I Must be Growing Up!

After several years of rainy wet seasons, as opposed to the many years prior of dry, wet seasons as well as dry, dry seasons  :-)  I finally bought myself an umbrella!  Gone are the days of being the only lady turning up to church unprepared, I whipped out my little brolly and I fitted right back in. It made me feel quite grown up.  Did I ever mention that the first time I attended our (very conservative) little church, back in the mid 80s, it was on the back of my now husband's motor bike.  Needless to say I was totally wind swept!  Through babies and toddlers and then through various health issues, I have always seemed to manage to arrive looking rather the worse for wear! Well, one has a reputation to uphold!

It is raining here.  Grey, windy, miserable rain coming from the cyclone which reached the North Queensland coast on Friday night at Category 4 (down graded from a 5 as it made land). The system is down to a Cat 1 but slowly moving down the coast so bringing rain and wind to this normally sunny part of the land.

Much needed rain fell a few weeks ago in the west of the State but as usual pockets are still missing out and desperately dry.  We quote nostalgically that we love this sunburnt country, but doesn't she deal us some heart break?

Wow! Months  have passed since I blogged and while it has been very busy it is hard to know what to write.
Shall I write about the delicious meals we"ve had  and having some special people over to share them? Nah, Macaroni Beef. Spaghetti Bol and Honey soy drum sticks are just not the stuff of exciting reading.

And even though I have been silent here for quite a while you are very well acquainted with my daughters and the small people who steal my time and my heart ♥  I don't need to regale you with antics about how clever they are and all the cute things they say and do. Or perhaps the joy that they bring to my life and the smiles I catch myself with even at the thought of them?

Shall I mention that we had the best week of school thus far this year a couple of weeks before break up? That my very energetic young lad who can't concentrate for more than a few moments on any one thing actually got a couple of his subjects finished and that my older son is liking his TAFE course, though it has been daunting. Okay, things spiralled down a bit towards the end of term so I need not mention that. And these same delightful handsome and well mannered teen aged boys are also bringing down our grey hairs...but enough said about that, I think.

Perhaps you have not called over here to read all this frivolous stuff but to find something more deep and meaningful? I seem at a loss for much of any depth these days.  My kidney function has steadily dropped and I am experiencing the occasional bout of angina. I get very tired now so our busy life is about all I can cope with.  I am having very little social life outside the family and that seems fine for me just now. I have been very much appreciating a fortnightly bible study with a small, interested and interesting group of believers. I press forward knowing and experiencing the everlasting arms safely beneath me.

As always, God is supplying all our needs!

The New Normal

I have been reminiscing about the "good old days"!

There was a time, back when I had only two children and we lived a little out of town on acreage, when we had a very routine but carefree life. Oh, it seems so long ago.  My older daughter learned to read and the two little girls played endless dress up and make believe games. No TV or internet but we spent a lot of time in the garden and we had chooks and geese. We got up early and went to bed early and all sat at the table for all of our meals. It was so idyllic.  I like to think of those times because it was fleeting and the storms of life since then have really given us a belting....

My younger son is at school now.  He has settled in very well.  Where the teachers had been concerned about his "social" life going to school after 8 1/2 years of being home educated  I felt all along that he would have no trouble fitting in but that keeping up with class work would be a challenge.

He has managed to find his way around easily, picked up a regular hand ball game in the lunch break, and signed himself up for the football team :-(

It is a school of almost 1200 students so I think it must be quite daunting.

Whether his mental health issues will be a thing of the past is not clear yet but he is

certainly dealing with things in general a lot better.

He is exhausted at night which is good.

My older son is struggling a little to get motivated doing his school work at home alone.

My having to be out of the house quite a bit at the moment is not helping but also

he would like to ditch school and start working.

(Lots of attitudes to deal with in both boys and sadly myself.)

So with a new home and with all the hectic-ness of our new schedules we

have found a new normal.

It is quieter and more orderly at home but we don't seem to be "at home" 

quite as much.

The twins!

It is difficult to grasp that my grandchildren are growing so quickly.

The twins were two a month ago.

They are both speaking well and very bright and energetic!

The youngest of the bunch will turn two in September.

Oh, where did the baby go?

We're Done!

We are officially on holidays!

It has been a typical Rockhampton week weather wise - hot and humid.  This has made it hard to buckle down.  But here it is, lunch time Wednesday and the last of the school books are packed away.  Such a great feeling!

