SimplyDinee

{photo}shoot

2012-02-09T08:37:00.003+02:00

so last weekend, i had a bit of a mini photo-shoot you could say... with Ruby-Jayne!

we drove out to daggafontein, and played around in the veld... we had so much fun, especially with Logan making funny comments all the time, was really hard not to smile and laugh the whole time.

Thank you Ruby for the fun time had! and of course for my BEAUTIFUL pictures! you sure are talented!

These are just a few of my favorites!

XXXX

daily {gem}

2012-02-07T07:59:00.002+02:00

relief society newsletter {february}

2012-02-06T06:53:00.003+02:00

newest {addition}

2012-01-30T07:19:00.002+02:00

meet our newest addition to the "padoa clan"

"~~boy~~ BRUCE"

name ~~"unknown" as of yet.... has finally been decided...~~ Welcome BRUCE into our little family!

~~by the time we do decide on a name he will probably think that his name is "boy" or "no boy"~~

we have debated through so many names, and none seem to fit, well my dad will tell you that his two favorite are Bruce...and Kracken... (now who on earth with name their dog Kracken???)

cant help but laugh when i think about that one.

we have had him for 2.5 days, and he already has us wrapped around his paws... he is just the cutest thing!

friday was a BIG day for our little one, he was so sleepy, didn't play much, but come saturday night he was a bundle of energy, and when everyone wants to go to bed, now its time to play :)

dad made a make shift little bed for him, but since we chose him 3 weeks ago, he has pretty much doubled in size, and is 2inches taller.... so he sleeps half in half out with his moma's blanket...

yup he gets spoiled and gets to sleep on luke's lap... ok well all our laps...:)

he loves luke, and follows him all over... love seeing him galloping down the passage, he is all ears and big paws :)

in short we love our "little man" who will not be little for much longer :)

p.s. if you have any name ideas, please let us know!! HELP! haha

greatest blessings can be found when {going to the temple}

2012-01-26T07:04:00.000+02:00

a year ago today, i made one of the best decisions of my life. i will never regret making it. though it took me a while to decide that it was the right thing to do, i did it for me, for the blessings i could receive for myself and no one else.

throughout young women we were always taught that when we as young women go to the temple it would be when we are about to be married. some of us are lucky enough that, that is the case, however, sometimes, things don't fall into place the way you think they will, and instead of hovering in one place, we need to move forward... this reminds me of elder uchtdorf's talk that he recently gave in general conference about the "forget me not flowers" and "waiting for our golden ticket". its a wonderful thought, that golden ticket, but it doesn't always come when you expect it to.

i am glad that i didn't wait for my golden ticket, being able to go to the temple during the last year, has given me such promise and such wonderful blessings, being able to talk to my heavenly father when i needed it the most and seek out his counsel, or just when i need some "shelter from the storm" it has been a beautiful place of refuge for me in my times of great need and sorrows. and as i have attended i have grown to have a deeper love and appreciation for the temple and its sacredness then i ever could have imagined.

this was most definitely a most wondrous choice, and i am glad that i have made it.

the sun will {rise}

2012-01-21T12:08:00.000+02:00

I can see thewait there in your eyes

I can feel the thought in your sigh

Your knuckles are bruised from a losing fight

One way down a dead end street

Broken glass underneath your feet

You think the day won't break the sunless night

The sun will rise

When you've lost your lights

The sun will rise

It'll be alright

I've been in stuck in a storm before

Felt the wind raging at my door

Couldn't move, couldn't breathe, Couldn't find away out

Somehow my clouds disappeared, Somehow I made it here

Maybe just so you could hear me say

The sun will rise

When you've lost your lights

The sun will rise

It'll be alright

Although you can't see it

So hard to believe it

Sometimes you just need a little faith (All youneed is a little faith)

There's an answer to your prayer

And I swear that there'll come a day

It will be alright

The sun will rise

~kelly clarkson~

a {new} year

2012-01-09T10:27:00.000+02:00

well here we are again... a whole NEW year ahead of us!

it has been soooo long since i have blogged, i cannot believe it! terrible i know, but with all that has been happening the last few weeks, there just has not been much time for the simple pleasures of blogging.

but hopefully that will change over the next couple of weeks.

this year promises to be one awesome year, so many great and wonderful things are happening...many changes coming this way!

i have moved back home for the time being, but am looking for my own place! yes you read it, im buying my first apartment! SO scared! its funny when i thought of this step, i never ever imagined that i would be doing it on my own. i guess this just goes to prove that nothing ever turns out the way you want it to...

but even though this is one major scary decision and step, i am thoroughly excited about it to! as per my usual self, i have started to make lists and lists of countless things! haha miss boo thinks im a tad OCD...? :P

miss boo and mister boo are also making tracks and are moving into their first apartment as a married couple! so super exciting! so much change is happening and its all for the good!

this is gonna be the year to beat... i think :)

happy new year everyone! don't hit that working grindstone to hard as you get back into the working niche, though i should probably take my own advice, since i hit the ground running at 7am this morning when i stepped into the office... SO much to do!

Relief Society Newsletter {january 2012}

2012-01-09T08:58:00.002+02:00

year end work {weekend} & carols by {candlelight}

2011-12-12T13:56:00.001+02:00

wow it feels like it has been ages since i last blogged... i suppose it has been... anyway without further adue...

two weekends ago, instead of having our usual work year end party, our bosses decided to take us away for a weekend away at the vaal river... one of our suppliers has the most amazing house right on the river... was so much fun! well the friday night at least for me...friday morning i had woken up with a sore throat, but hadn't really thought much about it. friday was spent eating good food, going on the boat for a sunset cruise and karaoke!!

however saturday morning i woke up feeling like id been hit by a monster truck! i think i must have skipped right over flu and gone straight to bronchitis ;( not cool!

so saturday was pretty much a lazy day doing nothing much for me, i had no energy whatsoever, and just totally felt bad :( later that night, things turned to the worst for me, i had to be rushed to the nearest hospital, as i couldn't breathe... kept passing out due to lack of oxygen in my blood etc etc... asthma is NO fun i tell you!

after 3 hours in the hospital, 4 nebulisers later and cortisone injections and who knows what else i was sent home... gave everyone the frights of their lives i think, including myself, ive had bad asthma attacks, but nothing like this, ...i think... lol i can never recall exactly what happened, strange but true.

