Jaans Kepaans

Lia at 4months

2012-02-13T14:18:00.002-06:00

OUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY PICTURE

One thing Lia knows how to do... pull a very unhappy face. I remember seeing this lip right after the ceaser. sweet girl

Lia adores her daddy, she's always ready with a smile.

Once again, pictures taken by Bernard aren't they amazing...

Miss Anke, allmost T W O

2012-02-13T14:07:00.004-06:00

Bernard took these amazing pictures of us in January on our very short visit to Durbanville!!!

As you can see, Anke is drinking a bottle, which we now stopped. It has been a very rough few weeks without the bottle. She REALLY loved drinking tea out of it. Every time she sees this picture she will point to her bottle... bless her heart!

One of Ankes favorite things is swinging... Just look at that sweet face!

I L O V E this girl!

We have plenty of these, these days. Being almost two can be so confusing... But no matter how many tantrums, we are still madly in love with our Anke Louise.

Anke, almost two, the sunshine in our lives.

Shoes

2012-01-12T11:09:00.001-06:00

It seems like Anke is developing a love for shoes!

She picked out a pair of polka dot flip flops in the beginning of summer. They aren't the most comfortable shoes, but they sure are cute!!!

This morning she arrived at a play date, on a farm with brown winter boots. Luckily she took them of before they became farm boots:) I've read you should chose your battles with toddlers. I seem to agree!

Tonight she got very upset when I took her slippers off, before bed! No, they are going to bed with Anke, still on her feet...

Sweet thing!
L O V E. L O V E. L O V E. her!!!
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324

2011-11-13T12:59:00.003-06:00

Going from a family of 3 to a family of 4... has been eventful! Lia is 6 weeks old, and we are getting more used to having 2 girls (everyday).

Our amazing friend Jon Hill took this picture almost a year ago, with the Franschoek Valley in the background. Anke was 8 months old, and we had just decided to move to Pretoria.

Here we are, the family of 4. Picture taken by my wonderful mother-in-law, on our coach 3 weeks ago.

Never in a million years did I think we would ad another baby to our family in 2011 but God did... Who are we to argue? I love that we now have our 2 daughters, to dream of their future and personalities... Temperament and love language!

We pray for lots of grace, wisdom, patients, endurance and love.

1 Month Later

2011-10-30T21:00:00.001-05:00

Lia just turned a month old. WOW.
It feels like I completely missed October. Pretoria is so BEAUTIFUL with its purple Jacaranda Trees, and I almost missed it!

Life is settling in to a 'normal' rhythm. I no longer have a mom or mother in law here to keep Anke busy during Lia's feeds. I'm doing my own dishes and hardly get a nap due to feed and sleep schedules :)

I know it is a pretty dumb idea, but why we don't grow an extra pair of arms for n year or two, I don't know... (Than we would not need a community, right).

I have not cooked a single meal in a month! YES! Amazing right! Love being in a church community! I love my DOXA DOXA BK Family. So blessed by so many servant heart!

Praise Jesus for friends! They are our extra pair of arms! Could not do life as it is, without YOU!

Lia is having a hard time with cramps! I'm not sleeping that much, but its just a season!

@ 2weeks Lia weighed 3,18kg
@ 4weeks Lia weighed 3,8kg
She is no longer wearing new born clothes. She is more awake and wiggles allot more than a couple of weeks ago!

We love having two girls and Anke is getting more and more used to her new life! Oh, Anke has 3 new teeth since Lia was born! Ouch...
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Big Sis Anke

2011-10-23T13:26:00.002-05:00

So how are the older sibling/s supposed to react to this new baby? Anke was only 18 and a half months old when we brought Lia home... Except for the first weeks crying tantrums, I think she did awesome!

Here she is helping Mommy, give Lia a bath.

Lia loves to bath, and Anke loves helping. One of the best things I've learned (from my Aunt) is to wrap Lia in a towel and put her in the tub, with it. Slowly open it as you go along. This way, there are no arms and legs flopping around = no screaming baby = happy mom and sis.

My mom stayed 10 days during my hospital stay and first week home and Martins mom, came the week there after and stayed 11 days. i loved having them here, and truly miss their help and companionship!

Our big Sis is helping (playing) by putting Lia's dirty close in the laundry basket, and diaper in the trash can... She is so cute trying to help.

She gives Lia soft kisses on the head, and love to touch her tiny toes.

So far, so good.

Anke is truly Miss Grace...

and we L O V E her!

Welcome Lia Mari Bravenboer

2011-10-23T13:14:00.003-05:00

Welcome sweet baby Lia Mari Bravenboer

Born on Thursday September 29th, 2011 at 10:35am

Weight: 3.2kg Length: 49cm

We are ecstatic to introduce you to the newest addition to our Bravenboer Family!

We are totally I N L O V E with this girl.

We believe God has an enormous dream for Lia,

and we can hardly wait to enjoy this journey with her.

WE LOVE YOU LIA

Daddy, Mommy and Anke

Wild Africa - Pilanesberg #2

2011-08-12T04:41:00.004-05:00

Here are some of our high lights of the wild animals we saw...

(in no chronological order)

Our highlight was seeing this BIG guy...

The elephants in Pilanesberg are known for being a little 'obnoxious'... Especially the old bull without a tail. EEEEEEEKKKKK. Who do we find on our morning drive, Mr Stompie. And yes, he was intrigued by us! I was freaking out, and Martin was just taking photos :) We would reverse, and wait. He would walk closer, and wait. We would reverse more, and wait. He would walk closer, and wait. This went on for about 30 min. There was a 4x4 that decided after talking to us, that they would take the 'of road' challenge and drove through the field, around Mr Stompie... And left us to fend for ourselves with our Toyota Corolla (which seemed so small).

He later lost interest in us, (PRAISE JESUS) and turned to the field.

He did look kind of sad, as we quickly took the gap (and drove as fast as we could on the dirt road), past him.

Mr Giraffe was posing for his picture. He was right next to us. I almost had to zoom in to get his entire body in a picture. Just look at that face, isn't he just kissable?

This picture is just so beautiful. First the elephants were just walking directly to us, but then suddenly turned and started running in single file to the right. Everything is so dry, and the field had burnt, which makes this picture even more dusty...

Just look at those youngens... I love Elephants.

The Lion was eating the head of a Blue Wild Beest...

On our way back to camp one night, we met this BIG guy in the road. Martin took this picture before I made him close the window... The truck behind the rhino was full of men, whom later commented about putting on new pants :)

The rhino wasn't even interested in us (thank you Jesus).

This is an open invitation. If you would like to visit, Pilanesberg would be on the list. Safari Safari Safari :)

Pilanesberg

2011-08-11T04:40:00.004-05:00

After a very long July, we took to the road on Friday for a Potgieter Family Camping Weeking in the National Park Pilanesberg. We camped at Bakgatla Camp and took at least 2 drives through the park every day. One early morning and one before the gate closed.

I'll have to post more nature pictures of the WILD animals but here are a few moments with Anke, in the car and camp!As a 17 month old, she is getting so wise... and understands so well. I love it. I think it will help once our second baby arrives (i hope).
This was one of our early morning drives, MieliePap in the car... She calls it Miemie, she loves corn, in any form.

Anke loved being outside and she LOVED Vian's FrogChair. He wasn't so happy about sharing it, but if he wasn't around, she SAT her bottom right down in it, with a very pleased smile.

Special Needs of a 7 year old...

2011-07-16T14:20:00.001-05:00

My sister (19) stayed with us this week while my parents took some time off, camping in the Kruger National Park!

2 years ago Ilze visited us in Cape Town, for almost 3 weeks! I was not pregnant then, and I didn't have a 16 month old demanding all my attention!

I have a new appreciation for my Mom! Having a mentally disabled child in your home, 24/7 can be challenging and draining!

A few things I've learned, noted or thought to write down this week -

1. Buy cheap mayonnaise, and no matter what or how you season your food, a spoonful of Mayo will be added... LOL

2. Double check that if/when sister makes two min noodles she adds water to the bowl before turning the microwave on.

3. Keep the schedule the same as much as you can. Over explain quick changes or delays...

4. Don't expect a 7 year old to act 19...

5. If you will pamper me, you can get away with lots of smiles, hugs, kisses and I Love You's...

I love my special needs sis! She can do so much for herself, in that regard we are truly blessed!

To more visits in the future :)
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A-Lu-Ya

2011-07-10T07:54:00.001-05:00

Monday morning Anke started saying A-Lu-Ya...

No I don't walk around singing Hallelujah all day. At church on Sunday the worship band did a song that repeats Hallelujah a few times! Anke and I go to big church and that is where she heard it!!!

I love how even though we sit in the back and play with blocks, Anke picked up a word so significant!

I will never again say Church at this age doesn't really have an impact!!!

Today she is singing Alle-Luya, very proudly!
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BenJoe

2011-07-04T03:52:00.002-05:00

I love that my brother is now blogging.... Just look at his cute little boys on the farm! I just love them!!!

He tagged this blog as the Future of BenJoe. He is a very proud dad... (And I'm a very proud sis)

Sleep Training a 15month old

2011-06-28T23:51:00.001-05:00

We are currently done with night 6... A quick rundown:

Night 1: Martin took the shift... Anke slept from 7:30 till 11 had her bottel (100ml) and slept well till 6ish.

Night 2: Martin was brave and took the shift again... Not a good night. Anke was up every hour, with screams! Dad got no sleep!

