tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-357373432024-03-07T19:22:58.353+13:00Random Thoughts from an Addled MindUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-92035530597138658112012-10-15T12:20:00.001+13:002012-10-15T13:16:31.648+13:00Voice threadI was directed to <a href="http://voicethread.com/" target="_blank">voicethread via a link</a> on the Week Two blendkit webinar. From there I found this great blog showing how it can be utilised with 5-6 year olds.<br />
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Check out <a href="http://deb-frazier.blogspot.co.nz/search/label/voicethread" target="_blank">Primary Perspectives</a><br />
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The thing that I really get inspired by is the potential for home and school interactions. Deb and her Year 1-2's involve parents and grandparents in the learning and discussion, and then utilise the information and discussion into the classroom programme.<br />
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In the primary school years it is especially important in my opinion to be creating blended learning activities that encourage participation by the teacher, children and the children's families. <br />
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As a parent I am excited by the shift from one child with his/her computer playing video games or viewing information in an isolated environment to utilising the technology available to provide a forum for interaction that is not constrained by the school day when most parents are busy at work.<br />
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I can also see how voicethread is a useful tool for sharing learning, providing a record of learning and a presentation of learning. Evidence of learning does not need to be assessment sheets or tests in all instances. <br />
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After a few minutes of playing around...<br />
<object height="360" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=3528702"></param>
<param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param>
<embed src="http://voicethread.com/book.swf?b=3528702" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="480" height="360"></embed></object>
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Obviously this is a very rough sample on the free version of voicethread. For classroom use with multiple contributors an upgrade purcahse would be most beneficial.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-51215554190294181192012-10-09T23:23:00.001+13:002012-10-09T23:23:43.011+13:00The Role of the EducatorSourced from Blendkit2012 <a href="http://blended.online.ucf.edu/blendkit-course-blendkit-reader-chapter-2/" target="_blank">linkypoo</a><br />
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"Atelier Learning</h5>
John Seely Brown (2006) draws inspiration for his atelier model of learning from artists and architects and describes learning as “enculturation into a practice”. An art studio is generally an open space where students create their paintings, sculptures, and other art forms in full view of fellow artists. The “master” is then able to observe the activities of all students and can draw attention to innovative approaches. Students are not limited to learning based solely on the expertise of the instructor. The activities of all students can serve to guide, direct, and influence each individuals work. Blogs are particularly amenable to the atelier model of learning. For example, a class on creative writing – where each students posts their work in their own blog – permits the educator to highlight (and comment on) exceptional instances of writing. Students are able to read each other’s work and gain insight from both instructor and their fellow students.<br />
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Network Administrator</h5>
Clarence Fisher (n.d.), blogger and classroom teacher, suggests a model of “teacher as network administrator”: Just as our mind is a continuously evolving set of connections between concepts, so our students and their learning can become placed at the centre of a personal learning network which they construct with our help. Helping students to gain the skills they require to construct these networks for learning, evaluating their effectiveness, and working within a fluid structure is a massive change in how the dynamics of classrooms are usually structured.<br />
In Fisher’s model, a primary task of the educator is to assist learners in forming connections and creating learning networks. As learners encounter new information sources, they are encouraged to critically evaluate the source’s suitability as part of a holistic and diversified learning network. Gaps in the learning network are addressed by both learner (self-directed by active participation in the network and through self-reflection) and educator (through evaluating, with the learner, the nature and quality of the learning network (external) and how key concepts are related and understood (conceptual)).<br />
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Concierge Learning</h5>
Curtis Bonk (2007) presents a model where the educator is a concierge directing learners to resources or learning opportunities that they may not be aware of. The concierge serves to provide a form of soft guidance – at times incorporating traditional lectures and in other instances permitting learners to explore on their own. He states: “We need to push students into the many learning possibilities that are ripe for them now. Concierges sometimes show you things you did not know were available or possible. Teachers as concierges can do the same things. We need to have quick access to such resources, of course, but as this occurs increasingly around the planet, so too will we sense a shift from prescribed learning checkboxes toward more learner designed programs of study. Now the Web of Learning offers this chance to explore and allow teachers to be their tour guides.”<br />
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Curatorial Learning</h5>