.........................................

then come 08 december, it was time for carols by candlelight! cherryn had found out about monte-casino doing the carols by candlelight in the piazza, how beautiful! we rushed straight there after work for 5pm so that we could get in and get good seats even with it only starting at 7pm... we were holding thumbs the whole day that the storm clouds stayed away, and that we wouldn't be rained out...

however it started to rain, and we were asked to move out of the piazza because of the lightening, we were given these plastic ponchos in case it rained... was quite something to see with so many people wearing them hoping that the rain would blow over...
alas the rain would not stop and after holding out and hoping the rain would end we decided to go home for pizza and a movie instead. would have been a beautiful night, but another day i guess.
we had fun in any event, regardless of how wet we got :)

tis the season to be {thankful}

2011-11-30T09:19:00.000+02:00

its that time of the year again, where everyone reflects on the year, what they have loved and lost, lived and learnt....

so many things have happened this year, good and bad... unfortunately for some unknown reason it would seem more bad than good. however i at this moment in time i am focusing on all that i am thankful for, whether it has been a trial in my life or a blessing, because in the end i have experienced new things, and have grown and become a better person because of them.

the last couple of weeks have been particularly hard for me, i am moving back home for the holidays, and have officially started hunting for a new apartment closer to work. i look at the first place tonight!! * eek* hold thumbs for me!!

work has been entirely far too stressful the last couple of months, always seems like all our clients want everything done in the blink of an eye when there are only so many weeks left in the work year for us...which leads to loooong hours at the office, and NO sleep, and stress stress and more stress...

But there are so many things that i am SO thankful for this year, and all those things i hold dear and cherish.

As the season of Christmas drawers nearer every moment, i have brought out my Christmas albums, Oh how i love to listen to all the Christmas Carols... one of my favorites is by Josh Groban ~ Thankful... (hence the whole blog post of being "thankful", so i thought i would share with you.

I hope it touches your heart as much as it has touched mine.

XXX

Inspirational {thoughts}

2011-11-15T15:13:00.001+02:00

mom's 50th {SURPRISE!!!}

2011-11-14T10:23:00.001+02:00

OH MY GOODNESS!! I cannot believe that i kept this secret for so long, and actually pulled it off!

though don't you worry, there were a few times, where i nearly gave it away...so in that regard i am SO relieved that mom never caught on and figured it out! :)

I have been planning this for months! yes months, i had originally booked for "High tea" at the Westcliff Hotel, but opted for a buffet breakfast 'surprise' at the stunning restaurant " CiaoBaby Cucina"

I invited all of mom's "favorite" girls, friends and family alike... and for those of you so far away... we wish you could have been there with us.

Thank-you for sending you sweet messages, for us to read to her of your favorite / special memories of her!

Anyway, so this was all planned, orchestrated down to the last minute, of how to get mom there without suspecting a thing. Luckily i had dad help me out with that one :) his excuse, he wanted to look for a surround sound system for home, and the one he wants is at a store in eastgate, and he wants to go look at it.. and of course just so happened that mom hadn't had breakfast, so why not have breakfast.... :)

I will never forget mom's face, she was so surprised!! and just burst into tears!

GOTCHA MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at ALL those presents!! mom got SO spoilt!!

Below are some pictures taken from the day (via Aunty Sanet) Dankie Tanie, dat jy so veel foto's geneem! daar is geen manier wat ek sou gewees het hom al hierdie spesiale oomblikke vas te vang!

SURPRISE!!!!!

Me and my beautiful mom!

Lindi {alyssa) and me

Lindi is due in 6 weeks time, cant wait to meet this little girl!

(clockwise: me, sasha, nicolah, irene, mom, sharon, shannon)

All the girls in the family (one side)

Granny, Mom, Aunt Rene', Sasha and i

(wow i have the most amazing family!!)

Jenny, Isabel, Cathy, Liz, Sandie & Mom

Old friends reunite!! mom and aunty susette

Nicolah and Irene

Shani & Sharon

Mom and her girls :)

granny, dad, and aunt rene'

aunt danila & mom

(thankyou aunt danila for helping me with this speical day! wouldnt have been able to do it without you!)

liz & mom

mom and cathy

mom & jenny

mom & isabel

mom & lara

mom & lindi

sasha & mom

charmaine, mom & sanet

sandie & mom

emily, mom & vionne

aunty danila and her girls, michelle & nicola

we LOVE you mom, and so glad to be part of your life! Thank-you for all that you have done, that you do, and will do for me... You are the best mother any girl could ask for, and so blessed to have you in my life! you are such a great example to me of righteous daughter of our heavenly father, of being a wonderful wife, daughter, and especially mother, i hope that one day when i have a family of my own, that i will be as great as you! you are a rock i can lean on and a shoulder for me to cry on, a listening ear when i need to let it all out, and the wisdom which i need to hear.

Thank-you for being you! i cannot wait for the next 50 years!!!!! they are going to be even more memorable then the last!

My mom is a never-ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness,and being. I may sometimes forget the words, but I always remember the tune

LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

Relief Society Newsletter {november}

2011-11-04T13:18:00.000+02:00

This month's visiting teaching message, is one which i chose for the month. This month we are asked to prayerfully seek out which General Conference talk to use as we do our visiting teaching. Elder Cook's talk about "Looking UP" really touched my spirit. You do not have to use the same talk, but go reread|listen through the talks to find your inspired message. You can find them at new.lds.org

As of late i have received alot of requests for the template for my newsletter. If you are interested email me at {simplydinee at gmail dot com} and i will send you the template. sorry i have no clue on how to post a template link on my blog so that will have to do.

sister {fun}

2011-10-17T16:22:00.000+02:00

pictures via dads iphone4

shani's 21st & {fabulous} family moments

2011-10-17T10:27:00.001+02:00

Got to love when a family as wacky as ours comes together!! :)

Wednesday is actually shanni's birthday, but we celebrated in style on sat...which just so happened to be my birthday! so awesome that i got to spend my birthday with family, and people that mean so much to me!

