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? 

Visit Conversion Diary for more 7 Quick Takes.

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

Aussie NBTS - Our Learning Spaces

Our assignment this week for the Not Back to School Blog Hop is to share our learning spaces.  When Kylie designated Week Three to be Learning Spaces I knew the moment of truth would arrive eventually.  We don't live in an ordinary home, we are slowly building our home, and parts are not pretty, in fact the most unfinished part is the area in which  the bulk of our learning occurs.  The advantage of designing and building your own home is, after over a decade of home educating and previously extending two homes before we know how we use our home differently and utilised that knowledge when planning. We have some areas we are pretty excited about and others that show great potential.  One day it will all look pretty:)

Our study is our boys' favourite room, with a number of computers.  Not only room for computers but a quiet area for our high schoolers to work in.  My favourite feature is, doors which can be closed for quiet and locked when needed;)





Adjacent to the study is the living room, where we gather a few times daily for read alouds.
The cork board was a school sale find, one day I have plans for pretty but for now it is practical.







Our main learning area, adjacent to the living room where we congregate for joint lessons and where I work with our younger children. Stationery and daily use books are stored here. Eventually this will be our new kitchen and the learning room will move to the current living room.

Viewing this area from the other end, the table in the foreground designates our dining room.  Having a second table means books do not have to be packed up for every meal, a definite advantage. The cupboards and blackboard we found at the Convent school sale.

In the corner is a book display.  Living books for current topics and titles for strewing.

Running along the front wall of the house we have three cupboards.

The one in the lounge room houses craft and sewing supplies, supplies that the children are encouraged to access freely.









Sometimes I strew quality art supplies on the cupboard in the pool room and encourage freedom of expression.














Our three older boys all have desks in their rooms. By highschool we have discovered a need for quiet, individual space to study at times.









My favourite room in our home, the library.  A haven of calm, a dream come true!







Learning happens in many other ways, academically with science in the kitchen (alas couldn't locate the photo file) or non-traditionally with; pool in the games room.

Co-operative play in the 'playground'.













Learning how to build a home









Experiencing a rural lifestyle.

Our children are blessed with many learning spaces, we give thanks for our blessings.

Aussie NBTS - Our Plans & Resources

 This week at the Not Back to School Blog Hop Kylie has us all chatting about our plans and resources for the upcoming year.

We've been home educating for well over a decade now, we were drawn to home education from the beginning.  Initially we were strongly influenced by John Holt (unschooling/Natural Learning) Raymond Moore and Maria Montessori, later Ruth Beechick and Valerie Bendt (unit studies) were added to the mix and then we met Charlotte Mason.  All these, combined with our love of literature and our Catholic Faith created an eclectic concoction. We enjoy designing our own curriculum, with  direct input from the children that considers teaching and learning styles, is tailored to meet individual needs, and supports our family culture.  Much of our plans are spring boarded from discussions at 4Real and the plans at Mater Amabilis. 

Over the years as our family size has grown and our children have matured, our approach has evolved to suit our changing needs.  In the last several years we have added more 'textbooks' to our plans, albeit living style textbooks.  We have, I feel, managed to source some of the 'cream of the crop'.   Our days have evolved into a more structured rhythm and I plan more, a need I didn't have with less, and younger children.  We miss our more Natural Learning days, but we're confident where we are now is a good fit.  However our plans remain a tool only, and I'm always open to being fluid if needed, there is always more than one way to achieve a goal.

Obviously the following plans/resources are not the full picture, they can not show the 'side trails' we will take, nor the many 'extra' resources the children will read of their own volition, nor the documentaries and you-tubes that will be viewed, nor the new plans that could spring up if old ones are ditched. They do not document the many supporting books that will be read, the computer sites used, the games played, discussions, life skills, building skills and real living.  I decided to take pity on you and spare you, besides many of these belong to the yet, unknown, I have to allow some spontaneity for my creativity:)  Plans for 6+ students makes for alot of reading, if you manage to read to the end of the post accolades to you!

