Life's a Journey

2009-04-05T22:29:00.004+12:00

Hello.......no we haven't disappeared off the face of earth!!! You might like to have a look over here.........I decided to have a go at a Wordpress blog beginning way back in February but you might find me back here before long! There is a lot to learn and if anyone wants to give some practical hints on getting the best out of Wordpress they are most welcome!

OUR KIWI CHRISTMAS TREE

2008-12-18T22:00:00.002+13:00

I love seeing the Pohutukawa trees blossom at Christmas. It makes me feel like it really IS summer, at last. Our own backyard one lit up this week:-)

PACIFIC ANGELS

2008-12-18T21:54:00.004+13:00

These beautiful kiwi angels are gracing our walls this Christmas.....

Beautiful Angels and more.......

2008-12-18T21:34:00.006+13:00

We had a fun night with the T family last night.

The children put on a 'Christmas Concert' for the Dads.........

the youngest 'angels' recited a favourite poem called 'Ooey Gooey'........

there was strumming from the Director..........

the chief actor.........

more angelic singing..........

big brother reciting............................

and these two had fun with jingle bells on the piano!

and then there were mothers creating in the kitchen, look at the bottom of that bowl, guess where it landed!!! Nothing than couldn't be disguised by cream and berries!!!!

Well done everyone! Great effort for only 48 hours prep!!!!

AN AFTERNOON IN THE KITCHEN

2008-12-16T23:26:00.000+13:00

REINDEER APPEARANCES

2008-12-16T23:22:00.000+13:00

PASIFIKA CHRISTMAS

2008-12-16T23:11:00.002+13:00

We had the opportunity to visit the Corban Arts Estate last week for a 'Pasifika Christmas' workshop.........we were shown (and were able to try it for ourselves!) the art of Pacific drumming and dancing. We also made some Pacific 'Angels/Fairies' out of native materials...all organic according to the tutor!

CHRISTMAS FUN!

2008-12-16T22:56:00.004+13:00

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 6: Beach Fun

2008-12-09T22:11:00.009+13:00

J13 and E11 had the opportunity to take part in a H/S Water Activity day at the end of November. There were some 80 children there from all over the city, even some from as far away as the BOP. The weather was amazing and the day was well organised by the capable staff of MERC. J13 took part in sailing, 'stack-em high' and archery and E11 was able to go snorkling, kayaking and climbing crates as well. S8 was a very attentive onlooker and decided he would definitly like to have a go next time! And A3 just had a fun time exploring at the beach! Here are some pics of the action:

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 5: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-12-09T21:45:00.007+13:00

another birthday celebration...........another year younger!

thanks for being my best friend, someone to love, to laugh and cry with, to share dreams

and to grow with

loving

forgiving

wise

strong

funny

talented

discerning

just a few words that begin to describe your character...

we love you so muchx

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 4: Best Friends

2008-12-09T21:16:00.004+13:00

***Teachers******Schools ***
***and Holidays***

***

(This may seem a little strange, our family know what it's all about!!!)

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 3: Going, going, gone.......

2008-12-09T20:59:00.004+13:00

Our neighbours kindly agreed to taking down the palm tree that has towered over our fence ever since we arrived here seven years ago. Various quotes were obtained as stories of poisoning from imbedded spikes made some locals nervous to go near it!!! After seeing the prices we decided that perhaps it would be wise for the locals to have a go so a magnificent team effort meant the job was done in no time (we just found out the other day that our neighbour did end up having to have a GA to get a spike removed from his toe............this entailed a two day wait in hospital to get to the operating theatre! Perhaps the outside job might have been better!!!) It has made such a difference to the light in our garden. Thank you L's.(I also deleted the 'before' photos before I realised I HADN'T downloaded them........oh dear!)

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 2: The Girlz Weekend!

2008-12-09T20:44:00.008+13:00

The girls got to stay home......yippee! Hanging out together without interruption, creativity, yummy food, friends, walking, swimming. The girls made some amazing little creations.....E11 and R12 shared a pattern and made their very first gorgeous dresses (I'll add a photo later) and E10 made such a funky apron from a tea towel.......fantastic effort!

(*We did miss the A's girls though*)

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 1: The Boyz W/E

2008-12-09T20:26:00.006+13:00

Our boys, along with the male members of some other families we know, headed down to the Lake for some fun doing those things that boys like doing. J13 has already recorded this major event over here. There were lots of stories to tell and some very happy and tired boys at the end of it all...........one who returned with an infected cut on his foot that required a Drs visit and dressing for another fortnight!

A WEEKEND WITH GRAN

2008-10-29T20:53:00.011+13:00

We ventured down to Whakatane for Gran's 79th birthday! We spent a great weekend in the BOP sun (most of the time!) - early Saturday morning coffee and scones on arrival, a little shopping, walks, a picnic lunch, Andre Rieu (Gran's fav at the moment!), a fantastic birthday celebration and reuniting with family, an afternoon at the beach, helping around Gran's property, a date night for R and L (the movies:-)), lots of laughs and much more.

A yummy cake and, as always with Gran, flowers.

The grandchildren (a few of them, anyway!)

Beautiful weather and fun at the beach.

