I decided the Monday after Mom left that the only way to cope with the hole she left in our lives was to stay as busy as possible and to keep life fun and exciting for the children and myself. With this in mind I arranged for Phillip to go up to Crawley today with our neighbour and her son to watch the new animated movie G-Force and he has come home filled with the joys of spring and loving life.
While he was out Megs, Nicholas and I went to visit a friend of mine at her mom's house so that we could enjoy some time in their indoor swimming pool - what fun, Meg thought she had died and gone to heaven and her behaviour was so amazing that it was one of those very proud mommy afternoons for me.
Romy's parents also have the most stunning fruit trees growing in their garden and Megs was delighted when she was invited to head out and pick apples, plums and blackberries so that we can make some more jam. The weather was gorgeous, the company relaxed and the children happy....a diamond of a day.
Spent the early part of the evening making blackberry jam as you can't leave them overnight or they will go soft....am really getting in to this :-)
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Tuesday 11th August 2009
Occasionally one is blessed enough to experience a day as close to heaven as you can come on earth and today was just such a day for the children and I. Some people find their slice of heaven in the mountains, others in the city but for me it is and forever will be on the beach.
Kerry and I had made arrangements over the weekend to take all our children down to West Wittering today but unfortunately due to other commitments Kerry wasn't able to join us. As I had already promised my three, Megs, Phil, Nick and I head off on our own filled with more then a little trepidation considering the ominous cloud cover....but having faith in the weather forecast paid off and the day was perfect, the water was like a bath and all three children spent hours and hours splashing around enjoying the space and freedom.
Even the long drive isn't enough to dampen the magic of this special beach and I have to say it is fast becoming my favourite place in England.
Kerry and I had made arrangements over the weekend to take all our children down to West Wittering today but unfortunately due to other commitments Kerry wasn't able to join us. As I had already promised my three, Megs, Phil, Nick and I head off on our own filled with more then a little trepidation considering the ominous cloud cover....but having faith in the weather forecast paid off and the day was perfect, the water was like a bath and all three children spent hours and hours splashing around enjoying the space and freedom.
Even the long drive isn't enough to dampen the magic of this special beach and I have to say it is fast becoming my favourite place in England.
Monday, 10 August 2009
Monday 10th August
Gosh I think this has been the longest time I have gone without posting - Mom and I have been enjoying our last week together and she is now home safe and sound in South Africa. It was wonderful to have her in our home and there are lots and lots of little mementos around the house of our time together.
The house seems very quiet all of a sudden (well if that is possible with school holidays on the go) and Nick has spent time this afternoon wondering around shouting "Bap" on the top of his voice...whether or not this is calling my mom I will never really know but he definitely seems to be looking for something the later in the day it gets.
A big hole left behind, but a wonderful wonderful time together and some special memories made.
The house seems very quiet all of a sudden (well if that is possible with school holidays on the go) and Nick has spent time this afternoon wondering around shouting "Bap" on the top of his voice...whether or not this is calling my mom I will never really know but he definitely seems to be looking for something the later in the day it gets.
A big hole left behind, but a wonderful wonderful time together and some special memories made.
Monday 3rd August 2009
The weather really seems to be clearing up at the moment and the minute I woke up to see electric blue skies I decided housework be damned we were heading for the beach.
West Wittering is about 1hr 20 mins from home on the coast near Chichester and is one of the most STUNNING beaches I have ever been onto....mom says I just haven't been onto a good beach in a while lol, but to the children and I it was breathtaking. Huge stretches of powdery white sand, perfect swimming conditions, complete with water warm enough to enjoy, toilet facilities, and a restaurant.
We spent 3 delightful hours enjoying the perfect conditions before heading home - the children thrived on the hot sand and a couple of time Phil simply had to lie down just to feel the sand covering his body.
West Wittering is about 1hr 20 mins from home on the coast near Chichester and is one of the most STUNNING beaches I have ever been onto....mom says I just haven't been onto a good beach in a while lol, but to the children and I it was breathtaking. Huge stretches of powdery white sand, perfect swimming conditions, complete with water warm enough to enjoy, toilet facilities, and a restaurant.
We spent 3 delightful hours enjoying the perfect conditions before heading home - the children thrived on the hot sand and a couple of time Phil simply had to lie down just to feel the sand covering his body.
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.
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, 29 July 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
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!
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 :-)
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 :-)
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