*For ease of your reading I'll use eduspeak; Pre-school/Infants (K-2)/Primary(Grades 3-5)/Highschool (Grades 7-12 in NSW)
Whilst the '3Rs' resources remain the same throughout the year the other subjects may change per term.

Maths
Infants/Primary - Singapore Maths
Highschool - Mathematics.com.au
                    Life of Fred Beginning Algebra

Language Arts

• Phonics/Beginning Reading

Infants - Spalding Phonics
             Queensland Readers
             Variety of basic readers of readers choice ie. Dr Suess,  etc

• Independent Reading

Each term every independent reader is encouraged to read at least one novel of a high literature standard, one Faith and at least one additional history, geography, nature and science book independently.
Of course they read many more than one literature novel, they all read voraciously.  4Real and Mater Amabilis are most useful when gathering books suggestions.

• Family Read Alouds

We daily read together a novel for pleasure, managing to complete about 2 to 3 novels a term.  Our novels are chosen via what we have on our shelves and recommendations.  Currently our read alouds are;
Infants/Primary -  All of a Kind Family - Sydney Taylor
Lower Highschool - Lord Brocktree - Brian Jacques

• Picture Books

Pre-school/Infants - We plan to read at least two daily, which adds up.
We have a large collection of books to choose from.

• Poetry

All - We endeavour to read at least two daily.  We have a wide collection of poetry book.
I encourage the children to memorise at least two per term.

• Studied Dictation

Primary/Highschool - Spelling Wisdom

• Spelling

All - All About Spelling

• Copywork

Infants/Primary/Highschool (Grs 7&9) - Startwrite

• Grammar

Primary - Intermediate Language Lessons

• Composition

Infants - A weekly time where we brainstorm ideas and they dictate a story whilst I scribe.
Primary - All Things Fun & Fascinating
Highschool - Elements of Writing - Kinneavy & Warriner

• Shakespeare

All - Plans from Jimmie and my own

• Logic

Highschool -The Fallacy Detective 

• Literary Analysis

Upper Highschool- Windows to the World

Faith
Preschool/Infants (K) - New Catholic Picture Bible

Infants (Gr 2)/Primary - Term 1 - Life of Our Lord for Children

Highschool  (Gr 7) - Beginning Apologetics 
                   (Gr 9) - Introduction to Catholicism
                  (Gr 11) - Understanding the Scriptures

Science
Infants/Primary - Living book unit on birds.
Using living books and reference books from our branch and home library.  Focusing predominately on Australian birds.  To notebook/narrate findings.

Highschool (Gr7)- God's Design for Science; Inventions and Technology
To read his way through the whole series.

Highschool (Gr9) -John Hudson Tiner Exploring Series
Our son is currently reading his way through this series.

Highschool (Gr 11) Term 1- Astronomy Unit
Using reference and living books from branch library and our own.
Also including various internet resources such as Barb's.
Our son is planning his own science program focusing on a different discipline each term, to also include; Physics, Chemistry & Biology.  Currently for Astronomy he is reading many of Dava Sobel's books. He is notebooking his research.

History
Infants - Story of the World 1 Ancient History

Primary - American History
Living books from our library, notebooking findings.
Studies directed and planned by our daughter.

Highschool - Story of the World 3 Middle Ages
To supplement with Catholic world-view we have added;
The Story of the Church
How the Catholic Church built Western Civilization

Geography
Infants/Primary/Lower Highschool - Trail Guide to World Geographyv

Highschool - (Gr 9) - World Physical Geography
                     (Gr 11) Autobiographies

Infants/Primary Only

Nature Study
Infants/Primary - To take a nature walk, observe and record at least once weekly.
Some years we are strong here, other years well, it's on the plans at least;)
Wonderland of Nature, Insect Adventures and many more resources are available.

Creative Arts
We endeavour to add art appreciation, music appreciation, art and craft.
Note endeavour, some years it happens and many years the creative arts only spasmodically occur.
There are a plethora of resources on the internet for inspiration and guidance.
However materials are readily available and someone is always creating, drawing and music is playing.  The children are all involved in swimming, gymnastics and soccer.