Night 3: my turn! Anke woke up around 12, gave her passi, she slept till 2 and them screamed till 4! Martin eventually calmed her down, and she fell asleep. She slept till 6ish.

****
Ok so I started writing this post, and never finished... We finished night 11 last night but due to fever, blocked nose and runny eyes, I'd call last night SHOT!

I have to say my HERO mom took Anke night 9 and 10! So if you ask me, Anke did well, but looking at Mom, Anke did ok...

Still going strong in second week of sleep training! Still NO fun though.
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Pretoria Zoo

2011-06-13T02:11:00.002-05:00

Sweet Miss Anke had her first taste of The Zoo yesterday! During the morning she was on her daddies back in the carrier, and after lunch in her stroller!

It was Martins weekend off (we get one every quarter). So fun to have 2 days to spend together. Yesterday was a perfect June day. Not to cold, not to hot, there was hardly a breeze or cloud! Perfect.

Anke loved the animals, but she was more entertained by the Algerian sports team... Funny girl! She would wave and say Hello to anyone who would listen or wave back!

We are so in love with this 15month old girl!!!

USA Hometown - Joplin

2011-05-26T04:58:00.002-05:00

On Sunday a Tornado hit, our "home town" - Joplin, MO. If you need more information please read here... (or go to youtube)

Our friends Eric and Torry Epperson, lost their entire home, read his blog here...

We praise Jesus, that all our friends are ok and safe. We do mourn with all the suffering many families are going through.

Our hearts long to be with our 'family' friends in Joplin but we are so proud of our fellow Christian brothers and sisters for surving there currently. Proud to be a part of the BODY!

Anke @ 14 months

2011-05-26T04:34:00.003-05:00

This picture was taken at a friends 2nd birthday party!

Our sweet baby is turning into a Toddler (cry!!!).

I taught Anke that a sad baby's heart is sore and that is why they cry. You would ask me why would you teach your 14 month old something so sad... Well, this little girl can whine! And because she doesn't have words, she will just stand at my feet and whine!

Anke is very vocal, especially with the word NO. She will say it at the top of her lungs, she has a pretty strong voice (it is actually very sweet). She will point to something she is not allowed to touch and say NEE! (no)

Martin taught her to sing... That is sweet, she just goes DAAA DA DA DAAAA on demand. SWEET GIRL

Poor thing has Roseola (baby measles). She had a fever the weekend, at our Church camp and now has a spotty body. She was 'fragile' the entire weekend. Poor Iwan, didn't really get to play with her much.

We saw a frog the other day, and now she loves them. Not that the green plastic play frog she has, looks anything like the cold, brown gutter frog... Kids are amazing, though.

Anke loves books. That is by far her favourite 'toy'.

20 Weeks Pregnant

2011-05-26T04:30:00.002-05:00

Wow, I can not believe we are half way with our second pregnancy! (and my first post about this pregnancy...)

With a toddler time flies! Yesterday Anke put both her hands on my bulging stomach and said: "BABA". How cute is that.

Baby B is now 14cm long and weighs 339g.

We are not sure about the gender, but the Dr is speculating it is a girl. We honestly don't mind, boy of girl. Having another baby is a miracle in it self, and it being healthy is our second miracle. Gender, not so important...

I'll write Anke's 14 month update in a second post...

@ 13 months

2011-05-01T15:15:00.002-05:00

Anke is a walking talking "roaring" machine :)

She says Hallo to any and every one. When you answer the phone, she'll put her hand to her ear and say "Hallo!"

She not only Meauiws like a cat but also Roars like a lion! It is so so cute!

She now says "NO!", and the word "MOOI" which in context is Well Done. She will reply with "OK" when she agrees...

Her little personality is coming forward everyday. She is a very friendly, happy and loving little girl.

After 65(71) years

2011-04-13T03:40:00.000-05:00

How are you suppose to continue living after losing your life partner, best friend, companion, husband, father of your children, lover of 65 years of marriage?

Ouma Nel endured World War 2, moved across the world and raised 3 children with Oupa Bob!

Ouma Nel knows life only with Oupa Bob! At almost 90, how do you continue to live?

If you read this, please pray for Ouma Nel! She has endured life changing events in the last couple of weeks! Friday at 15h00 is Oupa Bobs funeral! She needs lots of strengthening prayer for her frail body and soul!

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Two very special visits

2011-03-25T04:10:00.003-05:00

Anke eating corn with her Grandma Ida on the Farm. a Very special visit on my moms birthday. It rained so much they had to come get us in town with the 4x4, for their road is a mud mit...

Anke with Great Grandma Loraine! Anke and I had a sleep over at Ouma on Tuesday. We moved all Oumas little picture frames and knick knacks to higher ground... Ouma enjoyed Anke so much.

Such a privilege to be a part of their lineage!

Moms musing

2011-03-17T02:56:00.001-05:00

FOOD
So last night Anke ate rice, chicken, carrots and peas! I made nothing specially for her, it was our normal dinner. She ate everything on her plate :).

If you know anything about our last 3 months, it has been a eating disaster. Anke would not let me feed her, so she ate no purity, nothing mashed up... She would not eat carrot, sweet potato or butternut (she loved all of the above as a baby).

So I would give her potato blocks, peas and cheese... She would eat bread with butter and sometimes w peanut butter.

Lately I've been sneaking spinach and grated carrot into her scrambled eggs :)

SLEEP
Anke wakes up at least twice a night. She drinks a bottle at 23:00ish and again at 3:00!
Last night, after her well balanced dinner, she woke up for her 23:00 bottle and again at 5 this morning! Wow, victory! I feel so much better having slept 6 hours without waking up!

Getting there, one day at a time!
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in one YEAR

2011-03-14T07:42:00.004-05:00

Our sweet Anke turned 1 last week! Wow, how time flies!

Just look at my teeth!!!

Anke is crawling so fast she is almost swimming :) ! She's not that confident with holding your hand and walking, but she is getting there. She stands up against any and everything. She now has 4 teeth!

Anke can say a few words like, Mamma, Pappa, Ouma, Oupa, Hallo (her favourite word). She says Eina (the word we use when you get a booboo, like ouch).

She sounds MOO for a cow, MEE for sheep, Ho Ho for an owl, and even the sound a monkey makes (I'm not going to try and write that down). She doesn't bark like a dog, or meaw like a cat.

She waves Tatta! Signs all done, more, down, milk.

She loves her Daddy, books and the new swing we hung in the garden.

She's figured out she has a belly button, and she's trying to whistle like her uncle Johan.

It is funny the emotions you go through, on your child's birthday. I remembered Martin and I getting ready in the hospital room, before they took us to the theater last year March 9th, it was almost 7 on a Tuesday morning. We knew we would hold Anke within the next couple of hours... Life Changing. Meeting that little 2,5kg baby girl, with a bunch of hair and small little nose, unforgettable.

The pictures was taken last week, I wanted to note how much she's grown in a year. Look at the little tiny tiny feet and the sleeping baby. Lots have happened in a year. Praise Jesus for ALL He has done for us!

I L*O*V*E THIS GIRL

Cape Town

2011-02-16T06:50:00.003-06:00

We are on our way to Cape Town!!!

The main reason - U2 Concert with Pierre, Anique and Bernard, but with the show comes a visit to our beloved Cape Town and the people we've come to love over 3 years.

We will arrive past 23:00 tonight... ridiculous right? They bumped our flight more than an hour ahead, eish. Anyhow, we will wake up in beautiful Cape Town. Martin will fly back mid Saturday morning.

Tomorrow we get to meet Isabelle Grace Willett, the first addition to Matt and Chereens family. I can hardly wait to hug them, and hold that sweet 3kg baby!

Anke and I'm getting to be at Zani's dedication Sunday at Doxa Deo Langeberg and visit with the family until next Saturday!

Here's to the weekend, and week to come!!!

Weekly Wonder

2011-02-01T22:35:00.003-06:00

Since we now live in the same City as my best and longest friend - Anke and I try to hang with Iska and Iwan once a week!

Iwan is 6 months older than Anke and they are loving each others company! Iwan just started walking, which seems to be a good motivation for Anke!

This is not just a play-date! Iska and I get a few hours of quality time, although most of it is spent on the floor, cleaning diapers, feeding etc...

Have I mentioned that both our husbands work for the same church? I love how God is true to His word when He says "I know the plans I have for you..."

My weekly wonder is my saving grace...

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Rain

2011-01-26T02:51:00.000-06:00

We are a ONE car family!

Martin commutes to work with his Scott Mountain bike but due to the unpredictable weather, Anke and I drop him of in the morning!

Well this morning, it started raining on our way to work... We dropped him of in medium rain!!!

On our way home it started RAINING so hard that I could hardly see the road! Ooooeee scary!

Anke fell asleep! So here I am, home but stuck in the car! It's about 30m from the car to the front door but it is still RAINING!

So if you can't go anywhere, stuck in the car, with a sleeping baby and a BlackBerry... BLOG
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Project - Roman Blinds

2011-01-23T00:07:00.007-06:00

Roman Blinds by a Perfectionist and optimistic Enthusiast...

Martin (the Perfectionist) help me (The Optimistic Enthusiast) yesterday to make the blinds I've been needing COURAGE for!

Our new rental has horrible windows, and you cant buy already made blinds. Her room is so light and bright that we are having a hard time napping in there. The Block Out material is so expensive, and due to the size of a Roman Blind, it just made sense to rather make some!

It was a fun project to do together.

