Jay doesn't like sports.  He is not into it all.  He started karate just before the schools close for the winter holidays, just to see if he would like it or not.  I didn't have much hope to tell you the truth but he took such a liking to it, that even Quintus is now motivated again. 

I must say that he looks darn cute in his karate outfit.  We only got his cloths today.  We wanted to be sure that he was actually going to do this before getting the cloths.  There's something special about dropping your two boys off for a karate class.  Seeing them walking in there together.  (the fact that they will simultaneously get rid of excess energy is an added bonus!)

If you want to see more pics of karate boy Jay and some of the brothers together, just click here.

I pick up Quintus looking like this and he doesn't notice it ....

If YOU don't notice the difference either, you are SUCH a guy!  As is Quintus. And my brother.   All guy.  I cut my hair.   I have had long hair ever since Quintus was born.  Hardly every cutting it short.  I know this isn't short either but it's short for me

Jason took one look at me when I picked him up from school and he said "you look kwel!  You must never have long hair again"  Ahhh...can love a guy who notices things!

• I think it's time to take a second mortgage on our home.  I just don't think our budget will cover Zander's eating habits.  Seriously.  My third child and I have yet to see a child eat this much!
• Today is the birthday of Madiba.  Happy happy birthday to an extraordinary man. 
• Today also marks the 3rd anniversary of the adoption of Quintus' dog Diba.  Yes she was named after Madiba.
• People need to hug more.  Really.  It is such a great way to improve your mood.
• Tonight is the final of Survivor (for us anyway.  I know it is LONG over in America.  This is the first Survivor where I have not cheated and checked out who the winner is) 

So let me waste no time and enjoy the final

Why do I find spending money on myself so hard.  It's not something I regularly do but when I do, I feel terribly guilty.  I'm not well lol  I buy Clinique skin care.  Love it.  Introduced to me by my dear Wenchy.  Every now and again it's Bonus time.  Which basically means you get a load of free stuff when you purchase two items.  Love it.  Love gifts!  (I can be all girl some times)   Today I went to spend well-earned money on bonus time Clinique.  I don't know if it truly makes a difference but it sure makes me feel all gorgeous.  So I'll buy it just for that    I will also be getting a facial and make-up session in August.  Haven't had one since my wedding!

I never used to use skin care products.  Up till about 2 years ago, when Tommie came home and told me about the wife of one of his friends.  He couldn't get over how old she looked.  All wrinkled up.  No my husband never notices stuff like that.  I decided there and then that I needed to take care of my skin.  Couldn't want my hubby thinking I look old!  Hopefully I have inherited my moms skin genes.  Even at 56 she looks awesome.

~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~

We had someone come give us a quote on an alarm system tonight.  They will install it either Thursday or Friday.  I can't wait.  It can't happen soon enough.  They say the kids won't trip the alarm when they walk to our room at night.  Well, that remains to be seen!  Sure as heck will be a wake-up call if they do.  Nah..I'll just test it before the time. I want to know exactly where it picks up and where not.  Don't want there to be any gaps for any kind criminal to enter my home.  

Are we as parents always too strict on our first born children?

My mom and I had a bit of a fall-out this afternoon (okay, more a screaming match) when I disciplined Quintus for interrupting conversation but not Jason.  Although this is not about proving a point (I was right lol) I'll explain what happened.

My brother and Maggie was here to show off their brand new car (congrats guys!) when Quintus interrupted.  I asked him not to.  Then Jason interrupted.  I asked him not to.  When Quintus interrupted yet again, I disciplined him and sent him to the bathroom (time out in our home).  As he walked away my told me that I was wrong.  That I should discipline Jason as well.  I felt that Jason listened after I told him not to interrupt the first time.  My mom disagreed and hence the word fight.  The fact that she told me how to discipline my kids IN FRONT OF  my kids just made me more upset.

Okay now I have gone WAY of track.  Do we discipline our first born kids more?  Probably?  Although I try my utmost not to.  I try to discipline them according to their ages. Which would mean that I would expect more of Quintus at his age.  I don't discipline my kids much.  (I suppose that depends on who you ask hey?) but some people feel I discipline Quintus more than Jason.  Would be nice to have an INDEPENDENT outsider share their views on that.

Anyway on that note - here's my folks and THEIR first-born son.  Who apparently was discipline more than the others. This from very reliable sources.

Today was probably the nicest visit we have ever had with my in-laws.  If it could be like that every time I will visit there SO much more.  It was great.  I actually didn't want to leave when Tommie said we should go home.  (who knew?)

For the first time ever we took a family photo of the enitre De Bruyn family.

BACK:  Tommie's brother-in-law; Jason; my father-in-law; Zander; Quintus, my mother-in-law

FRONT:  Tommie; me; Ockert (nephew); Rentia (Tommie's sister)

Then just a photo showing of Zander's beautiful eyes.