Our rock turns 50!!!

This space has been neglected for a long time, but it remains my place of memories, of inspiration and more importantly honouring my loved ones.

 Today I honour my biggest support and rock...

He's made 50 trips around the sun, a half a century of memories and 27 of them with me at his side.  I am eternally grateful to my Creator for placing such a kind, considerate and loving person on my path. 

Happy birthday Mr Awesum!!

Officially, we have spent more than half your life together, building a life, which later included our three most precious additions. We have built businesses, experienced pain, failures, successes, adventured, learnt and grown together. We're both no longer the same persons we were back then; we have fought internal battles, external struggles, and picked each other up when the other has fallen down.

On this golden anniversary of your birth, we celebrate your life, the highs, the achievements, the laughs, the special moments and every single triumph of your existence. You've played such a huge role in my own growth, you have inspired me and shown me how to embrace and focus on the lighter side of life .

We have made the most treasured memories, and nurtured cherished traditions within our little family unit. I pray that we will be blessed with many more, and that the years ahead are as joyful and filled with love and respect. You have a wonderful sense of humour, are instantly liked by many, while also quietly sheltering your sensitive and empathetic side. You are a precious gift we have been blessed with 💕Algamdulilah 💕 

Mr B, as you are affectionately known...

You are my beam of light on the dark roads

I sometimes find myself traversing, 

You bring your whole heart, ready to serve,

Ready to sacrifice and celebrate others. 

Your place on this earth has been Divinely Ordained 

Beside me, 

Brilliantly guiding our unit,

Through stormy seas, and navigating us

onto calmer, lighter waters. 

I am in awe of your intrinsic instinct

To always put others first, 

To always want to do good in this world.

You are a refreshing cool presence in a world

Thats burning with injustice, 

Thats being engulfed by flames of ambition. 

And yet, you remain the humble, unassuming,

Gentle leader steering our young crew members through 

along on their missions placed on their voyages.

I am honoured to be your First Mate

on this expedition called LIFE.

May your path be lit with as much delight which you bring to ours.

We love you unconditionally, "to infinity and beyond"

Happy birthday, my love.

27 years of togetherness

Birthday Boy!!

Always present for every event with our young men

Bonding time with the boys started at an early age

Caio for now,
RuBe xoxo

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A Quarter Century plus One

 Hi lovelies, 

It's been ages since I even ventured to this page and 'penned' my thoughts, this space, which is usually where I go to to express my thoughts. However, I have been re-reading my older posts, and re-visiting some of my insights and revelations which I have experienced along my journey. 

But this week, my upcoming anniversary felt like the right time to return. This month is always a reflective one, where I look back at the year that has passed, and years before that. I use this time to see how much I have grown, how my family has flourished; and to give gratitude for every single blessing Algamdulilah. This is a period of reset for me, and despite the current challenges faced in my industry, I take stock of my intentions and plans (usually set during the month of Ramadaan) and continue to look ahead. 

Today marks my 26th anniversary, our celebratory vacation last year was cancelled, this year we had planned it for early in 2022 and I remain hopeful that we will get to travel soon again InshaAllah. As I sat and contemplated this past year (in fact the past two), I am humbled at the blessings and favours that have been bestowed upon me through this time. There were times where I broke down, tears streaming down my face as I prayed for guidance and strength. There were occasions when husby had to pick me up, console me, talk me through the trials I faced, and just be there for me at my lowest moments. And through these lows, I have persevered, WE have persevered, and grown in mutual understanding. Our family unit has bonded and become closer, taking care to continue

So today's post is one of humble gratitude, for the trials we have weathered together, and more importantly, the deepening friendship and love that has accompanied us on this journey over the past two years. When lockdown hit, we were placed in each other's space 24/7, and since we haven't returned to office, we've continued working from home, together. If we can make it through almost two years of being around each other for 2 years... we  can make it through anything ♥

I therefore dedicate this post to my long-time partner, my soul mate, best friend, cheerleader and sounding board. For all the patience, dedication and commitment you have towards us and our family. 

My love,

As the sands of time pass by, 

We become more entwined, more in sync;

Our thoughts mirrored in the other, 

Comforted by understanding of the road the other has travelled.

These months have tested our resolve, 

It has shown us the beauty of Divine Love and Blessing, 

These months have taught us the essence of faith and humility. 

And through it

We have grown, as individuals, as a partnership, as a family unit;

We have grown as parents and our charges have shown us the light. 

Our days have been uncertain, still is; 

But what is certain is that I'll be in your corner, 

And you in mine, 

Quietly supporting and loudly applauding.

