Spirited Mama

Living a SPIRITED life filled with wanderlust, emotions and everything in between

Category: Family Page 3 of 5

Road trippin

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On March 3, 2013

In Family, Holidays, Time out

Amongst all the craziness and business of life – We are going on a mini break!!!! Whoop Whoop!!!!

I’ve booked accommodation at Sudwala Lodge Mpumalanga.. Initially, I thought we might travel sans Dude, as he might NOT be getting leave… But he’s on leave too 🙂

This will only be my second trip to Mpumalanga and I’m totally elated with the thought of  a mini road trip. breakfast/lunches at the Food stops/Wimpy/Steers/etc (I’d be happy to have a pie and coke from the Garage too.) I’m making a list of things to do whilst we are in the are, so if you have any suggestions please feel free to share….

Dinosaurpark – a real must for all three of us 🙂

Sudwala Caves – although I don;t know if Dudie is going to “dig” this….

God’s window…

The Kruger National Park – I’m so close how could I not go there….

I’m also taking our passports along just in case we decided to cross the border….

Any suggestions for “things to do”?

We’re counting down the sleeps and making big black “X” on the calendar days that have passed. Watch out MP, we’re coming for you…

Spirited Mama

P.S. Do we need to take malaria meds?

P.P.S. Other exciting news is that I’m planning our “Annual vacation for 2013”. It’s rather late as we said we’d do it early in the year, maybe March, but we’re going to Mauritius in June!!!!

The Struggle…

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On February 4, 2013

In emotions, Family, Struggles

Today was one of those day s where I needed motivation, and to just keep calm, etc etc. Briefly, Dudie decided to pee in my bed… of course this happened after Dude left for work. I felt the warm sensation against my leg. I got up, showered and then woke the sleeping child who was not in the least disturbed by sleeping on his pee????

I bath child, ask 100 times that he please brush his front teeth! This is my daily battle. I proceed to put sheets and jammies, mind you I just put fresh linen on the bed yesterday!!!!, in the washing machine. Eventually, Dudie gets going and I try to get dressed. Well first pants I put on, too big, second pants hugs in all the areas I DID not want it too, third time lucky I choose my normal black pants and grey top.

I hurriedly look for the car keys only to realise that my darling husband had them yesterday and drove off this morning with car keys in his bakkie! Thank Gloria we have spare keys. I locate them and proceed to pack car. I get the Dudie out of the house and TA DA!!!! The freaking fuel reserve is on! WTF! I swear that thing is faulty. Saturday I had a 1/4 tank but this morning it was empty? We did not drive the car yesterday?(Note to self – get car checked)

I decided that I’m late as it is… MIght as well stop now for fuel. Garage 1 – the queue stretches into the main road. Garage 2 – success. We get helped almost immediately. One guy fuels us up and one starts cleaning the windscreen. Only the guy was done with fuel, swiped my card, only to have his colleague dash off to help someone else and leaving me with a half washed windscreen. I left with a half washed windscreen!

I drive 200m and I’m stuck in gridlocked traffic. Up until now, I don’t know why! BUT my 7km drive took 55 mins this morning!!!!! I get to school, only to confront the Vice-Principal about a bullying incident. (I’ll post on that later) My Dudie is soft spoken and loveable, he will not fight just because! So we wait to hear the outcome on Thursday after all the meetings!!!!

Thank Gloria Dudie was happy and merry and a pleasant fellow passenger. I get to the Gautrain station. Now, I’ve missed 3 trains and I’ve made peace that I’m running late…. But our train made an unscheduled stop outside a station and there we sat on the tracks.  So apart from my brother’s shocking news that he’ll be getting married in 4 weeks and my Dude’s sister being a biatch…. my day was rather eventful.

Upon getting to work, I decided enough already… We always try and solve the world’s problems, ok mainly family but you get the point. And it ALWAYS impacts US as a couple/family. We stress and fret and worry and they carry on. Happily living their lives. Well I’ve had enough. I will NOT bend over backwards for my brother and his girlfriend, who just told me that she insisted that they get married!!!! WTF! They have a child who’s turning 1 in April. So why rush into a wedding? I told my Dude that his sister is a mental biatch!

