Education is A Discipline

Good Habits the best Schoolmasters.––Not mere spurts of occasional punishment, but the incessant watchfulness and endeavour which go to the forming and preserving of the habits of the good life, is what we mean by discipline; and, from this point of view, never were there such disciplinarians as the parents who labour on the lines we would indicate. Every habit of courtesy, consideration, order, neatness, punctuality, truthfulness, is itself a schoolmaster, and orders life with the most unfailing diligence. A habit is so easily formed, so strong to compel.(Vol 2 pg 174)


Charlotte Mason has much to share in regards to "Education is a Discipline." When reading her writings it is very apparent that her definition of discipline is by no means merely contained to academics. One of the most daunting realisations as a parent is the awareness that we are responsible for all areas of our children's formation and yet, daunting as this may be this acceptance brings an acknowledgement that this precious trust is from our Creator.  We can do no less than bravely step forth and do our best, faltering at times but striving to always move forward.


By Education is a discipline, is meant the discipline of habits formed definitely and thoughtfully, whether habits of mind or body. (Vol 1 Preface) 


Of Charlotte Mason's three foundations of education, I confess to finding "Education is a Discipline" the hardest to consistently implement.  I am very aware of the benefits both in the short term and the long for self-discipline in all areas of our life, I strive to model and implement but alas consistency continues to be my weakness.  Re-reading Charlotte Mason's volumes more frequently would be most advisable for those who struggle like I, as she is not only inspirational but her volumes contain much 'plain common sense.'


Once I became aware of the impact we have on the lifetime habits of our children,  I became conscious that as I strove to; maintain a regular routine, to introduce healthy hygiene habits, to aid a child in forming a solid interior disposition and to led a faithful prayer life, our parenting was not a series of  isolated incidences of; "make your bed", "brush your teeth," "time for lessons to begin" and "Have you prayed today?,"  but all these pieces formed part of the whole person.  These moments have not just an impact on the 'here and now' but in the years ahead.


As home educating parents without external deadlines I believe it can become all too easy at times to fall into poor habits; to arise at irregular times, to begin our lessons in a lackadaisical manner, or to drop study at will for non sufficient reasons.  Indeed there have been periods of time when I have been gulity of this, and for a season this can be a necessity, but how long can a season be?  We need to be careful that we are not fostering years of poor habits. Recently when our oldest left home it was apparent that there was no more time to form good habits.  The time was past and she left with her habits already instilled, for better or worse.  I encourage you to begin working on the formation of one habit today, remembering each isolated incident forms part of the whole child.


The well-brought-up child has always been a child carefully trained in good habits. (Vol 2 pg174) 


*Please do not be under the mis-assumption I 'have it all together' and my children are perfect, I do not and they are not, but still we keep striving.


Participating in CM Blog Carnival over at Epi Kardia
The next Charlotte Mason Blog Carnival on April 3rd will be hosted at Jimmie’s Collage. 
Theme - Living Books  (definition of, why we use them, our favorites, choosing books, etc.)

2012 scheduled carnival themes 

CM Blog Carnival FAQs 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol 113)

1
Time for an Anna Maria update as she has been away at College for a month now.  A-M is enjoying her studies immensely and loving the social life, within days of arriving in the 'big smoke' she found part-time employment as a medical receptionist.   Our girl is happy and thriving:)
I had written a longer post about how we all feel, missing our girl but PC declared it soppy and sappy so I decided not to subject you all;)

2
If you are interested in Grain and Sugar Free living and how it works in a large family, you really ought to head over to Gae's. She's sharing the nuts and bolts of how it really works. While we're talking sharing, I broke today and ate Sultana Toast, my first bread in months, believe me I'm paying for it right now, I'm feeling so queasy, have a headache etc.  Truth is though, we are longing for a little of that heavier feeling that carbs give.  We're needing to source some good carbs that won't make us feel ill.


3
Ducked into an opshop today and scored a few little goodies; books (of course), some world map puzzles!! and a pretty dress and skirt for my girls.  Princess' pleasure in her dress, which looks so sweet on her, makes me realise I really, really must sew pretty dresses and skirts for my girls.  After all I only have two little girls and they do love pretty swishy outfits.  Princess' choice of apparel is dresses and Jelly Bean's is skirts.

