Grains of Sand.

Babies got back...

2009-11-12T07:27:00.000-08:00

Living in Africa has taught me ALOT. One of the things that it has taught me is that you don't have to have all the latest gadgets when it comes to parenthood! When I became a mum I didn't have anything! We decided to "look into" adoption on December 28th 2005. I became a mother December 29th 2005 and bought our baby home on January 10th 2006!!!! We borrowed a crib, I went to the 2nd hand store for baby clothes and had a bit of a panic! But I had some Zulu Mamas around me who I looked to for ideas of how to cope. I couldn't breastfeed as we had adopted and had to boil Joe's bottles and make up formula. One day the power in our community went off for 3 days, 2 of those day the water went too! That was fun! We had a 2month old baby to feed and no water or electricity to make his bottles. Martin would get up in the night and build a fire outside the house and heat the bottle up on the open fire in a pan of bottled water.

But we coped.

One of the other things I soon realised was that I didn't need a new super dooper pram/stroller, or even a sling to carry my baby around. Just a piece of cloth, or like in the photo below, a sweatshirt! I started to tie my babies to my back to carry them around. Both my children are adopted and I am a firm believer in baby carrying/wearing. I really took this on board with Jesse as he had a few security issues when we bought him home. So on my back he went. If I was cleaning, shopping or taking a walk he was on my back. Even last week I had him tied on.

A few weeks ago some one donated these adorable African dolls to us. Joe and Jesse claimed one each and when Maggie and Primrose were here last week I gave them one each also. They all spent the week with their babies tied to their backs........So cute!

Why yes I do have the most fertile dogs in all the land.....

2009-11-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

Molly popped these out this morning! 7 Fox terrier x Jack Russell babies...so sweet.

2009-11-10T01:09:00.000-08:00

Some one's dinner

2009-11-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Maggie and me.....

2009-11-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

Sisters......

2009-11-04T03:16:00.000-08:00

Chaos in it's purest form.........

2009-11-02T05:47:00.000-08:00

My sister, Amy and her family arrived last Monday and this week has been 100% chaos! It's been nuts but great fun. Joe turned 4 years old on Tuesday and we had a little party for him. The cake was a hot air balloon...yep that's what he asked for!!!!

Primrose eating cake.
Maggie eating cake.

Helping to open gifts.

Story time.

Off to the Organic cafe.

Mmmmmmm fresh juices.

We went to uShaka marine world for Joe's birthday. The kids loved it.

NEMO!!!!!!! (so cute)

Maggie did not know what to do with herself when the giant turtle swam by. Pure joy! Check out the tip toes! These two are for Grandpa.......fold your arms and look tidy!

This lot get here on monday...........

2009-10-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

CANT WAIT!!!!!!!!

Fully over whelmed!

2009-10-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

That's how I am feeling this morning! I am totally blown away by the words of encouragement that I received yesterday as a result of my SITS day. Thank you so much everyone who left a comment and thank you to all of you who have decided to follow me.

There are so many times in my walk that I just want to quit. My faith is not strong and I would love to have a quiet peaceful life. But God has other plans and no matter how bad I want to choose the other option....I cant.

I know some of you are like....what the heck, I would LOVE to live that life, but to be honest to whom much is given much is required. And that which is required is so painful at times. And you know what is crazy?....I LOVE IT! (I also hate it at times, but I love it more often).

The past few weeks have been REALLY hard for us. As a family, a couple and a ministry and we really appreciate your prayers. God is doing amazing things but the devil is really on the war path and has been headed in our direction quite often. We are standing strong but it is hard and it is also heartbreaking. My faith is tested on a daily basis and to be honest often I don't pass that test.

Why am I telling you all this?? Well I know that many of you want to help but don't know how. One way that you can help is by praying for me, my family and the ministry. We NEED people standing behind us in prayer and love. I NEED you.

I hope you can hear my heart today.

Thank you for being you!

Here are a couple of photos of the boys....cause I cant do a post with out a photo!

It's a SITS kinda day!

2009-10-17T22:32:00.000-07:00

The girls over at SITS have invited me to be the featured blogger for today! SO EXCITED! If you dont know about SITS then push the button below and join in the fun!

Well ladies ........what can I say other than WELCOME TO MY BLOG!!!! It is great to have you stop by. Please feel free to have a wander round and what ever you do you have leave me a comment!

I am a girl who grew up in the Westcountry of England, who lived in Brooklyn, New York for 5 years and is now living in Durban, South Africa.
I am married with two 3 year old sons, one cat and 15 dogs!(don't ask!)
I spend my life working in the AIDS and Orphan capital of the world, The Valley of a Thousand Hills, KZN, South Africa. We have lived here for 5 years and counting.
I love it, I hate it....it is home!

