Homeschoolingdownunder

Cuboree 2011

2011-11-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

Home tired and dirty after a great weekend!

Euphemisms and their overuse

2011-11-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

Another visitor with wings

2011-11-19T20:31:00.000-08:00

This parrot visited our yard today. It was very friendly with our love bird and not overly nervous around humans.

We wondered if it had escaped from an aviary nearby.

But as it seemed to be managing quite well on its own we decided to leave it free rather than attempt to catch it.

Tchaikovsky and other Russians

2011-11-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

My second cousin Kora always spoke well of Danny Kaye when she met him in conjunction with her UNICEFF work. I remember listening to a record of his songs at home. And of course watching him on tv. Wow I must be old!
Anyway just in case you want to practice singing this. According to the Word Spy, 54 Russian composers are mentioned in the space of 38 seconds! Impressive!

Onomatopoeia

2011-11-18T20:15:00.000-08:00

Trolley Song lyrics

With my high starched collar and my high top shoes
And my hair piled high upon my head,
I went to lose a jolly hour on the trolley,
And lost my heart instead.
With his light brown derby and his bright green tie,
He was quite the handsomest of men.
I started to yen, so I counted to ten,
Then I counted to ten again.
Clang, clang, clang went the trolley,
Ding, ding, ding went the bell.
Zing, zing, zing went my heart strings,
From the moment I saw him I fell.
Chug, chug, chug went the motor,
Bump, bump bump went the brake,
Thump, thump, thump went my heart strings,
When he smiled, I could feel the car shake.
He tipped his hat and took a seat.
He said he hoped he hadn't stepped upon my feet.
He asked my name; I held my breath;
I couldn't speak because he scared me half to death.
Buzz, buzz, buzz went the buzzer,
Plop, plop, plop went the wheels,

Stop, stop, stop went my heart strings.
As he started to go, then I started to know
How it feels when the universe reels.
The day was bright, the air was sweet.
The smell of honeysuckle charmed you off your feet.
You tried to sing, but couldn't squeak.
In fact you loved him so you couldn't even speak.
Buzz, buzz, buzz went the buzzer,
Plop, plop, plop went the wheels.
Stop, stop, stop went my heart strings.
As he started to leave I took hold of his sleeve
With my hand, and as if it were planned,
He stayed on with me,
And it was grand just to stand
With his hand holding mine
To the end of the line.

Food webs and other curiosities at the zoo

2011-11-10T22:19:00.000-08:00

At the zoo: we looked at Food Webs - learned about the relationships between plants and animals of the South East Asian Rainforest

and the outcomes of changing just one small factor....using string!!!

And no trip to the zoo would be complete for ds without a quick viewing of the reptile house .

At the Food Forest

2011-11-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at our local organic farm. Because the farm is "on the plains" it was a rather warm afternoon! Amazing though to still see everything green and lush.

The boys enjoyed a chance to sample some dried fruits and crack a few nuts!

Viewing some of the more unusual plants was next on the list, including a palm that looks like a banana palm but grows potato like tubers underneath the ground that would make a good source of carbohydrates according to the owner. They have yet to be harvested!

As the farm is situated by the Gawler River, a walk to view it was organised.

The farmer commented how unusual it was to see it still flowing at this time of year. Native plants were in flower.

We spotted geese and gosslings, but this time no bettongs!

It was delightfully cool inside the straw bale constructed buildings(query: is this a cheap form of construction compared with regular forms?)

Finally the house was home to an assortment of large spiders and I couldn't resist taking this photo of wasp nests!

Pig Latin

2011-11-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

"Fun fact about this scene; in Ginger Roger's autobiography she talks about how she had been rehearsing this song for a very long time and started singing it in pig latin because she was so bored. Well Darryl Zanuck, Warner's production chief came in and Ginger thought that she was going to be fired for fooling around in rehearsal, but he had her sing it in pig latin again and decided to put it in the number. So Ginger Rogers is to thank for the pig latin part of the song."

Palindromes

2011-10-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying our readings from "The Word Spy" by Ursula Dubosarsky. After today's reading we found a u-tube video of this song.Here are the lyrics:
, man, am regal a German am I
Never odd or even
If I had a hi-fi
Madam, I'm Adam
Too hot to hoot
No lemons, no melon
Too bad I hid a boot
Lisa Bonet ate no basil
Warsaw was raw
Was it a car or a cat I saw?

Rise to vote, sir
Do geese see God?
"Do nine men interpret?" "Nine men," I nod
Rats live on no evil star
Won't lovers revolt now?
Race fast, safe car
Pa's a sap
Ma is as selfless as I am
May a moody baby doom a yam?

Ah Satan sees Natasha
No devil lived on
Lonely Tylenol
Not a banana baton
No "x" in "Nixon"
O, stone, be not so
O Geronimo, no minor ego
"Naomi", I moan
"A Toyota's a Toyota"
A dog, a panic in a pagoda

Oh, no! Don Ho!

Nurse, I spy gypsies -- run!
Senile felines
Now I see bees I won
UFO tofu
We panic in a pew
Oozy rat in a sanitary zoo
God! A red nugget! A fat egg under a dog!
Go hang a salami, I'm a lasagna hog

"Chasing Vermeer"

2011-10-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

We have discovered a new readaloud author! Not only does she write thought provoking prose but we get to do art history and maths at the same time!As one reviewer comments:"

Secrets, lies and mysteries surround the work of one of the greatest artists of all time. Moonlit chases, hidden hiding places, and even a secret code help to solve the mystery."

There are clues in the art work that help you solve the mystery. The art work itself is worth close investigation.The author has her own site with games and puzzles and even downloadable pentominoes for you to work with!

The book also has plenty of scope for writing projects:"Is writing the most accurate way to communicate, investigate", "Research letter writing by asking people to describe a piece of mail that changed their lives and then,write me a letter I won't be able to forget ". "At the beginning of chapter three Petra "window gazing" from a train is described, write about a changing scene you have observed on a journey." Then there are descriptive writing examples including the children's narratives of famous paintings(but not just these!) that beg to be used as jumping boards for further discussions/projects. This is a book we will remember for a long time. And the good news? The author has two more in the series along similar lines. No we haven't read them. Yes we are looking forward to doing so!

Mathilda knows my name!

2011-10-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

Someone can say my name! And its not the easiest name to pronounce when you're just learning to speak.But its a handy tool to have if you want someone else to do you bidding!" A....come, a... sit!"

I think she looks very cute!And very like her older siblings: now isn't that a surprise!

Someone came to call!

2011-10-24T19:47:00.000-07:00

Another type of visitor: small but with bulging,starey eyes decided to visit late at night. Sorry but it wasn't invited inside!

The Apostles visit us!

2011-10-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

Well not in person. But on Sunday afternoon we were privilaged to be visited by two mysterious birds.