**Creative cousins**

Two beautiful girls!

A lengthy 'man' talk between uncle and nephew!

Another creative cousin!

Thanks for having us all, Gran. We love you and are very blessed to have such a wonderful example of a mother, gran and great-gran.

Happy Birthday in June!

2008-10-15T23:47:00.003+13:00

Hey, Daniel, this is just for you..........Happy Birthday for all those months ago!! Thanks for sharing it with us, we love getting together with the T's!

2008-10-15T23:25:00.004+13:00

Now this is really digging in the archives! Another Thursday happening with the A's Bears. During the Olympics way back then, we staged a mini Olympics over a couple of weeks. Events included an opening ceremony, trampolining(with Curious George impersonations), archery (indoor), the beam, javellin and a few others. The spectators marvelled at the prowess and the athleticism of some of the competitors. The judges conferred, points were added and the winners were awarded with shiny medals at the closing ceremony.

September Happenings 7

2008-10-15T23:06:00.008+13:00

Crafty, creative things

a friendship bracelet

a thank you card

a three year old's first sewing

a one hour skirt

a sparkly card

working together on a project

September Happenings 6

2008-10-15T22:39:00.005+13:00

our last thursday together.......and a birthday to celebrate......what a great way to finish!

thanks for sharing your special day with us, j14.....can't believe that year flew by so quickly!!!

and it was so nice to be able to get the pink girly bits out:-)

September Happenings 5

2008-10-15T22:13:00.009+13:00

The History Fair! E11 and J13 entered into the Auckland Homeschoolers History Fair. The History of Chocolate and The Hobsonville Heritage Reserve Proposal were researched and collated and presented. It was amazing to see the variety of subjects and the originality of some of the entries. The boy next to J13's stand had chosen The History of the Screw as his subject!

E11, a great Exhibit: even an edible heading! You showed VERY good knowledge of the chocolate-making process and it's history. Well done and happy eating!

J13

Well researched and beautifully presented project. You are obviously passionate about your subject and 'out to make a difference'! Well done. You are well able to explain the background to the project. Excellent work.

Well deserved comments for all that hard work:-) E11, you did so well talking with people and especially the judges and I loved your chocolate painting! And the word search competition was a great idea. J13, it was fun searching the Sally Army shop for Crown Lynn pottery and watching you bring together all the info for the display. It was obvious to see that you are passionate about your subject by the way you engaged with the judge.

Roll on the 2009 AHS History Fair.......please just start now instead of a couple of weeks before the deadline!!!!!

September Happenings 4

2008-10-15T22:08:00.002+13:00

****SPRING ARRIVED****

September Happenings 3

2008-10-15T22:00:00.005+13:00

E11 came up with the idea of making a table tennis (or ping pong, as A3 much prefers calling it)table on our dining room table. You see, we don't have a lockable safe garage or a rumpus room to fit a full size table in and you certainly couldn't fit one in the garden shed that has belongings coming out to meet you when you open the door! So E11 put her thinking cap on and constructed some bats out of very stiff cardboard and a net from knitting needles and a piece of string. There was some fierce rivalvry between the parties that found themselves on the end of a bat!!! We had the 'fun of cork' as Gran would say.

September Happenings 2

2008-10-15T21:48:00.003+13:00

The Ancients Dinner...........how many years have we been planning it??? Too many. With the imminent departure of our family of 10 friends plus one grandpa(who's a friend too!) we just HAD to make it happen. Read all about it and see more pictures over here.

September Happenings 1

2008-10-15T21:08:00.007+13:00

Yes, it's heading towards November (and Christmas) and I'm just posting photos for September.......oh dear! Better late than never:-)

Obviously this is the hockey post! J13, it has been a pleasure to watch you use that athletic ability that has been passed onto you from D(the coach!) once again(certainly didn't come from me!!!). You reminded me many times, of Dad, back in his playing days.....same style,vision and timing. It was great to be back amongst friends after a year off and it didn't take long for the team to gel and start slotting that ball in the back of the net on a few occasions!! Great team playing. Well done on getting the team 'Player of the Year' award......another thing to dust on those drawers!!

S8.....wow, what a season.......lost count of the those goals early in the season.....obviously you didn't and aimed for the big 50, same number as on your shirt. Well done on being quietly determined, yet you remained humble and shared that ball around, a great team player. Well done to you too, on receiving the 'Player of the Year' award for your grade.

And you girlz were very faithful supporters........you deserve a medal too!! The sideline hockey skills improved greatly over the season:-)

A WEEK OF FUN!

2008-10-06T15:03:00.010+13:00

*chatting*lots of laughs*toast sessions*creating*picnics*games*trampolining*walking*zoo*

*car troubles*movie watching*playing.....lots of it*armilla caterpillar*shopping*

*rugby*soccer*learning*and much more*

We've just had an awesome week with our lovely friends from Wellington. Aunty A and all the kids trundled northwards so we could create some memories together and then the Dad's were around for a few days over the weekend as well.

Thanks for coming, we loved having you all and are missing you:-)

CHOPS FOR DINNER

2008-08-27T21:12:00.003+12:00

Don't you love these cute little lamb chops who popped through the fence to help chop up our old mandarin tree!

