Jacarandajourney's Blog

I believe it to be strange that my kids don’t really understand what and why they have a last name.  They recognize WILLLIAMS, but often can’t come up with the fact that it’s their last name.  Then we move to ZA where it’s called a “surname” instead of “last name” and it’s completely thrown them.  Add to the fact that Mac has a nickname, the only name he’s known since birth, and you have a “real name” to remember too.  Forget trying to separate the “middle name” from it all, that’s way too much.  If you quiz either of them on any of these, you’ll often get a rambling of all their guesses:  “Krueger McCain” “Williams” “Kirkland Anne” all spewed out at once.

Today when Mac saw a “W” on something and asked about it, we said it stood for WILLIAMS.  Kirkland’s quick reply was, “We’re not Williams anymore, we’re South African!”  All I could do was look at Scott, shake my head, and reply, “You have to take this one, I’m out.”  

Considering we finally got her through days of the week, I guess it’s not that surprising that she’s unconcerned with her last name.  Now, if you ask her the names of ALL her pets (real and stuffed), you’ll get accuracy beyond her years!

Kirkland ran in from outside the other day yelling, “Mom, Launchpad’s climbing up on back of Skilpad.  Come quick!”  Sure enough, our 2 leopard tortoises were having a little fun in the wide open space of our back yard.  Each one of us grabbed our cameras, documenting this rare occasion.

It was less that a year ago that we added Launchpad to our yard, hoping that Skilpad would appreciate a friend. Little did we know, she would appreciate him that much.  Skilpad was significantly smaller than Launchpad upon his arrival.  Winter came and both tortoises burrowed into the ground and were seldom seen until spring.  (Picture #1 shows Launchpad in the back–lighter shell–and Skilpad “hiding” in front)

The first time  we saw both tortoises together following that winter, we almost didn’t believe it.  Skilpad had nearly doubled her size. We didn’t think it was possible for a tortoise to grow so quickly.  The only guess we had was that Launchpad had kicked her into sexual maturity; I believe we were right.  (picture #2 shows Skilpad in front, nearly covering Launchpad–an amazing amount of growth)

Leopard Tortoises will seek out a nice sunny place to lay their eggs. They have to loosen up the soil and work it around to form a round bell-shaped hole for laying.  We believe Skilpad has found that place and are waiting patiently (6-8 weeks) to see if she indeed gets the job done.  It usually takes another two months or so for the hatchlings to dig their way out.  We hope there is an exciting update to this post coming soon. 

I took the kids to a pantomime of Cinderella with a friend and her daughter today.  It was a theatrical win as everything was shiny and twinkling.  The girls were mesmerized while Mac laughed out loud at the ridiculous storyline. While there may have been a lot of Afrikaans lost on us, we enjoyed every minute of it.

I love exposing my children to theatre.  Their excitement and complete attention amazes me.  Kirkland is asking how old she has to be to be “one of those” (and actress on the stage).  We’re already looking forward to “Jack and the Bean Stalk” next year.

About a month ago I posted the fact that “pouting” was a universal language that ANYone could understand.  This weekend I’ve found that “toys” are another universal language.  We have 2 wonderful boys staying with us this weekend.  Ralph & Tshepo stay at the school hostel during the week, but recently their dad fell ill so we decided to take them for a weekend.  You must understand, their weekends consist of not knowing where they will stay and possibly staying in a squatter’s tent with their dad.  We’re still not sure what exactly the situation is like and I don’t want to ask too many questions. I know that sometimes they are with an aunt, sometimes they are with their dad, and that their dad no longer has any work.

I was a little nervous having the boys at first. I wanted to be sure everyone would be comfortable and have fun.  Ralph & Tshepo have limited English language skills, although they are learning rapidly since staying at the school hostel.  After receiving a friend’s well-delivered advice on relaxing  and letting the boys just “live” for the weekend, I was amazed at how quickly they got comfortable.  One reason:  TOYS!

Although Ralph & Tshepo undoubtedly have limited–if any–toys, they quickly fell into playing with Mac’s Geo Trax and Legos.  Kirkland had Ralph (14years old) building her a dragon out of Blakos immediately.  Mac had some sort of Legos Parade going on in his room.  And I was left in the kitchen wondering what I was supposed to be doing!  It made me also realize just how good Mac and Kirkland are about sharing, teaching, and loving kids who they know don’t have as much as they do.  They did so with such ease and heart.

Yesterday we packed up and went to the family center & pool at the Ambassador’s house.  At first the boys were very tentative, but soon we were the only ones there and they loosened up. At one point Tshepo (9 years) was simply running and laughing from the playground to the pool.  He was singing when I don’t even think he knew he was doing so.  He looked so happy and child-like.  We ended the night making home-made flat bread pizzas and ice cream cones.  These are the images that make any sacrifices worth while.

Our trial weekend has gone incredibly well.  We’ve worn everyone out so much that they’ve all been in bed by 8:00!  So Scott and I still get our alone time (although I crashed on the couch at 8:30 last night!). We hope Ralph & Tshepo will always feel loved no matter what life throws at them in the future.

