Mafiosa

The Krugersdorp Baptist Church young adults have a social get together about every 3 weeks. Last week we decided to have a dress up Mafia evening. Mafiosa is a detective game which requires great attention, skill, and observation, and is loads of fun! This is Mike and Stacy, they are newly weds and definitely looked the part.

This is my friend Tracy who decided to join us for the evening, It was so great to see her and I hope she had fun. How cool is her headpiece? Nothing like a bit of homemade creativity.

Next is my friend Antje and Myself. I was so amazed to see how good she looked and what a difference makeup can make. Her bright red lipstick stayed put the whole evening, and I wonder how she eventually got it off?

This next picture is Jacques, He is the newest member of the young adults group. He just got saved on Sunday night, how awesome, we are celebrating with him, as are the angels in heaven, and are so blessed to have him join the family. Check that stare, quite the pose!

And lastly is Glen and Antje. they are our pastoral couple, and good friends of mine! They have taken such a special interest in my life, and have really gone out of their way to encourage, support, mentor and be-friend me. Their advice is always Godly, and I have really grown under their ministry. I love them lots, and am so blessed to have them in my life!

Make Over I Think?????

Rogie came to visit a couple of days ago, and because of the bad weather, couldn't play outside and was so bored. In an attempt to entertain Himself, he decided that it was time to make Aunty Shall look pretty by "painting" her face. He got hold of my makeup bag, and got to work. I was quite impressed at how he knew what everything was called, but I think it's safe to say that his calling is clearly not a makeup artist!

Here He is doing his thing, can you see the enjoyment in my eyes?

And the final result, so what do you think? Beauty or the Beast? :) What a mission to get lipstick, eyeshadow and glitter off my cheeks! Oh well, all in the name of fun I guess!

Enough Love for 4 Generations

Unfortunately my Gran went home to Zambia today, she stayed with us for a month, and we really really loved having her here. In my opinion, this time was one of the nicest visits we have had, and I am truly so sad to see her go. For some reason I just felt like it was not yet time for her to go and begged her to stay longer. She is such a special old lady whom I love dearly and so I thought I would add some pictures of her from a couple of years ago. She normally comes to visit once a year, ans this picture was taken when Rogie was just a few months old.

As you can see, there are four generations of love in these pictures. My gran became a great granny in March 2005, and has got three great-grand-children. Tayla is 4, Rogan is 3, and Alea is 6 months old. Rogan really loves "Nunna"and often goes and hugs and cuddles and plays with her, and I can assure you, the affection is returned.

My Gran has played a very important, special part in our lives. She always was there for us when we were kids, and always put herself last so that we could come first. My love for her has grown more and more over the years and I pray that she will still be a part of our lives for many many years to come! Love and miss you lots Granny. :)

A Good Friend

I would like to introduce you to my good friend Megan. Megs and I met on my first year of BYSA team, we instantly hit it off and started what has become a very strong friendship. I am always so amazed how we don't see each other for weeks, and are just able to pick up where we left off! We know each other very well, and are very alike in many ways! This is a recent picture taken when Megan turned 25.


Isn't she a beaut', and boys, she is available! :) Over the years, Megan has been such a blessing to me! She has helped me through some difficult times, and has always put herself out for me. I am so grateful to God for such a good friend, who I know would always be there for me!

Thank you Lord for your blessings which never cease!

Rogan's Photo Shoot

When Rogan was 14 months old, Melanie took him for a photo shoot. I was not with them but Melanie told me that Rogan refused to smile for the whole time that they were there, and that Rogan was not very impressed. Ever since this little monkey was born, my mom in particular was photo crazy and constantly took pictures of Rogan, so maybe that's why he dislikes it!

Isn't he just too cute, agreeing that I might be slightly biased, but still, what a little angel! I am so blessed to have a nephew, and to be so involved in his life. It really has showed me what love is and how self sacrificing you need to be a parent, and has definitely taught me ALOT about kids.

My dad eventually tried to get Rogan to smile by amusing him as always, so the following photo is the only picture from this photo shoot, where Rogan is smiling. SUCH A DARLING.

Matric Farewell 2009

One of my extra murals at school this year, was with two other teachers, to organise the Matric Farewell. I think when I signed up for the task, I had no idea how much work and effort would go into it. But, I enjoyed every minute, and it was defiantly worth it. The Matrics really had a stunning time, and were very appreciative. I thought because this was a big one, I would make an effort to look good, and so here are some photos of my dress, hair and the final result.