Youngest son spotted them first through his bedroom window and was allerted by the srange noise they were making.I quickly dismissed them as starlings or blackbirds only to be assured that a more thorough investrigation would negate both these assumptions.

Two older brothers were called in plus our bird book but it was my daughter plus google that settled the matter. They were apostle birds, so named for their characteristic of flying in large flocks or groupings.

These two appeared to have had their wings clipped and we were concerned they may have escaped from a cage perhaps having been hand-reared. However no ammount of attempts to catch them bu us or some of our neighbours was successful so finally we had to thank them for sharing some time with us and leave them to continue their journey!

Weavils?

2011-10-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

"The Genius of Leonardo" picture book find

2011-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

I love to use picture books as an introduction or summary of a particular topic. I was surprised and delighted to find this at our local library. As part of our readings for history we are reading "the Second Mrs Gioconda". This book is a fictional representation of the life of Leonardo de Vinci. (Now I have heard some negative reviews by homeschoolers of this book because it mentions one character's unfaithfulness to his wife but again I think if you are reading this to older children it can give you a good opportunity to discuss such topics as trust and commitment. Again I don't think a book has to ascribe to my world philosophy for it to be worthwhile in our homeschool. )

I enjoy reading books by E.L Konigsburg for myself but I think she is a fabulous author for older children.Books by her always encourage lots of discussion!
However back to my picture book find. It is described as being written by Guido Visconti with quotations from the notebooks of Leonardo. The artist's illustrations are supurb. one reviewer says:"When I first saw the cover and title for this book, I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like it. The illustrations did not remind me of Leonardo Da Vinci. I was ready to be disappointed. Instead, I was surprised when I found myself enjoying the book.

I like the portrayal of Leonardo and his apprentice. The genius of the man is portrayed while still keeping him imperfect. Leonardo doesn't have answers for all of life's questions. Still, the book reminded me how fascinating math and science can be while reminding me why the Renaissance is such a fascinating time in history.
All around, this is a wonderful book." another states"The illustrations by Bimba Landmann are amazing, making the book a work of art. The text is meaty, telling us a lot about Leonardo and his ideas (with direct quotes). Kids will relate to the mischievous character of Giacomo, Leonardo's 10-year-old assistant, who frequently annoys his famous boss. I would recommend this book for anyone age 6 to adult!"(reviews from Amazon)I think this is a book worth re-reading long after our history study has been completed.

A castle or pagoda?

2011-10-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

As part of our study of Japan ds has been reading historical books about Japan. He has particularly enjoyed looking and comparing medieval Japan with Europe in the same time period.

Some of the books he has read are: "The boy and the Samurai" by Erik Christian Haugaard. "Te Samurai's Tale"(by same author. "The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn" by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler , "Castles of the Samurai" by Jennifer Mitchelhill and "Commodore perry in the land of the shogun" by Rhoda Blumberg

He thinks Japanese castles look way more cool and so decided to construct his own interpretation of part of one. It has involved a lot of design and maths, even protractors were brought out to assess angles. We haven't been able to find a similar project online so the ideas are all his own.The small cardboard tiles on the roof were a real test of time and patience and they are yet to be painted.

Kamishibai Man

2011-10-12T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today ds read The Kamishibai man by Allan Say. This is what he wrote from the story.

Kamishibai began in the 1930’s.

The theatre is a small wooden box transported by bicycle.

It contains drawers of paper figures,different pictures that tell a story or are shown as a story is being told.

The story is unending always ending in a cliffhanger.

As well as telling the story the Kamishibai man also sold delicious homemade sweets. The story was a drawcard for people to come and buy the brightly coloured assorted sweets

Busking

2011-10-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

We had a great morning yesterday helping our kids violin teacher raise funds for Guide dogs. Of course it helped that we had a real guide dog with us aka "Potter"

we were divided into three groups and went off to different sections of our local mall to busk. My 14yo was leader of one group. He had organized a repertoire of songs to play, mostly at book 1 level because that was the level most in his group were at.In the beginning no one was ~~super keen~~ all refused to play a solo but after warming up nearly everyone did.

After 30 mins we all came together for two special group pieces.

Then it was back to our groups again to play. Of course I am not exactly unbiased(11) but I think the kids really looked like they enjoyed playing together. It was a good lesson in improvising and "just keep on playing" when you stuff up. It was also exciting to see how the second in our group took over so expertly as leader when oldest son's D string came loose.

The children and parents are all keen to do it again. Now to persuade their teacher!

A capmping we will go!

2011-09-25T17:28:00.000-07:00

Youngest son went on his second cub scout camp. They tented again. Apparently the weather was great and the scenery amazing.

Everyone helped with chores and the cubs cooked all the meals. I never remember camping under canvas until I was a guide and certainly we only helped with cooking.

Please note the boys also used proper knives in food preparation not like a certain cooking show where even the adults seem to have to use plastic ones (ouch I have admitted to watching a show I was determined not to...but of course i won't watch every one!!)

Back to the camp: the boys lost count of the number of kangaroos they spotted. Also some "interesting" caterpillars(glad I wasn't there!). Anyway identify them?

Ds is now very keen to go to the Cuboree later in the year. Only negative of their time away; he came home with a heavy head cold.

For Clancey

2011-09-19T02:06:00.000-07:00

Sadly our beloved dog Clancey died just before midnight Sunday.He has been so brave and rarely ever complained with any of the treatment,including mutiple syringe feeds daily and painful injections and other medication following major surgery. As I closed his eyes and stroked him he stopped breathing, very quietly without fuss.He has been a dearly loved member of our family for nearly fourteen years.We will miss him.

First Holy Communion

2011-09-18T17:30:00.000-07:00

It was ds's First Holy Communion on Sunday. Seven others made their First Holy Communion with him but he was the only boy.He was very excited to be receiving Jesus for the first time. No more hands across his chest and only getting a blessing at communion time.He was the last of the 8 to receive and walked up and raised his cupped hands with confidence to receive his Lord.

He had spent the week working on the final touches of his Holy Communion banner.

His sister made and decorated a beautiful cake for him.

The weather was perfect.

He wore on his pocket proudly the crucifix his confirmation sponsor had given him.in his own way he took her with him to Mass.

Grow in the love and grace of God ds!

Confirmation day

2011-09-18T01:17:00.000-07:00

Our two youngest sons were confirmed on Saturday.

Younger son took the confirmation of James after Saint James the Apostle.

And his older brother was named for Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Walking back to the car with his Bible and gifts from the Parish

A quick icecream to celebrate on the way home.

a special gift from a special friend

Admission to the supreme court

2011-09-13T22:38:00.000-07:00

Monday morning early saw dd and myself dashing across Victoria square to the supreme court.Why? Were we about to be late for an important not to be missed case. No but it was an important sitting of the court. A full sitting in fact which involves a minimum of three supreme court judges.Ds was about to be admitted with 20 other individuals to be a legal practitioner in our state.

