The Bishops

Remembering

Every year on our wedding anniversary, Michael and I plant a tree. Today we planted our fifth tree. We have had a great day remembering our wedding, and the journey we have traveled, and are so looking forward to what lies ahead.

Where it all began:

Our wedding in the Natal Midlands

Here are a few pics of our trees:

2006 in our garden in Pietermaritzburg

2007 in Atamelang

2008 in Krugersdorp, with Lucy helping dig the hole!

2009, Krugersdorp with a new addition!

2010 in Krugersdorp

Christmas 2009

This year was a Bishop Christmas, so Margie, David, Leesa, Matthew and Sam came to stay with us in Krugersdorp. James (and Michael and I) loved having them. James has also realised that presents are a whole lot of fun, and really got into the swing of things on Christmas morning...

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

helping bake Christmas cookies

Presents!

Playing on the jungle gym with cousin Matthew

Wide-Eyed Wonder

Last week we spent some time away with family. We had a few days at Mountain Splendour (a great holiday spot for kids) in the berg (Champagne Valley) and then some time down the South Coast. James loved the time with his cousins, aunt and uncle, and we enjoyed time with family and time away.

James has been to the beach before, but has never really been old enough to appreciate it. This holiday, he knew the beach was something special. When his feet first hit the sand, he was literally wide-eyed with wonder at the never-ending sand pit, the sea, and all the sticks and stones his little heart desired. It was lovely to watch.

Testing the water

Checking out the sea

James taking his dad for a closer look

Leesa and gorgeous Samuel

David and Matthew

James discovering the endless sandpit

Looking like a Ninja Turtle in his green float-suit!

Shenanigans

Yes, it was as chaotic as it looks!

Starting Over

A few weeks back the most incredible hail storm hit Krugersdorp, absolutely obliterating my veggie garden in the process.

I was devastated at the time (in fact, I'm still a little devastated) but have since realised the grace that has come with starting over. As I re-mulched my garden, chatted to my earthworms and replanted a new batch of seeds, I had the opportunity to do things differently based on lessons learned from the first round. I had a very good reason not to eat ALL the cabbage that had grown (one can only eat so much cabbage). And I was able to gain some profound insights into ministry. I also developed a new respect for farmers, for whom a hailstorm really can be a disaster...

October Highlights

Our latest garden harvest includes spinach, peas (lots of peas) potatoes (of which I am particularly proud) and red lettuce. On the way is green lettuce, cabbage (more peas) and carrots. The only person less convinced than myself about the whole vegetable garden experience was Dolly, the lady who cares for James. But after seeing this crop of veggies she's a believer, and ready to turn the whole garden into veggies.

We recently bought James a trampoline. It was supposed to be a Christmas present, but he spent a great deal of time jumping on the couch and the beds, so we figured Christmas could come early this year...

Dad and James unpacking.

James knows something exciting is supposed to happen with these bits and pieces.

Testing the waters...

Getting the hang of it!

James and I spent a spontaneous two days in PMB, and James had a great time with his cousins.
He and Matthew discovered a common interest in lawnmowers and things with wheels.