TESSY GETS HER "OSCAR"

TESSY receives her "OSCAR" from her FAMILY & FRIENDS, the guy with the camera gets "BEST CAMERA-MAN", the surfers of the DSA get "BEST SUPPORTING STARS"


THIS AMAZING ACHIEVEMENT IS PERFORMED BY A TEAM OF PEOPLE WHO DON'T GIVE UP ON PERSON'S WHO DON'T GIVE UP ON THEMSELVES - TESSY IS ONE OF THEM - THIS JUST PROVES IT.

CLICK ON THE VIDEO PLAY ARROW > TO WATCH HER IN ACTION....

There are more small movie clips to watch of this amazing event. Click on movie number below.

Movie 2

Movie 3

Tessy, Mitch is right, he said "PICK THE BEST PHOTO", so I followed the great man and his words of wisdom ---------- PICKED THEM ALL.....

Many more photo's are just a click away - right here - just click

SPRINGBOK SUPPORTERS - DOWN UNDER

Mitch, Sarah, Sandra & James

The South African support team looking on.

It's really great to now have extended family here in Australia. We are not able to see each other as often as I would like but it was great to have them come and cheer me on. JUST LOOK AT THE POSTINGS BELOW.............. SCROLL DOWN

TESSY ON HER WAY TO THE SEA

AN INSPIRATION

CHECK OUT MY NEW 4*4

HAS THIS THING GOT A SAFETY BELT ??

PASSED THE COURSE " CUM-LAUDE"

Each time u think I've done it all I just keep on giving you more. "Anything u can do I CAN DO better....." or at least I can try. THE KING OF THE WAVES - TESSY

TESSY GOES SURFING IN THE SEA

Tessy surfing with the help of "The Disabled Surfers Ass" this was my first time in the sea since my accident in 2004 and wow what a feeling there were no words or enough tears to describe the wonderful time I had in the surf. There are many more photos to come and even a video or 2 when we know how to send them. Love Tessy

Its celebration time in March 2008

28 March 2008

Five years down the road and they enter a new year 2008 with great expectations. Leon & Elizma celebrate their wedding anniversary today . Many more say the family.
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After a few more years down the road, Paul celebrates his..... no, not his 5th or 50th but 62nd - Happy Birthday from the Family ,Paul.

28th March 2008

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Now from Tessy's hard work on her birthday list, we hope we can put family birthdays / anniversaries and the like and photo's on the blog, but you all have to send me the photo...... get clicking or I use a old photo............or anything I have-- so be warned.

We missed out a few Birthdays from January 2008, but now onwards it is going to be a regular feature so keep clicking...........clicking.......clicking and sending......?????

THERE ARE 49 OF US AROUND THE GLOBE AND COUNTING ( ADDING ALL THE TIME)

Up and coming for April 2008
Kayla Burnett 3 April
Mark Ritchie 13 April
Paul Stapelberg 16 April
Jessica Morgan/Bechard 19April

Sandra Stapelberg Does it Down Under

Just me bragging about my Daughter Sandra…She is on page 2 dressed in a black and white dress….which Mom wouldn’t brag hey….Carol

and Sandra said...... hi Mom, Just bragging!!! cheers -sands........ when she emailed the copy of The Holiday Club March 2008 Magazine to her MOM from Australia.

New appointment

Sandra is our new financial controller for the Holiday Club group in Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting Science from the University of South Africa. Sandra previously filled the role of financial executive for The Holiday Club group in South Africa and was with the group for 12 years before relocating to Australia.
Congratulations on your appointment Sandra and your choice to join our team in Australia.

KOJAK FROM DOWN UNDER

TESSY SENT US A PICTURE OF KOJAK - ALIAS MITCH, SO I TURNED HIM INTO TELLY SAVALAS. CLICK HERE TO SEE KOJAK IN ACTION. Once viewed, just click on refresh ( the 2 little green arrows in menu bar) to view again and again, or close and run from blog again.

For the younger generation who don't know who KOJAK - Telly Savalas is ??? Here is the link to his WEB-SITE - http://www.tellysavalas.com/

Tessy had a major re-action to this posting of Kojak-Mitch ..... it went like this, copied from her Email sent today 27/03/2008 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Kojak

UNBELIEVABLE
What next Billy will you have me walking again ....
Never fear I wont hold you to that one
Mitch and Monique watched Kojak over n over they were fascinated.