The theme of the Farewell was Bollywood Bling. The colours were black, pink, orange and gold, and everything was very beaded to get the bling look. The venue is brand new, it is called Memoire, in Muldersdrift. Wow, did we get lucky to find this place, it was gorgeous, and everything ran smoothly, from the deco, to the music, to the food! The fundraisers worked very hard and were really looking forward to the evening. They wore all black with a gold sash around their waists, which had beaded tassels on which made a noise when they walked. Unfortunately, all the photos of the hall and matrics came out very dark, but here is one of the fundraisers and teachers involved.

The next photo is of some of my work friends whom I sat with on the evening. From left to right, we have myself, Vicky, Wiette, and seated is Holly and Ashley. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends at work, they are always there for me, and it just makes the working environment so much more fun and eventful! It really is one of the perks.

Graduation at Last

When most people start their degree, they are excited and motivated, and keep graduation in the forefront of their minds as the goal which they are striving for. It is considered as the climax of varsity, but what a climb to get there! Varsity was a good experience for me where I could academically push myself, and make some awesome friends along the way. And then 4th year begins, it is so close to the end, but those last few months can really drag, feeling like they will never end! At long last they do, and graduation arrives, what a relief!

I was very excited about the evening and was so impressed to see how organised it was and how smoothly everything ran! Apart from a few nerves, it was a real feeling of success and achievement walking on that stage and receiving the certificate I had worked so hard for. "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be revered above all the gods" All praise to God for this accomplishment, for how He kept me and provided for me.

My parents came to watch the graduation ceremony, and then we had photos taken. We then went out for dinner to celebrate. They were very proud of their little girl. Thanks mom and dad for your continuous support, motivation and encouragement to do the best and be the best that I can be. Love you lots!

Lastly, my friends also played a big part of this journey. Some of the people who shared this experience with me were Candice, Vanessa, Cheroni, Ashley, Roxy, Matt, Dale, Prinusha, Shez, and Marleen. Thank you for making those 4 years such a blast. Love you guys!

Ladies Night Out

It is said, that being on BYSA Team with someone for a year, creates a bond with that person, which can rarely be described in words. Friendships are created, and even if you loose contact, when you do see each other, it is like no time has passed. I think it is a very special gift to have friendships like that. I was lucky that some of my first year team members were from Gauteng, and so we are able to get together on a regular basis. Last year, Vange decided to organise a ladies evening at her house, she really went out of her way and prepared a 3 course meal for us, and even bought us all a gift. We had a lovely evening of fellowship and were able to just pick up where we left off. Vange was such a blessing to us all, and I feel very blessed to have these ladies in my life, as they are truly special and have got such amazing qualities, and I know would always be there for me! This is a picture of us all dressed up and looking pretty, but unfortunatly Megan and Tracy could not make it. Love you girls! :)

Rogan's First Christmas

A month before Christmas, the Sunday School always has a Christmas Play, Prize Giving and of course the Christmas Party. This event is one of the highlights of the Sunday School Calender. The Party is normally held at my house, and we try to think of new innovative things to do for entertainment for the kids, and ways for Father Christmas to arrive. This year He arrived off the top of the roof and had to climb down a ladder to deliver gifts. We stole Him for a few minutes after all the excitement to take a photo with Rogan. Rogie seemed a bit scared at first, but after seeing his gift, and recognising the voice of Father Christmas to be a family friend, He was happy again.




What a cutie pie. He got some sort of a noisy shaker thing, which if I remember correctly, he still has, maybe to pass on to a sibling or cousin one day. You can see in the following picture, Rogie and Father Christmas sitting outside, in front of the jumping castles and water slides, which were the kids entertainment for the afternoon. We also hired a clown/magician who did a show for the kids. All in all, the day was a big success, and Rogan had lots of fun!

Our 2006 Cruise

In December 2006, my Mom, Dad, my friend Megan and Myself went on a 10 day Christmas and New Year's Cruise to Mozambique, and the Portuguese Islands. We left from the Durban harbour and were out to sea. What a stunning sight, just being out in the open sea, with the wind blowing on a hot summers day! It was an Italian ship called the Melody, and so most of the food was Italian - which suited me just fine. There was lots to do on the ship, like entertainment shows, karaoke evening, bingo, singles parties, comedy evenings, formal dinner and dances, captains evenings and lots more. Here are just some pictures of our time on the ship.

