Mel's Mouthful on Mothering

Yummy Sweet Candy Potatoes Giveaway

2012-02-25T12:06:00.002-08:00

Now you know that I don't review things I don't love. Often I am the one to approach companies. They are not knocking down my door, more like the other way around and in fact I prefer it that way because I only go to those I love.

So here's my new love! My sweet love - sweet potato fries.

The only reason I initially picked these up was because they were on special (of course) for a cool R9 which is a real bargain for ready made, ready cut, pop into the oven type of chips. And with children who LOVE chips - this looked like a healthier option than regular fries.

Ruthie is a real chip girl. In fact she is so in love with chips (fried, crisps, chips, roast potatoes) that she can barely think straight when they are in the same room. She can hear the rustle of a chip packet within a half a mile radius (that might be a slight exaggeration but then again I have never tested her on this and it wouldn't surprise me if she has chip-supersonic-hearing).

And in fact her obsession with chips has become an issue of much laughter in our house. We often tell her that her nickname is Nick Nack and that one days she's going to marry a Simba Chippie. (My South African readers are the only ones who will probably understand this reference. For my other readers, these are just 2 chip brands in SA). I digress.

So I tried these chips out and loved them. Its like eating candy. They are sweet, crunchy and absolutely delicious! If your children are not fans of sweet potatoes, you might convert them yet with this variety.

I find sweet potatoes are normally a lot more expensive than regular potatoes. So I was really surprised that these were such a good price. So I don't know about you but this is a sweet deal for a convenience food!

Of course I wanted to share the goodness and wanted you all to taste them because they're gooooood.

And because I love these chips, and I love my readers and I know that McCain would love our readers to love them too - we have some coupons for you to buy some of these snacky, candy, sweet potatoes!

I will be giving away 12 coupons for a R5 discount on every packet of sweet potato chips you buy.

4 readers will win 3 coupons each valued at R15! All you have to do is post a comment and tell me what your favourite type of oven chip is - crinkle cut or straight cut?

(Remember that if you don't have a blog, leave your email address when you comment, so that I can contact you, otherwise you might not get your prize!)

This giveaway is only available to our South African readers AND you can enter even if you have won one of the Giveaways before. Its open to anyone whether you live across the ocean or next door.

The Winners will be announced on Friday 27th January 2012.

How to get them reading part 3

2012-02-24T13:10:00.002-08:00


Photo Credit

So in review of my previous posts, there are literally dozens of ways to stimulate or encourage a child to read. For a quick reference if you missed them:
Part 1
Part 2
What's the big deal with reading?
But there is still more. The list is truly endless if you allow a little creativity and perseverance. The idea is also not necessarily to try every method but find ones that will work with your child.

1. In the car

This may really only appeal to younger children, but I found that with my 8 year old, he loves reading signs. So I ask him to help me find signs as we are driving, or I ask him what a signboard says. He loves it and he never forgets what they say. He has such a expression of satisfaction when he can read information along the road. The only problem is that you have to remind your children that some of the names of companies on trucks and vehicles are actually misspellings but it gives you the opportunity to get them to tell you how it should be written.

Another variation(older children up to teens) is to buy 2nd hand travel books/ things to do in the area catalogues and as you drive through an area, get one of the children to read it to the rest of their siblings as they drive. And if you can't find these, use your browser on your smart phone and Google it. They love the technology and feel very authoritative when they read aloud and of course, it makes for a very interesting Geography lesson.

2. Cooking

My children love to eat. If they know there'll be something yummy to eat they are VERY motivated to read! Yep, I TOTALLY believe in bribery and yummy motivations. You can start with simple cooking and move on to cook books that run according to themes which normally provides you with lots of reading material. Get them to research a recipe online. (remember its not that they have to read huge quantities of materials but making reading a way of achieving a goal, having fun - or in this case - getting to eat!)

3. Magazines

Choose good magazines that will interest them. My children are Kid's National Geographic fans as well as Popular Mechanics. But with their other interests like lifesaving, surfing, skateboarding, fishing, flying - I could buy a magazine on any one of these topics and guaranteed I would not see them for a couple of hours. Don't worry if initially it looks like they are just paging through the magazine, when they find something of interest, they will want to read.

And if you can't afford the magazines they like (because some of them can be incredibly expensive) there are other options:
* Take them out at the library and if they are the most current ones, they will not be available for loan so then let them sit and read, let it be a special privilege for them.
* Keep looking on places like Gumtree, Craiglist, Freecycle - people are always giving away boxes of magazines for those interested or ask for them with an ad.
* Browse through second hand stores

4. Turn off the telly!!!!!

Research has shown that especially boys will choose telly if given a choice between telly and reading. So don't give them the choice. Just turn it off! Our TV is in our lounge and even when its off, we can still see it luring and tempting us to put it on. I truly think a TV cupboard with doors that you can close is really the best solution. Our children have screen time on Fridays, but really they have no need to watch TV. Don't let them convince you that they do. In fact why not read them the book "The day my mom through out the telly" which is perfect for teaching them about wasted TV time. Its a really funny story and really is worth the read.