Love Tessy and Mitch

Makes all the time spent on the blog 110% worth it and if it inspires HER or anyone else to greater heights, then what the hek.............just get posting items to me and see your family grow closer and closer through this blog from all over the world.

Lots of love ---- Billy = billsparky@gmail.com

Cowles from Texas brace the UK weather

Yes "thecowles" hopped on a plane all 4 of them and came for a SPRING BREAK to the UK, after clocking up many hundreds of miles, not only in the car but walking as well, they spent the last 2 nights in LONDON TOWN in sub-zero temperatures, sleet and snow falling outside they had to find some way of getting warm from the inside-out, and there was only one way -DRINK A SPRING-BOKKIE or two or three. Well it looks like they really had a good time, and Shaun even downed a couple as well. The two girls went out with Tania and a friend the night before -- 5PM to 5AM was a marathon of a night out, while Mom and Dad joined Billy and Ria for supper at a typical English pub in Woking-Surrey. Just a few photo's from the visiting and clubbing with family is here - just click. Doing it the family way - together, Nephew & Nieces getting together for the first time in many many years.

MULTI TASKING AT IT'S BEST

Well, just when we thought Tessy had done it all, here she is at it again. As the saying goes, " A mothers work is never done", Just last week Tessy wrote a Easter message about Mitch ( see below in blog), This week-end while the Texan Cowle's were visiting the Uk, we were discussing this and both Franky & Charnelle passed the comment " WE THINK MITCH + HIS TWO DAUGHTERS + THEIR SON SHOULD BE MADE "SAINTS" ADDING THE HURRICANE". Here is a hero's cheer for them all.......... For they are jolly good fellows-and so say all of us. Mind you when I look at the photo, I would think Tessy is at the GYM having a work-out.

Family EASTER WISHES

MOLLY WROTE:----My wish is that our family and dear friends have a blessed Easter, everyone keep safe, spend time in prayer at this very special time, enjoy every moment with your loved ones - I will be thinking of you all. Gordon and I are spending Easter in the Luangwa Valley game park and I will be attending Easter morning service in a local church in the village of Mfuwe. Will try and get some pictures for you all.
My love thoughts and prayers go to each and every one of you - life is so precious - live every moment and do not have regrets. Remember - keep a green tree in your heart and perhaps the singing bird will come. Love you all - Molly

CAROL WROTE:.........As you know this weekend is EASTER WEEKEND, and I would like to wish each and every one of you and your families a lovely HAPPY EASTER and May the LORD bless you each in HIS own special way!
If you are travelling, please drive safely and hope you have a lovely break (well deserved) and if you are just chilling at home, relax and enjoy.
God Bless, Take Care - CAROL

BILLY WROTE..... I wish one and all - from Molly through all brothers and sisters down to Kevin, and extended families, Wadey's, Whitaker,s, Cooper's, Bechard's, Bart's - Cowle's etc etc etc. A special moment in time to spend Quality Time with your families is one of the Greatest gifts- accept it with open hearts and use it. Special prayers and blessings to you all. Love Billy & Ria

TESSY WROTE:...I made a promise this year that if I had nothing good to say to or about someone then I would say nothing. Well I never said that if had something good to say then I would say it.
This is a very special time of year with much rejoicing.
I must give much thanks and rejoice in having such a wonderful man in my life. He may not get up every day and go to work, NO he works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is not one of you, my brothers and sisters, who could even contemplate what Mitch does for me. I am blessed.
Love to all Happy Easter....Tessy

