Autumn Daybook

Outside my window...

The grey and green look of another wet day, and the scary thought is that for the moment we are enjoying it.

I am listening to...

Rain, refreshing, relaxing, restful rain.  We missed it heaps over our very long, very dry summer now it is so good to have wet days, a fire and just be. 

I am thankful for...

Beyond the rain, I am thankful for the end of our school term and one in which more has worked than not work. Lots of good things have been happening which I'll try and record as I relax over the next two weeks.

From the learning rooms...

We're at the end of the first term for the year. Since we have four terms its kinda our summer term, but that sounds really strange on a homeschool blog.

Looking back its been a long super busy term, way too hot for school, heaps of challenges but we've hung in there and done well. I'm proud of what they have achieved.

From the kitchen...

With my in-laws coming for a week, I'm trying to get my head around gluten free cooking - or at least lunches and dinners that  they can join us for. Its a challenge. I'm so used to using bread and pasta to fill out my shopping budget that I feel like I'm tossing 90% of my meal plans. Thanks to a big bag  of veges at the farmers market I think I have a plan...at least for the evening meals maybe this is the nudge I need to clean up the dependance on flour, but then fresh bread is so good.

I am reading..

We have just finished the Omnibus readings for the American Civil War - which showed a much deeper and complex situation that anything I had come across as a child. Then again American History isn't necessarily a priority when our public schools have our own history to cover.  We head into WW1 just as we come to our national commemoration of  the NZ/Australian  troops in Turkey. Nice timing.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

 The last few weeks have been  hectic, and busy, this week I am hoping we get to slow down and smell the roses.Tidy up the loose homeschool ends, spin, knit, catch up with the in-laws and try to relax.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

 

A Patchwork of Days

Outside my window...

Green, everything is growing and flourishing, except the roses which having given their first blooms are waiting for me to dead-head them.

I am listening to...

Silence, almost silence, my youngest if curled up on the couch talking to the kittens, who are pondering whether they are sleepy or ready to play. Somehow these two little bundles of fur manage to sound like a herd of elephants when they start racing after each other.

I am thankful for...

A newly turned 15 yr old and an opportunity to go out for dinner in celebration of our 18th wedding anniversary. Life is good.

From the learning rooms...

We're still working on Roland and enjoying reading a Midsummer-night's dream as a family. After months of half days and tiredness were finally starting to pick up Latin and Greek again..not such good timing but its nice to feel positive about school. the pieces are falling into place for a very different summer.

From the kitchen...

Not much happening. I should be making rose-petal jam fudge and a Christmas cake, and in reality they will happen somewhere in between the ballet rehearsals and the schoolwork.

I am reading..

Roland and a Midsummer-nights dream. Its been fun to get back into reading Shakespeare together, and with the business of this season its good if we have to keep going to be able to drop the after school reading prep, watch a movie with hubby and read together as a family.


A few plans for the rest of the week:

The last busy week for the year. Ballet, ballet and more ballet. The Christmas shopping is almost done, the box for Christchurch family wrapped, time for some baking, some sitting back and watching kittens, board-games unless the weather clears, and some learning. It should be a very good week.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Dress Rehearsals the girls in my daughters class. These are the Chinese costumes that we spent our spring break making. I'm looking forward to seeing how beautiful they all look on the night.

A Patchwork of Days

Outside my window...

Cloudy and overcast - spring rain, ouch. Tony's was away overnight with his class on a outdoors education weekend. I hope they didn't get the rain as last night they were sleeping out in the bush under tarpaulins.... will have to spoil him when he gets back tonight.

I am listening to...

Rain, birdsong, natural quite, everyone else is sleeping in.

I am thankful for...

Roses, Irises, a garden in full bloom, a tidy desk, space to relax and rest...hope of the kittens coming soon, family

From the learning rooms...

New rhythms are growing, which is good, school these days is a lot more relaxed, not schedule driven but next thing driven. Its nice not to always feel pressured to keep them moving forward. Its nice to be able to admit when we need a break and take time to rest.

From the kitchen...

Not much, its time to spring clean the freezer and use up the frozen leftovers...so last night we had Beef Casserole turned into a pie with a short wholemeal crust..yum.

I am reading..

It's been a while as a family we just finished the Lord of the Rings... its been great having Tony read it with all the voices and well I miss looking forward to our chapter at the end of the day. At least the Gollum voices are still with us.

Alongside that this week we've had Beowulf and Robin Hood. I've enjoyed Beowulf especially with the Veritas motes and questions alongside. Having these books in context to read through makes them a richer than when we have read them as stand alone titles.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Its a busy week ahead... and yet the calm before the storm.

We'll put up the Christmas tree early this year.Each year we add one decoration for the year that has been, and well this year we need to remember Zeke, so it would be good to do that before the kittens arrive. Wonder how they will like the tree... kitten fence needed?

We have government elections on Saturday, that instead of being simple, straightforward they were this time last week have become uncertain and muddy, unfortunately we may live to regret this weekend. God is in control right?