What an awesome night!, Shanni not only celebrated her 21st birthday, but Adrian proposed, and so they are now officially engaged!! we are so happy for you both, such exciting times ahead for you both!

Sorry for the overload of pics again, but Czee these are for you!! So sad you missed it, and we didn't get to hang out!

Pouting, i think Irene needs to practice this one a bit first...lol

Diggidy dog, we love you so!!

Do you ever think i will get it right to get a normally "nice" photo with my brother??? ...... ummm im starting to think NOT! :)

POSERS!! and we wonder where she gets it from?? i think the question has just been answered...hahaha

I think dad has been spending to much time posing with Sasha..:P

Beautiful Birthday Girl

Greg with his favorite aunty... aka mom

Things that made me smile this weekend/week:

~ My birthday dinner with family and friends, and the awesome time had by all

~My fabulous chocolate cake that Cath bought me for my birthday!! RED VELVET!! so delish

~Birthday shopping with Mom, and yes i actually found something, haha, the top im wearing at Shani's party is one of them... LOVE it!

~ Having the most amazing family out there both by blood and by heart, im so lucky!!

~ General Conference! what a privilege to sit at the feet of a True Prophet of our Heavenly Father, and his apostles, and hear the words of God. Loved all the talks, but i especially loved Pres Uchtodorf's talks, (all of them), Elder Cook, Sister Dalton, and of course our Beloved Prophet Pres Monson.

~ To have amazing "sisters"

XXX

{living it up} my 2nd last night of being 25!!

2011-10-14T09:45:00.002+02:00

OH my what a night!!

So me being the nice big sister, had my birthday dinner last night, yes can you believe, i will be 26 come tomorrow morning!! haha, so last few hours of living it up as a 25 year old, (well i guess i can hardly call it living it up as im sitting at work, and later doing an installation!) but anyway back to why im being the nice big sister... since its Sasha's formal for varsity tonight, and she asked me ever so nicely to do it on the thursday so that she could come... i did :)

Such an awesome night spent with my nearest and dearest, well almost all my nearest and dearest, quite a few missing... (you know who you are...all the way over across the sea)

Was such fun, just chilling around, having good food, and enjoying each others company, and of course, taking photos galore, which i promise, will be a picture overload...lol, so you have been forewarned! :)

Thanks to everyone that came!! you made it so so special for me! love you all so much, you have all blessed my life in one way or the other!

{CLICK ON READ MORE TO SEE THE REST OF THE PICTURES}

my other family... wouldn't be the same with out you guys! xxx

Blaise did some photos for us to, he is getting pretty suave with the camera :)

Took some awesome ones of the table decor and of course his mango sorbet pudding :)

no comment needed here...:)

you guys ROCK!!!

Mr Boo oh wait no Arno Carstens!!! and me haha

me and Maja Boo

The girls...

my darling wends... mwa mwa other lil sistertjie

Kathrine darling

Cupcake :) aka Sara and me

the BEST self appointed "Big brother" i could ever ask for!! aka david

Cookie|cupcake|smartie...haha

Glen and me

Renton and me

Kymberly and me

Janyne and me

my little sistas ;)

i'll always be a daddy's girl

The AWESOMEST mom and dad i could ever ask for!

we land up getting a lil crazy we we together...?? of COURSE NOT! :)

sometimes you have wonder where these to came from?? :P

*MAGNUM*

can you tell we are seasoned posers of this pose?? haha love Miss Boo

Gotta love this crazy bunch! :)

practicing our fabulous friday pose :)

2011-10-10T14:19:00.000+02:00

One thing you can be sure of when there is a "3" year old around, your life will never have a dull moment.

Gotta love moments like these!

Yesterday after i had gotten back from church, i popped over next door, M & C where busy painting and B just wanted to come with me to "my house", where as three year olds do, look in every nook and cranny until they find something interesting. in this case it was my camera, so in optimism of him being a good boy, and of course to keep him busy, so....we brought it along and wala *thinks about spelling...probably wrong but o well*

he truly is the cutest little thing around, and makes my life that much brighter and interesting :)

daily {gem}

2011-10-10T13:07:00.001+02:00

Relief Society Newsletter {october}

2011-10-04T11:48:00.005+02:00

happy {HAPPY} day!!

2011-09-29T10:43:00.001+02:00

Look what arrived in our yard!!!!

Convention {2011}

2011-09-27T15:26:00.001+02:00

So once again its convention time!!

This year Soweto Stake was in charge. Wasn't much to talk home about, but was fun hanging out with friends none the less..

Sasha doing all the signature moves of the boys... Darryn|Travis|Nolan|Gareth

This has to be my favorite picture at the moment of Sasha and i! <3

Saturday morning was filled with different workshops, i attended the one done by Elder Hartman...(the second edition of the color code which speaks about character) i really enjoyed it and took down lots of notes once again :)

The morning was followed by an afternoon of sporting activities and random photo takings....

And then of course the

80’s Dance...

which started at 8pm, and to which we only go to after 9pm...you know how it is with girl, got to do the primping :)

And of course Sunday afternoon under the trees!

so {grateful} for...

2011-09-27T08:35:00.000+02:00

"Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulnessfor blessings or benefits we have received. As we cultivate a gratefulattitude, we are more likely to be happy and spiritually strong."

wow it has been ages since i wrote a really long and read worthy post!! *hangs head in shame* but as we all know life carries on, and sometimes gets the better of us.

