A new haircut!

I decided that it was time for a change and I think the hairdresser did a good job. This is the front view ...And then abviously from the back:
Why is it that I normally prefer the view from the back? Maybe I should start walking backwards! And then not to even mention the blowdrying, it will not look like this when I have control of the hairdryer!

Well, I am back and reality has hit home very hard already. I had a very good time while I was away and phoned Colin on Sunday to tell him that I missed him, but that I was not ready to leave Kidds Beach yet! I couldn't even book a later flight as I didn't take enough medication with me, but anyway, it is impossible to run away from the reality.

I owe you some feedback. We had a horrible meeting at the school. Listening to all that teachers moaning about Andrew and critisising him was terrible and I don't think anybody should ever be in that situation. I was very upset with the psychologist as he arrived late (car broke down) and then didn't add much to the conversation. The psychiatrist suggested that we add a mood stabiliser to his medication and we started that yesterday. We should be able to see the result in about a week or so. We must take Andrew for a bloodtest next Wednesday to see how the meds is affecting his liver and then go back to the doctor the following week. Inbetween all that we are going to Langebaan for a few days. After the bloodtest, I think Colin can take Andrew for that! He is doing okay at the moment as we decided to give him an incentive for good behaviour. If he doesn't get any red cards for a whole week, we will take him ten-pin bowling, movies or whatever on a Friday night. Robyn goes to youth, so a Friday night is actually a good evening to spend time with him. We also went and looked at a private school on Wednesday, it looks very good, but it is full with a long waiting list. I am actually starting to feel that he needs a good kick up the bum, as he has a very bad attitude towards some of the teachers.

On the baby front, Michael is definitely Ethan's father, so know the fight starts to see him. My sister Lynette suggested that we contact the social workers in HER area, and Michael is going to speak to them next week to open a case file. I would love to see the look on her face when the social worker rocks up at her front door! Please pray that we will be able to see the baby very soon, he is already 6 months old and I don't even know what he looks like now. She also lied to the magistrate by saying that Michael can see the baby and then saying "never going to happen" when they left the court. I think Michael should let the magistrate know, but he is struggling to get through to the court.

I will show you some photos of my break over the next few days. Have a great weekend!

Aren't babies sweet?

I finished this layout on Monday and I am very happy with the result. Thanks to Becky Higgins again! We have been having a lot of trouble with this little man lately and looking at this layout this morning I sincerely wish that I had eaten him up when he was a baby, instead of just threatening too!!! We cherish them and look after them so well and then they grow up into little monsters!
I eventually finished the last of my "party" paper last week and it was such fun going out to buy new paper on Monday!! This is the 2 ranges I decided on:

The pink seems a bit dull, but I will have to think of a way to use it so that it will make stunning mini albums. I am looking forward to using it!

It has been a rather frustrating week. Mainly because of said little man above. It is sad how their problems can become so all consuming for the parents. Other than that I am having a friend around to play at my house today and that will be fun. I am also meeting another friend for breakfast tomorrow. And on Saturday I am going with my sister to sort out my dress for the wedding! Very exciting! We will also be looking at paper and velum to make her invitations with. But the best news of all is that hubby and I have finally booked to go away for a weekend next month, all on our own! What bliss!

I am 45 today!

Yes, I am 45. I must admit, between the stiff neck and sore hip I sometimes feel much older! Colin brought me a cup of coffee and my present to bed this morning. Fortunately he didn't take any photos as I looked particularly sad this morning, bags under the eyes and messed up hair, sure you know what I mean! He bought me a new watch as I battle to see my other "silver" ones face. Sad getting old! Anyway, he sorted the kids out and got them of to school. Afterwards he came back so that we could have some alone time and made certain that the bed was made up and the dishes were done! Sweet man!
I complained to Colin that Robyn didn't wish me happy birthday, so he told me that she is cross as I didn't phone her on her birthday (I was in Kidds Beach). Nevermind the fact that I was busy directing furniture and boxes all day! Anyway I bought her this cupcake to apologise:
Needless to say, I was forgiven! Stefanie and I went and had a lovely breakfast at a shopping centre. We went there as they serve delicious eggs benedict. Stef did take some photos, I will post them when I get them. After breakfast we went shopping. It was a really great morning! My family, Simone, Herlien and Mark will be eating here tonight - I said I would cook. Simone is making a decadent chocolate pudding - I will take photos:

Here is a photo of granny with her little grandson. He is now 5 weeks old and too gorgeous! Seems to be getting darker by the day, but we love him so much that it doesn't matter! (Note to self: start wearing make-up, you really look dreary!!)

The little boy from closer up.

Ethan had a dirty nappy while we were there and Allisen made Michael change the nappy! He managed very well and Ethan's little "bottom parts" were thoroughly covered in fissan paste!

Stef, this is the photo I wanted to put in a frame. Only saw the face when I downloaded the photos - it will just not do!! I think I will use my favourite photo - the one where you can see his little hands.

Michael went and spoke to Simone's mom last night. She was a para-legal and knows quite a bit about the whole custody thing. She suggested that he approaches the maintenance court and then take it from there. We are NOT giving up!!! Please continue praying that the whole process goes speedily as it can sometimes take very long! In the meantime I decided to approach Allisen's mom to see if we can't go and see him again. We will just not let Michael go there on his own again - she is far too abusive!

Later folks, I have to go and cook for the masses!

Baby news

I did take photos of Ethan last night, but do not feel strong enough today to show you. He is absolutely gorgeous and when he looked at me with his big eyes I knew that I would love him forever. Allisen was very friendly and even got Michael to change Ethan's nappy - everything seemed fine. When we left I still whispered in Michaels ear that he must fight for his son. We went onto the internet the other night and discovered that all the amendments to the law is all there, but they haven't gone through parlement yet, and therefore means nothing! On the way home I prayed and asked the Lord to soften Allisen's heart and that she would allow us to see Ethan and I felt very happy after seeing him. Michael phoned me a bit later, very upset, saying that she chased him out of the house like a dog and that she said that we would never see Ethan again, that he was just a sperm donor and that he must just pay maintenance. Her parents can't do anything as she doesn't listen to them at all. I felt sorry for him, but still maintain that their is consequences when we sin, and this unfortunately is his consequence. Unfortunately we as grandparents are now reaping what he sowed when he sinned. I started crying on Monday already, because I just felt that this was what would happen. While watering the garden yesterday morning I just started weeping again - maybe the Lord was preparing me. All I can say is that my heart is broken. All I can ask is that we pray for the Lord to soften her heart and that she will come to her senses. Maybe by some miracle somebody out there will have a solution. What saddens me even more is that he will grow up without knowing who his father is, being told how bad his daddy is, and he won't know just how much he is loved.

Babies and parties

We saw baby Ethan everyday except yesterday. Michael has decided that he is very boring as he sleeps all the time. He doesn't know how lucky they are! Isn't he just too adorable, here comfortably sitting in his daddies arm!
Isn't these little hands just to "oulik"!

To think those perfect little hands are still going to get up to such a lot of mischief. His hands looks a lot like Michaels. Very broad with the slightly broader thumb. If you look closely you will see the little brown marks just above his nails. He is definitely going to become darker as he gets older. Not that granny minds at all!

My niece, Stephanie, turned 18 yesterday. She wanted a pink cake with "panda" written on it. It came out very well.

The cupcakes also looked gorgeous! It really was worth every bit of time we spent on making them! Stephanie was really very happy with her cake and couldn't believe how much trouble we went to for her birthday party!

The mama and Stephanie.

Michael and Simone, his new girlfriend. Simone loves working with sugar and icing and helped us ice the cupcakes and she also wrote the "Panda" on the cake. A very talented young lady and then she has a lovely personality as well. Thanks Simone!