2012 has been a year of many highs and lows. I guess that makes it a very typical year.  We've had a few good break throughs with the boys reading.  S2 particularly has improved immensely in this department.  S1, though he finds anything academic tough, has really shown maturity and applies himself to what ever  task is put before him.

Sadly, my boys do not enjoy the formal side of schooling and I am trusting that they will find what it is they love and want to do in life and then go for it with gusto!

Come on ~ it's not that bad!

We have some unfinished books which I will attempt to get read in the next few weeks.  Have you found as the children get older that it is much harder to make times to sit and read together, especially on holidays? One of the books we have almost completed is my Uncle's family history, so that is a great read together and conversation starter.

We ended the year with a bit of a bang last week (another reason why we have been sluggish this week). We had the Groves Presentation Night on Wednesday last, both boys receiving certificates for effort and character.  Then on Thursday, my older son's fifteenth birthday, he and I attended the Graduation Dinner.  This is held each year in our little home school group to celebrate the completing of Year 12 or in some cases 10, of some of the students.  This was a lovely night out for the older students.

The graduates and guest speakers

My handsome birthday boy, second right, with mates

 at the Graduation Dinner

Then on Friday we had a Break Up with all the homeschooling families.

This was a fabulous event with slip and sliding, water fights, family challenge and a shared evening meal.

The Capricornia Homeschoolers are a terrific bunch!

It is wonderful to see so many young and enthusiastic people getting involved.

This week, apart from finalising our formal work, I have a number of appointments and taking my mum to one as well.  Then it is time to really enjoy the holiday break!

I thank God for the many blessings and mercies he has showed to us this year.  We have faced many challenges but we have come through. We have enjoyed many family occasions and we are blessed to have all of the grandparents living and contributing so much to our lives.

We have learned to trust God more as he had enabled us through difficult times as well.

"The joy of the Lord is my strength"

Stand Up!

Sometimes I feel as though our, my, witness to the world is less than a little dull flickering glow :-(  We are called to be like a city set on a hill which cannot be hidden.  Often times I hear and watch the situation in the world and tremble.  The nation that does not honour God he will reject.  We are, as a nation, deserving of his wrath.  But like Lot and his family, He has graciously spared some.  Will we STAND UP in these desperate times, for that which God has clearly shown us to be right, to please and glorify Him?

Stand up for life

I was heartened by the quite good attendance at a Stand Up for Life Rally here on the weekend.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made from conception to the grave.  It is not enough for us to say Abortion is wrong.  Euthanasia is wrong. We need to be sharing the gospel and praying for changed hearts and lives.  We need to be actively supported those who find themselves in such desperate situations as to take a life ~ theirs or another's.

Meanwhile

Life is chugging along.  I have had some small improvements in my health which has been a wonderful answer to prayers.  If you are among those remembering me in prayer ~ thank you ♥
The boys have a few bits and pieces to finish up before Wednesday when I am declaring Term 3 over.
As always, some slow progress, but reasonably happy with the amount we have covered.  I love September and we have a lot on in these holidays to look forward to.  However, the Summer terms as always a struggle against heat and fatigue.  Most likely we will go back to the Library routine which is more comfortable here in Summer.

The Capricornia Homeschoolers acquitted themselves well once again, at the Sports Day.  I have mentioned before, but we are very fortunate to have a couple of small Christian schools in the district who include us in there Sports Day and sometimes other combined activities.

 

Looking Forward

Less than two weeks until our 100year celebrations.  I have been busily making name tags, completing pages in my Family History Albums and trying to write and illustrate (in pics) a poem.  Well the words are done but the book is not finished so I am very pleased to be having a break from school as it is time consuming.  Mind you, I can't even think about getting scrapping gear out while the littlies are awake.  That cuts down the opportunities a little :-)

Joshua 10: 25

And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.

No Joe Banks Here!

Sir Joseph Banks

As my last post indicated, the youngest child in our family has just entered the teen years.  Youths we like to call them.  Young men on the brink of adulthood.  Such an exciting time of life for them and a new venture for us as parents.  In some ways more difficult than this stage with the girls....but personalities are the main difference rather than the boy/ girl thing I think.

Boys of this age are such a delightful mixture!  Their voices are changing and you, or they, are never quite sure how an answer is going to come out.  I guess this could be embarrassing but hasn't been for my older boy.  It is not an age when young men can appreciate having "the mickey taken out of them" as we say here in Oz.  Some like to give it all out but not so good at receiving.  Suddenly my little boys have the deepening voices, the broadening shoulders, the self conscientious grins and shrugs, a little before unknown shyness.  But one positive, boys at this age know everything!