Today's post for me is on all the things that i am grateful for that have happened over the last couple of months.

well always and foremost i am so grateful for my family, for the wonderful people they are and examples that they set for me. No matter the situation they always seem to be there just when i need it the most.

So many great things are happening within our family, so many blessings which we have prayed for are no longer dreams but coming true!!! :) And im sure that we as a family are feeling a tad overwhelmed, but its wonderful!

The biggest thing i think that we are all so happy for, will be the arrival of ...drum-roll... LUKE'S CAR!!!

Yes you read right!! and your eyes do not deceive you! Yup the countdown has begun...well rather has been happening for a few weeks already, but we are now down to the final 3 days!!!!! We are all truly excited for this car to arrive on our doorstep, as this means easier travel with Luke, added which he can drive straight in (with the help of ramps of course) sit in his pozzie, and drive straight out when we reach our destination!! YAY no more unpacking and packing of the wheelchair, and one oh so heavy 20 year old :)

Still seems very surreal at the moment, and even once we have it, i think only after a few months if that will it really have sunk in!

Secondly, i am so grateful and lucky to have a sister like i do! she really is one of a kind, and truly my best friend. I am so proud of her! she has persevered and studied so hard, and it has truly paid off! after weeks of going to interviews etc, she was given the internship at the ISR ie "Institute for sports research" at tuks!!!! what an honor! she was first shortlisted and had a 50/50 chance....the waiting killed, but we are so happy!!!

And of course FRIENDS!!!! who in the world wouldn't be grateful for great friends!?! i know i would surely go crazy if it weren't for these special in my life, and for the awesome memories made!! Over the last couple of weeks, they have really kept me grounded and level headed where all i wanted to do was sit in a corner and curl up and wait for the year to finish....

And of course i am always grateful for the opportunity to attend the Temple. I am truly so lucky to only live 20min away, and i make a concerted effort to attend as often as i can, which is usually every second week, on a tuesday night, Oh how I love Tuesday nights!!

I love how i can attend the temple, there can be a minimal amount of people in the room, but i still feel the spirit and my Heavenly Father's love for me so strongly every time i set foot through those doors. I LOVE IT!!

pic via aunt Danila :)

Work has been insanely busy, and the past two weeks seem like a distant memory right now, but at that moment in time, felt exhausting, and not enough hours in the day to do both a handover to a client, and a big presentation for a new hotel, Thankfully and by some miracle , i survived, and completed both! *big sigh of relief* and got news today that the client for the hotel loved the presentation, and now its time to do mock-up specs!! :) Things are looking up!

So to end things off here's a list of things that have made me smile...

1. daddy's 'daffyduck' voice mail message :)

2. walking, walking and more walking, with miss boo... we are getting quicker and quicker every day, and feeling awesome!!

3. the new lady antebellum cd, that luke downloaded just for me, because he knows just how much i love it!

4. for the quickness of how quickly 2 years have gone by!! never thought i would be standing here whole again! but here i am and im BETTER than ever!

5. the funny faces and constant posing of my little sister :)

6. going to the temple, just when i need it the most!

7. giggling girls in the dorm at convention, *sigh* miss them already...

8. chatting with my best friend across the sea, knowing that she is always there for me no matter when or where... LOVE YOU SAMMY!! x

9. My gramps turning 86 last friday!!! aka gappie! what a HUGE milestone! and i love him more and more every day!

10. coming across " Daddy's dating rules" and how dad is thinking just like this :) makes me feel so blessed to have the father that i do!!!

XXX

daily {gem}

2011-09-16T13:47:00.002+02:00

daily {gem}

2011-09-08T10:20:00.003+02:00

Relief Society Newsletter {september}

2011-09-02T09:34:00.000+02:00

Missing you...

2011-09-01T13:53:00.000+02:00

Daily {gem}

2011-08-30T11:19:00.001+02:00

Fabulous { Friday }

2011-08-26T08:24:00.000+02:00

Well here we are again... and Thank-goodness its Friday!!

This week has been one of those very busy, overwhelming and stressful weeks.

So much going on, and feeling as if I don’t know which way is up or down...

With so many projects going on, with big deadlines either lurking in the background or popping out of nowhere.

But once again this weekend will be one really busy weekend! With Stake Conference and a few other little things

In between...I’m going to need a weekend from my weekend.

But I am grateful for the weekend away from the office as it is J

Anyway onto our... “ Fabulous Friday”...

Today we were lucky that Amy joined us...and we'll make sure she is in on every of our "Fabulous Friday" posts.. :)

While having a very hectic day, this lil fun "photoshoot" if you can call it that, was just what we needed to lift our spirits and smile again.

Hope you all have a Fabulous Friday, and a wonderful weekend!

XXX

Thought {for} the Day

2011-08-25T12:45:00.002+02:00

Daily {gem}

2011-08-25T10:45:00.002+02:00

Spiritual Judgment for Spiritual Decisions

"Many blessings in life are missed because worldly judgment was applied to what was really a spiritual decision."

Gregory A. Schwitzer, "Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others," Ensign, May 2010, 104–5

{ Mormon } Helping Hands 2011

2011-08-22T15:07:00.000+02:00

This past Saturday it was our Helping hands, we combined with Rynfeild and Springs ward, and planted over 200 trees in a local community, and distributed over 200 peach trees for the communities to plant within their home gardens... it was a really long morning, with alot of work, but a very rewarding one as well. While planting one of the trees alongside the road, near a ladies house, she came out and said "thankyou for making it look so beautiful for us" how precious! its little thoughts and thankyou's like that, that make it all worth it. I am so glad that i was able to participate in such a wonderful service.

For those of you who are reading this and don't know what "Helping hands" is, read below to understand a little more,... {via lds.org}

The program provides priesthood leaders with an optional service opportunity for Church members and helps establish the name and reputation of the Church. It is a proven means of helping dispel stereotypes often held about the Church, showing that Latter-day Saints are Christians who contribute to the good of their communities.