And then I remembered this….

The struggle you are in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don’t give up!

So I keep my head high. I’m going home to MY Dude and Dudie. And I will bask in the magic of MY family! We are a spirited family but we LOVE hard!

Spirited Mama

xoxox

2013???? Already!!!!

By

On January 8, 2013

In About me, emotions, Family, LOVE

Phew, to say that this festive season flew by is an understatement. Where did the time go??? For part of my festive season I do wish I can “rewind” and just relive that moment. Some moments were priceless and they are etched in my soul so deep that no can remove them. Family time is important but nothing comes close to “Quality Family Time”.  The love, laughter, joy and happiness that comes along with it is truly magical.

This Christmas I truly had a magical Christmas! We just soaked up one another. It wasn’t all rosy but the good definitely out weighed the bad.

Yesterday, I started working again. It’s was horrible yet liberating at the same time. As much as I adore Dudie, we all need that “alone ” time form one another. So when I announced that it’s school time he wasn’t overjoyed but wasn’t exactly sad about it either. This morning he had a skip in his step as we walked to his class. He was happy, singing and bare feet ‘cos his Teacher said that he can leave his shoes off….

SO for now, I’m catching up to 400 emails. Trying to snack on healthy stuff and keep myself well hydrated ‘cos damn it’s HOT in Gauteng!!!!!

Happy 2013 All!!!!!

Spirited Mama

Be happy

So we missed our flight

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On December 11, 2012

In About me, Family, Food & drinks, Holidays, Time out

As in true Spirited Family style, we missed our flight… AGAIN! LMAO

Seriously, I’m so over stressing about the flight because somehow, even with all the bags being packed the night before, we still miss our flight. <Murphy?  maybe… But I think it’s in our plan 🙂 >

This WAS our plan:

5:30am                   Leave for OR Tambo (30mins)

6:00 – 6:30            Check in

7:00am                  Take off for Cape Town

This is how it actually went down:

6:15am                 Leave for OR Tambo

In between Dude driving as if we being chased by Devil himself and Dudie asking millions of questions, I shit you not this kid does not stop. <RECENTLY, we viisted the IRENE Christmas Mareket and a lady was watching us whilst we shopped. SHe mentioned that my kid ” does’t stop talking… My response – He’s only quiet when he’s sleeping. But sometimes he talks in his sleep too> I was trying to take pictures. And calmly remind my Dude that no matter how fast we drive, we WILL miss the flight. So let’s take it easy and we’ll get there when we get there…

Dude slowed down. Dudie asked less questions, ok slightly less or I may just have diverted it to Dude. I Do that when I’m mentally tired and Dude is around. I say – Ask Daddy, boy 🙂

So I got this

We arrive at the Airport. Dude dropped Dudie and I with our 3 suitcases, Carry on bag for me, carry on bag for Dudie, x2 stuffed toys, x3 Photo canvasses I made for the family, x3 books for Dudie, x1 Donald duck blankie for Dudie, etc etc

My trolley looked like a pack horse, with a Dudie on top of it all… Bags got weighed… *Ahem* let’s just say that they put them all on at once, Phew… Get into the check in queue and have a full on conversation with myself in my head * You’ve missed the flight best you go smile and be polite over at the standby counter*

I politely, and I may have bumped a few people out of the way, walked pass everyone and proceed to the standby counter. They’re busy with a shift change. I calmly wait and then a nice young man assists. He points out that we have missed our flight and where is the third passenger? I said that he  was parking the car and should be there in a few minutes. He proceeds to reserve seats on the very next flight and says you can go and chill in the lounge whilst you wait… *Ta Da* Cue Dude walking to wards us and I remember… Oh yes, Dude booked Business Class seats for us 🙂 Yes, Business Class.

So we make our way through the check in and take the lift to SAA’s Premium Lounge.  Sjoe, I just can’t get used to this life… Everyone is so relaxed. Your kid can run around but naked with snot everywhere and no one would give a rat’s a$$… Ok, I have NOT  tried that one and I don’t think I ever will. They have staff that will “babysit” whilst you relax/eat cake/have cuppacinos/whatever… And in true Dudie style, he made the Kiddie lounge “homely” aka unpacked toys, spread floor puzzles, messed with the muffin crumbs… within minutes.