So the project cost us just over R600. The blinds only about R250. We needed some tools for the project, that came out of the blinds budget. But next time the blinds will be cheaper :)

I used Anke's old green curtains, and saved even more.

I think she is happy with her new 'darker' room! and I think it looks BEAUTIFUL.

Curtains

2011-01-13T06:03:00.004-06:00

The windows in our new house are weird!!!

I'm actually anoid by the fact that I have not one curtain that hangs perfect... Most of them are about a half meter too short!!! I know insane.

I might make Anke's green curtains, into Roman Blinds. I found a great how to... Now I need to find the courage.

She has a window from wall to wall, and from ceiling to half way down... The current green curtains are too short.
This picture is from the previous room!

Val de Grace - Birds

2011-01-12T13:59:00.004-06:00

I got a Bird Guide for Christmas. Here are some of the beautiful birds I've seen in our Garden in Val de Grace, Pretoria.

1. I was sitting on the balcony. I could not get Anke to sleep, I was praying softly asking God to give me strength and patience. Suddenly I saw this beautiful bird with its rusty feathers in a tree not far from me... The Paradise Flycatcher! Needless to say, I felt better and it didn't take long before she was asleep!

2. If we open our bedroom curtains, it feels like we are in a tree. So last week, early one morning, Martin saw a couple of Red billed Wood Hoopoe's. We've never seen these before... it is a very cool bird :)

3. I spotted this little guy, the Black eyed Bulbul on Christmas, sitting outside with my dad. They call it a "butter bottem"... You will see why!

4. The Glossy Starling is a daily visitor.

5. Coming back from picking Martin up from work, I was a Black Gollared Barbet. Wow, first timer. Love living in this area!!!!

6. We have a couple of Olive Thrush birds, who are very regular visitors. They drink water in the garden and if you work in the garden a little, they are there to pick up any displaced bugs.

7. The Speckled Mousebird is so cute, it is as small as a mouse...

8. Cape White Eye birdies are beautiful and I see them daily! They make me smile! This is a picture I took of the "Glasogie" in our Tree.

We have 'normal' birds like doves... but we all know what they look like!!!

Sunday

2011-01-09T03:46:00.000-06:00

I decided to drive to church early in the hope that Anke would fall asleep on the way... And now I have a couple of minutes to write a quick blog!

Let me give you a run down of our new Sunday routine - Get up before 6, get out the door at 6:25 to drop Martin at church before the rest of the tech and worship guys get there before 7.

Anke and I go home (10km drive), eat breakfast and get ready for second service at 10:15. We should be home around noon!

Afternoon drill starts around 15:30ish. Most people with small children come to first night service at 17:30. I'm not sure what we are going to do yet... Because Anke will be sleeping if we go home after first service, and I'll have to drive back to church to pick Martin up.

Anyhow, we should all be home by 21:00ish...

Full Sunday at Doxa Deo Brooklyn! Exciting times :)
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How are WE?

2011-01-07T15:19:00.000-06:00

We've had so many people ask us how we are... So here we go!

We've been living in Pretoria, Gauteng Province for 3 weeks!

We've celebrated Christmas, our 6th year Anniversary and New Years in our new home...

Martin just finished his first full week at Doxa Deo Brooklyn, and he loves his new job!

He commuted 3times this week, about 10km one way! This is a good thing! There are a few (little) hills on the way...

Anke is doing well. She is learning to climb stairs, walking by holding on to everything and eats anything on the floor! We are anticipating her first tooth! I'm afraid she's going to have 8 at one time :)

We are planning a trip to Cape Town mid February. We have U2 tickets!!!!! We will stay with Martins family, we can hardly wait!

Schools open this week, so our lives are going to get hectic pretty soon!

I never did blog about Jon and Sara's visit! I will! I can say IT WAS FANTASTIC :)
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Praising Jesus

2011-01-04T02:28:00.002-06:00

I stand in awe of my Lord today!

After many years He has over exceeded my friends expectation!!!!

I love you Lord, and will Praise you always, for YOU know the plans you have for each of us.

Great Friends

2011-01-02T15:45:00.003-06:00

Today @ church (Doxa Deo Brooklyn) in the early pm service, Anke "followed" Iwan around...

She would crawl-follow him around.

She would crawl around him, find his eyes and smile @ him... The toy he picks up is the toy she wants, if he moved, she moved. They are so cute!

Only 6 months apart, and I just know they are going to be GREAT friends (just like their mommas :)...)

This picture was taken 6 months ago...

Eden Bell

2010-11-26T11:10:00.001-06:00

Please follow this link...

My fav book

2010-11-17T15:34:00.003-06:00

This morning Anke kept looking over my shoulder to the bookshelf.

I finally realized she recognized her baby animal book I left on the 'grown up' shelf yesterday.

She got so excited after I took it down, she couldn't wait to sit down and 'read' it...

She is so cute and L O V E S cats. It might be the sound they make? We are having so much fun with our 8 month old!!!

Thank you Jesus for giving us Anke!

Anke's Great Grandparents

2010-09-26T13:06:00.003-05:00

I've wanted to post these pictures for a while now...

just look at how privileged Anke is!

Oupa Bob and Ouma Nel Bravenboer, my father in laws parents.
They live here in Cape Town.

Oupa Matie and Ouma Rita Otto is my mother in laws parents.

They live in Pretoria.

Ouma Loraine Schutte is my moms mother. She is the only grandparent on my side!

She lives in Kemptonpark.

Women #16 - Retha Jacobs

2010-08-22T06:25:00.007-05:00

Retha Jacobs is my friend who LOVES LIFE PASSIONATELY.

Retha LOVES Christ with passion, she LAUGHS with passion, she PLAYS her piano with passion.

Do what ever you do with passion = RETHA

This picture was taken in 2008 in a small 'Boland' Town - McGreggor. Before this day, in 1999 we drank coffee in a coffee shop in McGreggor...

We met in 1999, we were first years at C-Kruis (13thFloor). We became such great friends and we shared so much 'life' in those years. On Thursday nights after packing the Truck, we had a rule: don't brush teeth or wash your face :) We spent hours day dreaming on our futures... We laughed so hard, it even makes me smile as I type

She currently is involved in a great ministry for girls - CRY GIRLS CONFERENCES

I L*O*V*E Retha

Your passion for people and life is inspiring my friend. You've taught me to live life without holding anything back!!!

Women #15 - Anel Alexander

2010-08-22T06:09:00.002-05:00

Anel Alexander (Fletti) - Anel and Pollie picked me up at the Pretoria Buss Station on New Years 1999. She was my Team Leader in C-Kruis (13thFloor). We became great friends during the next 2 years. We shared many laughs and many tears...

(photos might just embarrass both of us... so we'll keep those in the albums.)

Anel taught me things like - when you get up from your chair, push it in...

FAMILY is important.

Send that note, you never know how much someone may need it.

Birthday celebrations are necessary.

Eat an apple a day.

Know your values, and don't bend them...

Following your dreams, and do your best!

Anel was one of the most beautiful brides I've ever seen. She married her first LOVE and she loves Christ.

i L*O*V*E this girl

Women #14 - Annette Fourie

2010-08-22T05:56:00.003-05:00

Annette Fourie is my friend whom introduced me to the book Boundaries! It changed my life!

She was my counselor in C-Kruis (now 13thFloor) and we drank liters of Earl Grey Tea between 1999-2003. She helped me overcome a multiple of 'issues'. DANKIE ANNETTA!!!

Annette is a great Teacher, she has a gift to open 'old' scriptures to complete revelations! She has a loving husband and two beautiful little girls.

I L.O.V.E Annette - once you call her friend, you will always, call her friend.

Women #13 - Cobi van der Smit

2010-08-18T02:38:00.004-05:00

Cobi van der Smit could have been my mother!

As a little girl I often said she was my second mom. She has one son, my age. He was my first friend when we moved to Magaliesburg in 1987. We did everything a city girls isn't used too. Climb trees, shoot birds, hike... we had so much fun.

Cobi is a very talented artist... she can do many things - I think her biggest gift is sowing. She not only made my Matric Farewell dress, but also altered my USA bought wedding dress so that it fitted to the T, in a week :).

In this photo you can see my dress is longer at the back, she altered the front and sloped it to the back. She also took cm's from both sides to make it sit perfect on my hips! I loved my dress, and SHE perfected my Georgia bought wedding dress! STILL LOVE IT.

I LOVE Cobi's zest for life! Her passion for adventure, all things pretty, dainty and beautiful. Cobi got baptized not long ago, and is passionate about Christ.

I L*O*V*E you Cobi.

Women #12 - Amy Hunt

2010-08-16T04:58:00.002-05:00

Amy Hunt, my go getter friend!!! No goal is unreachable for AMY.

When Monte and Amy moved to Joplin, it did not take long for us to became friends. I don't even remember ever not being friends. Amy is such a big part of my USA life. She is the reason I know how to apply eye make up, had a dog named Rudi and the reason for 'all' my Pampered Chef Kitchen ware. If I ever have my own home business, she would be the motivation!

Amy is a fantastic Wife to Monte.

Amy is a wonderful passionate Mother to Gibson.

Amy is a serving member of the Church and LOVES Christ with all her being.

Amy is a great Mary Key Sales Rep!

Amy is a loving, caring, proud dog owner!!! (She loved Rudi, almost as much as we did.)

Amy is a girl always on the go - how I L*O*V*E my GO GETTER VRIENDIN.

One day we will sit in your red kitchen, around the table, eating Monte's great dinners, out of your red plates.

