Friday, February 15, 2013

In my life this month...

In my life this month...
 
We have flies!  We have had flies since the beginning of summer and I can say most definitely that I am soooo over them.  We don’t just have one or two flies.  We don’t just have those crazy flies that fly in a group of three or four in the middle of room in a seemingly pointless circular pattern.  We have FLIES!!  It gets to me after a while (can you tell). At present there is one crawling over the computer screen as I write, no make that two.  Aahhhhh!  Late afternoon in our house see families of flies having a reunion at the tops of our windows, on the floor, in the bathroom and on our benches.  As much as I HATE fly spray, it is unleashed at this time of day by one brassed off Mama who has had enough of swishing flies off her sleeping baby.  Just moments later the insane sound of buzzing and fizzing of dying flies – what a sweet sound it is and it makes me happy.  Only now I have to vacuum. Dumb.  I must be the only person in the world that vacuums her bench of dead flies.  Now just in case you are thinking that I must be the dirtiest person in the world, I’m not.  We live on a farm, a farm with cows! I shouldn’t have to say anymore.  It’s one of the very few downfalls of living here.  Fortunately they only last for three months of the year. Thankfully. And no I am not going to post a photo of flies, they don't deserve that.
Ok so now I have that off my chest I can carry on.
In our home 'school' this month...
We are looking at the moon and all its glory!  Its a very interesting topic once you start delving into it.  We have been hindered by a terrible sickness though and there are some days that school gets push to the side in order just to survive.  I am waiting for the next full moon to haul out my Dads old telescope so we can get a closer look at it.  Kaitlyn is very interested in doing workbooks as is Sophie (3) who is itching for me to teach her letters. She will do school at any time of the day and will shove the workbook in my face whenever she can. Long may that continue!
 
Helpful Home school advice or tips...
Be organised. School doesn't just happen around here. As much as I love the idea of unschooling I have to be purposeful and intentional to some degree and that requires organisation on my part.  I suggestion here, an idea there and a request along the way.  If I didn't do this then I am pretty sure the boys would play Monopoly and Cricket all day everyday.
Jaydens Home-made Cricket Bat - lasted two deliveries but still good effort!
 
 I am inspired by...
 
My Children's Creativity
 
"Enjoying the Small Things" a blog by Kelle Hampton, Good Friends and Good Conversations
Places we are going and people we are seeing...
We have been in self-imposed isolation for three weeks now, due to a hideous and contagious bug. Jamie however has been away for three nights (lucky him) as part of his training.  So my darling friend came to stay with me as did my lovely brother-in-law while Jamie was away. Oh and we have seen the doctor too!
My favourite thing this month....
My wrap, a life saver for me, in a busy home. I can wear Jesse on me and he sleeps for longer than he would in bed.  He also sleeps better during the day in the lounge in amongst the noise and goings on that is everyday life.  Every now and I might pop him into bed but its always ours, obviously so much snugglier than his!


 
What is working for us...
Our prayer bowl - names of our entire family, extended family and close friends are put into a bowl and once (sometimes twice) a day everyone pulls a name out and they pray for that person. The kids love this and it encourages them to pray for other people and not just themselves.

The construction of the family "Prayer Bowl"
Our job bowl - every job that I can think of is in this bowl (I take out what isn't required at the time) and we all pull a job until they are all gone.  Today I had five jobs, clean 1 toilet, clean 1 basin, vacuum the lounge, tidy the front door area and dry the dishes. The boys had four jobs each, Kaitlyn had two and Sophie who desperately wanted to help was given the job of assisting me. Jamie was the over-seer. Result all housework done in three quarters of an hour!  YES!
 
The girls made a train whilst I was washing the floor.
Can you see the 'Stella' cat got to play too?

 
...not working for us...
Night-time!  No one is getting much sleep and that's not fun. Being housebound!  Just a little over it.
Questions/thought I have...
I am thinking about...
What to learn about after the "Moon",  Ideas for the ladies ministry for this year, A communion message,  Writing for Blogs - I have so many in my head and on the computer, but often wonder is it too much of me out there, too much to be judged, abused and misunderstood but then again why write in the first place if no one is going to read it, be inspired by it, be encouraged, entertained or challenged by.
Things I am working on....
Being Organised!  I am wanting this so much that I am frustrated at my lack of it.  I am learning!   Also getting this "post baby body" back into "pre baby shape". That too is a work in progress.                                                                                                                                                   
I'm reading...
'Galatians', Home Birth Bound (again), Books about the Moon, Alaskan Brides (yes I know - laugh if you must) and The Remarkable Women of the Bible (again)
I'm cooking...
Apart from the copious amount of baking I do, I cook.  Favs at the moment are Risotto, Pizza and Spaghetti and Meatballs! Nothing special there.
I'm grateful for...
My husband, who is willing to forgo his bed and take up a mattress on the floor next to Sophie and help her during the night while she is so sick. The Lords continual provision of our wants and needs during this journey we find ourselves on. Friends that I can share my heart with. Our country where we still have the choice as to where and how we birth, where and how we educate and where and how we live our lives. Being able to have my family around me almost all of the time and watching my children interact with each other
I am praying for...
Healing for our children. 
Gods continual guidance and provision.
"Moments of  Everyday Life " Photos
Our carrots weren't the bumper crop we were hoping for but still 'Thor' the resident rabbit got his fill!

A lesson in 'Fractions' if you will
(oh and subtraction of course)
 



Cows!
One reason for our fly problem! No make that 550 reasons!
 

 
This is Sophie watching a movie. 
Don't ask me why!
 
 
 So tell me...................
Whats happening in your life this month?