When we finally boarded, Dudie was an excellent traveller. Everyone kept oohing and aahing over him. I’m telling you the air/mindset in Business class is very very different. Dudie really impressed us with his Good Behaviour. Reading and chatting like a “normal well behaved” toddler…We got to Cape Town and what a beautiful sight /day it was

IMG-20121117-00274

Shortly after arriving Dude’s Aunt collected us and we set off for our adventures…

Drop off Aunt, say hi to the other Aunt. Stop by the house in Hout Bay, as there was some issues with the alarm, drive through to my cousin in Fish Hoek via Chapman’s Peak, wow, what a sight and pricey I might add… Had a quick lunch, Drive to Soneike to my Aunt, drop bags, settle Dudie before we head off to our function party, shower change, get glammed up, and reorganise our room so that we don’t trip and break a leg when we get back… Might I add that the Dudie was so comfortable that he said goodbye to us whilst we were still getting ready. At the Party, Dude asked me to check on Dudie, message came back with he’s all good and happy and still very awake at 21:20… (Bed time in our house is 20:00) I replied with emoticons and said that it’s ok he’s on holiday too. We partied until 3am… I was still good to go but knowing my child who wakes us at 6/7am even if I only had an hour’s sleep I knew that it was time to call it a night.

And true’s bob, Dudie woke us at 6am. He eventually woke everyone in the house LOL. We had a family breakfast and then sadly had to pack and leave. Next step was lunch at Oupa Charlie’s house. (aka Dude’s dad, whom he only recently reconnected with…) What a lovely afternoon. We braaied, we laughed and I think some silent tears were shed over Dudie. And yet once again, our child was the poster child of well mannered children 🙂

Off to my Parents(if you’ve read older posts you’ll know this is a touchy subject) for a quick visit. Dudie got a bath and I got to spend time with my niece. Oh how I love that little princess. She greeted us with loud chuckles and arms outstretched. Big drooly smiles and baby sounds…. As soon as she is out of sight I long for her.

Off to my Gran, this was an adhoc visit. We literally popped in after 8pm… We eventually got to Hout Bay around 11pm. Dudie was passed out and Dude and I sat in the kitchen eating left over braai and chocolate cake…

Next morning we slept until 7am… Had breakfast whilst Aunt had a swim

IMG-20121119-00346

This is teh view they wake up to each and every morning… We had a light breakfast and got ready to be tourists. We went down to Mariner’s Wharf. Hopped on the Red Bus and headed out to the Waterfront. As we got there teh swing bridge opened, much to MY and Dudie’s delight! I took loads of photos. Dudie spotted Christmas and almost made a run for it.

IMG-20121119-00467

We had lunch at Mitchells Pub. That was awesome!!!! I’m so going back there.

mitchells-outside

We ended off our day with strolls around the Waterfront before heading back to Hout Bay, via Kirstenbosch etc… Dudie and I dosed off on route back to Hout Bay. You know the humming of the bus, the sun on you, the peaceful nature scenes.. I just couldn’t fight it. Sadly, we repacked our bags and had a stroll around the house in the garden. We headed out to the airport and very nearly almost missed our flight again… Luckily, it was slightly delayed and we checked right back into the Premium Lounge. On the flight back Dudie refused to part with his dinner. He loves seafood so when the steward came to collect the trays he said, that is my food. Leave it. 🙂

We were spoilt and loved in all our glory. We soaked up family and friends. We laughed, we danced, we ate, we played, we indulged…. We will be back soon.

Spirited Mama

P.S. Since we changed our focus of tripping to Cape Town, we made it about us, we’ve been having fantastic breakaways… Cheers to many more. I’m heading home. Wrapping gifts and having an Amarula or two 🙂

Observations in my home

By

On December 6, 2012

In About me, Family, Habits, Random

I started this week on such a high, I was planning to just chillax… If you haven’t yet done so read about it here.