I can hardly wait my friend, I can hardly wait!

Women #11 - Vicki Spurrier

2010-08-16T04:24:00.004-05:00

Vicki Spurrier is a very good friend of mine, I will have Anke call her Auntie Vicki!

She is a wife, a mother, a home school teacher, a animal lover and a GREAT FRIEND. I remember meeting Vicki in the Summer of 2003. She was providing Believe with leather wristbands, that say REVEAL on them. She was this petite little thing with curly hair, and a very friendly smile. I just new her as Vicki then.

I saw her another time in 2004, at the dentist who was going to remove my one wisdom tooth... yes just one (I could not afford removing all 4). We greeted, and that was it.

2005 rolled by and Martin said he was going to teach a little guy from church, guitar. To my surprise, Vicki's son Michael was the student, and THIS WAS THE BEGINNING OF A GREAT FRIENDSHIP!

We went camping in Branson, MO with Marshall, Vicki, Makenna and Michael, and had so much fun! We ate till we dropped. Just look at our fun picnic table outside the RV. Goodness we had a great time. It rained that weekend, but that did not stop us from hanging with our 'family'!!! Our second vacation with them in TX was UNFORGETTABLE!!!

My most fond memories of the Spurriers are at their house, sitting around the kitchen table, playing games. WE LOVE THIS FAMILY.

Vicki and I spent hours, talking about life, family trees, being all sentimental... Vicki is one of the best gift givers I know. She will make a mental note of something you said, and when your birthday comes around, she gives the perfect wanted gift.

She bakes the best Christmas cookies EVER. And nowadays, she sends the best handmade Joplin chocolates from the Chocolate Factory for Christmas!

Vicki has a one year Bible, that has been read so many times, the ears curl. I L.O.V.E this Women.

She taught me to be sensitive.

To serve at home before you serve outside.

No one has to know it was you who did the good deed...

To be generous.

This picture was taken at my 27th birthday in our little Carthage house (with no doors).

Women #10 - Alice Smith

2010-08-13T22:47:00.003-05:00

Alice Smith was a teacher at my school whom introduced me to Christ. More than English, teaching and Russia, she loved Christ!

In 2006 our church did an evangelistic sermon series, and they encouraged the members of the church to sit down and write letters to the people who introduced them to Jesus Christ.

I want to share my letter with you (it was a post in 2006, and therefore I can share it) –

Dear Miss Alice,

It was 1995, and you were an English teacher at my high school who passionately taught British English to the Afrikaner Boertjies. (English was my second language).
Your class was fun and interesting. You taught us more than just English. You had lived in Russia over the last few years and had so much to share…

You told me about your life in Russia and how you were searching for something to fill the void in you. I understood those emotions. You told me how you went searching one night in Moscow and miraculously found your friend’s apartment where she introduced you to your Savior. You told the story with so much passion and peace. I realized I wanted to have what you had – passion and peace for something or Someone that was true and right.

You knew I grew up in the church. You knew the church’s history and how apartheid had taught our generation lies since we were little. You knew that religion and racism went hand-in-hand in my school, in my community, and in many of your students’ homes. It could not have been easy for you to ask me about my feelings towards black people. I did not really know what to think myself… I do know I was confused during those early years after the ‘94 elections when the government went through major legislative changes...

Jesus changed your life in a God-forsaken country, and I remember thinking to myself how awesome it must have felt – the God of the universe sought you out and found you and made you His.

You spent time with me and answered all my questions.

One day you asked if I would be willing to give up my Winter Vacation (3 weeks in June) to go on an outreach (missions trip) to a remote area close to Johannesburg! I felt honored but scared. How could a white Afrikaner make a difference in a rural community? You told me that we are never too young to tell people about Jesus.

I attended LSA (Love Southern Africa) ‘95, and that outreach to Manarandt changed my life. I saw people being transformed because of my God. I would never be the same after those 3 weeks!

You showed me how to fast with focus and how to pray diligently for the lost 10/40 Window in Africa. You gave me a passion for the truth and a passion to find the people beneath their colored skin. You introduced me to our Lord and helped me discover my passion for missions.

I’m thankful you took time, Alice. I’m thankful you did not give up on my rebellious teenager mentality. I thank the Lord that in 1995 you came along and changed my life!

I’m forever thankful.

Your friend and student,

Jani

Woman #9 - Toekie Bravenboer

2010-08-11T14:48:00.005-05:00

Toekie Bravenboer is my mother in law.

We met just before Martin & I got married in 2004.

I had no idea what an amazing mom I was being blessed with.

Today 6 years later, I JUST LOVE HER!!!

Ma Toekie is such a big part of my life. Even before Anke was born, I visited her once a week. Time always goes by too fast when I'm with her. We talk about any and everything.

We both enjoy drinking decaf coffee out of a beautiful cup and saucer or a printed mug.

We love the Ideas Magazine (if we really wanted, we could do almost every project they suggest), we both love chocolate, Wonki Ware, everything in Poetry, and dogs.

Ma Toekie calls her Mom, Ouma Rita, who lives in Pretoria at least once a week, if not every other day. She loves family and remembers even her sister's husband's birthday.

She has 3 sons, 2 daughters in law and 3 grandchildren. Both her parents is still alive.

She loves her husband!!! She has 2 girlfriends that meet once a week, we call them Femail-Meetings...

She will always open the door when the doorbell rings and she keeps leftovers in the freezer in case someone hungry comes knocking.

She loves to read, and has a fantastic general knowledge!

She printed every picture we emailed from the USA, and made a photo album.

She loves boardgames.

Ouma Toekie with Anke, just a couple of hours old. Look at that smile! A very proud Grandma!

I really L.O.V.E you Mom.

Woman #8 - Elita Maliepaard

2010-08-11T09:26:00.003-05:00

Elita Maliepaard is my cousin. She is married to Pieter and has two daughters, Elisha and Annemi. They live in Perth. This picture is a little outdated...

Elita is the older sister I never had. She is very artistic and I love her paintings. I still have one of her blocked women paintings.

She has strawberry blond hair and is much taller than I. We don't look anything alike! These are all my cousins about 16 years ago- Elita in the middle is holding Sugnet (Monica's daughter), I'm holding my sister Ilze (I'm wearing the flower pants :0)

She took me for a drive in her Mini after she got her license, to a pizza place down the road. She would bake muffins for breakfast if I visited her in her apartment. We once did an outreach together. Sold fundraising tickets at Edgars for a ministry who's name I can't even remember anymore.

We spent hours at the Kruger National Park with her family. I loved the early morning game drives, with coffee and 'beskuit' at the water hole, waiting for animals. Sleeping alone in her tent... The adventures.

Her cousin once burnt down a little straw-house we built on her granddads farm... The only thing that was left was two plastic puddles, that once where my new shoes.

We talked about kissing boys. Movies and piercings. Dreaming of one day, having our own children. I was always intrigued with her and her friends' adventures, for she was growing up in the City and I in the Country.

Elita can make the most beautiful flower arrangements, make amazing chocolate mouse and she can make a Christmas tree out of a dead branch.

Her girls always dress alike and is as cute as their mother.

She loves Pieter.

Elita chose to stay home with her girls... I love that.

My cousin, my sister serves Christ with her entire being. I really miss our adventures together.

Woman #7 - Monica Keller

2010-08-10T07:17:00.004-05:00

Monica Keller is my mothers youngest sister. She's always been there... I remember being a flower girl at her wedding, the birth of her first son. I remember what their house looked like when they first moved in... and I've seen her garden grow from a few flowers to a lavish paradise. I never called her Aunt. She's always been more of a friend.

This picture was taken Sept 2008

She has 3 beautiful children! All three dark hair, with blue eyes, and tall!

Monica will always testify of how faithful God is. She is a lover of Christ and it is very evident.

Monica has overcome breast cancer.

She planned an awesome 80'th birthday for Grandma Loraine.

She's almost done with her degree through UNISA.

She has the most beautiful smile!

I love her strong hugs, happy laughs, big feet and her own style!

I love it when she calls me JANELS.

My mom, with Monica and Elize... I think they are so so beautiful - Oct 2008.

Monica taught me to SMILE SMILE SMILE.

The Lord is my strength.

You are never to old to follow your dreams.

Family Family Family!

I just love this women!

Woman #6 - Elize Prinsloo

2010-08-10T07:02:00.004-05:00

Elize Prinsloo is my mother's sister.

Aunt Elize has a wonderful husband, Bert. They have 4 daughters, 2 son in laws, and 2 granddaughters. Their entire family live in Perth Australia.

Aunt Elize is CRAZY about her husband, they are one of the best roll models of how a marriage should be (according to me). They LOVE going on vacation, and will always do it style (even if they go camping).

Aunt Elize ran the Comrades Marathon, and finished. She made my Cousins wedding dress. She can decorate for any magazine and cook on any show...

Things my Aunt taught me - Love and serve Christ. Love your family. Love your children. Be good to your body. What you put in, you get out. Use gift wrap paper that is big enough and ‘new’ (even if it was used) to let the receiver know you really care! If you visit with friends be home before your husband, and make him feel like the KING of his castle! Live in the NOW.

Thank you for taking me with on vacation all those years. Your family installed so many core values in my life. LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU.

This picture was taken in Paarl in 2008. They visited Cape Town, and took Martin and I for lunch!

Women #5- Sara L Hill

2010-08-09T00:43:00.006-05:00

Sara Hill is nothing less than a sister to me.

