Oct - Dec 2011

WOW Time files by quick quick quick! It’s already the end of 2011!! The year flew by and we never got to update our blog so sorry for the HUGE delay!!! but you now have a 4 semester review on the Wilby's family life adventure. Enjoy the overload of NEWS from 2011 be sure to scroll on down to January 2011 and read up to this Merry Christmas blog!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HAPPY FAMILY TIME FOR ALL OF YOU OVER THE CHRISTMAS SEASON AS YOU CELEBRATE JESUS BIRTH - !!
Our semester was a busy jam packed one with so much on the go it’s hard to keep track of everyone’s activities – enjoy the read!
SCHOOL UPDATE
Troydies teacher was booked off from school for the last semester so he had to change to a new one Ms Natalie – and he just love every minute! Not quite the same as his first one but in all he coped with the change beautifully and enjoyed making friends with her.
He had his concert this semester too and I together with Granny sewed the cricket’s outfits. He was one of the crickets dressed in top hat and tails – very cute. He was most excited to have the chance to do the concert twice once for Granny’s and Grandpa’s and the twins went along to that to watch too. And then again for Dad’s and Moms. They all did such a fabulous job and the singing was excellent.

Cannot believe that it is the end of the year already and now we get ready for GRADE - R we had his orientation day and he is super excited about his new teacher YEY! In all our orientation day was a huge success and he is very happy about next year!
To end the term he had a Christmas dress up day and went as one of Santa’s elves! Loads of persuasion but finally got him to wear the elf shirt.
In all we have had a fabulous FIRST YEAR OF SCHOOL and we are thankful to the Lord for this – so blessed to be happy in the school environment!

FAMILY
An adventure for Mark has been the time to try out his fishing on a fishing ski and what a load of fun he has had practicing on the nearby dam to get the feel of it all. Think this will be a sport that he is really going to enjoy when he finds the time to venture out to back line and throw in a line.

A long time in coming but finally saved enough penny’s to recover our lounge chairs and make some new cushions. I had great fun choosing the fabric and finding the right upholsterer which took 6 months but eventually got the right deal and it has all turned out BEAUTIFUL – we are so happy with the new look lounge.
Baby Eayrs – hip hip hooray – another cousin is on the way and should arrive early Feb 2012. We are all so excited for Trent and Amber as they grow their family from 2 to 3. Praying much for them both as they enter into parenthood this is definitely one of the biggest blessings in life. Praise the Lord!
Dad Eayrs had his knee replace this semester and is on crutches and hobbling along to recovery. All is going fantastically as he rests and exercises his “new” leg. Praise the Lord for answered prayers.

CHRISTMAS TIME
We have had a great time decorating our little home to make it very “Christmassy” and the boyz have so enjoyed the lights, tree, candles, wreaths and advent calendar. We decided to try something new with our advent calendar this year and take a character and or object from the Christmas story for each day of the month of December and teach the boyz in depth about the significance of Christmas. It has been a challenge and a great joy for each of us to approach Christmas in this way.
Tan has also made extra time this Christmas time to do a craft each day with the boyz. Our craft corner in the house was full to exploding with all their handwork of reindeers, trees, angels, mangers, stars etc. and they loved each minute working and creating with mom.
The sunday school had their prize giving at church this month to end off the year and Troydie got his first prize for attendance and memory verse recital – we are very proud of him and praise the Lord for opportunity to teach our children the ways of the Lord and grow their knowledge of His word.
MINISTRY
The mom's group is going well we have about 8-9 moms for study each week and they have so enjoyed the study through Philippians. We had many outings this semester and so enjoyed each one. Two of the highlights for us was the ride along the beach on our bikes and the Christmas photo shoot where all the kids had their pics taken – what a bunch of lovely photos to save our memories.