4
This year our Parish is offering the Stations of the Cross on a Friday at midday.  Our Priest calls it his package deal; Stations, Confession/Adoration and then Mass.  It has been years since I've had the opportunity to attend Stations led by a priest.  I'd forgotten what a beautiful tradition it is, a deeply reflective time to 'Walk the Way' with Our Lord.   I truly love the praying The Stations.

5
Michelangelo, Princess and Co have been spending hours building incredibly intricate cross-bows with K'nex.  It all began with Michelangelo's Science topic, Inventions and has morphed from there.  A few years back we were blessed to be able to purchase a huge box of K'nex via ebay.  A grown family sold their collection and were were the lucky recipients.

6
Searching Amazon reviews for a biography to read has been an exercise in futility.  My choice for a biography at this stage is something uplifting and inspiring. All the reviews I found are of children growing up in beyond horrendous situations in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, my heart is breaking as I read these reviews, my stomach churns, my lips move in prayer, but... I still have not found an uplifting biography to read.

7
Bass is finally crawling on his hand and knees.  He mostly crawls on his belly still, but the hands and knees motion has us all running to watch.  We really can't believe he will be one in a fortnight!  Soon I'll have three little boys running around together again, mmm been here before, well life is always interesting;)  During Stations today, after I broke up a fight between two little boys, I thought to myself, "I've been here before...  here we go again!!"

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Monthly Memories - February 2012

Angela's Choice Time and Learning in Review posts have long been some of my favourite posts to read.  It has often been my intention to attempt a poor imitation, with Kylie's launching of Monthly Memories I have been finally spurred to put finger to keyboard.

Endeavouring to capture the learning highlights of the past six weeks.

Our greatest achievement is the completion of All About Spelling Level 3 with Princess and the older boys.
The spelling ability of all the children has benefited immensely as a result of AAS.  They now have the tools to puzzle out a word and have become more consciously aware of the intricacies of the written language.  Often a child will discuss and analyse a spelling rule in everyday speech, these moments of connection are rather exciting.

Consistent, steady progress in Maths, Science, Language Arts and the Humanities.  It's taken a few years to get there but we have settled into a regular rhythm. By outlining our desired outcomes on a term basis, the parameters give us structure and yet we allow room for flexibility.  We have discovered discipline in Maths and Language Arts to be foundationally important, although our Science and Humanities are always open to change if a new interest occurs.

Highlights

• Regular 'elocution' readings from our older readers is resulting in clearer diction. 
• Carpenter has discovered a renewed love of books for genre other than fantasy.
• Carpenter is enjoying is Scriptural studies
• Einstein enjoyed learning about the History of Medicine
• Einstein is challenging himself in Maths and making great progress.
• Michelangelo designed and created a catapult, inspired by his Science and Technology.
• Michelangelo is keen to master new computer technology, we've undertaken some basic excel spreadsheets and he taught himself how to do a powerpoint presentation.  He then taught Princess and they presented a few of their narrations this way.
• Princess has undertaken to direct her learning, negotiating her studies, what she will learn, what she will study and how she will present her learnings.
• Princess is consistently writing 4 narrations a week!
• Jelly Bean is learning multiplication and division and picking it up quickly.
• Jelly Bean is working on re-correcting her letter positioning.
• Jack Jack has moved from sounds to reading words with ease.
• Jack Jack narrates his Faith stories with clarity.
• 
  
• Documentaries Watched

Horrible Histories Season 1 

The children were enthralled with this and regaled us with many historical facts.  The ditties were catchy and we were impressed with how much was learnt in such an effortless way.  Michelangelo and Princess in particular were fascinated.

Spontaneous Learning

Some of my favourite moments in our home education journey is when our children take up an area of interest and learn of their own volition. 