You mums with older boys (sometimes not very old either) know because when we drive, they are right along there with us, giving directions and correcting and teaching you who has right of way and when you have waited too long at a Stop or Give Way, or perhaps charged across with too little room................ Yep, these guys know about everything.  I think the only thing they don't question me on is cooking.  They know where their next meal is coming from and they will not bite the hand that feeds them!  That's another thing I like about youths.  They show and verbalise their appreciation of every meal.  Music to a mother's ears and heart!

Last week my fourteen year old was not impressed with a unit in Science that we were doing on plants.  He reckoned we had done it all before.  I agreed we'd studied the basics before but that this was a little more in depth and much of it would be new to him.  "Well, why do I need to learn about plants anyway?  When will I ever use it?"  I changed up into teacher mode and explained that all learning is good for general knowledge and perhaps one day he would have a garden of his own to plant and look after and this information would come in handy. *Scowl*   "Who knows you might even want to be a Botanist!"  "Botanist!  Botanist"  We had to laugh at his incredulous expression!
(My husband finds it terribly amusing that I studied Logic for two years in high school :-)  Whatever "usefless bits of information" we collect, they are filed away for later use.

I love my boys.  I loved them as little mischievous tots, as primary school aged Basketball fanatics and now as youths a little too fond of phones, Face Book and PS3.  I love the way they care and play with the little nephews and niece.  The way they come forward to do the heavy lifting for poor old mum.  The way they think they can stay up till all hours and sleep in till all hours.  Okay, I don't love that but I do love the way they think they are in control and responsible.  

If you have small boys in your family give them lots of hugs and cuddles and make special times
and memories.  Big boys like hugs too but are sometimes shy to give them.  In the blink of an eye that little fellow who cuddled on your lap for stories and ran to you with every little scrape and heart ache is a young man, making his own decisions, making his own way in the world.

Psalm 119 

⁹Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?

by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

For non Australian readers, Joseph Banks was the famous Botanist who travelled with Captain Cook on his first great voyage and the discovery of the east  coast of Australia.  Many places and of course flora are named after Banks most notably the Banksia.  The picture on left is one example of this beautiful native flower.

The Big Bad Banksia Men
immortalised by May Gibbs

The Teen Scene

Youngest of the six grandchildren
up where the action is.

The rapid passage of time, which seems to be accelerating, has been in my thoughts and a few posts lately.  Today we celebrated the birth thirteen years ago of our fifth child.  Thirteen years!  How can it be?  My older girls were almost eleven and eight when  A Beacon was born so they have lots of memories to share with us of that day .  My favourite thing to do is to have all the family together, which we had for dinner tonight.  I like to think, "My Kitchen Rules", if only in the hearts  minds and tummies of my own family! Meals like this are hectic.  Not only with three toddlers at the table, but now three babies wanting to sit in high chairs and be part of the fun.

The birthday boy is still keen on basketball as I noted in a previous birthday post.  He is also still fairly short for his age and desperate to have a growth spurt soon.  He is friendly and helpful but has a great weakness for fast food and for Play Station Games :-(  He and a few friends will meet at the pool on Saturday, Lord willing, and he hopes to go roller skating with his cousin on Friday night, so hopefully with basketball and training he is compensating for these addictions not so good habits.

He was spoilt today with brekkie at Maccas.  Lunch and shopping with one of his big sisters and then dinner with the family.  This son has been waiting very impatiently, to be allowed to have Face Book.  He is stoked to be on there but like his older brother, I think the novelty will wear off.

Signing in on Face Book

Are they too young?  It is hard to say.  I don't find Face Book too bad but I find we need to be allowed access to their pages/ profiles etc.  This is a condition of them being allowed to join.  (I also have mine so my husband can read on it for the reason of accountability.)  The occasional unsuitable link has slipped through, usually because my son hasn't read carefully what he was clicking on.  One of the positive for my boys using Face Book and email has been a desire to write and read better.

Numbers 6

²⁴The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:

 ²⁵The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

 ²⁶The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Brain Drain #2

Continuing the weekly waffle.