Curatorial Learning (Siemens, 2007) acknowledges the autonomy of learners, yet understands the frustration of exploring unknown territories without a map. A curator is an expert learner. Instead of dispensing knowledge, he creates spaces in which knowledge can be created, explored, and connected. While curators understand their field very well, they don’t adhere to traditional in-class teacher-centric power structures. A curator balances the freedom of individual learners with the thoughtful interpretation of the subject being explored. While learners are free to explore, they encounter displays, concepts, and artifacts representative of the discipline. Their freedom to explore is unbounded. But when they engage with subject matter, the key concepts of a discipline are transparently reflected through the curatorial actions of the teacher."<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">I am drawn especially to the concepts of concierge and curator. I am well aware through home educating that introducing kids to resources, concepts and knowledge in an area they are interested in is more often that not enough for them to engage in creative and motivated learning. Being a curator appeals as I teach younger children who need to be guided in their exposure to a range of topics. Curating enables them to access things they would otherwise not find and also, importantly, limits inappropriate content.</span><br />
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#blendkit2012 Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-88497756834400079682012-09-27T22:52:00.000+12:002012-09-27T22:52:16.422+12:00Blended Learning k12 - 6 Models<a href="http://www.itslearning.net/individual-teaching-the-six-models-of-blended-learning?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRokvq3IZKXonjHpfsX57eosWrHr08Yy0EZ5VunJEUWy24MFT9QhcOuuEwcWGog8yRhLFuWUbo5J9PI%3D" target="_blank">Linitylink</a><br />
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Clear, concise, relevant for younger students. Perfect, loving this course already. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-12477292469664039802012-09-27T22:19:00.001+12:002012-09-27T22:19:29.159+12:00Back with Random Thoughts #blendkit2012So, I haven't blogged for 18 months, but I am resurrecting the ole blog as I take part in an online course on blended learning. <br />
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I have been interested in the rise of interactive ICT, from blogs to social media, skype, googledocs...everytime I nosey around online I find more exciting possibilities for changing up the way I perceive my role as a teacher, both at home within the family and in the classroom.<br />
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Blended learning is where <a href="http://blended.online.ucf.edu/blendkit-course-blendkit-reader-chapter-1/" target="_blank"><strong>a portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is replaced by web-based online learning.</strong></a><strong> </strong>I learn online as my primary medium of instruction most of the time these days. I am involved in distance learning through Massey University. If I want to know what that actor has been in I go to IMDB. As an adult I can usually manage the pitfalls of the internet...too much apartment therapy, not enough journal searches...hmmm...well, maybe not always.<br />
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However, as it pertains to educating the next generation, it would be foolish to say to our children, "Here's the internet, go learn what you need/want to know." and leave them to it without guidance and forethought. We would be equally as foolish to deny that our children are growing up in a different learning culture than we did. TThat is why I am keen to learn more about blended learning and how I can apply it to topics of study in the Primary (Elementary) classroom.<br />
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There is <a href="http://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/evidence-based-practices/finalreport.pdf" target="_blank">evidence</a> at tertiary level of the success of blended learning approaches, where students have better outcomes from blended learning courses than face-to-face alone, or purely online. We still need the human factor, however the advantage of 24 hour access, the ability to connect with experts or each other over distance and time, and the range of modalities really just add so much scope and possibility to the whole learning process.<br />
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I plan to hunt around to see if I can find research and examples of blended learning at the pimary school level (ages 6-11) as ths is my area of expertise in education. I think my main priority is not to try and think that i have to come up with some super dooper amazing blended course right off the bat. Utilising the things I am familiar with and taking them to a different level or from a different perspective is my aim for this course.<br />
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<strong>Note to self:</strong> <br />
"Blended learning is not simply adding an online component to a face-to-face course. Technology in a course should be used wisely – to facilitate student learning. Technology should not be used just to show off technology. Excellent opportunities exist for teachers to make learning interactive, dynamic, and fun when used properly. The technology aspect of a lesson should be like a good baseball umpire – it (like the umpire) is good if it (he) goes unnoticed.<br />
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“Since the intent of blended learning is to enhance learning by combining the best of both worlds…elements of the outline that appear to lend themselves to self-study online should be highlighted. Such elements tend to include easy-to-interpret, straightforward information that is relatively easy for the (student) to accurately grasp on his/her own.” (Troha, 2003) Students should be able to perform required tasks online with little or no prompting by the instructor. Of course, teachers should guide their students along, but when a student can accomplish a task online with limited assistance, that student encounters a learning experience that is deeper and more rewarding." <a href="http://blended.online.ucf.edu/blendkit-course-blendkit-reader-chapter-1/" target="_blank">LINK TO SOURCE</a><br />