5. Reading apps for phones

I am a reluctant let-a-child-play-with-my-phone-sort-of-person. Children do funny things with expensive equipment - I speak with experience and without going into too much detail - one of those included flushing a certain telephonic piece of equipment down the loo!

However desperate times demand desperate measures. You might not find the right type of reading app for your phone and again it could just be too jolly expensive. But you can also download the software so that your phone runs like a Kindle and so you can read entire books on your phone. Now what child doesn't just love that combination.

6. Keep it brief

Don't push too hard, and keep reading times brief initially - they will eventually ask for more.

Photos Credit

7. Audio Books

I know this does not mean that they are literally reading the written word, but through positive experiences reading starts to have a positive slant. This is especially a good practise for older children who you feel may have had very negative experiences so far. If you can just find the right audio book you might change their attitude to reading. Imagine he likes Story 1 by Author 1. You listen to it and then conveniently leave Story 2 by Author 1 lying around which has been taken out the library.

Also Read Along Audio books are great for children to listen to and follow in their books because it gives them a sense of rhythm, timing, pronunciation and confidence to read aloud with the CD.

You can buy Audio books but there are a lot of free audio book sites too, so all you need to do is download it! My children listen to these as they go to bed at night. I copy it on a disk, put off the light and let them listen until they fall asleep. They will often rush off to bed so they can listen to the next installment, making bed times a breeze! We also listen to the audio books when we drive in the car which makes travelling so much more pleasant.

Photo Credit

8. Just serve up hors d'oeuvres not the main course

Read just enough to pique their interest in a book, to that moment where you have everyone sitting at the edge of their seats in anticipation .......... and then stop. I can guarantee you that even the most reluctant reader will pick up the book after you and want to read further.

As you read through this posts, some of these methods may sound too easy but a lot of children struggle with confidence and so the more confident they are and the more you affirm them, the more they will want to read. Don't assume that something won't work with your child "oh this won't work on him, he is so stubborn" or "he'll never listen". I have often found that we often don't know what can trigger a change. That our children will surprise us - that sometimes we need to have more hope and less cynicism. Don't give up, they may not do things in the way we would - they might read in a different way, they might read different books to what we would - But isn't that exciting? - To find out more and more about these precious children!

If you have any further ideas or thoughts on how to stimulate reading in children - I would love to hear about it. Why not leave a comment so that we can all learn from your experiences.

Out and About: Cape Town: Rococoa the Ultimate Chocolate Experience

2012-02-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hot and sticky, sweet and spicy, salty or zesty. Chocolate has driven people throughout the world over the edge - brought comfort - been a symbol of love - cause for deceit - and relentless pursuit.

We went to discover the secrets behind this obsession, to taste the rich flavours from all around the world. And it all started here....

Who thought you could use chocolate for face paint? Just another reason to love chocolate !
And then a passionate chocalatier took us on a journey.

We visited Venezuela and the families who help produce this awesome product!

Took a trip into a virtual Cacao plantation where cacao grows under the shelter of banana trees

We got some sound practical advice

Tasted hot melted chocolate and experimented with our own delicious designs

And there was enough time just to enjoy our surroundings.

Wonderful displays of Chocolate Art - who needs oil pastels and water colours when you can have cacao?

Chess anyone? Winner eats all!

This was such an educational, sensational experience. My taste buds are still tingling.

Further details:

Cost: R30 per child

Length: 2 to 3 hours (depending on how many questions you asked)

Content: DVD, melted chocolate tasting, walk in virtual cacao forest, tasting roasted beans, time lines in production history, historical industrial methods, tasting chocolates from around the world, individual chocolate molding.

Group Size: Aim at a group of about 15 (including parents). The space where the children make their chocolates is quite compact and any bigger and it becomes uncomfortable.

Extras:

Restaurant and Coffee shop because after all the sweetness you really want a good coffee.

Parking involves getting a ticket, but when you go to Rococoa, get them to stamp it and then you don't pay. So don't be afraid to park in their undercover parking.

They will be eating a fair amount of chocolate. Prepare yourself for some busy children.
How to find them:
The Palms
The Map

How to make it part of further homeschooling activities

These can be done before or after your excursion:

* Chocolate Word search

* Combine it with a chocolate unit study or lap book (for little ones)

* Watch a slide show

* Watch a short video on how milk chocolate is made

* Read Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory with your younger children/ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and all the follow up books from there - of course you could also just get the DVD. (so not Charlotte Mason!)

* Make some of your own chocolate shapes at home

* Let your children do some investigating

* Make a Chocolate Wacky Cake

Happy Tasting!

Up and Coming: What's happening this week?

2012-02-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

I don't normally do this type of post but I thought I would give you all a heads up - otherwise you might miss out!

So this week is full of surprises:

* A Giveaway for the 2 Oceans Aquarium - a definite "Things to do in Cape Town with your children"

* A book giveaway - won't spoil the fun, wait to see

* Journalling (next installment) - resources for you to use to encourage your child to journal no matter what the age, and who knows - you too! We have done the preparation and they've written more about who they are.

* Part 3 of Encouraging your children to read, why not read Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed out.

