7 Quick Takes Vol 4

7 Quick Takes 

1. We have been blessed to have the Traditional Latin Mass once again offered in our Diocese. The more I have the opportunity to hear Mass in the extraordinary form, the more I fall in love with it. It is becoming easier to follow, and the beauty of the liturgy has captured my heart. This love of the traditional Mass hasn't come quickly. I think many people claim to not like Latin Mass because they do not give it time. Being a lover of history, I enjoy knowing that the traditional Mass I am participating in is the same one which countless people over the centuries, and across the world have celebrated. If only people would look beyond their unfounded assumption that the traditional Mass is somehow a rejection of Vatican II, and that going to a Latin Mass means that you are somehow stuck in the past. That kind of false thinking drives me nuts!

2. Term 3 beings tomorrow, and I feel totally unprepared! The first week of the holidays I was recovering from having two wisdom teeth removed under a general anaesthetic. The second week saw us catching up with friends, and camping on the final weekend, when I should be planning! I find that I really need a short amount of time to just collect my thoughts about the coming term, and to put my plans on paper, even when those plans are often just a continuation of what we have already been doing, with just a little tweaking. 

This term however, I feel a little extra pressure as Bilby only has two terms before I think he will finish his home education journey. We will start Sonlight 20th Century World History, even though we may not finish it before he may begin studying at TAFE. I want to lap up the time we have with all three children at home together.

3. This week end Koala is visiting a friend in Canberra, and Bilby, is visiting a good friend in Goulburn. They were able to travel on the train together most of the way, which eased my anxiety about Koala taking his first big trip away. It occurred to me that with the older two boys away, James, Roo, and myself should go away too. I picked James up from work on Friday afternoon with the camper trailer attached to the car, and we had a week end in Port Stephens. It certainly is different with just one child. We have a lot more space, and less squabbling!

4. Bilby has been considering working in an early childhood setting. Last term he did some work experience at his old preschool, where some of the staff remembered him! He has always had an affinity with little ones, and he has enjoyed his time at the preschool. Perhaps study in this area is something he may consider next year.

5. My study is finally finished! The final touch was a wall sticker quote from a Robert Frost poem. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less travelled by, and that has made all the difference."  I think this quote sums up our lives as Christians, and home educators. The other quote I nearly went with was from St Catherine of 

Siena, "If you are who you are meant to be you will set the whole world ablaze." I will definitely be using St Catherine's quote at a later date. I will post pictures of my beautiful study soon. It's my favourite room in our new home, and I just love having a dedicated homeschool room in which to put our books etc after years of schooling in our dining room.

6. Bilby has started to learn to drive. At first I had to push him to both get his licence, and to get behind the wheel, but now he is keen to get his hours up. Thus far it has been a pleasure, and much less stressful than I had been anticipating!

7. I am feeling very blessed at the moment as one of the children have come though a difficult period with his faith intact, and vastly strengthened. It has reminded me of how important suffering can be, and how we must lean into Our Lord when things get tough. I recall praying about this situation, when we were in the thick of it, and I felt God telling me that my son was still the same child despite the situation we were facing, and to not worry. Times when I feel God speaking to me are very rare, so this was precious. I held onto that knowing, when things were overwhelming. My prayers were answered, and my son, has emerged stronger, and with his faith renewed and redoubled! God is good, even in the midst of suffering.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

The Simple Woman's Daybook (vol1)

Here is my tweaked version of The Simple Woman's Daybook. I have borrowed a few of Erin's additions!

Outside My Window

The temperature has begun to rise, and the sun is appearing earlier which means I have started to walk again. I have really missed walking over winter, when it was too cold for me to go for an early walk, and when the motivation to go had evaporated by the time it warmed up.

I am thankful for

My level of energy. Now that my health has started to improve, I seem to be able to stay up longer when there is something to stay up for, and not pay for it all the following day. A few night ago I sat up until midnight researching a new history curriculum, and the next day I felt only slightly tired rather than wiped out.

I am going

This evening I am going to my friend Fiona's home to see a demo of the new model Thermomix.