MASTERPIECES

2008-08-27T20:54:00.005+12:00

Some Eric Carle inspired paintings:-)

BEAUTIFUL PRESSIE

2008-08-19T14:16:00.004+12:00

e11 has been busy over the past couple of days creating and making (with a little help from Mum!) this beautiful apron, for her friend's birthday tomorrow. we used this tutorial to make it out of a teatowel that we found on sale not so long ago. the teatowel already had the stripes on the bottom of it so with a couple of little additions this is what we came up with:

WE HELP MOMMY

2008-08-16T14:08:00.007+12:00

A3 has been asking quite persistently over the past couple of weeks if she could copy the girl in one of her favourite books........a little golden book which I think was actually Aunty T's book.

(I did rotate this pic before loading it but it persisted in being in portrait position!)

I remembered the promise made to make something 'special' for Daddy the other day when we were making a meal for someone. E11 and A3 were left to themselves with the leftover pastry and they came up with this little star pie with a D for Daddy on top.

I think the best part was sharing it with her Star!

HAPPENINGS - turning 13

2008-08-12T22:41:00.020+12:00

sunday afternoon

family, friends, basketball,

soccer, pressies, pizza,

movie, lots of laughs

HAPPY BIRTHDAY J13

2008-08-03T22:24:00.008+12:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIGER!

Can't believe you are turning 13 so soon!

strong, steadfast, loyal, encouraging, loving, trustworthy, athletic, funny

These are just a few of the words which make us think of you.

You continue to be such a blessing to our family. Thank you for all that you

do for us, the ways in which you encourage each one of us and the positive attitude

with which you live life.

We love you and pray that you will continue to walk by faith in the promises of God to become all that you can be for Him.

***Have a great day celebrating***

DAISY JOINS IN

2008-07-09T22:42:00.003+12:00

Daisy decided she would come down to the farm to meet us on our way home. We found her on the lookout, a considerable way from home!!! She managed to catch her very first bird a couple of days ago, much to Mum's disgust!!! At least it wasn't brought inside and it managed to escape.........hopefully not too much damage was done. We never thought she'd do it!

G B Family Night

2008-07-09T22:36:00.002+12:00

E11, it has been great to see you enjoy making new friends at Girl's Brigade this term. We went along to the 'Family Night' last week to watch the much awaited 'Hip Hop' dance and the other skits that the younger and older girls had been practising. We hope you continue to have fun getting to know the other girls/families and enjoy learning new things together so that in turn you can share with us. Well Done!

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU KID

2008-07-09T22:33:00.000+12:00

Another of our friendly neighbours!

IT'S SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-09T22:25:00.003+12:00

"Yeah right" I can hear you saying after the freezing cold temperatures that finally arrived around the country over the last couple of weeks. Well, look at these lovely brand new neighbours who arrived in our back paddock this week........aren't they cute.........a sign that spring is not TOO far away.

The PROJECT

2008-06-28T22:22:00.005+12:00

J12 was invited to speak at a City Council meeting last week about the proposal for saving a historic pottery site that he's been working on with his Poppa. From all accounts he did a great job with encouragement from the mayor, the councillors and other associated persons who have got right in behind his idea. Someone even suggested to him that he might like to think about being on the 'Youth Council'!

(No, this is NOT the council meeting mentioned above!)

It's amazing where a little bit of passion and a lot of encouragement will take you if you are keen to listen and learn from the right people. I am so grateful to my lovely FIL for making the time to spend helping J12 with this project and for the shared interest that they have in this area. Public speaking is certainly NOT one of my fortes (!!) so it has been invaluable for J12 to learn from his Dad and Poppa, who are well practised at such things. (Give me the job behind-the-scenes anyday!!!) He has had the time to research, explore the site, communicate with adults 'in-the-know', put a blog together, publish brochures and other related material, learn about land development, council procedures(!), pottery works and much more. One of the greatest things about it all is that he has taken ownership of the project, he's been passionate about it so he has researched what he needs to know for the purpose and he has had great mentoring - what a better way to learn!

Our Small Bear

2008-06-28T21:41:00.003+12:00

Our lovely A3 has been delighting us with some wonderful 'story-telling' that has had us giggling away. She especially loves 'Curious George', the favourite at the moment is about his visit to the library. Her vocabulary range is extensive but the syntax is not always 'spot-on' adding to the amusement.

It has been a delight to see her learning by osmosis alongside the 'big kids'. She is really quite funny in the little comments she makes along the way. A couple of days ago, when J12 sat down at the breakfast table, she looked at him and said "J, you look like a fantail"!!! He had the typical 'straight out of bed' tousled hairdo with a patch of hair sticking straight up, on the crown of his head.......there's no holding back where she's concerned!!!!

Home Learning at No 50

2008-06-03T20:14:00.002+12:00

Blogging seems to have gone out the back door at our place.........hasn't been a priority, that's why! So I've decided to just post some pics of a few things that have been happening over the past few months.....just for the record:-) Here's a start:

The great flying tutorial by J12, all ages, all stages took part........you have no idea how many attempts it took to get the action shot below!!!