The “Mormon Helping Hands” designation helps identify the Church’s role in the activity: to provide service laborers and usually not goods or materials. Successful projects have been conducted throughout Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and the United States. Coordination, implementation, and evaluation of these projects is usually delegated to local Public Affairs councils.

Objectives for Mormon Helping Hands

Helping Hands Help the Needy and Improve Communities

Service to others is an important characteristic of the followers of Jesus Christ. Mormon Helping Hands provides organized opportunities for Church members to give their time and talents to bless those in need. It also gives members the opportunity to beautify city streets, parks, schools, and recreational areas and to serve in other ways, showing that the Church is a friend to the community.

Strengthen Church Members

Through Mormon Helping Hands, youth and adults become more sensitive to the challenges others face. As Church members follow the example of the Savior in reaching out and helping others, their testimonies are strengthened. These projects are also valuable opportunities for Church members to fellowship less-active friends.

Share the Gospel Indirectly

Through Mormon Helping Hands, Church members have opportunities to portray the fruits of their faith and dispel unfounded criticism and prejudice toward the Church. While this program is not to be used for proselyting, these activities can help create conditions that are favorable for gospel conversations and may on occasion provide the opportunity to engage missionaries in teaching those who want to know more.

Build Relationships with Opinion Leaders

Church Public Affairs exists to “build strategic relationships with opinion leaders who affect the reputation of the Church of Jesus Christ.” Service is a powerful tool for influencing the beliefs and opinions of prominent individuals. Mormon Helping Hands is especially effective in developing beneficial relationships between Church leaders and government officials or other opinion leaders.

Enhance the Reputation of the Church

Mormon Helping Hands helps bring the Church out of obscurity and can greatly improve its reputation. Local media interest in these projects helps spread the knowledge of the Church to many who would not otherwise hear of it.

____________________________________

Here are some pictures from the morning, courtesy of other photographers on site :) (only one of them is mine...im sure you can guess which )

Daily {gem}

2011-08-19T15:08:00.000+02:00

Hold Fast to the Church's Proclamation on the Family

"If we will hold fast to the Church's proclamation on the family, we will see that we hold the jewels, as it were, that can enrich so many other things. Let the world go its own way on the family. It appears to be determined to do that. But we do not have that option. Our doctrines and teachings on the family are very, very powerful, and they are full of implications for all the people on this planet."

Neal A. Maxwell, "Insights from My Life," Ensign, Aug. 2000, 7

2011-08-18T13:09:00.000+02:00

You walk on by, don't blink an eye.
It's kind of funny, got me wondering why.
Maybe I'm just not your type.
Or maybe I'm your Mr Right
I could your Romeo, you'll be my Juliet.
Maybe I'm the one that you'll never forget
I know that I'm just passing through
But I might stay for you
You've only got one life
One life to live
I wanna give it everything I've got
Who knows? This might be it for us
So why don't we live it up?
Live it up darling
Give it up, my heart is starving
Live it up
Give it up

Excuse me miss, I don't mean to stare
You got me hypnotized with your long brown hair and your
Hazel eyes and your don't care smile
Would it be rude to ask if I could stay awhile?
I don't mean to intrude, I had to say hello.
Because if I never did it then I would never know.
I might just be passing through
But I might stay for you
You've only got one life
One life to live
I wanna give it everything I've got
Who knows? This might be it for us
So why don't we live it up?
Live it up darling
Give it up, my heart is starving
Live it up
Give it up
In every second that passes me by
Oh we're wasting precious time
So let's find out what lies between
You and me and the more we say
Hello
Let's get this right
So why don't we live it up
Live it up darling
Give it up my heart is starving
Live it up
Give it up
You've only got one life
One life to live
I wanna give it everything I've got
Who knows? This might be it for us
You only got one life
One life to live
I'm gonna give it everything I've got
Who knows? This might be it for us
So you go to live it up
Oh live it up darling
Give it up now, my heart is starving
Live it up
Give it up
Live it up
Live it up darling
Give it up my heart is starving
Live it up
Give it up

~Live it Up . Lee Dewyze~

Saying goodbye {&} hello

2011-08-16T16:14:00.000+02:00

So we finally moved out of the old and into the new... the 7 August was our last time meeting in the Davyton Chapel, We are so excited to be able to move into a brand new building, and our new Stake Centre no less! :)

Goodbye Davyton...

Packing what needs to be taken to new building

Isnt our new building just beautiful?? There is still alot to be done though, the grounds are no where near finished, and look ever so bare, but hopefully with Spring just around the corner, things will grow and flourish quickly! There are also alot of interior snags that need to be done, but so far so good, its so beautiful!

Such dashing gents dont you think :) suave boys suave...

Inspiring { just because }

2011-08-15T16:25:00.001+02:00

“The greatest danger for most of us

Is note that our aim is too high

And we miss it,But that it is too low

And we reach it” |Michelangelo

Fabulous { Friday }

2011-08-12T12:41:00.000+02:00

Yup its that time again.... its FRIDAY!!!!

So time for Fabulous friday!! and once again i think we just look Fabulous.. :)

Miss Boo dressed up for Bok Friday, i on the other hand just went neutral...(i dont have a jersey)

This week has been one of chaos and fun, and also a very short week, as Tuesday was a public holiday here in South Africa.

Dinee & Miss Boo

And just had to add this pic of Miss Boo... she is just the cutest thing! love ya Nu!!! <3
Also don't you just love the little blommetjie in her hair? she made them herself! way talented!

So what do you think, are we still looking fabulous this friday??

Wishing you all a {fabulous} friday, and a stellar weekend!

XXX

Inspiring { just because }

2011-08-12T08:58:00.000+02:00

A story of {GREAT} Love

2011-08-10T12:51:00.000+02:00

I have been meaning to post this for quite a while... At our fireside the other night where we learnt about
the Color Code. This story touched my heart so much, as it reminded me of my families love for my little brother... Although we might not do what this father did for his son, there are so many other ways that we try to enrich his life.

