NOVEMBER CATCH-UP 6: Beach Fun

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:

The PROJECT

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!

Home Learning at No 50

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.

THE brochure

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

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

*HEART OF HEARTS*

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