Puppet making by two very creative young ladies. E11 saw an idea in a book to make this lovely couple. She modified the instructions to use what we had and had fun with S6 constructing them. They are now writing a little skit to perform for our Tuesday get-togethers.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY........ANOTHER CAKE!!!!!!!!

2008-05-10T21:33:00.008+12:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to our very special

E11!

Thanks for being the best Mothers Day present ever!

You arrived mid-morning on Mothers Day, 11 years ago.

It was such a wonderful feeling to cuddle such a cute little girl bundle

and thank God that He gave you to us.

You continue to be such a blessing to our family.

We love to watch you create, whether it be in that lovely 'tidy'(!!!) sunroom

or in the kitchen or at the table.

God has blessed you with special abilities in being able to see something you like

and to be able to recreate it, usually with your own creative flair in no time at all,

and usually it's for someone else.

We love your sense of fun, the giggles, the friendships that you are building with

J12, S8, A2, and your friends. You seem to have no trouble at all in finding a

friend no matter where you are - such a special gift.

Thank you for all you are and all you do for us.

we love you E(nearly)11

*****Hope you enjoy your special day tomorrow*****

xxxxxx

QUILT REVISITED!

2008-05-03T21:06:00.005+12:00

You might remember this ...........it has been sitting in the bag in the corner of the sunroom for some months now...........it's E10's birthday next week and I am hoping to have the project completed in time. Typical me, I always end up working best under pressure!!

(the photos aren't great quality, I forgot the camera settings had been changed for some TradeMe pics)

I had a little helper while she was waiting to go to bed. She was dressed in her new 'zoot' suit (as we call it, otherwise known as a sleep suit). I can now report that she has taken it off in bed tonight and has resorted to her blankie, which invariably comes off in the night and then comes the all too familiar "Mummy, Muuuuuuuuuummy.........." Looks like it will happen again tonight!

Have lots of other holiday pics to write about, it will have to wait until after the finishing is done.

BIRTHDAY FUN

2008-04-06T22:21:00.005+12:00

We celebrated S8's (as of tomorrow!) birthday with a few friends at home and over at the farm. S8 was in his element with a game of soccer, a milking experience at the farm and yummy homemade burgers and chips for dinner.........interspersed with a few birthday treats that we won't tell the dental nurse about!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

2008-04-06T21:16:00.011+12:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our very special 8 year old!!!

We hope you have lots of FUN celebrating your special day.

You are such a BLESSING to our family -

Your continuous SMILE

Your sense of FUN

The SPARKLE in your eye that tells us you are up to something

Your continuous flow of ENERGY

Your CREATIVITY and MUSICAL ABILITY

Your sense of JUSTICE

Your love of ADVENTURE

These are just some of the reasons why we are so THANKFUL

that you are part of our family

we love you S8

THE brochure

2008-04-04T22:04:00.004+13:00

J12 (along with Poppa) has been working hard on his Hobsonville Heritage Proposal and here's some pics of the latest piece of literature.........

This has really captured J12's passion for history and he has an inspiring mentor in his Poppa.......what better way to learn.

REFRESHING OASIS

2008-03-31T19:33:00.010+13:00

it has been a wonderful four days of inspiration, sharing, encouraging, laughing, crying and eating yummy food with girlz who are walking similar paths..........isn't God gracious in allowing these times to let us know that we're not travelling the road alone, that someone else has been there before us, someone is beside us and others are coming behind who we can help and encourage.........this has been a little 'oasis' in the life of one homeschooling mum.........a big thank you to those special ones who made it all possiblex

LONG WEEKEND RETREAT

2008-02-20T20:50:00.005+13:00

Last weekend we spent our annual long weekend with the A's at the Lake. Lots of fun was had.......travelling in convoy with w-t's, putting up tents in the dark, yummy food, lots of swimming and boating fun, the Homemade Muesli Triathlon, chocolate chip biscuiting/cream doughtnutting with only oar power, baking bread over an open fire, collecting walnuts, playing games (and possum tricks!), eating yummy food, chatting, reading and generally just relaxing. Thanks for the great time A family, we loved the time spent with you.

BIRTHDAY FUN!

2008-02-06T20:50:00.000+13:00

BIRTHDAY PRINCESS

You were so excited to be in the 'big bed' for pressie opening.

The cake was almost bigger than you!

Giggles with the Whanau:-)

What a fun time we had at the park.......all the girls pretty in pink. Nana and Poppa, Aunty K,

The As, the Ts and the Rs helped us to celebrate.........18 children and 11 adults, what a party!

Yummy food, big swings and a big game of soccer with the dads.

Wow! You were so surprised, squeals of delight could be heard, when we

picked up your new bike this afternoon. You couldn't wait to get home

to take dolly for a ride.

We certainly had a FUN day celebrating the big '3'!

Love ux

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-02-05T23:05:00.000+13:00

To our special 3 year old Princess..........HAPPY BIRTHDAY! We are looking forward to spending a fun day with you tomorrow.

You are a very special part of our family. You are a blessing to us EVERY day - your sparkly eyes and smile, your joy in living life, your sense of fun, your enquirying mind, your love of all the 'girly' things, your love for your big brothers and sister, your caring nature when someone is hurt. We LOVE you xxxxxx

YUMMY!

