Amongst other small gifts, I also gave my kids tooth decay for Xmas

Amongst other small gifts, I also gave my kids tooth decay for Xmas
5 January 2015

Christmas stocking fillers.  They can be problematic.  Fun, yet one has to put a bit of thought into it.

Generally we give our kids one big present for Xmas.  Something super special, and perhaps a bit pricey.  A real Xmas present gift.  Maybe some huge box under the Christmas tree, tempting them mercilessly.  And causing them to pick up said box, perhaps shake it a bit, and turning the guessing before the time, into almost as much fun as the actual gift itself.

But then, we also do stocking fillers.  And the thing with stocking fillers is this – the gift must be small enough to fit into the stocking (ideally - though occasionally, I’ve plopped a gift on the floor just underneath the stocking), and affordable.  Cause here’s the thing – I have to fill up three kids stockings for them. 

So this is my dilemma – how to find something marginally nice costing between R5 – R50 for three kids, when you need to do at least a few gifts in each stocking to give it some body, is rather challenging.  I scour the markets before the time.  Buying silly bracelets, cheap make-up, balls, water balloons, swimming goggles, chocolates, etc.  Hey, they got lucky.  Growing up, my mom was sneaky enough to fill our Xmas Stockings with stationary for the next year at school.  Though possibly, her thinking process was inspired.  Pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and pencil sharpeners are small enough to fit into a stocking, and do help to give it some shape.  Though there were treat items too.  (Thanx Mommy!)

Food items are also always hugely popular.  I tend to try and put something unusual in it.  Perhaps an odd nice sweetie or two, they wouldn’t normally get.  Still one year, they each got a block of Mozzarella cheese – their favourite.  Another year, they each got a bottle of olives.  Yet another, a tin of condensed milk.  So yes, I try to think out of the box.

And then this year, I decided to veer off the track a bit.  In addition to giving the kids water balloons, comics, balls, bracelets, etc.  I thought I’d up my game a bit.  And give them something unusual.

So I went with tooth decay.

Each of them got their very own bottle of Nutella chocolate spread. 

 

Much to their delight.  They were charmed.  They’ve kept their jars in their rooms, and have resorted to initially dipping fingers, and now long stemmed soda spoons, to get some chocolate gooey goodness.  They’ve also proven to be rather resourceful, exhibiting some as yet unwitnessed before culinary skills… Adding Nutella to Hot Chocolate or Milo.  Even as an Ice Cream topping.  Or better yet – straight from the jar.

A lot can be deducted about my kids, from their approach to their jar of Nutella.

Luke indulged in thick lashings of Nutella on fresh white bread.  Stirred into his hot chocolate.  Dribbled over Ice Cream.  Self-indulgent spoiling – just for him.   

Amber shares with everyone.  Her numerous friends and cousins.  Inviting everyone to grab a spoon.  Making sarmies for all.

Cole showed his usual lack of self-restraint.  No time to wait for a spoon, instead fingers stretched to the max.  He’s not a great advertisement for the merits of delayed gratification.

Anyway, the delight my simple bottle of R28 per child has given them, has been a joy to behold.  It really is the simple things in life.

Tooth decay and impending dentist bills aside, I could’ve save myself a fortune in expensive Xmas presents.  Or aimlessly shopping around for stocking fillers.

I should rather just have knuckled down, and bought them each their own crate…

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Cole with some of his loot - delighted, happy little boy

 

 

My beautiful, beautiful tree - filled with many decorations collected over many, many years

 

The hardest part about Christmas is...

 

 

The hardest part about Christmas is...
26 December 2013

Aaahhh!  Christmas!  A joyous time of the year.  In fact, my very favourite time of the year.

A time for family.  A time for gammon – always a winner.  A time for giving gifts to those that you love.  A time for Xmas carols.  A time for celebrating over a giant Christmas meal with your nearest and dearest.  A time for picnics.  A team for year-end parties.  A time for hot weather and cold meals.  A time for Christmas crackers.  A time for decking the hall and Christmas-i-fying your home.  A time for cello tape and wrapping paper and wrapping of gifts.  A time for everything red and green.  A time for splurging – on gifts and food.  A time to reflect and give thanks for all that you’ve got.  A time for connecting with people.  A time to indulge in yourself (Merry Xmas from me to me) and in others (Merry Xmas from me to you).  A time to believe in Father Christmas.  A time to watch festive, holiday, Christmas movies.  A time to set your table most beautifully for the coming festive feast.