On top of that Christmas shopping for the wider family, and the unceasing round of pre recital ballet.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Pippin - 8 weeks

We got photos from the breeder last week, the first time we've seen them at play and Pippin gained himself the nickname of "Possum" not sure the breeder would be impressed, our kiwi possums are imports who have made themselves unwanted guests...but this one is a keeper!

A Patchwork of Days - Daybook

Outside my window...

The sky is clearing after one of the few spring showers that we have had this season. I've been watering the garden for some weeks, its nice to have rain. Its also nice to look out while it clears.


I am listening to...

The sound of kids talking as they clear last nights dishes. Its a nice happy sound for all of us. Sometimes parenting is easy.

I am thankful for...

Lots of little things - this week has made me aware of the effects of being grateful...

• for eggplants on sale and moussaka for Sat night dinner, 
• rose syrup that makes great rose flavoring for Mediterranean desserts,
• hubby moving my desk back over to the window so I have better light for reading, 
• the gift of a  second hand laptop for the kids...
• extra space because we moved out the old school computer. 

 It is good to look at the world through gratitude.
 
From the learning rooms...

Busy! My daughter has had the hard word that she needs to finish her work for the term by Christmas. She's been working at half pace all year, and objecting to speeding up. Since I don't handle conflict well I've tried to jolly her along, and focus on what is good. Now we've had to address this head on. It will be a busy few weeks.

From the kitchen...

On Thursday I put together the first batch of Rose-petal Jelly...I was a bit timid and its a good Rose Syrup...great for baklava and other Middle Eastern deserts so I'm looking forward to enjoying them but it looks like after we do the monthly shopping I will be making another batch or two.

I am reading...

I'm hoping to get time in our omnibus schedule and read the next installment of Norse Myths for my youngest son's studies. I've enjoyed seeing the background of the other major influence in English literature - especially Tolkien even if sometimes these stories seem very depressing and wild.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

A much quieter week ahead - almost normal before ballet practices and year end activities start to effect us. This is good. I like quiet.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

A Patchwork of Days - Daybook

Outside my window...
A blaze of purple, pale blue, cream, burgundy and green the Iris are in full flower. Behind them roses are opening. Definitely time to sit outside and enjoy the view

I am listening to...
Our last book order from Amazon for next year arrives - and with it my Christmas CD for this year - Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest. Its a little bit early but we couldn't resist playing it for the first time.

I am thankful for...
At the dress rehearsal yesterday I was once again grateful for the roles that my daughter has had over the years and the current choreography put together by their dance teacher. The studio is doing Tinkerbell.. and the junior grades are a mix of small creatures and fairies... the older Jazz grades are toned down this year - but the adult themes in the music isn't quite what I would want to hear every week. for my girl...they have been given the Call from Prince Caspian, and Maze of Grace. Both fun, refreshing and our girls get to be young ladies. Yes I'm grateful.

From the learning rooms...
Celebrations - my middle child who has the reputation for not enjoying languages is consistently getting 90% in his weekly tests. The move to Henle this year, and a gain in confidence have made a huge difference.

From the kitchen...
More thoughts in how I structure our purchases, and keeping order in the kitchen. I spent part of yesterday morning working through a list of the the preserves that I will make this season - fruit crops allowing and what I want to pick up in terms of meat when the price drops in Autumn. I think I have a plan.

I am reading...
The pile by my desk is growing, but this has been a week to relax and enjoy CS Lewis, Narnia style. 

A few plans for the rest of the week:
I would like to say that the peaceful routine of life returns but it looks like another fun and busy week. We have a Water Safety Day at our local pools, which if it is like  the one they had last year will be a lot of fun. I also have a Friend coming over for coffee.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

A Patchwork of Days - Daybook

Outside my window...

Spring, a mass of green a border of Iris in nearly full bloom, Self sown Grannies Bonnets amongst the Iris, Roses about to open, oh yes and well weeds

I am listening to...

The family is relaxing in from of Ratatouille after a late Saturday night of Guy Fawkes fireworks. When the movie is quiet there is silence.

I am thankful for...

The teaching series we have been listening to from Mars Hill. Learning to be teachable with lots of opportunities to practice this arising in our daily lives.

From the learning rooms...

 I really need to catch up on my Latin studies so that my daughter has work for tomorrow. I was meant to work in Sat instead we went on a family trip to buy a trailer. Um Latin after supper. I'm enjoying  the Aeneid and Luke, have avoided looking ahead to far into next week.

From the kitchen...

Re-organizing my routines back to our monthly shopping and dinners from the pantry again. Somehow over the past few years one good idea after another has turned simple and fun upside down. Money saving ideas seem to have added to my budget in ways that I still don't understand.  How is it that money saving good ideas can end up making the food bill just so much bigger?  Its nice to return to normal, and re-discover a our version of simple and easy.

I am reading...

Seasons of a Mothers heart and a couple of other good devotional books found their way into my bookshelf this week. I'm hoping to enjoy some encouraging reading.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

This week looks like being simply normal. I need to plant some tomatoes, my seed raised ones haven't quite survived transplanting and so I need to buy some. I'm also hoping to tidy up the section ans sweep the spring snow off the pathways. Saturday is the dress rehearsal for my daughter's end of year production.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

A Simple Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window,
Green and pink everywhere. Spring has come into our garden and the first pink cherry blossoms have given way to green. Soon the blue and yellow of Iris will grace our garden.