* And chips, chips, chips - who loves chips? ( By the way did you ever say "Chips!" at school when you were letting the class know the teacher was coming? - or was that just us) Now this is one of my latest discoveries.

* And some other stuff, can't give it all away now can I?

So don't miss out, be there or be square! Definitely the 80's creeping up on me ! If you don't want to miss out on all of the action then make sure that you sign up for our email notifications where you can get all of this in your inbox every day. Sounds like a good idea doesn't it? Just pop in your email address and click submit.

So what's the big deal with reading?

2012-02-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

I was busy writing the third installment of how to get your children reading, as I have had such an amazingly positive response to part 1 and part 2 today - but I know that there are some of you who read this blog who probably are not big readers and in fact don't "get" the importance of reading. So I thought I would post a couple of thoughts by fairly well known and unknown individuals who have left a mark - of what they thought/ think about reading.

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go -Dr Seuss

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader - Margaret Fuller

A home without books is a body without soul - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Every man who knows how to read has it in his power to magnify himself, to multiply the ways in which he exists, to make his life full, significant and interesting - Aldous Huxley

To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark - Victor Hugo

The greatest gift is a passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind. It is a moral illumination - Elizabeth Hardwick

No two persons ever read the same book - Edmund Wilson

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body - Joseph Addison

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him - Maya Angelou

The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries - Rene Descartes

Education begins the gentleman, but reading, good company and reflection must finish him - John Locke

Reading is an art form, and every man can be an artist - Edwin Louis Cole

To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries - A C Grayling

A capacity and taste for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others - Abraham Lincoln

He that loves a book will never want a faithful friend, a wholesome counselor, a cheerful companion, an effectual comforter. By study, by reading, by thinking, one may innocently divert and pleasantly entertain himself, as in all weathers, as in all fortunes - Barrow

We read to know we are not alone - C.S. Lewis

You're the same today as you'll be in five years except for the people you meet and the books you read - Charlie "Tremendous" Jones

When you sell a man a book you don't sell him just 12 ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life - Christopher Morley

No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance - Confucius

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy - Edward P. Morgan

The greatest gift is a passion for reading - Elizabeth Hardwick

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents - Emilie Buchwald

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few are to be chewed and digested - Francis Bacon

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free - Frederick Douglas

20 Ways to have less stressful school days

2012-02-16T05:26:00.000-08:00

Now this sounds like a contradiction in itself. We all know how hard it is, how much effort it takes to home school every day. It's only those who look from the outside, who would dare say it's easy. Do I love it? Of course! (though sometimes not!) There are lots of reasons that I home school and though the reasons are good, it doesn't mean that my life is a breeze.

However there are a few things that make life easier, bearable, manageable, and sometimes just really good, great, super and truly a memory moment. They are small things, Mel things, my things - not your things. But they might work. They are tried and tested solutions in our household to making my day little easier.

1. Food and More Food

This is an under-emphasised aspect of school. Feed them cocoa pops and sugar pops and empty pops and crazy pops and you will have them popping all over the place. And don't try and convince yourself that you're feeding them the good stuff just because it says whole grain or vitamin enriched. That's only to cover a multitude of sins. They all have sugar or additives or chemicals or words-that-you-cannot-pronounce-and-think-because-they-are-so-difficult-to-pronounce-it-must-be-good-words on the side of the box.

Now I would love to tell you that I am a fully fledged health conscientious buff but I would be lying and lying is not good and it doesn't reflect well on my image. And I wouldn't want to do that because maybe my pastor might find out and then... who knows, I might need to look for a different church. So I'll confess, we do occasionally lower our health expectations and break out a box of instant cereal. (funny the children do not seem to suffer from the same internal struggles about whether or not they eat cereal - its devoured in minutes). However I try as best as I can to keep the sugar intake to a minimum and ensure that breakfast is substantial and nutritious.

Breakfast, snacks, lunch and snacks again ensure that my children can concentrate combined with enough liquids too. I have found that this can make an enormous difference in their day. When they aren't getting enough to eat and drink I find that their concentration levels drop dramatically! I am not suggesting huge meals the whole day, but frequent healthy snacks.

2. Print the Night Before

Yes I know its a pain but its even more of a pain when you have children waiting for you "to quickly print off something". This is when everything derails - the computer freezes, the printer runs out of ink or you forget where you saved the document - by this stage the children are climbing the walls.

3. Time yourself

I love break time as much as the children - I need the breather, the time to get coffee or put a load of washing in. The problem is that I enjoy it so much I forget how quickly the time passes and then before I know it the children have been on a break for more than an hour and now suddenly its lunch time! Oops.

4. Don't let housework be the focus

Our children do chores every day - even Sundays (we all work hard). We don't have a nanny, so we do everything and so its easy to start the day with chores and as you get busy - you "just want to do one more thing". Which eventually takes time out of your learning time.

I do believe that chores is a learning opportunity but be careful of how much time you "justify" as learning time - unless you are being intentional and using specific housework activities to learn - for example gardening is a big one for us and we use it to illustrate biblical concepts, to study growth, insects, seedlings etc. We draw in our nature study books and look up birds in our bird books.

