and to say I was amazed was putting it mildly.

The time has come,
The time of destruction,
The time of danger has reached us.

The time I thought I was safe has ended,
The time to find a new home is here.

The time of trust has been stolen,
The time of happiness is gone forever,
The time of sadness has taken over,
The time of hope has died.

The time of the Amazon is disappearing,
The time of creatures and trees are done,
The time of beauty has been destroyed.

The time has come to
Run
Run
Run.

Certainly made me think.

Monday 20th July 2009

After a morning spent doing my ironing (wonderful mother that she is) Mom and I went off to Ditchling Garden Centre to enjoy some "nature" time and give Mom a chance to recharge her batteries.

This is the same centre that I went crazy about at Christmas and oh my word, today was just as breathtaking. The difference this time was that instead of Cristmas decorations there were hanging baskets everywhere like Mom and I have never seen before.

We spent a very happy 2 hours wondering around and came home laden with 3 varieties of Lavender and lots of herbs to add to my ever growing terrace garden.

Such a wonderful day and another lovely memory.

Well done my boy!

Phillip brought his school report home today and it would seem that we have two children who have taken this move as an opportunity to spread their wings and fly. Phillip's report was outstanding and filled with references to his enquiring mind, excellent attitude to his work and kind sensitive nature.

Academics have never been a problem for Phill but I am so thrilled to see that he has now begun to understand the meaning of a winning attitude and is applying the wonderful brain that God has given him. He is even beginning to talk about the possibility of writing for a scholarship to one of our local private schools and it is just such an inspiration to see the light that has now turned on in his eyes when he speaks of his education.

Well done my boy you have made us very proud and I know that this is only just the beginning!

Sunday 19 July 2009

A stunning stunning weekend filled with lots of family and friend time.

Mom and I went out shopping on Saturday morning for a few more little treats for the house, it has been so stunning to have someone to shop with and I have definitely had plenty of retail therapy over the last month. Megan has even commented on how lovely the house is looking and I am so glad I waited for mom's arrival before finishing off the decor, now at least our home with have a little bit of her in it once she goes home.

Today was boerewors rolls for lunch with Kerry, Rob and their children and as usual it was a good laugh and a relaxed afternoon spent with friends literally as close as family. Mom and I are planning a cream tea at Eve's tomorrow before the children break up for the long summer holiday and then hopefully if the weather improves we have a couple of day trips planned.