I love anything to do with the beach, anything organic and most of all I love my Savior.
I hate face cloths, shaving my legs and rudeness.

I hope that you find this blog interesting, some what enlightening and most of all I pray that it stirs your heart into action. Whoever you are and what ever you do you were put on this earth for a reason and a purpose. I pray that you find it, work it out and live your life.
Have a blessed day

Because sometimes we just don't have all the answers.....and that's OK!

It's a love thing.....

You can do something.

Project O launch day!

2009-10-17T04:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday was our big launch day for our 1st zero carbon foot print, 100%self sufficient children's home here in South Africa. We had an awesome day (even though I ended up with really bad sun stroke!). The BBC turned out along with ALOT of other press. We were also over run with the local community, which turned out in force to officially welcome us to their community. The most exciting of all our guests were 2 of President Zuma's daughters!!!! Gugu and Thuthu Zuma came to join us and to endorse Project O. They were beautiful, humble and very excited about the work that Project O is doing here in the 1000 hills.

Here I am with the local witch doctor and Cindy's Gogo. (got to keep the witch doc happy!!)

Gugu and Thuthu spending time with some of the girls from the local school.

One of the Zulu dancers.

The house.

Gugu addressing the crowd.

Chief Gwala, Gugu and Martin cutting the ribbon.

A promise, a prayer request and a photo

2009-10-14T02:35:00.001-07:00

Well I am 100% hectically (is that a word? Probably not!) busy at the moment. I have at least 10 posts in my mind that I NEED to get done, but I just don't have the time. Why? Well tomorrow is the launch of our 1st zero carbon footprint, self sufficient children's home!!!! Yep.......it is out of control round here! My kids are out of school for the rest of the week as the vehicles are being used to transport chairs, sheep, Zulus, a cow, Zulu beer, more Zulus.........and the President's daughters around Durban and the 1000 Hills!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So here is my promise.....as of next week I WILL post all the other very exciting things that are going on in my life....I have a few.

My prayer request is.......PLEASE PRAY FOR TOMORROW! For my sanity and that of my husband! I will do a long post on the event but just let me say...when there are so many Zulus involved things can get pretty crazy! Its a culture thing and we are learning VERY fast!!!!! (today we have to kill a cow!!!!!!!)

And below you can see my photo.....my baby Joe eating jelly and ice cream.

The Twins in my life........

2009-10-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

I have 2 sets of twins in my life....the 1st set belongs to my sister and her hubby, Primrose and Magnolia are 2 of the funniest little girls that I have ever met. They are smart and beautiful (like their mum!) and make me laugh so much. This is them in the stream near their home.
The second set belong to my best friend Steph and her hubby, Lisulo. The twins are Lisulo and Mwangala...aren't they adorable?! I am sad that I am yet to have the chance to meet these two. Mart and I got married and moved to South Africa before Steph and Lisulo got married and have not had the chance (or the funds) to get to Florida to meet the twins or their new baby girl.

I always think that there is something so special about twins. And Looking at these photos and hearing the stories that Amy and Steph tell me I know that there really is something special. I just thought I'd share these beautiful munchkins with you. I'm thinking I wouldn't mind a set of my own one day!!! ;-)

My morning.....

2009-10-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

This morning we took a trip to the children's home that we are building in the valley. A friend of Mart's took us across the lake on his boat...so much fun!

Steve Harvey Introduces Jesus

2009-10-02T05:42:00.001-07:00

POWERFUL!!!

2009-10-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Thursday and I am thankful. Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey has Thankful Thursday, every Thursday....Why don't you join in. What are 5 things that you are Thankful for today? Here are mine.......

1. That we managed to raise money for 2 of my guys from the shelter to go to World Changers Academy.
2. That Rick is here to stay....so much wisdom and love for us.
3. Martin, Tom and Merv ( they just told me to put that! Although secretly I am thankful for them)
4. For God's provision.
5. For friends who love us.

The past couple of weeks....

2009-10-01T02:09:00.000-07:00

Lots of things have been happening over the past 2 weeks and I thought I would share them with you in the form of photos!

The first very exciting item is the wind turbine is up at the home we are building for one of our orphan families. We are going to be having the grand launch of the house on the 15th of October. We still have a bit to do but it is almost there.

This is Jesse trying to ride Boscoe. Since we got our Doberman so many people have viewed their concern!! Well this dog is one of the best dogs I have ever known! He follows the boys around the garden watching their every move, When they roll in the mud he rolls with them, when they are climbing the tree he is trying to climb with them. When Jesse is trying to get on his back and ride him like a horse he stands as still as possible so that he can get on!

