Covid Chronicles

 When I thought about how we'd spend this holiday season as a family, making memories, soaking up the last bit of being together, I did not consider that we could be housebound, isolating - and yet, here we are. 

Andel felt ill first, but tested negative on Friday, and was wearing his mask everywhere - including in bed at night. Then on Saturday afternoon, after feeling fine all day, Zac suddenly started complaining of headaches, and later ran a fever. We tested him, and got the positive result not long after. Resigned to the fact that we would all have to isolate - or at least quarantine - we cancelled Christmas plans (for the second year running), and tried to separate Zac from everyone else. Since then though, a few more of us have joined the pandemic party. 

I guess it was inevitable. Just prior to Zac feeling ill, he and I had taken a drive and gotten some ice cream for our monthly date. Sunday morning I was still ok, but by lunch time I was overcome with debilitating body aches, and nonstop sneezing and nose blowing. Then yesterday Sam, who usually shares a room with Zac, started coughing and complaining about a tummy ache, and this morning began throwing up. So far Bayley remains unaffected. The jury is still out on whether she would require more of our energy and attention healthy or sick.

On this, Day 4 of isolation, here are a couple things we have learnt already:

* Covid sucks. Even though it's likely that we have the kinder Omicron variant, we have still felt pretty sick. There is no guarantee that you will have "mild, flu-like symptoms that disappear after a day", and I hate that people have used that very phrase to downplay what people are going through, or justify irresponsible behaviour.

* You can be so careful, and still become infected. We don't know where we got it from. We did not have close contact with any positive case, and have purposefully opted to stay home to avoid being sick.

* You can be how sick, when your kids are ill, they come first. I have never experienced incessant pain like I have the last couple days, but I would gladly take it if it means that my kids don't have to.

* There is always a silver lining; something to be thankful for. Had Zac become infected while at school, I think we would have been freaking out. Knowing that he's had it here, with us, and been ok, is very comforting. 

* This is the second year running that we not having a "traditional" family Christmas. Last year my parents were very sick with Covid, and we ended up doing our family celebration mid January. The first Christmas was pretty simple, and I feel like we are being reminded of that, even now. Who knows: it may become a new tradition for us. 

So for the next week at least, we try to heal and get some much needed rest. There is, after all, wisdom and peace in surrender.

Jireh

 Earlier this week I sat over my spreadsheet of things we need to get for Zac. Of course, this spreadsheet came into existence pretty soon after we made the decision for Zac to go - and the list is pretty extensive: DBCS branded uniform, other uniform, boarding requirements, academics requirements, general requirements. It's also very specific. And expensive. The plan was to wait for Black Friday to make as many purchases at reduced rates as possible. As it happened though, there weren't really any specials for the things I needed, and I'll admit: I felt defeated.

But that's how God works sometimes. He wants us to rely solely and fully on Him. He wants us to compare our spreadsheets with our bank balances and wonder how the heck they will ever add up. He wants us to realise how powerless we are. And then He shows us how powerful He is. 

Jehovah Jireh means "the Lord will provide". It's one of the most popular names for God. Earlier this year, Elevation Worship and Maverick City released a song titled, Jireh. There is a looped bridge in the song that goes something like this:

If you've followed the posts in this blog for a while, you'll know: Jesus loves Zac. I don't mean that He doesn't love anyone else or as much; I'm just saying, He has shown up for Zac one testimony after the next. This time is no different. Daily I am getting calls and messages from friends and family asking what they can contribute to help. I also got an email from one of Zac's current teachers, knowing that he needed to purchase something for an end of term event - and she offered to pay for it. And then a parent already with a boy in DBCS contacted me and offered me some clothing at a fraction of the price. I even got a bonus payout from my insurer!

This is no joke: this journey is stressful on every level. We still have a long way to go with many more things to pay. But God is in it, and He is living up to His name - Jireh.

Strength for Today

 It's amazing the things God whispers to us when we call out to Him and then listen. Since my early childhood, my life has been flooded with songs and hymns of praise and worship. I visit these melodies and words of truth often. Many times I hear my grandfather's voice, singing in my head...