A time to rejoice in the wonder of Christmas – the time, the people, and all that it means for you. 

However…..

There are a few downers to Christmas too. 

In my family we speak of “Krismis Voete”.  And mainly the womenfolk, suffer from these.  Translated into English, it means “Christmas Feet”.  And what it refers to, are the sore, achy, swollen feet that are usually part and parcel of Christmas.  These are due to standing for long periods of time in front of the stove and in the kitchen, preparing the great Christmas feast.  Running around the shops, getting last minute gifts and groceries.  As well as the seeming never ending list of things that simply must get done, so that everything is just right.  Lengthy periods of time, standing, walking and just being busy, lead to very sore feet.  However, in my family, us womenfolk have found, that “Krismis Voete” are not only indigenous to Christmas time alone.  Any large family celebration, induces the same symptoms.  Especially if organisation and cooking on a grand scale is required.  And hence, “Krismis Voete” have also been known to make an appearance at family weddings, big birthday celebrations, etc.

Another downer of Christmas is shopping.  Holy Toledo!  There is just so much of it to be done!  Apart from the gifting (even little token gifts, have to be bought after all and don’t miraculously appeared wrapped and ready), there’s the increased grocery shopping too.  Somehow one tends to eat differently at Christmas time.  Conventional cereal and rusks breakfasts, simply won’t do.  Added to that list, is things like getting Christmas crackers, wrapping paper and that blasted cello tape that so often seems to run out, way before the wrapping is wrapped up – so to speak.  Braving the shops at Christmas time, is truly for the brave only.  Parking is a mission, Malls are crammed and queues are long.

The great gift debate.  Exactly what should be bought and for whom?  Speaking of which, how expensive everything suddenly is!

Every single Christmas, I miss my Dad.  In fact, I long for him.  But then again, I long for him, most of the time.  A physical ache because he no longer is there.  He was a huge, big, much larger than life presence.  And hence, almost fifteen years after his death, his absence is still felt.  And as a great big extended family, we still speak of him often.  Wishing he was still here.  Though it would be a bit awkward, what with my mom now being remarried and all.  But perhaps my Dad and my stepdad could come to an arrangement of sorts?  After all, they were best friends.  Alas, I digress.

But perhaps, the very hardest part about Christmas is…

Faking Father Christmas’ handwriting.  It is rather challenging.  Mostly, because Father Christmas’ penmanship lends itself to the cursive writing style.  Not my first choice, admittedly.  But it’s what I’ve been left with.  Cause the Easter Bunny writes print in capitals, the Tooth Mouse writes really small, and the Tooth Fairy, writes print in a glittery purple pen. 

Do you feel my pain?  My cursive writing skills left me in about Grade 6, when I was eleven.  Never to be found again.

And thus, in an attempt to elude my kids’ perceptive skills, and put them off the track in terms of the style of writing and handwriting, I tend to focus on the content of these letters. 

And this Christmas was no different.  As per usual, the kids put out little Christmassy trays with eats and treats, for Father Christmas and his reindeers.  And on this occasion, the treats were little cutie delicious biscuits, a glass of milk, carrots for the reindeers, as well as a glass of Amarula Cream for Saint Nick.  A wee bit of alcoholic fortification, sounded about right.

But on this occasion, the Amarula Cream was on the same tray as the reindeers’ carrots, which rather predictably led to that naughty Rudolph indulging in some Amarula instead.  Naturally, he got quite pickled and was presumably giggling and stumbling about in the garden.  And what with the statistics on drinking and sleighing, Father Christmas had no choice but to take a load off, put his feet up and wait for Rudolph to sober up a bit.  Rather inconvenient, as he was on a tight delivery schedule.

And luckily for me, I seem to have pulled it off once more, to great excitement.

Which leads me to this…  THE REAL HARDEST PART ABOUT CHRISTMAS IS…

Facing the fact, that this is my last Father Christmas letter I will ever write.  At nine years old, it is a miracle that Cole still believed.  By next Christmas, when he’s ten, the magic will be gone.  Even writing this now, is making my eyes well up and my throat feel thick.

My kids are getting way to big.  And without believing in Father Christmas, a little spark will be gone.

Which is why I’ll start ploughing into them now - It is alright to not believe in Father Christmas anymore.  As long as you still believe in Christmas presents.

