Mum's 75th birthday

 

Hi there mum

Happy, happy birthday.  What a wonderful milestone. A great opportunity to reflect on the full and meaningful life you've lived so far and look forward to the years ahead. Thank you for being such a wonderful mum, I honestly couldn't have asked for a better one.  It's not a surprise that you're so loved by your all your family and life-long friends. It comes from being the beautiful, generous, loving person you are.  Hope you have a wonderful, special day.

Love

G

Mum and Mike's 20th wedding anniversary

A beautiful card by Jo.

 

Matt gets 5 A's for matric

 What an extraordinary achievement made even more incredible when one considers the difficult circumstances with COVID and distant learning.

Sam 21st birthday

 Hi there dear Sam

Happy happy 21st birthday. I feels like only yesterday I came to South Africa to see my beautiful baby niece. How wonderful it’s been to see you grow up into the amazing, extraordinary woman you are today - so full of intelligence, depth and fun. May the next stage of your life journey bring you a treasure trove of love, wonder, adventure and joy. We all love you so much.   Ps. Hope your party last night was amazing! I did so love the video Jo made for you. 

G

My 50th birthday

A wonderful 50th birthday with well wishes and a hamper from the family and dinner with friends at a lovely fish restaurant.

 

Happy Birthday to my very special son Graeme who who has given me so much joy, happiness and pride for 50 years.  Mum

Dinner at Garfish

Gift from Aimee

Happy big birthday to the most genuine, warm, funny, honest, amazing guy! Thank you for all the fun adventures, photo expeditions and D&M chats. I’m hoping there are many more to come. Happy birthday Graeme.   Elna

What a blessing you are, my other son, Graeme. I hope you are enjoying all of your birthday. And it's not finished yet, is it..? Much love from your Aussie Mum, Jilly.

Happy Birthday dear Graham. I wish you great joy, ease and peace in your life. May the light of your heart always shine brightly. Thank you for being the kind generous loving man that you are with a generous sprinkling of cheekiness. Live live and hugs.   Shushann

Dearest Graeme. Happy birthday to my dear friend. I am so thankful to have you in my life and having our wonderful friendship where we can truly be ourselves!   Xenia

 

Dear Graeme. May you be showered with great blessings on your 50th. Thank you for being the kind and generous friend you are.  Looking forward to more walks into the awe and beauty of nature.    Shushann

Living in the time of Covid

More great photos from Liz and Mark's wedding

Sam's matric dance

Next morning !

Mum's 70th birthday

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Dear mum

Happy birthday!  Happy 70 years young.

I feel so blessed to have you as my mum.  You have always been such a vital force in my life. Always there to talk to. Always ready to listen. Always ready to encourage. And always there to support us and love us no matter what.  

You've inspired me in so many ways ...
- your extraordinary, amazing, incredible  generosity of spirit
- your readiness to help anyone in need
- your warm heartedness and natural friendliness
- your resilience in the tough times
- the way you value and nurture your friendships
- your common sense
- your delicious cooking
- your being the most adoring, doting Granny in the world
- your readiness to learn new computer tricks
- your enthusiasm for all you get involved in
- and so much more

What a journey life is - a winding path of ups and downs; joys, adventures and challenges.  Thank you for the vital role you've played on my journey; for starting me on it, for teaching me to walk and run and climb, for encouraging and helping me on the uphills, for contributing to the joys and sharing in the wonders along the way.  Thank you for being the best mum I could ever ask for.  Thank you for being You.

Love
G

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Dear mum

There is no way I can really capture everything that has happened in your 70 years in one book but I hope that this gift gives you a small taste of all that you have achieved and experienced.  I have loved making it and reliving some of my favourite childhood memories.

We are all truly blessed to have you in our lives.  You have always been there to support me, both physically and emotionally -  in person and over the phone and, of course, via Whats App!  You are always ready to drop anything to come to the rescue if there is a crisis.

The first thing that stands out for me is your amazing baking - there was always a batch of crunchies at the ready when we got home from school (and recently your winning choc chip cookies) - and the way you always got involved with my school fetes.

I still remember those amazing teddies in a bed you used to make and the incredible dolls clothes you sewed for me.  That suitcase of dolly clothes is still one of my best presents ever received.

It has to be said that the parties you threw for G and I were the best.  Everyone with their own glitter crown and party box with their names on.  Let’s not forget my magical butterfly cakes that I asked you to make year after year.

Thank you for the incredible newsy letters that kept me going throughout my overseas trips and for all the special holidays you have taken us on.

Thank you for loving my children and being such a softie and spoiling them. I love that you are the best mother-in-law to Antony and an incredible friend to Liz, Wendy, Judy, and Barbara to name a few.

I am so proud that you are always pitching in and getting involved whether it be on the Woodsider Magazine, bar duty, project Daphne or making soup for whoever needs it in your neighbourhood.

I am so glad that you got to find happiness a second time after dad died.  You had inner strength that was inspirational to all of us.

I wish you all the health, happiness, love, laughter, sunshine and roses for the next chapter of your life.  Know that you are loved very much and you mean the world to us.

With all my love
Jo

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Letter from Sam and Matt

Matt's first day of high school