The day I met Sara was 16 May 2003. I arrived in the Oklahoma City Airport where she and Janese was waiting for me. I was met with such a big smile, I knew we would be forever friends.

Sara taught me everything I know about Excel, Access and how to scrapbook for hours. She took me to my first Tairobics class with a bunch of fun ladies. She introduced Starbucks and Crispy Cream Donuts to me - my life will never be the same again. We shared hotels rooms, ideas, tears and many laughs. We dug in the garden and planted many plants in their Webb City Garden. We painted many walls, rolled many shirts and counted many $'s.

I believe Sara is the BEST Administrative Assistant anyone can ever have.

Sara loves Jesus, her family and Monacle Pizza. She is a 'old fashioned' girl like me and loves anything handmade. She makes the best handmade cards and banana bread.

This was the last 'family' picture of us four. Thanksgiving 2007. This was the best thanksgiving Martin & I ever attended.

After Martin & I got married, Jon and Sara moved all our belongings into our new apartment, without us knowing and by the time we arrived back from South Africa and the first Believe, our Apartment on Road was all set.

WE LOVE YOU GUYS.

We spent countless hours in a bus, a people mover, van or car. We covered the US from coast to coast. Sara's mom still signs her emails: "your US mom and dad". That is just how Sara is, always sharing what she has.

This picture was taken at Bush Gardens on one of our 'family' trips to Jons parents in Virginia.

Sara loves JON.

WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS IN DECEMBER!!!!

Women #4 - Iska Trollope

2010-08-08T08:01:00.003-05:00

Iska Trollope is my bestes friend in the whole world!!!

We became friends in our junior year in high school. Now people will meet us separately and say we look alike, talk alike even laughs alike… I don’t know what they are talking about.

Iska knows me inside out. We’ve had endless hours of life experience together… Eating, camping, driving, swimming, walking, sleeping, laughing, studying, dreaming, tanning, philosophizing, praying, praising, crying…

We love to wear each others clothes, drink wine, drink coffee, eat chocolates and sushi!

She knows who I kissed first, she knows how I got the scar on my knee, she knows what my real singing voice sounds like and she knows how I feel about most things in life. I can honestly say, Iska knows me just a tad less than Martin.

Iska is one of the 'strongest' friends I have. Iska grabs life by the horns, and lives it. She is married to a great guy, Etienne. She has a beautiful 11month old son, Iwan. They have two dogs, Chillie and Klara. She is a radiographer and has great great ball sense.

She LOVES Jesus.

Iska traveled extensively, and has seen more of our world than I think most of us... Thank you for coming to see me in the USA in 2004 Issa!!!

One thing Iska has taught me is to make Lemonade our of lemons. Thank you for sharing your Van Voorst family values with me. I LOVE YOU!!!

Women #3 - Ilze Potgieter

2010-08-08T07:22:00.003-05:00

Ilze Potgieter is my sister.

She was born a month early in the year I turned 12. She is the youngest of 4. She is a beautiful blond and is 18 1/2 years old. She will be 'graduating' from 'high school' at the end of 2010.

Ilze loves my Mom, where mom goes, she goes...

Ilze loves her Grandma Loraine.

She loves her cousins, all 3 of them.

She loves babies.

She loves horses, dogs and most animals in general.

Ilze is crazy about HM (Hannah Montana...)

She loves to watch Oprah and 7de Laan with my mom

She has her own tv and video player in her room and watches the same Barbie movies, over and over and over again.

She keeps her room neat and clean, most of the times.

She helps my mom in the kitchen with setting the table and unpacking the dishwasher.

Ilze loves Jesus, and will sing praise songs all day long. If she did something wrong, she'll pray and ask for forgiveness... (I love that about her, so honest and without pretense).

Ilze has taught me to love unconditionally. To laugh at yourself and to enjoy the small things in life.

No matter how 'disabled' you are, YOU are here, so BE HERE and live YOUR best life.

Woman #2 - Loraine Hope Schutte

2010-08-07T13:36:00.006-05:00

Loraine Hope Schutte is my grandmother (and I think I look like her...)

Ouma Loraine will be 82 in October. I JUST LOVE HER. She still lives in her own 3 bedroom townhouse, opposite a retirement village. I don't think she is planning on ever moving across the street...

Ouma Loraine has 4 children, my mom is the 2nd. My grandpa died more than 20 years ago... and Ouma never remarried. She has 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Ouma loves her children, she would do anything for any of us.

She loves Christ. One of my first memories of her is on the farm in Magaliesburg, I was about 11. Grandpa had died already so she slept with me in my room. I woke up early the Saturday morning to find Ouma already upright in bed with her Bible open on her lap... She is like a cornerstone to our family. I believe we've overcome many hardships because we have her, our prayer warrior. She still has a Bible Study group!

Before flying back to Cape Town after Anke and I visited my family, we stopped at her house (she lives close to the airport). She walked to the shop to buy fish and chips for us... So as we turn up her street, we see this little old lady with a basket, walking slowly. IT IS HER. Oh how fond I am of her.

She loves flowers, and her garden is always 'overfull', she loves sales and always hunts for a bargain. We can never leave without cleaning our plates - waste not want not.

She will always send a birthday card and include a verse, such as Ps 23:1 or Phil 3:14.

Ouma Loraine has taught me to love Christ first.

Pray with expectancy.

Love your family, you did not choose them.

Reuse, recycle and save where you can.

This picture was taken in 2008. Blog about the 80th birthday...

Woman #1 - Ida Louise Potgieter

2010-08-07T01:56:00.006-05:00

Ida Louise Potgieter is MY mother.

My mother loves Jesus, her family and could not care less if she had no money in the bank. She has a husband (Izak Johan Hendrik Potgieter), 4 children (Ben, Johan, Ilze and I), + 3 (Elanie, Martin and Chanel)... She is a passionate grandmother of 3 (Luan, Vian and Anke) and friends dating back 5o years... Yip, she has a heart like a South African Taxi - always seats for more.

My mother is a teacher at a public school, and she will pay each matriculant R500 if they get an 80% at the end of the year in her subject (don't tell the department of education)... Once a year she takes her students to the OR Tambo Airport, yes, she gets a local taxi and of they go to J'burg.

Louise means warrior... as a little girl my mom overcame polio. She is such a warrior. My mother has moved more in her life than what you can count on both hands. She is packing as I'm typing.

She taught me to LOVE people passionately. Forgive continually. Serve Christ first. Never never never give up on someone. Money can never buy relationships...

I honor you Mom for imparting a piece of you in me! I.LOVE.YOU

August - Celebrating Women

2010-08-07T01:52:00.002-05:00

So in August, we celebrate all kinds of women! Why not write about the special influential women that is a part of who you are today...

Each day in August (I'm already behind) I'll post a note, picture or both about a women in my life...

Enjoy!

momsgroup #1

2010-08-04T04:27:00.002-05:00

Samual was a boy after God's own heart!

He heard God's call... and answered Him. He listened to what God had to say, and he responded to the voice of the Lord, "Here I am!...Speak, for your servant hears" - 1 Sam3:4,10

Where does such a heart come from? First and foremost, from God Himself! We can also ad that not far behind is a MOTHER (after God's own heart).

Hannah prayed to God and vowed to give her son to Him - 1Sam1:11, and so she did at a tender age of 3 years she gave Sam to Eli, the Priest.

Imagine Hannah's love for God... Imagine what she taught Sam during those first years of his life about God. Oh how she must have loved God... To follow through with her promise, to give Sam back (up).

I pray that I can be a mother like Hannah! Having a burning dedication to God and to teach and train my children to follow HIM, to know HIS voice and to answer HIS call.

Resource - a Mother after God's own heart, Elizabeth George.

because Jesus said so

2010-07-27T02:15:00.002-05:00

Jesus said (in Mark 10:14): "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

Welcome Martin

2010-07-21T07:17:00.001-05:00

This is my 196th blog entry. I started this blog in 2005. It was mainly to keep my South African friends and family up to date with our lives... Today, it is just the opposite. I blog in english to keep my American friends up to date. So much has happened since I started this blog... I love it. Life is to short to not share it.

My awesome husband is entering the blog world.

Go read his first blog - http://bravemanmartin.wordpress.com/

Anke 4 months TODAY

2010-07-09T02:50:00.003-05:00

Our Baby girl is 4 months old today. I can't believe it. Time has gone by so so fast. Having a baby changes everything. You forget almost entirely about yourself...

Anke LOVEs

- her Daddy, her eyes light up when she hears him. I love it.

- her Grandma Toekie. She starts 'talking' when Grandma is 'in the house'... so cute.

- her playmat. She is kicking and batting the hanging toys.

- her NUK bottles and Doemsie. When she sees it coming she excitingly opens her mouth and ads a soft cute happy cooo

Anke HATEs

- getting dressed and sitting/getting into her car seat. She screams as if we are pulling her hair. It is a less pretty sight.

- tummy time... this is not good I know, but what can we do.

She is drooling all over the place! She will try and stick her entire fist into her mouth, it is so funny to see. There is no sign of teeth though... I'm thankful.

Anke is sleeping well. Still has two feeds at night one at 2ish and one at 5ish. She will drink her bottle and go right back to sleep. Thank you baby!

About introducing solids, she is not finishing her 150ml bottle yet, so we are thinking of adding food at around 6 months. We will go with her needs rather than a time table. If you have any revelations about what to start with, please give me a shout. Cereal? Vegetables? I just don't know yet.