• Einstein became very engrossed with Genghis Kahn. Not even certain how this came about, but he spent hours researching his life and conquerings, they were simply slaughterers, they slaughtered anything in their path, man and animal alike. Einstein rather enthusiastically was narrating his discoveries to me, he also read a bit about his grandson.  Then Einstein decided he would write an essay on Genghis Kahn, which I'm looking forward to reading when he has declared it ready
• Michelangelo dug deep with Greek mythology (see reading list below).  He spent hours reading different myths.  We had one of those 'aha' moments when we came across the word Hades and he now had the knowledge to know what it meant.  
• As mentioned briefly above, Princess decided that she wanted to learn with living books only.  So for each of her subjects she chooses what sub-topic and what book she will read.  She is focusing on American History, Short Saint stories and Birds for Science.  Each week she selects a book in that area, reads and narrates.  She is really enjoying all three of these areas and it is totally impressing me to receive 3-4 typed narrations each week, some a full page from a 10 year old.  Believe me this has never happened before!

Mostly the trampoline has been this month's choice of play, hours and hours of perfecting new tricks. 

The moment that I realised Jelly Bean can indeed read, she is this close_ to being an independent reader:)  She bemoans that she can't, she resists daily effort, after all it is work, but can read easy readers with little help and is very close to easy chapter books.

The consuming reading  of books, in particular living books comprises the bulk of our learning.

Audio Books
The Hobbit
The Silver Chair
The Magician's Nephew (all listened to by Michelangelo only)

Our Family Read Aloud
All of a Kind of Family - Sydney Taylor
Linnets & Valerians - Elizabeth Goudge

Poetry -  Our focus has been Australian poets.  The younger children have been enjoying a huge pile of individual illustrated picture books. Our aim is to enjoy at least 10 poems per week.
The older boys have been enjoying various poems from Around the Boree Log such as;  Tangmalangaloo and "We'll All be Rooned" Said Hanrahan.

The Man From Ironbark - AB Patterson
Waltzing Matilda The Bush Christening
Mulga Bill's Bicycle Rattling in the Wind
Fur & Feathers - AB Patterson
Old Man Platypus - AB Patterson
Weary Will - AB Patterson
A Dog's Mistake - AB Patterson
With My Swag All On My Shoulder
The Wild Colonial Boy
The Drover's Dream
The Oath of Bad Brown Bill
Benjamin Bandicoot - AB Patterson
The Day McDougall Topped the Score

Collections- Oxford Children's Collection, Laurel and the Harp, Around the Booree Log

Picture Books
We aim to read at least 10 books per week.
The Little House - Virginia Lee Burton
Little Mo - Martin Waddell
Where's My Kitten - Michele Coxon
Spike and the Cowboy Band - Fern Hollow
Emmas' Lamb - Kim Lewis
Dilly-Dally and the Nine Secrets - Elizabeth MacDonald
The Patchwork Cat - Nicola Bayley
When We Went to the Zoo - Jan Ormerod
A Bit of Company - Margaret Wild
Luke's Way of Looking - Nadia Wheatley
Thank you Amelia Bedelia - Peggy Parish
Teddy and me Pretend to Be
Let's Go Home Little Bear - Martin Waddell
Bush Walk - Tricia Oktober
Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Mireille Levert
Up the Wooden Hill - Sam McBratney
Bush Song - Tricia Oktober
My Brown  Bear Barney in Trouble - Dorothy Butler
The Tram to Bondi Beach - Libby Hathorn
Stellaluna - Janell Cannon
Pobblebonks - Garry Fleming
Little Platypus - Nette Hilton
The Pear in the Pear Tree - Pamela Allen
Sail Away the Ballad of Skip & Nell - Mem Fox
The Magic Hat - Mem Fox
Possum Magic - Mem Fox
Time for Bed - Mem Fox
Hattie & the Fox - Mem Fox
Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge - Mem Fox
Miss Bilby - Colin Thiele

African Picture Books
Mbobo Tree - Glenda Millard
Adventures of Riley - Safari in South Africa - Amanda Lumry
Snuggle Up, Sleepy Ones - Claire Freedman
Can Your Hear the Sea? - Judy Cumberbatch
Osa's Pride - Ann Grifalconi
Catch That Goat - Polly Alakija
A Song for Jamela - Niki Daly
Enormous Elephant - Mwenye HadiThi
Amazing Animals Super Safari - Tony Mitton
Matemba - Annette Lodge
Lila and the Secret of Rain - David Conway