I think all the guests were rather in awe of the setting as the room was rather hushed while we waited for the judges to appear. In fact I think some church congregations could well model their behavior on this quiet and restraint!

After we had stood at the entrance of the judges and were once more quietly seated we were welcomed with a short introduction by one of the judges. she gave us a short history of the building(did we know it had once been a department store...), the court room and the history of the ceremony that we were about to witness.(who said "teachable moments" were only restricted to teachers!)

"To be eligible for admission to the Supreme Court of South Australia an applicant must satisfy the academic and practical requirements prescribed in 2004 Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council (LPEAC) Rule 2.
The academic requirement is a tertiary study of law in Australia completed over a minimum of three years full time (or the part time equivalent) and which includes the Priestley 11 subjects. In South Australia completion of the Bachelor of Laws degree from Adelaide University or Flinders University satisfies the academic requirements. The Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice degree from Flinders University is recognised as satisfying both the academic and the practical requirements for admission. The practical requirements for admission requires the completion of a course of study which provides the requisite understanding and competence in the skills, values and practice areas prescribed within the LPEAC Rules. The Law Society Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice is an approved practical legal training course.
Where an application has completed law qualifications interstate and seeks to enrol in the GDLP Course, the applicant must have his/her qualifications formally accredited by the Board of Examiners prior to enrolling in GDLP.
In addition to being eligible for admission an applicant must satisfy the Supreme Court that he or she is of good character s.15(1) Legal Practitioners Act 1981."

Its spring!

2011-08-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Full of fresh scents
Are the budding boughs

(from "Spring Quiet" by Christina Rossetti)

Cub Cook Off

2011-08-15T23:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday saw youngest son participating in his first cub scout group cook-off.Each team had to present a three course meal cooked outside with minimum adult help. They were judged on cleanliness, safety and of course taste as well as team work. Our team finished second which was really pleasing as the first team was also from our group.Ds surprised his mother at how competently he wielded a knife.
The menu for our group was Minestrone soup with garlic bread, Barbecued chicken with char-grilled vegetables and rice, Pancakes with chocolate sauce and Mango lassi. It was enjoyed by all partakers!

The Assumption of Mary

2011-08-15T23:26:00.000-07:00

We went to Mass at our Cathedral on this Solemnity of Mary. It was just an ordinary weekday Mass; except that how can any encounter with the Divine be anything but extraordinary....During the homily father spoke about our images of heaven. In his opinion the best description comes from Saint Augustine who spoke of it as "all of time gathered up/together". He then went on to talk on other things equally interesting but I'm afraid I wanted to pause a moment and think about this. All of time...all of the good that has occurred in time gathered together. It would have to be good because only good could see the face of God. But gathered how, as in a sharing of all good, a communal experience that just is. And what of the good that has happened because of the bad The gore and horror of the crucifixion that results in the glorious resurrection, but without the crucifixion the resurrection would be meaningless. So I'm thinking I probably missed what was meant at Mass. But it doesn't matter, that part of eternity(the heavenly part that is) is probably best left to consider when it is(happens).

Today is a Holy day of Obligation for Catholics to attend Mass in Australia. Apart from Sundays which are always days of obligation, we are only left with this day and two others. Not many days when we are obliged to take part in the greatest prayer, the most powerful part of worship for us as Catholics. I remember when I first came back to the church thinking there weren't enough Holy days of obligation.Now I think , we can't make anyone have belief in God, we certainly can't coerce people into worship. That would be ridiculous. C.S Lewis said "Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses." For most people, today was a very ordinary typically wet spring day. The way I demonstrate love for people (including the Catholics who didn't attend Mass today) will be a more effective witness than dragging reluctant neighbors to church. And still on a C.S Lewis quote though I can't remember it exactly (the quote that is!) but I recall him saying something about how if we saw how glorious we all really are as creations of God, we would be tempted to bow down and worship the very people we slander.

The beauty of a leaf

2011-08-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Finding beauty where you're least expecting it can be very exciting. as on the weekend when we cleared out several years of accumulated manure from our silky bantam run. It was a dirty smelly business but work has its rewards such as in the fragility of these leaf skeletons. I know there are sites that show you how to make leaf skeletons(something about an old toothbrush and gently scraping away the flesh from a presoaked leaf but sometimes finding ones that nature has made itself can be equally satisfying, a bit like hidden treasure. Anyway we had fun!

Our studies on the brain

2011-08-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today in Brain Curriculum an introduction to neurology the kids made a hemisphere hat.
It didn't exactly fit the external dimensions of some people's skulls but then it wasn't meant to!

Later we will look at rebus puzzles which our guide informs us are excellent practice for children who don't like making decisions(think teenagers!!)

For more activities and information about drawing with the right side of the brain, the guide recommends we use the first four chapters of the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards.

After completing our brain models it was time to party at the park where we met up with several other families to celebrate two birthdays and have a great time !

Under construction!

2011-08-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

ds has been doing a lot of building recently. he also enjoys borrowing older brothers digital camera to snap some different views of said construction. So builder,architect,designer, whatever he just had fun!!

Sumi-e

2011-08-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

As part of our study on Japan we have been looking at examples of Japanese brush painting.

We have attempted some of our own.

We don't have traditional supplies so had to "adapt" what we already have.

"If we study Japanese Art, we see a man who is undoubtedly wise, philosophic and intelligent, who spends his time doing what? In studying the distance between the earth and moon? No. In studying Bismark's policy? No. He studies a single blade of grass."
-- Vincent Van Gogh

At the park

2011-07-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great day at our local zoological park. We last visited in summer. A very protective dad and his young offspring greeted us first. then we made our way to the rock wallaby enclosure.

They are shy little creatures but their enclosure gives them plenty of space to avoid the most dangerous species on earth(us!)

Next we walked to the chimpanzee exhibit.

From here we decided to walk to the waterhole as it was such a beautiful day. We quickly took a picture of this bird and spotted a sleepy lizard who quickly ran for cover (well bearing in mind how quickly said named species can move!)

At the waterhole we discovered some colorful seeds, had a rest and enjoyed watching a variety of animals.

The giraffe exhibit was good for measuring our height in giraffe measurements plus we thought this nest was pretty cool!

After lunch during which dad and his offspring were observed plus a few cheeky magpies

wanting to share some of our lunch we went on a bus tour and watched bison, cheetah.Mongolian horses, painted dogs and lions to name but a few.

Finally as we left the park this little mystery bird was spotted. Any ideas as to what variety of parrot?

What did we do at co-op this week

2011-07-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Helped in a barn raising of course! Well part of it got done, although I'm not convinced our tidying was much help, the teenagers really enjoyed doing it! And we did do a little study even finding the tamping iron that went through Phineas Gage's skull! (or one that looked remarkably like it!)

2011-06-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Some bug!

