Thompson's Two Cents: November 2011

Birthday Blessings

- Saturday, November 26, 2011

Rachel turned 8 on Thursday! Her excitement had her awake at 4am, tossing and turning until we came in just after 5 singing 'Happy Birthday'. Of course she pretended to be asleep and gently woken up from her slumber, but that all goes with the whole birthday thing, doesn't it?

As tradition has it, she cut her birthday cake, and we devoured it - caramel nut, DELICIOUS!!!

The arrangement this year was that the girls got most of their presents together on Amanda's birthday, and the family celebration would be on Rachel's birthday. So we planned a day at Gold Reef City, because the last time we went she was too short to go on the big rides, but now finally she has reached the required height of 1.3m.

I was really under the impression, based on Rachel's crazy personality, that she would just love these big rides, but as the day progressed I found out more and more that she doesn't actually like the thrill that much, and that the smaller, less thrilling rides were much more up her alley. She did try all the hectic ones though...

the golden loop...

the tower of terror...(if you look closely you will see Amanda's face on the right in total terror, mine in sheer thrilling enjoyment, and Rachel with closed eyes and head bowed...poor little things...)

...the anaconda was our last ride, and that was just too much for Rachel, she definately didn't want to do that one again!

The log ride was much more up her alley.

We all had a great time though - the girls enjoyed a dummy sucker, which in my opinion just goes with the whole Gold Reef vibe - and they all won a crazy monkey as a keep sake to remember the day.

We pray that our precious Savior would continue the work that He has begun in her and that she will continue to grow to be the girl after God's own heart that she desires to be.

Little Jono

- Friday, November 25, 2011

In just a few weeks little Jono will be leaving Krugersdorp with his parents Mike and Stacey. Mike has received a call from Scottsville Baptist in Pietermaritzburg and so we as a church will be losing Mike as an elder, Stacey as a member and little Jono as our personal 'guard-child'. However, even though we have lost them as a family in the church, we have personally over the past few years developed a wonderful friendship with them which I know will continue to grow in the future. We look forward to see how God will use them for His glory in this next ministry, and will continue to enjoy seeing God add to their number as a family (Lord willing).

Mike, Stacey, Jono, we love you guys big time! May the Lord bless you as you continue to serve Him as a family in ministry!

11-11-11 at 11

- Saturday, November 12, 2011

My older sister is now, Claudia De Beer - she finally tied the knot on the 11th of the 11th 2011 at 11 (well at least that's what the invite said - she was fashionably late of course). Amanda and Rachel were her flower girls (although bubble girls would have been more appropriate names). My mom made their dresses - they looked absolutely beautiful. Here they are in the bridal suite dressed but without their jewelery and clips etc.

Eden decided to get dressed up to match her sisters (just for the photos).

Claudia made an absolutely beautiful bride - and her comment to me when she came out the church was that she hopes that she will make a beautiful wife! This is my constant challenge, and not an easy task - but God is my hope - that He is working in me - sanctifying me and purifying me day by day! Marriage is such a beautiful union which pictures our union with Christ, and I intend, even after 10 years of marriage to get as close to that picture in my marriage as possible. I pray the same for Claudia and Barry.

The informal picnic wedding was just beautiful, and just up Eden's alley, as she could just chill and chow!

Amanda took this picture - I thought it was very artistic.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Barry De Beer!

Hair...No Hair - Tooth...No Tooth

- Thursday, November 10, 2011

Poor little Eden fell prey to Rachel a few days ago, when as you can see, Rachel tied balloons to her pigtails. Of course Eden had an absolute ball, and we all had a good laugh - but all said and done I did ask her to take them off as she did get a little frustrated after a bit.

Glen had Jacque come over yesterday to cut his hair - or should I say, shave his head. It reminded me of the last time he had it done...we were in PE a few years back, and a few days after he had it done his front tooth broke off...he looked like a real convict...you can have a little giggle...

Catch up

- Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Once again blogging has not been my priority, and even now I am just giving you a quick run-down of the past weeks, well at least that which we have pictures of - the other stuff I can't remember, and so well, here is what I have.

Glen went away on a fraternal last week from Monday to Wednesday. Stacey spent those few days at my house and we made brownie pops and laughed a lot! Glen was blessed at the fraternal and came back encouraged and challenged.

The girls got new bikes and helmets for their birthdays. They were given them early so that they could enjoy them on their holiday, which was also last week.

Here Amanda is on her birthday blowing out her 9 candles. I can't believe that she will be 10 next year!! This time has just flown and the thought of her possibly leaving and starting her own family in the next 10 years just scares me - but for now I am going to continue building into her life those things which God has entrusted to me, and trust Him to continue the work He has begun in her. I am enjoying seeing God moulding and shaping her into His likeness as she grows in godly character, and I long to see her become the Proverbs 31 woman God wants her to be. We love you so much Amanda!!!

With the girls' birthday money which they got from their Granny Sheri and Grandpa Mike the girls bought a swimming pool, which they are thoroughly enjoying. What a blessing to be able to cool off in this heat. Eden just loves the water and is happiest when she is in it(hot or cold). Also, just for the sake of keeping up with the latest news on her, she has been crawling for a few weeks now, and so has taken our parenting of her to a whole new level. Thankfully she is a very obedient little girl. When we have told her not to touch something it is so cute to see that little finger pointing to it and her repeating 'No no'. So even her talking is slowly starting.