2008-01-28T22:37:00.000+13:00

Just had to use the left-over egg whites from last night's Blueberry Pie! And, no, we certainly don't eat desserts like this everyday (much to our children's disappointment!)...........the hips are struggling already!!!

GREEN FINGERS

2008-01-28T22:03:00.000+13:00

J12, you made a FANTASTIC effort in the vege garden this morning........and without any prompting! You obviously must have listened those times when we've done the vege garden as you've been growing up........you knew just the right things to do. I am so grateful for the effort you made - THANK YOU. I wonder if our taties and kumara will sprout before Mrs A's do!

COOL DRUMMINGS

2008-01-28T21:08:00.000+13:00

S7 spotted some bottle lids on the bench this morning. I cleaned out my drawer where I store things like icecream containers and bottles, etc, last night and these were the odd lids that didn't match anything. He asked if I needed them and whether he could use them to make a 'drum kit'!!! He took what he needed, salvaged another couple of drink cans from the recycling bin and ventured to the shed for the tool kit. With a little help and advice from Dad, he designed and planned (in his head) what he wanted to achieve and one and a half hours later this is what it looked like. He's going to add the bass pedal tomorrow (out of a matchstick!).

S7, I think the drum kit is very special. God has obviously given you a gift of being able to create and make things. Thanks for sharing it with us:-)

STRANGER DANGER

2008-01-28T20:45:00.000+13:00

As the news reports continually tell us of brutal attacks in other parts of the city or country, it's always good to have a reminder about stranger danger. Our neighbour popped over today, we don't know her very well yet, she (and her teenage daughter and younger son) have only been here a short time and keep much to themselves. She came to alert us to the fact that her son (10ish) had been mugged yesterday. He was alone, skateboarding, at a local school. He wasn't in a remote part of the grounds but, instead, very close to where there is a large, busy swimming pool. A guy (approx. 18ish by his description) approached him, asked him where his parents were (to which he answered "at home") and then proceeded to take the boy's ipod from him. There was a tussle between them, the boy threw his skateboard at the attacker and didn't give up the ipod easily. The attacker ran off through a reserve area next to the school grounds, not to be seen again.

Wow! So close to home.......some good lessons for us all. We had a discussion with our children over lunch............always go with someone else, if you can, don't isolate yourself......be aware of who's around..........pray..........say your parents/guardian are just around the corner and you're about to catch them up..........leave the valuables at home...........give them whatever they ask for, life is far more valuable than 'things'..........I think it's sad that we have to tell our children these things and remove the innocence but, oh, so important. And it's not always happening somewhere else, it can be as close as 50 metres down the road.

Later in the day, something else came out of the discussion with our children. J12 came up with the idea, and had discussed and agreed on it with S7 and E10, that they wanted to contribute towards buying a new ipod for the neighbour's boy. He'd already been to Dad to discuss it, who said that he would match it dollar for dollar. It made my heart sing.

BLUEBERRY BLISS

2008-01-27T22:34:00.000+13:00

BLUEBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES........the girls and I headed down to the end of the motorway and out in the country to find a little organic BLUEBERRY farm. We parked the car in the paddock, carried our containers through 3 farm gates, past the sheep and the donkey (actually a horse, A2 calls them donkeys!!) and found fruit laden bushes. We returned with laden containers, even A2 had managed to fill hers (and her tummy, I think!). There's something satisfying about gathering the summer harvest ourselves and hiding it away for the future months (not that I think they will last that long!!).

DAISY TAKES ON THE BIG GUYS

2008-01-25T00:24:00.000+13:00

Our darling Daisy has had fun with our neighbours this week. She's scratched the noses of a few of her friends on the other side of the fence......there was the calf, the goat, Milo the lamb and this morning, the big mama sheep......no fear around here!

ROLY POLY

2008-01-24T23:42:00.000+13:00

Tonight we ventured to our local park when Dad arrived home. It was a spontaneous happening......always the best kind. It has been the first sunny day after a week or so of grey skies so we just had to enjoy it. There's something about sunshine, open spaces and children.....freedom! A2 learnt how to 'Roly Poly' down hills. We watched two little cotton-tails dart in and out of the bushes. Birds were watched, chased and feed the leftover tidbits that nobody wanted. We ate yummy tropical yoghurt ice in cones......E10 made it for us, thank you!

Thank you God for brightening our day.

'HAPPINESS'

2008-01-24T23:14:00.000+13:00

Recently, one rainy morning, our little A2(soon to be A3) lugged out the compost container to help her BIG brother. It reminded me this poem:

happiness

John had

Great Big

Waterproof

Boots on;

John had a

Great Big

Waterproof

Hat;

John had a

Great Big

Waterproof

Mackintosh -

And that

(Said John)

That.

BAGS GALORE

2008-01-24T23:01:00.000+13:00

We've just had a big clean-out in our games cupboard - YIPPEE! I mentioned to our creative E10 that another way of condensing them would be to make bags for the 'little bits' that take up very little room in an otherwise huge box. She had them whipped up in no time......here's a couple of pics:

LAZY HAZY SUMMER LAKE DAYS

2008-01-24T21:36:00.000+13:00

We recently spent three weeks at our favourite lake in the Bay of Plenty. Warm summer days filled with hours of swimming, sailing, kayaking, jumping off the jetty, cricket, selling plums, tenting, walking, riding bikes, eating, sleeping, reading, relaxing with new friends and old ones.......it's certainly taking a bit of adjustment to return to city living!

