Happy Birthday Lauren

Lauren celebrated her 4th birthday on the 21st May '07. She had a party on Sunday, 20 May '07 at 14h00. Friends and family gathered at our home and the theme of the party was Noddy. My mom and I baked and decorated the Noddy cake. All the children sang happy birthday and then enjoyed their party box contents (chips, sweets, jelly & juice with a pinwheel windmill for a keep-sake)
The first party game was hitting the Piñata, which eventually broke open to spill packets of Jelly Tots everywhere. Next was pass the parcel to Noddy music and a Noddy Lucky packet was the prize. Face painting, Bubbles, swings, hoops & toys were available the rest of the afternoon for entertainment. The weather held out and Lauren had a marvelous time with all her friends and family. My mom and sister-in-law, Allison catered cakes, confectionery & savouries for the adults & all. Thanks to everyone who sent wishes, gave gifts and contributed to making Lauren's party really special.

Mothers Day.............

Happy Mothers Day:

Thank you to my dear mother, Penny Rowan. She is my anchor and my strong-hold, who accepts me, loves me and tolerates me unconditionally. Always going the extra mile and beyond the call of duty. Granny P Rowan cares for Lauren daily and the two have an amazing bond.

To my Granny (Gran-Gran) Vera Rowan. For her patience and enthusiasm. Attentively listening to Lauren's long, drawn-out fantasy stories and spending time with her right next to the toy box. For her special songs and lullabies. A soft, caring person to run to over the years.

A special thought for my dear late mom-in-law, Fenella Heath. Special memories fill my mind..........
the way she understood me;
sending pancakes when I came home from hospital with baby Lauren;
when I used to put Lauren to sleep on her bed after a feed every Wednesday night;
lovingly sewing and mending garments for Dean, myself and Lauren;
sharing recipes with me;
always wanting her children around her and spending time with them.
Lauren asks about Granny Heath often: "Daddy what are you going to without a mom now?"

Special thanks to my step mom-in-law, Helen Heath. Who lovingly embraces us and makes a fuss of all the grand children. We appreciate all that you do.

Midweek Picnic......

Dean and Lauren decided to take advantage of the fantastic weather and planned a midweek picnic. Dean bought some tasty treats and collected Lauren from my parent's house and went to Beacon Point(down the road from our house). When I got home from shopping, she was so excited to tell me all about the picnic.

In Memory.......

Sad news - Dean's Aunt Rhoda passed away in her home on Sunday
morning - 29 Apr.
Dean' mom died in January 07 and now her sister in April 07.
Both from a heart condition.

Very sad news - My brother's wife, Allison has lost her brother, Andrew.
Andrew lived in the Transkei and owned a Trading store. He was robbed and
killed yesterday afternoon 2 May, when he was closing up.
Andrew was 38 years old.

Long Lazy daisy weekends

We've had some interesting weather lately. Dean took Lauren and myself to the
Wimpy one fine Friday morning 27 Apr. It poured down with rain when we were
sitting watching the sea plus a huge ship leaving the harbour. It started to
hail and that lasted for 5 minutes. When we left the restaurant, the sun
was shining. After breakfast we went shopping! Dean and Lauren chose new
clothes for her winter wardrobe. Little people grow so quickly and
shirts and pants needed replacing. A new winter dress was also purchased.
A pair of camo pants was an absolute must - I believe!?

Dean has upgraded his cellphone contract and received two new phones.
He kindly gave his wife the second one, so now I am 'wired' to new
technology. Yippee,...camera, internet, radio, bluetooth (blue teeth
as George says on SA advert)

Over the long weekend, Lauren and I joined Lance and Allison
in visiting the Annual Agricultural show/festival at the Gonubie
show grounds. Lauren enjoyed seeing all the animals which included:
chickens, pigeon, roosters, cows, bulls & HORSES. There were plenty
of fun rides for children. Lauren had fun on the Twisting Teacups,
the jumping castles and then Lance bought her a huge packet of candy
floss. We saw plenty of arts & crafts and we each enjoyed a mutton
spit roll for lunch.

1 May - Tuesday afternoon, we took a drive along the coastal road towards
Port Alfred and visited my friend Dee at Christmas Rock resort/village.
The weather was simply perfect.... lovely warm day with a soft breeze.
She has a lovely view of the sea/beach from her patio.