Spirited Mama

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

Category: LOVE Page 1 of 2

Because it’s V-day

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On February 14, 2017

In LOVE, Valentines Day

Valentines Day or commonly referred to as V-day

Because it’s V-day I thought I’d add my 2 cents…We are not phased by celebrating Valentines Day, as I do think its commercialised and just a marketing ploy to guilt people into feeling obligated to “do/buy” something for their significant other. Well, we celebrate our wedding anniversary on 3 Feb, and in case you missed it we just hit the 10 year mark. We sometimes forget that Valentines Day is a thing because actually it not OUR thing.

Don’t get me wrong, it is always great to receive flowers/gift/chocolates from your other half, you decide if he/she is the better half 😂 But why should it be limited to just one day in a year? Technically, what is being said is that no one could be bothered the rest of the year but on Valentines day you’d better make sure that you conform to the norms of society.

Not conforming to Valentines Day norms

Well I say fuck it! We don’t conform to the norms of society. We have special days in our house ALL the time, albeit that Dude is the instigator. Man alive my Dude is a romantic❤ My Dudie, 7years old, is learning from his Dad how to be romantic and how to treat a woman. He sees the love.

Dudie bought myself and his valentine, a girl in his class, a rose each. I asked him what a valentine does or is suppose to do? You know cos this Mom needs to know what information is being shared on the playgroud….Thankfully according to Dudie a valentine just gives each other a flower/gift. And by the way, the girl asked him…I thought it was odd as he never bothered with it before. I used to be the old girl that got his gifts☺ I cringe thinking about what discussions transpire on playgrounds. Do you know what your kids are discussing with their peers?

So here’s to Valentines Day🍾Whether you celebrate it or not, enjoy either way….

Spirited Mama

xxx

Mamma….you know I love you

By

On October 25, 2016

In About me, emotions, LOVE, Mamma, Struggles

abandoned-ship-ship-snow-night-beach-ships

Image found at www.w-dog.net/wallpaper

Mamma, YOU abandoned our ship. (in case you missed it CANCER WON Mamma lost)

Mamma

Remember how excited you were to plan our September holiday? Remember how excited you were when I called with the news about the resident alien? Remember how excited you were when you decided we should go on a boat cruise to Namibia? And we were planning for 2017 because we had to wait for the resident alien to arrive? I remember the very first time we drove, me being the driver, on the N1 highway in Cape Town. I was the learner driver, you were the licensed driver – although you never drove. That was just the start of our many drives and adventures. Just the two of us. I miss those drives – which never really had a particular destination.

Then I moved to Pretoria. And we stayed in touch via the phone. Since 2015 you even started using whatsapp – I was so proud of you – keeping in touch with me and technology. You visited and often stayed for 3 months at a time. It wasn’t perfect but we loved you nonetheless. We argued/disagreed/fought but still remained true and loyal to one another. Nothing and no one could break our bond. Our droves continued in Pretoria.

Then started my morning peak hour drive conversations with you. Almost daily we spent an hour talking whilst I was in transit – don’t worry you were on “speaker phone”. When I changed my job to work 7kms from home that hour long conversation was still an hour –  only difference is I used to sit in the parking lot finishing my conversation with you. So many times I was late for work – not because of traffic but because I had to finish my conversation with you. And it was SO worth it. Our random ramblings, some things trivial and some so important and meaningful to us.

Our lives changed

Well things have changed. “Life happens when you are making other plans… John Lennon” My LIFE has changed. YOU are no longer here to physically share it with me or my family. We miss. I MISS you. Always! They say that grief gets better with time. I say it doesn’t. We just find ways to live and/or cope with the grief.

Who knew that our holiday in April 2016 would have been our last one together. That this was one of our last breakfasts together.breakfast

That week was so special. One week of just the two of us alone at night, once more sharing a bed. Much like the last week before you became an angel. Just the two of us. A game of Checkers we played – And YOU won. A game of Putt Putt we played in the afternoon rain. And then you chickened out of our night swim that you requested. Was it because you were scared I would see your lump?  Our last supper – your infamous roosterkoekdinner

We talked and laughed so much that night that we hardly slept. The boys came knocking on our door to wake us for breakfast the next day. Those memories are forever in my heart and soul.

The hardest thing in my life

Losing you was one of the hardest things that I have to deal with. You are forever etched in my heart, mind and soul. I am a part of you as much as you are a part of me. Your last message to me was cryptic. I still don’t understand but perhaps with time all will be revealed.

Thank you for what you have done for me. But also for what you have taught me. I will do that Namibian boat cruise for you. For us. 

Love and miss you ALWAYS!

L

Spirited Mama

P.S. I sometimes wonder now that you are an angel are you spending time with my resident alien?

 

Seattle Coffee Company.. I seriously love you!!!!!

