I can honestly say that this last weekend has been one of the happiest we have spent in England, not because of anything specific or one big event but because it was filled with so many "true bliss" moments.
Friday morning Nick and I spent with friends at a baby group which is always lovely and that set the tone for the rest of the weekend, we were both happy and relaxed and I think that goes along way towards establishing the mood of the rest of the family.
Saturday I had a fully booked schedule with Tums 2 Tots Photography and spent 7 hours completing 11 back to back photo shoots - total bliss.....this has to be one of my favourite ways to pass a day and it was made even more special when my NCT group came through so that we could photograph all 5 babies together (a bit of a challenge, but loads of fun). Simon and our children also had a chilled day at home so we were all in the zone on Saturday night sitting down to home made pizza and movies.
Sunday was a very slow start and as the weather is still very mild for this time of year we decided to go for a walk along Ardingly Reservoir after lunch....it was gorgeous to watch Nicholas running along the paths exploring the stones and leaves with his big sister and to sit on the side of the dam playing "I spy" as a family....lots of sillyness and laughter and perfect pure bliss moments - I even ended up rolling down a hill with my kids just for the pure joy of it....not advisable over 35 - hell I was dizzy :0)
Ended the weekend with a huge roast dinner and as the children are now on half term for a week I am hoping the relaxed happy atmosphere will continue for a while longer.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Wednesday 21st October
Today as I sit in my lounge gazing out the window the leaves are starting to change and instead of a lush green outlook I am faced with an array of red, orange and yellow...the squirrels are out collecting acorns in earnest and it is just such a pretty sight.
Things have settled down a bit again and although I have lots of "irons in the fire" so to speak and lots of interesting opportunities we are exploring, life is generally not quite so chaotic and I am actually finding time in a day to sit back, relax and enjoy the view - I even spent lunch time yesterday watching Dr Phil :0)
So generally a contented time for us all and I can honestly say that the Robertson house is quite peaceful at present.
Things have settled down a bit again and although I have lots of "irons in the fire" so to speak and lots of interesting opportunities we are exploring, life is generally not quite so chaotic and I am actually finding time in a day to sit back, relax and enjoy the view - I even spent lunch time yesterday watching Dr Phil :0)
So generally a contented time for us all and I can honestly say that the Robertson house is quite peaceful at present.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Saturday 17th October
Today was Phillip's birthday so it was up early to open pressies and the joy on my boy's face when he opened his very own guitar hero was a sight to behold....I had also managed to get him his own personalised football jersey from fav club Manchester United so to say he was the happiest boy alive seems a bit of an understatement.
After a breakfast of Pancakes we hoped on the train to London as Phil had chosen a day at the museums as his birthday treat. I LOVE the fact that we have such amazing museums at our finger tips and I LOVE the fact that my son chooses to spend as much time as he can wandering through the many fascinating exhibits and playing at the interactive science centre.
Although we have been up to the Science museum before we still managed a good 4 hours in it's many halls (and we STILL haven't seen the whole place) before venturing next door to the Natural History museum where we focused on the dinosaur exhibit for this visit.
The Natural History museum is very impressive and the live sized animatronic adolescent tyrannosaurus had Nick entranced - he was even waving goodbye by the time we left the hall. The whole family were impressed by the exhibits and it is definitely somewhere we will be visiting again as there are another 5 areas for us to explore.
Such a good day with such good memories.
After a breakfast of Pancakes we hoped on the train to London as Phil had chosen a day at the museums as his birthday treat. I LOVE the fact that we have such amazing museums at our finger tips and I LOVE the fact that my son chooses to spend as much time as he can wandering through the many fascinating exhibits and playing at the interactive science centre.
Although we have been up to the Science museum before we still managed a good 4 hours in it's many halls (and we STILL haven't seen the whole place) before venturing next door to the Natural History museum where we focused on the dinosaur exhibit for this visit.
The Natural History museum is very impressive and the live sized animatronic adolescent tyrannosaurus had Nick entranced - he was even waving goodbye by the time we left the hall. The whole family were impressed by the exhibits and it is definitely somewhere we will be visiting again as there are another 5 areas for us to explore.
Such a good day with such good memories.
To my boy.....
Happy Happy Birthday my precious son, I can't believe that you were 9 today, it seems like just yesterday Dr Martin was handing me this tiny (okay not so tiny at 3.85kgs) baby boy and Dad and I were both laughing as we now had our pigeon pair.
