Who Knew?

It took six years of prayer but Starbucks finally made its way to South Africa (thank you World Cup). Unfortunately and fortunately (for the budget’s sake) there is not one close in proximity to our home nor to where I spend my time.

However a McCafe' popped up just down the road. I’m so NOT a McDonald’s fan, however I heard that the new McCafe' has decent coffee, so who am I to deny a cuppa java a try?

And though I never thought I’d see the day, I must say….

I like McCafe'!

Bits of My Weekend- Going Green Edition

Our weekend was pretty tame...it amounted to 58 Americans, 1 soccer game, 3 birthday parties and a few other odds and ends. I'm posting updates and pics about the 58 Americans here, you've seen plenty of weekend pics of my soccer star so I'll focus on the 3 b-day parties.


Skyler attended a cooking party of which we enjoyed the benefits of her new culinary skills on Sunday for supper. Tori got to ride a "big" horse (opposed to a pony...her words) at her special friend's Horse Party and Nelson Mandela turned 92. So what's up with the latter?


In honor of Madiba's birthday citizens across the country were encouraged to spend 67 minutes ("67" rep. the year's Mandela spent in public service) in service for the less fortunate. As a result, we were contacted by a Foundation that has been helping us with Impact Kids' with a request by Shell Oil. They in partnership with Food and Trees for Life wanted to come and plant 50 trees at the Impact Kids.


Festivities were planned and this crew of 20 Shell Employees, 10 or so from Food and Trees for Life, a handful of WITS University students, 7 from Rivers Foundation along with the IK and Impact Staff....

Spent more than 67 minutes planting these.....
and about 40 more on and around the school grounds.

After some training from the Food and Tree employee, the planting began.

We invited the IK students and their families and everyone pitched in. The kids had fun planting and watering the trees.

One little girl was particularly interested in planting a tree...


In fact, she claimed this one as her own....

Tori even named "her" tree. Thus the Impact Kids' school grounds now has its very own "Princess" tree. (Are you shocked by her name of choice? ;))


It was a fun, sunny morning Going Green at Impact Kids.

Thank you Rivers, Shell and Food & Trees for Life!

License to Whine

No, Tori is not dressed to go play in the snow, nor was this picture taken when in New York in December. This has been her attire for school the past few days. Yes, it has been that cold!

Cold but cute I must admit...I figured if I posted a cute pic it gave me license to whine. hee

I know, stop complaining. I promise I will.......once I thaw!

Couples Therapy

You may remember my remedy for sibling rivalry discovery well who knew that it is good for the goose and gander too. Forget counseling...put on the oversized gloves and take to the mats...








the new and improved couples therapy....pretty fun too!

Our FIFA Experience

We had the fabulous opportunity to spend the afternoon at Ellis Stadium...

watching what would prove to be a very exciting game between these 2 teams...

Although my roots are more Slovak than Italian we were in support of the defending Champions

Our "get up" was mild compare to others we saw....



...like this couple.


Of course if this was a USA game you bet I'd be fully decked out in red, white and blue...if anyone wants to buy us tickets I'll "kit up" and post pics!

We had a couple hours of wait til kick-off giving Sky and Blake plenty of vuvuzela blowing practice. My ears are still ringing...

I know who would buy their children something so annoying? Hey, "when in Rome"...I mean Africa.

Our wait time gave us plenty of Shakira as well.....Waka Waka....


Slovakia gave Italy quite an upset but overall this game for the Franzenfam


was a real treat!....


And the Magnum bar was pretty awesome too!

Not So Mini Anymore

Hard to believe my mini-me is 11 years old! I know I look way too young to have an 11yr. old. heeeeee!

It has been a week..month really of celebration. School broke up on June 11 for a month break due to the World Cup so Sky had her sleepover/swim (indoor) party early.

The eve of her actual b-day she spent the night out with the team that is here. 60 teenagers around a bonfire worshipping God and eating Smores...was a no brainer for me when she asked if she could go.

Customary Franzenfam tradition holds that the birthday Franzen chooses their b-day meals, starting with breakfast in bed. Well, Sky was not in her own bed however I did make the requested homemade cinnamon rolls and sent them with Rich so Sky would have them for breakfast. (I know, I rock).

Later we celebrated at Impact Kids as it was their,"Proudly South African Soccer Party."


Watch here for more photos.

One of her presents along with fellow Americans was the USA Soccer game resulting in an amazing win and advance to the next round. Woo-hoo!

Today we will further celebrate as we watch the Italy vs. Slovakia soccer game live at Ellis Stadium in Joburg. We are sooooo excited...


...and obviously cheering for Italy.

Tomorrow continues her partying with a special date with her best friend...she was sick the day of Sky's party so it's a make-up just the 2 of them.

As you see my girl is well loved and very blessed and I am so glad as she is a loving girl that loves God, loves children, loves South Africa, loves life, and is a blessing to all!

Happy Birthday my Mini- Me that is not so mini anymore! You are a Superstar and I love you with my whole heart!

FIFA Fun & Other Festivities

Friday commenced with 2 very special events....The FIFA World Cup hosted by my resident homeland, South Africa....

AND festivities for my ELEVEN year old's b-day party hosted by the resident Franzenfam mom....


This groovy crew headed out to watch the FIFA Opening Ceremonies and first game, SA vs. Mexico at a large open field in Diepsloot. Thousands gathered to watch, cheer and blow their vuvuzelas.

I was back home with my groovy group of girls starting the b-day festivities while keeping warm with my hot water bottle and cheering for Bafana Bafana.

A highlight of the Opening "Birthday Party" Ceremonies was the whip cream pie trivia that quickly turned into a whip cream pie mess....


Saturday we headed out for a day of water fun at an indoor Aquadome..


From Water Fights


To Water Slides

And Water Tubes
The girls spent 4 hours in the warm pools engaged in water fun.

Afterwards they bowled, played putt- putt...

And attempted wall climbing....of which Tori was the first volunteer..

Sky's birthday is not until the 23rd but the party has begun both for her and South Africa!

Corny Ways

What do you get when you have a Canadian, a South African, a New Mexican, a few Americans and a dash of Franzen?...

...the Impact Africa "Summer" Staff Team...

After many delays the team assembled on South African soil and training commenced this past weekend. Part of the festivities included team building exercises at the "Amazing Maize Maze".

Team Argentina would face off with Team Uruguay amidst a maze in a field of maize...


After running around a corn field answering random questions we spent time wandering through the shrub maze...


Time raveling and unraveling...






Time monkeying around







And for the grand finale, Team Franzen took to the ropes...





It was a fun afternoon getting to know each other in a rather corny way.

Keep abreast of the team's impact and other good news here.

A Little of This and a Little of That

It has been a whirlwind of activity with the Franzenfam as of late. With Rich out of town with our USA team I've had a few extra hands helping me out. Two of our STS (Short-term Staff) have arrived and are helping with a little of this and a lot of that!

This past Saturday while I was out with this guy...

Watching him block goals right...



And left...



Helping his team remain undefeated....



The girls were engaged in a little of this....


and a little of that....



more of this...



and some of that...


Our 3 male STS members will join us this week....thinking their "little of this and that" will be quite a bit different. Regardless the days are full and the creativity appreciated!

Stay tuned!