Beautiful Crazy Faith: Six Month Snapshot

Previously titled 'In my Life this Month' but I thought that I would rename it to the above as I only write one of these posts every six months. I really don't think my life is THAT interesting to do one every month. Today is Sunday and I am tired. I think God had an excellent idea when he made the seventh day as a day of rest because today that is exactly what I felt like doing all afternoon. Blessed myself I did with a L-O-N-G overdue chat with my bestie on the phone. Lost count at how long we talked for because she had to ring me back and then I had to ring her back due to a wee man with a split lip and a banana that wouldn't properly peel for him. You know tragic things like that!

So lets begin....

In our home school.....

Well its been the school holidays here for the past two weeks something that we observe. There is no way that the kids would let me work them through the holidays for ANY reason. Plus I need a break too....a break from the planning, the checking up on, the correcting, the hunting DAILY for pencils, pens, scissors and rubbers that mysteriously disappear EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! I think there is a conspiracy going on here.

What we are planning to do for the upcoming term is follow a book called "How to Make a Apple Pie Around the World". Obviously the lesson plans will be a little different for the older kids and the younger kids but they will both follow the book. The story follows a young girl around the world as she collects different ingredients for her apple pie. Each week we will look at the country that she visits and the ingredient that she collects, where it grows, how it is harvested, what its used for etc. At the end of the book of course we will make an apple pie just like the girl in the book. Also for the older kids I am planning to put together a MasterBaker programme. Where they can learn different aspects of baking (so they don't stick to baking the same thing as they tend to do). Biscuits, Slices, Pikelets, Cakes, Breads etc. Once they have completed all those without supervision and are edible I'll award them with the MasterBaker Graduate Award. So that is the plan for this term. I say plan and use that term loosely as I know that at times my kids needs change. But that is the beautiful thing about homeschooling I guess.

I am inspired by..... this book as you know.

The beauty and generosity of people.

Just some of things been donated to Loving Arms

The beauty of colour.

Such vivid colours!

Places we are going....
Well even though it hasn't been the best holidays for us around here due to a number of things, ie Terrible winter colds and terrible winter weather, we haven't ventured to far from home. Even I have to admit that its been a little boring around here. BUT we did manage to get to visit the zoo a few days ago. It was cold to say the least but it was so nice to be out of the house and doing something together as a family. My favourite is and always will be the giraffes. I find them so fascinating.

People we are seeing....see above for reasons but not too many people. I did however get to meet up with a very inspiring lady from the community who has big dreams and an even bigger heart for the people she wishes to help.

My favourite thing....
Not winter that's for sure! Hmmmm do I have a favourite thing? My electric blanket at night, My husband been home for the past week on holiday, that's been cool.

What is working for us....
Turning down our hot water cylinder! Knocked nearly $200 of our power bill!! I know!! I miss having an abundance supply of hot hot water but $200 when you don't have a lot is something I can live with.
Dividing up the areas of the house when it comes to tidying up. Works reasonably well especially when I rotate who does what areas. The worst area according to the children is the kitchen, the best area is the hallway and front and backdoor area!

What isn't working for us...
The kids playing soccer in the hallway. Results in a smashed window! Not happy.
Winter colds and coughs - doesn't make for good sleeping. Poor Jesse has had a bad head cold and all night I hear Mama Mama. He sleeps holding my hand.

Questions/thoughts I have...
-How are we going to pay for the window? We can't go through winter with it boarded up.
-How much is too much? We live in a society of inequality and excess. Even though its a fact of life its not right and how do you fix it?
-Where is God taking us? Even though I love the journey that we are on, it isn't easy at times and sometimes its a little unnerving not knowing where we are actually going?

Things that I am....
-Reading...Rhinestone Jesus by Kristen Welch
-1 Samuel
-Last Read...The Centurion by Janette Oak and Davis Bunn
-Read...The Externally Focus Quest by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson ...so can't wait to read that one even though its been ordered and hasn't actually arrived yet.
-Watching...Not a lot really. I have been quite busy with various projects on the go I don't have time to watch much on TV. I can't even remember the last movie I sat and watched and enjoyed.

I am cooking...Spaghetti and meatballs, Pizza, and I am getting really good at doing roasts too even if I say so myself.

I am grateful for...
-My husband. He really is super. Loved having him home this week and having no outside extracurricular activities to get to.
-Our upcoming weekend away in Taupo with my sister and her family and my Mum. So can't wait for that. Here is hoping we can get to the snow.
-The blessing of meat. We were blessed with a large amount of meat a week or so ago. Meat is expensive here and I only buy it if I have too. Up until now we have been living on venison (which isn't a bad thing) but it makes a nice change having beef.
-God's continual guidance and provision. This is a common theme in my posts I know but I really am very grateful. Two and half years since our journey began and we are still here and our daily walk though hard at times is such a blessing.
-A supportive family, friends and church. Our journey would be that much harder without them.
-This new little life that grows inside of me. I am just about to head into my last trimester and this little ones kicks and flutters will turn into cuddles and kisses. I am embracing this precious time because he or she is born I will have to share.

I am praying for...
-Gods continual guidance and providence.
-Growth and direction of Loving Arms. For the community to be moved by the need and mobilized into action.
-The health of the family
-The birth of this wee baby. Not even going to pretend that my last birth wasn't hard and challenging.

Day in the Life Photos...

A rest stop at the zoo!

Maybe its because the kids are home schooled but they seem to a bit slow on the uptake of 'school yard fads'. Is that a bad thing? But once they were introduced into the house these loom bands threatened to overtake our house. Provided a lot of hours of entertainment though.