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Finally, the whole blended learning/flipped classroom type approach just makes me so excited, because there is so much potential for learner driven study, inquiry learning, self regulation and fun!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-731711203997423052011-04-26T11:30:00.002+12:002011-04-26T11:37:03.964+12:00TV or not TV...that is the question<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">"Consider what a child misses during the 15, 000 hours (from birth to age seventeen) he spends in front of the TV screen. He is not working in the garage with his father, or in the garden with his mother. He is not doing homework, or reading, or collecting stamps. He is not cleaning his room, washing the supper dishes, or cutting the lawn. He is not listening to a discussion about community politics among his parents and their friends. He is not playing baseball or going fishing, or painting pictures. Exactly what does television offer that is so valuable it can replace these activities that transform an impulsive, self-absorbed child into a critically thinking adult?"<br />— Paul Copperman </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;">We went TV free two summers back and it was great!! We never got round to it last summer and now with winter kicking in we use the TV more often. This quote has reminded me of all the things that TV watching steals. Mindful media consumption is my aim for this winter and TV free again next summer. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-71925952269104975702011-04-20T08:28:00.003+12:002011-04-20T08:38:19.541+12:00Homeschool Wobbles continue...Homeschool wobbles are universal. I found <a href="http://www.amberdusick.com/homeschoolingvoyage/2011/04/are-we-sailing-fast-enough-.html#comments">this </a>encouraging post today.<br /><br />My biggest wobles at the moment are based on finances and my own selfishness.<br /><br />It is a big sacrifice to homeschool. Our potential income is more than halved - I have more earning power than J.<br /><br />There is little kudos for home educating. When I was a classroom teacher I got paid, I got feedback on my job performanceand I got lots of presents at the end of each year.<br /><br />As a homeschool mum I get concern and questions which, however well intentioned, feed into my insecurities.<br /><br />However when it all comes down to it, I am convinced that the kiddoes are being truly educated and THAT is what it is all about. J and I have no interest in our kids being well -schooled...we want them to gain an education.<br /><br />Maybe it really isn't all that complicated...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;">If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need. - Cicero</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#6600cc;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#000000;">Check and check...phew!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-49900083950712619722011-02-01T08:08:00.003+13:002011-02-01T08:21:17.966+13:00Thankfulness and Forgetfulnes<div align="right">"The things we hate about ourselves aren't more real than the things we like about ourselves." Ellen Goodman.</div><div align="right"> </div><div align="right"> </div><div align="left">Church on Sunday had me thinking about God's forgiveness and FORGETFULNESS. He chooses to forget about our sins, our failings, the ways in which we fall short.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#663366;">Psalm 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Reading <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">A Holy Experience</a>'s Ann Voskamp's amazing first chapter of her book, <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/46474858/One-Thousand-Gifts-by-Ann-Voskamp-Excerpt">"One Thousand Gifts"</a> has me thinking about thankfulness as a way out of self-condemnation.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Considering the year ahead has me excited about another year of opportunity with my fabulous family. I am thankful to have the privilege of spending most of my days with my children, to see them learning and growing into the amazing people they have been created to be...being thankful helps me to see past my own shortcomings and to focus on love.life.laughter.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-42689628794457766162011-01-20T13:42:00.003+13:002011-01-20T13:46:42.864+13:00Our Biggest Boy is 9<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xF0nlsYPRZMaOkEFN6R2_iHEJHceUg3CugtxNE54SDTkVgy5kRj1QyK3LDdoeGQ98FhxeNbnzThfIINq0LpqU9yfI0YqPXE-dbjygCQ0I5oc68FEASF-Os0hnbTzs2m7daH1/s1600/DSCF3145.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564062479403726418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xF0nlsYPRZMaOkEFN6R2_iHEJHceUg3CugtxNE54SDTkVgy5kRj1QyK3LDdoeGQ98FhxeNbnzThfIINq0LpqU9yfI0YqPXE-dbjygCQ0I5oc68FEASF-Os0hnbTzs2m7daH1/s320/DSCF3145.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw34SnBg6DgNaI-Na_1YQS8YZHxIXUo1sT0kx_vZqRCbcpQd40-AXgdRfQF84LuWslKBTTVHYzERRVhc6eIXh3rKFIBFoUEJ4AlFuApxdY3LKJKuJLoVyXSWq4UIE9zoZg3yff/s1600/DSCF3144.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564062471631304146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw34SnBg6DgNaI-Na_1YQS8YZHxIXUo1sT0kx_vZqRCbcpQd40-AXgdRfQF84LuWslKBTTVHYzERRVhc6eIXh3rKFIBFoUEJ4AlFuApxdY3LKJKuJLoVyXSWq4UIE9zoZg3yff/s320/DSCF3144.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>O9, You are such a blessing in our family. It is a privilege to see you growing up into a thoughtful and kind young man. You are heaps of fun and fill our days with interesting tidbits of information. It was great that you could share your birthday with two good friends and your brothers and sister. xx</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-45566189391649538892011-01-20T13:29:00.003+13:002011-01-20T13:34:08.596+13:00Feral!