Special edition Firday fragments.

I am just loving Friday fragments- so tempting to be able to just wrap up the week in little tidbits. So here goes and very special, and might I say lengthy issue:

Dear body,
Today marks the day that we have officially been together for 41 years - if we do not count those in utero months. I have to say that after all these years we have certainly found our rhythm, our together groove, our inner peace with each other.

We have been through fat times, sick times and tired times. We have also been through healthy and thin times - happy times. Sometimes I have failed you - too many glasses of wine, too much rich food, very late nights. You also did your part and failed me several times - honestly I think two stints of Alopecia Areata was totally uncalled for. The bone tumour was just mean and the kidneys in our first pregnancy unnecessary. But the stunt you pulled with the two eggs takes the cake - although looking back now, a happy cake.

Remember the time when we both got hurt do in the big car crash? 3 broken ribs and a bruised liver resulted in a pretty low key 21st birthday for us 2 weeks later.And then there's the after effects of the twin pregnancy that completely transformed us both.

As we are facing our longest struggles together - the ever problematic tooth issues and constantly painful colon (irritable bowel syndrome) we keep growing closer, more comfortable, more in tune with each other's needs. If we are lucky, we are halfway down our paths together. May the next 41 years be even more so. Happy birthday to me!
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For my birthday, Little man C did not get the memo that all mommy wanted was a good night's sleep (although the small bit of tooth protruding from a right upper molar explains a lot), he did however get the memo that he should join his brother and go potty. He did - twice - last night and this morning. So officially, we will be potty training. Out to buy big boy underpants tomorrow.

Oh and I got spoiled beyond words - a gold bracelet from Hunter, Sally Williams nougat (truly the best in the world) from the kids and Ferrero Rocher from dear Lucy. A lovely orchid from my business partner and Hesti gave me a great holiday read when we went to lunch on Wednesday. The Lil Miss made me a stunning birthday card and sang Happy Birthday! And the staff got me some great wine and Panettone - two of my favorite things.

If all goes well, I might purchase something I have wanted for a long time......

I am also going to have only half a work day today - going for lunch with my mom and the Lil Miss and then to the hairdresser. Tonight Hunter and I will go to dinner - all on our own - bliss!

And I am not going to get to the promised market pictures today. Next week - I promise!
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So I asked my readers what they wanted to know about me for this edition of Friday Fragments - so, here goes:

Susie wanted to know: What is your favorite thing about being you? Susie, I guess the fact that I am pretty content with life at present - I love my hubby, kids, puppies and job. Even my too small house.

The Harris Boys asked: What is your favorite birthday celebration? meaning did someone throw you a surprise party once, or something along those lines?
I never had a surprise Bday party - but two stand out as being the best.
For my 30th birhtday I had a 80's garage party, just like when we were teenagers. We had great fun dressing up and dancing the night away.

Me as Madonna in Desperately Seeking Suzan, Hunter as Meatloaf in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
I am a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so for my 40th birthday we took some friends along and went on a Treetops canopy tour - it was a perfect celebration for me and I really enjoyed it so much. If you want to know more about it - go read here.

So tell me why you blog? asked Simply Mel B Mel, you should know the answer to this - the incredible community and support. I have known you for like 3 weeks or so and you search Cape Town's toy shops for a specific Lego set for my daughter? That is incredible friendship. Thanks girl. (and thanks to all the others who has also offered). It is also tempting to have a running record of your family. I have made so many wonderful friends. I have to single out the other MOMs (Mothers of Multiples) who understand so much.

Angie of 7 Clown Circus wanted to know: What's your favorite thing about being a mom? The hugs and kisses, cuddles and talks. And just seeing them developing, seeing those "clicks" happening in those little brains.

What what your favourite gift that you've ever gotten for your birthday? What made it so special Jenty wanted to know.
If you'd allow me, 3 immediately springs to mind -
For my 20th birthday my mom supplemented the funds I saved to make a backpacking trip to Europe a possibility. It's and event that changed the way I think, that opened my eyes and mind.
Me under the Turkish flag

In 2007 Hunter gave me a platinum and tanzanite cross and chain and in 2008 the matching earrings. I love them for so many reasons - tanzanite is my birthstone and traditionally given after the birth of a child. I also love blue.

And last year on my 40th birthday my mom gave me a thick letter capturing her memories of me from birth to my 40th birthday. I will always treasure this.

My friend Barb asked: What is your greatest strength or what are you most proud of in your life? I am extremely hard headed and determined person, which are not always the most endearing characteristics. But they provide me with my strength, my single mindedness to make something work - from sleep training to reading a book. I am also a very creative thinker - and that aspect of myself is what I enjoy most and are the proudest of.

And from Jamie, the most difficult question of all: If you had it to do all over again...would you change anything? Jamie, I believe God plans our lives and leads us to where we need to be - so I am happy where I am. BUT - if I could I would only have changed 2 things - I would have loved to have my kids younger - I am feeling my age after sleepless nights and hectic weekends. And Hunter and I should have moved to a more quiet seaside location before we had kids and before I got so entrenched in the business.

Well guys, hope you enjoyed this special edition - I am off to enjoy the rest of my day