Individual Reading
Carpenter
Philadelphia Catholic in King James Court (Faith)
Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens (5 chapters)
Weka-Feather Cloak - Leo Madigan
Time Riders Book 1 - Alex Scarrow
Time Riders Book 2 - Alex Scarrow
Sabriel - Garth Nix (not rec. for all. many caveats)

Einstein
Scarlet Pimpernel - Baroness Orczy
To Kill a Mockinbird - Harper Lee
Genghis Khan (see above)
Time Rider Bk 1 _ Alex Scarrow
Time Riders Book 2 - Alex Scarrow
Agatha Christie Mystery Vol 5
Hit and Run

Michelangelo
Africa
Tusk, SOS - Colin Bateman
Greek Mythology
The Warrior Goddess - Doris Gates   Tales the Muses Told - Roger Lancelyn Green
Myth Stories of Greece & Rome - Gladys Davidson
Lord of the Sky - Doris Gates
Exploits of Hercules Jedi Quest
Middle Ages
Medieval Tales - Jennifer Westwood

Ranger's Apprentice Ruins of Gorlan
Ranger's Apprentice Burning Bridge
Ranger's Apprentice Icebound Land
Ranger's Apprentice Oakleaf Bearers
Ranger's Apprentice The Sorcerer in the North
Ranger's Apprentice Bk6 &
Ranger's Apprentice Erik's Ransom
Too Deep 39 Clues
Jedi Apprentice The Rising Force
Jedi Apprentice The Dark Rival

Princess 
Faith
Saints for Home &
School Six O'Clock Saints
American History
The Secret Soldier, Deborah Sampson   The Story of Ben Franklin - Eve Merriam
Keep the Lights Burning Abbie
Helen Keller
Louis Braille
A House of their Own (little House)
Trina
Early British History 
Eagle's Egg - Rosemary Sutcliffe   Africa
Uncle Edie & the Croc - Lucy Farmer (Africa)
Uncle Edie & the Hippos - Lucy Farmer (Africa)
Science
Magic School Bus Dinosaur Detectives (Science)
Magic School Bus Expedition Down Under (Science)
Ruby Throat Hummingbird
Hazel the Guinea Pig - AN Wilson
Big Ben - Jenny Dale

Ranger's Apprentice Bk 3
Ranger's Apprentice Bk 4
The Pink Motel - Carol Ryrie Brink 

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol 112)

1
Jen's Morning Basket post is rather inspirational, a great way to find time to share all those wonderful books we have with our children.  I've been giving thought to how? when?  we would have time as our morning is already a struggle.  So why not use our afternoon more constructively, we could ease into it by having an audio listening time supplementing with Basket choices. 

2
Talking educational choices, re-reading Angela's posts on Choice Time, resonates deeply with me as that is how our children often learn, and Princess in particular learns.  I'm planning on writing more about this approach, but for now I'll share that watching your 10 year old direct her education is heady indeed.

3
Trail Guide to World Geography is really not quite 'our thing' it lacks the living book approach we love.  The mapping questions are excellent, very thorough, but it is otherwise killing geographical interest.  We are meant to be studying Africa, a fascinating country but are so uninspired. Then I'm considering that trying to fit both history and geography into each week is too much, it allows for little depth.

4
Jimmie's introduction of literature analysis via picture books is just a perfect way to begin this skill, my creative juices are flowing.  Then reading this post on building a whole curriculum around picture books is sending my thoughts spinning.

5
The Easter, St Patrick and St Joseph books I ordered are arriving and oh they are so beautiful! the pictures in Fear Not Joseph are gorgeous.

6
I've been reading lots of mysteries, and thinking it time to try some biographies or history.  Any great suggestions?

7
Funny of the week: Jem was handing Bass a full nectarine when I suggested that it needed cutting, and very absent-mindedly asked him to cut it. Jem answered, "I can't" "Why?" I rejoined. "I'm only three!!! I'm not allowed to use a knife." Mmm true:)

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Laying the First Floor

PC has been rather frustrated with the continual rain as it has hindered progress on deck building.  So we  have turned to inside projects, namely laying floorboards.  We started with the loungerooom.  First, the sheeting had to be sanded.