PAT WROTE:.......EASTER in the UAE is not celebrated officially and Sunday is a normal working day. We do have a long weekend this weekend as Thursday is a public holiday Prophet Mohamed’s Birthday. We also have Good Friday off as Friday is our normal weekend day (Like a Sunday) Saturday is Saturday like the rest of the world, but we work alternate Saturdays, but fortunately it works out that Allan & I have this one off so it’s a three day weekend. Sunday is back to work as it’s the start of the week. I have given all my Christian staff Sunday off in order to go to church. We have a number of employees from the Philippines and most of them are Catholics. Also my Sri Lankan staff are also Catholics and a small number of Indians. There is a huge Catholic Church in Dubai, St Mary’s and is part of a convent school. See the picture taken at Christmas at St Mary’s. The actual church is not big enough so the broadcast the mass onto big screens all round the school grounds, tennis courts, basketball courts as the whole property is just packed with people trying to be part of the mass. A number of Christian religions have their main mass on a Friday instead of a Sunday. This Sunday will be different being Easter Sunday.
Hope you all have a great Easter and enjoy whatever you are doing. Think of me at work (my boss did not give me the day off!!)
Love to all...
Coopers in Abu Dhabi UAE

MONICA WROTE:.......
Dear all my precious family,
Wishing you all a blessed Easter and special time spent doing what you most want to with those you love. God Bless you all and keep you safe.
Love and thoughts Monica

SHAUN COOPER WROTE: Happy Easter everybody

"WORK" IS FOR PEOPLE WHO DONT PLAY GOLF

This is a further 4 ball challenge from Mitch - Down Under. Who in the FAMILY has got a better swing than this??? Lessons are provided every day of the week by appointment only.

Send in your entry photo's to the editor - billsparky@gmail.com, and his say in the BEST SWING COMPETITION is final, correspondence and photo's welcome - bribes as well.

Golf is for those that dont work & Work is for those that dont play golf.

Dinner in Pretoria 4/3/2008

Celebrating a quick visit, Kevin-Monica and kids, Franky and Molly got together for supper in Pretoria and by the looks of it, especially the ice-cream bit it could be said " CARPE DIEM", and family get-to-gethers are always celebrated with smiles from ear to ear. Check out some other photo,s here.

French Champagne on the Bus

Now this is doing it in style......... Monica-Kevin-Molly and the little Barts went to the Celine Dion Show in South Africa, and had to crack a bottle of chammies on the way to celebrate, and of course you will see in the photo's ( click here) that Kate was thrilled to bits about the whole thing, now entering the realms of a young lady, see her on her GRADE 7 tour. A fun-day had by all............ suppose you lot are green with jealousy. Lots of Love MONICA & KEVIN...XXXXXXXX

The new " IRON LADY" - MEG COOPER

Sorry no photo at this stage, but we have a new IRON LADY in the family. Meggan Cooper has taken on the cops at "MATIES" just because they cant play rugby does not mean the University is full of none achievers. This item on www-site 24.com is worth reading to see what Meg is getting into. link is below just click & go

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you,too, can become great." --Mark Twain

"No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."-- Eleanor Roosevelt

"Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do." -- John Wooden

now click here to see the item on 24.com " MEG COOPER DOES IT HER WAY" Maties unite on Facebook 11/03/2008 15:11 - (SA) and / or goto the facebook page Visit the Facebook group if you have a FACE BOOK ACCOUNT


Well done Megs.................. We hand it to you, take it away and run with it...........Proud of you!

Up in the Morning out on the JOB

Billy @ WORK......... Up in the morning, out on the job. Work like the devil for my pay,, fuss for my women, toil for my kids, Work till I'm wrinkled and grey, for that Lucky old son has got nothing to do but roll around Heaven all day. extract from a song by All Johnston 1938. Just an insight of me at work keeping a 21 story building going and having total fun while doing it, check me out after a click here doing my thing.

Debbie and her Girls meet the Challenge

" SMARTIES " all round for this one, Now we can see all those genes going down the line, From Cowle to Whitaker to Burnett. Debbie has posted the photos of these two beauties and proudly so, just CLICK HERE to get a closer look at some more pics of Debbie's daughters -

Kayla and Tamryn

Cheane greets the Cowles and extended Family

I live in Milwaukee , I am working at a top salon in the Milwaukee area where I have been for almost 4 years! I am a master designer now! I take clients as well as educate our apprentices and assistants! Maybe one day I'll move to Texas, but who knows. I'm excited to do some traveling this year! I'm going to London in the middle of March, then April I'm going to THE BIG APPLE_- New York City for 8 days for work (and fun) and then in August I am going to visit my mom's side of the family in Vancouver! Can't wait for all the traveling!!

lots of luv XXXXXXXX
Cheane

Billy says, The challenge has now been set, forget about Face-book, put your profile on the family blog, and update it regularly.