Dad and I are both very proud of you Phil, we love your compassionate nature and the way you genuinely care about the people around you....even your quirky sense of humour is totally unique and you remind us every day just how good it is to be alive.
We feel very privileged to be your parents Phillip and to have been entrusted with walking this path with you - don't ever forget how special you are and how very very much you are loved....always remember being brave is not about not feeling the fear it is about feeling the fear and doing it anyway, and you my boy are one of the bravest little people I know.
I love you Dude!
Dad and I are both very proud of you Phil, we love your compassionate nature and the way you genuinely care about the people around you....even your quirky sense of humour is totally unique and you remind us every day just how good it is to be alive.
We feel very privileged to be your parents Phillip and to have been entrusted with walking this path with you - don't ever forget how special you are and how very very much you are loved....always remember being brave is not about not feeling the fear it is about feeling the fear and doing it anyway, and you my boy are one of the bravest little people I know.
I love you Dude!
Friday, 16 October 2009
Friday 16th October
It has been a long and very tiring week - my Nick has had the most awful croup and although he is such a little trooper and has carried on as cheerfully as he possibly can it has meant lots of near sleepless nights for mommy.
It is times like these when I wish more then anything that I had family nearby, someone to come in and sit with him for a couple of hours during the day so that I can rest and build my strength for the nights....I know I am not alone in this, there are millions of mother's out there in far more difficult situations then mine, but it doesn't change the fact that support right now would make all the difference.
It is times like these when I wish more then anything that I had family nearby, someone to come in and sit with him for a couple of hours during the day so that I can rest and build my strength for the nights....I know I am not alone in this, there are millions of mother's out there in far more difficult situations then mine, but it doesn't change the fact that support right now would make all the difference.
Monday, 12 October 2009
9-11 October 2009
Wow, I didn't really know how much I needed this weekend until I had it....I mean I knew I was beside myself with excitement, but I simply cannot believe how much stronger, recharged and more myself I am feeling this morning.
Time with a person who has known you longer then anyone else but your family is very precious, especially considering that we haven't always been in each other's day to day lives and there was a time when we literally didn't talk for months on end.
Moving to England has given Tanya and I the chance to rekindle our friendship and to me it is now as strong as it ever was....I don't need words to make Tanya understand my heart, she simply knows and although we don't necessarily agree on everything we always have each other's best interests at heart.
As for what we did...Friday night we spent at the flat after dinner and a drink at Victoria station, we did facial masks and I applied a set of false nails and we drank tea and chatted and chilled.
Saturday we had an earlier then expected start (considering the absence of children) and spent the day wandering down Portobello Road, enjoying the market and experiences we simply couldn't dream of with children in tow....The weather was perfect, just warm enough to remove coats but not so hot that we couldn't breath in the crowds of people, and I just loved the whole "vibe" in the area...and no there aren't photos as my camera remained at the flat - I am now local and no longer a tourist :o)
We met up with a friend of Tanya's very briefly at the One Foot in the Grove Urban festival by Mutate Britian underneath the West Way on Saturday evening, and although I did feel a little like a fish out of water to begin with, after deciding to embrace the experience I enjoyed the art exhibition and just indulging in a little bit of "Grahamstown" after so many years.
Finished off the night strolling from Picadilly Circus to Covent Gardens and a drink at the well known Punch and Judy pub before snuggling up to rest our feet and finish a delish bottle of champagne back at the flat.
Sunday wasn't nearly as early a start and it was almost lunch time by the time we checked our bags in at left luggage at Victoria station....Tanya took me out to the East of London on the Docklands Light Railway (a small driverless railway system on the outskirts of London) to see the area she used to live in and it was again lovely to just chat and throw thoughts around and analyse feelings with someone who knows me as well as I know myself. Sadly 5pm came all to quickly and it was back to Victoria and home to my family.
As much as I ADORED the weekend it is always nice to be home and the children and Si all enjoyed the little gifts and treat I brought home with me. I am now counting the days until our next trip :0)
Time with a person who has known you longer then anyone else but your family is very precious, especially considering that we haven't always been in each other's day to day lives and there was a time when we literally didn't talk for months on end.
Moving to England has given Tanya and I the chance to rekindle our friendship and to me it is now as strong as it ever was....I don't need words to make Tanya understand my heart, she simply knows and although we don't necessarily agree on everything we always have each other's best interests at heart.