I will always fill their stockings for them, regardless.  Cause Christmas stockings are the best!  Irrespective of who fills them.

Father Christmas or Mommy Christmas.

But just perhaps my sweet kids will indulge me, and allow me the privilege of writing a letter next year once more.  Most especially as I seem to get the most amount of enjoyment out of doing it.

We can call it their gift to me.  The kindness of pretence.

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The letter from Father Christmas to Luke, Amber and Cole

 

Luke - delighted with his gifts. Already stuck in his David Beckham biography.

 

Amber's best gift? A wig for R35 from China Town. Go figure.

Although Luke and Amber quite obviously no longer believe, they dutifully listened while Cole read the letter to all of them

 

Cole engrossed in the letter

Our beautiful table - simple yet effective

 

Love the colours!

Love, love, love!

 

My beautiful Berry - all ready for lunch

 

The one and only Cole, about to tuck into his food

I promise I haven't forsaken you

 

I promise I haven't forsaken you
20 December 2013

Jeez, Louise!  But it’s been busy.

Now, I promise you I haven’t forsaken you.  Nor have I been ignoring you either. 

I’ve been otherwise occupied. 

Christmas time – it’s intense.  Fun, but intense.

We all know this to be true. 

But the wonderful side bonus, of the festive season, is the usual influx of family members from far and wide.  The opportunity this allows for renewed bonding.  Lengthy catch-up sessions, as well as the absolute joy of seeing one another again.

And I have just taken the gap and escaped to the family holiday house for two nights.  Just me, my two youngest sprogs and my husband’s niece.  Eldest sprog was away on a camping trip with some mates.  And husband, was doing stuff.  Yip, stuff.

However, when I say just me and the two youngest sprogs, I am of course lying.  Cause some nights we were nineteen people.  I know – slow, quiet holiday.  By regular standards. 

Normally we would be even more people, but we’ve got a family wedding happening, in a day’s time.  And hence some of the clan, are focused on that.  Others are still working and not yet on leave.  Another hapless few, have been sick – vicious bug.  And the odd person is overseas.

But for those of us fortunate enough, the brief get-away was glorious.

I hope to get back to regular posts soon.  But tomorrow night, after the wedding, I have sixteen people sleeping over.  In my small home.  And I simply can’t wait.  The anticipated joy, of waking up, with my brother, sister, their kids, spouses, as well as my mom, stepdad and stepsister, is beyond belief.

We are having a pre-Christmas Christmas celebration and feast.  Rather clever me-thinks.  As we’re unable to get everyone together again before Christmas.  And hence, this will be our main celebration.

And part of the reason it will be so special, is the fact that it will be the first Christmas in five years, that we all get to celebrate together.  The three Loubser siblings.  Yeehaaa!!!

And thus, I promise you – I have not forsaken you.  I’ve just been busy.

And true though it is that the busy-ness will continue for another few days, it will all quieten down again.

The guests will leave.  Christmas will be over.  The decorations will still linger.  The husband will go back to work.  And life will take its regular pattern again.

But for now, I’m relishing.  In the mania.  The shopping.  The celebrations.  The togetherness.  The decorations.  The festive cooking and meals.  The gift wrapping.  The carols and Christmas songs.  The lengthy discussions, about who's sitting where, exactly what we should serve, and whether we should do hot or cold food this year.

The awesomeness of Christmas.  It makes my heart glow.

Long may it last.

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Dear Father Christmas - I think we've got to talk

Dear Father Christmas - I think we've got to talk
15 November 2013

                                                                                                 Santa Claus
                                                                                                 PO Box 25/12
                                                                                                 Lapland
                                                                                                 Arctic Circle
                                                                                                 Close to the North Pole
                                                                                                 SANTA 1

Dear Father Christmas

I think we’ve got to talk.

Now I don’t mean to be picky, and I’m sure you’re a really busy guy, but you’ve got some serious commitment issues Mister. 

The brief is pretty simple.  Even I can understand it.  All you have to do, is pay a personal visit to every single child in the world on the 25^th of December. 

I mean seriously?  How hard can it be?

Actually, to be truthful, if they go to bed early enough, you can even start doing your deliveries during the late hours of the 24^th.  Because the thing is this – when they open their eyes on the 25^th, you better have been already.  Tardiness in this matter is unacceptable.  You can not afford to be late.  And a no-show is imminently worse.