Dads Rose Down-Under 3/3/2008

Still another new rose from "Daddy's" rose bush, it just keeps on giving me great pleasure with wonderful roses.

When J-P picked this one for me it was so near to perfection that it became Kleenex time Sis.

love ya

Tessy

Chef Extraordinaire

Jean Pierre has been a great help coming over twice sometimes more every week to help me with the cooking.

Chef Extraordinaire, Boykie, is a great help to his Mum, coming over and creating wonderful cuisine. Some meals he is learning to cook from Mum others are his own creation like the 2 pizzas he created on Wednesday evening. Meatasoris and seafood. Many recipes he has used www.exclusivelyfood.com.au/ one of our favourites is the chicken kiev. Check out my HANDSOME BOYKIE - click here Love to all

Tessy

Mothers day for the UK COWLES

Its not Official but Spring is in the air, tree blossoms are out in full and Families were out in the millions today, Restaurants and pubs were full, traffic jams galore and Smiling faces with a joyful atmosphere could be felt in the air. It was MOTHERS DAY in the UK, we went for lunch at Tania's hotel in Reading. and it was real good, just a bit better than spurs - real good food. The Ladies all got a red carry bag with a small gift, complements of the management.

Food was very beautifully laid out on the plate and very very tasty. The main photo was taken in the entrance hall to the restaurant. here are some more photo's of the day, notice how Elizma is smiling, the new little one on the block luvs ice cream and champagne. The day was organised by Tania, but you can automatically see that in the photo's. A really great day. Thanks Madampie

Tania turns 29.......7th February 2008

Yip, father time waits for nobody. It was Tania's 29th, we spent the day of her birthday at home that evening, sharing it with Mom, Dad, Leon & Elizma + 0.6756, opening presents. Friday night we went to the theater to see the musical SOUTH PACIFIC, and enjoyed it tremendously. Then Saturday night we all went out for dinner at a local pub/restaurant. Happy birthday Tania, this is the last you will see of the 20's, Next year you and Dad have a special year, You 30 and Billy 60, quite a magic year, then Tania is half Billy's age. BIRTHDAY PICS ARE HERE.

Grand kids birthday party in Nelspruit - Nicholas Ritchie

Its party time in the family with Grand Children.

Mark & Angela in Nelspruit. Nicholas Ritchie, 3 years old! Includes blowing out the candles, 'Pa'the grandies call Paul Sr 'Pa' with affection. Paul Jr giving lessons inperseverance on making balloon animals, Catherine concentrating on paintingher nails with a gift from Uncle Paul and Aunty Corli. Catherine sitting inher new camping chair from Nana and Pa. Nicholas got one in Blue, andKaitlyne got a pink one. A good time was had by all at Debbie's house. Posted by Carol 3 Feb 2008, for more fun and pictures click here

The Best of the Burnetts

Proud Nana -Carol

Has every right to brag about these two beauties. Here is a photograph of Kayla’s 1st day at Uplands College, Tamryn is in matric next year…can you believe it…Seems like the other day I played ‘shop shop’ with these two little mites at 9 Blue Grass!!

Debbie & Doug are just as proud, who wouldn't be.

Dads Rose Down-Under

The rose bush that my sis Carol gave me via Tia - "Daddy's Rose Bush" just keeps on giving me beautiful roses with the most wonderful perfume. I always put the cut roses in the vase that was one of Mommy's favourites ( you might all recall the purple vase that looks like an arm and hand with fingers) Next to my Special photo of Carol and a small photo of Daddy taken on his 80th with Kevin in the photo - the lost one. Tessy adds this and says click here to see more, Tessy's treatment of hands/fingers hands is off to a good start, and before long she will be typing with all her fingers, we all know what she has achieved before, so this is just one more step in her fighting attitude to climb the ladder in her list of objectives.

