FIVETRIBE

I don't think I ever talked about 'The Decision' on Facebook or on my blog. Back in January, life came to a point where it was either the end of my relationship or the end of co-habitation. I had seen Kev's growing unhappiness and sensed his uncertainty about our future. It was a very stressful few months preceding my decision.  Was I going to lose this man that I love? Or would he accept a rather weird, almost backward, development in our relationship? These thoughts, fears and imaginings had a drastic effect on my mental health and I ended up a wreck. My good friend and GP drew a line in the sand for me and I knew I had to man up and face my reality. I think the heavy thing was all the sentiment around Kev and I. Everyone NEEDED us to have our happy-ever-after. The Brady Bunch. The fairytale. I wanted to be able to do that - in fact - I thought I could! I would never have stepped on this bus if I knew I wouldn't have the metal for it.  I simply had ...

2019 has been a huge year for Levi. I have watched him just burst out in so many areas. He has achieved every goal he set for himself  (and more) in 2016. My biggest concern all those years ago was how I was going to parent this energetic, sports-driven young boy. How was I going to fuel and grow all the boyness that he embodied. I need not have been concerned - he has simply done it anyway. Prefect Ceremony He has had men in his life who have created opportunities and fanned flames that I would not have been able to do and for this I am grateful. My role was simply to feed him. Lots. And take him to the chiro. And help him navigate some anxieties and insecurities. To be present at his games. Player of the Tour There have been considerable setbacks and many sleepless nights - particularly this last month. An injury took him out of WP trials in the very  last round....he had to make a choice - he could push through and try to make the team or he could p...

The day arrived...I was quite unprepared really. It was a real mixed emotion type of thing. I wanted to mark the day somehow but nothing felt right. I ended up doing a gazillion things and pretty much wore myself out!! We started the morning with presents and took all the kids to school late. Memphis spent the night and that was pretty cool for Rach to have him there. I gave her the moon/star ring with ALWAYS inscription which i knew would be meaningful to her. Come lunchtime I delivered balloons and sushi to school for her which, in hindsight, was a tad extra but anyyyyyway. From school I whisked her off to Queen of Steel where she had her ears pierced and her first tattoos done... We pranked the family with a fake tattoo which was a great success - she put Memphis' name on her ribcage and the silence on the family group was deafening! #punked We then rushed back to shower (after I had a meltdown in the car about my tattoo gone wrong) and met the family at Osetra in...

What I wish for you on this day of your birth: Greenery.  Freedom.  Soft fabrics, soft weather, soft soil.  The immense grit of wolves.  The wild grace of horses.  Dreams that listen.  Waters that soothe.  Love that’s sure. Limitlessness that grows.  HOPE that remains.  {Victoria Erickson}  Happy birthday Fiery Fairy. I love you

This year sees some landmark birthdays in the lives of my extended family. Katie 10  Levi 13  Rachel  18 Sami  30  Mom 75  Steve 50  Don 60 And so we celebrate another year of having our special people around - the views and company were amazing. The restaurant experience was less so but memories were made and photos were taken!

Hello 2019. A quarter of the year is gone...so much changed that I feel the need to catch up right here. Levi is in his last year of primary school. He has some big decisions as to where to do his high schooling. There are many factors to consider and I can see the weight of it is heavy for him but ultimately nothing is irrevocable. That aside - 2019 looks great for him. Two big sports tours including the long awaited first team rugby tour to Durban. He has been waiting many years for this opportunity. He is also putting his best foot forward to make prefect - at his school they only choose the final 24 at the end of Term 2...so far he has made the 48 so is on track to reach his goal. He has had a substantial growth spurt and is now the tallest in our family. That's a thing! Faith is putting her head down and getting through Grade 9. School is a chore and not a pleasure but she does what is necessary and excels despite her lack lustre attitude. She has a good group of f...