We have starting time and whether or not chores are finished, we start. However tardiness or laziness is not allowed and so if one of my children is purposefully not doing their chores they will do it in their break time.

5. Focused Attention

All of my children need individual attention, not just the struggling ones or the little ones. I ensure that I give individual attention to a specific child a day. (Eg Monday would be Declan, Tuesday - Ethan etc) The others may need my help but my attention is focused on one child (otherwise the eldest or most independent miss out on that one on one time which is just as important for them - even if just to connect with them and find out where they need help)

During this time, which by the way is not the whole day but more for their grade specific subjects, I will as best as I can ensure uninterrupted time - either by using something like Reading Eggs for their English, Rosetta Stone for their Mandarin or watching online educational videos for the other children if they cannot work independently from me.I also find putting my youngest right next to me also helps with behaviour and closer supervision.

6. Go to bed early - TV is not worth it!

I love telly - there I said it. I like to watch, I love thrillers and mysteries. I like intrigue and espionage. The problem is that a lot of telly happens too late, and then everything is too much of an effort the next day. Tiredness and irritability do not bode well for any school day.

7. Get up before they do

Whether its for a quiet time, your time, read time, coffee time or husband time - just do it. You need the time to wake up in peace without having to meet anyone's demands but just prepare yourself for your day. I often wake up, check my emails, have a quiet time and wait for the children to drift in as they wake up. I know you are probably thinking how can she read emails before she reads the word of God? I know my halo is slipping.

However I quickly discovered that praying and reading the word before I was fully awake often had me dose off on the couch because I was just a little too comfortable. But by the time I have spent half and hour sorting through my mail and had a cup of coffee, I am awake and ready to spend time reading my word and praying. I also prefer to have my children find me reading the word than sitting on a computer.

8. Move the Classroom

You have to bake for a ladies meeting, supper is going to be one of those long ones where you need to peel endless veggies and chop them into teeny weeny pieces and you still need to clean. How do you do this without interrupting school or ensuring that the children are being supervised so that they don't get distracted or dawdle?

Move the classroom.

If I am in the kitchen the children sit at the dining room (open plan), if I am in the garden they sit outside around the patio tab;e. Children love change and if it enables you to answer questions or to be more flexible then do it. I wouldn't do it everyday but remember life happens and homeschooling should be part of life.

9. Stay away from telephones and emails

Oh yes don't let them whisper in your ear that they are so important. They aren't. Leave the phone to take a message and don't allow your emails or Facebook to suck you into that dark void of time wasting. Remember you are also setting an example to your children about how you use your time.

10. Do less well

Don't try and be anyone else, or work at anyone else's speed or do someone else's program. A lot of energy and effort can be wasted copying others. I don't believe in wasting time but when I try and do too much in a day, I find my children don't cope with the pressure and I get frustrated because I can't tick off my list of things done.

11. Take a break when they do

I used to try and do my chores that I hadn't finished in the morning, when the children took their break - but I need a break too. I have now stopped doing chores during that time and instead I take out a book, go online or just lie down for a bit. I find that I feel far more refreshed and am able to face the next part of the day with enthusiasm (that's if I haven't fallen asleep:)

12. Get help if you can

We have gone through stages of having help in our house, and times when we couldn't afford to. I won't lie to you - I love having help in my house. School is easier, life is easier - it brings such freedom. But I have also been content during the times where, as a family, we have been responsible for everything! Don't live beyond your means but if you can afford to, get help. Even if only once a week. Its good for you, good for your husband, good for your house and good for your children. But make sure your children help you, no matter how small - every little bit helps!

13. Join a co-op or start one

Besides the opportunity to get together and meet new families and build new friendships, it gives you a break. If the lesson is rotated amongst your group it means that though you might have to prepare a lesson and present it, you will still have the opportunity to have a bit of a break while your children are still learning. You may not be able to leave, as most co-ops require moms to still be hands-on, however it takes the pressure off you to do all the preparation and your children will learn lots, because its been presented by someone else.

14. Get rid of the mess

Displays of beach finds, art projects and other topics of interest are great, but make sure that your learning area and house is tidy. Nothing is more exhausting than a mess. We do a a full learning area cleanup once a week and make sure that the children pack everything away before the end of each day. Mess is exhausting. Your house doesn't need to be spotless but try and keep things under control.

15. Cook BIG

Prepare double or triple if you can. If I make mince, I might prepare some for cottage pie and some for spaghetti. One in the deep freeze and one for supper. I have found this one of the most effective time saving activities. It means that I get one night free every couple of days because the meal is already made which helps on days when we have sports or excursions.

16. Keep it handy

I try and keep water close at hand and small, non messy snacks (like sliced carrots, raisins, dried fruit), a small rubbish bin, toilet paper or tissues - all the little things the children seem to need all day. I think its a good idea for children to move so that they can stretch but I find that these little things are often excuses to disappear down the corridor and get distracted with things they find along the way. Keeping these sorts of things close at hand helps lots!