ONTO THE BOP - HANGI ON THE FARM!

2008-01-21T21:34:00.000+13:00

Christmas Day was spent with the P's and the C's in Tauranga. I think it was the most relaxed time we've had together at Christmas, ever! Thanks, P and L, for letting us invade, we loved being with you for more than the usual quick stopover on the way to 'somewhere' and you were SO relaxed!!!! Thanks, A, for giving up your room for us, the bed was definitely more comfortable than the airbed in the tent!!! Thank you also for giving S7 a taste of being connected with the drum sticks........something we may come to regret in the future!!! We enjoyed our Christmas morning with you all, especially the experience of Rhoda's lottery!!

Thanks, C's, for making Christmas an 'experience'. Thanks for having J, E and S to stay, they ALWAYS love being with the cousies, young and old! And Anna, thanks for taking A2 under your wing.......the way she and Nath sat at the table having an in-depth conversation about the icecream and then sampling it, was so cute! Loved the 'Where's Wally' entertainment, Lani! The hangi idea was a great one, thanks Nika and Anne for allowing us to be part of your Maori heritage. You worked so hard, as did others, to bring it all to fruition and it was a great learning experience for us all. J12 especially enjoyed having a 'hands-on' part to play. Thanks, everyone, for making it a fun time.

Here are some pics (quite a few!):

CHRISTMAS IN AUCKLAND

2008-01-21T20:42:00.000+13:00

It's almost a month ago now but I couldn't leave out pics of the wonderful family times we had at Christmas.

We celebrated with our Auckland family just before the 25th. We had a wonderful afternoon/night together........talking, laughing, playing games, eating scrummy food and just enjoying being together. Mum was able to come up the day before, the first time since the beginning of the year so the children just loved having 'Gran' around. She was able to meet Daisy for the first time, see our house a different colour and as usual, she made us end up in fits of laughter!! Here are a few pics......... (i include the pohutukawa just to remind myself of the last minute dash, up the tree, in the midst of trying to decide whether or not to shift the table inside because of threatening downpours!!!!)

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

2007-12-11T23:34:00.000+13:00

we started to read The Best Christmas Pageant Ever yesterday, after reading the description on rach's blog...........we are loving it. i was laughing so much i couldn't read aloud!!! And like Rach's children, ours were begging for just one more chapter. i don't think it will take long to finish!

PRESSIE TIME

2007-12-11T23:23:00.000+13:00

j12, i love the oak tree you transplanted tonight, for the farmer......grown from the acorn you planted earlier in the year. i love the card you made and the words you wrote. you have amazed me with your optimism, your energy and your developing love for green pastures. you have learnt so much this year, working alongside and listening to the farmer. well done.

YUMMY!

2007-12-11T23:05:00.000+13:00

Thanks for coming, C family. We had a great time with you all tonight. We have loved our Tuesday nights with you, getting to know you better and sharing the journey together. And, WOW, the gingerbread house is amazing.........not sure how it's going to last until Christmas though!!! Thank you so much!

CHRISTMAS HAS BEGUN!

2007-12-05T11:32:00.000+13:00

Usually we begin the Christmas season with decorating the house around December 1st. This year our older children were away for the weekend so we were made to promise that we wouldn't do it while they were away!! Here's a photo of our advent candles for this year, a very simple idea.

BEGINNINGS....

2007-11-27T19:46:00.000+13:00

We've talked about making E10's quilt for sooooooooo long! Just to let you know it's finally underway and now that I've posted this I will just HAVE to finish it! It's my first attempt at anything remotely quilty so it remains to be seen what the final outcome will be!

ANDREW COMES TO VISIT

2007-11-20T22:17:00.000+13:00

Andrew came to visit us yesterday. He'd just packed up his flat and was on his way to band practise (The Septembers)......much later on.

We loved having you and catching up on all the comings and goings in your life. We are privileged to have such a great nephew and cousin. You are a wonderful role model for our boys. It has been great having you part of our lives this year........meals shared, cars repaired (again!!), wisdom shared, babysitting, 21sts, soccer. You have matured along the way.......you need not be so nervous when you are sharing the reasons behind the vegetarianism!!!!! Hope you have a great summer down in the BOP and we look forward to getting together again in 2008.

THE WEEKENDS

2007-11-20T21:18:00.001+13:00

We had a wonderful weekend.......the boys living dangerously at the Lake, along with Grandads, the McG boys and the A boys.........and the girls, at the A's place, in the bush. In both camps everyone enjoyed themselves. You can read about the girls fun at Rach's and also here. And until J10 writes about the boys weekend on his blog, here are a few photos of the action:

KIND AND THOUGHTFUL

2007-11-14T22:52:00.000+13:00

Thank you, J12 and S7, for helping me to smile

again this morning. I love the way that you both have a gentleness in your hearts that senses when things are not going so well and, each in your own way, seek to do something that you know will help the tears go away and the smiles come again.