Mark and I had the opportunity of putting our Carol service together again and we had a wonderful evening of carol singing and nativity. With over 30 in our cast with loads of toddlers all involved some of the little shepherds were throwing their fluffy sheep into the air while we sang “while Shepherds watched their flocks by night”. What a blessing to have so many involved and what a wonderful focus to have right before Christmas.
Some of our other ministry involvement for this semester included hosting and planning a baby shower for a new mommy to join our group. And Mark had the wonderful opportunity of conducting another wedding of one of our deacons to his beautiful bride – what a special day that was.
To end the year on a high note we had many year-end functions and so enjoyed each one. The young family’s met for a spit braai to celebrate Christ’s birth together and it was a fantastic evening with 17 adults and 19 children in all – yes it was loud and very festive. We praise the Lord for this wonderful group of young Christians we have been able to disciple and encourage in the Lord this year.
The Young adults group has also grown bigger this year – praise the Lord and they combined the married group and the single group for a lunch at one of the couple’s homes. We had a wonderful time of celebration together with all of them. They are a great group and we praise the Lord too for all that we have been able to teach, guide and disciple.
The woman’s ministry ended their year with a Christmas luncheon – our theme was “My life is a gift for Christ”. We had many share in testimony to the Lord for his goodness in their lives – what a blessing! We had a delicious meal of cold meats and salads with a very yummy desert. The ladies out did themselves with the décor, serving and giving.
Our ministry year ends with our Senior Pastor and his wife accepting a call to another Baptist Church in Johannesburg. Pray much with us as we step in as Interim to carry the congregation through until they have sought God’s leading in providing the suitable senior pastor. Pray for us at this cross-road in our ministry as we seek God’s specific and pleasing will for our lives as a family in ministry. We want to stay in step with Him and are praying for his leading and guiding for our future ministry for Him.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
We started our family Christmas celebrations by having the Wilby family over for Christmas lunch. We had a fantastic time of fellowship around a delicious meal and so enjoyed the time together. All 7 boy cousins had great fun playing together.

We had managed to save a few penny’s to spoil the boyz with a trampoline as their Christmas present which they got early so that they could enjoy it with the cousins. Mark and I had great fun setting it up the night before as a surpise and yes they were surpised. It was a great day of much excitement as we exchanged gifts with all 7 cousins.

We had Christmas off with no ministry responsibilities in Durban so that we could travel to Johannesburg to visit Trent and Amber who is now GREAT with child. The doctors had recommended that she not travel so it worked out well for us to have the Eayrs Christmas in Joeys.

(don't you just love the moose-staches!!?)

We had 5 days of rest, relax and family time – too fun! We got to camp in T’s garden and the boyz thought this was the best ever. Loads of food, fellowship and fun was had by all. We got to play some outdoor games like corn in the hole and hillbilly golf and the boyz had loads of fun with thier new bats and balls and they all so enjoyed their present from T and Ambs – a water slide. Great giggles and laughs were had by all as they enjoyed slipping and sliding. Uncle T even had a go much to his nephews delight. We had a wonderful time together and so enjoyed time to catch up in person. Praise God for family memories and special family time.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
This Christmas was one with a difference as we normally take our 3 weeks leave at the start of the New Year and enjoy that time down at Kei Mouth on the beach, fishing, swimming and playing in the sand. But with our senior pastor leaving and little leave left from 2011 we planned for a hols at home in Durbs. Following our fun filled time in Joeys we returned in time for Mark to preach the New Year service – what a blessing to bring in the New Year by starting the year in a worship service.

Troydie still had 10 days holidays so we packed each day with a fun outing and managed to get lots of beach time.

(Treyson - left & Tryston - right)
Troydie had many firsts swimming in the waves that were chest deep – he managed to do it by himself with us swimming nearby, riding and catching a wave on his little kicker board which he calls his “surfing board”. We caught great sun on the white bods so have summer tans to prove a great time in the sun. We had several days out in the garden on the jungle gym, trampoline, kicking ball and mom lazily reading under the umbrella. We celebrated New year with both sets of Grandparents and the kids so enjoyed special time spent with both of them. We had a special Fish and Chips dinner out on the Ushaka beachfront – the boys so enjoyed the sea breeze in their faces while we ate.