17. What else is happening below the surface?
My youngest children often malfunction when they need some time and attention - normally it's a sign of a deeper need. Stop and pay attention, hold and cuddle, sit on the couch and read together. If you don't the attention seeking behaviour can get worse. If you can't do it during learning time, go on a "date" with that child - one on one time. This is especially a need in big families when they are always sharing your attention.

18. Computer Compromises
After I published this article I realised that I only had 15 points and so as someone who is never at a lack of something to say, I started writing some more points. A friend of mine who shall remain nameless as I wouldn't want to embarrass her, mentioned that Computer work late at night is as bad for you if not worse than TV because we tell ourselves that the reason we are doing it is for a good cause. Try these and see which one applies to you:
* I just need to check facebook to see how my friends and family are doing?
* If I don't facebook people might think that there is something wrong
* What will happen to my blog is I don't write a post tonight - they'll all bail on me and find a better and bigger blog to read and forget all about me
* I want to research this topic properly - I know that tomorrow I will be so exhausted I won't even use it but just in case... you never know when you will need it
* I have to check my emails, there might be something important that cannot wait until tomorrow

I might not have mentioned your specific excuse but we all have one don't we? And then tomorrow comes and our children feel the consequences of this behaviour.

19.Get that loving feeling
I am the most joyful, inspired person when I spend time with my husband and feel loved. Maybe some of the dryness and stress of your day is because adjustments need to be made in your marriage - are you making time to love and be loved - or is it all work, school, chores and running around? Take time to have a coffee together - even for 30 minutes, hold hands, turn the telly off and talk. Go to bed early. Maybe I am the only one like this but my love tank needs to be filled by God and by my husband. If either of these are not happening - you might as well prepare my broomstick!

20. Pray with your man
I don't share space easily in prayer with others, I like the solitude - being able to be honest before God without worrying about what others are thinking - baring my soul. But recently Sean and I have started spending just 10 minutes praying together. We sit down and pray for our day. What we are doing is a ministry. Yes it is! Anything that God has tasked you to do to fulfill His will is a ministry and it is as important as any other ministry. It requires prayer, preparation, dedication and sacrifice. We would never expect our pastor to come to church unprepared or having not prayed. Yet we will approach our day like this. We have an amazing opportunity to mentor, guide and lead our children - to reach others as a family - to change the world. Pray with your husband, pray with your friend - but pray - and watch what God can do!

So that's probably a good start with a few things that might simplify or help you during your school day. I would love to hear from you and what techniques you use to take the stress out of your homeschooling day.

Who will be my Valentine?

2012-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

So Valentine's day lurks round the corner, like an unsuspecting visitor waiting to pounce and expose our lack of preparation or readiness for this day marked in our calendars .

Love.... can it really be expressed fully in a day - a day filled with candy, balloons, cards, romantic dinners.... or could there be more?

Should I entertain the notion that my expression of love is determined by my performance on this day?

As the day approaches remember when I was in Grade 4. Waiting for that letter from the boy that I "loved with all my heart" - hoping that he would send me something special. The sweaty palms, the nerves and mostly the fear that I would suffer the humiliation of rejection. That I would be the only one who was unloved or unnoticed. But then there was a card, an immature expression of love, followed by unexplainable relief and joy that I had been "loved".

Source

But someone else, a young boy - sat empty handed. He tried to pretend like it didn't matter - but it did - to him.

What have we done with love, true love, everlasting love when we reduce it to this?
To a day
to a moment
to a piece of candy
to a note

The love I know is patient and kind.

not jealous or boastful or proud or rude

not demanding

NOT IRRITABLE

keeps no record of being wronged

doesn't rejoice about injustice

rejoices whenever the truth wins out

never gives up

never loses faith

is always hopeful

and endures through every circumstance

This is the love I want to teach my children, not losing sight of the lover of my soul, the one who loved so much that he sacrificed everything for me. The love that knows no limits and remains as true today as it did years ago. This is the love that I want them to long for - for all else is temporary.

But when Tuesday dawns - there will be gifts, gestures of romance - a loving wife and companion and yet still I will wait for my creator to whisper in my ear, to remind me of his love - to declare my beauty.

This is the love that I know

The Winner of the Ceres Zip Slide Adventures Giveaway

2012-02-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

And so its Friday and we have a winner!

Congratulations to Helen Baker for winning 2 tickets valued at R800 to enjoy the adventure of the Ceres Zip Slide Tours. Have a blast and make sure to take some photographs.

Thanks to Angelique and Gawie Le Roux who own Ceres Zip Slide Tours , we have 2 tickets valued at R800 to give away so that you too can experience the adventure.

How to enter:

Visit their site at http://www.ceresadventures.co.za and answer the following question by leaving a comment:

In what mountains in Ceres do the Zip Slide Tours take place?

(Remember that if you don't have a blog, leave your email address when you comment, so that I can contact you, otherwise you might not get your prize and you don't want to lose out on this one!)

Anyone can enter our Giveaway AND you can enter even if you have won one of the Giveaways before. Its open to anyone whether you live across the ocean or next door. Bearing in mind this prize is in Cape Town.

The Winner will be announced on Friday 10th February 2012.