I am reading

Postcard From The Volcano by Lucy Becket. I am enjoying it enormously. Wishing I had more time to devote to it though. I think it will take a another few weeks to finish.

I am looking forward to

Taking our new camper trailer away for 5 nights. We are only going local as James has no leave, so we are staying close to his work, which is close to the wonderful holiday location of Port Stephens. I'm planning to read a lot, both for myself, and to the boys.

I am pondering

How fast time goes, and how little time I have left to achieve all that I want to with Roo, before his formal education is over. Looking back to when the older boys were his age, I see that I let time slip away, and didn't get around to doing some of the things I wanted to, such as art appreciation and creation, living the liturgical year etc. I am trying to be more intentional with these things for Roo.

I am listening to

Conversations With Richard Fidler. This morning while walking I listened to an interview about great speeches. Right up my alley.

I am struggling

With patience. Both with the children, and with wanting to achieve more from my to do list.

Celebrating the liturgical year

Yesterday Roo watched the video Sunday Mass preparation video from Holy Heroes, and colouring sheet. I intended to make very simple crosses (Feast of The Exaltation of the Cross) made by cutting wafer biscuits, but we arrived home too late from Life Teen Mass to have dessert, so we did it today. It was certainly simple enough!

I am praying

For my Mother-in-law's companion who has been diagnosed with cancer, and for my sister-in-laws step daughter whose brain tumor has returned. We only found out today. We also continue to pray for Christians in the middle east.

A favourite quote for today

"Since Christ Himself has said, "This is My Body" who shall dare to doubt that it is His Body?" St Cyril of Jerusalem.

A few plans for the rest of the week

On Friday we are finishing the term by visiting fellow homeschool friends who are hosting a morning tea for Catherine Hamlin's hospital in Ethiopia. Roo is really looking forward to seeing his friend Joseph, and playing in their lovely garden which he is very fond of!

A peek into my day

This was taken two weeks ago at the North Coast Catholic Homeschool camp. We had a fantastic time!

7 Quick Takes (vol 3)

--- 1 ---

I know it's been a year between posts, but this time I am determined to get back into blogging. I've cleaned out my Face Book friends and pages, and I am intending to spend my net time in the blogosphere.

--- 2 ---

We have just returned from the North Coast Catholic Homeschoolers camp, and I am feeling refreshed, and energised. I love that I always feel enthused and ready for change, after I return from camp. Having time away to pray, ponder, and connect with like minded families, allows me the time to reassess where we are headed, and to make a few changes. I am feeling that there are not enough free hours in the day at the moment to accomplish all that is on my to do list!

--- 3 ---

We are building a house, which we should be moving into by the end of November! After a VERY slow start it is taking shape, and we are starting to get excited about this new time on our lives. I'll blog about this in more detail later, as what we are doing is somewhat unconventional.

--- 4 ---

In preparation for said house, we have started to look at new furniture. Last night we put a deposit on our very first new lounge, which is rather exciting! The house will also have a dedicated study, for us to put all our educational supplies and curriculum rather than our dining room doubling as a work space, as it is now. I am sooo excited about this room! Its the only room in the house that I know EXACTLY how I want it to look. I have started to look for a lounge and desk for this study (I don't like the word study, but schoolroom isn't right either. Any suggestions?).

--- 5 ---

In the last few months I have removed dairy from my diet, and I am loving the results. I no longer get a runny nose in the morning, headaches, or find it difficult to get moving in the morning. I has been VERY difficult to give up cappuccino, yoghurt, and cheese, but I just love the way I feel. I recently did a trial, and my eye puffed up, I had a headache, and felt terrible for most of the morning, so I know that I can no longer eat dairy. I small price to pay for feeling great!

--- 6 ---

I've discovered Jo Witton's Quirky Cooking cook book, which as made the whole dairy free process so much more enjoyable. Macadamia "cheese" is fantastic, as is her dairy free custard made with coconut milk.

