Introduction

I have finally decided to try the world of blogging.


For my first post it seems appropriate to give a brief introduction to my family.
I have been married for 4 wonderful years to Andrew Herbert, and in April this year we were blessed with our first son - Joshua.

So now for a bit of history about us:


Shelly (Powrie) Herbert


I was born on 12 April 1983 in Cape Town, South Africa, and I've lived here most of my life. I matriculated from Edgemead High School in 2001, and went on to do a BCom and BCom (Honours) in Financial Accounting at the University of Cape Town, in preparation for qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. I worked as an assistant lecturer at UCT in 2006, as part of the academic traineeship program before coming to PricewaterhouseCoopers to complete the last 2 years of my training contract. I took a 4 month break during this year to have Joshua, but I'm now back at work, and looking forward to qualifying in about 4 months time.


I was lucky enough to be born into a family that are active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I consider this one of the greatest blessings in my life. I was able to grow up knowing the truths that have been revealed in these latter days, and to have them as part of my daily life. The Church has been my anchor and has really determined how I have lived my life. I am currently serving in Primary (the children's organisation) where I teach singing, as well as leading our ward choir.


My parents, Les and Sally Powrie, have 5 children - myself, Colleen (22), Andrew (nearly 20), Cindy (17) and Richard (nearly 15). I can honestly say that for the most part we have been a very close and happy family. I enjoyed my growing up years, and I don't think there is much that I would change if I was given the chance.


Andrew Herbert


Andrew was born on 26 August 1970 (yes, he is 13 years older than me...) in Bulawayo, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). His parents, Trevor and Sarie Herbert, have 6 children, of which Andrew is the third. They left Zim in 1977 and moved to Johannesburg, where they lived for 7 years until relocating to Cape Town. Most of their life in Cape Town has been spent in Fish Hoek. All of Andrew's siblings are adults, most with families of their own, so to name them all will be a bit clumsy. So I'll introduce them as they come up.


Andrew matriculated from Muizenberg High School in 1988 (he's an 80's child!). He then did his national service, being trained as a medic, and then working in the kitchens (go figure). In 1991 to 1993 he served a mission for the Church in Johannesburg, working primarily in township areas. He came back, and was offered a job at Federal Clearing and Forwarding, a company owned by his sister-in-law's mother, Helen Vlok, and he has worked there ever since. He is now managing the imports department.


Andrew was also born after his family joined the church, and so has lived his entire life as a member. He is now serving in the bishopric in the Panorama Ward, where we live.


Joshua Herbert


Joshua Andrew Herbert was born on 3 April 2008, weighing 3.94kg's and measuring 53cm. He is an absolute delight, and we couldn't ask for a better child. He is incredibly sweet natured, has slept through the night since he was 2 months (except for exceptional circumstances like when he's been sick) and makes us laugh every day.

He is still a very big boy. When we weighed him over the weekend, at his 7 month mark, he was exactly 10kg's. It's no wonder that your arms now die after 10 minutes of holding him. Since we started feeding him solids he has gained a significant amount of weight. But no one seems concerned, so I guess we shouldn't be either.


But, apart from the aching arms and backs, Andrew and I absolutely love being parents, and are very grateful that we have this special spirit in our lives.


I will add a family picture when I remember to bring one to work. We still don't have the internet at home, so I have to do this here. But you can picture in your mind two very proud parents with their beautiful little boy.


If anyone that I have included on the list to get automatic update whenever I do a post would rather not get the updates, please just let me know, and I'll take you off. I know what it's like to have your inbox full of unnecessary email. And you can of course go to my blog whenever it's convenient for you.