What to do this weekend? 40 Fun things to do with your kids

2012-02-09T14:51:00.000-08:00

Wondering what you should do this weekend? Run out of ideas or just need some fresh ideas of fun things to do? Of course its all about what the weather is like so I thought of giving you some options because I am kind in that way;)

Out and About Activities for Children
1. Zip sliding - enough said, read my post about this

2. Head to the beach/ river/ dam/ friends pool - anything with water normally appeals to children

3. Go on a picnic - try something different - try a scavenger hunt, I spy, cloud spotting
4. Go to a park/ petting zoo/ farm

5. Plant some seeds in the garden - find vegetables in your home that can be planted out - like peppers, tomatoes, butternut, squash

6. Put a sprinkler on outside and while watering the garden, let the children play in the water
7. Go on a hike, remember not to be too adventurous, don't choose a 2 hour hike with a 3 year old (like we did) as you may have to carry her most of the way (which we did)
8. Blow bubbles or make your own
9. Bike Ride - takes a bit of effort on your part but once you get going you won't be sorry
10. Head out to the local market but make sure the children eat before you go, otherwise you will spend a fortune
11. Ball games on school fields or courts - tennis, cricket, baseball, soccer
12. Hide and Seek - fun at home but try a different venue or place
13. Hopscotch - just needs some tar or cement and a bit of chalk
14. Outdoor cooking - BBQ, Braai, Potjie, Bread on a Stick
15. Camp out in your garden
16. Arrange a play date with family or friends in wide open spaces where they can run around and make a noise

17. Make some mud in the back yard - let the children play with their trucks and cars in the mud
18. Fruit picking - you get to pick, eat and if there is any left - make some jam too
19. Go watch a sporting event - cricket, soccer, rugby - this will truly be a memory moment
20. Eat out in a restaurant in a sunny spot with a view - next to the harbour, overlooking a dam, outside on the pavement, down at the docks

Rainy Weather Things to do
1. Children have screen time due to them? Why not let them try Reading Eggs? You can sign up for 14 days free trial and its a super duper learning tool, they think they're having fun time but they are learning at the same time

2. Puzzle - and don't go and spend money doing it either, take one out of the library, or borrow one from a friend
3. Bake - any recipe with anything you have. Dad might not get involved but I bet he would love to eat anything you make - why not make some of those yummy jam squares? And then invite another family to enjoy them with you

4. Family read aloud - get an old favourite off the shelf and let dad read for a change. Throw some blankets on the floor - bring out the Lego or the toys. Try some of the funnies like Roald Dahl, Amelia Bedelia, Michael Maphurgo
5. Movie Day - from the library or friends OR video store or online purchase
6. Indoor Excursions - Aquarium, Play Centres, Planetarium, Art Galleries, Museums, Ten Pin Bowling
7. Board Games - Scrabble, Monopoly, 30 Seconds, Charades
8. Box Construction - give them all your empty cereal boxes, toilet rolls, egg cartons, all that junk you collect in your cupboard or under the sink (or is that just me?) and let them build whatever they want - robots, houses, machines. You will need glue (so best to keep them in a safe space) , scissors and some paint (for the very adventurous). My eldest is 11 but he still loves this- our children have even created marble tracks, miniature skateboarding parks and cities.
9. Dress up - little children especially love the chance to dress up in mom and dad's clothes.
10. Call a friend on Skype - your kids will love this especially when they see themselves on the computer screen.
11. Go to the movies
12. Make volcanoes with vinegar, bicarb and colouring!

13. Visit an orphanage or animal shelter and volunteer for the day - remember to phone before you get there otherwise you might be disappointed and be turned away

14. Head to gym - our gym has child care facilities for up to 2 hours. Go gym and then have a date with your man in their coffee shop while the children are having fun.
15. See a show (head to the theatre, watch a matinee)
16. Go the airport, watch the airplanes land and take off and enjoy breakfast/ snacks/ drinks with a view
17. Play games

18. Make paper boats and go outside in the rain (yes that's right - let them play in the rain) and watch them float down the gutter. This truly was one of my favourite activities to do as a child. I even used to add cargo like little stones or small toys. And if this is just a little adventurous for you , put water in the bath and you can do the same.
19. Paper aeroplane racing - choose a space where they can throw paper aeroplanes to their heart's content.
20. Visit local heroes - the police, the fire station, lifeguards, ambulance workers.

Have a great weekend and don't forget you have a few hours left to enter our Giveaway!

And now he's 10!

2012-02-07T07:02:00.000-08:00

From the time he arrived in this world - one week late, he has been the source of so much laughter. My middle son who is an amazing child of character, strength and perseverance. His name means - "the one who perseveres". He has the courage of a lion, and a heart of a lamb.

He ALWAYS has food on his face - he LOVES food!

Food, food, glorious food!

The sweetest deep sleeper and always the last one to wake up in the morning!

Always scratches and bruises from all the monkeying around.

My precious boy

He likes to look cool and sometimes takes it a little far:)

This was a white shirt 2 hours before this photo

Cool dude

Look at those eyelashes! Such a handsome fellow

Toothless

Always one of the boys - dirty, and full of mischief

He ADORES his dad, much to my dismay (and envy) and I have to fight for time with him.