We also managed a visit to Ushaka’s play place with huge jungle gyms and fun slides. The twins climbed to the top for the first time ever and they thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon of activities with so much to do there. Troydie loved to shoot the water cannon and a highlight was to be PIRATES on the top of the big ship!
To end the hols we had a quick visit to the zoo near Pietermaritzburg and got to see a load of animals the boyz couldn't get over how big the lion was!
We so enjoyed a picnic lunch with the Chimpanzees shouting, swinging and acting for us. A fun filled animal visit we will never forget! We even managed one last dinner with all the Wilby fam before the new semester starts – What a wonderful holiday we had.
We are praising the Lord for his goodness in our lives for the duration of 2011 and praying that He protect, guide and lead us in and through 2012. Pray for us as 2012 has and will have many new changes and challenges especially on the ministry front. Pray that we can be godly role models to our 3 special boys, that we can train them in righteousness to be men of God. Pray to that we remain in God’s special and specific will for our lives so that we may be a blessing to each other and all that we have the huge privilege of disciple-ing.

Thank you so much for all your prayer support and interest in our lives. God’s special blessing on you and your families for 2012.

In his hands, always
Mark, Tan, Troyd, Treys & Tryst

July - September 2011

PAISING GOD FOR OUR BLESSED LIVES IN HIM!
KEI MOUTH HOLIDAY
The July hols have arrived and yey we have taken some time to be away as family. We took a trip down south to our favorite beach place - Kei Mouth. We had a wonderful break a little chilly as it was the winter hols but hey we still had some beautiful days out and about. MJ celebrated his birthday and we did our famous trip to the tree house for their YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY Chocolate mud pie and had him blow out some candles to celebrate.
The twins did a little bit of fishing with Baba and daddy and they each caught their first proper fishy so they were really proud of themselves we took pictures to prove their “BIG CATCH” – this is no fish story!

We also enjoy a ride up the river to feed the fish eagles and Tan was most excited that she actually caught the eagle on camera this time! This was also the first time that the little boyz actually saw what was happening and just loved retelling the story of "the birdie that came swoosh and got a fishy"! In all we had a wonderful break with loads of food, rest, relaxing and enjoying Gods beautiful coastline.


SLUMBER PARTY
For something fun we decided to carry our pillows and blankets down stairs and do a slumber party with the boys in the lounge. We sit and laugh now as we look back on what seemed like a fantastic family night – ;0) Our evening ended with Mark and I lying on the floor – our blow up mattress decided to give up its air holding capacity so come 12 midnight we were lying flat on the floor!!! Then Mac the dog continued to bark so we let him in and he kept creeping up close and and trying to share our small mattrass space with us! Then to crown it all we used the cushions from the lounge chairs to sleep on after our air mattrass disaster and they got flatter and flatter and flatter the floor bed was HARD in the morning!!! Yes memories and yes we enjoy making them but have decided that a camp out in the lounge will have to wait until we will be sure we have a proper comfy sleelp over sleeping bed !

SCHOOL FUN DAY
This was a most exciting term as Troyd prepared for their big fundraiser at school and then the day arrived when we could go to enjoy pony rides, skittle throwing, darts, prize winning, jumping castle fun and mom even had a try at making pancakes to help on the day.
Troydie had is first big school outing with first trip in a BIG BUS! They all ventured out to the UMGENI BIRD PARK and what a load of fun they all had. Tan had the privilidge of being one of the assisting mommy's and so enjoyed spending the day with all the kiddies looking at all the beautiful birds.










SHIPWRECK
We had a ship wreck and land on our coast line this month and we took the boys for an outing to see the ship up close and on the beach. It was a blustery day out but we still had a great time and view of the huge ship!








CAMPING WEEKEND - MTUNZINI
Seen as the weather was a little cooler we thought we would try the north coast where in summer you would die of HEAT in a tent. We went camping at a place called Mtunzini. Yes it did prove to be a great fun filled weekend – we got to try out our new tent which was very comfy. The camp site was lovely and quiet with buck, zebra and loads of monkeys. The boyz loved the jungle gyms and the trampoline right nearby before they were out their PJ’s they were out there jumping.
We had one day of a visit to the beach to climb and play on the sand dunes
And one beautiful day of a trip down the river on the boat and enjoyed a lovely swim at the river mouth.