As for what we did...Friday night we spent at the flat after dinner and a drink at Victoria station, we did facial masks and I applied a set of false nails and we drank tea and chatted and chilled.
Saturday we had an earlier then expected start (considering the absence of children) and spent the day wandering down Portobello Road, enjoying the market and experiences we simply couldn't dream of with children in tow....The weather was perfect, just warm enough to remove coats but not so hot that we couldn't breath in the crowds of people, and I just loved the whole "vibe" in the area...and no there aren't photos as my camera remained at the flat - I am now local and no longer a tourist :o)
We met up with a friend of Tanya's very briefly at the One Foot in the Grove Urban festival by Mutate Britian underneath the West Way on Saturday evening, and although I did feel a little like a fish out of water to begin with, after deciding to embrace the experience I enjoyed the art exhibition and just indulging in a little bit of "Grahamstown" after so many years.
Finished off the night strolling from Picadilly Circus to Covent Gardens and a drink at the well known Punch and Judy pub before snuggling up to rest our feet and finish a delish bottle of champagne back at the flat.
Sunday wasn't nearly as early a start and it was almost lunch time by the time we checked our bags in at left luggage at Victoria station....Tanya took me out to the East of London on the Docklands Light Railway (a small driverless railway system on the outskirts of London) to see the area she used to live in and it was again lovely to just chat and throw thoughts around and analyse feelings with someone who knows me as well as I know myself. Sadly 5pm came all to quickly and it was back to Victoria and home to my family.
As much as I ADORED the weekend it is always nice to be home and the children and Si all enjoyed the little gifts and treat I brought home with me. I am now counting the days until our next trip :0)
Friday, 9 October 2009
Friday 9th October 2009
I think this is probably the longest I have been away from the blog and I am pleased to say it isn't for any dramatic reason..... life is now very stable and settled here and the day to day routine seldom changes which really doesn't give me very much to write about :0).
I am off to London tonight with my dear dear friend Tanya to celebrate her birthday....Andrew has given us his flat on the Thames for the weekend and we plan to chill and chat and laugh and just be - I am going up armed with home facial and french manicure kits and Andrew already has the champagne on ice - a girlie weekend for two girls that have known each other forever.
A quick update on the rest of the family.....Si is well and we are all missing his mom now that she has returned to South Africa, we had a lovely visit and it was good to see them spend quality time together.
Meg is settling at secondary school, and striving to find new friends and establish her place there....She has just joined the Young Farmers Club and is working hard to earn her own calf which she will get to care for over the next couple of years and take to shows around the county - this is a real privilege so we are all routing for her. She has blown Si and I away with her attitude to her work and the standard she is achieving at the moment has us both very proud.
Phillip has gone back to this academic year with great gusto and is currently reading The Lord of the Rings, he has really pulled out all the stops and is achieving way above what is expected at his age. He seems to have established a nice group of friends and is enjoying various sports that the school has on offer - he recently represented his school in a Tag Rugby tournament and is showing huge promise in his tennis.
Nick Nick is an absolute dream and as I type he is wondering round the lounge singing to himself...he is the joy and delight of our home and is literally adored by all who know him. He is walking confidently now and has a repertoire of about 7 words.
Transfer went through on our home in South Africa today and it is another chapter closed - all in all the Robertson are doing well and continue to flourish in England.
I am off to London tonight with my dear dear friend Tanya to celebrate her birthday....Andrew has given us his flat on the Thames for the weekend and we plan to chill and chat and laugh and just be - I am going up armed with home facial and french manicure kits and Andrew already has the champagne on ice - a girlie weekend for two girls that have known each other forever.
A quick update on the rest of the family.....Si is well and we are all missing his mom now that she has returned to South Africa, we had a lovely visit and it was good to see them spend quality time together.
Meg is settling at secondary school, and striving to find new friends and establish her place there....She has just joined the Young Farmers Club and is working hard to earn her own calf which she will get to care for over the next couple of years and take to shows around the county - this is a real privilege so we are all routing for her. She has blown Si and I away with her attitude to her work and the standard she is achieving at the moment has us both very proud.
Phillip has gone back to this academic year with great gusto and is currently reading The Lord of the Rings, he has really pulled out all the stops and is achieving way above what is expected at his age. He seems to have established a nice group of friends and is enjoying various sports that the school has on offer - he recently represented his school in a Tag Rugby tournament and is showing huge promise in his tennis.