As we are using second hand timber, we were keen to secret nail, not wanting more holes in the flooring.  This means the floor board ends need to have tongue and grooves to be able to slot together.  After research to find what was needed to make these alterations, PC discovered the correct size piece is unavailable in Australia.



Never daunted he set up two routers, each set at a different depth to custom make the tongue and groove.  Initially it took time but then we were ready.  The 'workshop' resides at the far end of our dining room. We laid the first board down and worked from the doorway across to the window.




It felt rather strange laying floor boards directly onto sheeting, the last time we laid flooring we nailed  directly onto joists.  New regulations call for floor sheeting first, so we were gluing onto the sheeting and then secret nailing.






All the boards were filthy and had to be cleaned thoroughly.  We then cut to size all lengths and laid out the boards in batches.  Having all the prep work done prior to hiring the gun made faster work.







The boys, Princess and I were on hourly rosters to help.  Our job was to glue and pull the boards tight,  ensuring there were as little gaps as possible.









We were pleasantly surprised that we completed the nailing in under a day.  Teamwork always makes for a far smoother run.






We are excited to have completed a room and made a solid beginning on laying the flooring.  Next task is to putty, sand and oil, then the room will be almost completed.

Aussie NBTS - A Day in Our Life

Wrapping up our Not Back to School Blog Hop by sharing a Day In Our Life.  No day in our life is identical, although they generally have a similar rhythm, some afternoons  may include sport, some days run as expected and some become 'derailed'.  When I selected Thursday(March 1st) as 'the day', I was aiming for a more 'typical' day, which it was, although it did have a surprise ending.

6:30AM  I wake up later than usual.  Jack Jack wanders in and wants to chat about his dream, Princess comes in and plays with Bass.  A relaxing beginning to the day, chatting and enjoying the children.

7:00AM  Baking muffins and juicing vegetables and fruit for breakfast.  The muffins are the best yet!

8:00AM  PC and Carpenter leave for work.  Carpenter is working the lunch shift today, he takes his maths, Faith and literature books to town.  He will study before and after his shift.
Finally breakfast is finished and we begin a quick clean up, the girls put their washing on. I make a quick call to my brother.

8:30AM  We gather together for prayers, then begin formal lessons.
Einstein heads to the study to begin maths.
Michelangelo, Jelly Bean and Jack Jack work on their maths. Michelangelo is studying fractions, Jelly Bean weight and Jack Jack counting in the 30s.
Jem is offered colouring in but he decides to play with Bass.
Princess completes a Dictation exercise with me.
Michelangelo decides he will do some revision with Dad.
I feed Bass and he goes down for his morning sleep.

9:00AM Michelangelo works on copywork in his bedroom.
Einstein continues his maths.
Jelly Bean has become rather interested in weighing and continues to weigh a variety of objects.
Princess potters about, she completed a huge amount of work the day before and needs me for her remaining work.
Jack Jack, Jem and I cuddle up on the lounge together.  Jack Jack reads to me, he is progressing rapidly.

9:15AM  Jack Jack works on handwriting, Princess supervises starting position and also snaps some photos for this post.
Jem is playing nearby with my camera!  Not a good idea.
Jelly Bean reads to me, she is enjoying a large print book of fairy tales.
I throw a load of towels on, and recharge the camera batteries, the batteries always die when I need them.
Jem now plays with the pieces of the Garden of the Good Shepherd, I'm keeping an eye on him (and the pieces), Jack Jack completes his copywork and joins him.
Princess reads 'Rapunzel' to Jelly Bean.

9:40AM Princess, Jelly Bean and Jack Jack listen to a large number of illustrated Australian poetry books.  Favourites such as Mulga Bill's Bicycle, The Bush Christening and The Man from Ironbark.
Jem is close by listening.