Sadly, that dream was shortlived!!!!! As I had back to back meetings and all kids of emergencies not long after I published that post… (Murphy!!!! Eff off)

So, today it occurred to me that certain things are happening, and in the throes of life we get so busy that things go unnoticed…. But as I’ve decided to make an effort to take in my environment, this is what I’ve observed:

1. Conversations take place whilst I’m in the lavatory! (Dude & Dudie always have something to tell me when I’m in the lavatory… I’m not kidding. I’ve mentioned this to them and Dudie cried crocodile tears cos I don’t want to leave the door open and he wants to see me. After Dude explained that it’s my decision to close the door and he should respect that, he now just comes to knock or randomly screams… Are you ok mamma?)

2. Dudie breaks every single crayon in half before he uses them. Even the brand new ones that just came out of the box… Sigh… I have no idea why he does this.

3. Dude is decluttering….. his stuff that’s standing around anyway so it makes sense… He feels that he can’t handle all the stuff being everywhere. But it is in fact him who put it there/left it there/or decided to not put it away…

4. These days we eat more vegetables than before.

5. We eat less junk food/snacks/take aways.

6. You can feel the holiday spirit! Whoop Whoop

7. Alcoholic beverages are increasing. ( After Dudie went to bed on Saturday, Dude & I had a mini shooter party at home 🙂 I did feel like crap when Dudie woke us on Sunday, 6:45am, to say “wake up guys. Let’s go to Church!” So we eventually got to church, very late, but we made it. And had a KFC drive thru breakfast on the way home.)

8. I’m constantly looking for deals/specials/shopping trips…. I feel like shopping ALL the time

9. I bought some Sloggi undies and man oh man it feels like liquid silk on my @$$. LOL. It really does wonders when you wear new undies. Well fr me, at least.

10. Dudie wrote a letter to Santa. Well I wrote it for him. He had a long list of really inexpensive gifts so I guess I’ll indulge him. (We wrote the letter after he had a meltdown in Makro over some stupid watergun thing. I do believe that we have more than enough of those but my child seems to think otherwise. So I suggested a letter to Santa. All smiles by the time we left Makro. ) Oh one of the items that Santa has to bring is Ferrero Rocher chocolates. My kid loves chocolate just like me 🙂

Have a great day. I’m counting the last working days…

Spirited Mama

Middle ear infection, tattoos and lazy days

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On November 30, 2012

In Christmas, Family, LOVE

I haven’t blogged in a while. Life has been busy and fun and sometimes challenging…

It’s been crazy at work. I been off with Middle ear infection, i do have ear issues, and I’ve gotten a new tattoo…. Finally, I’ve been wanting it for 3 yrs but just never got around to doing it. Could’ve been that I was scared but I must admit it wasn’t half as bad as what I remembered from the first time.

I will post a pic soon. I have to run as I see a storm coming and I’d like to get Dudie and be home before the storm comes round.

So have a happy weekend. We’re suppose to go to a “Carols by Candlelight” picnic tonight but I’ll have to watch this weather. Won’t be carolling in the storm!

Spirited Mama

P.S. Tomorrow is the 1st of December!!!!! We get to put up our Christmas tree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can’t tell you how excited I am. I didn’t think that I could hold out until now but finally tomorrow we decorate our house.

When do you put up your tree?

P.P.S We started our own traditions. Last year was our first Christmas alone, just the three of us. That was the plan but now it seems that my Gan and her sister will be joining us! Whoop Whoop. Those are two of our favourite people in the whole world.

And we are out of here….

By

On November 16, 2012

In Family, Holidays

This is where we’ll be tomorrow

In CAPE TOWN!!!!

Doing some of this

Amongst all the wine-ing and dining with family and friends…Seriously, as we touch down we head off to a breakfast gathering… And it doesn’t stop we literally have gatherings for each and every meal time whilst we are there. And at different locations everytime… Luckily the sun sets late in Cape Town so we won’t even know that its way way past Dudie’s bedtime until he literally falls asleep whilst we drive… (Don’t judge, it’s a getaway for everyone. We’ll get back to routine on Tuesday or maybe Wednesday…)

And what would a trip to Cape Town be without following Dude’s tradition visiting Mariner’s Wharf- He will wait for them to open their doors but he will not NoT have his platter 🙂 Thank goodness we’re a family who loves seafood.