Highschool Only
Current Affairs

PC & I (mostly PC) email our children various current news and discuss

Language- Spanish
(Grs 7 & 9) - Live Mocha

Economics
(Gr 9) Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?

Technology
Last year our teens salvaged and rebuilt computers, this year the focus is more on software and ensuring they are comfortable with technology such as; webcams, power point, Word, excel etc.
The library has resources but often the best teacher is to just 'dive in' and use.

Did you make it all the way?!

It's My Party - Four Decades!!

This week I celebrated my 40th birthday!!!  Two days prior PC celebrated his birthday:):)
PC totally spoilt me with our first brand new lounge!  A leather lounge!! which we can all sit together on:)  Words can't express how much I enjoy this lounge.


PC also delighted me with a trip away for a day and two nights to a Resort!  Just imagine all that time alone with only a baby.  You can bet we enjoyed being able to converse without interruptions, to meander at will through the day.

To soak up the ambience of resort living.  We indulged in Continental breakfasts and I was treated to a massage.

Our mornings began enjoying the ocean view.  Then we had breakfast overlooking the pool.  One night we enjoyed dinner at a local Thai restaurant.

The first morning my Prince delighted me by insisting on scouring all the op-shops for books, a treat he knows I love.  I felt so loved as he indulged my whim, happily trailing from shop to shop.

As much as we love our darlings, time away was good for our relationship, to simply spend uninterrupted time together.  Thank you to those who made this special time possible{{{}}}

Turning 40 has precipitated a time of reflection. Truthfully I can say, I have little regrets and believe I have achieved all I wanted in the past 40 years, I've packed alot into these four decades;)  Here's to the next four:)

7 Quick Takes Friday (Vol 109)

1
We've just completed Week 2 of the beginning of the Australian school year.  Gone are the days that we start the term only to have me perpetually  re-writing our lesson plans every few days for the first few weeks.  I followed that script for many years but after years of home education I finally have a more balanced idea of what works and what doesn't for our family.  Nowadays I only need to make small tweaks.

2
What is playing havoc with our daily rhythm this term are changes in family dynamics.  With our first about to leave home and another teen frequently working the lunch shift, which necessitates me tagging along as supervisory driver, our rhythm is shot.  Scrambling here to find our equilibrium.

3
Last weekend we discovered a snake on our side verandah.  Imagine our relief when we discovered it was not one of Australia's many deadly snakes but a Diamond Python (Carpet Snake).  However we have been keeping the side door locked as, despite one son's musing that it would be funny, albeit slightly funny, if the snake turned up in mum's bed, we don't think so!  Remember the bat that periodically flies through our house?  Well he is back and bolder than ever, flying around in the night whilst we are awake, swooping up and down the halls and over our heads.  Nobody else is annoyed, only me.

4
Anna Maria undertook and passed a stimulated driving test yesterday.  This now means she has her 'Green Ps' (provisional license).  She can now drive at 100km an hour and tow a trailer, this license is held for a minimum of two years.  Another milestone.  She has been rather busy finalising details and visiting various departments.  Today was her last day at the library, at least until she is home for her holidays.

5
It will soon be 'kerbside' pickup for our town, a twice yearly service wherein rate payers set out large items of rubbish for removal.  Often 'one man's junk is another's treasure' and many items are collected by passer bys prior to pickup day.  Tomorrow our 'troops' shall be marshalled and we will collect every item of rubbish from around the yards and sheds.  Sad to say they are not thrilled at the prospect, but I am:)  I'm also keen to see what passing drivers will take home.

6
In our battle against acne we are currently trying a new product from a brand new company.  We are focusing on replacing minerals and vitamins as well as repairing the skin.  A little early to come to a firm conclusion but thus far teen's skin is the best ever!

7
The majority of the time I see myself as a fairly optimistic person, life is pretty good and looking on the 'bright side' definitely makes life's challenges lighter.  So would you describe yourself as an optimist or a pessimist?  Is the glass half full or half empty?