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwozjOPUMS2jW5b3yYUCpjGvr3ZvI-wXTursGp4BilhXLm6pb3ktUaYtcbX6y2tsARqgaW-TWw-cmg08Q8gJLEVs8Uo0-cKRLTcT61MRuRuVMCG-LVZpEJAGoU3g7xGWG-VEtg/s1600/DSCF3142.JPG"></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjqPIDJQaBY9Q-1oDtrc1dWDq7c4Z_K0fBYX5DCDAorUJzZf45H4i3v05P1Y0zv266fCHHOn8xfDulYix4omJaCt0V3LR6fkDOKbFtZeZDQ2VrI6lzHMym0PNQ-iImfLyuFdQ/s1600/DSCF3141.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564059365105131154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjqPIDJQaBY9Q-1oDtrc1dWDq7c4Z_K0fBYX5DCDAorUJzZf45H4i3v05P1Y0zv266fCHHOn8xfDulYix4omJaCt0V3LR6fkDOKbFtZeZDQ2VrI6lzHMym0PNQ-iImfLyuFdQ/s320/DSCF3141.JPG" /></a><br /> "But...I need sun<strong>scream</strong> so I don't get burned."<br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-22944492833360166022011-01-01T20:20:00.003+13:002011-01-01T20:28:46.097+13:00Piccy...pic...pics<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHjD9uLQ95j8wdtehQIE9om789Ad-GnMVsJhFtKaIgkyaXw_INibFxMGcZNT_D8MVwJCUDZA6183G1rgKBLjeuAZo2TrMBy53WBz3Ickdh9iA7POmnGyknb8myng7gSlQrVE_/s1600/Picture+069.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557115246407959618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHjD9uLQ95j8wdtehQIE9om789Ad-GnMVsJhFtKaIgkyaXw_INibFxMGcZNT_D8MVwJCUDZA6183G1rgKBLjeuAZo2TrMBy53WBz3Ickdh9iA7POmnGyknb8myng7gSlQrVE_/s320/Picture+069.jpg" /></a> The all important farm/zoo set up that lives permanentlyi in different forms on the coffee table...good thing we don't really drink coffee.<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4qDZIP4xG_QGkVCkc8Y9VHs5XSHzxkNxZtX2s35zI1b5kK7RQg_tKhiq9-wIPq4YpTas0nqU6EAPNemZfe6YAZBQaPTVR8XmWX9fnij-T-dI_9ubNtCuWmqGIcLKKEyVWBAs/s1600/Picture+065.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557115228724192914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4qDZIP4xG_QGkVCkc8Y9VHs5XSHzxkNxZtX2s35zI1b5kK7RQg_tKhiq9-wIPq4YpTas0nqU6EAPNemZfe6YAZBQaPTVR8XmWX9fnij-T-dI_9ubNtCuWmqGIcLKKEyVWBAs/s320/Picture+065.jpg" /></a><br />The ever scrumptious E4<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwq2l_I8D5h5pibaSMJyI3pWX2qtXQT_-umpMKX7lrSYvLfvsMgK_DCVm1iiX8dwedA8gZp72oPhhIz8SO5u83K6nSzQSa1OEamGsNxR0C07S6rr9NinOiKFRr0PkrspxYqIJ/s1600/Picture+063.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557115223481583026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwq2l_I8D5h5pibaSMJyI3pWX2qtXQT_-umpMKX7lrSYvLfvsMgK_DCVm1iiX8dwedA8gZp72oPhhIz8SO5u83K6nSzQSa1OEamGsNxR0C07S6rr9NinOiKFRr0PkrspxYqIJ/s320/Picture+063.jpg" /></a><br />Cheesy grinned...but handsome nonetheless.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TophoRcYlt1TD4x_ZQjB0ONXvdoaisXzV35GyNGfCPdoq_xo9LA-vAzIg65rexnow-sp7BeB24byilirkMC_WsUdbboKnoxLCtfVZqO4ed6cGUmk3piW2qrOFipwHdSwC9Fd/s1600/Picture+035.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557115215082814802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TophoRcYlt1TD4x_ZQjB0ONXvdoaisXzV35GyNGfCPdoq_xo9LA-vAzIg65rexnow-sp7BeB24byilirkMC_WsUdbboKnoxLCtfVZqO4ed6cGUmk3piW2qrOFipwHdSwC9Fd/s320/Picture+035.jpg" /></a><br />Princess A ...biking with no training wheels...the before picture...the after is not so angelic...it involves stampijng feet and loudly voiced declarations of never getting on the bike again.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo6XNzheQRaiRooOmoCUU2x2QwvRTnD-DOCwz_8LYcBL7YiGi6LjE7TR-R32oJDMKxASmmWlaKmHTmMpMYmvVnCRSz7wHm8dyLEKzUqTP7mXEqL72U5Rfnx5ncLtd9_NkEL9m/s1600/Picture+036.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557115212330643506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo6XNzheQRaiRooOmoCUU2x2QwvRTnD-DOCwz_8LYcBL7YiGi6LjE7TR-R32oJDMKxASmmWlaKmHTmMpMYmvVnCRSz7wHm8dyLEKzUqTP7mXEqL72U5Rfnx5ncLtd9_NkEL9m/s320/Picture+036.jpg" /></a> C6...go man, go.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-10954603564075345292010-09-10T18:37:00.004+12:002010-09-10T19:13:45.748+12:00We're Still Here<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE7WMTsCdXYb6fftQqkKP48jRtdbdwMnn0wmOk7ffOt0EZT6YZ6jmraplAKp0RJKYhMzQzgX1ZOzkl81f18njPyMpjOF8cNDgKiYbPGN_wF4Wx_glYblxvENDYdxPjDCIZriZ/s1600/DSCF2889.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515179009605761074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBE7WMTsCdXYb6fftQqkKP48jRtdbdwMnn0wmOk7ffOt0EZT6YZ6jmraplAKp0RJKYhMzQzgX1ZOzkl81f18njPyMpjOF8cNDgKiYbPGN_wF4Wx_glYblxvENDYdxPjDCIZriZ/s320/DSCF2889.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkaqS6KZF53GrS5jHtt9o3d56iYzo97BAYkklJvPTBFH0llt7grkeT_ubsjad3mA8iGgsWTqFSNWqignMW-CUVpAh-EGtIiX_LIzVhV7sC68hzT78W4LBktbhJ5iPhL_ZIoqw/s1600/DSCF2899.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515178043614966114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkaqS6KZF53GrS5jHtt9o3d56iYzo97BAYkklJvPTBFH0llt7grkeT_ubsjad3mA8iGgsWTqFSNWqignMW-CUVpAh-EGtIiX_LIzVhV7sC68hzT78W4LBktbhJ5iPhL_ZIoqw/s320/DSCF2899.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBjBFMf8LwKwn3Th9VO7A7ka01wztZ4ZUJNDgv1O4AwuXIGiJar_02VlERJpDQMMZ_J8Sy_9af14x4CtVuB-LZpeYL9jcOqh3H7jAiEa7g0ILKgxeGnDZp-8V4_uTFXLHK1oU/s1600/DSCF2877.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515178021385967522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxBjBFMf8LwKwn3Th9VO7A7ka01wztZ4ZUJNDgv1O4AwuXIGiJar_02VlERJpDQMMZ_J8Sy_9af14x4CtVuB-LZpeYL9jcOqh3H7jAiEa7g0ILKgxeGnDZp-8V4_uTFXLHK1oU/s320/DSCF2877.JPG" /></a> </div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7sglleK734b1kfiyjWJrNfnbwLMAIOr0gHEAJckDxKohMYnGs9lSUxgyzEPmr2AzsGRazUPa08YJpK85aHI7jf4LD9YYXVe08qYfGasK9mE2lyXCjDR6u0ekFxWbd5-Hxu0j/s1600/DSCF2870.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515178007211697906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7sglleK734b1kfiyjWJrNfnbwLMAIOr0gHEAJckDxKohMYnGs9lSUxgyzEPmr2AzsGRazUPa08YJpK85aHI7jf4LD9YYXVe08qYfGasK9mE2lyXCjDR6u0ekFxWbd5-Hxu0j/s320/DSCF2870.