10:10AM  Princess goes to the library to continue reading the Caroline years (Little House books.)
Bass wakes up he plays happily on the floor with Jem.
Jelly Bean works on her copywork as I read Bible stories to Jack Jack.  Jelly Bean finishes her copywork and joins us.  Both listen keenly and are eager to narrate (orally).
Einstein has been working on his maths for the last couple of hours with a stretch break or two.  He is keen to make big progress.
Michelangelo has finished an impressive amount of copywork and is reading Star Wars.
Princess plays on the piano, she is rather keen at present and is teaching herself. She then begins a sword fight with Jem.  (Carpenter bought home a bundle of swords the night before.)
Jelly Bean and Jack Jack finish their Faith stories and join in the sword fight.

10:40AM Michelangelo plays the piano, he then writes a history narration.
Jem plays with the Garden of the Good Shepherd again.
Einstein is still working on his maths, Princess is once again reading the Caroline years.
I read a pile of picture books to Jelly Bean, Jack Jack and Jem.  It is developing into a day focusing on the little ones, 'catching up' on the preceding days.

11:10AM Jack Jack goes off to play.  Jem plays with a jigsaw on the floor, Bass 'helps' him.  I throw another load into the washing machine.
Einstein, Michelangelo and Princess gather for a spelling lesson. Jelly Bean and Jack Jack listen in.

11:45AM  Einstein heads back to his maths.  A huge effort in one day, not sure it is the most productive way to do it.
Jem is working on the jigsaw again.
Jelly Bean is drawing spatial drawings, then she wanders off for a play.
I work with Michelangelo and Princess on their geography.  We focus on mapwork (note to self, print maps out prior to the start of day)
Princess is in tears, the task is a little overwhelming, I sit with her and scribe.
The younger ones are playing nearby in the loungeroom, I can see Bass with muffins, he is making a huge mess (I'll deal with that later).  Noisy play is in progress.

12:15PM  Michelangelo finishes his mapwork and leads a charge outside to the trampoline followed by Jelly Bean, Jack Jack and Jem.  They turn the hose on, it is so hot.
I continue working with Princess.
The phone rings, Princess answers, it is a friend, I relay I'll ring back.
Princess finishes and heads outside to join in the waterfun.
Jem comes in wanting a warm shower, he is freezing.

12:45PM  Einstein finally finishes his maths and goes to his room to read.
The children troop in from the trampoline, a sword fight breaks out again.
Michelangelo makes lunch for himself and Jack Jack.

1:10PM Einstein and Michelangelo help me carry the three loads of washing out to the line, and help hang.  Princess organises lunch for herself and Jelly Bean and Jack Jack whilst we are at the line.

1:30PM I finish hanging the washing, it is soo hot out there. I begin my lunch and Bass'.  Whilst that is cooking I vacuum up the mess Bass made with the muffins and return the phone call to my friend.
After lunch I clear up and empty the dishwasher.
The younger boys and Michelangelo have begun their 'free time' hour on the computer.
Einstein checks his emails, then reads in his room.
The girls have begun a massive de-clutter in their bedroom,  I go and aid them, what a mess, we are very happy with the result.

2:30PM  The younger boys computer time is up, the girls hour has begun, Michelangelo has to play a second hour as everyone want to verse him, poor boy;)
The younger boys have a mini meltdown, then settle into to have a feast of kiwifruit.
I head off to my room to feed Bass, hoping to settle him down for another sleep.
Einstein blade boards up and down the hall, then he heads out to the shed, he is building something secret.
The younger boys come into my room to play with Bass, I give up on getting him down for a sleep. I  relax with a book.

3:30PM  The younger boys drift off into another room to play, I check that the girls and Michelangelo are off the computer.
PC rings we have a quick chat, then I tackle some housework.

4:00PM  I hop on the computer and check emails, 4Real and my blog reader.
The younger children are once again playing on the trampoline with the hose.
Einstein is still in the shed, Princess is reading in the library and Michelangelo is reading in his room.
I'm interrupted by Jem wanting to be changed yet again, and Bass needs tending to.
I ring Gae, speak to her son who takes a message.
Bass finally has gone to sleep.

4:30PM Help Einstein write a resume.
Princess heads out to the trampoline.