What an amazing man, and an example of Great love.

Remembering...

2011-08-06T18:50:00.000+02:00

never thought that you would never be around.

a year has gone past and so much has happened that i wish i could have shared with you.

miss your smiling face the random horlicks runs at the holiday inn....

you will always be in my heart! love you always.

Working on...

2011-08-02T15:49:00.001+02:00

anewlook

i have been thinking of a way to change my blog for a couple of weeks now.

ask Miss Boo, lol every time i open my blog, i cringe, im so tired of the old look, and really need a new one. so today amongst all my running around to sites and doing other stuff, i decided to come up with a little sketch.

im really liking its potential in the drawn up form, hopefully the end result will look even better..

Tell me what your thoughts are?

°♡◦∙°¨August Relief Society Newsletter¨°∙◦♡°

2011-08-02T08:00:00.003+02:00

The { Color } code

2011-08-01T13:01:00.000+02:00

Last night was our Multi-stake YSA fireside for the month, yes it was a week early, and yes i ACTUALLY went! haha as we all know that im way over the fireside thing. But in this case i am glad i decided to go. We were lucky enough to Elder Hartman talk do the fireside. He and his wife are now serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints here in South Africa

He is the author or rather founder of the Color Code : "The Color Code is the most revolutionary and accurate measurement of your personality. Once you have learned the Color Code is you will never see your self or others the same again! The Color Code is your best bet for understanding how to make sense of life's relationship puzzles."

As you can see i took alot of notes :)

But for those of you who cannot see my notes, here is a bit of the 4 different Color Personalities, read through it, and you will be quite surprised at how accurate it is, and which color you fall under...

Red - are motivated by POWER. They seek productivity and need to look good to others. Simply stated, REDS want their own way. They like to be in the driver's seat and willingly pay the price to be in a leadership role. REDS value whatever gets them ahead in life, whether it be at work, school, or in their personal relationships. What REDS value, they get done. They are often workaholics. They will, however, resist being forced to do anything that doesn't interest them. REDS like to be right. They value approval from others for their intelligence and solution based, pragmatic style. They want to be respected even more than they want to be loved. They appreciate admiration for their logical, practical minds. REDS are confident, proactive, visionary, and can be arrogant, selfish, and insensitive. When you deal with a RED, be precise, factual, direct and show no fear.

Blue - are motivated by INTIMACY. They seek opportunities to genuinely connect with others, and need to be understood and appreciated. Everything they do is quality based. They are loyal friends, employers, and employees. Whatever or whomever they commit to is their sole (and soul) focus. They love to serve and will give freely of themselves in order to nurture others' lives. BLUES have distinct preferences and are the most controlling personality. Their code of ethics is remarkably strong and they expect others to live honest, committed lives as well. They enjoy sharing meaningful moments in conversation as well as remembering special life events (eg. birthdays, anniversaries). BLUES are dependable, thoughtful, analytical, and can be self-righteous, worry-prone, and moody. They are like "sainted pit-bulls" who never let go of something or someone once they are committed. When you deal with a BLUE, be sincere and make a genuine effort to understand and appreciate them.

White - are motivated by PEACE. They seek independence and require kindness. They resist confrontation at all costs. (to them, feeling good is more important than being good) They are typically quiet by nature, process things very deeply and objectively with great clarity. Of all the colors, WHITES are the best listeners. They respect people who are direct but recoil from perceived hostility or verbal battles.WHITES need their "alone time" and refuse to be controlled by others. They want to do things their own way and in their own time. They ask little of others and resent others demanding much of them. WHITES are much stronger than people perceive, but are not often seen for their strength because they don't easily reveal their feelings. WHITES are even-tempered, diplomatic and the voice of reason, and can be indecisive, unexpressive, and silently stubborn. When you deal with a WHITE, be kind, accept and support their individuality, and look for non-verbal clues to their feelings.

Yellow - are motivated by FUN. They are inviting and embrace life as a party that they're hosting. They love playful interaction and can be extremely sociable. They are highly persuasive and seek instant gratification. YELLOWS need to be adored and praised. While YELLOWS are carefree, they are quite sensitive and highly alert to others' agendas to control them. YELLOWS typically carry within themselves the gift of a good heart. YELLOWS need to look good socially, and friendships command a high priority in their lives. YELLOWS are happy, inclusive, engaging of others and crave adventure. Easily distracted, they can never sit still for long. They embrace each day in the present tense and choose people who, like themselves, enjoy a curious nature. YELLOWS are charismatic, spontaneous, positive, and can be irresponsible, obnoxious, and forgetful. When you deal with a YELLOW, take a positive, upbeat approach and promote light-hearted, creative and fun interactions.

So which colors are you? Im a mix of blue and white....:)

2011-07-27T10:43:00.000+02:00

2011-07-26T14:37:00.000+02:00

Daily Gem { I Will Stand as a Witness of Christ }

2011-07-25T13:03:00.002+02:00

Encircled in the arms of heaven’s love
With grateful heart I walk the path prepared for me
The Savior is my light, my comfort and my guide
And his word is a lamp unto my feet

Yet all around me others wander lost
Whom will he send to seek them as they stray?
When mists of darkness rise to blind his children’s eyes
Who will show the way? Who will show the way?

“A city on a hill cannot be hid,
Let your light so shine,” the Savior said

Like Esther in her courage, like Joseph in his faith
Like Ruth in her devotion, like Nephi in his strength
I will stand for truth and righteousness, reflecting heaven’s light
And my life will be like a beacon in the night
For I will stand as a witness of Christ

The Spirit whispers peace into my soul
In every trial, in each uncertain hour.
I know I can endure for as I kneel in prayer
He enfolds me in the warmth of heaven’s power

Yet others weep for grief that knows no peace
Where is their hope but in the Master’s word?
What comfort will he send to heal the hearts of men?
Who will bear his love and light into the world?