He loves compassionately. My gentle giant.

Skateboarder! Or at least trying to be one.

Our Nipper's Champ!

This child could stay in the water until it literally froze over!

It's been 10 memorable years and such special, precious moments. I love to watch him grow. He truly is a blessing to me!

Gold Nuggets #4: Learning, Lenses and Life

2012-02-07T00:27:00.000-08:00

Its been a busy week and its only Tuesday! Hope all of you are managing through your winter or summer.

Though its been impossibly hot in Cape Town, and its been a weekend of beaching and getting out and about, I still had some excellent sites that I really think are worth sharing

* 12 Dozen Places To Educate Yourself Online For Free
As the title suggests there are LOADS of links and they include educating yourself (or your children) in the following subject areas: Science and Health, Business and Money, History and World Culture, Law, Computer Science and Engineers, Mathematics, English and Communications , Foreign and Sign Languages, Free E-Books.

You may not have the money to study further, but rather than give up - LEARN! Here you have the opportunity to learn about almost every conceivable subject. I know that I love learning - and if it were up to me, I would be permanently enrolled in some long distance or online course. This year though, its my husband's turn so I will need to be very supportive and ensure that the children are constructively occupied so that he has the time he needs to study.

* Smarter Kids Safer Kids Guide
This is a comprehensive book which has been one of the best resources I have seen on teaching children about being safe, how to handle dangerous situations and dealing with strangers. This online book is aimed at preventing children being victims of abuse or abduction. We do an exercise every day and I have seen a remarkable change in my children's behaviour already. This is the type of resource I want to go through every year and do a bit of a refresher.
We cover this digimag as part of our Life skills course.

* Squidoo
This is a website with information on so many topics. Writers create lenses, which allow you to learn from. If you are homeschooling there are a long list of topics from lap booking to unit studies. And if you're not there are lots of other topics for you to spend hours and hours reading about.

Happy surfing!

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And don't forget to head over and this week's giveaway for a real adventure and just in time for Valentine's Day - winners will be announced on Friday!

Saturday Memory Moments

2012-02-02T12:49:00.000-08:00

Adopting our Precious Ruthie

We are travel, adventure and new experience junkies. Like I said in my previous post - we live for memory moments. I am all for routine but I don't want to look back and think - What have I done? What have I experienced? What new thing/hobby/book did I explore?

I would love a house that looks like something out of Garden and Home/ Good Housekeeping/ Your Family (choose the relevant magazine title and stick it in there otherwise this list will go on and on as it is right now). I love beautiful things - but what I love more are Memory Moments. Give me tickets to a foreign land and I will happily share my bedroom (though not my bed) with my 4 children - we could live Asian style.

Having an adventure with 4 children when everyone said 2 is enough

Memory Moments in our house happen on a Saturday

Nothing especially creative about the choice of day - but during the week we do all the learning, cleaning, home activities, Nippers and training. Sundays are filled with church, visitors and then some more church (we're especially holy on those days as we want to keep up with our appearances; - though actually at times I am surprised that they actually allow us back week after week - I am still waiting for them to ban us due to ..... something)

We ensure that everyone is available - no sleepovers or Dad working - because we want it to be a family moment. A snapshot in our minds for the rest of our lives. Our bucket list - a list that keeps growing every time we discover that new "thing".

Zip Sliding was new experience for us all

Some of our memory moments have cost us dearly ( financially, self sacrifice) but every single one of them was worth it. Some memory moments have been a day, some have been years - but stored up as treasures in our hearts and minds - forever.

My first ever ice show

What Memory Moments are you creating today, this week, this month, this year? Make sure you leave space to enjoy life and go on an adventure. Life is filled with choices and mostly we choose the routine, the same things, the familiar - but we need to make space for the unexpected, the passion, the adventures and the roads never taken ..........because we never dared.

Out and About: Cape Town: Ceres Zip Slide Adventures

2012-02-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

With 3 boys who brave the seas off the False Bay Coast, well known for its shark infestation and who swim amongst jelly fish, blue bottles and dolphins - I couldn't expect anything else than a life full of adventure. So what do I do - do I raise my boys to quietly sit at home all day, spend their days filled with computer screens (you know my thoughts on this) - protected and cooped up?

Of course not. This mamma looks online all the time to find the next adventure. I'm always looking for new ideas.

Then we found this adventure: Ceres Zip Slide Adventures . Which also just happens to have the longest Zipline Tour in Africa. 8 slides - 1,4 km long in total - suspended above the rocky outcrops of the Schurweberg Mountains below the Koekedouw Dam in Ceres. - Now that looked like something they would love! I wasn't sure that I would - I am seriously afraid of heights. By the time I climb 3 rungs of a ladder I am already shaking at the knees wondering where the safety net is.

Casting aside my fear, we took a 2 hour drive to the "Eden of the Cape". Fruit country! Hot weather, picnic packed in the back and me in the front wondering when I should throw open the door and hurl myself out like someone out of a Mission Impossible movie. Could almost picture myself in slow motion landing on the tarmac without a scratch and then dusting myself off while wearing a tight sexy leather outfit looking gorgeous. Mmmh not likely - more like polyester gone wrong:) Anyway back to reality.