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDym83uhi0VZmAyvQ4ofRrsk5UXQE8DokzNjUyshZo6SyD-3sgzxqr5X1BQmb4qxoAtv66JyzyL07tnPofYx8tihjVDynakaGqRuleLXkLGSTc3jz91Hu2jvohYK4Sji74T5d/s1600/DSCF2837.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515177999923878178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDym83uhi0VZmAyvQ4ofRrsk5UXQE8DokzNjUyshZo6SyD-3sgzxqr5X1BQmb4qxoAtv66JyzyL07tnPofYx8tihjVDynakaGqRuleLXkLGSTc3jz91Hu2jvohYK4Sji74T5d/s320/DSCF2837.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-39466755422943609062010-03-04T16:36:00.002+13:002010-03-04T16:46:44.101+13:002010So far, so good, we are settling into our new groove.<br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">I am enjoying my foray back into the classroom.</span><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Jamie is learning about opiates, cannibinoids, amatuerism in sport and the working classes and many other things.</span><br /><span style="color:#333399;">O8 is reading a book by Stephen Hawking (Okay and Lucy Hawking...and it is a kid's book...but still very scientific and all that).</span><br /><span style="color:#cc6600;">A5 is taking to writing like a duck to water and loves to write ...although not as much as she continues to love to draw.</span><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">C5 is keen as a bean to read and learn, play and grow and continues to display the kindest of hearts.</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">E3 dives in head first to whatever life brings his way and is often found up a tree or playing with his dinsoaurs.</span><br /><br />Girl's weekend this weekend...yeeha...lots of good company, good crafting, good food and good wine...can't wait.<br /><br />Off to the beach in two 2 weeks for some time with good friends, chaos, laughter and 9 kids under 8. Oh, yes, we do call that a holiday!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-66993699056163502732009-12-23T16:58:00.004+13:002009-12-23T17:21:45.930+13:00Growing Up and Facing Fears<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1dPgG-Bc87DQD3pBkX0od5gN286xQtI1J8H_XmARnrrpHQJGY8IiHhbKglCYCjb50UbZaVzY2_2ly3-JvI9ZlHOa6vIqYyVLDe_xKSHmZcFEVmB7CtmF1X_b0I6nUhHGRIew/s1600-h/DSCF2578.JPG"></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmsJzLelQDvaehDxkQ2KhyphenhyphenEjub9P0uZlm3ALy8CSEBwRJL5zURsQud5eXSgsaaTd6uxShnaRiJuCOk0SVXKWrfrBf2lepWdE5YenxciEerzb2kS-CF1P9XFYx4n-zYsAAp8al/s1600-h/DSCF2576.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418279277985913570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmsJzLelQDvaehDxkQ2KhyphenhyphenEjub9P0uZlm3ALy8CSEBwRJL5zURsQud5eXSgsaaTd6uxShnaRiJuCOk0SVXKWrfrBf2lepWdE5YenxciEerzb2kS-CF1P9XFYx4n-zYsAAp8al/s320/DSCF2576.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEaudipPxlog3nJVNUyi2_fOZ6FFygHLF64ikX4qAj-Cr2LJ4NlJtAabG7jBPExxevaLUBCG-URsy-azktJGDMyLpuTfsAInGIqwTD0N41XwCXnTW_z8iU0Gap9yfNFUsz8Sc/s1600-h/DSCF2574.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 2px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 3px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418279266262541682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEaudipPxlog3nJVNUyi2_fOZ6FFygHLF64ikX4qAj-Cr2LJ4NlJtAabG7jBPExxevaLUBCG-URsy-azktJGDMyLpuTfsAInGIqwTD0N41XwCXnTW_z8iU0Gap9yfNFUsz8Sc/s320/DSCF2574.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I am super proud that in the last few days my kiddoes have surprised me by making in roads into facing two of the Nicholls' chillun's biggest fears...well E3 doesn't really fear anything much so he wasn't so surprising.</div><br /><div>O7 and C5 went biscuiting withe daddy today at Lake Karapiro...and both LOVED it. E was happy to go for lots of rides in the boat and went for a wee biscuit paddle in the shallows. Now we just need to get the heads under the water more frequently without screaming and we'll really be on the way.</div><div> </div><div>They must have been spurred on by their fear gfacing last weekend when all four of the rascals willingly patted uncle D and Aunty L's doggies...not just any wussy little things but two fully grown Bull Mastiffs and bouncy Golden Lab.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-86061104979418593862009-12-11T00:07:00.002+13:002009-12-11T00:28:37.345+13:00Random Thoughts<span style="color:#006600;">I was at a children's event with the kids two weeks back and it hit me...the whole thing was about control. </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">The kids were playing ball games in the hall, and everytime they changed the rules or were spontaneous or inventive they were subtly and not so subtly brought back into the "game". Then they had to sit in age groups and were praised for sitting so quietly and still, and then they had to walk in lines to another room for another activity. Once again, praise was given for being "so quiet and good". Prizes were given to the kids who sat up nicely and answered the questions with succint and desirable answers. Then it was craft time, which was well planned and lovingly organised...but everything was precut and pre painted and the kids just had to stick on the odd bit of fluff or googly eyes.</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Afterwards I got chatting with another mum who began with, "You are the lady that homeschools eh". Turns out she is thinking of pulling her 5 year old out of school...and the reason? </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">"ECE is about the child, school is all about the system". </span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;">Touche.</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Books I have read this week and recommend:</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">All This and a Bookshop Too - autobiography by Dorothy Butler</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Adventures of the little Wooden Horse - Ursula Moray Williams </span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Tashi (beginning chapter books) - Anna Feinberg</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Green Knowe books</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznik</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Beatrix Potter - A Life in Nature - Linda Lear</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Food INC - companion guide to the movie - series of essays - some better than others</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Where do 17 year old boys who work at McDonalds part time get enough $$ to buy noisy turbo cars and then waste all their petrol revving them outside my bedroom window???