As the magnitude of Zac's departure dawned on me this week, I reached out to my village of warrior women who pray with and for me. I had questions: How can I already feel so weak and tired? How am I going to get through the six weeks before our separation - and then the three weeks of radio silence, and another seven weeks of distance after that? 

As the news spread, so many people, each in their own unique way, sent me something that I need to hear. And then the song began in my head:

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine with then thousand beside

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand has provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

And there it is: the answer. 

We'll get through it one moment at a time, 

one message at a time,

one hug at a time, 

one promise at a time,

underpinned by prayer,

with strength for today, 

and hope for tomorrow.

As my Gramps and Gran Geduld would have sung it

Six Weeks

December has just started, and despite my resolve and strength over the last six months, I'm beginning to feel the cracks appear. Many of you probably won't know: Zac has been given the amazing opportunity to attend the Drakensberg Boys Choir School from January 2022. It's the second time he's been offered a place. Two years ago we declined an offer because it simply was not something we could afford. We still can't. But this time he's been given a scholarship, and he's keen, so we're giving it a go. 

For months, those in the know have asked me if we're crazy, and how we are coping - and somehow it's always been the truth to answer that we feel it's the right thing. God has granted us an incredible peace about how things have worked out, and challenged us to trust Him with Zac's life. Last night though, I lay in bed going through pictures of the kids, and asked Andel, "are we brave or insane?". His answer to me: "probably a little bit of both". 

Zac is 9 years and 6 months old, and in six weeks' time we will be driving into the Midlands (1500km away) to drop him off at his new school. It seems like the emotions have caught up with all of us. In the last week Zac has come to cuddle in my bed, sit on my lap on the swing, held my hand as we walked around the block. And while he is not afraid, he is realising - as am I - that this is going to be hard. The closeness of our family unit has been amplified since Covid, and the separation is going to hurt.  

The holidays will be bitter-sweet as we try to make the most of this time together, while preparing to say goodbye. We look forward to it all the same. So to keep track of the memories we make, and pour out everything this mama heart can't handle, I'm probably going to flood the pages here. I'm hoping it'll be therapeutic for me, and, looking back in years to come, bear testimony, once again, to God's goodness in our lives. 

Expect emotional posts and tears. Send prayers and wine. 

4 Bayley

 It's been so long since I blogged that it was only when I lay in bed last night - watching birth videos (an example of the nostalgic things one does the night before your child's birthday) - that my mind wandered to the fact that I had not given this birthday blog any thought. Whether it's that I've finally developed some chill, or that I am too far gone to be bothered, is immaterial at this point; I was pleased to find it was pretty much the same when Zac and Sam each turned four too. So here it is, a birthday post for Bayley:

My Bayley Cate...  (Let me start by saying: I never thought I would call you by your full name as much as I do. It's a beautiful name, but that's not why it's in frequent use. I have never related to Dave Seville from Alvin and the Chipmunks more!)

I actually can't believe that you are four. Where has the time gone? On the one hand, your birth is etched in my mind so clearly it's like it happened yesterday. On the other, you have become so grown up, independent, articulate, and fearless - I sometimes forget you are (were) just a baby. 

From the very beginning, life with you has been a wild ride - and nothing has changed! I marvel in awe, wonder, and terror at your benevolence, loveliness, quick wit, and sass. You are a thrill of adrenalin that rushes through my veins making me feel both frantic and completely alive. Your strong will, high drama, rule-breaking and risk-taking sends me into free fall - and then, somehow, you make me fly. What isn't there to love about you?

This coming of age is somewhat bittersweet. I'm saying goodbye to a decade consumed with babies. I will miss having you fit into my arms, breathing in that baby scent, and being your primary source of comfort. But I'm excited by this new chapter: to see us grow up together, carve out our own space in our family, and bond over (probably, not so) girly pastimes - and food, of course!

