A busy weekend

On Saturday morning Jan and I attended a breakfast in aid of a special outreach. We were invited byCarl, one of Jan's varsity pals and guess who sat at our table? None other than our
same street neighbours of 30 years ago! Here they are: Rina and Dewald.

Other varsity pals: Amanda and Diederik. Diederik had some nice things to say about what my Dad had taught him all these many years ago: don't look at past mistakes, but focus on the present situation and do what is needed now - if the bridge had been built on the wrong spot, so be it, don't continue with that bridge. (My dad had been a professor in civil engineering.) (Note to myself: I must make a plan to go and visit Amanda - she is such a nice person and we have a lot to talk about...)
The breakfast came at a bad time though: back at the "ranch" my children were visiting with my sister Anne who had come with her son Neil from Ladybrand. Neil and Marissa came up for a wedding and Anne had thought it a good opportunity to fetch some horses at the same time. Neil's friend had to drive Neil's bakkie (pick-up) because Neil does not have a licence to tow a horse box... Life is one massive puzzle of many people who have to fit in many activities at the same time...!

Bottle time for two hungry babies: Martelize is 7 months and 1 week and Franco is 10 months and two weeks.

In the middle of all the chit-chat Hendrik fell asleep - he was dog tired, but did not want to go and lie down - didn't want to "miss" a thing. He was a very good coffee maker throughout the weekend. (Ek sal jou hou Hendrik!) Meanwhile I had such a good time catching up with Anne that I forgot to take a photo of her! On Sunday morning she had to put down the F's old dog - a very sad moment for them.

"Who is calling my name?"

"Can't you see that the Blue Bulls are playing against the Stormers and I don't want to be bothered?"

"Come on.... kick it over..."

"Missed! Well this is rugby is getting boring now... I wonder when Franco will wake up."

"He is awake and I rather like the foot massage he is giving me..."
The cousins slept in relay but at one stage they were together and Franco was very intrigued with Martelize's foot! He gave her a hug, but when she returned the hug, he pulled a face - very much like the one he pulled when the dog sniffed in his face and when the horse leaned over the stable wall!
Franco seems to have a very sensitive face and mouth: he doesn't put just anything in his mouth (albeit something nice to eat) and he does not allow you to put something in his mouth either. He loves standing now and especially enjoyed standing on the couch and looking out of the window. Thelwyn, Dorette and I took the babies to visit the stables and Franco loved the ride in Martelize's pram. Later Dorette and I took them in our arms for a km walk: it was beautiful outside and the babies were talking a bit too loudly for the serious rugby watchers liking! Thelwyn, Frans and Anne were busy innoculating the horses.

Sunday morning was Urielle's consecration. She is Franco and Martelize's niece and will be spending many Christmasses together. Here she is in her pretty gown with her mother, Nelia.

After the service: Proud parents Jopie and Nelia with Urielle. And guess what! They have just found out that they are expecting another baby. After all the trouble to fall pregnant with Urielle, this is a pleasant surprise!

Gene (Urielle's Oupa), Jan and Hendrik and Dorette enjoying the lovely shady lawn where the F tea party was held.

Franco was a bit tired: he had just been to another consecration and the L's were on their way to a baby shower, but quickly dropped in to see Jopie and Nelia and the baby girl of the day. 10 Months old and already such a hectic social schedule!

Franco's consecration

On Wednesday 6 August Franco was consecrated at Doxa Deo (Gert and Dorette's church) at a very intimate and special occassion. Four babies were consecrated and their families could pray with the parents.

Franco we pray that you will always be happy. We know that you can only be happy if you know the Lord, so we pray that you will get to know Him early in your life and have a very special relationship with our Lord Jesus. We know that He has great things in stall for you!

Today (Sunday) the babies were introduced to the congregation. It was also very special. Afterwards we had tea at Gert and Dorette's town house. The table looked lovely with an overlay of the same blue velvet that Franco's vest was made of. I made his little romper out of left over material of Dorette's wedding dress. He looked adorable and behaved very well throughout the church service and the party afterwards. But the snappers between his legs became undone often while he was lying and kicking - either in someone's arms or on his blanket on the carpet. He was very active!

Frans and Thelwyn came too. Thelwyn has already regained her slim figure: one would never guess that her baby is only 11 days old! Martelize was also on best behaviour while they were there.

We praise the Lord for these two perfect little babies: Psalms 138: "I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" Each child is so very special and unique - a real miracle.