</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">What is up with the weather???? Last week I was seriously thinking of putting the fire on and this week there is a freakin' heatwave.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#006600;">A- final grade for History of the World. Learnt heaps...shouldn't care about the grade but I do...</span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#006600;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;">Almost got the 2010 ch-ch-ch-ch-changes sorted...watch this space...nothing startling really.</span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-34181498963388175402009-11-25T16:29:00.003+13:002009-11-25T16:40:32.627+13:00WaitingAnyone who knows me well knows that patience is not one of my defining characteristics, neither are spontaneity and risk taking<br /><br />However, at the moment J and I are in a period where potential changes loom upon the horizon.<br /><br />It is hard to balance being sensible and wise with taking chances and risks...in my mind the sensible always wins out...but should it?<br /><br />Cryptic thoughts...do we, don't we...where is God and faith in all of this?<br /><br />Is now the time or should we hang in a bit longer with the status quo.<br /><br />What will remain...our commitment to family...to home education...to seeking to push against the tide of consumerism...an understanding that there is One who goes before us, beckoning us to follow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-34906975717479588342009-10-23T12:00:00.004+13:002009-10-23T12:09:34.602+13:00The Gift of TimeAs I read <a href="http://elephantschild.typepad.com/the_elephants_child/2009/10/homeschooling-the-gift-of-time.html">this post</a> today at The Elephant's Child, I was reminded once again of one of the primary reasons we have chosen to home educate the rapscallious rascals.<br /><br /><br />TIME...in a hurried world filled with endless amusements, distractons, activities and busyness, homeschooling allows our children time...<br /><br />Time to just BE...time to read a novel for hours on end...time to dig in the garden...time to sit quietly and think...time to negotiate and form strong relationships with siblings...time to look at an earthworm burrowing...TIME...<br /><br /><br />I love this quote from RL Stevenson...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663366;">Happy hearts and happy faces, Happy play in grassy places-- </span><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><span style="font-size:130%;">That was how in ancient ages, Children grew to kings and sages.</span> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-67161473027352487342009-10-07T09:57:00.003+13:002009-10-07T10:18:48.305+13:00Six month check inWow...I realised I hadn't blogged for ages but it's been six months...<br /><br />Notable mentions:<br /><br />We have had 5 birthdays... I am officially nearer 40 than thirty, and J is straddling the middle line...A and C are now delicious 5 year olds...can't believe we have made it...and our lovely, rascally E is now three. We are out of the baby stage and almost out of nappies...yeeha.<br /><br />We have completed the hallway and spare room of our house...I just have to hang the curtains and door of the spare room. Lounge is also completed, bar new carpet which we can't afford yet...and thought it prudent to wait until E is totally accident free in the toileting department.<br /><br />Educating at home is a blessing for our family as the kids grow up together and learn together. O has been studying Ancient Egypt and knows waaay more than the rest of us about pharoahs and mummies and egyptian gods. He is a maths whizz and is persevering with spelling and writing, in between heaps of real life adventures and challenges. A and C are remaining at afternoon preschool two days a week with E for the remainder of the year. E is settling in well at preschool and is full of beans.<br /><br />J and I are busy preparing for History exams in a month...and I still have an essay on the American civil war to prepare. Jamie now knows all about plagues and pestilence and my knowledge of world history is becoming more organised. Next year I am thinking of studying medieval history and Jamie is tossing up further History, English or Pscychology. I am studying purely for interest and to try and keep a wee bit ahead of O's voracious learning appetite, and J is working to complete his long neglected Arts degree.<br /><br />I have joined the gym in an attempt to get more physical strength and stamina, have some me time and help maintain my mental health as marginally sane. I am really enjoying the weight training and combat, pumpo and balance classes...runningon the treadmill and the cross trainer...not so much fun.<br /><br />I have been reading a strange mixture of books...including Chrysalis by Alan Jamieson, and The Shack by some guy...followed up with Why we Are Not Emergent...By Two guys Who Should Be...by two guys who should be. I am enjoying the continual rethink and stretching of my mind about religion and faith. I am one of those strange Christians who has a conservative theology but struggles with the evangelical church and its outworking of faith.<br /><br />I highly recommend two autobiographies I have recently read. Twenty Chickens for a Saddle by Robyn Scott, and Kate Adie-The Autobiography-The Kindness of Strangers.<br /><br /><div align="left">I would add some pictures...but to my horror it appears we haven't taken any for months either...must remedy that.