2011-05-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

dd shaped and decorated this amazing cake for youngest brother's 10th birthday.

It took her all of Sunday afternoon.

We think its the best cake she's ever done!

Ds was so amazed and astonished, that he was rendered speechless for several seconds!

Seen around the house

2011-05-22T18:47:00.000-07:00

Just some pictures taken around the house, not much more to add really, they speak for themselves

District Cub Hike

2011-05-22T00:22:00.000-07:00

The day dawned grey and steadily grew greyer!

Akela showed the cubs the route our walk would take.

We noted how green everything was.

Oh dear just a little water ahead!

One of the very few bridges across the creek, mostly we had stepping stones of sorts.

Up hill and starting to rain.

Muddy paths to ~~slip~~ stroll along

The cub salute

We ate our lunch in the rain....and cold!

An enjoyable if "damp" way to spend a Sunday!

What is a library?

2011-05-20T20:44:00.000-07:00

SAINT FELIX of CANTALICE

2011-05-18T02:32:00.000-07:00

I praise Thee Father that thou did hide these things from the wise and prudent, and did reveal them to little ones: Matthew 11:25

Today the boys and I read about Saint Felix of Cantalice. Also known as
Ass of the Capuchins (his own nickname for himself) and Brother Deo Gratias ("Deo Gratias" was his habitual greeting). We read about his great love for the Blessed Virgin, his devotion to the rosary and how much he loved the holy name of Jesus.

His word to his companions were: Let us go my brother with rosary in hand, our eyes to the ground and our spirit in heaven.

Someone came to our house!

2011-05-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

Look what we "found" out in the yard, perched on a wire just above the washing line. Not an every day sight for us and so dispite the cold the boys kept it company for quite a few minutes!

At first we were creeping about really quietly,unsure if it would fly away at the sound of our excited voices.

But we soon realised it wasn't interested in us at all but on the lookout for small furry beasties that hide in the potager. I am more than happy for our visitor to collect its dinner in our yard. The boys watched as I said and then were momentarily distracted and when they turned back our guest had gone;silently just as it had arrived without even an introduction. The boys think it may have been an immature barking owl.

The big night!!

2011-05-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Someone getting ready for an event they have been waiting for practically all of last term!

Saying the promise and the law

Receiving his "neckie'

the packs usual way of applauding

with some friendly assistance ds replied in kind

home with a good supply of damper on a stick for supper

A special salute just for you! Meet the newest member of his cub scout pack

Science Mystery to solve

2011-05-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

We have been using a science activity that we discovered on a wonderful blog. The series is set inside a mystery

" Our mystery begins with a wealthy man, Mr. Busy Body, who has planned a small dinner party, but when the guests arrive both the host and one of his prized possessions, a valuable painting, are missing, and a ransom note was found, asking for a handsome sum for the return of Mr. Body and his painting. You have been asked to help out in the investigation of this case by analyzing the scientific evidence. You are given a folder from the police and it includes a statement from the officers who responded to the initial call, and statements from each of the suspects who were found at Mr. Busy Body's residence."

If you like playing "cluedo", solving mysteries etc you are going to love this series. I highly recommend it. Here are some photos of parts of our weeks lessons.
I should add that I love this homeschool blog so much I have added a link to my side-bar. Scroll over and check it out. This family do some really exciting stuff. My kids would happily go to their homeschool; even if it would mean moving to another country.

I am really enjoying their posts on history but also intend to delve more closely into the science section; particularly as we are studying chemistry in our co-op at present.

Then there's the maths section and arts and lanuage arts etc etc and some links to other blogs and sites with good ideas.

Thank you family at All things Beautiful you are a beautifully inspiring homeschool!

Morning reading

2011-05-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

I have been reading "the Gift from the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh as my morning reading recently. I hesitate to use the word devotional reading because I think it is a book that many people could read who might not categorise anything they read under that heading. I can't remember where I first heard of the title either, though I'm fairly sure it would be on a blog somewhere in blogworld.

Here is a quote where the author talks of our need for "the stilling of the soul within the activities of the mind and body so that it might be still as the axis of a revolving wheel is still'

Another quote"One learns to accept the fact that no permanent return is possible to an old form of relationship; and, more deeply still, that there is no holding of a relationship to a single form. This is not tragedy but part of the ever-recurrent miracle of life and growth. All living relationships are in process of change, of expansion, and must perpetually be building themselves new forms. But there is no single fixed form to express such a changing relationship. There are perhaps different forms for each sucessive stasge....Duration is not a test of true or false. The day of the dragon-fly or the night of the Saturnid moth is not invalid simply because that phase in its lifecycle is brief. Validity need have no relation to time, to duration, to continuity. It is on another plane, judged by other standards. It relates to the actual moment in time and place."and what is actual is actual only for one time and only for one place."

I hope you will be encouraged to seek out this small treasure of simplicity and read it.

As a postscript the images are ones I took during the weekend of our seasonal changes

Medieval Fair

2011-05-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

We are finishing up our study of the middle ages. It has once again taken two years to move through this time period! Last time I studied the middle ages with our older children it was the cause in part for us coming into the Catholic church...all those saints! This time nothing so dramatic just ...life!

Anyway as part of our study we attended our local medieval fair. This is an annual event held in a small country town about an hours drive away.

Until Saturday we had been enjoying for the most part brilliant autumn weather;cool in the early morning and evening and then lovely sunny days. But on Saturday the day started wet and grey!
Quite good for "imagining" how people did cope in inclement weather in medieval times but for us in the 21st century who had decided not to bring a relatively modern invention(umbrella!) well we also enjoyed more than a few drips!
Still it did not entirely dampen our day and we were able to enjoy watching many dramas reenacted.Many of the "audience" had also come in costume and we walked amongst lordly knights, comic jesters and graceful damsels to name but a few.

This strange photo of Toby shows how often we had to close our eyes to keep at least that part of us dry(!) but it also shows some of the tents different historical societies had put up.

We saw meals being cooked over open fires,weaving ans spinning,calligraphy, archery,mail being soldered and much more.

I couldn't resist these photos of an old highland breed of cattle. The mum was so protective of her "little darling"

Not particularly medieval but very cute!

But what the boys enjoyed the most was the jousting. One of the riders really knew how to involve the crowd. He even got a volunteer to offer to hold the watermelon in the final shot. UUntil it was explained that he might loose the odd hand!

Top to bottom

2011-04-28T14:58:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying such a wealth of beautiful weather this April. It begs to live life outdoors as much as possible! Today was no exception. With our good friend Mary we decided to take an afternoon stroll down a mountain...Adelaide size mountain!)

We weren't expecting to intrude upon this prickly fellow !

We walked at a steady even pace downhill having left one car at the bottom to drive us back to the top. Next holidays the boys want to go both ways.

It just keeps on growing!

