A Lazy Day at the Pool

This is our last day today, tomorrow we pack up and leave...

So what better way to spend a sunny day than at the beach?

All be it at a man made beach at the Valley of Waves. Janique and Ashlynn were very very brave as they managed to swim in the freezing water! (^^,)

After that we went back to our chalet for a spot of lunch, the the big girls and I went to spend a bit of time at the heated pool,

We spent some quality time together over some very yummy ice creams!

Then the girls went off and I was left with some very precious and rare 'me' time

I love to read, and to have the time to read this holiday has been wonderful.

It is amazing what a little down time can do for the soul. I must say that I am feeling refreshed, and revived!

We're off to go and have a wonderful dinner out now, bonus!! I won't have any dishes to do!! LOL

Chat soon,

xx



I woke up this morning with this verse in my spirit

Psalm 118:24

This is the day that the Lord has made, We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Verses 28 &29

You are my God, and I will praise You, You are my God, I will exalt you. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His mercy endures forever.

No matter what you are facing today, choose to focus on what's good. When we focus on what the Lord has done for us, I can guarantee you that it will always outweigh the negative stuff that tries to weigh us down.

It starts with just one thought.

Think, The Lord is good!

This my friend is going to be a wonderful day!

Lotsa love

xx



A Little Trip to the Croc Farm

I dunno about you, but I think the only good use for a croc is a fabulous pair of shoes or a super chic bag...

This afternoon, we spent a bit of time at the Croc Sanctuary here at Sun City.

Close to 800 crocs live here, they range in age from a few weeks old to 89 years old

Can't you hear this one saying, So how you doin' (in a broad New Jersey accent of course)?

Yay, we made it in time for feeding time...

So first off the wrangler starts to call them, and they start to slink into the water...creepy...

Then they all line up...

Waiting for the meat to be tossed to them

Between them all they ate an entire cow.

Thankfully there was a beautiful bird to photograph, a Grey Heron. They are often spotted with crocs, they eat the left overs...

Oh joy of joys, we could hold a baby croc!!

Janique was in her element. She LOVES reptiles (dunno why or where she got this love from, certainly wasn't from me!!)

Oh come on Mom, you must also have a turn,

Please note the quiet terror in my eyes. Thankfully his mouth was taped up. The wrangler very nicely told me that he could rip off my finger!!

OK, now smile for the camera!!

Even Kenzie was creeped out. She managed to give it's tail a bit of a squeeze, but she made sure Daddy was holding her tight!

I love spending time with my special Darlings, even if it's with creepy reptiles! LOL

We made some wonderful memories today

Oi, just looking at these pics makes me want to go and wash my hands. Again LOL

Lotsa love

xx



Remembering Granny

I have been thinking about my Gran quite a bit over the last few days. The amazing Charlotte Flack. Sunday, 22 April, was the first year anniversary of her death. She's now happy and whole with Precious Jesus, and I am very sure that she is lavishing her love on our sweet little Zac.

I was looking through my old pics and came across these ones. These were taken a few years before she went home to be with Jesus. She loved my hair blond. She never held back in telling me that she quite honestly didn't like it dark! "But Gran" I would lament, "it's my natural colour'. "Nonsense Velanique" (she quite liked to use my full name) " I'm quite sure that it is blond!"

She was quite a lady, a fire cracker to say the least! She had the most incredible sense of style. She would often tell me, "Darling, as long as your hair, make up and nails are done, and a squirt of purfume applied, you can face anything"

 Her and I shared a love of shoes. A love that I inherited from her :) Some of my earliest memories of Gran, was playing dress up with her clothes and shoes. It makes me smile to think about it. The older she got, the lower her heels got! hehe. She would often tell me that one day she would wear high heels again! I am quite sure she is doing just that! I wonder if they have Jimmy's in heaven (^^,)

She had a sharp wit and a wicked sense of humour. And boy oh boy did she have a mischievous little twinkle in her eye. Janni inherited that mischief (^^,), yup she most definitely got the lion's share of it.

She loved to laugh. Gran loved her life, and although there were very tough times, she had the most remarkable resolve. I'm sure that was because of her firm and steadfast love in Jesus.