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-53580360142397204032009-04-26T16:09:00.002+12:002009-04-26T16:16:43.502+12:00Rainbow Sweater<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLrNIEkmQyPHsQ9Lms58C5VotmPEJJ5GzMo_p_IfN6ntATBM4IAOpiRn1S2MPgQE8hTT2B7NbH3kDRMjlMvz8l7uEDVvbKgkLo0SI7CTCocaBbcPuqkAXjbcjc-sisFjwMBPo/s1600-h/DSCF2340.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328848848231872002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLrNIEkmQyPHsQ9Lms58C5VotmPEJJ5GzMo_p_IfN6ntATBM4IAOpiRn1S2MPgQE8hTT2B7NbH3kDRMjlMvz8l7uEDVvbKgkLo0SI7CTCocaBbcPuqkAXjbcjc-sisFjwMBPo/s320/DSCF2340.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8o8eeZD45f6zgbAapt6ms8KTtVV96UjrhfjRJH0ouNQXq3iOoghr8Zs4j2lb8Gl-IIYG8hMcLEOom4nLy4IzjpnYZDax0SSCOgMw-CNGMxXV-NM_Ch8w3BLzkxbMEzp0Kgz38/s1600-h/DSCF2339.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328848844019897842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8o8eeZD45f6zgbAapt6ms8KTtVV96UjrhfjRJH0ouNQXq3iOoghr8Zs4j2lb8Gl-IIYG8hMcLEOom4nLy4IzjpnYZDax0SSCOgMw-CNGMxXV-NM_Ch8w3BLzkxbMEzp0Kgz38/s320/DSCF2339.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIb388OQd2XpgK9S1eLllV2D9EjJpDy56aiFK2kghQ4-jtmYEGHThxCKQnOcGLKhmDZSAFWureYBvAneNnPQHMEEnjT-AoTPKn1XASKNXtR-4sjeeg7FeSfiY8HyUdN9YCxUn/s1600-h/DSCF2338.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328848838497231458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIb388OQd2XpgK9S1eLllV2D9EjJpDy56aiFK2kghQ4-jtmYEGHThxCKQnOcGLKhmDZSAFWureYBvAneNnPQHMEEnjT-AoTPKn1XASKNXtR-4sjeeg7FeSfiY8HyUdN9YCxUn/s320/DSCF2338.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Quick Knit Sweater for Miss A4</div><div> </div><div>Pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/girls-cap-sleeved-spring-shirt">here<br /></a><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-42726881036009418972009-04-25T15:52:00.000+12:002009-04-26T16:17:25.580+12:00Anzac DayWe read "Why We Wear the Poppy" and I cried when I thought of Mrs Mackensie learning of her boy Jock's death. I tried to explain to my boys how hard it was to think of them going to war.<br /><br />We read about Sir Charles upham and C4 asked me "Were the Germans the bad guys mummy?" So I tried to explain how in World War II the Germans had a leader who was a very bad man and that not all Germas were baddies.<br /><br />We watched a movie about the River Plate and the children asked "Why are they blowing up the ships?" and "Did the people on the ships die?"<br /><br />O7 read about WWI in his Horrible Histories and learnt about the events leading up to the Great War, and he was confused by it all. I tried to explain about why people start wars and fight each other...but it was too difficult.<br /><br />My boys love their army men and often stage battles. I hope they never have to be involved in the "real thing"...but if they do, that they would be brave and honourable defenders.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-16890519723424723602009-04-24T13:00:00.000+12:002009-04-24T13:09:35.550+12:00Blog Catch Up #84I seem to be all feast and famine on the blogging front. It is really because I really can't be bothered continually uploading and fiddling with digipics all of the time...it irritates me immensely. So every now and then I bite the bullet and realise I have 300 pics on the camera. Then I look at them all and realise that I have to share some of them...or lots of them as the case may be.<br /><br /><br /><br />Seeing as this blog is our only current photo album and record of our day to day cominfgs and goings I do want to keep u0pdating it...however sporadically.<br /><br /><br /><br />So once again here is an influx of new posts. See you again in a month or two<br /><br />Love<br /><br />k<br /><br />xxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-47714450831298626492009-04-24T12:59:00.003+12:002009-04-24T13:07:53.451+12:00It's a Bugs Life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW5TRSi2EuY_nkOc3YZps5UynzhJf_imZdIAZMDQzX0_tttChJbd8iNow-ERi66aSr-jPF_h0I1Pvm4AWzOjIsAmBpu8GaNVmy8zKvByqs4xGU4E1UQAJvRivY3iAi90NTGob/s1600-h/Feb+2009+054.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328057814826061602" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVW5TRSi2EuY_nkOc3YZps5UynzhJf_imZdIAZMDQzX0_tttChJbd8iNow-ERi66aSr-jPF_h0I1Pvm4AWzOjIsAmBpu8GaNVmy8zKvByqs4xGU4E1UQAJvRivY3iAi90NTGob/s320/Feb+2009+054.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx8vmh_9_tq86tm2q30OOKr1TgidjNlLdjWODqFVz5hPKWJjcAJWaUdUzAw3p3UO7DSC78JzvqXEoYXTUHSAo07UhyphenhyphenATEaixz8HDAA1QZYn6nfX3EfN9yYDtbCYLtbgaSVbM3/s1600-h/Feb+2009+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328057809294531794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcx8vmh_9_tq86tm2q30OOKr1TgidjNlLdjWODqFVz5hPKWJjcAJWaUdUzAw3p3UO7DSC78JzvqXEoYXTUHSAo07UhyphenhyphenATEaixz8HDAA1QZYn6nfX3EfN9yYDtbCYLtbgaSVbM3/s320/Feb+2009+053.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEW0YPCVZ0fmWRueRSxjTl7Tio7usvAyZe3HazzHgeYHLMHpK_wGS_VBdD08zR_jLCfDduqtXUdY9D1QKwF8S_OK_oDBfkDmgwjuJNcu7-D2C5exQD1ELSODxzw9VKK_taqA7O/s1600-h/Feb+2009+052.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328057807566967282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEW0YPCVZ0fmWRueRSxjTl7Tio7usvAyZe3HazzHgeYHLMHpK_wGS_VBdD08zR_jLCfDduqtXUdY9D1QKwF8S_OK_oDBfkDmgwjuJNcu7-D2C5exQD1ELSODxzw9VKK_taqA7O/s320/Feb+2009+052.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-26331735111806980352009-04-24T12:55:00.003+12:002009-04-24T12:59:43.053+12:00Shoes and Socks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl8Yp2CV5IpOHJq2zdkDL6SuDrmL2-SeBxU1HMLpwevfl-FyQIuiqPaL_Ci8E6zA6yaxv0U7KQBNQxGhh43Zypq7mLM3QMLpi5sKw_lMgRTuAIgv7kqL3N6FEx5nJdq5yC49d/s1600-h/Feb+2009+051.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328055710031956050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl8Yp2CV5IpOHJq2zdkDL6SuDrmL2-SeBxU1HMLpwevfl-FyQIuiqPaL_Ci8E6zA6yaxv0U7KQBNQxGhh43Zypq7mLM3QMLpi5sKw_lMgRTuAIgv7kqL3N6FEx5nJdq5yC49d/s320/Feb+2009+051.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I do love Mary Jane's and handknitted socks. Makes me think of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0211915/">Amelie</a>.