HAPPY BIRTHDAY TREYSON AND TRYSTON
WOW the little minki pinkies have grown too quick !They turned 3 this month. We had a wonderful Builder Party.
With sand pit fun, jungle gym climbing and swinging, wagons with wooden blocks to build towers and Lego building blocks.
A highlight was the construction time where they got to build an airplane or boat out of wood and this proved to be great fun with hammers and nails.
They all had a wonderful time and so enjoyed their”digger cakes” filled with brownies!! YUM








They even had a BIRTHDAY RING at “Granny school” and so enjoyed the chocolate cake and crowns they got to wear!!










FAMILY
We got to celebrate with Tracy (Mark’s sister) on her soon to arrive baby boy and had a lovely tea time out with all the family. We are all so excited and praying for the safe arrival of baby Simon.


GARAGE FUN
The boys have so taken to building after the builder builder party that they now have their own work bench in Mark’s garage and spend several Saturday mornings building with wood and nails. Great fun for dad to have some special time with them all.





MINISTRY
Camping in the berg
We did the ridiculous this winter and travelled up to the Drakensberg Mountains to CAMP with the young families group. YES it was FREEZING but we all had electric blankets and blow heaters to keep us toasty warm at night. The kids loved the open spaces and the time to camp and enjoy with all their friends. We had wonderful fellowship and formed even greater friendships it was a fabulous weekend for all of us.
The Ladies met this semester to look at inner and outer beauty and had a visiting speaker to show us how to add to your outfit using a scarf. It was a great time of encouragement from God’s word on having INNER BEAUTY for Christ.
The Craft ladies met to learn how to MOSAIC and Tan so enjoyed learning a new craft together with all of them.
We as a young families group all went to a talk by an international speaker from the UK - Rob Parsons. He spoke on parenting and marriage and was a huge inspiration to all of us. Was a great outing for all the young couples they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Mom’s Group
Our mom’s bible study group has really grown in care of each other and friendships have started to grow and form together it has been wonderful to be a part of it all. We have had many fun outings so far this year, picnics to the local parks for the kids to enjoy open spaces and feeding ducks, sharing our wedding albums and memories with each other, book club afternoon where we each shared a book title and author that has inspired us, Milkshake outing on the beach, recipe swops and pizza making arvies. In all we have so enjoyed our time of fellowship and even more grown in God’s word as we have started an in-depth study of the Spiritual Arts through the book of Philippians. What a challenge to be a child of God and to live it out every day!
NAVIGATORS CLUB
Mark and I had the privilege of heading up the Children’s Bible holiday club again this year and what a blessing to have this time to speak into the hearts of children. We had the theme of “THE SEA“ and called it “Navigators Club”. Each of the leaders were a sea creatures e.g. Shark, jelly fish, dolphin etc. We had loads of fun game time with lots of running around, competitions, prizes and fun. Tan (who was the “SKIPPER”) led the worship time with a moral story from the life of TUGGIE the TUG BOAT, some singing with the guitar, taught bible memory verses which was a huge hit done with pictures – the kids really responded well to this. Mark who was “THE CAPTAIN” told the bible story of the day which was one of the sea stories from scripture, Noah, Jonah, Feeding of the 5000 etc. We also had a small group craft time were we made or colored or created something “fishy” e.g. painted fish made from egg cartons, sand art on Starfish necklaces. In all we had about 40 kids each day and so enjoyed the opportunity to encourage in the love of Jesus.

That brings us to the end of another semester in the lives of the Wilby Fam – thanks again for your support in prayer and love of us. We thank God everyday for all that each of you do for us.
God Bless you in a special way – In his Hands
Mark, Tan, Troyden, Treyson & Tryston

April - June 2011

BLESSINGS FOR EASTER 2011

This semester ended with a holiday at home where we could enjoy some of our local attractions. Tan took the boyz to the botanical gardens to enjoy the open spaces to run and play and feed the ducks. They even attempted to climb the big tree!
We even had a day when the twins tried their hand at WALL ART!!! don't you just love it. Mommy's heart did sink right to her toes!!! but thank goodness it was whiteboard markers and not permanent - I had a friend comment that I should have just bought a frame and frame the wallart right there on the wall! :)
CAYLEE LODGE
We had a weekend off just before Easter and had a wonderful COLD WET weekend up on the Drakensberg mountains. We did a quick fishing visit to the local dam where the boyz enjoyed playing with their fishing rods. They all have the right look when it comes to fishing - don’t you these pics are just too cute!?

