Christmas and New Year

As always we and the F's got together on Christmas Eve to share with one another what Jesus has meant to us this year. We have been doing it for years and we find very enriching. What made it special this year was that Jan's sisters Louise (with hubby Marthinus) and Rina joined us. However, it was sad that the L's could not be here - again! Last year they spent Christmas with Dorette's inlaws and this year - our Christmas - Franco had chicken pox! He had been immunized, so it was very slight, but it was chicken pox nonetheless.

On Christmas Day the H's went to Frans's mother for the day and we went to the F's for Christmas lunch. The L's came over later the afternoon so that we could give Franco his gifts: a motorbike and a lawnmower. Both gifts turned out to be real hits and he was beaming - "mowed" the lawn until he was red in the face. A pity it wasn't a real lawnmower! I hope he'll be as enthusiastic once he can really take over from his dad!

Martelize's gifts were a teaset and a rocking horse. She loves fitting lids and she is mad about horses. Like mother like daughter! (Wat sê die perd? Prrr...mmm....prrr)

On the fateful day that they broke in and stole my computer, Thelwyn, Dorette, kids and I went shopping for decorations for "Sussie's" room. Dorette is expecting a little girl in March. It was great fun and the little ones were very good, but I realised again how difficult it is to go shopping with a little one! Sterkte Dorette vir die inkopies met twee kleintjies! Been there, done that with three under four years, but that was nearly 28 years ago!!

After the shopping spree, we swam in the L's solar heated pool - great fun, but Martelize was not so happy in the big pool. Franco on the other hand is turning into a real water worm - almost "swims" completely on his own. He wears a swimming jacket because wings are still too big, but this little jacket works very well.

On the 31st the community had a big operation to search for criminals and Jan and Hendrik were the watchmen on our koppie - very, very hot work! The community effort led to the arrest of one thief who had the stolen DVD player in a black bag with him.

On New Year's day the L's came for a braai. When I wanted to peel a mango for a salad, I discovered that my whole box of mangoes (a gift from my sister in law), was missing. I couldn't understand how a whole box could dissapear in thin air, until I remembered that they had also broken in next door and stole the kettle and the pineapples!

Thief (thieves) I forgive you, but why could you not have left me at least one mango? Why did you take my half-used toothpaste and soapholder out of my toilet bag? Thanks for leaving Hendriks wallet on Jan's computer.... and thanks for leaving the cash in his drawer... but please you can have the cash if only you will return Jan's wedding ring... and his camera... and it would have been so nice if you had made a back-up of my hard drive, before you took off with my laptop. I guess by now you have realised that it is useless without its power cable...! And please, why did you break TWO security gates?? I saw Jan's Bible was among the stuff you left at the front door - You know, the Bible would have helped you more than the Disprin you took out of my medicine bag...!

Anyway, after lunch, Franco and Martelize splashed in cool water and afterwards, Franco followed Martelize and Thelwyn all the way up to their house (about 35 metres)... he wasn't going to let his cousin be taken away from him...! I tried to take photos, but my camera is very slow (sport setting??) and most photos are just a blur because the little ones are not still for a second! Here are a few of the better ones:

Martelize on Old Year's Eve. (I have trouble with my camera, but a dark pic of her smile is better than none...)

Martelize (17 Months) and Franco (20 Months) eating dried fruit on New Year's Day: they have to sit still while they eat and are generally very good. (Thank you Nursery Schools for insisting on good manners.)

New Years Day 2010: Franco 20 Months. (It is difficult to get Franco to sit still long enough for my slow camera to snap him. )

An exhausted Hendrik after doing Community duty as watch on the koppie.

Cooling off after lunch on a very HOT New Year's Day. (Video does not want to upload?)

Thank you God for such precious little bodies and the wonderful way in which they develop! Help us to teach them your ways!