--- 7 ---

I am just loving life at the moment! The challenges faced by one of the boys this time last year have mostly been resolved which is a huge load of the family shoulders. Everyone is in a good place, and life is good. Feeling extremely blessed!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7 Quick Takes (vol. 2)

--- 1 ---

Recently I took Roo off to get a haircut, which is always an interesting experience! I can't help but remember the time, not too long ago when a hair cut was a traumatic experience for both Roo and myself. These days a little discomfort shows on his face for only a few minutes before he settles in for a good long chat with Dave the barber. This time, one of the many topics Roo covered was his favourite ABC3 TV show,  Splat-A-Lot. Roo suggested that Dave should watch it. Roo informed Dave that it would make his life better! He also told him that he would have to watch it after attending Mass, as it begins at 11am! Listening to Roo chatting away in the barber's chair always brings a smile to my face.

--- 2 ---

This week we finally made a pilgrimage to St Mary of the Cross' tomb at Mary MacKillop place. I believe that when one goes on a pilgrimage there are meant to be crosses, or little sufferings to offer up. Our little trip was no exception. Let's just say that we experienced a little difficulty with one of our modes of transport. Some of us alighted the train at a particular stop, others of us did not! We eventually arrived at North Sydney, and were able to spend some time in prayer before the tomb of Australia's first canonized saint.

On the way home I mentioned to one of the children that as I knelt down to pray (with said child), I became overwhelmed with emotion and began to cry. This surprised me, as I had prayed with one of the others boys a few minutes before, and was underwhelmed, but this time bam, tears began to flow, which is very unusual for me. My son quickly looked at me, and said that he had experienced the same thing, and had been crying too!

I would love to go back again soon as our visit was rather short. It's such a beautiful setting with the lovely gardens , and old buildings in the heart of the city, yet set apart from it.

--- 3 ---

The day we left for our holiday my beloved coffee machine broke down! It had served us faithfully for 6 years. Every day at morning tea time I would stop and make myself a cappuccino.  I am not a huge coffee drinker, but love a well made cappuccino once a day.

We have upgraded to a more fancy model, which has required a little more skill than simply pressing a few buttons! I am beginning to understand why it is so difficult to get a truly good coffee. After many failures, I am on my way towards figuring out how to pull a 30 second shot of espresso every time. Having a streak of perfectionism (especially in regard to coffee) is proving to be a time consuming business, but an enjoyable one all the same.

--- 4 ---

Yesterday Bilby came home from the Aspect Siblings camp. I'm sure he had a great time, but as he didn't get to sleep until after 2am on the final morning he hasn't been able to give me much information as yet!

While we were picking him up, and watching the little presentation put on my the children, we saw the first teacher Roo had when he went to the Aspect school. It was so lovely to see him chatting to her, and reminiscing about the good old days in Blue class!

--- 5 ---

Every time we attend a Catholic Homeschool camp I come home with a case of baby envy, or more accurately large family envy! James came with us to the last camp, and he came home with a dose too. I just love watching how the children in large families interact with one another.

--- 6 ---

Today Roo finished book 1 of All About Spelling. He has really enjoyed this programme, and feels a great sense of achievement at having finished the book. Before we went on holiday, I had to convince him not to take it away with us so that he could finish quicker! Book 2 here we come.

--- 7 ---

In an effort to strengthen my back, which keeps going out resulting in my having to spend 2-3 days lying flat, I have decided that I need to do some exercise. I tried Pilates with a physiotherapist, which was great, but is very expensive, so I am looking into other options. My motivation is lacking. It's just not my thing, but better than the alternative I guess!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

September Photo Journal

We have not long arrived home from a mini holiday, and the North Coast Catholic Homeschool camp, where Roo made his First Holy Communion.

Ready to recieve First Holy Communion.

It's difficult to get everyone looking their best!

 The medal  Roo is wearing belonged to my maternal Grandmother, who wore it on her First Holy Communion day, which is rather a special thing to still have, and be able to use. I was a little nostalgic on the day as Roo, is probably the last child I will prepare to receive First Holy Communion.

 After camp we spent some time with our good friends Sonia and Patrick and their beautiful family.

Bilby and our Godson. All the little ones just love Bilby. He is fantastic with little ones.