Happy birthday, my darling girl. I hope your day lives up to all you've dreamed of, and that the year ahead brings you a taste of all the rainbows, unicorns, and magic that you bring to the world. You are beautiful, strong, smart, and kind. My warrior-princess: Bayey the Brave. 

All my love, Mommy x

Keto Butter Chicken

 Navigating a keto diet with a family who isn't necessarily following the same can sometimes be tricky. That's why I like to keep the meals simple with easy substitutions - e.g. they eat rice; I eat caulimash. This is a butter chicken recipe that I adapted to suit our kitchen, and it's been an absolute hit in our house. I'm pretty sure that you can also add the regular non-keto things - like potatoes - if you wanted to.

Total Ingredients

* approximately 500g chicken breast meat (you can use deboned fillets or do that yourself at home)

* 1 cup double cream plain yogurt

* 3 tablespoons masala curry spice (I use an eleven-in-one because I like the taste)

* 3 teaspoons fresh, grated ginger

* 2 teaspoons minced garlic

* handful of roughly chopped fresh coriander

* 1 onion chopped

* 1 sachet tomato paste (you can also used tinned tomatoes if you want the substance)

* 1 teaspoon dried coriander

* 1 teaspoon cumin

* 2 tablespoons butter / ghee / coconut oil

* 1/2 cup heavy cream

Marinating Method

1. Use all the yogurt, 2 tablespoons masala, 2 teaspoons ginger, 2 teaspoons garlic, and some chopped coriander to create a marinade. 

2. Cut the chicken into small blocks and place in a large container with a lid. Cover completely with the marinade, and allow to chill in the fridge for at least at hour (I actually like to leave it overnight).

Cooking Method

1. Heat a little oil in a large pot, and start cooking the marinated chicken. I do it in bits at a time, and pour whatever remaining marinate is in with it. The chicken should take about 4 minutes per side to brown.

2. For the sauce mix the onion, remaining ginger, remaining garlic, tomato paste, and spices using a blender until everything is smooth. Then add to the pot, and cook the chicken in the sauce for a further 5 - 6 minutes. 

3. Stir the butter / ghee / coconut oil and cream into the pot, and cook for one more minute. Add salt and chilli (optional) to taste.

4. Serve with hot caulimash - or fragranced rice (Basmati or Jasmine work best) - and top with some fresh cilantro. 

This serves about 4 people but could be stretched to 6 if it's saucier or has other veg in it as well. 

ps. I forgot to take pics - I'll add some when I make this again. I doubt it'll be too long before then.

Keto Chocolate Mousse

 It turns out, the only way I can ever remember any recipes is to post them on this blog. This is a recipe I in celebration of Chocolate Day (July 6) when I found myself in the middle of a 21-day Keto detox. It was honestly so good and rich and creamy, that I couldn't have a lot of it without feeling ill. The amounts below are meant to be for a single serving, but I easy got four out of it. 

Ingredients

- 2 egg whites (at room temperature)

- 1/4 cup erythritol

- 1 cup (approximately 120g) of sugar-free dark chocolate (I like to do half plain dark and half mint)

- 1 cup heavy cream (from the fridge)

* if you're not doing Keto, you can just use regular sugar and chocolate

Method

1. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until frothy.

2. Add the erythritol, one tablespoon at a time, while beating until airy white peaks form. This step took about 3 - 4 minutes.

3. Break the chocolate into small chunks, and melt in the microwave in 30-second increments in a large bowl. Stir between heating sessions, and repeat until all the chocolate is melted and smooth.

4. Fold the egg white + sweetener mixture into the chocolate until all is incorporated.

5. In a separate bowl beat the cream until soft white peaks form. There is no need to add sweetener here.

6. Combine the egg white + sweetener + chocolate mixture with the cream by hand until everything is blended. You may find here that some of your chocolate becomes chunky as the temperature changes. This is ok; it's a delicious surprise to find a chunk of chocolate in your mousse. 

7. Transfer the mousse mixture into a container with a lid, or into individual dessert ramekins for serving ease. Cover with the lid or with cling wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. 

