1Jack Jack is finally talking more than a few words at a time. He has graduated to a couple of sentences at a time, okay we’re not talking paragraphs yet but he is getting there. I’ve been rather surprised at some of the words he uses too, they are not basic choices. His mind is certainly working away, it is just that he doesn’t talk a great deal. He will be 3 in July so it is rather a relief to hear him. 2With autumn here it is time to re-write our menu plan. Probably a good thing as I am finding it hard to be inspired but I know…

1The winter sports season is about to be upon us. I received a phone call from the older children’s coach and we start training next week. As we are still participating in summer sports it is about to get busy for the next few weeks. 2While everyone else is madly spring cleaning for Easter I am procrastinating. Remember my shipping container? Well I now have to ease my way in and climb over beds and book boxes to get to the back. The good news is my dear friend Rebecca is willing to come and help me clean. Isn’t she a wonderful friend? I think she really wants to check…

1Visited the Dentist today, my mouth is a patchwork of fillings. We do not eat a highly processed, sugary diet but it seems to be every time I have a child I need another filling. So I came home angry; angry with the price of dentistry and angry with my teeth. I’ve made a decision, the holes are only small they can stay unfilled. Oh and I will floss more regularly as that is my main problem. 2I’ve been pretty sick this week; fevers, very sore throat and splitting head. This has passed through everyone to varying degrees the last children are now sick. PC who was the only one…

1For several days this week PC and three of the children were away visiting family. It was indeed very different with only five children. The house was much quieter and the washing greatly reduced, we felt like we were on a mini holiday. I did however manage to spend some special time with the remaining children, particularly the little ones. What was surprising though was just how much the remaining children missed the visiting ones. Jelly Bean in particular was always wanting to ring and the boys were not adverse to chatting away too. I pray they will be like that when they are older. It goes without saying I…

1.Michelangelo was stung several times by paper wasps yesterday. His hand and foot are still very swollen, the skin is tight and itchy. Anti-histamines make him drowsy, unlike Einstein who is still bouncing off the wall hours later. So I now have three boys who react severely to insect stings. Carpenter reacts to jumping ants, Einstein to bees and Michelangelo to paper wasps. 2Koala has started ballet and is very keen, she is not letting her age be a deterrent. I have to admit this interest has come totally out of the blue. When she was much younger she enjoyed Irish dancing but we haven’t participated in dance for quite…

1Jem rolled over today! Technically he has done so before today but this time I saw him:) 2Today our little ones participated in a Questacon Science Funplay. (Photos and details to come later) I was very proud of my older children’s attitudes, they started their work last night, continued early this morning and took their work to town and completed it whilst the younger ones were at the Questacon. They are becoming very diligent about completing their set work. I feel they are ready to be extended further, discussions and plans are underway. I’ll share my great ideas when they are all nutted out. 3After today’s Science Funplay I am…

1We have started poetry and catechism memorisation as part of our lessons. Friday night the children will be quizzed on catechism, Tuesday night will be poetry recitation. Tonight the children were quizzed on catechism they then gave us a sneak preview of their poems. I’m very impressed with their results so far, it was so impressive to listen to, I have always thought the idea sounded nice, now I know it going to be a lovely family time. 2 After muddling along with lessons for a week and a half PC and I finally managed to print out a spreadsheet for the children with their lesson expectations. The children had…

1Our first week back at lessons concludes. For the first time ever in all of our years of homeschooling I am completely happy with what I had planned. Generally speaking at this time I would be re-writing our routine, re-adjusting plans, seeking where I can pare down. Instead I am very happy with the routine we found last term and am looking at the happy situation of perhaps being able to expect even more from the children. 2 It is time to confess that I have been very undisciplined in my resolutions to exercise and NOT snack. I keep wondering if I should be bold enough to join Jessica at…

For so long I have wanted to participate in Jen’s 7Quick Take Fridays as I have really enjoyed reading others. Finally I’m joining in the fun:) 1Our dear friends Gae and Stephen have been blessed with a precious baby girl today!! Arwen Finbarra Perpetua. Their 11th child, their first since they have joined the Catholic Church. PC and I are particularly excited as we have been honoured as godparents. PC’s 2nd godchild. 2 My baby sister Tamsin turned 17 today. Time has sped just too fast. We love you so much my darling. 3PC and I did our monthly shop today. I love shopping monthly, well I love only going…