2011-04-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

An image of our Easter tomb...the miniature crosses at the top of the hill are no longer visible

St Aloysius’ Church : Seven Hill

2011-04-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

We took a drive on Tuesday through parts of the Clare Valley. We decided to look at Seven Hill winery because it was founded by a Catholic religious order(Jesuits) in an area where Catholicism was not strong.Two Jesuit priests, Father Aloysius Kranewitter and Father Maximillian Klinkowstriom, traveled to Australia as chaplains to a group of 130 Catholics led by Franz Weikert, a Silesian farmer, whose vision was to establish a community in South Australia which could enjoy religious freedom.
I wondered how much of a struggle it was to found a Catholic community for these people who fled from religeous persecution in the country of their birth . Were they ostracized when they reached Australia, what was their reception like in rural south Australia with its strong Lutheran flavor? I think we need to dig deeper into history to discover more. Our Australian history topic for this term perhaps?

The building of the church started in 1864 and was completed in 1875.

A painting presented to the Jesuits by King Ludwig of Bavaria in 1848 also resides in the church.

We also loved the stained glass art work in particular the vibrant colours used in the depiction of the Madonna.

The church still operates as a parish church with a vigil Mass every Saturday at 6pm. Perhaps one day we could visit to attend Mass.

We spent several quiet moments in the church....making sure as we entered to close the side door firmly to prevent birds entering...they also like to visit apparently!

The church is the only parish church in Australia to have a crypt beneath it.

Palm Sunday preparation and the making of a tomb

2011-04-16T01:17:00.000-07:00

We Toby put up our Palm Sunday display on the altar this year.

You've surely got to pity the poor donkey with our wooden figure to carry but we couldn't find a larger one.

Then both boys worked to make our Easter tomb. To make it you need a clay flower pot which you lay on its side inside a larger clay dish. Then you surround the pot with gravel and stones and make 3 small crosses. We tacked the crosses on with blue tac until we had made our earth. This involves a large supply of dirt and a bucket of water. Gradually" introduce" the water to the dirt until you have a nice thick porridge mixture.

Then ~~throw~~ put the mixture all over ~~your brother~~ the flowerpot and shape it to resemble a hill. Finally sprinkle wheat all over your hill. Give it a good spray with water and that's it. All the fun is done and now we wait patiently for the transformation to begin. This is oldish wheat so we are unsure how well it will sprout. Ah well there might be a lesson in that too.

2011-04-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful cake....strawberries with cream

....... and it tasted every bit as good as it looks !

and that hint of almond in the cake went so well with the caramel sauce on the side

But its Lent you say.........

a season of fasting and abstinence

Well that's what its like when your birthday falls
in April

And you have a fabulous family to celebrate

and share it with!

and are treated to surprise bouquets that arrive on the doorstep! and loving greetings from those far and farther away

Happy Birthday to me ?
Yes definitely!

Shorn again

2011-04-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

Little lamb,little lamb

2011-04-07T01:45:00.000-07:00

We looked after a friends pet lamb for a short while. He was so much easier to feed than any marsupial baby! We were very impressed.He really was like Mary's lamb though...he had to follow us wherever we went,even inside if he thought he could get away with it. His name is Shorn(as in the sheep was shorn)

The Great Wall completed!

2011-03-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our building project for our study of China finally completed! The boys really enjoyed working on this project!

Chinese shuttlecocks

2011-03-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

The boys had fun making and playing with these Chinese shuttlecocks! Here is a story we read about someone playing this game

In my memory, playing the shuttlecock game was one of my favorite things during my childhood. The shuttlecocks I played were not used for playing badminton game; they were just used for playing by themselves.

My hometown is in northeast China where the winter is very long—almost five to six months. Playing the shuttlecock outside was the main game in the winter. Because I liked to play this kind of game very much, the shuttlecock became my good friend who always accompanied me in the long winter.

The Great Wall of China Pt 2

2011-03-07T19:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you Ann

2011-03-05T14:46:00.001-08:00

Carrick Hill

2011-03-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

"rattie's boat?"

We enjoyed our visit to Carrick House. In the front gardens we observed an exhibition of mosaics. Unfortunately we were not allowed to use cameras inside. But it was intriging to note all the art that the owners of the house had collected, especially the panelling which dated back over several hundred years.

home for a hobbit?

But I think what the boys enjoyed most was the "story book trail" behind the house and the secret places to discover in the garden.

A great homeschool excursion.

beware the troll!

"some pig"

what a web

Charlotte perhaps?

checking the time

guess whose garden!

the blue jaket gives it away!

Not Worzell Gummidge!

Highly recomend this book

2011-03-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

2011-03-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

"All there is to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you." ~ Gandalf (Lord of the Rings)

China readings

2011-03-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

Today we read this book and had fun discovering which year we were born in.

We also made these:

Marco Polo

2011-03-01T18:49:00.000-08:00

Venice at the time of Marco Polo

making a yurt

inside the yurt

cutting out the front

From this wonderful homeschool blog we have been finding ideas to supplement our study of Marco Polo and the Middle Ages. Again I love it when several subjects coincide. As we are also studying Asia in geography this also fits perfectly there. Here are some of the activities we have done.Again not my ideas which is why I am linking to this great blog. Also some of the books we are reading at present are included in this post plus our library corner all set up with books on China(well mostly!)

Of oranges and maps

2011-02-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

First you take an orange and draw your imaginary world on it.

Next you very carefully peel your orange keeping the skin intact.

Spread your skin out to get some idea of how we represent something spherical in map form

And then examine some maps

An old map of Australia.....geography studies complete for the day, you get to eat your orange!

2011-02-22T17:58:00.000-08:00

It takes concentration

some colorful papers

sharp scissors

a good mate's assistance

result?

Some Chinese decorations for our geography corner

For Cecilia

2011-02-20T22:47:00.000-08:00

"Cecilia died as she lived;
on her own terms,
with confidence,
Surrounded by her family and friends." She was only 16.
As my oldest daughter said:I only met Cecilia a handful of times, but I couldn’t help but be affected by her enthusiasm and personality. Before I met her I knew she was ill and perhaps I was expecting it to be obvious. The day I helped her with her maths I completely forgot about her illness though, she was just an ordinary girl who would have rather been doing something other than learning maths, but surprised me by absorbing a lot of what I was saying while at the same time talking non-stop about completely unrelated subjects. Seeing someone so young dealing with her condition the way she did made me want to do better.

We will always be better for having known you Cecilia. This has been a hard goodbye but we are greatful that now "over the rainbow" your dreams really have come true!

Adventures of the Treasure Fleet

2011-02-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

As part of our China study we have discovered this wonderful resource. A long picture book this also ties in well with our study of the middle ages. With the older kids when we studied this time period we mostly stayed in Europe, so I am excited to discover an extension to our studies through this book.
The way the book is set out it tells a narrative on the main part of each page with a more historical account placed underneath in different type. We are reading through this book slowly as we want to savor it.

