1 Tuesday Jem announced that he wanted to be Superman, I asked him “Why?”  he replied, “I want to fly!” Immediate visions flashed through my mind of Jem launching himself of the roof in his mission to fly!!  This after all is the child who has sustained concussion not once but twice, who at the age of four has already undergone two cat scans for said condition.  Instantly I knew this was no moment to encourage creativity and imagination.  “I’m really sorry Jem but you can’t fly” I was simply blunt, “however we’ll go find your Superman outfit and you can dress like Superman”.  Fortunately he was happy to abandon…

1 This week I spent a large chunk of time trying to decide what books to order for our children’s St Nicholas day gifts.  Generally we focus on purchasing Faith books, at least for our younger ones.  After spending time at my two favourite blogs for book recommendations, via a discussion at 4Real I stumbled on bibliozealous’ ‘best’ list of Catholic picture books!  Thank you Ellie an awesome list.  Anyone like to suggest other book blog must reads? 2 During all this book selection I finally figured out how to create a wishlist at Book Depository:) Best of all I can create labels and categorise into groups. 3 Talking books thanks to…

1 Yesterday the children and I cleaned PC’s shed.”What!!” I hear my male readers exclaim, you dared to clean a man’s shed!?  Please be reassured this was with PC’s permission, one granted with conditions, we were not to touch his tool corner but to tackle the mess dumped in the first half of his shed.  The first half was mostly the children’s paraphernalia including sporting and camping gear, which has been carted off to the shipping container. 2 As in all cleaning projects one mess leads to another.  We are currently undertaking a deep cull in the shipping container, we don’t really need so much, it is rather a freeing sensation to ‘throw’:)  Ask…

1 We’ve started back with swimming lessons this week after six months off.  We’re so impressed with Jack Jack, he is confident, he is capable and he is enthused, such a different situation from last season!!  His teacher is also astounded:)  Jelly Bean has picked up easily and Princess has been promoted to C squad, swimming for an hour and a half at a time!! 2 With the swimming season begun and the promise of a hot, hot summer to come we’ve been fantasizing pools again, checking ebay daily.  The cost of an above ground is achievable it’s the cost of the fence that is the killer.  Perhaps we should focus on…

1 Last week we went shoe shopping and were fortunate to ‘strike it lucky’ at the sale table.  We picked up four pairs of sandals for only $5 each!  Thus leaving the shop with 6 pairs of shoes for $85!  I’m slightly embarrassed to admit yes, one pair was for me yet again, blush. 2 Talking ‘stretching the dollar’ we’re needing to be more frugal and part of the plan is to tackle our grocery budget, I’m looking at our meals searching for nutritious yet economical meals.  As we are grain free this could be a challenge indeed.   Any suggestions? 3 Last week Princess made Vanilla extract, simply vanilla beans and vodka.  She is…

1 Last call for submissions for October’s Homeschool High School Carnival.  Suggested topic is “Writing and Composition in High School” or you may choose to share on any topic, golden oldies are most welcome too. 2 Currently we’re all about kefir here, both water and milk kefir grains are growing and multiplying.  The milk kefir is declared a success, makes a delicious smoothie, but we’re just not sure about the water kefir, it has a taste of ginger beer which we are not fans of.  Anyone have any suggestions of ways in which to use water kefir? 3 Weeks back I mentioned a lack of success in short shopping for our girls.  Shortly…

1 There is a slight possibility I could be developing a new addiction. Within the space of a fortnight I have purchased five new pairs of shoes! For a gal who previously thought four pairs sufficient for any woman’s wardrobe I’m ‘scratching my head’ at myself.  Brand new high heels in various colours, plum, pink, metallic blue and black are too great a deal to miss for a $1 a pair!  Now I only need an outfit to match..and perhaps a handbag? 2 This morning I attended a local booksale with Princess and a couple of Anna Maria’s friends.  We had a good time and scored a few decent books, a couple of children’s…

1 Frequently today my thoughts have been with my dear friend Gae as her and her family leave their Tasmanian home and venture forth to the next exciting chapter in their lives.  I think I may be nearly as excited as they are, finally they will be back on the mainland within driving distance!!! 2  Last night PC and I slipped out for a quick supper date, we’d considered ‘kicking back’ and having a chat over a hot chocolate at McCafe’s, the choices are slim in our town so, but  their ‘big screen’ and music videos irritate me, so not inviting! Instead we slipped into Hungry Jack’s and I was so disappointed to discover…

1 Reminding all that next Friday submissions for the launch of the Homeschool High School Carnival close at midnight!  I’m so looking forward to this Carnival it is certain to be a source of inspiration and support.  If you are not already planning to join us do consider to do so:) 2 Yesterday I posted off a birthday post satchel of goodies to our girl away at College.  Next week she will celebrate her first birthday without us and I thought I was being brave about it all.   I was consoling myself  that she won’t be alone,  her ‘city family’ are planning a meal, her Uni friends are taking her out, and we’d send…