As you can see it was a very busy weekend. I am supposed to clean house today, but my friend is bringing her daughter to me for babysitting, so I will rather do that than clean house I think!

Tagged!

I was tagged by Lynette to show you my bag of the moment. Tada!!! This is it:
I bought this biggish bag, not because I carry a lot of stuff around, but so that I can see everything inside without scratching. I bought it at Miladys sometime last year and I think it cost about R169. I did have a loyalty voucher though, so it cost me a lot less. I am really enjoying the fashion bags at the moment and will carry this one around until I get tired of it or I see another bag that I really can't resist! I decided to follow Lynette's example and tell you what is inside my bag:

1) Make up bag - full of lipsticks.
2) Purse - a gorgeous pink one!
3) Reading glasses.
4) Comb.
5) Manicure set.
6) Handcream.
7) Bracelet - forgot to take it out.
8) OPI nailpolish and top coat - forgot to take it out!
9) Sanitary goodies - yuck!
10) Some sweets.
11) 2 flash drives - heaven know why 2.
12) A hairclip.
13) Lots of bits of paper.
14) Sweeteners - that I always forget to use.
15) Business cards and expired gymn cards.
16) Make up mirror - Hubby does not have a mirror in his car!
17) Samples of cardstock.
18) ID book.
19) Remote for the gate at my mom's place.

And that is it!

It has been a rather busy week since I last posted, I have actually been feeling very overwelmed with life in general. Colin and I went shopping for new bedding this last weekend and it was exhausting work! We walked backwards and forwards I don't know how many times, but eventually found what we wanted. Now I just need Colin and the boys to paint the bedroom, as I think the new bedding will clash terribly with the pink walls! All very exciting as it is about 7 years since we last redid our bedroom! Will post a picture once it is all done.

Good news is that Chilly went for his last visit at the vet on Tuesday. The vet is very happy with him and now he just needs to get used to only having one leg, and a small stump on the other side.

I babysat my friends baby today. She is gorgeous, but I totally forgot what it is like to have a baby around! To make matters worse we went and had lunch with my sister Herlien today. She was actually fine the whole time, but started screaming on the way back! My mom eventually climbed to the back and tried to give her a bottle, but she was not a happy girl! I think I will stay at home with her next time, until I get used to all her little quirks!

I think that is about all for now - later .....

Stork Party

We were invited to Allisen's stork party on Saturday afternoon. Here are some photos:
Some guests with soon to be great granny and granny.

I really enjoyed the way they dressed her up. I especially like the teddy on the back.

Some more guests. The lady in the middle makes the most amazing lemon meringue! It was still warm when we ate it!

Some more guests - looking very amused. This baby will be my mom's 4th great-grandchild.

Every time she got something wrong she had to take a sip of formula. The forfeits were actually very mild, she ended up just opening most of the gifts. She got a lot of lovely things.

The rest of the weekend was rather quiet, which is the way I like it.

Going scrapping this morning, but will really have to get some motivation as I could easily just veg today.

My weekend in photos

It was Colin's year end function on Friday night so we got all dressed up for a lovely evening out. It was a very pleasant evening and we had a lot of fun!

Checking my e-mail after we got home.

Michael just loved the way Scruffy was sitting and just had to take a photo! And of course the Jamie the parrot just happened to be there too!

I hosted a stork party for my friend on Saturday. She was totally surprised and that was great too! This was after we dressed her up. Cute isn't she? Such a lovely big baby!

Her friend came all the way from KZN to be here for her stork party - another huge surprise!For her first forfeit wshe had to drink out of a baby bottle and was totally grossed out about the taste of the formula. We also fed her some purity - the vegetable kind, and that was also extremely disgusting! Did I really feed that stuff to my kids?

Anyway, Jamie helped me water the garden this morning and is now cuddling on my shoulder, but I guess I must now start doing something about my house!

Have a blessed day!