By

On April 17, 2013

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

So our new ok it’s not new but it’s still new as a family affair – is our Coffee dates at Seattle Coffee Company. I love coffee but a good coffee almost as much as I love chocolate. And I love hot coffee. Now just to clarify, before anyone call the welfare and the health inspector and who ever else need to be called when a child is involved… WE DO NOT give our child coffee. We substitute with Milo or hot chocolate or a Baby Foamy 🙂

Dudie, loves his coffee. That could possibly be one of the first words he learnt to master as he always saw either Dude or myself with a cup in hand…. Yes, we go through a crap load of coffee and let’s not forget milk….. I’m still looking for a cow, if anyone has any just standing around doing nothing… So ever since my child could talk he would ask for coffee.

So every now and again, and I noticed that it’s becoming a regular must have on a trip to Menlyn, we absolutely MUST NEED HAVE TO HAVE coffee. I would generally get the Latté, Dude gets a Café Mocha and Dudie well it’s either a hot chocolate or Baby Foamy. And we recently discovered the yummy apple cinnamon muffins – YUMMMMYYYYY! As I do not have any sugar in my coffee I will spoil myself sometimes with a Café Mocha too…

I’d like to think that we are becoming regulars and sometimes it’s a quick in out dash to get coffee and sometimes its a sit down and just unwind with your coffee… The best part is seeing the pretty images they create in your coffee cream – from flowers to smiley faces. These guys and girls are really talented. And it’s fun to see the excitement in Dudie for the surprise picture that awaits… Thank you Seattle Coffee, you make my family happy!!!!

 

 

IMG-20130403-01222

*This post is in NO way sponsored. We are just really loving Seattle Coffee. I told Dude, We need to go to Seattle to try this coffee in its hometown…. I’m working on getting him to take us to Seattle…

OOh, I think I need to do a quick detour on the way home.

SpiritedMama

P.S. Dudie bought the Russel Hobbs Red Edition Coffee Maker. Now whilst this is not Seattle Coffee and there’s no one to make me pretty pictures in my coffee, this is seriously my vice in the early hours of the morning. You get woken up by this freshly brewed coffee in the morning. Dude programmes this machine and sets it up before bed every day so that we wake up to fresh coffee. When Dude leaves for work and Dudie is having his second sleep in my bed, I sneak into the kitchen, pour a big cup and snuggle on the couch with my coffee. That 5minutes of pure bliss. It’s quiet and peaceful….well sometimes the birds interrupt my peace and quiet but I’ve now just learnt that I do not open them up until I’m ready to leave….

P.P.S Did I tell you that I get up at the crack of dawn to bake muffins/cupcakes or whatever treats I think the boys would like… Not everyday, but they love me so much more for this….They wake up to fresh baked treats…. I jsut nee dto figure out where I can find someone who wants to treat me…

RED Coffee Maker

Easter 2013… It’s really over… Already…

By

On April 4, 2013

In Chocolate, Easter, LOVE

And now we wait for … Christmas!!!!! Seriously, where has the year gone?

So after our Roadtrip, we wished for the Easter long weekend. Not that I want to wish time away, we just wanted the time-off from work…

(As soon as I got to work on Monday, Dude bbm’s me that we need to find a place to book for the weekend. The long weekend. Easter weekend!!! I don’t think that my Dude realises that other folks book “peak” holiday periods almost a year, if not longer in advance!!!!! I really tried for a day. Google/I called/I researched… But then reality hit me – This is task is putting me under duress!!! And I’m not having it. And I relayed that message as is to Dude. And that was the end of it. I also said that he can find a place if he wants to go away. I’m done. See no more stressing. Me counting down the working hours until the long weekend!!!! Happiness)

The Spirited Household loves loves loves chocolate!!!!! We are obsessed. I kid you not! I had been “Easter” shopping since January :-). Generally, chocolate lasts a week tops in our house. And it usually ends up with someone being pissed off/ crying/whining/moaning that “their” chocolate is gone!!!! We are ALL guilty of this. We take turns. We do not share chocolate easily. Not even with each other…Dude has mastered a technique – he grabs, runs off, rips the wrapping in the getaway process and gobbles it down. Me – I wait until after dark 🙂 when they’re asleep. Or I sneak it whilst cooking or supposedly going to put on more comfy clothes/shoes in the bedroom – ALONE! Dude – just tells us straight “I’m NOT sharing” and that’s that… See why Dudie perfected his routine. Genius child of mine.

So I bought some chocolate. I tried to restrain myself. It was tough but I kinda managed. But I also sent Dude with instructions on what to buy as we really needed more.  Needless to say  when he saw the stash, he freaked a bit “But why did you ask me to buy more?” Oh, 3 bunnies were omitted in the pic as I forgot about them…. The Dude stashed them without my knowledge. He only told me on Sunday that there were three other bunnies too.