A yummy, guilt free chocolate treat that you'll be forced to eat in moderation. Enjoy!

No Bake Keto Cookies

 Desperate times call for desperate measures. I don't usually snack on sweet treats at all, but then I am usually at work, distracted and busy. Being home with kids who are requesting food every 90 minutes means that I have had to create snacks that are quick to prepare, easy to make, and healthy for our bodies. This recipe takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, so it's worth a try!

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons of real butter

* between 2 tablespoons - 1/4 cup erythritol, depending on your taste

* 2/3 cup natural peanut butter

* 1 cup desiccated coconut

* 1 tablespoon cocoa (optional)

Method

1. Melt butter and erythritol in the microwave in 30 second increments.

2. When the butter is completely melted, mix the peanut butter into it until smooth and glossy.

3. All the coconut to the wet mix and combine fully. At this point you can also add the cocoa if you are using it.

4. Scoop out teaspoon-sized cookie balls onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Depending on the shape you want, you can leave the cookies in balls, or flatten them more. 

5. Place the baking tray with the cookies into the freezer for 10 minutes.

NB! 

These cookies must be stored in the fridge or they will melt and misshape. 

If you find that your cookies are a little too big / thick, you can cut them in half to serve. 

If you don't like the oily consistency, you can roll your cookies in more coconut before serving. 

The Last of the Single Digits

I'm not sure how we got here, but the last little while - last couple of days, especially - has made it very clear: my boy, my first baby, is growing up. Today Zac is nine!

Parents are often struck by the speed of it all. It's like we go to bed one night, cradling a newborn that we have zero clue how to raise, and wake the next morning with a tantrum-throwing threenager. It happens a couple times: toddler to pre-schooler, child to pre-teen... But I am equally taken by the measure. I had the privilege of spending some alone time with Zac the last three days (a whole 'nother story for a separate post), and was enamoured by this little human who is thoughtful and smart, independent and brave, funny, fun, and so responsible (Zac is not someone you want in the car when you have been traveling inter-provincially for 5 hours, and miss curfew by 8 minutes). It's almost unbelievable that he happens to be mine.

Zac, today on your birthday, I want to acknowledge the super young man you are beginning to sprout into, and tell you just how proud I am of who you are, and what you represent. You are wrapping up the first decade of your life, which has been filled with some pretty awesome things, and already the new year holds so many mind-blowing possibilities and opportunities for you. I want you to know just how special you are, and how much we love you - thorns and all. Jesus loves you, and has a perfect plan for your life. Continue to seek Him, obey Him, and trust Him - He won't ever let you down!

Happy birthday, my Peanut! All my love, Mom x

Six and So Special

 Honestly, I do look at the birthday posts I did for Zac when wanting to do a post for Sam. I try to keep it the same because, you know, second child syndrome and all that. This year though, I actually wanted to do something different. Well, the joke's on me; I just checked Zac's post, and it turns out I felt the same way three years ago when he turned six. Go figure.

There are so many heartwarming words that people use to describe you, Sam. You are funny, charming, passionate, creative, affectionate, smart, and resilient. But by far the most common one is: special. And oh how special you are! I guess it's been there since before you were born. There's always been a backstory with you, and you have always done everything in your own special way.

This past year has been a challenging one. As though growing out of a preschooler and into a big boy wasn't enough, you started your sixth year lockdown (and we're still in it!), you had to get to grips with your specs, adapt to online learning, and even move house. There have been many stumbling blocks and learning curves along the way, and I would be lying if I said I don't worry about how misunderstood you could be. But you always manage to stay smiling. You refuse to be squashed. You surprise me, and you soften my heart.

A few weeks ago, I found this passage in Jeremiah, and when I read it, I just knew it was for you:

My sweet boy, you are a gift to the world. You continue to show us how to stop when things get busy or overwhelming; slow down to acknowledge and enjoy the moment we are in; sit still to see things for more that what merely meets the eye. Your sensitivity makes you both compassionate and caring, and your sense of humour makes everyone around you feel both lighter and loved. You give the best hugs, tell the funniest jokes, and I could spend hours watching in wonder as you makes sense of the world in your own special way.

