1 I just love these words our new Holy Father, Pope Francis spoke during the Urbi et Orbi, so beautiful. “And now, we take up this journey: Bishop and People. This journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches. A journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the whole world, that there may be a great spirit of fraternity. It is my hope for you that this journey of the Church, which we start today, and in which my Cardinal Vicar, here present, will assist me, will be fruitful for the…

1 We’re into our fourth week of the new school year and all is humming along nicely here, but….. I’m thinking of making some tweaks of course;)  Currently we have our basics covered nicely, you know, the four Rs, so no change needed there.  However I’m considering how to delve deeper into the ‘subject’ areas; history, geography, science and nature, yes deeper with Faith too.  My plan is thus, rather than try to do a little of each weekly, we’re going to focus on one area at a time, perhaps for a fortnight, perhaps for longer, dig deep, make connections and when we’ve exhausted our interest then focus on a…

1 Last week I shared some Jemism’s, sharing now a funny from Jelly Bean (8). Jelly Bean had begged to learn how to iron, after teaching her the technique for ironing a shirt; first the collar, then the yoke, the side etc, she declared herself capable of ironing a shirt without assistance. “I know what to do, I iron the collar, then the yoga…” I burst out laughing, so she tried again, “the yoghurt”  She can now successfully iron,  I’m very impressed that she can iron her Daddy’s business shirt. 2 Jelly Bean has been reading the ‘Princess and the Frog’ to me.  I just don’t get it, why did the…

1 Last week we were reading about the Creation and also about atoms and molecules.  Small wonder that when I asked Jem (4), “Who were the first man and woman?” his response was “Atom and Eve”. 2 Sharing another Jemism, we currently are blessed with two new priests, Fr P, newly ordained loves to use the 1st Preface during the celebration of Mass, the prayer with the long litany of saints.  Jem’s real name is rather unusual and is included in the litany, he listens intently and gets extremely excited when his saint’s name is invoked.  A couple of weeks ago, he turned during the Consecration, and with great excitement exclaimed loudly,…

1 This week I realised my strategy plan of pegging our small boys’ computer time to the baby’s nap time was excellent!  As it is the holidays I diverged from the game plan, and their hour in the morning instead, hence then informing all, “No computer today after lunch.”  That afternoon whilst trying to settle the baby the small boys barged into my room no less than ten times with trivial matters.  Bass took a long time to settle. 2 We also diverged in other areas during the past week, we suspended the no grains, and baked with wheat flour and sugar.   Surprisingly we discovered we no longer like the taste…

My apologies for writing 7 Quick Takes back to back but, I’ve been rather busy this week….. 1 Lesson planning, and all is progressing well.  Plans for our younger children are completed and now I just need to finish the older boys plans.  If you are keen to view just leave me a comment and I’ll email you the blog link.  Feel free to adapt, a couple of my friends do so often.  After posting plans for our eight year girl this week, I wrote to a friend, “Dear R, plans for your W are now up!;)” 2 The needs of an older child has consumed time and energy, life…

Just realised I haven’t written any 7 Quick Takes for a month, PC will be thrilled, he is my biggest fan and always disappointed if 7 Quick Takes are not ready for his enjoyment immediately after dinner on a Friday night.  So here goes… 1 After trying several remedies, I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way to remove mildew on clothes with total success is bleach. 2 Thinking exercise again (yes I know, I need to do it, not just think), anyhow I keep stumbling across bloggers who are runners, and whilst all the health advocates recommend walking, I used to love long distance running….. 3 When are you a mega…

1 The truth is, some years our observance of Advent is far more prayerful and fruitful than others.  This is indeed a ‘lean’ year.  However now the focus is no longer on our Wedding Anniversary, I’m hopeful that we can somehow claim at least the next ten days:) 2 To that end, tomorrow we begin our deep Advent cleaning, nothing says Christmas is drawing closer than a deep clean and de-clutter.  The children are not thrilled;)  Windows, screens  wall, light fixtures, all will be washed and sparkling, cupboards will be tossed, culled and re-organised, cobwebs will vanish, all in preparation for Him. 3 This week I was once again appalled at…

1 Advent begins this Sunday!  If you have been searching for my previous Advent posts, I’ve made it easy for you by placing a wreath image on the top right sidebar labelled ‘bumper Advent post‘, all Advent posts are gathered there and I’ll be regularly updating. 2 Alas I’ve had to succumb and re-install word verification, I was receiving too many spam comments, my sincere apologies. 3 Major moment this week, I went for a totally new hair style, it has body, it has style, I feel great:):) I knew it had been awhile since I’d been in, when my hairdresser said, “You have six children don’t you?” I knew it had…