Behold: (seeing this made me feel like a kid again)

stash 2

I did a mad dash through the garden to hide the Easter treats(Not all of the above though) as a very patient yet excited little boy was getting ready for his Hunt on Saturday… I did bribe him with the Hunt so he could have an afternoon nap so technically we had chocolate late afternoon…

We do not go to church on Good Friday. (generally, I really can’t imaging sitting through an extended service with Dudie.) But do go to the “Service of Light” on Easter Sunday at 5:30am. Yes, all 3 of us!!!! It’s as special as the midnight mas s on Christmas Eve. A tradition that I hope we can continue ever and ever, as Dudie would say. This year, I thought the service starts at 5am. So I mentally psyched myself as well as the boys for the early rise on Sunday. And I bribed Dudie to be good and go to bed early so that we can watch them light the Easter candle in “The Garden of remembrance”  at Church and then light our candles and sit inside church, we sit in the mother’s room on Sundays – less drama and no one even notices any disruptions, then have breakfast and score a free easter egg at church. Win-win all round.

I rally the boys thinking that the service starts at 5am. We arrive at Church 5:15am… Then I say to Dude – maybe you were right. Maybe the service starts at 5:30… “cos it highly unlikely that its only these few cars at church… Well we were very early. We got a good spot in the garden and a great seat in church. A lovely hearty breakfast and a few easter eggS!!!! Happiness all round.

Oh, Dudie asked if we could please do another hunt. In our house it’s all about compromise. So I said sure but only if we hide the eggs you got yesterday. He agreed. So we had our 2nd Easter hunt on Sunday. The dogs caught onto the chocolate hunt and ate stole some bunnies wrappers and all… Thankfully, Dudie lost count of how many he was supposed to have.

Hope you had a wonderful Easter and that you actually remember the “true” meaning of celebrating Easter. Dudie told and retold us the story about Jesus dying on the cross and how God was sad, the people were naughty and all sorts of things but it always ended with the question “Does God and Jesus have lots of Easter eggs in Heaven?” I downloaded some stories on my Ipad. Great! But one of them really became my favourite – the one that had the Narrator with a Chinese accent. Funny peculiar…

So we stayed home and over indulged in chocolate. Dude gave Dudie strict instruction that he’s only allowed two Easter eggs per day. Of course the genius child chose the bigger bunnies first… Smart kid that one.

Spirited Mama

Be happy take 1059*87692374896255…..

By

On March 1, 2013

In About me, emotions, LOVE, Time out

Ok, so I haven’t blogged in a while…. I’ve missed it.

I was stuck in Bloemfontein for an extra night as the flight that I was booked on was cancelled…..3 weeks ago! The travel agent did not see that the airline re-validated my ticket to get me booked on the earlier flight! So I spent another night away from home but I did make up for it when I got home on Friday 🙂 I went home from the airport got the car and went to collect Dudie. As I walked in he was just dozing off for after lunch nap. Boy oh boy the look on my child’s face was priceless.

(He did ask me on Thursday evening, when I called to say I’m NOT coming home, if I could fetch him from school. I said I would try my best.) He immediately requested an afternoon swim and a movie :-). We played some cricket, badminton, had a swim(it was excruciatingly hot), we sang along to a song book, and we cuddled and watched “Happy Feet2” on my bed. Needless to say when he Dude came home at 4pm we were both asleep 🙂 I missed my boys. I think the “time-out” did us good as a family, if you know what I mean.

Apart from all the drama happening right now, we’re off to my brother’s wedding next Friday. (My baby bother is getting married) So tickets to Cape Town are booked. Car is on standby at the Rental company. And now we hope for the best because coincidentally it is the Argus Cycle Tour weekend too.

I chose a word for 2013 – Accept

THis year is just kicking into gear and already it has been very challenging. I’m trying to “Accept” the things I can not  change. And to live my life for me, and my family.

So on that note, I say cheers to 2013! I’ve been hearing and reading the same type of message, not the exact same phrase but it comes down to the same message,  over and over that “Many things in life we can’t control BUT we can choose to be HAPPY!!!!!

Happy Friday

Spirited Mama

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

Middle ear infection, tattoos and lazy days

By

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.

Feel Good moments

By

On November 16, 2012

In Dudie, emotions, LOVE, Parenting

So I saw this on someone’s profile and absolutely had to steal it 🙂

This sums up exactly how I feel each and every time I look at Dudie, and being showered with hugs and kisses….. Gets me everytime. tehre was ever a spontaneous hug/kiss/holding hands/etc from either parent…. But that’s one of those sad posts and definitely not fit for today.>

 I love you to the end of the earth and back, baby boy! ALways and forever. Never too much!