"Beginning in 1405, Admiral Zheng He led more than 300 gigantic, brightly painted ships across the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean and all the way to the distant coast of Africa. The admiral and his crew battled pirates and raging storms, and were amazed by the people and ways of life in distant lands.

They befriended kings, charted unknown oceans and were awestruck by Africa's exotic animals. At each port, China's best porcelains and silks were traded for pearls, precious stones, herbs and medicines. They brought treasures as well as dignitaries of faraway lands to pay tribute to China's powerful emperor, Zhu Di.

Filled with historical facts, Adventures of the Treasure Fleet brings a fantastic piece of history to life. Gracefully told and beautifully illustrated, the story's fast pace will keep young ones captivated while offering enough information to satisfy curious readers of all ages."(http://www.annmartinbowler.net/books.htm)

Great Wall of China pt 1

2011-02-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

As part of our study on the continent of Asia we are beginning an in depth look at China. One great idea I saw on another homeschool blog was to construct a model of the Great Wall of China.

Of course as with all ideas borrowed from the internet this plan required adaptation! The original homeschooler used these really nifty blocks they purchased from Amazon.

We in the Southern hemisphere had to make our own blocks. Still a good Stanley knife and a keen eye and we were away! To begin with we decided to draw a path for the blocks. Then it was no time and the first row were attached.

Aunty Margaret

2011-02-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

My Aunty Margaret was called home to be with her Lord at the end of last month. She was in her 91st year.
Just a few weeks before she was ministering to someone in her parish, getting meals to them and looking after them.
When she was able she liked to attend week day Mass (always choosing the back pew for she was never one to put herself forward). She was an active member of the local Legion of Mary and other activities in her Parish and was "miffed" when she was put on the "emergency" list for handing out cups of tea etc after Sunday service. One of the things that upset her in her recent time in hospital was all the celebrations she would be unable to attend.I learned she was also a thespian in her spare time(did she have any!)
Life had not given my aunt an easy road to travel, nursing her mother-in-law in her early married life and then her husband until his death, leaving her a widow with four young children to raise. She worked hard and gave of herself generously.(and so often with a smile and a joke....and the best sponge cake i have ever eaten!).
To call her a great lady would be a massive understatement! She was the matriarch of her extended family in every positive aspect of that word! My daughter Hannah and I flew over to attend the funeral in Wellington. Sadly I did not get to see my aunt before she died but I certainly "saw" her in the testimony of her family and friends at the rosary and funeral . And because , for me, one of her best loved personality traits was her terrific sense of humor, I couldn't help feeling she was looking down on all these occasions, scoring our proficiency and quietly encouraging us to go that bit further.
During the rosary the night before the funeral it was wonderful to see her peers share (often with a tear) how much my aunt had meant to them. The morning of the funeral was ,even for Wellington, rather windy but that didn't stop the church being packed by people who had come to celebrate the life of their dear friend. Like many others I was touched to see the parish priest's voice quaver during one part of the service; yes you guessed it Margaret was not just a parishioner to him, but a dear friend. Many of my extended family sadly no longer practice their faith but I noted how this woman's faith started to break down even the most cynical reservations. They better watch out too for I know there is a "saint in making" praying for them, urging them on to be the best she would expect them to be. Aunty Margaret we will always remember you ,you will always be our matriarch, a "hard act to follow" but who would want to follow any other path.

Monarch butterfly Study Part Three

2011-01-24T17:09:00.000-08:00

Stay near me--do not take thy flight!
A little longer stay in sight!
Much converse do I find in thee,
Historian of my infancy!
Float near me; do not yet depart!

We are so happy the first group of butterflies have hatched !

I've watched you now a full half-hour,
Self-poised upon that ~~yellow~~ blue flower;
And, little Butterfly! indeed
I know not if you sleep or feed.
How motionless! - not frozen seas
More motionless! and then
What joy awaits you, when the breeze
Hath found you out among the trees,
And calls you forth again!

Butterflies,butterflies everywhere!!

(poem extracts courtesy of To A Butterfly by William Wordsworth)

Monarch butterfly Study Part Two

2011-01-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

Monarch caterpillars

2011-01-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

Our good friend "T" presented us with some monarch butterflies and chrysalises.They grow/live on this plant which is apparently a noxious weed here.

In New Zealand I remember growing swan plant and monarchs loving this much to gardener's annoyance!

We've never watched them hatch out before and are very excited to have our first science "experiment" presented to us...and we haven't even officially started school yet! The last photo is our summer nature table.

Holly hock house and surroundings

2011-01-08T23:31:00.000-08:00

We didn't manage a sunflower house this year, still hollyhock house rolls off the tongue rather nicely and these pictures show the variety of colours we used to "paint" the house!

Finally some salvia because in blue they're one of my favorite flowers for the potager!

On the 6th day of Christmas

2010-12-30T19:17:00.001-08:00

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me:

Six geese laying…not true you say…and you’d be right. This is a voucher which entitles you to see a movie after the dawn has trod…get it!!

Mathilda on her first Christmas

2010-12-30T00:55:00.000-08:00

Mel knitted these delightful garments for a very special little girl.

We spent today with Mathilda and her family. It was warmish in the hills but I know two girls that enjoyed each others company in spite of the weather!

On the 5th day of Christmas

2010-12-29T22:22:00.000-08:00

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me

Five gold rings…well one ring actually(and its silver!) its used to attach something to something else which is kind of golden in colour…sort of!!

And because it was rather a warm evening...but who can really complain about high temperatures this summer....a dip in the ocean seemed called for.

A beautiful sunset to end a wonderful day!

on the fourth day of Christmas

2010-12-28T22:27:00.000-08:00

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me four colly birds. I haven’t a clue what colly birds are,do you? But they seem to know!!?! Maybe playing a turn of this game might make us wiser…or not…wouldn’t hurt to try it!!

Anstey Hill walk

2010-12-28T18:14:00.000-08:00

Prior to European settlement, the Kaurna (Gar-na) people lived in areas like Anstey Hill during the cooler months, using the woodlands for fire, warmth and shelter. During the summer, the Kaurna lived along the coast, taking advantage of cool, ocean breezes.
Anstey Hill was named after George Alexander Anstey (1814–1895), a local viticulturalist. Ruins throughout the park provide evidence of early European settlement, including Ellis Cottage and Bakehouse and Newman’s Nursery. Restored by the Friends of Anstey Hill, the cottage is located inside gate one. Newman’s Nursery was one of the first commercial nurseries in the Adelaide area.
Dolomite and quartzite was mined in the park for many years, and was used in the construction of roads throughout Tea Tree Gully. Stone quarried at Anstey Hill is featured in the Adelaide War Memorial on North Terrace, Adelaide Town Hall, St Peters Cathedral and Adelaide General Post Office. The last quarry closed in 1982.
The park was dedicated in 1989 in response to public demand that the government protect the land from development.