I remain in awe of the blessing you have brought to my life,

Constantly aware of how my my Creator loves me, 

To have placed you on my path. 

I remain honoured to be by your side, 

Through thick and thin, 

As you fight for us and our family...

As you love us unconditionally, 

Keep us safe and as you serve us with your entire being.

I love you, 

Always,

I love you, 

to Infinity

Happy Anniversary my Rock 

♥️

Caio for now,

RuBe xoxo

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Ameer turns 18 ❤️

Welcome lovely readers!

It's unreal that I have another kid turning 18! I cannot grasp this phase I have embarked upon, it's beyond challenging, it pushes me to new limits everyday, but also brings loads of laughs and fun. My second born turns 18, a mere 18 months after his older brother, and it seems that it snuck up on me in the blink of an eye. Once again, I find myself sentimental, and the image that's stuck in my head of Ameer is of this little wailing baby, who immediately latched, drank his fill and fell asleep! My labour experience with him was difficult, with the cord wrapped around his neck and him going into distress just before being born. It was a long delivery, spanning over Friday Jumuah, which was when the contractions started getting really intense. I requested an epidural and for some reason it only worked on the right side of the body, I could therefore feel everything on my left side throughout the birth! It was indeed an indication of life with Ameer, always something new around every corner.

I look at the young man he has grown into and my heart swells with love and pride; he is focused, responsible, loving and mischievous. He has presented us with challenges at every single turn, some of them forced us, as parents, out of our comfort zones. Over the years there have been emergency room trips, school meetings to discuss his inclination to challenge rules and boundaries, and during those same meetings we end up discussing your sterling academic achievements! We have realised, through him, how strong parents need to be in today's society, how we need to be a part of his life and contribute constructively to it. And through all of these experiences, we have developed a precious bond.

Ameer, 

Everyday I see myself in you, 

And everyday your dad says the same. 

You have inherited the best of both of us, 

Your compassion, kindness and fun demeanour,

Is so much like Dad, 

Your singleminded focus, drive and easygoing nature,

Mirrors so much of me. 

From the moment you were placed in my arms,

I felt a peace, a connection so profound.

Your strong personality made itself known

in the first few moments you arrived in this world. 

Your fun and happy-go-lucky nature getting you out of scrapes,

Your charming smile melting hearts with ease.

As you grew into a young man, 

You made your needs known very clearly,

Unphased by obstacles in your path. 

Your adventurous streak has gotten you into hot water,

And your curiosity and zest for life brightens our home each day.

The unmistakable bond with your brothers is evident,

It's solid, and like an ever present security blanket.

I pray that you find your groove in a world, 

Fraught with distractions and trials.

I pray that life ahead is fulfilling, 

That you walk in the way of our faith, 

Proudly Muslim, 

Proudly Our Son.

My second born turning 18 has been another HUGE moment for me, and yet I feel that I am needed more than ever before. To guide, to protect, to love and launch into the world. 

I'll be sending a piece of my heart out there, to go and make a difference, and live purposefully. I pray for his life to be blessed with joy, happiness, peace, contentment and love. ♥️

Happy 18th birthday my Special Boy!

Mum & Dad

Only 18 months apart and like true brothers

You love all the little cousins and they adore you in return!

Always laughs when you're around! Your little brother looks up to you in so many ways

The always smiling little boy

Your first birthday party

Ciao for now,

RuBe x♥️x♥️

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Ending 2016

Happy holidays lovelies!

Even if you're not on leave, or leaving town, the holiday fever has descended. With long weekends, sweltering hot days, Christmas carols blaring in shopping malls and insane traffic. The festive cheer (and crazy throngs of tourists) have arrived to remind you that the year is almost over. 

I always reflect on the year, what I've achieved, how much I have grown and what I have given back. For me growth is a constant, and I cannot thrive when I'm stagnant, it is in my DNA to be in constant reflection, introspection and learning - resulting in personal progress.

Last week was my 21st anniversary, and every year we sit back and  contemplate our life together. We take a little bit of time away from the kids, even if it is for an hour or a few, just to connect on this special day, which invariably sparked a change our lives and set us on a certain path. We celebrate the day, for the significance it played in our individual growth, for the precious blessings in the form of our kids, for the trials from which we have grown stronger, together; and for the joyous moments which we experienced together. 