Love

Your Mom

P.S. I adore the fact that he makes me late every single morning because he makes me walk back to his door, because he didn’t “good morning me”… That means he wants to kiss me again. This can take a while some mornings!!! And even though I think that we are so late, I still share “our” moment.

P.P.S. The Dudie has now resorted to calling Dude and I by our first names. BUT only in public spaces. At home we are mom and dad. This child is way to smart 🙂

 

Tea with a twist!

By

On August 17, 2012

In Dudie, LOVE

It’s Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need this weekend!

So I’ve been having a very productive & extremely busy week. Last night I get home and Dude & Dudie were at the swimming lesson. So I drop all my stuff and prepare an awesome “moer by” pasta… (sausage/mushrooms/carrots/baby marrows/onions/peppers/pasta & cream – Delish!)

That took all of 25 mins. By the time the boys walked in, I was dishing pasta into their bowls. So we sit for Dinner. The Dudie goes apeshit as he took a serving of only carrots – and refused to swallow. Eventually, he ate but all around the carrots. Dude get his bath ready and off I skip to go bath my son. After asking/raising my voice/begging/bribing with custard he eventually gets in the bath. Generally, I would wash him immediately, and then he plays until I’ve read his communication book/newsletter/bbm’d/ or check mail on my phone.Last night was no different, so I read book and newsletter. Make mental notes and then Dudie offers me “tea”. He put bath water into small little caps and containers, you know the ones that are thrown into the bath along with all the squeaky bath toys!

Immediately, I thought, there’s no way I’m drinking that! What if he pee’d in the water. Even if he didn’t, the water is filled with soap and bubbles/dead skin cells as I had just washed him…. So I thought – distraction! He was so happy that we were having a “tea party”. Everytime I had to drink my “tea” I’d say look and point in any direction and chuck the water over my shoulder… Well he was happy that we had “tea” and the bathroom floor was soaked as I kept throwing water on the floor.

After the whole bed time ritual – he asked instructed Dude to go put Dudie to bed as I have to work on my assignments. That worked well. I did end up working until past midnight but I did reward myself with proper teas and this………..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amarula…. met ys……..Ja!

It was cold and I figured that I could just enjoy the drink without having my hand freeze. So I used my mug:-)

This morning conversation was about rules…He asked to take something to school and I explained that the school has rules about bringing stuff… Usually after I explain something, I ask him to repeat it so that I know how he comprehends my messages… Well, let just say that this was a complete miss as clearly he wasn’t listening…

Me: So what are rules?

Dudie: Cock a doo dle doo….

Me: Baby that’s a rooster. We’re talking about rules.

Dudie: Mama, the light is green. Go go go

And that’s where I left it.

 

Happy friday folks.

SpiritedMama

xoxoxoxo

We live here!

By

On August 15, 2012

In emotions, Family, LOVE

I have been sitting with some random thought son how to improve our situation at home. Make it “Happier”….

Well After reading a post from the Colouredfulwife, I was reminded that we create our own happiness.

This was my comment to her post:

I too ration myself. I blog and believe me what I blog about is only a fraction of the mishaps in Spiritville. We would all like to have happy perfect homes but what we forget is that we can create it for ourselves. I saw a quote somewhere, “My house was clean, sorry you missed it. We live here” ANd I love it as having a spotless house does not make it a home. Having a students doesn’t mean your kids are happy. Ask me, I used to hide in my books! Enjoy YOUR life…

I consider us to be Christians. Not your average religious christians and I’m sure some people would gasp for air when they realise we actually DO belong to  a church, which we attend sporadically. Dude is superstitious.  Me not much. He has this thing about feathers. If you find a feather then it means God is present. Well a while ago I found a feather in Dudie’s room and I decided to keep it as I’m so happy that God is present in Dudie’s life. Well yesterday I came across said feather and decided to reposition it so as to not throw it away just yet.

This morning after my normal routine and prayer I thanked God for another day of new chances and tought, even if I never get a feather it’s ok as long as Dude and Dudie are getting them. After I strapped Dudie in I found a small feather on the driver seat. I was super chuffed and thought Thank you God for being in my life too. I repositioned it in the car and went on the usual drive to drop Dudie and then catch my ride. Well, I could not stop thinking about this feather. I concluded that we are going through a rough patch in our lives at the moment. After changing schools, I’m now a frequent traveller with the Gautrain, and well let’s just say our home organisation is a bit all over the place right now. We need to figure out  a schedule that works for us.

Well, on my journey to work, I met someone incredible and I think that all of the mornings happenings is a sign of greater things to come. I reminded myself that we do not know what God has planned for us. We are merely playing out our roles. We need to stress less and let God work his magic. Because ultimately, what’s happening now is not ideal according to us but maybe it is according to God.

 

Spirited Mama

xoxoxo

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