Betty Beguiles is hosting 7 Quick Takes this week.

Aussie NBTS - Meet Our Students

 Joining in with Kylie over at the Aussie Not Back to School Blog Hop.  Thank you Kylie for the invitation, extending the invite to all Aussie home educator bloggers to  join us in the fun.  This week we are introducing our students.

Without further ado I invite you to 'meet' our Seven(Plus) Little Australians, from the baby through to our recent and first 'graduate'.  Our students have always been Home Educated.


Bass aged 10months

• Always smiling
• Completely easy going
• Totally confident that he is the centre of the Universe
• Takes all the love showered upon him as his due
• Wants to be in on any action, commando crawls everywhere

Jem aged 3yrs 5months

• Complete daredevil
• Always climbing with the hardest head we've seen, which is just as well.
• Extremely independent, yet gives beautiful hugs
• Constantly talking
• Keen to do anything his siblings do

Jack Jack aged 5yrs 7months

• Exceptionally sweet with a loyal soul. 
• Thrives with individual attention
• Incredible maths aptitude
• Beginner reading with ease
• Determined swimmer

Jelly Bean aged 7yrs 7months

• Strong Athletic
• A people person
• Enjoys handwriting
• Maths mostly comes easy
• Emerging reader who also looks forward to read alouds

Princess aged 10yrs 4months

• Recently discovered the joys of reading
• Learns best with a literature based approach
• Our 'can fix-it' girl.  An item needs repairing? Princess sets to with the tool kit
• Enjoys organising and labelling
• Loves all things girl, is wonderful company

Michelangelo aged 12yrs 7months

• Talented artist and has a great sense of rhythm
• Soaks up any and all knowledge, incredible memory
• Keen scientist
• Loves running
• Complete extrovert and is very confident

Einstein aged 14yrs 10months

• Quick mind and deep thinker
• Eclectic reader who learns effortlessly in most areas
• Keen observer of nature
• Sensitive of others
• Mature and responsible

Carpenter aged 16yrs 9months

• Our networker, mature and responsible
• Loves fantasy and is writing his own novel
• A creative and conceptual thinker
• Confident builder of; computers and homes
• Talented Athletic

Anna Maria aged 18yrs 5nths

• Our first 'Graduate'
• Speed reader with a eclectic taste who consumes a prodigious amount
• Independent learner
• Introvert who pushes her boundaries
• Confident and calm,  simply awesome

She Goes Forth - The Times, They are A Changin'

In less than a fortnight our eldest leaves home! Anna Maria is excited and eagerly looking forward to beginning the next stage in her life's journey.

Eight months ago Anna Maria began a course at our local TAFE, Administration/Bookkeeping, Certificate 3.  She quickly found her rhythm and enjoyed the experience of formal classes and independence.  We watched her blossom and bloom with pride.  Just before Christmas she sat for her final exams and passed with flying colours, receiving 100% for Bookeeping!

Throughout this period Anna Maria had been discerning what direction to take next.  In October she applied to attend a Catholic Liberal Arts College.  All applicants to the College have to write an application essay and are subsequently interviewed.  Anna Maria was accepted to attend the College on the proviso that she undertake and do well on the STAT test.  Students who enter via traditional schooling undertake the HSC, home educated students can use their STAT results, both result in ATAR scores.  Anna Maria sat the STAT exam in November and did extremely well (ATAR 84).

At this stage Anna Maria is contemplating a career in librarianship and to that end has been working since November as a volunteer at our local branch library, two days each week  She absolutely loves her work there.  However publishing is also an option she is considering.

In December our local homeschool group held their first Presentation night.  At this event our Anna Maria 'officially graduated'.  Her Dad gave a lovely speech, it was truly a beautiful moment.

As Anna Maria spreads her wings and goes forth, we see our life is changing, shifting.  Although we continue to always be here, offering our loving support; being a sounding board, a guiding hand, our roles are evolving to new ones. We send Anna Maria forth with confidence that she has chosen the right path for her, going where she is meant to be.  Eagerly anticipating watching her blossom and bloom further.
We love you darling, it is a privilege to be your parents.