“A city on a hill cannot be hid,
Let your light so shine,” the Savior said

Like a candle in the darkness, like a fire upon the hearth
Like the star that led to Bethlehem, like sunrise o’er the earth
A city on a hill cannot be hid
“Let your light so shine,” the Savior said

Like Esther in her courage, like Joseph in his faith
Like Ruth in her devotion, like Nephi in his strength
I will stand for truth and righteousness, reflecting heaven’s light
And my life will be like a beacon in the night
For I will stand as a witness of Christ

Fabulous { Friday }

2011-07-22T13:33:00.000+02:00

Yay... It’s Friday !!!

Welcome to Fabulous Friday, we thought we looked fabulous, well i thought we looked Fabulous, Miss Boo wasnt as convinced...

but i wanted to share our Fab Friday photos :)

Dinee & Miss Boo

what do you think? do we look Fab or what?

Hope you all have a FAB weekend!!

xxx

Inspiring { just because }

2011-07-22T11:35:00.000+02:00

Another Successful walk out :)

2011-07-22T08:24:00.000+02:00

After another great walk about....

Weekly Walking...

2011-07-20T12:04:00.000+02:00

YAYNESS! Finally started walking again! Cue photo time! :) { to Miss Boo's disgust } haha

It unfortunately has been a while since we have been able to do our daily walking, from Miss Boo's big trip to Aussie land, to me being so sick continuously for the last 2months! :( BIG FAIL!

So Finaly last night we started again, will have to start small again, but its ok, we'll get into it quick! :)

Feeling so much better and way invigorated by the fresh air and pushing ourselves again!

Here is to walking!

xxx

if you like { lemon bars }

2011-07-20T11:30:00.001+02:00

So a while ago i came the "sweetest" site, and i have loved looking through it, and finding such sweet recipes to try!

Today they have the cutest recipe, and im keeping it for just that opportune moment... SUMMER!!!!

So i had to share! They look so delicious! cannot wait to try it out!

It is very similar to a lemon bar, just with the slight difference being the use of pineapple instead of lemons,

You can either to their website HERE or just scroll down for the recipe....

via Sugar & Charm

Piña Colada Bars

Crust

2 cups flour

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1 cup butter

Combine all the ingredients until the dough clings together. Press the dough into a 9x13 un-greased pan. Bake for 17 minutes at 350 degrees.

Pineapple Filling

4 eggs

1 cup fresh squeezed pineapple juice

1 1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Mix the eggs together first. Then continue to mix in the rest of the ingredients. Try not to over-mix the filling... a tip would be to add the dry ingredients together in a bowl first. Take the crust out of the oven and pour the pineapple filling on top. Bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees. Let it cool completely before you cut into squares or shapes. Once the shapes are cut, sift powdered sugar and coconut shavings on top! For a different twist, you can bake them with the coconut on top.

Daily Gem... { i am a child of God }

2011-07-19T14:43:00.000+02:00

Gotta { LOVE } Part ii

2011-07-18T14:57:00.000+02:00

So while we were watching this:

Mom and dad were doing this:

Dad...{lucky man} got given a 2night stay at at the Hunters Rest Mountain Lodge for his birthday.

So off the went on friday morning, leaving behind us "childrens" all on our lonesome for the weekend.

On friday night, Sasha, Luke and I had to have such giggle, because even though they are far away, on a getaway for just the two of them, they couldn't forget about us! :)

The whole evening we received a series of photos via text...to show us what they doing:)

First: there was dinner at the restaurant...

2nd: Funny self portraits... :)

3rd: Lying in bed watching movies before falling asleep...which of course we know that as soon as mom's head hit the pillow she was probably out for the count :)

Of course we had to reply with the following:

And woken up the next morning by this:

By which we replied:

Yes, you see right, Sasha on one side, and snitch quite comfortable on the other side of their bed...

It was strange not having mom and dad home with us, so Grateful for technology!

But glad they had a fun time, heard some funny stories when they got home...

Hope your weekends were fun and interesting to!

XXX

Gotta { LOVE }

2011-07-15T08:48:00.000+02:00

So it FINALLY comes to an end!

Tomorrow i am taking Sasha & Luke to go watch Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part II in {3D}

Be sure to check in for photos:)

xxx

°♡◦∙°¨July Relief Society Newsletter¨°∙◦♡°

2011-07-14T13:59:00.002+02:00

Daily Gem...

2011-07-14T09:43:00.002+02:00

Gospel Standards Key to Good Judgment

"A person can never be a good judge without the gospel of Jesus Christ as a reference. The gospel has a long and successful record of guiding people to happiness. Some of the world's ideas leave mankind adrift to try to define their own standards. Because of this, we hear phrases like 'a new morality.' This phrase is deceptive! The standards of morality are eternal and have not changed; neither should we try to discover a new interpretation of them."

Gregory A. Schwitzer, "Developing Good Judgment and Not Judging Others," Ensign, May 2010,

Things to live by |

2011-07-13T08:27:00.002+02:00

Daily Gem...

2011-07-12T15:12:00.000+02:00

Sacred moments

2011-07-11T19:48:00.001+02:00

wow i cannot believe it has been over 2 weeks since i last posted, life truly has been once crazy rollercoaster it would seem. Anyway, this post is actually from 2 weeks ago, and i have been meaning to put it up ever since ive had these thoughts in my head, but things just seem to get in the way :(

The thoughts for this post have been replaying in my mind over and over, and i just had the feeling to share it.

Two tuesdays ago i had a site meeting at one of my projects otherside of JHB, and it just so happens that i pass the temple going and coming back to the office. This particular day i decided to stop at the distribution centre to get a few things. And as i was driving back to the office afterwards i reflected on how even a simple visit to the Temple grounds can make such a difference in your day, its amazing how that first step everything seems to calm down, and become so peaceful...

