Lisa's family adventures

Building Confidence in Your Child

lisavanas — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 11:13:36 +0000

This is the book I am reading at the moment, by Dr. James Dobson. I love his books. They are easy to read and practical, he uses real life situations, and shares alot about his own family life.

The book speaks alot about the social pressures children are faced with, but also the different emotions and how you can teach your child to recognise these feelings and help to deal with them. The book gives you strategies for self esteem as well as practicing the strategies. It’s a wonderful read. Even just for more insight and understanding your child.

We as parents have such a significant role to play to building confidence in our children. They are unique in every way and so delicate.

O and never underestimate the power of prayer! I know it works, I’ve seen it work! Be specific and be expectant!

Sardinia Bay, Port Elizabeth

lisavanas — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 09:56:32 +0000

What a lovely beach, havent’ been there in ages. Good thing we went early, cause the kids got tired very quickly – those dunes are huge for them. There is a cute little caravan shop, toilets and a security office. They say it’s not safe to go when there is nobody else is around. We got there before 9am and there were loads of cars already.

So whether you want to go exercise (those dunes sure are a workout) stroll along the beach, swim, take photos or just simply relax Sardinia Bay is great! We will def go more often.

Here are some shots! I love them, let me know what you think!

Coffee & Craft

lisavanas — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 11:44:20 +0000

Come join us for Coffee & Craft!

Sat 1 Oct 2011

9am – 4pm

28 Albert Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth

There will be various crafts available: mosaic, fabric painting, pottery painting, sand art.

Prices from R25

Alternatively, bring your own craft and come join us.

Treats will be on sale.

Jumping castle all day and face painting 10-12.

If you would like any more information, please feel free to phone me – 0715565278

Come pop in and have some fun!

Lisa’s Kits

lisavanas — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:50:50 +0000

I have decided to add another page (next to ABOUT page) – Lisa’s Kits – so be sure to check it often for my latest crafting news and new products.

Please feel free to share your stories, crafting tips/ideas as well by leaving comments.

Apron Strings

lisavanas — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:40:12 +0000

What a lovely place to have tea and scones. In fact, we have never had anything else to eat there!

A garden restaurant situated in Sardinia Bay Road, Lovemore Park. The menu is relative, not too expensive. The kids love running around outside. The last time we were there, Zac followed a huge grasshopper – which hopped onto his foot! But got kicked off very quickly! (with a huge scream too!) There is a slide and a few swings.

It’s so nice to sit outside and relax in the garden over a cup of tea, with the kids running around outside.

In a Year

lisavanas — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:38:25 +0000

Can hardly believe that its been a year (more than) since the kids and I arrived in South Africa. We landed in PE on 18 Feb 2010. We are enjoying complex living, and the kids have settled in nicely. I must say, I think the transition was more difficult for me than for the kids. I never even wondered how I would cope, coming back to my home town, I thought it would be ok, but actually its been rather rocky. Time is my friend though and its definitely getting better.

We have joined an amazing church, Oxygen Life Church. They are a wonderful bunch of people who absolutely love God and want to share the Good News. Their support has been overwhelming and welcoming.

Christian started Grade 1 at Sunridge Primary School. He enjoys doing his homework – hopefully that will last for the next 12 years! Katelyn loves sitting and watching her big brother do his homework and often copies him. Katelyn is now the big sister at nursery, taking Zac’s hand in the morning and helping him to go put his bag down or to go and play.

I have started doing crafts – mainly mosaics. I do mobile pottery and mosaic parties for children and adults. Its so much fun – I love it. Always different. Seeing creativity in different forms is inspiring. Katelyn is quite good at mosaic and wants to do a little bit every day! She is very precise and plans ahead. Christian has started to do more planning before he starts and has finished a car in one sitting. As for Zac, his item is mainly covered in glue with a few tiles here and there!

I am also studying again! So I am officially a student! End of next year I will be a qualified teacher – something I have always wanted to do! Whatever it is that you have always wanted to do or that “one day” thing – just do it/start it! There is no time like now to start!

So much has happened and so much has changed in the past year. I am excited to see what lies ahead for the next year. I am ready. I am eager. I am willing.

Kids birthday party @ Homeleigh Farm, Nov 2010

lisavanas — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 06:44:04 +0000

Christian won a prize – a party at Homeleigh Farm. So that is where we had their party this year. It is also the last year that we will do a combined birthday party for them. From next year, each will have their own!

And what a great day it was! (except for the wind) but we made the most of it. Don’t think the kids were bothered by the wind. All had a great time. We had a party guide – Brenda – she was so good with the kids. Taking them around the farm, speaking to them about the animals, keeping them involved. And they all had an opportunity to milk Queeny, the cow!

Homeleigh Farm is a great party venue. All we did was ARRIVE and they did the rest! The kids also got a pony and tracker ride. The party packs are generous, with a cupcake, cooldrink and icecream included!

Thanks to all who celebrated this day with us!

Christmas in the home

lisavanas — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 18:38:10 +0000

This year Christmas in the home was held at Moffet on Main, last week end in October. It was the first time that I did this market. I shared with Ellen, from THE CLAY SHACK. The Clay Shack is based at The Pink Fig in Heatherbank Road, Charlo, Port Elizabeth. I had a stand with mosaic kits and various wooden cutouts.

There were 112 exhibitors – a huge variety of hand made crafts and gifts. Some really amazing things! And the prices were very reasonable too. It was a very successful week end for all!

I will def be doing next years market!

Check out the facebook page for Christmas in the home:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Christmas-in-the-Home-Creative-Artistic-Showcase-Charity-Fundraiser/109743232412235

“Spider” Park in Lorraine-Verdun Road

lisavanas — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:04:44 +0000

Taking the kids to the park in PE is just not the same as it was in the UK. Good or bad? Which is which? Well for me, firstly, there are not that many parks in PE so you can’t just go for a nice walk! Besides it probably isn’t wise/safe. Parks in the UK consist of walkways, play areas, lots of trees, lakes, picnic areas…Here it is merely the climbing frame/swings on a piece of green amongst the houses. It is still enough for the kids. Besides they love to go walking/riding their bikes within the complex, which is enough for them. Otherwise they get tired and I am left carrying 3 bikes!

The kids are enjoying the outdoor lifestyle so much. So nice to go barefoot and nobody actually comments on the fact that your child is not wearing any shoes! Christian still loves ants! and now he has a thing with acorns. At the park the other day, he and Xander went on an acorn hunt! They found loads! They make a great Christmas tree decoration – simply spray paint/paint acorn and attach a piece of string/ribbon to hang on the tree. Glitter also looks nice!

Londt Park Mini Train

lisavanas — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:38:05 +0000

For those living in Port Elizabeth, you surely know about the mini trains at Londt Park in Sunridge. Runs 1st Sunday of every month. Take a picnic and sit under one of the trees. They do also sell some food. Train rides cost R5 per person – adults too!

It’s a treat for the kids-hopefully the train won’t derail!

And now I see I deleted the photos – nice one!