Scott & I had the pleasure to attending the 2011 Marine Ball this last weekend. We were the special guests of the Region 9 Marine group here at the Embassy Pretoria. We have the 3 single Marine Officers over for dinner on a regular basis, so this was their token of appreciation. At first I thought it was going to be kind of a pain…having to get a dress and all the “fixings” that it takes to go to a ball. And the fact that I’d never even been to a ball before. But after all the preparation, the night turned out to be very rewarding.

It’s nice to get dressed up and go out with friends. Once in a while everyone deserves to do so. We had such a good time conversing with people and catching up with some who we hadn’t seen in quite some time. But even more impressive is the heritage and traditions that accompany an event such as the Marine Ball. It’s exciting for me to see men in uniform honoring our country; it’s awesome watching two men cut a cake with a huge sword!

Overall, the night was amazing. The next day was a bit exhausting, but that’s a hole other story.

I had a horrible experience with Snapfish last night, and it made me mad enough to take the time to share my frustrations in the hopes that they lose some business! After working on some Christmas projects on their website for over 2 months, I finally put the finishing touches on and proceeded to order. After all the usual entering, I got an error code that said my credit card was denied and I should contact my cc company. I was a little worried, so I tried another card. Then I just got frustrated. Scott tried his Paypal and still nothing. I went to bed swearing at the inanimate “snapfish” but Scott was determined to get to the bottom of it.

First he called each cc company to check our cards. All was fine. Then he called Snapfish where a non-English speaking customer service employee simply said, “You have a South African IP address? You can’t order from our site. It’s a security measure.” Scott asked to talk to his manager and was told, “He no use phone.” (breath, breath)

I’d like to take a moment to add that the error code didn’t not read: “We do not take South African IP addresses–it said something was wrong with our card and to contact our provider.” Shouldn’t that be against policy to lie about such things?

Next it was suggested that we have someone from New York order for us. That’s simple, you just give them your username & password for your account and then give them your credit card information so they can order. Now doesn’t that sound like a “secure” way to order? Are people really recommending this?

The last order I got from Snapfish had horrible quality photos, so I wasn’t crazy about using them in the first place. But sheer laziness of not wanting to set up a new account elsewhere won over. I’m officially DONE now. And I invite you to be too.

PS If anyone has a photo site that they love, with good customer service, please send a recommendation–obviously I’m shopping for a new site.

Many of you know that our church on Long Island (True North), as well as our family, are sponsoring 2 local boys to stay at the hostel at the school where Mac and Kirkland attend. The boys’ story is one of sadness, and we’re trying to bring just a little happiness and stability to their lives.

Ralph & Tshepo’s dad is HIV+ and now has full-blown AIDS. He is very sick and we are asking for everyone to keep the boys and their dad in their thought and prayers. The boys’ mom died almost 3 years ago, so losing their dad will be especially hard. We are not sure what will come of them or who will take them in when that time comes. Until then, all we can do is help them continue with their schooling–hoping against hope that it will allow them to break the cycle of poverty in their lives and bring some sort of stability to the future.

Times are hard for everyone. Be thankful for the hardships you have, as it could always be worse.

Kirkland woke up this morning coughing and feeling kind of cruddy. We decided that we’d just stay home today and cuddle. I could tell she needed a bit of “mommy time” and I have to admit, I need it too. It’s been a bit tough adjusting back to life since our trip. I’m not sure why….maybe because I ate way too much spatzle and not enough veggies in Germany so I feel like crap myself. Why is getting back to the gym SO difficult?

As I type, Kirkland is sitting next to me doing her 5-finger knitting and singing songs. Her feet are perched on top of Lambeau’s body, and the 3 of us girls are just enjoying a lazy day of each other’s company. Her knitting is now close to 3 feet long…and her singing is so beautiful. Love my girls.

This NFL season has been somewhat of a fantasy of sorts. I can’t believe that 9 weeks into the regular season the Packers are 8-0. It’s also nice to be a part of it, as last year at this time we didn’t have any means to watch the games and were in a horrible situation here in South Africa. What a difference a year makes.

Scott and I have been true fans, staying up and watching EVERY game 7 hours later than the East Coast. And although I was never able to pull all nighters in college, it seems I have a knack for it when it comes to the home team.

It’s amazing how something like American Football and being a Green Bay Packers Fan can make a person feel at home even from 9,000 miles away. I’m not naive enough to think that we will have a perfect season and win the Superbowl, however, I am going to enjoy the ride as long as it continues!

For anyone who has a “builder kid” in their family, I strongly recommend the following for Christmas: GEO TRAX (age 2-7+); TINKER TOYS (wooden set); BLOCOS; LEGOS (if you can afford it!); ERECTOR BUILD & PLAY (for the advanced). These are tested for durability, usefulness, and ease of independent play by our household to yours! Each of these gets played with weekly, if not daily, by my little “builder.”

All of these are uni-sex and/or have options for girls. Kirkland loves the Blocos. Mac is a Geo Trax master! He started at 2 years old and still plays w/ them daily. They just get more advanced as the kid gets older–same pieces, just new ideas in his head.

Mac just made a “solar powered contraption” this morning out of Tinker Toys using EVERY piece to include the container and cover. Then he drew roads on paper that lead to the contraption for his Lego cars to travel on.

If you have a true “builder” in your family, these toys have endless possibilities for hours of fun. NOTE: if you’re WANTING your kid to be a builder, but he/she struggles a bit, you may have to put in some time helping at first (especially with the Erector).