4 Months down... L.O.V.E it! If you (and your spouse) are considering having children GO FOR IT! Life is to short to live for yourself.

Bernard took this amazing photo of Anke! He is so talented!

P.L.A.A.S (farm)

2010-07-07T08:37:00.005-05:00

I cant believe it has been 'n month since we've had our mini vacation...

Anke and I visited my parents in Magaliesburg in June and we had so much fun. Both my mom and sister in law are teachers, and due to the Soccer World Cup, the South African schools are closed for 5 weeks. Chanel, my brothers girlfriend is in school to become a teacher, so we had a fantastic time together, and yes we talked about school some...

My family prepared a baby room for Anke, with a compactem and cot. She is so LOVED.

Ben and Elanie's boys, Luan (5) and Vian (1,5) was there most of the time. They are the cutest things. Luan LOVEs the outdoors and we only saw him for lunch... Vian loves his aunt Ilze.

We scrap-booked and talked non stop for days (we did stop to sleep...). My mom took Anke into her room at night, so I got to sleep straight through. That was AWESOME.

Ilze was so sweet with Anke. At the end of our time together she said: "Now if you need me to come and help with Anke, just call me." LOVE HER! She rocked her to sleep twice, and that made her so confident. She still talks about her own children, and then adds that her husband will clean their diapers. LOVE HER EVEN MORE.

Let me not forget. Team Portugal was staying in Magaliesburg (of all places) and they practiced on our high school grounds... so funny. They (Magalies) painted a bridge green and red in town for the team... way to go city counsel.

Making new friends

2010-07-07T07:56:00.005-05:00

Anke and I visited Iwan and Iska a month ago, during our visit to Magaliesburg! We spent one night and morning with them. Just look at these two... BFF's, can't you tell :)

Iwan is so F.U.N, a very joyful 9month (almost 10 month) old and Iska is an absolute natural and GREAT mommy.

Love hate relationship

2010-05-21T03:04:00.004-05:00

It is called a Pacifier or Dummy here in South Africa, but dummy sounds so dumb... so we call it a Doemsie.

Even before Anke was born, it was decided that she would use a Doemsie. It is very helpful when in church (I saw this work for a friend of mine) specifically when baby starts to fuss or goooh or cry, you know those things they do.

We had two NUK Doemsies in our hospital bag, ready as can be. We came home with both, and a baby that didnt care to use either. So my pinkie finger became the choice... Ok that is just weird right. Of we went to the pharmacy, to find a Doemsie in the shape of my pinkie finger.

Pigeon makes these really bright and big Doemsies... and you know it. They look like my pinkie finger. So there we have it, one week old and finally smitten over her Green or Orange Doemsie. How about making a white or pink Doemsie, Pigeon?

As a 10 week old, we are now playing a game - Anke falls asleep with her Doemsie, it falls out of her mouth, Anke wakes up and cries, Mommy to the rescue, put it back in Ankes mouth, who falls asleep, to start the game over again.

So there you have my love hate relationship with the Pigeon Doemsie that look like my pinkie finger.

(Picture taken by www.bravenboer.co.za Anke 2 weeks old, sleeping on Grandma Toekies lap.)

Update: 7 weeks and counting

2010-05-04T04:40:00.004-05:00

Being a mom is FANTASTIC! During the last week, Anke has grown so much! She is reacting to our voices and kicks her little legs when ever she is awake! At almost 2 months, we are daily growing more inlove with this little girl. How big can your heart get?

She is now outgrowing the Tiny Baby clothes approaching 0-3 month attire. She weighs 3.38kg's and has grown 7 cm's since birth (52cm's long). I took this picture yesterday, when we were having some fun in between naps. This baby grow was way to big 6 weeks ago... Isn't she just too cute.

Anke is on 6 feeds a day. 3 Breast milk and 3 Nan, all 6 bottle feedings. She is a good sleeper. Usually sleeps from 23:00 - 04:00. This morning however she slept till 5:30! I LIKE!

This was all three the boys' 'going home suite', that is Martin and his 2 brothers I'm speaking of. Anke had to try it on, and just look how cute...

30

2010-03-23T08:50:00.002-05:00

Wow... without me really grasping 23/03/2010, it is here. Today is my 30th birthday. Not only am I a wife to a fantastic husband, but I'm also a mommy to an adorable two week old baby girl. I'm so proud, I can hardly stand it.

Except for being spoiled by Martin, and receiving Anke two weeks ago, sms's and phone calls, a cake from my sweet mother in law - I was completely overwhelmed by Sara's Blog... GO READ IT!

So you will understand why I'm so over excited!!! We haven't seen our friends since 2007. Oh the joy of hugging them tight (I promise we will not kiss you).

I'm a very happy 30 year old, who is very blessed.

The Latch

2010-03-23T08:41:00.003-05:00

No one can prepare you... the first 24hours with Anke home was very hard. I called a nurse friend of my 7o'clock the next morning, in tears. "Can you come over?" I said in a very close to tears voice. It was just hard.

We could not get THE LATCH, and if you know anything about breast feeding... there is nothing without THE LATCH. So after pumping breast milk, and using a dropper, we got the milk on the breast and motivated Anke to latch... this went on for 4 days. Thanks to Carla (my nurse friend) and my dearest Mother in law and ANKE (breastfeeding is a team sport) we've got this thing DOWN!!!

In this photo Anke is chilling with her Daddy. She is one week old in the photo, time does go by very quickly.

Pre Anke

2010-03-23T08:36:00.002-05:00

The week before Anke was born, my dearest brother in law Bernard, whom is a fantastic photographer, took some photos of my 38 week pregnant belly... follow the link to see a few.

ANKE LOUISE BRAVENBOER

2010-03-16T08:53:00.003-05:00

Anke Louise Bravenboer was born on 9 March 2010 at 08:28 - we are overwhelmed and excited by this new addition to our family! Here's some pics, enjoy!

Moyo

2010-02-19T08:32:00.004-06:00

Moyo is the Swahili word for Soul. No we don't speak Swahili in South Africa but this restaurant is called Moyo and believe me, it is SOULFUL.

My family from Perth, Australia visited South Africa, and come to Cape Town for a few days. In the picture is my moms younger sister, Elize and my cousin Lizanne. I have not seen Lizanne since 1999!!! She is al grown up and I just LOVE this girl.

We had a lovely night telling stories, up in a 'treehouse', with African drums making music, painted faces (which is a Xhosa tradition, when you are celebrating something) and so much food, we could hardly get to the decaf coffee after desert.

Martin & I felt completely blessed after our time spent with the Prinsloo's. One day, we will get to visit their 'Treehouse'!!!

WigNick

2010-02-17T00:07:00.002-06:00

One of my friends, Wanda had her birthday one month after the actual day... It was a Pick Nick, but with a Wig... a WIGNICK...

I just love this picture of Martin & I!!! I'm 34 weeks pregnant in this picture.

2010.

2010-01-18T04:52:00.002-06:00

It is the 18^th day of this year and so much has happened!

My dear sister turned 18! We ate cake with her while they were still here…

Ferdi and Lelanie’s baby girl, Mieke was born on the 13^th – waying in at 4.3kg!!!

Martin went back to work.

I’ve enrolled for 4 subjects this year at UNISA. Taking it s.l.o.w.

We are in the third trimester of our pregnancy (week 32). I’m getting very uncomfortable…

Our baby room is complete; all we need now is Baby. Martin did an awesome job with the cot and bed (pics to follow).

We had a funeral at church.

Martin did his first sermon for 2010! His message was about Christ in Me.

Family in Cape Town

2010-01-04T00:53:00.004-06:00

My parents and Ilze arrived on 26/12!!! We are having so much fun. More pics to follow...

Martin and my dad getting ready to braai some ribs!!! Yummy
Franschoek at the Hugenote Monument

Getting a tour of the Cape Town Harbour on the Shozaloza.
Wine route - the mountain behind us is called The Simonsberg. This wine farm is called Delheim.

Hope

2009-12-22T00:20:00.002-06:00

At our church, you are not just a member of Doxa Deo, you are a partner. What I love about this concept is it is not just the pastor who can pray for the sick, care for the needy and council the broken hearted.

I received a call on Sunday morning. I church 'partner' of mine, had picked up a 19 year old, white girl who was on her way to a shelter on Saturday afternoon. (Some back ground on shelters in our area - WE DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH!!!!) This colleague, decided to be this young girls shelter for the night. She was being Jesus. She brought her to church and then tried to reconcile this young girl with her foster family... She gave this homeless girl HOPE.

I can say many things - one the South African Welfare let this girl down! (I can't give any detail about this case). If someone cared enough for her (10 years ago), she would be able to write, read and have some sort of an education. But now, she is hopeless. She can barely read. Who will take her in?

This morning I was reading Stefany Heads blog, and I so wish she could be one of the Doxa Deo's Partners... do yourself a favour and go read her entry!!!

May the desire of our hearts be to be like Christ in this time!

Just Wrong!!!

2009-12-17T12:50:00.002-06:00

what happened to Jani?

I have not blogged in forever... due to life that just passed me by as I was studying, project leading, 'churching', being pregnant... I can go on.

Update -

* We are 27 weeks pregnant, with a baby girl. Our due date is March 15th, 2010! 88 more days to go!!! I've enjoyed the second trimester. I wasn't as tired and moody... yes I was moody in the first trimester. Baby is moving a lot, she is still facing upwards with her legs stretched all the way down... she is tiny and not yet 1kg!

* I passed all my subjects!!!