(Tryston, Treyson and Troyden - from the left)
Other than that outing which did end in rain our weekend was full of RAIN and COLD weather. The boyz played indoor cricket, hide and seek, building blanket tents. We had loads craft time making Easter bunnies, eggs and ears! Tan even got some of her scrapbooking done that now the twins are eventually featuring in picture form in our family scrapbook! Hooray!

We had one bit of outside time with a quick game of putt-putt and a jump on the trampoline. We took a drive out in the country to look around and enjoyed a muddy walk while the boyz climbed boulders.

It was a really restful weekend and we even got to see the top of the mountains in the distance when the clouds lifted early one morning and there was the first sprinkle of SNOW for the winter!

EASTER celebrations
We had a fantastic build up to Easter with the kids. Tan managed to source some “Resurrection Eggs” each morning the week before Easter you open an egg and find a symbol or object related to the Easter story and you tell that bit of the Easter story to the kids. They thoroughly enjoyed opening and learning and hearing all about Easter. We celebrated with an Easter Egg hunt with all the cousins and even playing tent in the garden.

Just had to add this pic - don't you love Troydies new "big boy shirt" Thanks Uncle Matt - love you loads and he thinks he's the bestest in it!! :)

School update
Troydie is so enjoying all the fun in learning at school and making a nice bunch of friends. They had several fun activities that he was a part of this semester so will mention just a few. Will and Kate of the Royal Family got married (national stop as we all watched her walk the isle) and Troydie’s school had a wedding dress up day – too cute he wanted to wear his outfit that he wore to Uncle T’s wedding. They had a fun day full of party food and wedding activities.

Mom’s sing-a-long tea to celebrate Mother’s day all the moms came to school for tea. We got to hear them sing and watch them play musical instruments (Troydie is playing the tambourine). Tan even got a handmade necklace that Troydie had made at school for her – very special.
Sports day was another highlight for Troydie he got to do a relay obsticle course race with climbing, wheelbarrows and bean bag throwing. He did a great job. Dad had a chance to join in the soccer race of all the dad's against eachother and managed to run with Treyson and Tryston in each arm. Mom even got to try her hand at a skipping race and what a laugh that was.
His school even had an evening winter walk that was great fun were he could get sponsorship per lap - what a star he was, he managed to do 20 laps. It was a chilly evening with loads of laughter and fun!
Troydies school semester ended with a dress up day and he went as a Policeman – Quite smart don’t you think?

Treyson & Tryston
The twins are chatting away all the time and so enjoying each other’s company they are great friends and we have had many a laugh at them and their first sayings.
TREYSON is the leader and strong in character, full of spunk and the most independent. He can be quite a “bully” at times and ready to pick a fight. We are training and teaching him to control himself and will say, that has been a challenge but hugely rewarding. He definitely loves a cuddle and thrives on encouragement. He has to keep up with Troyden and likes to be like his “big brother Troyd”!!
TRYSTON is quite different, laid back, funny and at times quite a “dough-ball”. He is a few steps behind the other two but quite okay with that. He loves a good tummy laugh and smiles his way through life. He also loves a cuddle and a love - so mom gets her special times with each of them. They play well together all three and love each other very much – being close in age has made them very close and protective of each other – this is very cute to watch.
We had a huge blessing happen this semester – a granny in our church has twin grandsons too and she asked to take our boys with her boys together for a play day once a week. This little play day has grown to a group of 4 grannies’ with their grandkids all coming together to play while the granny’s fellowship together. They have also asked a retired teacher to come and join with them to make it like a little school – they have story time, playtime inside and outside, sometime they bake, play play-dough, paint and color it has been a wonderful thing for the boys to get out, make their own friends and separate from mommy a little at a time. They even have printed shirts with thier names on! They love their outing with Granny Frances every week and can’t wait for her to come get them. Tan has enjoyed a morning to catch up on all her bible study prep. It has been a wonderful blessing for all of us. - "Thanks Granny Frances"
FAMILY
Baba (Tan’s dad) – the name that the boys call him as their grand-pa managed to get a harbor pass for the boat so the boys have enjoyed some fishing trips to the harbor that have been great fun especially to see the ships in the harbour.
Baba’s birthday – we planned a surprise visit from Trent and Amber to celebrate his birthday. We had a nice quick visit for the family together and had pancakes out on the midlands meander and took the boat for a ride on Midmar dam – FREEZING!

