1 We headed to our bigger city to shop this week and we were most satisfied to complete present purchases for six children. Only two more children to buy for. I love to have most Christmas shopping done prior to Advent so I can enjoy the Season. 2 Whilst there we also bought some new saucepans.  Saucepans for a larger family are hard to source.  We were blessed to find an Arcosteele set that due to missing the frypan and smallest pot (which we didn’t want anyhow) were reduced from $230 down to $80!! 3 My younger girls would dearly love old-fashioned long Nighties.  However they are impossible to buy,…

1 Michelangelo is in the midst of a reading frenzy, in the last three days he has read the first three Ranger’s Apprentice books🙂  He is reading every spare moment he has, which isn’t much as he is working on a building project with Dad, but by staying up late at night he is managing.  Princess has also embarked on a reading binge,  she reading her way through the Bobbsey Twins series.  Actually the older three also constantly have their noses in books,  Bryan Davis’ Dragons in our Midst books arrived so they are engrossed. 2 Carpenter made the comment at breakfast that he feels like a Hobbit at present. …

1. Last week PC and our three teens attended the Christus Rex Pilgrimage.  Walking 90km in freezing rain, suffering blisters and hardships is an experience they’ll always remember.  2.  To attend took a two day car trip each way. Koala took advantage of this and clocked up nearly another 30 hours of driving.  107 hours down only 13 more hours till she will be ready for her driving test! 3. The Sunday they were away I attended Sunday Mass with just my five youngest.  As I wrestled with our 2year old and tried to keep the 4yr old settled I thought anew how blessed I am that PC is a…

1 PC actually admitted to enjoying a chicken meal I prepared this week! Oh if you only knew how much he hates chicken; years ago he was served raw chicken and recently he was struck low with food poisoning via a chicken roll (not prepared by I).  Major, major progress to be able to enjoy chicken. 2 I’ve been cooking on the BBQ frequently lately, not only dinners but also lunch.  It is far quicker to cook fritters or eggs for a family this size on a large hot plate.  Thinking ahead to when we build the new kitchen I’m pondering the benefits of installing a hot plate.  I have…

1 PC has a new job!  At the end of November he will be starting as Financial Accountant for a family company.  He finishes up his current job next Friday, then takes a few weeks off to undertake a couple of ventures.  He is rather keen to start:) 2 Our 4 middle children are taking a break from mid week sports this term, although we have joined Nippers held fortnightly on the weekend.  I mistakenly thought this would relieve me from afternon trips to town.  However our two eldest have kept me on the road daily with their work and sports commitments. 3 Rain appears to be our constant companion…

1. I unpacked my maternity clothes this week, I always put this stage off as long as possible, to my surprise I found a few nice outfits packed away. 2.  I finally made my doctors’ appointments too, one with the GP to receive a referral for the obstetrician. Both in a couple of weeks time. 3 PC has discovered Termites in the shed. The Pest Control have warned us this could end up costing us thousands to treat.  We’ll know more when they visit. 4 Jem is such a determined helper, this week I cracked several eggs into the zucchini fritters, turned to attend to another matter and then discovered…

1 I have been researching acne; causes and management.  We have just ordered The Dietary Cure for Acne – Pr Loren Cordain.  Major dietary changes are afoot for our household, frankly it is far easier to convince a teenager to change if everyone is eating the same.  Many years ago we were vegan and ate predominately a macrobiotic diet.  So fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meat we can do. 2 Term 3 holidays start today!  We all have plans, the children want to swim in the River on a regular basis, we can do that:) My list is growing too; an op-shop hunt for books, work on my liturgical year…

1 Jack Jack has a cute little phrase, instead of “What time is it?” he asks, “What O’Clock is it?” 2 My teen boys are currently playing Star Wars online with Saxon who is many thousands of kilometres away.  I can hear a running commentary with each other, I wonder if Saxon has someone to chat away with on the other end?  The internet can be a wonderful tool to bridge the miles. 3 As you may have read google closed my blogs and a website this week for a few days.  Next on my list was to back them up just in case!  What if .. keeps running through…

1 Jem is into pouring milk at present, he can successfully pour when the bottle is a quarter full, otherwise we have disasters. I’m sure you can imagine my quick reaction when I discovered him with a full bottle of milk, about to pour into a cup, when said cup was sitting inside my slipper! 2 I have been driving for 21 years now.  Last Saturday night was the first time I have ever been pulled over for a breathalyzer test.  I have to admit I was pretty chuffed, I bounced up and down in my seat and told the Police Officer it was rather exciting, my first time at…