Granny came to stay with me, a few months before she passed. I learned so much from her in that short period of time. Her and I were able to share some special one on one time together, listening to her recount her life, all the joys and sorrows, made me realise that our time here on earth together is short. Instead of holding onto offences and bitterness it is so much better to let go of that baggage, and enjoy life.

 As frail as she was, she was usually the first one up in the morning, and I would find her in my kitchen, standing at the door, looking out and in prayer. She loved her family with such a passion. Granny had such a special relationship with Jesus. She was totally 100% in love with Jesus.

I really miss this treasure.

Lotsa love

xx

(^^,)

Lotsa love

xx

A Day in the Wild

The girls are on their last week of holiday, and we have been blessed with a week away in Sun City. Sun City is a holiday resort in the North West Province of South Africa. It borders the Pilanesberg National Game Reserve.

With today being overcast, we all voted to spend the morning driving in the Park.

With her sisters in the back of the bakkie, Kenzie had her Daddy all to herself!

Okay, ready when you are! Let's go and see us some game

Oh wow! Waterbuck!

Oh, you gotta be kidding me! A flipping traffic jam!

Yup we sat in the jam for close to 20 minutes, seems like there were a herd of elephant, taking a rest break on the road.

Oh my, when they eventually cleared the road, we were treated to such a special spot! The herd was of the Mommas and babies!

We also got to see my favourite (^^,)

I love the gerries, they are so graceful...sigh. My heart smiled when we met this fella

I love the Pilansburg. It holds such a special place in my heart. When we were younger, we would often holiday just outside the park. This is where I discovered my love for birds. I have some of my happiest memories, sitting in the back of the car, with Janni and Mom and Dad in the front. I was always in charge of the bird book. I had the important task of documenting our spots :)

I also had my very first driving lesson, in the park. It was my dad's green BMW. He loved that car. He was so very patient with me, until I almost drove it into a throne bush. Ever so 'gently' I was encouraged to get out, and let him continue with the driving!! Heeheee

I've come a long way :)

Now it was my turn to take over the driving while Ian had a rest.

He must have known that there would be trouble up ahead...

Not long after I had taken the wheel, we were met by a rogue bull elephant. These bulls have a bad rep in the park. They are known to be very aggressive!

Well this chap thought that it would be fun to walk in the road, and dared any of us to get in his way. With his ears flapping, he walked towards us. Well if you know me, you will know that my reversing skills are a little lack luster... heeee

I reversed to just under a kilometer, until he decided that he had had enough of walking on the road!

Whew!!

On the way out of the park, we were met with another traffic jam, also caused by the ellies. Looking over my shoulder to the water we saw about 3 or 4 herd coming in to drink!

It was an absolutely wonderful sight!

Along with the birds!! Look at that sight

...sigh...

What a special morning! And what fun :)

I think that when I can get my paints all sorted out I am going to paint this scene.

It makes my heart smile.

I'm sure that when our Daddy looks at us, His heart must also smile.

Have a wonderful day

xx

Psalm 9:1-4

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds! I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High! When my enemies turned back, they stumbled and perished before You. For You have maintained my right cause; You sat on the throne judging righteously . (AMP)

Praise is such an important part of our daily walk. It's not just about singing some songs or saying some words. When we praise our God, it releases the very presence of God. Oh My Word!! How powerful is that? What are you facing today? I can guarantee that that when you choose to focus your energy and praise on our Heavenly Father, there will be a shift in your atmosphere!

Lotsa love

Niqui xx

Ashie's Quilt

At long last, I have finished my Sweetie's quilt

She has been so patient (^^,)

Don't you just love her colour choices.

Cool

Well with that one finished, it's time for the next project! My darling niece Tianna has put in her order :) When she was with me in March, her and I went to go and pick out her yarn. So best I get to it!

Lotsa Love

Niqui xx

Easter Week End

What a precious time that we had. We spent the Easter week end together as a family and then on Sunday we celebrated all together...

Uncle Ian was able to squeeze in a golf lesson...

Then Ashies showed us all how it's done :)

After a wonderful lunch together. We left the folks' place and headed home. It was time for the egg hunt. The girls waited patiently inside while I hid the eggs.

Kenz was so super excited! She is at that age, her enthusiasm is contagious (^^,)

What a stash!!

Oh Yum!

A precious time, spent with treasured people (Momma, Jan and Dad you were with me in my heart. I missed you all xx)

Lotsa love

Niqui xx