In addition, to simplify your task, the earth was kindly made round.  And so, what this means in practice, is that while some kids are already waking up on Christmas morning, on the 25^th of December, other kids are still blissfully sleeping.  Suspended in dream land by your colleague Wee Willie Winky.  This allows you some extra time, to do the rest of your dispatching and deliveries.  Ensuring everyone wakes up on the morning of the 25^th, firm in the belief that you visited them too.

I’m pretty convinced that Grandfather and Grandmother Christmas taught you better. 

Talk about being slack!!!

Now I’ve been a mother for fifteen years already, and NOT ONCE HAVE YOU ACTUALLY PITCHED!  Ridiculous, I tell you!

But do I out you to my kids?  No!  Cause that would Crush.  Their .  Fragile.  Little.  Hearts.

And we can’t have that now, can we?  So, I cover for you.

In an attempt to lure you, we’ve left snack and drinks.  Even the odd beer on occasion, just in case you’re a lager or ale man.  And just to show you exactly how very thoughtful I’ve been, I’ve even encouraged my kids to leave carrots for your lazy lout reindeer.  Not that they, or you, have ever bothered to make a turn.

Now let me just tell you, you don’t want a whole bunch of bad press, about this.  And if I wanted to, I could make a real stink.  Is this really the route you want to follow?

Personally I feel that I am protected by the consumer protection act.  And I’ve been led to believe that you will deliver.  On time.  When needed.  With the gift goods.

And why should I not believe this?  I’ve read the books.  I’ve seen all of the Christmas movies.  You even stoop so low as to advertise on TV and print media.  Promising that you will do your thing for Christmas.  For institutions like Checkers!  And Pick ‘n Pay!  And don’t even get me started on those lengthy ones for Game.

False advertising I tell you!  And I know nothing, if I don’t know my rights. 

You’ve created a fake expectation.  One you don’t deliver upon.

How could you!  Cheating on little kids!

Look, perhaps on the odd occasion, you've had another gig.  And that I can get.  Maybe with the whole beard thing, you’ve stood in for one of the guys from ZZ Top.  Possibly even for my stepdad, when he’s had a double function, as his beard is rather impressive too.  I'm sure you're a busy guy.

But a complete no-show?  Fifteen years in a row?

Come off it!

Maybe you’re battling with distribution.  And I can grasp that it must be rather challenging, given ther vast area you have to cover.  Or maybe those supposed-hardworking-little-elves are not all that hard working after all.  Who knows – perhaps the problem is rather logistics and dispatching.

So, here’s my suggestion.  Outsource things.  Think big.  Companies like DHL, FEDEX, UPS, RAM and the likes will more than likely be able to help.  It’s kind of their thing.  They’re courier companies.  It stands to reason.  And if those short little elves, are not pulling their weight, then fire them!  Economic times are tough.  Unemployment is rife.  You’re sure to find replacements pretty easily.  The job market is flush with people just looking to be gainfully employed.  Maybe even hire some taller assistants this time.  I think it might have the added bonus of being an asset and helping with stocktaking in your warehouse.  Never mind that – storing your stock, as they could reach the really high shelves, to pack stuff.  And with regards to logistics and dispatching – you have to think these things through.  Plan in advance.  Make contingency plans.  Have you got a good software programme?  It could really help you to streamline things and make it all run smoothly.  Furthermore, I hope you’re starting present production way in advance.  One can’t leave these little things to chance.  And cut things too fine.  Personally I think that nice though hand made gifts are, there’s nothing amiss with you doing a bit of shopping for your gifts.  Just consult those advertisements you’re always so eager to do.  Why Game offers lovely specials at Christmas.  Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay and even Clicks too.

But basically, here’s the deal – I’m tired of you not pitching and having to single handedly eat and drink the treats we’ve left for you.  And those blasted carrots too.  I’ve even had to go to the mortifying lengths of writing my children letters on your behalf. 

And as for having to buy presents.  Out of my own pockets.  With my hard earned dosh.  And then letting you take the credit for it?

Well, that little ship has sailed.  The buck stop here.  Cheap skate!

Let’s make a deal.  How about I leave you some sherry too.  Possibly some chocolates.  Maybe even a little envelope with some bribery cash to entice you. 

So this year – please step it up a notch, will ya!  And tell those reindeers, they better not poop in my garden. 