setting off

walk on "water"

lost in the wilderness

walk on

can you see what I see!

and here

at the nursery

In 1854 C F Newman purchased 68 acres within the Park and named it Water Gully, where he pioneered a nursery. At the height of it's operation the property covered 469 acres, with extensive glass and hot houses. By 1889, stock included 500,000 fruit trees, 100,000 orange trees, 100,000 vines, 300 varieties of orchids and 600 varieties of roses. A retail outlet established in rundle Street marketed produce to Australia and overseas. Newman was killed when he fell from his horse while returning from a council meeting in 1899. His family carried on the business until 1913, when two major storms caused extensive damage, from which the nursery never fully recovered.

a cool place to hide

and be found!

catch a stick insect!

another view?

view of ruins

the road back down

Down by the river

2010-12-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

Down by the river....find me some rocks

there's always some sticks

look for a dog

find something to climb

restores our peace

On the third day of Christmas

2010-12-27T23:15:00.000-08:00

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me three french hens . I ask you three hens from France, as if we haven’t enough trouble remembering all the birds that visit our yard. Anyway before they flew back to Paris!! they left you these books …useful to identify other feathered friends!

On the second day of Christmas

2010-12-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me two turtle doves .... but they wouldn’t stay and play cause they said they felt we had enough birds in our yard already!! But they knew how much you like to play games so they left you this as their “calling” card(game of backwords)

On the 1st day of Christmas

2010-12-25T23:25:00.000-08:00

We have a tradition going back just a few years where we celebrate the twelve days of Christmas in a fun family orientated way. this is not to take away from the faith filled celebr ations that also occur over this time period, nor is it to explain the possible significance of these 12 days to those of our faith in England of old, it is simply to extend the joy we feel in a way that is significant for the younger members of our family.God invented laughter and I'm sure there was a great deal of it in the Holy family as the Christ child grew.

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me

A partridge in a pear tree.

Sorry but the partridge flew off to find his family…

But he left behind his picture and “somethings” fruity inside!

Christmas at the park

2010-12-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

I recently found this letter I wrote to Connie Foss of “Good Life and Literature” which was published in volume 2 of the winter edition for 1999. It was interesting to look back on….from so many years ago; this is as extract from it.

“…there’s a general tidy-up and we pack for our annual picnic in botanic Park.

This is a family tradition and although we have shared it with others, some of our best times have been when we’ve been there ‘on our own’.

Mind you we share the park with many other families….and sometimes after our meal we take a stroll amongst the gardens.

For lunch we carry a variety of ‘cool’ food: cold roast chicken, sliced ham, wedges of home-made pizza, spicy paprika potatoes, and a leafy green salad. Also we take special fruit that we don’t have at other times; dark red juicy cherries,

green luscious grapes, nectarines(my favorite), apricots, plums and watermelon!

We bring sports equipment or games to play and all happily take part(even mum!)”

This year we took our celebration to the hills. The sun shone brightly...but not too hot and the flowers we strolled amongst afterward were delightful

There were times to ~~ponder and reflect~~ rest after a rich meal.

another day to add to our scrapbook of memories.

Christmas morning

2010-12-25T20:56:00.000-08:00

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-12-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

Dd decided to make a gingerbread house this Advent. The recipe will become a family favorite as it has all the qualities that gingerbread should have, moist, flavorful with spices including black pepper, and strong enough to take shape and stand well.

too much sugar perhaps?

paper-chain expert

a calligraphy gift just completed

these are for someone who likes owls from youngest brother

A taste of summer

2010-12-22T20:21:00.000-08:00

We are all delighted to have Mel back with us for the holidays.

And what would summer be without a spot of tennis.....pole tennis that is!

Advent lights

2010-12-20T01:17:00.000-08:00

Every year we visit a particular suburban street that is "well-lit" for the Advent season.

Along with other cars we drive slowly past each display.

We note what is new this year.

We speculate as to the "flavour" for this year.

We each choose our favourie display.
We laugh together,

we share jokes and tell funny stories about the lights.

In short we enjoy ourselves.

There is usually one display though that leaves us just a little perplexed. Could someone please explain the significance of Santa and the elephant!!?!

Picture Book Advent :The Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown

2010-12-17T00:59:00.000-08:00

The Little Fir Tree

Copybook Phrase:I’m not too little and not too big. Not too stiff ,nor yet too limber. A beautiful little green fir tree. Just the tree for Christmas to grow with.

No new activity but phrase could be attached to our Christmas tree.

A sweet story by one of our favourite picture book authors: Margaret Wise Brown.(aka “Goodnight Moon “ fame)

Keeping Joy

2010-12-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Joy to the world! the Lord will come
And earth receive her King:
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and angels sing,
And Heaven and angels sing,
And Heaven and Heaven and angels sing.

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Beans in Hollyhock house

2010-12-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

Our beans have been a great success this year. Holly hock house has them trailing ever upwards...Jack and the bean stalk?!

A Solo on Sunday

2010-12-14T22:16:00.000-08:00

Dill Pickle Rag @ Yahoo!7 Video

Appologies for the bumpy recording, I guess I need to use a stand rather than just holding the camera. The piece is called Dill Pickle Rag.There were only 4 solos in the concert and this was one.

Saint Lucy

2010-12-13T23:55:00.000-08:00

It starts off with a slow procession from room to room...all is in darkness
           as we enter a space we pray and ask God's blessing on it and on the people who use it.

              as we walk we sing those well-remembered hymns of waiting

                      amidst all this is one who returns secretly to the living room
                                so that when we enter it finally

                                       all is alight       with

candle light

a treat specially cooked for this feast day also awaits us

may the simple light of St Lucy's faith light our Advent to the Christ child in whom is all light

Gaudete (Joyous) Sunday and the Pope wears Pink!

2010-12-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

This 3rd Sunday of Advent is known as "Gaudete Sunday" (Gaudete meaning Latin for "rejoice!"). It's the day on which we light the pink(rose) colored candle on the Advent wreath, and the day on which the priest wears pink/rose vestments for Mass. This signals a moment of excitement in our Advent preparations; we have crossed over the halfway point of the Advent season and the nearness of Christ's presence brings with it the joy of expectation.

Original Video- More videos at TinyPic
this video is from our final violin concert of the year and labeled "reel of Joy" hence its place in this post

"As we light the third candle on our advent wreath we can:
Pray for the joy Christ's coming promises...
Pray for the joy that survives life's trials...
Pray for the joy the lonely thirst for...
Pray for the joy only peace can bring...
Pray for the joy that smiles even in grief...
Pray for the joy that is deep, not passing...
Pray for the joy that helps us see beyond the moment...
Pray for the joy only God can give us...
Pray for the joy others invite us to share...
Pray for the joy others wait for me to share...
Pray for the joy others wait to share with me..." (reference)

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2010-12-09T23:43:00.000-08:00

Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Patroness of the Unborn

"The very vivid vision described in Revelations chapter 12 has particular meaning for everyone in the Americas since the appearance of Our Lady to Saint Juan Diego took the same form as what is described in that reading.