As I sit at the computer, I hear my little grand daughter several rooms away. "Mum! Mum! Mum!"  her strident little voice is calling.  The twins will be nine months old soon.  They have been scooting around the floor for some time and are standing momentarily.  Before we know it they will be walking.  I cannot vouch for the state of the floors here but I trust these little ones are building up lots of immunity!  Their little cousin just over the hill is up and rocking on all fours.  Sigh...they are not babies for long ♥.

Having babies in the house once again is reminding me just how precious and fleeting life is.  My own "baby" will be thirteen next week!  I love that I have been given so much time with my grandchildren.  Yes, they are boisterous.  They're loud and they bellow and roar when things don't go their way.  They do make a lot of mess :-) But they fill our lives with cuddles and cute one liners and we wonder what we will do when they actually do go?

Each night, the two year old pulls my clothes and says, "Come. 'Tars"  We three, the two and three year olds and Mumma, sit on the top steps and point out the moon and stars and sing appropriate nursery rhymes.  Then the little fellows run squealing into the house, "Dinosaurs!" as car lights come down the road.  Like a lot of little boys they love dinosaurs and loud roaring creatures.  Then we all snuggle in for "'Tory Time".  Sweet dreams, little men. ♥

I really think that draining my brain has worked to some degree.  Much of my fogginess has lifted which is a puzzle to me as I was attributing it to medication.  None of which has changed.  But yes, definitely feeling sharper.  I still need a lot of sleep but managing.  I am actually fairly happy with how our school days are panning out though I admit to many doubts and fears.  The boys and I have settled fairly well into the new "routine" which is basically....we have done away with the routine and do whatever can be managed!  I hope this is just another season but it is turning into quite a looong winter.

I even ventured to the Mothers' Night out.  It was so good to socialise with my friends.  Sometimes these nights are for sharing things we are struggling with, which we touched on, but mostly it is good just to relax, enjoy company, compare notes and indulge in some nice food and beverages.

My short daily devotional on prayer has been helpful.  Prayer is a given in the Christian walk and yet we do not always use this wonderful communication with our God. We sometimes take it for granted and presume upon his goodness.  I am humbled as I read through the Biblical examples at just how similar our Godly forbears were to us in their failures and faults.  However, the gracious dealing of the Lord with them and his preserving hand upon them is also a great encouragement.  How amazing to think that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the same God forever.

For this God is our God for ever and ever,
He will be our Guide, even unto death.

Psalm 48: 14

Time heals all wounds

The death of a child, of any loved one, but especially a child, leaves a wounded heart in the parents and family of that little one.  When my beautiful son died, twenty five years ago, I thought my world was spinning out of control.  I knew I would never be quite the same.  I was much more fragile and emotional.  I laughed less.  I empathised with others better but had to fight envy as my friends brought home their happy, healthy, live babies.

Time heals all wounds but leaves a scar.

On this twenty fifth anniversary of Warriors  death, I can praise God for his short eight days on earth.  I can remember him with poignant motherly love ♥  There is no bitterness just sweet savouring of the memories of our first born that leave a lingering longing to touch, to see, to hold.  Time has indeed healed that gaping wound but the scar is sensitive, precious, just below the surface.

My paternal grandmother had a still born child in the 1920s .  Norah was her fifth child and first daughter.  Although she went on to have five more healthy babies, in her old age she told my aunt that the pain of returning home with empty arms still remained with her.  In those days still born children were whisked away so she never saw her little Norah and yet she never forgot her. Grandma ached for her all her long life.

Just a few years ago, identifying so much with my grandmother's grief, I tracked down the unmarked grave site of that sweet baby.  My Aunty Norah.  Loved but never known.  Her mortal remains lie in the same cemetary as my own little boy.

Thank you Lord, for these precious little ones and all of the much loved babies you have taken before they had to endure the harsh realities of life.

"I will go to him, but he will not return to me."

2 Samuel 12:23

Birth Days

Birthdays come and go fairly regularly here.  Happily, we still make a fuss about the day and today was no different.  My older son's fourteenth birthday.  You can read his birth story on other birthday posts here and here.




Looking cool in Canberra!



Much loved uncle.

Today I have been reflecting on the special-ness of each child's birth.  It is a day to celebrate and remember for them, but especially precious to the mother and father, but particularly I think mothers.  I try to make mention of each of my siblings birthdays to Mum and a special point to remember the birth of my sister who died.  Her birthday is very precious to my mother as is my own little son's who did not live long enough to mark his age in years but days only.

The birth days of my children are THE most special days of my life.  Now that I have grand children, I look forward to a day when I can recount to them the excitement and anxieties of their birth days.