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-8292876556349158382009-04-24T12:45:00.002+12:002009-04-24T12:55:20.016+12:00Can you put these on the blog Mum?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0lGFSJH5MVJ7L0H1AWOzxL_LS3oFKl5NUUdAh7aQMooaQMGDF0mDaSCFJq9yC3JWe0Y7e2Z30N4mtxq5qjkOwrLZTflii0AOBr-d4ypy2f3Ut8-ICiyTwUwYSw_x9s3QqJkj/s1600-h/Feb+2009+046.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328054993032416962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0lGFSJH5MVJ7L0H1AWOzxL_LS3oFKl5NUUdAh7aQMooaQMGDF0mDaSCFJq9yC3JWe0Y7e2Z30N4mtxq5qjkOwrLZTflii0AOBr-d4ypy2f3Ut8-ICiyTwUwYSw_x9s3QqJkj/s320/Feb+2009+046.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s6v-xQe3I-be8yr3JBktgB35D2nhssufgmzvhzkigcYTRxZWKv16PsgGnNGQ5RmH369pjBPAbnsAqgfo7l8xm6TldVLZAVVeL1395mEJ8gPBBXb9ksfz0i_u4U7T0lmi7z74/s1600-h/Feb+2009+050.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328054983869142626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2s6v-xQe3I-be8yr3JBktgB35D2nhssufgmzvhzkigcYTRxZWKv16PsgGnNGQ5RmH369pjBPAbnsAqgfo7l8xm6TldVLZAVVeL1395mEJ8gPBBXb9ksfz0i_u4U7T0lmi7z74/s320/Feb+2009+050.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSo3iGjTY1qgQ0sL7hHGVgXDusXpMz-dkfS3R4k01GELWzbziIe7BFW7veSURSQr4QIfJ9IIjlTQiAnnlKoCB1-1ZtHbpyIJHL2HfrjHoQJGtjCEFJ5WWY08GjKFtxmD0aOI2/s1600-h/Feb+2009+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328054978745009714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSo3iGjTY1qgQ0sL7hHGVgXDusXpMz-dkfS3R4k01GELWzbziIe7BFW7veSURSQr4QIfJ9IIjlTQiAnnlKoCB1-1ZtHbpyIJHL2HfrjHoQJGtjCEFJ5WWY08GjKFtxmD0aOI2/s320/Feb+2009+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx0Rm1iCQg_GQs26hawY8qkOhxX9Yxry6zoksOuINOnyr9UzOcNl2lMq4CsuKA6HkEu4bTwA85iDrX-XeGTZuPtgfRepTO7gFiJRB-fSyBuyOAfK9XK4NTCamVljGOXCAn3-S/s1600-h/Feb+2009+049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328054969622604434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx0Rm1iCQg_GQs26hawY8qkOhxX9Yxry6zoksOuINOnyr9UzOcNl2lMq4CsuKA6HkEu4bTwA85iDrX-XeGTZuPtgfRepTO7gFiJRB-fSyBuyOAfK9XK4NTCamVljGOXCAn3-S/s320/Feb+2009+049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67SnXMZTNbOY9d4twWQ2yFlR1uNcM6J6VYvASbAcbcLCGwDMoIQFgDR5vYcKrulvGZTszm_0Na5Gisoq0m-5BK0nqd_0JiZphRpevWUa6CTU9Mbv8fgp38mjbZakXsLgfZwPE/s1600-h/Feb+2009+045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328054969613508322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67SnXMZTNbOY9d4twWQ2yFlR1uNcM6J6VYvASbAcbcLCGwDMoIQFgDR5vYcKrulvGZTszm_0Na5Gisoq0m-5BK0nqd_0JiZphRpevWUa6CTU9Mbv8fgp38mjbZakXsLgfZwPE/s320/Feb+2009+045.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Why, but of course I can put these on the blog!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-35554369290237069372009-04-24T12:42:00.002+12:002009-04-24T12:44:59.295+12:00Awwww<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL2_LdRfxIGOZ3LO8_wV2N-OhL1LsQ7-Z_yFZtbGFkBpJdIJsMHSwE38zChnjHmwNZwk_y4ymZT1TkVlYV9RWtO3khaNkVo4Dy6rKuGpLMPNUUk3dYPYEPsz-1yoxlVSEU9-f/s1600-h/Feb+2009+037.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328052481863316466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVL2_LdRfxIGOZ3LO8_wV2N-OhL1LsQ7-Z_yFZtbGFkBpJdIJsMHSwE38zChnjHmwNZwk_y4ymZT1TkVlYV9RWtO3khaNkVo4Dy6rKuGpLMPNUUk3dYPYEPsz-1yoxlVSEU9-f/s320/Feb+2009+037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35737343.post-34441439500280685542009-04-24T12:08:00.005+12:002009-04-24T12:42:02.536+12:00When the Cat's Away<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZudX6xipR0qdx2KrSr24NfBU8roxYn4HtmzY5-gUS-g3-n9ROjM99Jc6f2k0x0CnoRwZwfmNUyqecQfT_6tb4QLdlv_blz4fqUYLgPkJ2A45-okH-WVSqyy87Oo7ohwYEg0m/s1600-h/Feb+2009+033.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328051303666971346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZudX6xipR0qdx2KrSr24NfBU8roxYn4HtmzY5-gUS-g3-n9ROjM99Jc6f2k0x0CnoRwZwfmNUyqecQfT_6tb4QLdlv_blz4fqUYLgPkJ2A45-okH-WVSqyy87Oo7ohwYEg0m/s320/Feb+2009+033.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BcM7WJUjft8yh5LxKti-IBnzrO9Xe5aP-fXhG68x72Vc8WFEGpFmmiGehva8bF7U9UjQwFEHosnuquE4TRaAWmF7eDc8x4Acy_zBU1GVU-EhxZqI9rx3tvEWlEHRnVvR99yJ/s1600-h/Feb+2009+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328051299496481378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7BcM7WJUjft8yh5LxKti-IBnzrO9Xe5aP-fXhG68x72Vc8WFEGpFmmiGehva8bF7U9UjQwFEHosnuquE4TRaAWmF7eDc8x4Acy_zBU1GVU-EhxZqI9rx3tvEWlEHRnVvR99yJ/s320/Feb+2009+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1AxfSOlWdsad5d027YbELqv40fsQfEVmMWY4SV-8x3b-ZRc24iaJAvz0eL4vFH7VEtXA0jW53UNE9NOwlqxUZUth9OhB-CTOZ2EM4dwTxTfTWRaZNCp-AY3ITeBDnpApo2qt/s1600-h/Feb+2009+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328051294985239426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1AxfSOlWdsad5d027YbELqv40fsQfEVmMWY4SV-8x3b-ZRc24iaJAvz0eL4vFH7VEtXA0jW53UNE9NOwlqxUZUth9OhB-CTOZ2EM4dwTxTfTWRaZNCp-AY3ITeBDnpApo2qt/s320/Feb+2009+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbw1RvQRLyXiq9zfKrwyHzXyUAAsWv_MHr-EBqy9xegnuV28ZkrglWBpmSzybj1wh2BfKusZNOMNykqqLEWxlM0ZvDg40Tsi7pBDTx3OrlMNvD-Ad3kGW1pT6f8kxHUWvGJt5/s1600-h/Feb+2009+030.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328051292380651474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwbw1RvQRLyXiq9zfKrwyHzXyUAAsWv_MHr-EBqy9xegnuV28ZkrglWBpmSzybj1wh2BfKusZNOMNykqqLEWxlM0ZvDg40Tsi7pBDTx3OrlMNvD-Ad3kGW1pT6f8kxHUWvGJt5/s320/Feb+2009+030.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGsBLkTrR9Vz3DmLmr21pyf4U6RNuTfgAp7GM8ZsRl8B47n6q_SswqAScOVNRtr8funG8kxwF3wYz-VnUzFMvvTaCMpU_SigyA83jiDhudQMf-dQgfRq2Pzv6WiXu8WFddgK9/s1600-h/Feb+2009+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328051287836190274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGsBLkTrR9Vz3DmLmr21pyf4U6RNuTfgAp7GM8ZsRl8B47n6q_SswqAScOVNRtr8funG8kxwF3wYz-VnUzFMvvTaCMpU_SigyA83jiDhudQMf-dQgfRq2Pzv6WiXu8WFddgK9/s320/Feb+2009+029.jpg" border="0" /></a> What does everyone do when mummy's swanning around the Capital with her <a href="http://www.sharonnz.blogspot.com/">mind-twin</a>?</div><div> </div><div>They make crazy straws, and "the cross that Jesus died on" and rumble on the couch.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0