We spent most of our evenings being entertained by the crew, and spent most days next to the pool working on our tans. (and did a good job at that) When we arrived at the Portuguese Islands, we were able to get off the boat and spend the day on the beach. Megan and I enjoyed the day in the sea, it was calm, bright blue, very shallow for miles out, and VERY hot!

On New Year's Eve, we had a beach party on the deck, with entertainment, a DJ, dancing till all hours of the morning, good food, and the beautiful sea as our backdrop. The second photo is from the party, as you can see with our party hats in tact. All our drinks were served out of hollow pineapples and we were waited on hand and foot, to get us into the tropical island mood! All in all, with just a few hiccups, it was truly a lovely holiday, and an opportunity to feel like royalty. It is definitely something worth experiencing in your lifetime!

A Bundle of Joy

As I was looking through some of Rogan's baby photos, I was compelled to share some of these with you. They are just too cute for works. Since day 1, Rogan has been a gorgeous baby, and has just got cuter by the day. He has always been full of character and personality, and has known exactly what he has wanted from early days. (just like his mommy)

What a darling! I love these photos and looking at them makes me want kids of my own even more! Seeing I can't at the moment, maybe my sister will have another one and help cure my broodiness! :)

According to Melanie, Rogan has a certain style, and looking at this picture, I think it is clear that He had style even before we realised.

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when He is older He will not turn from it" Proverbs 22:6 It is my prayer that Rogan will grow up to Know, Love, Worship and Serve the Lord!

A Gift From God

I became a VERY proud Aunty on the 26th March 2006. My sister gave birth to a beautiful little boy whom I already loved so dearly. His name is Rogan Clive Steyn, He weighed 3,4 kgs, and was 47cm tall. He was the cutest baby ever! He is now three and a half years old, and when I look back at some of His baby photos, it's hard to believe how small (and good) he was.
The first picture was when He was just a few days old, and the second when He was a few weeks old. Children are such a gift from God! I love you my boy!

The Key To The Door

Turning Twenty-One is a big deal for most girls. For my Twenty First, I had a formal dinner and dance. It was at the very beautiful Usmbara Wedding Venue. My parents really spoilt me by giving me such a stunning party, It was more than I could of ever hoped for. It was so good to see the effort everyone made to dress up, and everyone looked the part. I was very blessed to have all my family and friends there, and as a surprise, my Gran and Aunt flew from Zambia to join me.



This is a picture of myself and my friend Natalie. Natalie and I have been friends since we were 16 years old, we went to church and school together and have grown closer since. We have walked many roads together and I am blessed to have her in my life.

The color scheme was pink and silver- my personal favourite. The tables were stunning with fresh pink roses, and I got to make most of the table deco myself which gave a personal touch. The evening was so stunning it could really of been a wedding.

What a Wedding

"Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other" Romans 12:10
16 December 2004, The day Melanie and Jay-Jay got married. What a beautiful wedding it was! The ceremony was at the Krugersdorp Baptist Church, followed by the reception at the Krugersdorp Golf Club.



I love weddings, they are truely such a blessing and joy to me, and so even though I was not the bride, I was in my element! The Bridal Party consisted of obviously the Bride and Groom, Michael the Bestman, Myself the Maid of Honor, Ingrid the Flowergirl and Kyle the Ringboy.

Forever Family

At long last, I have a blog. YAY. Thanks to my good friend Antje for all her help!
Well, I thought before I fill you in on some of the current happenings of my life, I would take a walk down memory lane and share some of the highlights of the past. Starting of course with some family pictures.


This is my mom, dad and myself last year in our garden.
I was very into scrapbooking at the time and so was photo crazy. I took photos at every possible occasion, and always tried to be creative with the photos.
My parents are such a gift from God!

This is my older sister Melanie, her Husband Jay-Jay, and my very adorable nephew Rogan.Melanie and Jay-Jay were married on the 16th December 2004, and Rogan was born on the 26th March 2006. He is now three and a half years old, and the love of my life! This photo was another atempt at creativity.