Transports of Delight

Yesterday was an epic soccer and hockey match against Oakhill. I was one of the designated lifts to transport players to the venue in Knysna. I arrived at the appointed hour and my daughter emerged out of a teeming mass of children and hockey sticks, with three others in tow. They piled into my car. Immediately there were cries of outrage - where was the nice car we drove in the last time? I pointed out that the current state of the road did not do much for the health of the 'nice' car so this was as good as it gets. They graciously agreed that we could continue. We roared off happily. They all shouted back at the GPS and found it very lacking in its responses. Two kilometres down the road I activated the window lock button. More howls of dismay. My daughter Kaela glared at me as I was clearly being uncool. I handed round Zoo biscuits as compensation, figuring that if sugar made them bounce off the walls, this could only be good for the game. They then conducted conversations with each other, clearly believing that the person who shouts the loudest is the one who is right. I was interested to learn that 30km is the distance from South Africa to the Equator and that a Private Hospital is one where you have curtains round your bed. A normal hospital has no curtains and no privacy. When the conversation turned to farting, I threatened to stop the car and not go to the match (I have prevously discovered that they know you are not capable of carrying out your threat of leaving them on the highway).

We arrived at Oakhill after a couple of circular tours. The GPS did not agree with some of the road names and there was a lot of muttering of 'recalculating' and commands to do a u turn, much to the delight of my passengers. We finally staggered into the school - on the wrong side of course. I limped into the parking lot and my car choked and died. The children dashed out of the car towards the far distant fields. 'Don't worry', I shouted, 'I'll shut the doors'. They waved their hockey sticks at me happily - totally impervious to sarcasm.

My car was now dead and was blocking at least 6 Oakhill teachers' cars. I did the only thing I could - phoned my husband and went off to watch the match.

Thankfully, our trip was not a wasted one. Greenwood really surpassed themselves and won most of the games and I was there to watch my daughter score her first goal. My husband had in the meantime performed some magic with jumper leads and gave me back the keys to the car. I declined and seized my own car keys back from him, informing my passengers that we were going in the 'nice' car after all. We sailed off towards Plett, after a bit of shouting and beating people away from the sun roof. Victory in hand, an operational car, all children belted in - we were on a home run. As we left the town of Knysna behind, a voice came from the back - "I have to go to the toilet NOW................."

I Wonder...............................

I wonder how many parents take time out of their busy schedules to actually view our website or read a blog?

I wonder why we have chosen to send our beautiful children to a school, far from the madding crowds of a big city, set in a beautiful part of Plettenberg Bay with mountains and sea at our fingertips?

My name is Melissa Mann and I am a proud mum to Sienna (5) - pre-school, Robyn's class.

Every morning I wake up with the amazing feeling that my child is able to attend a school like Greenwood, with the loving, nurturing care that is offered by wonderful teaching staff and the wide open spaces with clean air!

Yes, it is an Independent School with higher fees than a state school, but this is what I have chosen and so do not begrudge the little bit extra that is asked of us - after all, does "fundraising" not take place at every school?

My child is happy and that makes me happy so it is important that I make the effort to be involved for the greater good of her education, which incidentally, is the greatest gift we can give our children.

So I am offering you all a challenge - take the time to be involved, attend workdays, give graciously and smile now, you might actually enjoy it!

The end!

ps: Of course, I wonder how many parents will actually read this and give it a try....................

at the end of the day.........

My name is Willemijn Murray, mother of pre-schooler Femke and wife of Glenn. And this is my first entry!! Being a busy mum, (with my own business and a traveling husband), I sometimes feel that the world and the childhood of my gorgeous daughter is passing me by!! Time is flying and I sometimes wish that I could make her stop growing and enjoy the past day for a little longer. But every day bedtime comes so soon, and another day has rushed by!!

A Dutch friend started this tradition, almost every night after bath, brushing teeth and pj's he sit his daughters and wife down and asks the following questions: 'what was the best thing this day?' and 'what was the worst thing this day?' Everyone gets a turn, and everyone needs to listen to what the other tells. We have started doing it a couple of months ago, and it is amazing what answers you get! Sometimes very little, seemingly insignificant things that have happened during the day, are 'the best things' according to my girl. It is also a great opportunity to 'clear the air' and discuss very briefly what went wrong during the day. When we have guests, they even have to join in!!

Give it a try, just two simple questions, and do it with the whole family. When Gran is staying for dinner, get her involved. When your child has a sleepover friend, ask him or her. You'll be surprised what the answers are and it is a lovely way to close of the day! Have fun, and I would love to hear your reactions.

Have a lovely Greenwood day xx

After dropping my children at school today I was just giving some thought to what some of our clever MOM's do and so I thought I would just name a few here today.

1. Caitlin Truman-Baker (Mom to pre-schooler Connor & baby Jasper) is a graphic designer based in Plettenberg Bay. Caitlin has also designed the new African Serenity baby sling called Coo&Co. This design has been refined from an age old concept. Designed to keep you baby close and comfortable, while keeping you hands free and chic.

2. Janet Forest (Mom to Pre-schooler Julia) also a graphic designer. Janet and her husband, Dennis, own and manage the wonderful Eagle Encounters Centre. This is a bird of prey rehabilitation, educational and Eco-Tourism Centre. This is well worth a visit and our children have been here often on school outings! How lucky we are to have all this on our doorstep!

3. Willemijn Murray (Mom to pre-schooler Femke) owns a delicious shop in town called Willemijn Murray. Willemijn is Dutch and has great fun sourcing and making objects for her shop - she makes the most beautiful jewellery!

4. Kim van Rensberg (Mom to pre-schooler Zoe and Ruby in grade 6) is also a design mom. Kim runs her own business called Clean Living Interior Design but has also just launched her new yummy product called "Oh my goodness". These are delicous non dairy, non wheat and raw food products that are excellent for lunch boxes for the kids!

5. Laura Jamieson Chatz (Mom to Ayla in grade 1 and Noah in grade 2) is another design mom who has a background in ceramic design, decor styling and glass blowing. Laura's Luma Glass Studio is in Plettenberg Bay where she produces amazing jewellery and even chandeliers.

These a just five of our wonderful Mom's! We are so lucky to have such talented people around us. I will post some more of our other parents on the blog soon. Enjoy your day!