Yours kindly,

Helene Cloete
aka - Annoyed Mom
aka - Your stand-in

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The earliest reported case of Tinselitis

The earliest reported case of Tinselitis
13 September 2013

Dr Helene’s in da house.  And it’s only fair that I warn you.  Just this week, I have diagnosed the earliest reported case of Tinselitis.  Near unprecedentedly early.  And I fear it will be highly contagious.  In fact, I’m expecting an absolute influx of new outbreaks everywhere.

Now it is true, that Tinselitis does normally rear it’s expensive little head round about this time of the year.  Though I would say that November is a more common time to start witnessing new infections.   Possibly October at a push.  However, this year, we are most likely going to suffer from a rather virulent strain.  Particularly difficult to immunise against.  There is also no cure.  And hence Early Onset Tinselitis, or EOT is to be expected.

And so, Doctors orders are as follows:  Remain indoors less the disease spreads.  I’ve seen this happen in the past.  And you know how clever these little bugs are.  They are able to attach themselves to unsuspecting carriers or hosts and find their way into your home.  Possibly by osmosis?  Maybe even through your TV screens?  Vigilance is called for.  Be ever on the lookout.  Now is not the time to snooze.

It is true, that by December, most of us will be infected.  So brace yourselves.  Don’t be afraid.  This is fine.  Normal even.  Everyone needs to have a small Tinselitis infection every single year.  It’s sort of a way to build up your immune system.  To fortify yourself.

By the beginning of December, physical evidence of Tinselitis, will be found in most homes.  However some strong individuals, resistant to EOT, will be able to hold out until the 13^th day of December.  Exactly twelve days before the very height of the infection.  When cross contamination is at its worst.  Though for those courageous souls, able to withstand submitting until the 13^th, they normally too succumb to this plague.  No one is immune.  And how do they do it?  What makes them crack and join the illness fray?  Well, it usually occurs when their true loves gives to them a partridge in a pear tree.

But fear not.  My vast medical experience has taught me a few things.  And I’m nothing if not observant.  Mark my words.  This disease will eventually pass.  And by the 26^th of December, I predict that we would have managed to successfully break the back of this dreaded and infiltrating infection. 

Slowly but surely, all evidence of its very existence will start fading away.

The symptoms will dissipate too.  Calm will return and all will go back to normal.

But in the interim:  Be Strong. 

You can never be too cautious.  Tinselitis is everywhere.  You have been warned.

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My top twelve favourite presents

My top twelve favourite presents
14 June 2013

Presents are awesome!  Don't believe anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.  Nobody can resist their allure.  The way they make you feel special, shallow though that may appear.  They have the power to make you feel cherished and valued.  Appreciated and cared for.  I have received very many incredible presents, but a few stand out.  And stand out by far.