S7, I love the bookmark you created for me. I especially like that rainbow-coloured 'M'. I will use it in one of the many books I have 'on the go'!

J12, you know Mum loves flowers so you chose these to put beside my bed. I love the kindness in your heart....always the gentleman.

HEART OF HEARTS

2007-11-14T21:55:00.000+13:00

I had a visit from a good friend today, someone who I regularly spend time with. She is always calm, gentle and never-changing, in other words......serene. Today I saw another side of her, one I haven't really seen before.......a tired, broken heart, a heart that loves her man and her children dearly, who wants only the best for them but a heart that has become overwhelmed with the day-to-day ups and downs of home-educating and parenting. We chatted, we prayed, we laughed and we cried together. I know just how she is feeling........not knowing what to do next, not knowing how to solve the problems, not being able to step out of the mire.

Thankfully we know a God who loves us right where we are, who knows how we are hurting, who is compassionate and who gives us wisdom as to what the next step might be.

I feel privileged to have seen your heart of hearts today. Thank you for sharing honestly with me. I'll continue to pray for you...........sending you lots of lovex

OFF TO THE FARM

2007-11-12T21:43:00.000+13:00

we went for a walk to our neighbour's place this afternoon.....

it was milking time..............

then feeding time...............

first, the calves

followed by the squeeeeeeeeeealing piglets

then more calves

then it was the BIG MAMA and friends..................

then these Mamas went back up the hill.........

then guess who drew the short straw!

What a blessing to live with this over our back fence, in the middle of the city.

A2's WORDS

2007-11-04T19:10:00.000+13:00

Just a little reminder for me...........some of A2's sayings before I forget them:

hair tyre = hair tie

skipillys = spaghetti

wetshirt = sweatshirt

plasta = pasta

banatoes = tomatoes

everyguys

and her favourite at the moment:

tangelos

with the lips very rounded and a hoity-toity accent!

S K Y F A W K E S

2007-11-04T11:31:00.000+13:00

We had a fun night up at Snells Beach last night. We picked up the boys at Warkworth after they had spent a day helping Poppa on a building project up at Kaiwaka. We then shared a meal with the Rikiriki's and Julia in Snells Beach and wandered down to the park at the end of their street to wait, in anticipation, for SKYFAWKES........an annual event put on by Lifeway.

Thanks, Julia, for telling us about the fireworks setting on our camera!

Lots of fun was had by everyone listening to local (and not so local) talent perform, chatting, eating and enjoying the company of family. And THEN watching a fantastic Fireworks display - thanks Lifeway! It must be the one time in the year when there is a traffic jam in Snells Beach!!!

Oh, and I almost forgot.......the story of Anna (big cousin Anna, not our small bear!) running along to the Fire Station to raise the alarm for the fire which we could see burning in the distance and, can

you believe it, being told that she had to ring 111!!!!!!!!!

Our small bear, A2, decided to hide under her 'Pooh' blanket after the 'pretty sparkles' started to become 'very loud' sparkles!!

Thanks for inviting us ......we had a fantastic time. There is always something special about getting together with family, something I think we all realise is very precious.

V8

2007-11-04T10:36:00.000+13:00

No, it's not our new car.......it's the name of an incredibly talented group of singers, whose concert we went to on Friday night. It was their 10 year anniversary of singing together and they were launching their debut album Gallery. We thoroughly enjoyed listening to their
a cappella style and it was so apparent that they just love what they do so much. If you ever get the chance to listen to them, especially those home educating families out there, they are an excellent example of people who have made the most of the talents they have been given and who bless others along the way. Have a look here: http://v8vocalensemble.co.nz if you are interested.

2007-10-31T19:18:00.000+13:00

Thanks, Gran, for the wonderful weekend we spent with you. We always know there is going to be lots of special treats, yummy food, sunshine and fun when we are around you. We couldn't believe you'd opened all your cards and pressies before the big day!!! We hope you enjoyed your special day - we certainly did! We had fun at the beach......picnicking, playing rugby and soccer, exploring rock pools. L, J12, E10, and S7 replaced those dangerous deck chairs with something more substantial! We enjoyed a yummy meal together and, of course, took part in the Dancing With Gran fun! And then there were the trolley rides, the see-sawing and the swingball champs..........all things that we associate with visiting you, our lovely Gran.

SCRUMMY!

2007-10-23T23:52:00.000+13:00

i love the spring/summer garden season......signs of new growth everywhere, fresh, vibrant colours and eventually, the satisfaction of being able to gather the salad leaves just before mealtimes. Here are a few pics of the start of this year's gardening adventure:

from this............to this................

our very first home grown salad beginnings for this summer - scrummy!!

WATER FIGHT SEASON HAS BEGUN!

2007-10-23T14:09:00.001+13:00

The boys are happy......water fight season is here again. There's nothing like getting the buckets, hose, pots, water guns and whatever other receptacles can be found and going all out to get Dad. Thank goodness Mum still gets away with standing behind the camera at this early stage in the

season:-)!

DRESS UPS

2007-10-17T23:51:00.000+13:00

One of the things we like to do is get together with the T family, to have some fun together. Today the girls delved into the dress-up box and delighted in clowning around. Don't you love those glasses?!!!!