5:00PM Shower Jem who is freezing from his water play.  Begin cooking tea.
Bass wakes up, the children come in cold from the trampoline, all head to the shower.

6:00PM PC and Carpenter arrive home.  Still cooking tea.
PC has picked up the mail and some of our new books have arrived, lovely!
PC suggests we go out for a date after tea:)
The older two boys are on the computers reserving library books.

6:30PM A sword fight is in play yet again.
Michelangelo barbecues the chicken.
PC cuts floor boards at the other end of the dining room (we are a house under construction, remember)

7:00PM We sit down for tea.
Bass and I have a quick shower.

7:45PM We head out for our date(with Bass), a couple of drinks at the pub, followed by a dessert stop at Hungry Jack's.  A lovely relaxing end to our evening, we really aught to do this more often.

11:20PM We arrive home and all the younger children are asleep, older boys still awake.  Chat about how their eveing went, and ours.

11:45PM  Head to bed and unwind with reading.

12:15AM Lights off, a productive day with a surprise ending.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol 111)

1
PC is in mourning, after 21years of faithful service our lawnmower has finally died.  A Victa that had seen hard years of service even before we purchased it.  Now a decision will be forced, do we buy a ride-on or buy another 'pushie'.  Do spare a thought for PC as he buries his mower, he is extremely attached.

2
For the National Year of Reading our library is hosting a photo contest, the photo is to; capture individuals or groups reading books in "interesting' places. Which photo should I enter?  One with a child hanging upside down on the lounge whilst I read to several children, the one of my daughter reading whilst hanging the washing or should I keep the camera handy for the next month snapping away.  One funny moment I captured but alas without the camera, was my daughter walking through the shopping centre with the baby strapped to her reading the e-reader.

3 
Today Carpenter happily came home with a game he purchased and was keen to play with his siblings.  As I type my children are becoming proficient Poker players. "So Jelly Bean, what did you learn today?"
"How to play Poker" mmm.

4
Trail Guide to World Geography has been a new acquisition this Term but I was floundering in maximising its potential.  After asking the company if the Student Notebook was 'worthwhile' and receiving this response: "It is definitely worth it if you are going to do any of the mapping activities. The main benefit to the student notebook pages is that it's a starting point for your student to make their own personalized notebook. The digital download will have the daily questions listed with spaces to answer, template pages for Trail Blazing activities, and one or maps to go along with each lesson."  I finally purchased and downloaded the  notebook, we now feel clearer in our direction.


5
After sharing my book purchases a little too soon last week, I have been 'caught out'.   There was a 'hicccup' and I didn't purchase when intended.  Finally I was able to checkout my basket today when......I discovered that the The Bird's Gift: An Ukrainian Easter Story is now only available for double its previous price.  Very disappointed as Gae insists it is a must.


6
Our boys were rather excited today, I contacted Telstra to discuss what bundle deals they could offer; to include landline, mobile and internet.  I received a very good deal, but for the boys, they were thrilled to discover we go from an internet download of 12 gig to 500gig!!


7
Looking for some book recommendations for your teens and pre-teens?  I've been reading An Irish Maiden's reviews, wishing our library carried them, I'm particularly interested in the Mismantle Chronicles, Irish Maiden caught my interest when she shared, "Now these books I am still reading they are (in my opinion) better than Redwall because they are more fast paced."


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The Lost Art of Letter Writing

During the holidays I finally sorted and organised years of accumulated paper memorabilia. Cards from important events such as; birthdays, Christmases, our Wedding, sympathy, baby congratulations (easier to sort when newborn's name is specified). A tangible family history, most treasured were re-reading cards with meaningful messages.

Then there was a smaller collection of letters.  Love notes from our courting days, cards from our engagement months, letters exchanged throughout our married life, a handful of letters from friends and relatives (mostly my sister:) and the jackpot were my grandmother's letters.  My departed grandmother was a prolific writer and wrote many words of wisdom to me after our marriage.  It was such a joy to re-read her letters, most beautiful of all was to re-discover a letter she wrote to our firstborn son on his 1st birthday.  I have tucked that away to share with him on his 21st:)

As I created order, praying for those who had touched our lives; some briefly, some for a longer period and some who are still a part of our lives,  I pondered upon the power of the written word, "the pen is mightier than the sword". The written word has a mighty strength to bolster, or to wound (I found a few of those too), the power of the written word lingers far after being penned.