Nick Nick is an absolute dream and as I type he is wondering round the lounge singing to himself...he is the joy and delight of our home and is literally adored by all who know him. He is walking confidently now and has a repertoire of about 7 words.
Transfer went through on our home in South Africa today and it is another chapter closed - all in all the Robertson are doing well and continue to flourish in England.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Sunday 27th September 2009
The weather has been very kind to us this weekend and it would seem that the Autumn has decided to be unseasonably warm which has been wonderful for Lynne and has allowed her to see England at its most glorious.
Saturday afternoon was spent relaxing in the garden with 5 friends and enjoying delish cakes and goodies for tea while the babies toddled around and played together and today we again took advantage of the sunshine and enjoyed a lovely picnic out at Bordehill Gardens.
I LOVE these long slow weekends and am feeling very ready to face the week and all it has to throw at me.
Saturday afternoon was spent relaxing in the garden with 5 friends and enjoying delish cakes and goodies for tea while the babies toddled around and played together and today we again took advantage of the sunshine and enjoyed a lovely picnic out at Bordehill Gardens.
I LOVE these long slow weekends and am feeling very ready to face the week and all it has to throw at me.
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Saturday 19th September 2009
As the weather turned out to be lovely and warm today we decided to take advantage of the Indian Summer and head down to Brighton by train to show Lynn (Simon's mom) some of our favourite spots.
Due to the weather half the population of South East England seemed to have had the same idea but despite the crowds we wandered through the laines and then enjoyed a divine fish and chip lunch on the pebbles (can't come to England and not eat cod 'n chips at least once). Kids had a ball splashing around in the sea and they must be becoming very English as didn't complain about the cold water once.
Such a lovely day and one we will all remember with a smile for a long time.
Due to the weather half the population of South East England seemed to have had the same idea but despite the crowds we wandered through the laines and then enjoyed a divine fish and chip lunch on the pebbles (can't come to England and not eat cod 'n chips at least once). Kids had a ball splashing around in the sea and they must be becoming very English as didn't complain about the cold water once.
Such a lovely day and one we will all remember with a smile for a long time.
Reflective thoughts
It would seem that the problem with the credit card has been sorted....well to an extent any way - we are having to close the account, and thereby cut off one of our lines of credit but at least the money will be refunded within 30 days and no further amounts have been taken at this point.
I have always been a believer that if something is meant to happen the doors will open easily and in the same vain, doors will also close where and when they need to. So by this I have to believe that what we are doing is right because over the last couple of months the doors to South Africa have been gradually closing, through no real action of our own, but rather a series of events which seem to me to be God's way of saying "Go on now, going back is not the way".
So with that in mind we are now establishing our real life roots here, we no longer look to our South African doctors for advice, and I took a huge step this week in finally releasing my link to Brian Williams in South Africa and taking Megan to see an ENT here about her ears - these are the HUGE steps of a second year of immigration.... if the first year is spent surviving, establishing connections and exploring our environment, it would seem that the second year is about releasing those last safety nets and finally learning to live with both feet firmly planted in our new home....almost as scary as leaving in the first place.
So it is onward and hopefully upwards for the Robertson family - 16 months after we landed in England we are still going strong and although I know a lot of people who wouldn't live here for anything in the world, and many who have left because they couldn't find their space, I believe England has a lot more to offer then people give it credit for and although I will always have a strong African heartbeat I am really really growing to love my new home.
I have always been a believer that if something is meant to happen the doors will open easily and in the same vain, doors will also close where and when they need to. So by this I have to believe that what we are doing is right because over the last couple of months the doors to South Africa have been gradually closing, through no real action of our own, but rather a series of events which seem to me to be God's way of saying "Go on now, going back is not the way".
So with that in mind we are now establishing our real life roots here, we no longer look to our South African doctors for advice, and I took a huge step this week in finally releasing my link to Brian Williams in South Africa and taking Megan to see an ENT here about her ears - these are the HUGE steps of a second year of immigration.... if the first year is spent surviving, establishing connections and exploring our environment, it would seem that the second year is about releasing those last safety nets and finally learning to live with both feet firmly planted in our new home....almost as scary as leaving in the first place.
So it is onward and hopefully upwards for the Robertson family - 16 months after we landed in England we are still going strong and although I know a lot of people who wouldn't live here for anything in the world, and many who have left because they couldn't find their space, I believe England has a lot more to offer then people give it credit for and although I will always have a strong African heartbeat I am really really growing to love my new home.
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