The puppies are getting bigger and cuter , if that is even possible! I already have some one who wants to buy one of the females! just need to find 11 more people to buy the rest!

We emptied the pool out to do some maintenance. The kids are enjoying it as a skate park....I had a go and will not be doing that again!

I went out with the staff to deliver food to some of our orphans. Love it! So blessed by being able to spend time with these beautiful children.

Joe and Jesse have started to build dens! Too cute.

Mart turned 34 and Amahle turned 3 on the same day.

And that's about it ....2 weeks summed up.

The twins.

2009-09-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

My favorite of our wedding photos!

2009-09-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

This is as we were leaving our reception. I was an emotional mess cause I had just said goodbye to my BFF Steph. We call this one our "No Paparazzi" shot!

Cheerful giver.........

2009-09-24T06:48:00.001-07:00

Thankful Thursday.......

2009-09-24T04:13:00.000-07:00

Today is Thursday and I am thankful. Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey has Thankful Thursday, every Thursday....Why don't you join in. What are 5 things that you are Thankful for today? Here are mine.......

1. For my husband....it is his birthday tomorrow!
2. For my sons....they are on a school break at the moment and are being very well behaved for mummy!
3. That the children's home is almost there......grand launch next thursday!
4. That so many people are getting involved with the launch.....including the presidents daughter!
5. For our new church and it's leadership. Drew and Megan are awesome.

Random Dozen......

2009-09-23T04:23:00.000-07:00

If you want to join in then click on the button above and sign up.......

1. Please share one middle school memory. It can be good, bad, ugly, funny. Pictures or words, I don't care, just share.
My 1st kiss with a kid called Gary. It was in his porch. Very uncomfortable and awkward!

2. What's your favorite Beatles song?
Come together, Every body's got something to hide except me and my monkey and Blackbird......along with just about every other one!

3. If I asked you to describe your most comfortable outfit, what would it be?
Sweatpants and sweatshirt. Bare feet.

4. Would you rather host a party or be a guest?
Guest.

5. Do you think we will move completely from traditional books to digital ones, and if we do, are you OK with that?
I REALLY hope not! I love books.

6. Do you learn best by reading, listening or experiencing?
Experiencing...I'm a hands on person.

7. If you are (or when you were) single, what is the kiss of death for you concerning the opposite sex? (That is, what is one trait or behavior or habit or anything at all that immediately turns you off from considering that person a potential match for you?)
Eating with his mouth open and/or ugly feet.

8. Snacks. Salty or sweet?
Salty.

9. Look around you in a four foot radius. What object is around you that you didn't realize was there or forgot was there? How long has it been there?
2 dolls that I need to send to Magnolia and Primrose but might just wait till they get here in October. (sorry Amy!)

10. What is your favorite Tom Cruise movie?
Cocktail and Top Gun.

11. You buy a bottle of shampoo and discover that you don't like what it does to your hair at all. What do you do with that full bottle?
Give it to one of my staff. Shampoo is a luxury item for them.

12. Your favorite Fall comfort food? (Last week it was beverage.)
Stew and dumplings.

She is 100% out of control.......

2009-09-22T08:00:00.001-07:00

I got a box. A box from Danae. Danae is OUT OF CONTROL!!!!!!!!!!!! And I love her so much! In my box was........2 pairs of TOMS shoes! I love them.
Also in my box was a whole heap of bits and bobs....most were edible! Of the edible items I loved most. See those 3 little packets together? one is open the other 2 are not....well there is a reason why only one is open and why there is only a nibble taken off the corner, wanna know what that reason is???....well those my friends are Kimchi flavored chocolates!!! OH MY LANDS.......NOT GOOD!!!!!! Now I love Kimchi....and I love chocolate....but Kimchi chocolate is one of the worst things I have EVER tasted....Danae I love you ...but really??!! KIMCHI CHOCOLATE??! So with all that said........I LOVE Danae, I LOVE my TOMS, I LOVE all my other bits and bobs.....BUT I HATE Kimchi Chocolate!

Oh and Milo says.....He loves his new bed......crazy cat!

DANAE I LOVE YOU! xxx

Shiver me timbers......its Zulu Pirates!

2009-09-22T03:56:00.000-07:00

Nuts about laundry....

2009-09-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

I have been looking for Soap Nuts for a while and today I found some! I will let you know how they go. I'm pretty stoked about them and I really hope they work well as not only will it help save the planet but will also help me to save money. I will keep you informed.