And hopefuly we get to do this on Monday,

SO on that note I say ta ta…

See you next week. Have an awesome weekend

Spirited Mama

I … I will surive!!!!!!!!!

By

On November 15, 2012

In About me, Family, Part time Student

I literally broke out in song as I walked out of that exam venue yesterday!!!!!! The exams are finally done!

I got results for a course I did at work and I passed 🙂 And as an added bonus I can get credits fo it towards my degree programme… So without further ado, I’m back in the land of the living. The Psycho/stressed out manic biatch is gone…. phew!

I can now start counting the days until my annual leave starts…. Even though we have no formal plans for December(I do not do holiday getaways with the masses) we have Dude’s sister, husband and kids with us for a week before Christmas. Think that it might just be the three of us again this Christmas. Last year was special, our first Christmas alone, starting our own tradition….

In other non-related news – I’m packing because we’ll be down in Cape Town this weekend:-)

I’m hoping the weather is good so that we can finally catch that Red Bus Tour!!!!!

Ciao for now

P.S. I’m looking fo ra versatile yet sexy little black dress for a function this weekend. I’ve had a quick look around and I can’t find anything under R600. Any ideas where I can find a little black dress that won’t break my budget????

 

Time-out!

By

On October 24, 2012

In About me, Family, Girly things, Shopping

I read a post over on Raising Men’s blog. Read it here.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. I can and do love doing shopping on my own. Things have been so busy with studies, work, life….

Everyone deserves a time-out. Go on treat yourself.

P.S I don’t make excuses to have time-outs. I say it out loud that I need some “me time” or retail therapy ALONE.

After all the studying, which is far from over, I’m now sitting at work, googling holiday destinations where South African Citizens DO NOT require visas… I’m thinking of a quick getaway…. Even local, doesn’t matter.

I’m also in two minds about getting that second tattoo… Really want it but scared beyond *insert suitable word/phrase here*

I’m so going shopping on Friday, after Dude leaves for work, and I drop Dudie at school *insert evil laugh* This is a win win situation as they get on with their normal routines whilst I have a “time-out” without disrupting their free time. See I’m being considerate!

For now, I have to keep my head down and do some work! I’m off on Friday and Monday again! Jealous?? Don’t be! I’m writing on Monday!

Happy Wednesday

Spiritedmama

P.S. I’ve got family visiting over the weekend, so I have to cramm as much as possible before they get here… And hopefully on Saturday morning/Sunday morning/Evening…. But after my exam, we are going SHOPPINGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3 Girls and a Dudie style!

A Parent’s worst fear!

By

On October 17, 2012

In Family, Parenting

Well it’s one of mine. Bullying! It happens everywhere. At any age from very young to the very mature – bullying is bullying. I worry about how I could teach my son life skills/coping strategies to get through LIFE. Life in itself is unfair. It’s not easy. And society sure as hell doesn’t make it any easier. As a parent, you hope and pray that your child, if ever in any situation, will be able to fend for themselves. And even if he/she does, they still come and share their experience with you. At least, I hope and think that my Dudie knows that we have “that” type of relationship.

Initially, it was difficult for me to stand up to others, including our parents, about how we will raise Dudie. Or anything related to Dudie. I was so disappointed in myself that I felt I wasn’t worthy of raising this precious child.

I did learn to stand my ground. And believe me that I will forever stand up for my Dudie. Recently, it emerged that my cousin’s son, who’s about to start High School, is being bullied. He’s a soft spoken gentle soul. I don’t know how they will solve this but at least they know it’s happening and they are taking steps to rectify this!

I read about Amanda Todd’s story on The Blessed Barrenness’ blog. Hop over and go read it here. It NOT just directed at parents! Or even parents with tweens and teens! I have seen bullying in a toddler class. Thankfully, not in Dudie’s school. Everyone should read this. I can bet on it that there is someone in YOUR family that feels victimised!

A good friend of mine lost her daughter in 2009, also suicide. It’s real. When someone is crying out for help – take note. You may just save that person…

 

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