We spent a day at Dreamworld, and I am happy to say that  being over 40 has not stopped me from indulging in my passion for thrill rides! With the exception of rides that spin. Koala takes after me, which meant we spent most of the day together on some very scary rides. We had a blast! The photo below was taken on our last visit when Koala was just 5. The look on his face in the photo is priceless!

Koala aged 5. One of my all time favorite photos!

 We just had to take the photo again, 8 year later!

Koala ages 13

 We had a great time away!

Questioning The System.

A close friend of mine is considering home educating one of her five children as he has been struggling at school. As I have encouraged her that she can do  it, and calmed her many fears, I have been able to reflect upon how very dependent we are on the system to educate our children. This lady is highly educated, yet she doubts her ability to educate her nine year old son!

The experience has reminded me of the huge divide there is between those with kids in the school system, and the rest of us. It really is a total paradigm shift. After over eight years of home educating I now know that terms like "behind" and "failure" are only useful in a classroom setting. Just as I know the sun will rise, I know that my children are just where they need to be, and I am able to totally ignore the guidelines of the education department, and some members of my family and society at large, who would think that my children are "behind" in some areas, and that "they should be able to ..." They do not measure success the way that I, and most homeschool families do. My children are thriving, and have their self esteem intact as they are not forced to compare themselves with other children their age on a daily basis. I fully remember feeling as she does, and asking myself all those questions. Am I capable, what about maths, and university entrance, will they fall behind, and on and on, and on.

Attempting deschool a someone in a few phone calls and emails is a tough ask! She is not closed off to my opinions, which I know must sound strange and perhaps even slightly radical. I can imagine the confusion of being advised to allow your child seemingly do nothing for a few months when you have been told he is struggling at school! Being told that the final year of school is irrelevant to getting a place at university must come as a shock after a lifetime of being told how crucial it is.

I will continue to challenge her beliefs, and encourage her to question why it is that the education department's standards are her yard stick of success, and why she feels incapable when all evidence points to her competence. And I will continue to be thankful that I am able to see the world through the lens of home education.  

7 Quick Takes (volume 1)

--- 1 ---

In an attempt to get back into blogging, I thought I would have a go at 7 Quick Takes. Here goes!

--- 2 ---

Since I last blogged we have had some changes in our family life. Roo, is now homeschooled. I absolutely LOVE having him at home. He is thriving, and I am so much more relaxed than I was when Bilby first came home. No changing curriculum and stressing over getting it right. I now have the experience and confidence to relax and enjoy the time I have with my youngest! Last week I complimented him on having learned all the phonograms on his All About Spelling chart, to which he replied "I'm so good!" I just love the self believe kids at this age have.

--- 3 ---

Koala, on the other hand has returned to school. I firmly believe that he is right where he needs to be, and I have once more learned to never say "I will never..." He is thriving, but I miss him terribly.

--- 4 ---

Today I was able to spend a few hours with my dear friend Tanya, whom I haven't seen for a while as she is hard at work with her university studies. Tanya is a real inspiration to me as she has so much energy and passion for Our Lord, her family, and her career.

--- 5 ---

In a few days we leave for a little holiday, and we are really looking forward to it! We will be relaxing by the beach in our little camper trailer for a few days, before attending a Catholic Homeschool camp, then visiting dear friends in Brisbane, then a day at a Gold Coast theme park to indulge Koala and my passion for roller coasters!

--- 6 ---

At the moment I am listening to "The Book Thief" on my Ipod which I am really enjoying. Audio books certainly make house work a who;le lots more enjoyable! We have recently discovered Audible. Bilby, Roo and I have been listening to lots of great books. I must say it makes reading aloud easier!

--- 7 ---

Fathers Day is tomorrow. DVDs seem to be the theme this year. Bilby remembered that James has often commented that he would like The Princess Bride on DVD, which we found despite my belief that it was inconceivable that we would be able to find it (sorry I couldn't resist). Then Roo saw The Incredibles which is James favourite kids movie. Koala's gift will be to help me cook James a special breakfast of poached eggs with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!