He has set the solitary in families!

My own four children and the little grandchildren.  Since these six are all born within three years of each other it will not be long until they are almost like sextuplets!  And note the sweet little girl on the right ♥
I hope this happy snap makes you smile ~ it sure does me!

School? Too busy getting an education!

My older son was fortunate enough to be able to make the trip to Canberra with the Groves Distance Education Students and Teachers last week.  What a fun, action packed week that was!  with the long drive from Brisbane to Canberra and back on Sunday and Thursday nights and each day crammed with activities.  They did a lot of educational/ touristy high spots as well as a recreational day at Thredbo.  Not only is my S1 more widely travelled than the rest of us with Dad  the only exception, but he is the only member of our family to have seen and frolicked in snow!

S2 made pretty good mileage of being the only student at home.  While he still had to do basic school work he also had a nice treat going out to lunch with Mum at Hog's Breath on shopping day..

His sister, in her already very busy day, managed to make time to play board games and give him some extra attention. (He wasn't admitting it but he missed his mate.)

Lord willing, S2 will have the opportunity to make this trip in '13.

This week the dedicated Groves staff have conducted a workshop for the students in this district who are enrolled with them. These are always a great day and especially being a Science theme.

Here they are launching their `hot air balloons.

The lad second left is my older son. A pilgrim?  No, he is wearing his "thinking cap".

Quantum physics?

I'm not sure but some of the older children were able to keep up :-)

Some of the families travel from as far as Mackay to the north and places like Bauhinia and Rolleston to the west so these are really good days for making and renewing friendships as well.

Four generations!

The twins are 9 weeks in this pic but today they are eleven.

I mentioned last week that the children had all been unwell.  Thankfully they are all improving.  The older children also got a bad dose of it which laid the boys in bed for a day although my daughter soldiered on, as mothers do :-)

Alas, I have also come down with this 'flu which brings with it a dreadful cough.  I have very little resistance to anything at the moment so I have ended up with a chest infection.  Grrr... I do try to be patient, long suffering etc but I must admit I am rather over being unwell just now :-(

Tomorrow the boys begin rehearsals for the Homeschoolers concert in a couple of months.  This was begun last year by one of the musical families, although we've had many more amateur concerts in the past.  I must admit my fellows, growing older, cooler? are not so enthusiastic this time around, but I think it will be lots of fun.  Plus, for uncreative, non musical mums like me, it is the perfect way to cover a few of those bases!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Joshua 1:9

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Family, Fun and Frustration

For over ten years one of the small local Christian Schools has extended an invitation to the Capricornia Homeschoolers to their Athletics carnival.  It really adds a great dimension for the students who are educated mainly at home with their own families, and also gives good competition to the three small schools who attend.

We usually muster about 80 - 90 so we are a larger group than two of the schools!

About six years ago we decided on orange t-shirts for the children so they really look like a team.

On some excursions  we take the students also wear the shirts and it has helped build some

 team spirit and unity .

Our school days have been short and a little disorganized as I try to return to a little normality.  But hey, what is normal.  I am not sure here anymore :-(

Our area teacher with Groves has been very helpful.  I suggested using some curriculum on DVD to spare myself a little leg work as my boys still require me for pretty much all the reading/ writing stuff they do.  The teacher not only sourced out some material for me but also spend his own precious time in writing up worksheets for some of it.

I am very thankful as my energy tank is running very low.

This is my oldest grandson having a wonderful time with play dough.

(Mumma was aghast to find he had helped himself without the plastic cloth underneath :-)

Notice our very old, well used double school desks complete with ink wells and slate pencil troughs!

And here they are!

Our current household minus hubby and I.

Good times!  Good times!

"Tribulation works patience.

'

My frustrations are minor...and trivial.

I get quite frustrated at my seemingly very slow progress and inability to do everything I want to do.

I still feel very tired but not the bone weary fatigue I experienced the first couple of weeks at home.

For which I am very thankful.

Thirteen!

My older son has his thirteenth birthday today! How his young life has flown. Now he stands on the brink of his youth. I can bearly get my mind around it! Here is a little about his birth written on last years birthday.

We were joined by a few of the families after our regular Friday swimming lessons at the Park to celebrate on Friday.  Then he and his brother had the rest of the day with a couple of friends. Because we are leaving for Melbourne (have I mentioned that?) on Tuesday, we  also did the family celebrations on Saturday, meeting the girls and their families at a local kids entertainment venue for a few hours and then lunch at the park.  Saturday night was tea with Grandma and Grandad. So, not only were we able to enjoy a birthday but also see all the clan before heading out of town.