* We raised funds like crazy for Thembiso.

* In the middle of moving, again. Yes we have moved 4 times since we got married, and moving again this weekend. It is a three bedroom little house, in a complex called Strawberry Field.

* My parents and Ilze will visit us from after Christmas till the first week of January. EXCITED...

* Martin & I will be married 5 YEARS at the end of the month!!! I'm so excited, being married is still the biggest blessing and best choice (except for accepting Christ as my Saviour) I ever made.

* I've been working on my quilt, for those of you who can remember it... The one I started before moving back to SA. I'm finally busy quilting. I found material for the back that is perfect and have all the colours the quilt does, as if I bought it in 2007 with the quilt material.

Proud of My Man

2009-10-11T03:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday a year ago, I did my first Cycle Challenge and Martin won his amazing road bike. This year, Martin had to do it alone. He was brave and did the 99km race from Wellington to Riebeeck Kasteel in the wine lands, and yes, it was hilly and the wind was blowy…

I received a TEXT saying: I'M ALIVE!!! That was after 3 ½ hours, I cant help but be proud of of Man.

He is becoming a great cyclist, and with it comes a great body :). Even though he was half dead yesterday, the trip was a very good lesson. PRACTICE MORE.

I love you, my MAN!!!

Pregnant

2009-09-09T03:25:00.002-05:00

We are 13 weeks pregnant!!!

Amazing.

No.words.to.explain.

God.is.faithful.

We have our second OB visit on Thursday. So excited. Our 8 week visit was great, once again - no.words.to.explain.

My man has been great!!! I love him so much. Can hardly wait to see him grow as a DAD. Martin is currently busy remodeling the cot he slept in as a baby. Oupa Bob made it 32 years ago. So excited. I'll post pics later.

To all my other pregnant friends - Monte and Amy, Iska and Etienne, Chris and Rachel, Elsabe and Johan, Cornel and Coenie, Charnette and Andy. CONGRATS and ENJOY.

Farm House

2009-08-11T08:53:00.004-05:00

This house, is my farm house...

I lived here from age 7 to 12 with my parents! I have the best childhood memories here. Ben and I played for hours in the dirt, kraal, dam any thing farm related. Our last two family members where born during our time here...

The house was changed some, but the basic grey tin roof and white washed walls are how I remember this house. My dad grew up in this house, and there are two graves on the farm. It is my great Grandparents Potgieter.

Martin & I visited my parents in April and my dad took us to the farm. I think it was more bitter sweet for my dad to be on his family farm... But it was good, it brings healing. This warm is now used as a vacation farm house and the land is rented to other farmers in the area.

I hope you enjoyed some Potgieter Hystory!

hannah montana?

2009-07-14T01:16:00.002-05:00

I have been Hannah Montana'fied the last couple of weeks. Stickers, cellphone sock, wallet... the movie!!! I'm telling you I'm even singing along with the CD.

Ilze is flying home in 2 days. She is counting... It has been a long stretch for her, but so good. She is a very brave little girl.

It is very cold the last couple of days, so we are staying home, under blankets, watching movies. How fun is that!!!

Oh, the picture was taken on Sunday after church. Ilze dressed like HM as you can see... So sweet.

First 5 days

2009-07-05T03:20:00.002-05:00

Since Ilze arrived, we have been so busy! The pic

She was so brave and loved the airplaine experience! She talks about the family constantly, but calls home when she misses my mom. She is a very brave little girl.

Wednesday night we had dinner with Anique and Pierre. I realized that Ilze is used to taking a bath after dinner… she wanted to take her bath at their houseJ!

Thursday: we spent the morning at my mother in Law and were spoiled! Ilze watched an Afrikaans TV Kids Channel the entire morning. A friend of mine let Ilze borrow her childrens DVD’s while they are on vacation! She got to pic more than 10!

Friday morning we spent coloring in and watching Heidi! In the afternoon we said hallo to the babies at Thembiso. Spent some time at the library and Ilze had a great idea to have dinner at KFC!

Saturday morning we got up early and drove to Canal Walk. There we saw a show – SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS. We loved it. They sang, so Martin did not come with us J (not surprised…)

Ilze is crazy about Hannah Montana! We will go see the movie on Tuesday and maybe buy the soundtrack (the thing is so expensive)!

one more day

2009-06-30T03:01:00.001-05:00

Ilze will arrive tomorrow at 2pm and we are so ready for her! We borrowed a bed from my mother in law, I got the cutest duvet cover from a friend to spoil her with (it is lilac with fun flowers) and we are going to see Snow White and the seven dwarfs on Saturday... So FUN.

We are ready Missy!!!

Update

2009-06-19T04:58:00.005-05:00

The last couple of weeks were CRAZY!!!!!! We had an outreach with our Young Adult Ministry, read Wanda’s blog.

Martin preached that Sunday night, and this always stresses me out! The preparation happens to late, because there usually is no time because of all the other things going on in a week. You know Martin, this just doesnt work for him.

Preaching is not the last thing he did - he actually married a couple last week! I know God is stretching him way more than we ever thought he could be stretched. We had to rent a suit, and borrow a tie... I'm telling you, it was a stretching experience. Bernard took the photo's so it was fun to have the brothers at the same wedding. See Bernards photo's of Fred and Frans wedding!

To make all this worse, Martin had to get a Voltarin Shot on Monday. His neck went into a spasm! My poor man! But that evening we went to a show at the Barnyard Theatre. It is was a fundraising event and Pierre, one of our dear friends drummed at the event. It was great. The theme was French Connection.

The most exciting news is that Ilze is coming to visit us (me)!!! God provided a ticket and she is flying by herself! She will be here from July 1- 16th! This will give my mom an opportunity to take a break and relax for a few weeks. I can hardly stand it, we are going to have so much fun!

Jordan is HOME

2009-06-03T05:59:00.003-05:00

Meet Nate and Stef, they are some of our American friends. They have been in the process of adopting from Ethiopia since we left the USA in 2007. Baby Jordan arrived in the USA yesterday.

He is officially their SON!

I've never seen Stef so happy! This is a wonderful couple who has an amazing story and I'm so thrilled for their new journey to begin!

Here are some amazing emotion filled pics if you want to see the airport meeting in Kentucky with friends and family.

SMITTEN

2009-05-29T10:36:00.003-05:00

HOW CAN YOU PASS THIS PICTURE UP!!!

This is Ben and his son Luan,

both dressed in their Provincial Rugby Team Shirts - The Lions.

Print this one Grandma!

Next Potgieter Generation

2009-05-21T11:13:00.003-05:00

Here are Ben and Elanie's two boys! Luan and Vian. They are just the quietest little guys. My friend Nadia visited them, and send me these pictures. Thank you friend! I just love Vian's big shoes and his expression. Luan just always smile!

I'm in the middle of exams and we have a women camp this weekend, too much going on! I designed the work booklet and it was fun, it is a 22 page A4 book. I'm proud!

Amazing Grace

2009-05-11T08:35:00.002-05:00

My wonderful husband had the opportunity to teach about Amazing Grace last night. His sermons to me, are always AWESOME... (I am his wife if you think I'm biased)!

He was telling the story of how he won his R20 000 Swinn Bicycle last year in a lucky draw! And how he had to TAKE it as a gift, even though he did nothing to deserve it... But also TELL others about the gift. You can do the take home of the sermon yourself.

I don't believe in luck! I do believe that God knew we could never afford any bicycle close to Swinn. So He just gave Martin one!!! And believe me, he is using it!!! Our God is so faithful and even in the small or big things HE always knows best.

and thank God for AMAZING GRACE.

Ilze on Solo

2009-04-22T04:50:00.004-05:00

Here she is on her beloved Solo! This horse is just so relaxed and calm... round and round all day long. He will do just what you tell him to... perfect for Ilze. She has riding lessons each week at a school called Carenton.

21

2009-04-22T04:42:00.002-05:00

My baby brother, Johan... turned 21 on the 2oth!!!

He is such a great guy! He loves kids, computers, rugby, family and his girl friend! Martin and I missed his dress up party, but my family promised me some pics! I can not believe how big and handsome he is!

I love you Johannes!!!

Baby M Update

2009-04-19T10:36:00.000-05:00

It is an honor to write this blog! After his two major operations and being in the hospital for more than a month, Baby M is a happy and fun 7 month old. We've grown very fond of him... This is not all...

Baby M found a forever family and was placed on Saturday! We praise our Lord for hearing our prayers!!! He has two sisters and a brother!

No child should ever be lonely or abandoned!

Thank you for your prayers! Our God is faithful.

Vacation

2009-04-19T10:13:00.003-05:00

Martin and I had our first vacation since the beginning of November! It was 16 days during Easter. It was needed! We did some fun things, here is our list...

- Open a savings account! Yes after being back in South Africa for more than one year we had to listen to Dave R. and just open the thing. We had to save R10 000 to open it so it took us a while.

- Join the gym! Because of winter, we can not ride our bikes in the morning because it is to dark. So we decided to join Virgin Active!

- Ride our bikes - We did some Mountain biking on a winery, we did some entry level roads between the patches of wine land. Durtopia is its name. It was beautiful. I'll post some of the pictures!!!

- Visit my parents for a week, saw Ilze ride! She is amazing on a horse and I am so proud of her. We saw Ben's second son, Vian at 2 months and my baby brother Johan who played rugby one day, so we saw that!!! A fun packed week.