Unfortunately the rest of my afternoon was not so calm and peaceful. Something happened and it had made me so upset, i felt let down, dissapointed, and lied to, (which i swore i would never feel again) I had not planned on attending a session that evening, as i had a very big deadline that week so had intened to be working late that evening again. But i just had the overwhelming feeling to go... and so i did...i rushed out of the office just before 5pm, quickly back to my apartment, literally pulled on my skirt and heels and ran straight back to the car to 'hopefully' make the 6pm session. For those of you who live or have lived in JHB and work in the Sandton|Fourways areas, you will know what i am talking about when i say its takes 30min to get 4km onto the highway. My apartment is two blocks down from the freeway, and i sat for 20min before i even got onto it...usually by this time the roads are now really busy and its a definite that you will be sitting in traffic. But i can assure you, I dont know how, but as i hit that freeway, the traffic just flowed!!! i was stunned! It's amazing how Heavenly Father knew just how much i needed to get there, and he must have wanted me there to... because i arrived at the Temple with 15min to spare!

Over the last couple of weeks, i have had alot of thoughts or lets just say alot on my mind, and i guess alot of questions which i am searching for answers. As i was sitting in the chapel waiting for the start of the session, i opened the scriptures and one particular verse caught my eye : "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, i say, on the Lord." {Psalms 27:14} and from there i thought to look at the cross reference for 'wait' I dont know i was led to this scripture, but it was definitely made clear once i read it: "Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament- the Lord hat sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory saith the Lord."

The tears were rolling down my cheeks, at that moment i truly felt my Heavenly Fathers's love, and i knew that my prayers had been heard and would be answered in time. That i am not alone, he is always there, even when i think that he is not.

I am so grateful for that wonderful experience, it has strengthened my testimony in so many things, faith in prayer, temple attendance, and personal revelation. They weren't kidding when they said you will have many spiritual experiences when in those sacred and holy walls.

2011-06-27T13:07:00.002+02:00

°◦∙°¨Girls night out¨°∙◦°

2011-06-27T10:59:00.000+02:00

Always nice to every now and again have a girls night out :)

and this time was no exception, aside from the cold alot of fun!

Started with dinner at Cappuccinos...rushed dinner but delish none the less, followed by chick-flick 'friday' at the movies...

Thanks Wends for organizing!

XXX

°◦∙°¨A Special thought..¨°∙◦°

2011-06-24T11:12:00.000+02:00

Today is Kerry Jean's Birthday, and so i thought that i should really do this special post as a reminder of how special and wonderful and how loved by many she was!

Cannot believe it is nearly a year since you left us.... the time has passed so quickly, but not a moment goes by when you are not on our thoughts and not missed by all of us.

We know you are in a better place, and that our Heavenly Father is watching over you and standing there holding your hand! I hope the angels spoil you with the richness of love today, that we cannot bestow on you here on earth. But you are in our thoughts!

we LOVE you Kerry, yesterday, today and for always!!

A Perfect World

~Ron Tanmer~

In a perfect world,

death would never be.

Love would be forever,

and last eternally.

In a perfect world,

you'd still be by our side,

lighting up our happy lives.

You never would have died.

In a perfect world,

sadness would not be found.

Love and life,

and happiness forever would abound.

Perhaps that perfect world

awaits us when we die.

A world where eternal bliss is found in heaven’s sky.

We’ll cling to faith and hope,

for God is a God of love,

and in His time we’ll join you in a perfect world above.

XXX

Dark side of the moon...

2011-06-20T13:13:00.000+02:00

So i know this is a bit of a late post, but anyway, last week wednesday night, there was a total eclipse of the moon...
So my lovely neighbours and i, decided to have a braai, {yes we braai'd on a cold winters night-we are crazy!!} but was such a good idea, with good company and a beautiful event unfolding above us, wouldnt have pictured it any other way.

The eclipse started at 8:22pm, was totally blocked from 9:21 pm to 11:02pm, and ended at 00:02am. Although i didnt stay up till it was totally over, i was so tired that i went to bed just after 11pm when it started to move off the moon again. Was so beautiful, while it was totally covered, the moon appeared red, and as it moved over, the brightness started to peep out was just exquisite!

The next total lunar eclipse will be at a slightly warmer time of the year but it's a long wait - Sept 28th 2015 - and it's at 3am . . . don't know if i can stay up that late, lol we shall see :)

Cannot wait for the next one! was so much fun!

xxx

°♡◦∙°¨A Sacred Place¨°∙◦♡°

2011-06-17T09:12:00.000+02:00

On 4 October, 2008, President Thomas S. Monson announced plans to build a new temple in Rome, Italy. This will be the first temple in Italy!!!!

The Rome Temple will be built at Via Settebagni 376, Rome, Italy. I just love how beautiful architecturally designed it is!

Don't get me wrong i love every single temple, and think they are all beautiful in their own right, but this is just Magnificent!

I found a link and thought i would share it. I think that i am going to start saving so that i can go to Italy and see it in person when it is completed!! :)

"Latter-day Saint temples are aesthetically beautiful buildings with meticulous landscaping. Everything about the architecture is designed to honor God and complement the local community. The gardens surrounding the Temple and the other buildings will beautify the area and add value to the community of Settebagni, creating a peaceful, contemplative environment where visitors can come to feel the joy and beauty of God’s natural creations."

2011-06-13T16:32:00.002+02:00

Meet my....

2011-06-09T14:28:00.000+02:00

Little BFF...

Meet my little bff... Blaise... He is only 3 years old, but just the cutest thing!

everyday when i arrive home, he is listening for me, and within 5min i hear knocking on my door, and " hello...are you home?!" so priceless!

I have such wonderful neighbors! Cherryn & Mark keep me sane, and are just so fun to spend time with...(i think i spend more time in their apartment then i do in my own...)

Last night i went over for a visit after working late, and this is what happened: (see below:)

{ Excuse the bit of blurriness...pics taken with my phone }

Isn't that just the cutest face you have ever seen?!?! ( note im not talking bout me! lol)

xxx