Interestingly, the majority of our memorabilia was from the earlier years of our marriage; not only do your first two children receive more cards than subsequent children;) but the exchange of written mail has dramatically reduced in the last twelve years.  I know I am guilty of this myself, my first choice of communication today is to phone or email rather than write.   Whilst all forms of communication have valid roles, finding my bundle of letters has prompted some contemplation.  With Anna Maria away at College I've been inspired to take up the lost art of letter writing.

*Visit Jen to view her eye-catching stationery basket.

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol 110)

1
Last week I'm certain I totalled bored amused anyone who crossed my path with my Wonder Discovery!  Martha Stewart's Tub Scrub removed scum and mold off my shower and any other surface I scrubbed.  The base of my shower looks brand new, every surface I applied the mixture too looks sparkling, I really can't recommend this scrub highly enough!  Simply a mix of 1 cup of bi-carb, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap(detergent) and essential oil drops (I used eucalyptus) I'm wondering if my bachelor brothers have given it a shot as they politely assured me they would;)
*Hat Tip: Dee

2
Finally I reached my breaking point with telemarketing calls, I simply reached saturation point of unsolicited calls that interrupt and rob my time.  I registered our phone number with the Do Not Call register, within the month telemarketing will be an annoyance of our past.  However to the lovely friend I made via telemarketing, I still recall our delightful hour chat and hope you are still reading my blog, Amelia, you were one in a hundred.

3
Australia has declared it National Year of Reading. Our home is a reading home, the majority of my friends and their children are all keen readers, but many Australians lack basic literacy skills.
Nearly half the adult population lack the literacy skills to meet what's described as "the complex demands of everyday life." That includes such basic tasks as filling in job or loan applications, reading maps or the instructions on medicine bottles.  "
My hope is that one day all Australians can read, not only at a functional level but for sheer enjoyment.  In the words of our Prime Minister; "I certainly want us to be a reading nation... I want every Australian to know the joy and pleasure that comes from books and reading."

4
We have began using the Beginning Apologetics - San Juan Seminar set, and I have to say I'm very impressed with how thorough it is. We are enjoying 'digging deep' and reading, cross-referencing and discussing.

5
Wellness Mama's latest post outlines clearly our own nutritional approach.  However the next area I have to tackle is the purchase of cans, specifically canned tomatoes.  Does anyone know if BPA is a problem with cans in Australia?

6
Yesterday I splurged and bought several titles for Lent and Easter, I can justify this as; I haven't bought Easter books for a couple of years nor did I purchase any Christmas books, so I'm allowed you know;)  Do you want to know what I chose?  Silly question:)
St Patrick - Patrick, Saint of Ireland
St Joseph - Father and Son, & Fear Not Joseph!
Lent/Easter - The Thornbush, On That Easter Morning, Easter Story - Spirin, Easter Swallows, Introduction to the Liturgical Year, & The Bird's Gift: An Ukrainian Easter Story.
What do you think?  Will I be happy?

7
 What to write next? I have so many ideas and posts to share I'm not sure where to begin.  Do I start with; when Anna Maria left for College and how she is going?  All About Spelling how we use it and what do I think? Princess' educational planning what she is reading and how she is directing her learning, the lost art of letter writing my find and my thoughts, our first lounge purchase and opinion, the last few days of our Road Trip, or do you want another house building post? more book reviews? learning notes?
What do you want to read? 

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Body Surfing in the Rain

We had an immense downpour recently and water from the dam's overflow was pouring out. Normally this area is a road that meanders along through our property, which makes it totally safe to body surf on when there is a deluge.  As soon as the rain lessened a little the body boards were gathered and we all headed down to the bush for a surf.  Hours of fun 'riding the waves' and damming the current (PC's idea he should have been an engineer), playing until dark when the mosquitoes chased us home.

*Collage credit to GreatFun4Kids