“...a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child...” (Rev 12:1-2)

This is the image Our Lady left on St Juan Diego’s tilma. The Virgin is clothed with the sun, standing on the moon, and has a crown of twelve stars. She is pregnant and therefore Our Lady of Guadalupe is revered as Patroness of the Unborn."
Adapted from a homily by Father Tommy Lane from this site

Our meal for this feast day was Mexican. The boys always find the rolling of the tortillas exhausting great fun! But the meal has always been eaten with enthusiasm.

Blueberry muffins with rose icing completed the celebration

Saint Juan Diego and Our Lady of Guadalupe

2010-12-09T23:40:00.000-08:00

We combined the celebrations for the Our Lady of Guadalupe and Saint Juan Diego on Thursday. We chose to do this because the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe would normally occur on the 12th December and this year the 12th December is the date that the third Sunday of Advent occurs on. Naturally Mary's mission is only ever to lead us to her son and so the celebration of this particular Sunday(Gaudete) takes precedence)

Below is the recipes we use for our Mexican meal

Flour Tortillas
• 3 c unbleached flour (or whole wheat, or regular all-purpose, if that’s what you’ve got)
• 2 t baking powder
• 1 t salt
• ¼ c (plus a little (1-2 T) extra – no need to measure exactly) vegetable shortening
• 1 to 1 ¼ c warm water
Sift the dry ingredients together into a large bowl. Add the shortening, and mix them together until the shortening is evenly incorporated.

Next, add the warm water a little at a time, tossing together until the mixture forms a soft dough that is not sticky. Go ahead and knead it a few times, adding a sprinkling of flour if needed, to make it smooth.

Now divide the dough into 12 evenly-sized balls, and let rest for 10-15 minutes, while you straighten up and set up your work area for rolling out!

Here’s how we do it: Each “roller” gets a piece of parchment or “press-and-seal” (sticky side down) sprinkled with a little flour. One dough ball is lightly flattened in the center of the paper, then sprinkled with a little more flour. On top of this, a piece of plastic wrap is carefully laid across. Then roll out a circle – starting each roll in the center. It helps if the first few rolls are done somewhat lightly, until a reasonably circular shape is achieved – though, of course, perfection is unnecessary. Roll them fairly thin, or to about 8-10” in diameter.

Then flip the two layers of paper with the tortilla in between upside down, and carefully peel off the parchment for re-use; the unbaked tortilla is then placed, plastic-wrap side down, in a pile with each of the other tortillas as they are rolled. If desired, a moist paper towel can be placed lightly on top of the pile to keep the top tortilla from drying out. (If you find that the tortillas are sticking to either paper, just use a little more flour when rolling out.)

Once the rolling is well-underway, heat a 12-15” dry frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. It should be well-heated and ready by the time the last tortilla is rolled.

Each tortilla is then peeled off the plastic wrap, and placed in the hot, ungreased pan to be cooked on each side. The tortilla may bubble slightly and appear slightly dry as it bakes, and will have brown speckles on the underside when it is ready to flip/remove. It will take less than a minute on each side, so watch them carefully!

Steak fajitas with avocado and tomato salsa

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 700g beef rump steak, trimmed, cut into strips

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce

• 12 x 20cm flour fajitas or tortillas

• 1 1/2 cups grated tasty cheese

• 1 baby cos lettuce, shredded

• Sour cream, to serve

Avocado and tomato salsa

• 250g grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 2 green onions, trimmed, finely sliced

• 1 large avocado, peeled, stone removed, diced

• 2 teaspoons lime juice

Method

1. Make avocado and tomato salsa Place tomatoes, onions, avocado and lime juice in a glass or ceramic bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Cover and set aside.

2. Place steak, oil and sweet chilli sauce in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

3. Heat a large, non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add steak mixture. Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned and just cooked through. Remove to a heatproof bowl. Cover to keep warm.

4. Meanwhile, heat fajitas or tortillas following packet directions.

5. Place salsa and steak mixture on table. Place cheese, lettuce and sour cream in separate bowls on table. Place fajitas or tortillas on plates.

the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

2010-12-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

From this blog we read:"In being immaculately conceived in the womb of her Mother, Ann, Mary more or less received an "advance payment" on the grace of Christ and was preserved from the original sin of dis-integrity, or the "disintegration" of her capacity to fully assent to God's call for her life. This is alluded to in today's Gospel from Luke, when, after receiving the Angel's invitation to conceive Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, Mary responds with the simple, straightforward response of, "I am the handmaid of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word."

Mary's Immaculate Conception, as an "advance installment" of the grace of Christ, prefigures precisely the grace and call that is extended to us. By virtue of an ongoing commitment to saying "yes" to new life in Christ, we are undergoing a radical "Immaculate Re-Conception" of our lives in order to ultimately say, along with Mary, "we are servants of the Lord, may it be done unto us according to your word." Mary's Immaculate Conception is the beginning of the promise of our "Immaculate Re-Conception" in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit!"

For the Feast of the Immaculate Conception we celebrated with the following meal:

· White meal – chicken schnitzel, garlic potatoes, cauliflower

WHITE CHOCOLATE CAKE

INGREDIENTS

250 g white cooking chocolate, chopped

250 g butter, chopped

200 ml hot water

1½ cups caster sugar

1¾ cups plain flour

1 cup self-raising flour

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Frosting

100 g white cooking chocolate, chopped

¼ cup cream

250 g softened cream cheese

(can be softened in the microwave for a few seconds)

SERVES 10–12

TO MAKE

Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 22-cm round cake tin and line the base. Combine chocolate, butter, water and sugar in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Stir continuously, until sugar has dissolved and chocolate has melted. Set aside to cool. Sift flours into a large bowl, add chocolate mixture, eggs and vanilla and mix well. Place mixture into prepared tin. Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours or until cake is cooked (it should be golden on top). Leave in the tin to cool for about 20 minutes before turning out on to a wire rack. To make frosting, stir chocolate and cream over low heat until chocolate is melted and smooth. Allow to cool a little. Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, then add the cooled chocolate mixture and beat until soft and smooth. Set aside to cool completely, then spread evenly over the top of the cake.

It rained a bunch

2010-12-07T23:03:00.001-08:00

These pictures show a very non-typical weather for this time of the year in Adelaide.

Rain in bucket loads. And rain inside is not good.Rain is not good also when you are packing things for storage in cardboard boxes...think wet mush.

However rain has made our bean/holly-hock house grow tall enough to almost reach the land of giants(Jack and the bean stalk?) and everything is green so swings and roundabouts....

and it sure rained a bunch!

And finally no photos but lightening and thunder put on a spectacular sky show before we retired for the night!