I am listening to...
My daughter sewing, finishing off a yellow summer dress.

I am thankful for...
My kids, we are in the middle of birthday season, and it is good to single each one out for a time and enjoy their gifts and uniqueness.

From the learning rooms...
We've returned to Friday's being project day. Its nice for me to be able to tidy up the loose ends and relax at the end of the week. It is also good to see the fruit of our learning at the end of the week.

From the kitchen..
Its Sunday afternoon and all of us are looking forward to hour weekly home-made pizza. It's a nice simple way to end the day, especially as now the kids help to prepare it. Meringues are on the menu as well, using up the egg whites from last nights desert.

I am reading...
I'm looking forward to enjoying the early Rome selections from Omnibus, the Aeneid and The Early History of Rome, as well as starting Kreeft's the Best Things in Life.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Schools out for Monday - Labour weekend, for the rest of the week, I'm hoping to plant out some of the seedlings we have been growing.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

In the tradition of the Simple Womans Daybook

A Patchwork of Days - Daybook

FOR TODAY

Outside my window,

Grey and overcast - Yes, another autumn morning without a frost and another day for my tomatoes and peppers, and zucchinis to ripen.

I am listening to...
Silence, it won't last for long but there is quiet in the rush of chores and hubby getting ready to leave for work.

I am thankful for...
Fresh eggs and veges from the garden.

From the learning rooms...
Slowly settling, every-time I think that we are there it seems to fall apart, but slowly my middle son is learning how to work, and there are less distraction in our day. We seem to have build up a habit that every-time their was sibling rivalry the day feel apart to it. With three string willed kids, to leader wannabes and a relatively high level of emotional empathy that can be very good or very destructive. Slowly we are working thorugh it and building a firm foundation.

From the kitchen...
Corn and Zucchini fritters, pasta with tomatoes and zucchinis and onions, roast chicken with home grown potatoes, parsnips and leeks. I've been enjoying having the garden dictate my choices.

I am wearing...
A Denim skirt and soft floral top, its still warm enough for summer clothes but not for much longer.

I am reading...
Till we have faces, I really didn't know what to expect, but I have really enjoyed what this book has taught us as a family.

An encouraging word
Yesterday my husband was speaking of how our curriculum choices and the e-groups I'd joined had become a source of Christian input both for me the kids and for him. It made my day to be encouraged in this way.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Keeping up to date and enjoying school, we have bible week this week, which means less reading for mum, phew, I'm exhausted as we head to the holidays.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



In the tradition of the Simple Womans Daybook

A Simple Daybook

FOR TODAY
Outside my window,
Lots of blossom buds just a day or two from opening

I am listening to...
The heater fan whirring, quiet pencil noises, peace.

I am thankful for...
A calm Friday, in the midst of ballet exam nerves and in-laws visiting

From the learning rooms...
Poetry and growth. I think that we took a huge step forward this week in terms of the kids settling into school work and the growing realization that its 100% about attitude and atmosphere.

From the kitchen...
Umm..taking the plunge and making a real carrot cake for the kids, comfort food or sfish pie, homemade hamburgers, and fun....

I am wearing...
Jeans and a soft cream jersey. finally finding an old pair of jeans that fit - how did i manage to buy two pairs of jeans last season that were simply a size to big...ugg!

I am reading...
Notes on Exodus... when I can my reading has fallen victum to trying to keep up with my kids Latin and Greek...slowly slowly

I am praying for...
Peace in this family, and our wider family, peace at my husbands work...

On of my favourite things...
Sitting with a cup of tea looking out over the garden and just enjoying the moment. (Why don't I do that more often. )

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Ballet exams, and soccer, a slower week, making use of the pool pass before it expires, and afternoons in... exodus or geology still praying still deciding, maybe we should finish of swimming creatures instead.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

In the tradition of the Simple Womans Daybook

A Patchwork of Days

FOR TODAY
Outside my window,
Lovely snow covered mountains waiting to call us to find ski gear and enjoy.

I am listening to...
The voices of my children discussing the meter of Ben Franklin at the kitchen table behind me.

I am thankful for...
Christian writers and blogs that provide support and encouragement in God's word to counter the effects of the ideas of the emergent church.

From the learning rooms...
A fun week, looking at the cultures of Ancient India, China and Africa...

From the kitchen...
Excuses to experiment with different foods in the kitchen. Our Sat cleebration dinner this week will have African flavours...should be fun.

I am wearing...
Jeans and a lilac jersey, comfy and casual.

I am reading...
Seed Catalogs and gardening books...looking forward to planting our vege garden.

I am praying for...
A renewed sense of the Gospel in our local church and christian community.

On of my favourite things...
Watching a fantail play among the trees of our garden.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
A slow relaxed re-entry back into school routines for everyone.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...




In the tradition of the Simple Womans Daybook