WHERE'S YOUR EYES, MUMMY?

2007-10-17T23:31:00.000+13:00

I was busy putting a CD in the player this morning when A2 started to talk to me.......I must not have been paying enough attention! I was given this little reminder........"I can't see your eyes, Mummy". Then we were driving somewhere this afternoon when I heard the little voice again........."Please look at me in the mirror, Mummy"!!!! I'm not going to get away with inattention, am I?!

'COLD AS A FROG'

2007-10-17T23:30:00.000+13:00

We had a SURPRISE visit from Nana and Poppa yesterday. It was a freezing day, we were sitting altogether at the table when there was a knock on the door.........Nana and Poppa arrived with five Freddo Frogs. Poppa explained that they bought them for us because it was as cold as a FROG! J, E, S and A thought eating chocolate was a much better idea than connecting with the pencil and paper in front of them!!!

A2 managed to snuggle up with Nana to read a book, Poppa engaged J, E and S with some word magic and they shared lunch with us, too.......impromptu moments are some of the BEST!

Hide n Seek

2007-10-13T22:43:00.000+13:00

It's become a bit of a ritual around our home, after dinner, for the J12, E10 and S7 to play Hide n Seek with A2. She loves hiding out in the most obvious places....or counting 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,15,19.......coming ready or not! The other night someone must have helped her into this hidey hole........just the right size for her!

The 'Twins'

2007-10-13T22:25:00.000+13:00

You lovely girls have been friends since you were both One, when the McG's used to live just around the corner and down a bit. Mrs McG and I used to walk to the park in Buckley Rd (usually via The Piery!) where you, J12 and H10 loved to have fun together. You have continued to be special friends to each other, despite living a few hundred miles apart now. You write to each other via 'The Friendship Book' and whenever our families get together for our special holidays, we hardly see you two. You are off doing girly things together - it's like we still just live around the corner!

We just spent a couple of days with the McG's at Lake Rotoiti. E10, you asked if H10 could come home with us..........as you usually do! This time it happened:-) You had a lovely time together, happy as can be........you chatted, giggled, baked, played games, trampolined, walked, created, read, had a water fight with the boys, went to the farm, had a picnic at the beach, watched 'Because of Winn-Dixie', sang, played the piano and did many other fun things together. We even sewed a patch, which E10 designed and cut out, onto your jeans! It was beautiful to watch you both respect and encourage each other, for who you are.

It's Begun!

2007-10-05T14:37:00.000+13:00

Well, finally I've had time to sit down and begin. Begin what, you say.........a blog! It has been a long time coming and not without lots of *hints* from friends. It's time to make a record of what we do, as a family and individuals........it's nothing spectacular, just our journey through life as we love God, love Others and seek the Truth.

Life's a Journey

OUR KIWI CHRISTMAS TREE

PACIFIC ANGELS

Beautiful Angels and more.......

AN AFTERNOON IN THE KITCHEN

REINDEER APPEARANCES

PASIFIKA CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS FUN!

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 6: Beach Fun

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 5: HAPPY BIRTHDAY

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 4: ****Best Friends****

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 3: Going, going, gone.......

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 2: The Girlz Weekend!

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 1: The Boyz W/E

A WEEKEND WITH GRAN

Happy Birthday in June!

September Happenings 7

September Happenings 6

September Happenings 5

September Happenings 4

September Happenings 3

September Happenings 2

September Happenings 1

A WEEK OF FUN!

CHOPS FOR DINNER

MASTERPIECES

BEAUTIFUL PRESSIE

WE HELP MOMMY

HAPPENINGS - turning 13

HAPPY BIRTHDAY J13

DAISY JOINS IN

G B Family Night

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU KID

IT'S SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!

The PROJECT

Our Small Bear

Home Learning at No 50

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY........ANOTHER CAKE!!!!!!!!

QUILT REVISITED!

BIRTHDAY FUN

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

THE brochure

REFRESHING OASIS

LONG WEEKEND RETREAT

BIRTHDAY FUN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

YUMMY!

GREEN FINGERS

*COOL DRUMMINGS*

STRANGER DANGER

BLUEBERRY BLISS

DAISY TAKES ON THE BIG GUYS

ROLY POLY

'HAPPINESS'

BAGS GALORE

LAZY HAZY SUMMER LAKE DAYS

ONTO THE BOP - HANGI ON THE FARM!

CHRISTMAS IN AUCKLAND

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

PRESSIE TIME

YUMMY!

CHRISTMAS HAS BEGUN!

BEGINNINGS....

ANDREW COMES TO VISIT

THE WEEKENDS

KIND AND THOUGHTFUL

*HEART OF HEARTS*

OFF TO THE FARM

A2's WORDS

*****S K Y F A W K E S*****

V8

SCRUMMY!

WATER FIGHT SEASON HAS BEGUN!

****DRESS UPS****

WHERE'S YOUR EYES, MUMMY?

'COLD AS A FROG'

Hide n Seek

The 'Twins'

It's Begun!

NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 4: Best Friends

COOL DRUMMINGS

HEART OF HEARTS

S K Y F A W K E S

DRESS UPS