1. When I was pregnant with Cole, I was given an amazing baby shower by my family and friends.  And I was just so very touched.  Having a baby shower is a part of the pregnancy ritual and makes the whole "baby-being-born-soon-thing" seem very real.  At my baby shower I got such awesome goodies for Cole and I.  From baby food, clothes, blankets, wet wipes and disposable nappies to lotions and potions for me.  But nothing ever compared with the brilliance of the gift from my mom.  It was just so unique.  So Maggie-ish and different.  Rather than giving me some more baby paraphernalia, she gave me a R200 gift voucher for kiddies meals at McDonalds.  This was truly inspired.  At the time, Luke was six and Amber was two and a half.  They loved McDonalds and for them it was an awesome treat.  For me too, as it allowed me the luxury of not worrying about cooking a meal for them and furthermore, they felt so special when they got take-aways.  And nearly nine years ago, R200 was a lot of money.  It worked out to sixteen Happy Meals in total, in other words eight joint meal times between the two of them.  It was perfection!  So thoughtful and different and I just loved it!
2. Us Twisted Sista's have a tradition.  When it is the birthday of someone in the group, we pool money together.  We throw it in a pot and then rather than getting ten Vanilla bubble bath bottles from Woollies, we rather get one big, awesome present.  Usually something you really, really want, but don't end up buying for yourself.  Hinting about what you would like to get is very much allowed.  Perhaps a new pair of boots or a snazzy handbag.  Something you've been lusting after for a while.  And so, one year for my birthday, the Twisted's came up with a rather novel idea.  Rather than spending the loot for my birthday on one present, they pooled the money and the chicks and I went for a horse ride on Noordhoek Beach.  It was so beautiful, it was almost surreal.  Utterly magical and charming and I simply loved every single minute.  So thoughtful and kind, it blew me away.  Could anything be better?  Well, the cake and coffee we went for afterwards, was pretty awesome too.
3. 3) The first time my sister, Foefie, and her husband did a stint in England, she sent me a random present of a few of the Queen's very own sterling pounds.  It was for no special occasion.  No rhyme or reason.  Simply because she could.  And she knew it would make me feel special and spoilt.  It wasn't for my birthday.  Nor for Xmas either.  If I remember correctly it was about £40, which converted a few years ago, turned into a lot of South African rands.  Such a special treat as it was all for me, with strict instructions to spend it on me and me alone.  Hunting for just the right goodies to buy, was so thrilling and exciting too.  It felt absolutely sinfully selfish to splurge it all on me.  Such fun!  And then funny enough a very, very dear and good friend of mine who lives in Switzerland, once also gave me some Swiss Francs with similar instructions.  I had to get some spoil pressies just for me.  I delighted in the challenge of finding just the right things.  So awesome!
4. One of the last paintings my Dad ever did was so gloriously beautiful, it simply took my breath away.  I loved it with a passion and remember seeing it on his easel and watching it unfurl right in front of me.  But the painting was a gift to an old family friend, Linky.   Almost a commission of sorts.  In exchange for a new duvet set, bought on Linky's Woollies account, my dad would make this painting for her.  And then a few years ago, out of the blue, Linky phoned me up one fine day and told me that she would like me to have this painting.  That she felt it was meant for me, not for her.  And that it would give her greater joy, if she knew that I had it.  I resisted and tried with all of my might to dissuade her, but she wouldn't be moved.  Her mind was made up.  And so, one of my Dad's most magnificent paintings became mine.  My uncle kindly framed it for me and it has pride of place in my study, right above my computer.  And I gaze upon it daily and marvel at its beauty and my good fortune in receiving such an incredible gift.
5. On my birthday, on the 10th of January 1997, just nine short months after we got married, Grant told me that he would like us to start trying for a baby.  I had been ready for a baby from the second we got married.  It had been my biggest wish simply for ever.  My whole life to be exact.  And so for Grant to deem it do-able and to give his seal of approval was probably my best birthday gift ever.  A dream come true.  I remember floating for the rest of that day.  In fact days thereafter too.  And so auditions for our firstborn child began in all earnestness.  Though to be truthful, we were practically still on honeymoon, and auditions were coming along rather nicely on their own too…..
6. I absolutely love surprises.  No wait.  Let me qualify.  I love happy surprises.  Good ones.  That bring delight and not despair.  And all of my baby showers as well as my kitchen tea, came as a huge surprise.  I fell for it every single time.  Everyone was so thoughtful and faffed lots.  Such a delicious treat!  One I can highly recommend.  Furthermore, it’s as good an excuse as any to get pregnant again…..
7. A few years ago, an incredible friend, gifted Grant and I with a trip to Singapore and China.  I know!  How ridiculous is that!  There are simply no words to describe how amazing it was.  I had never, ever travelled anywhere and was a real greenie.  Quite naturally, I took to it immediately and loved every single minute.  It felt a bit like me head was exploding.  How could it not?  Imagine going from the Strand in the Western Cape, to Beijing.  Sure, my head felt like it exploded.  I was barely able to take it all in!