I would not have survived 2016 without the guidance, support and unconditional love bestowed by my husband, my rock, my constant companion and partner in crime. During this year I had to confront many demons, I had to excavate inner parts of myself which were not always pretty- and yet he was still my constant companion. Whether he was quietly assisting from the sidelines, or cheering me in his spirited manner, he was by my side; always supported by my army of angels, my boys. This year has been a great journey for all of us, there have been traumas, losses, sadness and there have also been special gifts, precious moments, tough challenges and immense growth for each of us in this nuclear family. This year has brought an expansiveness into our home in a way that nurtures every individual in the space. 

In the spirit of the phenomenal transformation this year has brought, we've decided to embark on a phenomenal vacation to celebrate. Whilst I will miss my Wilderness break, I will soak up the European experience with my kids. I will revel in seeing their reactions to some of my favourite spots in the world. I will bask in the special memories we'll create for a lifetime, and return for another year of  trying to be the best version of me.

This is for you, my constant companion:

I could not envision a day without your presence, 

I would not want to experience a day without your smile,

And I hope to always bring sunshine into our space. 

You have gifted me a special place in your heart, 

A lodging I have taken up and I pray have made jubilant. 

I have planted seeds of joy in the space you inhabit in mine.

For joy is a constantly evolving state, 

It blossoms at times, 

It sheds at times, 

And requires work to ensure it stays.

Our army we have raised is more than a blessing,

They're versions of us we send into the world.

And I know, 

If they absorb just a fraction of who we are, 

They will walk with love and compassion for always. 

They will strive to be better, 

Yet know they are always enough...

Always treasured, always loved,

Always supported.

Just like our bond.

Happy 21st!!💝💝💝💝

Today's look features a sequin pants with a Human Image tropical parka to dress it down for a light glam look. Perfect for a night out at the theatre or dinner date. It perfectly represents 2016, filled with so many areas of growth (like a rapidly sprouting tropical forest) and some really amazing achievements (the sparkling moments).

Have a great Festive Season, and see you all in 2017!

Outift details:

Human Image tropical lightweight parka (website launching soon)

H&M t-shirt and sequin pants

Country Road Scarf

Studio W sandals from Woolworths (shop similar here)

Lovisa neckpiece

Mango quilted slingbag

Earrings purchased abroad

Caio for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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Ziyaad turns 18 ❤️

Hello darlings, 

This week has been emotional on so many levels, the most notable being my first borns 18th birthday. The day had me reflecting back on the Tuesday morning he was born, weighing in at 3.98kg, with the angry wails of a newborn being separated from the most comforting space in the world. In that instant we went from two married individuals to being parents bound by this little bundle filled with joy and promise.

Ziyaad,

I can vividly remember the first moment I held you and was struck with a love so powerful and an instinct to protect at all costs- and our bond was instantly formed. We were very young parents, and did the best we could, ensuring at all times you felt loved and safe, yet confident enough to navigate your way in the world. It has been a privilege to watch you develop into the young man, who gives us grief, debates and tests boundaries. A young man who is aware of himself, who has learnt so much about the person he is, and at the same time being perfectly happy with who he has become, the good and the bad. In today’s society, teenagers are their own worst enemies, self-bashing and self-hating that it’s refreshing to come across one who has a healthy self image. Our bond is precious, and I take comfort in the fact that you seek my advice, and that I am privileged to share in so many of your first milestones.

I pray that you remain as authentic and real as you are, I pray that your values instilled in you guide you on your journey and I pray that your path brings you happiness and contentment IA.

I have been struggling with this post, mainly because this is quite a milestone in my own life as much as his. While he enters adulthood, I will be a parent to a young adult, the implications of this is that he will be making his own life choices, independent of me. I will learn to send him on his way in so many endeavours, and hold the faith in the person I know him to be. I will learn to trust that he represents himself in the best way, and if he encounters mistakes, that he learns the lessons it was meant to bring. It’s those lessons I would want to protect him from, shield him from the hurts and disappointments of the world. The reality is, I know that is his path, I understand that those hardships will grow character and strengthen him, so I will send him on his way. 

I will be a shoulder when he needs it, a sounding board, a shopping buddy and I will leave him to find his way. As hard as it may be, we will support him in all his endeavours, all of them on his path away from our protection. Parenting gets more challenging as your charges become more independent, you no longer have the ability to keep them home, choose their playdates and manage their diets. You realise that you become the support structure for them to build their own lives, while they determine their future plans. I am hopeful to remain as integral in your future life as I currently am.

Happy 18th my boy!

2013 overseas trip 

I was privileged to give you your first driving lesson 

Family outings have become less frequent 

The bond with your brothers are special 

Sending you off to your matric farewell 

Your first birthday 

Ciao for now, 

RuBe xoxo

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