Homeschoolers know how to do birthdays!

And so does the family!

The two year olds had a wonderful time!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2010 has been a year of ups and downs but has concluded on a high note for us. It has seen a great deal of improvement in the boys reading and a great deal of improvement in their teachers ability to cope (that's me :-).  Having my vision restored has been a huge factor in this.  I would not say I am organised, no, I would definitely not say that! but we are all managing a great deal better.
Both boys recieved awards at the Presentation Night and I was thrilled that their diligence and good efforts were recognised by their teachers.

Basketball is also finished for the year.  Though the boys miss it, I am not sorry to have a break from the several days a week we trek down to the stadium.



Team pow wow.

 So, we are leaving on a jet plane tomorrow!  I have a couple of posts ready to go while we are away but I may not get to read at your blogs for a week or so. Keep safe and well until then.  Bye xo

A Productive Day

Well, the swimming training is done and the "treat" to the Skate Park.

The school books finished and put away for the week.

There's sweet smelling, clean washing to be folded,

and some still flapping pleasantly on the line.

My little car is looking spiffy clean. 

And there is a tantalising aroma of lamb shanks in the slow cooker. 

Now that is my idea of a productive day! 

Now, I do not do anything at warp speed, so yes, there is plenty of   m e s s other domestic jobs

to be taken care of. In fact, it takes quite a lot to get me out of  b e d reverse gear

most days.

I will spare the details, but suffered from an abscess last weekend which caused me a

great lot of pain and a great loss of sleep. I eventually had a Sunday emergency

Doctor's appointment for treatment. Ah...relief.

Then I suffered a couple of days later from the terrible constipation unseemly side effects

that the anti-biotics caused!

The swimming pool where we have lessons and training as a Homeschool group is

conveniently located right by a nice park.

Lots of covered areas, tables and playground equipment for little sized kids.

And a pretty cool skate park for bigger sized models!

this is not my boys favourite place to take scooters and skate boards

but good fun, none the less.

The Home schoolers take advantage of the fact that our lessons finish at 9am

when there are no other school children about.

Spring is everywhere here!

We've had an unusual amount of rain and of cloudy days for this part of Queensland.

Everything looks lush and green and for those with flowering gardens

everything is in bloom.

Have a lovely weekend!

...The Capricornia Home Schoolers Present...

On Saturday, the Capricornia Homeschool students, our local homeschooling group,

 presented their concert. About 150 turned out to be entertained by a number

of individual performers and some group items, as well as the three choirs

which have been preparing for the last couple of months.

Being the wonderful photographer that I am not, I left my camera on standby and

missed recording my boys performing the fun choir piece, "Chiquita Banana".

All of the children did a wonderful job.

The main organiser, one of our very talented mothers, has an equally talented husband.

He is director of the Music Department at the local Uni and so we were able to

 use the auditorium for our big occasion.

The Uni's Jazz Band which is set to tour in America, opened the concert

with a set of their pieces.

Surely the Homeschoolers' Concert is the only place where Dad has to rush up to

retrieve the baby off stage while the Sax solo is on?

No.....we see that in church on occasion too!

Or where little one has to sit beside mum while she plays accompaniment?

That's Home Schooling!

Chiquita Banana

My boys are right about centre.

Some beautiful violin pieces.

If I only had a brain.

Ah....and arvo tea of course.

A little blurry but I loved all the long hair styles!

Where 'ya bin?

WORDLESS  WEDNESDAY

When I was Two

When I was two
I was hardly new.

You might comprehend how busy and tiring this last week has been by the fact that I have not posted all week. Even, or perhaps especially, great talkers like myself burn out at times. I know we have many months of Summer ahead but the heating up of the weather here contributes to the tiredness at day's end.

We had a lovely family day last Saturday to celebrate our oldest grandson and nephew's second birthday.
He has had his curly locks trimmed and looks quite the little grown up boy now. He had a wonderful time with a few very nice gifts. He took a great liking to this little golf club. He and his cousin, my second grandson, spent hours just wielding those sticks and occasionally making contact with the balls. (More often making contact elsewhere :-)

Little brother is just plain tuckered out!

Me and my cuz!

Auditioning for Braveheart!
(My boys ~ Supporting their basketball club at the finals)