8. My Grantie has given me many, many awesome, magnificent, gloriously beautiful presents over the years.  He's given me clothes and jewellery (I managed to squeeze him from two engagement rings – hah!).  Things for our home.  Trinkets I rejoice in and special treats just for me.  Three absolutely perfect kids.  Yet, one of the very best gifts he ever gave me, was a roll of double ply toilet paper.  I know it might sound odd, but for reasons I don't particularly want to go into, it reduced me to tears of joy and gratitude as well as an absolute overwhelming outpouring of love for him.  Blindingly hot and pure.  At that moment it meant more to me than even my kids.  Nothing could have made me love him more.  I know – I’m a bit of an oddball at times.  Whenever we talk about it, Grant still shakes his head.  He’s convinced I’m loopy.  Hey, I think he got off lucky.  See how easy I am to please?  Show me another woman who’ll value the same gifts that I do.
9. I remember turning seven years old and having a birthday party at Cloetenberg.  My grandparents were doing a stint in Durban and we were living in the house at the time.  As a present, one of my friends gave me a huge, big, shiny R1 coin.  I had never felt so rich.  In fact, no matter how much money I have accumulated since that very same day, and even if I added it all together, I would still not be able to emulate that same feeling of wealth.  It was the equivalents of millions in my eyes.  I admired it often and couldn’t believe how enormous it was.  Still it fit perfectly in my hand.
10. When I was twelve, my grandparents (Dad’s mom and dad), gave me a shiny blue bicycle.  I thought I had died and gone to heaven.  I remember the exhilarating rush of freedom I experienced, in scooting all over the place.  Unlike my loser of a brother, who had to walk to school, I had me some wheels.  Beat that!  It was huge to me.  We lived in safer times, and hence I was allowed to use my bicycle riding around wherever I wanted to go.  Visiting friends, cycling to school, going to the village (begging to do errands just so that I could go on my bike), etc.  And in terms of freedom, it meant even more than my first set of car wheels.
11. I don’t think there are enough words to describe my love of Christmas and all things Christmas related.  Some might even call it a bit of an obsession.  I just LOVE it!!!  And so, quite per chance, I happened upon a Jim Shore Heartwood Creek Father Christmas statue.  The detail is magnificent.  The colours rich.  I love their old-wordly and classic feel.  Their timeless beauty.  Grant immediately understood how I felt.  I think my face gave it away.  And so, I acquired my first one.  A beauty of note.  And subsequently, my collection has grown rather rapidly.  Sadly they are rather pricey, and so I have become adept at find them at knock-off bargain prices with the help of, amongst others, my aunt.  They beautify my home and are proudly displayed, all year long.  They cheer me up and though inanimate, they bring me joy, with whispers of Christmas’s past and future.
12. In November 2003, I remember feeling ever so slightly off.  Like something was just out of kilter.  I was unbearably tired, and would nod off all the time.  My body didn’t quite feel like it belonged to me.  Eventually, on Grant’s urging, I went off to the doctor, and explained to him how I was feeling.  He asked me if there was any chance that I could be pregnant.  I laughed in his face.  We certainly weren’t trying to fall pregnant.  Grant had decreed long ago that our family was complete at two children.  Amber was not even two yet, and we had to resort to fertility treatment to fall pregnant with her.  Still he insisted on doing a pregnancy test, and I recall feeling ridiculously nervous, yet hopeful at the same time, whilst I was waiting with his assistant in the bathroom, as she was doing the test.  And when those magical little lines appeared on the pregnancy test, announcing that I was indeed with child, I gave a giddy little laugh and jumped up and down and squeezed her so tight.  My dream had come true – a third baby was on the way!!!  And then just to make super sure, I went for a blood test too.  Positive too.  Could there be any greater gift, than a much longed for child?  And so we became blessed with our little Cole.  A charming and delightful little boy, who turns nine in just a few sleeps.  The very best gift ever.  Though to be truthful, the surprised delight in Cole’s arrival was twofold.  Because apart from getting my heart’s desire of a third baby, another rather unexpected present was seeing Grant’s face when I told him.  He turned a whiter shade of pale, and immediately phoned my mom and said to her, “You won’t believe what Helene’s gone and done”.  Men!!!  I kept on reminding him that this was definitely not a solo achievement!

I have received so many amazing, incredible, thoughtful gifts.  Kindnesses that have been shown to me.  Letters and special cards.  And they all were precious to me.  Each and every one.  But just perhaps, my top twelve stands out the most.  Thank you one and all for spoiling me so much! 

These gifts all meant so much, because with them, you gifted me a little piece of your heart.  And those sentiments have warmed my heart too.  Thanx!

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I never felt quite as rich as when I got that shiny new R1 coin

Horse riding with my Twisted Sista's on Noordhoek Beach - sublime!

Phenomenal!

Baby Soft Double Ply = True Love

My bike meant freedom and independence - simply loved it!

McDonald's Meal Vouchers were my best baby shower gift

My most magnificent painting in the study

And in some natural light, she is even more beautiful!

I know! Can you friggin believe it! That's little old me on the Great Wall of China - totally surreal! I swore I could smell History that day. It was like a physical presence in the air.

Yeehaaa!!!  Pregnant again!

Some lovely dosh!

I know - I can wax lyrical about the whole two-ply thing.

Aaahhh!!! I particularly love the birdie Father Christmas with the bird houses on his cloak-thingy. Arms stretched out wide. Magnificent!

A few more of my Jim Shore Father Christmas little statues - I adore them! Aren't they just so charming?