- Visit with Martins family! Ons Easter Friday, we ate cake at his parents with all his grandparents and the grand baby, Reichard!! It was awesome. To have all four your grandparents no matter how old they are is a blessing!!! We enjoyed our time with them!!!

- Visit the Aquarium - WE HAD TO DO THIS. Martin often wakes up with dreams of his tanks... I think this was one of hardest things he had to let go off.

- Do some gardening - we finally found a Japanese Maple Tree!!! We planted it in a pot so it will move with us one day if we can buy a house. It was only R125.00 (just over $10!!!) We had to buy it.

- Watch the Borne Movies in a row - Visit my pregnant Iska friend - Buy a coach - Visit with friends - Day visit to Franschoek a little town in the 'boland' (highlands).

Gift

2009-03-28T07:52:00.002-05:00

I was surprised with a Head Board for my birthday!!! I think our room looks like a Pottery Barn show room... I LOVE IT!

Our Garden

2009-03-23T08:36:00.004-05:00

I still think we moved to Bakersfield because we felt so drawn to the garden is disarray!

It was January and had not seen water in months. The grass was dead and the landscape was non existing.

This is the first glimpse of the garden when you walk out of the back door. The bush against the wall is a peach tree!

More amazing before and after pictures to follow soon.

WE DID IT

2009-03-09T05:36:00.002-05:00

Here we are (before the race), brave and ready! Bernard took the photo in the parking garage at around 7am.

Out of the 35 000 entries, 26 000 cyclists finished! The wind was EXCRUCIATING, and if you think I'm EXAGGERATING... I'M NOT! It took us 5 and a half hours to finish the 110km race. At one stage, we had to get of our bikes and push them, for the wind was blowing cyclist over!

Martin & I came in around the 15 000 mark and I was 1707th of the ladies! Cool. Bernard finished an hour before us! He did an awesome job!!!

I'll try and post more photo's later.

It was however beautiful and I loved it. I will do it again!

Cape Argus Cycle Tour

2009-03-07T13:46:00.002-06:00

IT IS FINALLY HERE!

We are trained and ready to go! We will be on the road from 9:24 - 14:00'ish, tomorrow. It will be a 108km of beautiful scenery and amazing sportsmanship. We circle the Cape Peninsula, with the wind at 40knots against us for the first half of the race, and behind us on the stretch home.

Martin will be riding with me, as it is my first Argus. Bernard his brother is also riding, I think he will finish before us.

I'm so excited! I've never done an endurance race this beautiful, so be sure to come and read the update on the experience!

SUNSHINE

2009-02-21T23:48:00.003-06:00

She is loving, caring, fun, true and a ray of sunshine in my life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA!!!

How I miss the doughnuts and coffee, the couch visits and dinners at your house. Holidays at either of the parents, shop till we drop and movies with our men...

Love you friend.

English Paper & Update

2009-02-21T23:38:00.003-06:00

So have I have a paper to write on the Death Penalty. I have so much information I don't know if I can ever get it all in 3 pages. Opposing? In favour? Well we will have to wait one more week for a complete conclusion!

Martin & I finished the 121km last Saturday. It was a grueling experience for me. The first 80km was great and then we hit the wind and it took as as long to finish the last 40km as the first 80km!!! 5 and a half hours!!! Yes, this is what I call INSANE!!!!

The Argus is closing in on us, and we are not getting enough time on the bikes... to0 busy, to0 tired, to0 dark in the morning and to0 windy late afternoon...

Baby M is out of the hospital and finally getting better at 'home'!

Time Flies

2009-02-10T04:39:00.007-06:00

STOP THE BUS!!! You know when life flies by you and before you know it, weeks have past... yip, that's me. I don't even recall the last time I sat down and read a blog.

My brother Ben and his wife Elanie had their second baby boy on Friday. Vian Potgieter was 3.5kg and 50cm! He is the cutest little thing. Luan is so excited to be a big brother!!!

We moved, wow, that is long ago, here's the promised picture (of a month ago). Bakersfield 21! We love it!!!

I had a wonderful time with my grandma and aunt a few weeks ago, they visited Cape Town for a week. Grandma and I did family tree for two days (and thank you to Vicky we got so much done)!

This Saturday we will be riding a 121km bike ride!!! Insane? YES. It is in preparation for the big ride on March 8th? Cape Argus!

Our womens ministry is in the second week of Beth Moore, a woman's heart! Today we are at 56 entries! God is great, and so all the friends who helped us with the material!

Our Young Adult ministry is taking of also, we will have a RED congregation on Wednesday. We are trusting God for young people to stand up and follow HIM.

Baby M is still in the hospital! It is crazy. There is still a leakage in the skull, but he is doing well and will be 5 months old on the 11th!

Love you guys (and please blog more...)

One step at a time

2009-01-28T01:04:00.004-06:00

Stef & Nate is adopting from Ethiopia! They finally received the referral. A perfect 4 weeks old baby boy, that they named Jordan! God is so faithful! Congratulations!

Baby M is doing much better. I visited him for about 2 hours yesterday. He wants to sit and talk which makes me believe he is going to be just fine! I'll be there again this afternoon - doing my Cheerleading.

We are starting the Young Adult ministry tonight with small group and a hike & picnic on Saturday. Please pray for this ministry!

The Beth Moore women's bible study is starting next Thursday. We have 31 women, in counting. Everyone is so excited about this study. (They are in for a surprise!!!) Thank you to each one of you that helped us with getting the material!!!

Sometimes I feel like a chicken running with my head chopped off. Sometimes I forget my life is not mine. Sometimes, most of the time, I remember, He is in control, He has a plan, I'm just walking one step at a time...

Hospitals

2009-01-21T00:39:00.003-06:00

I don't like hospitals. Most of us don't. I was scheduled to visit Baby M from 9-1 and I did it with a smile. For Him, not for men.

I arrived at the hospital as Baby M was coming out of surgery. The nurses let me go to the recovery room. We stayed there for the first hour after surgery so that they could insure he was stable after the surgery. As I was sitting next to his bed, holding his little hand, I was almost overwhelmed by God's favour on his life. This little boy is so perfect.

He was born with a bag (almost like a balloon) above his nose, between his eyes. After the first surgery they closed the hole in the skull on the forehead. Brain fluid was leaking into the bag. Yesterday they removed the access skin when they opened him up to clean the infection! He looks amazing.

My life will never be the same! Sitting next to that little body as he was waking up, crying out of his dry throat, I wanted to sob with him. All I could do was Cheer him on, comfort him, talk and pray with him.

Please continue to pray!

Baby M - Infection

2009-01-20T00:16:00.002-06:00

I had the privilege to sit with Baby M yesterday. This is a very brave baby boy! The doctors could not get the infection under control with antibiotics, so they are taking him back for surgery this morning. They will open him up and clean the infection out. Baby M has a cold so please pray for healing. After almost two weeks in the hospital this little guy is ready to come 'home'.

I have to say my emotions are so up and down over this little guy. He is so brave! He is a fighter and he has a calling on his life! Please trust God with me for complete healing and a forever family for Baby M!

MOVED

2009-01-15T02:27:00.002-06:00

After 12 hours of carrying all our belongings down three flights of stairs, strapping it to Ferdi's Bakkie (little truck), driving 2km to Bakersfield, unstrapping and unloading. We are officially moved!

We could not have done it without amazing friends and family! Rian and Wanda came at 2ish with Romans Pizza - FANTASTIC. Bernard came a little later and Mario brought a Bakkie and trailer to finish with the bigger things at around 6ish. THANK YOU guys!

We woke up in our new little duplex to the singing birds (in contrast to the rushing interstate) - lovely. All that is left is unpacking and cleaning the old apartment.

Please read Baby M's update!!!!

2009-01-13T00:28:00.001-06:00

Baby M is doing well. Please read the blog for updates.

We are finally moving into Bakersfield tomorrow! We worked in the garden on Saturday. Martin's mom gave us a car full of plants; ferns, Agapanthus, wild garlic and some little grass bushes. I'm so excited to have a little garden we can enjoy and spend time in - pictures to follow. (We missed Sara in the garden on Saturday.)

Baby M

2009-01-08T01:29:00.002-06:00

Friends, please pray for Baby M from Thembiso. He is going in for an extensive facial sergery on Friday. I'll post updates on the Thembiso Blog during his time of recovery! Thank you for your faithful support in prayers.

JANUARY

2009-01-05T08:20:00.003-06:00

Wow time flies and I'm really not good with blogging these days.

Martin & I are training like crazy and I'm finding that my 'behind' is looking better after each ride (Aren't you proud Amy!). (The other realisation is that my paths are getting tighter, not so good...) I love it. We get up before the sun (5o'clock ish). Everything is clean and quiet. Just you and the mountains and sometimes the wind. Saturday on our long ride we did a 3 and a half hour (83km) ride. AWESOME.

Martin's youngest brother, Bernard came with us this morning, and he rocked! Our average was over 25 (almost 26kmph) on a 35km ride!!! YSTERBENE (legs of steel) is what I call that!

We found a little duplex in Sonstraal that we love, two minutes from church. It is called Bakersfield, there are 50 units, and we are number 21. It is a two bedroom, one bath, with a garage and garden. The living room is tiny, but we are excited to move there. We will move within the next week or two. Pictures to follow.

Anyway, love y'all and have a great first month of 2009!

KERSFEES!

2008-12-27T08:54:00.002-06:00

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas day with family, friends and feasts of some sort!!! Follow the link to see some of our memories in photo's by Bernard (who is becoming an amazing photographer!).