Camping at St Lucia
YEY!!! The Wilby’s had their first camping trip as a family. What a load of fun choosing and setting up our site at St Lucia only to find some of the poles for the one tent missing? Too funny!! We made do and met with Marks folks the next day on their way by to get our missing poles! Our weekend was full of action. We walked the board walk to see the Hippo’s on the Estuary, visited the beach to dig and play in the sand and did a little fishing on the estuary bank. We so enjoyed the cooking on the braai (barbecue) and the boys loved the sleeping out in the tent.
On one of the days we went into Empangeni to celebrate a birthday with one of the cousins. A highlight for our weekend away was taking Troydies bicycle and teaching him to ride without fairy wheels. YEY YEY YEY!!!He got it! Mark had to spend one day running behind him catching if he had a wobbly fall. With all the space and time to practice before long he was riding and so enjoying it.

MINISTRY
The ladies ministry had a Ladies breakfast this semester and it was a wonderful time for all of them to get together to be encouraged from God’s Word. Our focus was on the CROSS and we had 15 ladies represent and read the character’s part in the crucifixion. We had a Mary, a roman soldier, the centurion, the 2 thieves on the cross etc. what a blessing to spend time reflecting on the cross and what Christ did for us there.
Following the breakfast the Ladies craft group met to make wooden crosses that were painted with a paint technique and decorated with rope, ribbon, beads etc. This was a great way to rap up our day of focus on the cross.
To end our semester for the mom’s group we planned a “Mom’s night out” to watch the movie of the story of Esther – it was a wonderful way to end our study through the book of Esther and view the story as a whole. The mom’s so enjoyed the night out while the dad’s did all the babysitting – definitely an outing we will plan again!
MJ’s Ministry
This semester has been another busy one for Mark with all his responsibilities at the church. The youth group has had a change with new leadership and a new team of youth planning the events for each Friday evening. They have had a good number of kids come along and are encouraged by the friendships that have started to form. They have also started a youth bible study that is held right before youth starts each Friday and many of the kids are joining with to be encouraged in God’s Word. Mark has been asked to speak on several Fridays and goes along each week just to pop in an encourage where he can.

The family ministry of the church has been growing in leaps and bounds we now have 10 couples that attend our evening family bible study and between us we have 18 children so when all are together it is a bumper LOUD crowd. The moms and kids planned a Father’s day outing for the dads with a twist. The dad’s did an “Amazing Race” with activities all around town wearing bandana’s that the kids had hand painted. Their activities included a go-cart ride, looking for info at a pet store, they had to buy a water pistol from the party shop, have an ice cream at MacDonald’s, look for clues along the beachfront using GPS etc. We ended the race at one of the families homes with a bring and share supper where the moms and kids waited for them all to arrive. It was a really fun afternoon had by all with many laughs!!
Mark’s preaching ministry has been going well and he is learning and growing with each opportunity in the pulpit – what a blessing. He has also been leading worship on several Sunday mornings and evenings this has added to his load but has been a blessing.
Mission has always and will always be one of his passions and he was able to make a trip up to Mozambique this semester to encourage and help the local churches in the surrounding areas of Ponto d’Oura. He so enjoyed this opportunity to share the love of God cross culturally. Pray that we have more opportunities to spread God’s word in this way.

Mark’s studies have unfortunately taken a back seat this semester with such a load he is carrying at the church – please pray for time management and discipline in this area – we are excited to continue the studies as best we can this would be a huge achievement for
Mark to complete and add to his ministry experience.
That’s the end of our news for the second semester of 2011 – thank you for your prayer support of us as a family in ministry for Jesus. We are encouraged daily from his word and through his provision of us – we have been totally blessed to be in His will for our lives.

Lots of love and prayers for you all
Mark, Tan, Troyden, Treyson and Tryston