Happy birthday, Goose. I'm so glad that you still want bedtime prayers and goodnight kisses. I love you so very much! See you at 06h00...

Keto Banana & Nut Loaf

 Apparently, while I have been not blogging, I have become a keto baker. I have found a couple recipes that I've tweaked to suit my low carb, sugar free palate, and will share them here for you to try. Good recipes without all the talk before - I promise!

The weekend's leftover Banana Nut Loaf 

Ingredients

* 2 large, ripe bananas (mashed)

* 3 large eggs

* 2 Tbsp butter (melted)

* 1,5 cup almond flour (I purchased raw almonds from FLM, and ground them in the coffee grinder)

* 1/3 cup erythritol 

* 1 tsp baking powder

* 2 tsp cinnamon

* 1/2 tsp vanilla essence (optional)

* 1/2 cup nuts (I have used flaked almonds and crushed pecans - I prefer the chunkier nuts)

Method

1. Heat the oven to 180C, and line a loaf tin with baking paper.

2. In a medium sized bowl mix the mashed banana, 3 eggs, and melted butter with a hand mixer until the banana is smooth.

3. In a separate bowl mix together the dry ingredients: almond flour, erythritol, baking powder and cinnamon. 

4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet, small portions at a time.

5. One all the dry mix is incorporated into the wet, add the vanilla essence and nuts. Mix together with a spatula.

6. Spoon all the mix into the loaf tin, and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. You can add some crushed nuts on top if you like.

7. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, then turn the oven off and leave inside for another 10 minutes. The top should be firm, not hard.

8. Allow bread to cool completed before cutting. Served best with butter. Champagne is optional :)

This loaf is honestly better than any regular banana bread I've had, and will now be the only banana bread baked in my home. It's also really moist inside, so I think it could work in muffin pans too.

Twenty Twenty Won... Or Did It?

Do you remember my annual Bucket List? It seems like I wrote the one for 2020 about 5 years ago. We had some big things planned for 2020: a road trip, a boat trip to Robben Island, holidaying in Namibia, live music concerts - pretty much all the things that Covid put an abrupt end to. It would be easy to think that 2020 won, except when I looked through the list again, I found things that, in weird and wonderful ways, we did manage to do.

We certainly did play more games inside. The kids can play Speed, Crazy 8, Scrabble, and 30 Seconds. 

We did family devotionals. Admittedly, we were better at it during lockdown than out of it.

We made and used environmentally friendly wrapping paper (brown paper and string for the win).

We may not have sent our overseas family and friends much correspondence (I want to blame the Post Office, but that's not true - we just suck at writing letters), but we did speak to them way more often via WhatsApp and Zoom, and that was cool.

We didn't catch a fish, but we did braai one, and it was delicious!

I finished Bayley's photo book! (I did also print it in the wrong size, so it's a miniature book, but who's keeping score?)

We did some random acts of kindness, mostly in a #playitforward challenge where we gifted 5 people with random things, and the only catch was that they had to do the same. It was rewarding, especially to get it done in 2020.

We got some plants - and managed to keep them alive. I recently also got a planter box that I've planted some herbs in. Sam's the one with the green fingers, so I've left him in charge.

We did more exercise. As a family we try to walk around the neighbourhood once a week. Andel still cycles every day, and once upon a time this year, I was running every other day in preparation for my first 5km race. I complete it, but have since not resumed running.

We tried to make our world a better place by being available, helping others, recycling, sharing, and giving Hope. 

While it's possible for God to do the impossible, and change everything in a moment, I'm not sure the earth and its people have learnt all we need to from the situation we are in. I think we're going to be dealing with lockdown and restrictions, and this "new normal" for a while still. So here is my one bucket list item for 2021: Be Kind.

Happy 2021 everyone! Our Hope goes with us into it.