Texas has new Citizens of the U.S.A

Charnelle & Kirstyn became US Citizens yesterday, 29/01/2008.
Frank & Cheane's papers still in the works? Well thats about half way there, does that mean that they add another star to the flag now? To see other related photo's of the big day CLICK HERE. when Frank and Cheane joint this elite group this page will be updated. America welcomes the Cowle family, click here to see when franky was sworn in much later

Fishing Down Under the Aussie way

Just a few shots of Monique and Duncans few days off and enjoying what Queensland has to offer. Fish Duncan caught was from the house and the one I caught was at Tangalooma. Is that a shark??? No it's was a pod ofdolphins that were playing around the boat sept my camera DOESN'T TAKE FAST ENOUGH PHOTOS !!!! DOH..all I got was the fins.and lastly cosy (Duncans dog) going for a swim... Maybe a dunk :o )..miss cloe (Moniques dog) didn't wanna get sand in her togs so she waited on the beach .

Lots of love to all Tessy & Mitch, Monique and Duncan

Baby Cowle - Hello Family from ME

Hello Family, I am waving to you from my nest, I am growing by the day, My mommy is feeding me well and now I am well past half way, all going well I should arrive round about the 26th MAY 2008. Hey did you check out my NOSE, now if that's not proof that I am a COWLE then nothing else will do the trick. Ok I think I am going to catch some sleep now, there is no TV or play-stations in this place. Remember the date we have, and you are all invited to the party. What a bash that's going to be. OuPa Bill and OuMa Ria are expected to have smiles that go right around there faces - round the ears and back round the other side. You should actually check them out now, they are so excited they cant even fit through the door with those broad shoulders they have. Seems I am going to make quite and entrance or should I say exit from this temporary accommodation, mind you it is getting a bit cramped in here as a grow daily. Yawn_Yawn, OK cheers for now, see you after the next scan. Good night Mom "E" and Dad "L" and lots of love to the family. ME

THE BECHARDS - DOWN UNDER IN AUSTRALIA

Tessy & Mitch started of in Primrose - Germiston and stayed at places over the East Rand, and ended up in a house in Groeneweide. this is where the kids grew up and went to Elspark Primary School. Then one day they woke up and said to one another lets go to P&P ( Pack for Perth). they packed their bags, sold the house, with three young kids, they were off on a plane to Australia, Mitch had family over there, and so they started a New Life. The kids grew up and they all became Aussie Citizens. Here they all stay and live the furthest away from us all. But with Blogs, Email, Skype, ICQ and MSN they are only a click of a mouse from our hearts. Now here is a major thing that they have above the rest of us. Both Great Grand MA & Grand Pa are alive and well - We all, with great love and Blessings wish them many more happy & healthy years for the future. Click here to see the expanded Family

THE WHITAKERS

THE WHITAKER FAMILY, started in Durban in the Lonsdale Hotel , West St Durban, married in Primrose Germiston then back to the farm in the Green Cortina , just outside of Salisbury-Rhodesia, then moved to White River to continue Tobacco farming, Then the big step into the building contractor slavery, they moved down to the South Coast - Port Edward. For a few years then headed back to Nelspruit and successfully launched LOWVELD CONSTRUCTION where today it is going from strength to strength. Dad & Son sweating it on site and Mom looking after the office. Carol and Paul get their kicks out of the children visits and the grand-children. Paul enhances his stress levels by Fishing with his pride and joy "THE GAFFER" . To look into the family of the Whitaker's go no further than CLICKING HERE. as we get more photo's of the family we will add them here and then you can click on Debbie, Sandra, Angela & Paul, with their own Families and kids and still growing one day there will be great grand kids.

THE COWLE FAMILY

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE COWLE FAMILY AND STILL GROWING.

JUST CLICK ON A NAME AND GO THROUGH A PHOTO ALBUM, AND SEE THEIR OWN FAMILIES AND HOW THEY HAVE EXPANDED, PLUS GET ALL THEIR PHOTOS AND NEWS OF THE DAY AND ACHIEVEMENTS.

USE THE SCROLL BAR ON RIGHT TO GO TO DIFFERENT UPDATES OR LOOK IN GREEN BOX FOR ARCHIVES OF PREVIOUS POSTS

MOM AND DAD

MOLLY - CAROL - BILLY - TESSY - TRICIA - FRANKY - MONICA - KEVIN

Click on a NAME to see family picture