School isn't Everything and Weekend Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #87!

School Isn't Everything

My three teenagers, Jeremiah (age 17), Jessica (age 16) and Samantha (age 13) all do well at school. They are also strong readers.

We usually don't have to push the two oldest kids to focus on school, especially not Jessica. In fact, when she was in grade 6, I told her teacher that I thought she was working too hard and sometimes my husband and I were having to tell her to go to bed and leave the homework or project unfinished. I don't think the teacher was impressed with my stance. But Jessica wasn't only spending her days at school and at home doing homework. She was also spending hours of training in rhythmic gymnastics. She made it to the South African finals twice. In grade 8, she switched to contemporary dance.

Jessica 2012

Jeremiah used to do a variety of sports and school wasn't his main focus. As long as he got decent grades and lived a balanced life, we were happy. He's been having grade A shoulder pain for about a year-and-a-half now and so the sports have fallen away. He's had X-rays and an MRI, but it was advised that operating might cause more trouble. Now he puts a lot of focus on his school work and his grades have improved considerably.

Jeremiah and Amanda 2011

Samantha is smart, but school work does not drive her like it does her big sister. She loves having fun. Sometimes she needs encouragement from us to buckle down. Her form of sport has been ballet. She's been doing it on-and-off for a few years. Jessica began last year taking ballet with her sister to increase her dance skills. It's been a good bonding point for them.

Jessica - Rhythmic Gymnastics
and Samantha - Ballet 2008

Amanda has the nicest life out of all of them. She is still in Kindergarten (we're in the middle of the school year here) and so there isn't copious amounts of homework for her. She is also taking tennis and introductory gymnastics. Sometimes we organize a play date at our house with one of her friends.

Amanda - Tennis 2014

Besides school and sports, the kids need to have fun and to socialize. It's all about leading a balanced life. With school demanding so much from kids, it's sometimes hard to find that balance. Sure, there will be days when the amount of school work far outweighs any other activity, but that must not be the norm. You see, school isn't everything.

Amanda's Art - Girl Playing Golf 2014

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Check out my latest book review and kid's activity

on How Andrew Got His Spots and enter to win $25!

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Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

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To My Three Dads with Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #86!

I have three dads who all play an important role in my life and my family's. My first dad is my biological father. He was there from the beginning. He watched me grow up into a young lady and helped me find my way into missions. It was on the mission field where I met my husband. When I got married, I gained a father-in-law. Later, my parents divorced. Both of them eventually remarried. That is how I gained a step-dad.

The letter below is to my three dads:

Dear Dads,

Thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you for all your care and help along the way. Thanks to each of you for being a unique grandfather to the kids. My life is richer, because of you. I wish all three of you a wonderful Father's Day!

I thought this was the perfect Father's Day graphic

in light of the Soccer World Cup in Brasil. Who

watched the colorful opening ceremony on TV?

Image Courtesy of ZingerBug.com

Linking with Friendship Friday

and Finish the Sentence Friday

*********************

Don't miss the special feature that I

did on my husband for Father's Day!

*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

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Big News and a Weekend Blog Hop!

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #85!

Thanks for joining me once again

on my weekend blog hop!

We have big news this side of the world.

Our house is on the market. If it sells for what we want/need in the next couple of months, then we will be relocating to the States. I've been discussing this topic with my husband for more than a year and it seems that the time is right for us as a family to move by the end of this year. The school year in South Africa ends early December and our son will graduate high school. 

I've lived in South Africa for close to 19 years. All four of our kids were born here. They have South African and American citizenship.

We would appreciate your prayers. Moving is never easy.

View from the back of our home.

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Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

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My Favorite Way to Exercise and More!

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #84!

My favorite way to exercise is taking the dog for a walk. I'm really not a very brave person when it comes to exercise. I like my comforts more. Usually, if one of Amanda's older siblings join me, then it becomes a great way to have a little one-on-one time and to chat about whatever. All of Amanda's siblings are teenagers.

The photos below are of a recent walk that I took with Amanda and our dog, Benny. You can click on the images to view them larger.

Linking with:

Friendship Friday

Finish the Sentence Friday

Essential Fridays Linkup

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Check out my latest book review of this exciting

new middle-grade action/adventure fantasy series!

Book 2: In the Enemy's Service

*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment. It's a really easy and fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up a post from your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your post or side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit the last link before yours and leave a sweet comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

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Amanda and Her Cat with Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #83!