Pinning it Down - Grain Free Baking

Joining in with Sarah and Pam as they encourage me to turn my pins into an actual project.


To my readers it must appear that all my energy at present is directed towards the gastronomical, whilst that is not entirely so, pinning projects did once again focus on my Grain Free board.

Our grain free breakfast menu this week included Grain Free Blueberry Banana Muffins from Real Food Whole Health.   As our little ones are not yet keen on berries, so I made half with and half without.  The only complaint was I didn't make enough.

We also thoroughly enjoyed Double Down Chocolate Muffins from Healthful Pursuits but alas I didn't manage a photo before they were all gobbled.  Truly though the most moist, fluffy, gnawish muffins I have ever baked from coconut flour!

This week was the week I tackled our lunch menu with more thought.  We discovered the joys of fritattas.  With cooking tips empowering me with a Clean out Your Fridge Fritatta from Tea and Cookies I made our very own Fritatta, a gloriously wild combination of carrot, beetroot, corn and tomato.

Join us at Pam's for the Party Fun.

Whole 30, Week 3 - Menu

Sharing our menu from the past week once again, in a desire to demonstrate how a large family or those on a tight budget can eat predominately Primal/Paleo.  Once again a slightly incomplete list, relying on our pre-planned menu for records.  Be sure to read Angela's Week 4 for another large family menu.
* Items on the menu which are not Whole 30 are in italic.  Mostly they have been eaten by the non-whole 30ers, not me. Potatoes remain on our menu as we find them difficult for a large family budget to eliminate.

Breakfasts

• Yoghurt and Fruit 
• Weetbix (children) & Walnut Granola
• Bacon and Eggs X 2 (PC loves fried tomato and leftover potato with his)
• Muffins & Banana Bread This time I made nut butter with my juicer. Excellent result
• Apple Fruinola  (Huge hit! Favourite)
• Grain Free Blueberry Banana Muffins

Lunches
Our Garden Salads slightly vary each time, they may include; lettuce, tomato, carrot, capsicum, cucumber, broccoli, green beans, mushroom, radish, baby spinach, red cabbage, white cabbage and red.

• Garden Salad and Silverside (baked)
• Fruit Salad (Big Hit)
• Zucchini Bake & Garden Salad
• Carrot/Beetroot/corn/tomato Frittata & Garden Salad 
• Tuna Salad with Garden Salad
• Coconut Pancakes (horrid) & Boiled Eggs

Dinners

• BBQ; Sausages, Lamb Chops, Mashed Potato, Mashed Pumpkin and Broccoli
• Grilled Chicken Thighs, Mashed Potato, Mashed Pumpkin and Broccoli (Big Hit!)
• Chips (fast food)
• Sizzling Garlic Beef with Broccolini and Rice (teens and I abstained from rice) Need to find substitute for cornflour
• Tuna Mornay (rice for the rule breakers;) Didn't thicken well with coconut flour:(  More research needed.
• Lamb Roast and Baked Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes and Peas
• Potato Bake, Roasted Bacon Brussel Sprouts & Zucchini, & Baked Eggplant.  (Only the zucchini got the thumbs up) 

Snacks
We bought boxes of fruit, although the Whole 30's emphasis is on vegetables not fruit.

• Bananas
• Peaches
• Almonds, Sultanas
• Double Choc Muffins (Grain free) x 2. Absolutely Delis the first time!! Moist and fluffy, a bit dry the second time, I didn't measure preciously.
• Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies (didn't pin so can't direct, sorry, but they were horrid anyway.  I overdid the bi-carb.  an 1/8 tsp means precisely that)

Drinks

• Water

*Bonus - Frittata
Via these tips, I created a recipe for our future use.
4 cups of vegies (any combination)
2 Cups of Cheese
10 eggs
Seasoning

Have I shared how much I love my Kitchen Aid food processor?  Thank you PC:):) I LOVE it and as you know use it daily.