Amanda loves her cat, Sheela. She gives her lots of affection and takes good care of her. Amanda is wearing her gymnastics leotard. She takes an introductory rhythmic gymnastic class twice a week. Her sisters took rhythmic years ago and it really helped them with flexability. Amanda's classes started this year and after a few months, she can do the splits.

Click on the images to view them larger.

Linking with Friendship Friday

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Enter to win $50

on my latest book review,

GG and Mamela!

This story gives children the sense of

belonging in a multi-generational family.

*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the two links before yours and leave them a comment to make their "Saturday Sweet"! It's really easy and a fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your linked post or on your side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

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My Family, My Home and More

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #82!

To make this hop successful, be sure to visit the last two
links before yours and leave a sweet comment. Also,
share this hop via Twitter, Facebook or Google+.

Today I am linking with
Finish the Sentence Friday
and Friendship Friday

"The nicest thing anyone ever did for me was..."

...to buy us a house. And, it's a really good
house with beautiful views and a swimming pool.
It's also an income property with a two-bedroom
flat downstairs that has always been rented out.


You don't have to buy me a house for me to
notice a kindness. In fact, when I first
saw the sentence to finish this week, I
wasn't sure what I was going to write.
I appreciate the small things people have
done for me and usually tell them so.

So, you might be wondering who would by us a
house. It was my mom-in-law. This house
has been a huge blessing. Here are some
photos to give you a glimpse of my home.

My in-laws came to visit for
my birthday, 2012

Jeremiah and Hubby, 2012
This is in the front of our home.

Samantha, 2012
Another picture from the front

Amanda, 2012
The covered balcony and view

Jessica and Amanda, 2012

Amanda, 2012

Bougainvillea from my garden, 2012
The view from my kitchen window

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Don't forget to check out
my latest two book reviews
on Mrs. D's Book Blast
and the $50 giveaway!

*********************

Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the two links before yours and leave them a comment to make their "Saturday Sweet"! It's really easy and a fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your linked post or on your side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

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Happy Mother's Day and Weekend Linky

Welcome to my weekend blog hop -

Make My Saturday Sweet #81!

To make this hop successful, be sure to visit the last two
links before yours and leave a sweet comment. Also,
share this hop via Twitter, Facebook or Google+.

Image and Text by Tina Morley

Dear Mom (Lisa),

Thank you for being the best mom a girl
could have. Thank you for listening and
always being there for me. Thank you for
a being a cool grandma too! The miles
may separate us, but not our hearts.

Love,

Tina

Dear Mom (Ann),

Thank you for being a wonderful mom-in-law.

Thank you for all that you've done for me.

Thank you that I don't need to impress you

or Dad with great meals, especially since

cooking is not my passion, but it is yours.

Thanks for being an awesome grandma too!

Love,

Tina

Dear Mom (Naty),

Thank you for being a loving step-mom
and grandma, and for loving my dad.
Because of the miles, we haven't see each
other often, but I appreciate the times
we have had. I especially remember
last summer when we got to spend a
moment of one-on-one time at the sauna.
It meant a lot to me.

Love,
Tina

Linking with

Finish the Sentence Friday

and

Friendship Friday

Orkut Facebook Myspace Mothers Day Comments & Graphics

Orkut Myspace Mothers Day Comments & Graphics

Orkut Facebook Myspace Mothers Day Comments & Graphics

Orkut Facebook Myspace Mothers Day Comments & Graphics

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Make My Saturday Sweet is a weekend blog hop for all family friendly blogs. You are welcome to link your favorite post from the past week(s) and to visit the two links before yours and leave them a comment to make their "Saturday Sweet"! It's really easy and a fun way to make new friends and to catch up on old acquaintances.

Now on to my blog hop...

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.

All family friendly blogs are welcome!

If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to

link them on my Blog Hops page!

I would love for you to follow me on

Google+

Pinterest 

Twitter 

Facebook 

Here are the easy rules:

• Follow Tina (your host) on one or more links listed above.
• Link up your family friendly blog.
• Please try to add my hop button on your linked post or on your side-bar.
• Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
• Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.

Blog Button Code:

<center> <a href="http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Amanda’s Books and More" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWaX10yWr7xxEQ5BBMhOqdZxobJ0omJBq-v8ENFn3YNNebsnsYBHwcGyje-XzSlHSJOIlZ1rEOp89LyNI97XrPFZtdeH_AvaNV3F8hOvHfsuwe29ALNQw75ibK34buYq7nhpGGZJ8UTnoB/s150/Make+My+Saturday+Sweet.jpg"/></a></center>

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