So we geared up.

You may notice that my 4th baby wasn't in on the photo. Now interestingly enough, they cater for children from the age of 3, and there are special harnesses for them - which are linked to mom or dad. However Ruthie, recently went to the Muizenberg Water Slides for Chad's birthday and she didn't even want to go down the baby slides alone, there was no way that she would be happy doing this.

After all the harnessing and safety checks, we climbed into a van and headed up the mountain.

I don't think there were any of us that weren't nervous!

And then it was too late to turn back. There was just a cable and no where to go but down.

There goes Ethan, he always went first. A real adventurer!

Don't be fooled, I was laughing and screaming hysterically at this point - really!


Chad's first slide alone!

Sean was the expert. He always landed perfectly - what can I say - he's the man!

When I see Declan, I can see his dad's confidence and courage! So relaxed.

After the first slide (which was hair raising) I could actually sit back in the harness and enjoy the moment! Each slide is a different length and height. Sometimes I seemed to fly through the air and I wondered if I could stop in time (which was all in my hands because I control the breaks). And at other times it felt slower (relatively speaking of course because it never gets really slow)

The children would have liked to have gone over and over again. They thought it was their best excursion yet! And as far as I am concerned it definitely will be one of those adventures that will never be forgotten! A definite memory moment!

Memory moments is what I live for!

And if you want to see even more, Pasella recently visited the Ceres Zip Slide Tour Adventures too!

And if you would like to win some tickets to experience this adventure: we have 2 tickets available in our latest giveaway valued at R800

How to Journal: Create a Personal Profile

2012-01-30T13:52:00.000-08:00

So you've bought your children their journals and they have decorated, covered or prepared it because of course your read my previous article and journalling - and you were inspired and excited and want to develop your children's talents and giftings. And you are all ready to go and waiting for the next article. Been a bit slow in coming I know but with all our excursions around Cape Town and wanting to blog about it before I forgot everything (yes I know - doesn't say much for my short term memory). So this journalling article was put on the back burner.

Create a Personal Profile

This is a always a great place to start. A surprising way even to discover a little more about your own child. I have always found my children's journals a delight as I constantly find out new things about them every time they journal.

* Preschoolers and Kindergarten: Write their name and surname in big bold colours. You can do a pencil outline and let them write over it. You could also get them to cut the letters out of a magazine and stick over the letters. Add a photo, or get them to draw a picture of themselves. I always loved my children's first pictures of themselves, and its amazing to see how this changes over time.

To make it more fun:

1. Let them do a hand and foot print on the page

2. Take a photo and go and develop it with them, little ones LOVE photos of themselves

* For the beginner and intermediate writers: Let them write about things they like - dislikes, favourite colours, best friends, their best movie. They can even add their own drawings or magazine cut outs of these if they can't write well. To help them you could even create a mini page for them to do this. They may also need headings or words to guide them.

To make it more fun:

1. All about me robot

2. All about me mini book

3. Student Questionnaire

* Older children: They have been chosen to win a prize and one of their friends or family members have to stand up and tell the audience who they are, what their achievements are and what makes them remarkable - What would they say? This also a wonderful opportunity to give some very positive input into your children's lives. They may struggle as its always harder to say nice things about ourselves than of others but you can prompt them with their strengths. In fact this would be a good activity for you moms! You could even ask your children to help you and give you input. If you dare!

To make it more fun:

1. Let your child sit in front of a mirror and do a self portrait

2. An autobiography worksheet - this might help with some guidelines

On a last note:

The key to developing a love for journalling is start as young as possible ( no they don't need to be able to write when you start). The focus is not perfection but developing a joy for writing, or doodling or drawing in a familiar book.

The second key is approaching your choice of topics in a creative out of the box sort of way. Expecting children to just write a page is a big ask until they are comfortable with journalling. The way to do that is to give them topics that are inspiring and interesting.

Happy Journalling!

Everything you could possibly need

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am going through a very challenging season at the moment. I feel like every aspect of my life is under a magnifying glass, pressure points are being exposed and I have felt very resentful and irritated with life. Then I found this gem today and I felt like God just turned my face from looking at my circumstances to Him.

This is a devotional by Max Lucado:

"Are you hoping that a change in circumstances will bring a change in your attitude? If so, you are in prison, and you need to learn a secret of traveling light. What you have in your Shepherd is greater than what you don’t have in life.

May I meddle for a moment? What is the one thing separating you from joy? How do you fill in this blank: “I will be happy when ________________”? When I am healed. When I am promoted. When I am married. When I am single. When I am rich. How would you finish that statement?

Now, with your answer firmly in mind, answer this. If your ship never comes in, if your dream never comes true, if the situation never changes, could you be happy? If not, then you are sleeping in the cold cell of discontent. You are in prison. And you need to know what you have in your Shepherd.

You have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an anchor for every storm. You have everything you need."

Max Lucado
From: Lucado Inspirational Reader
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2011)
To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website

The Winner of the Cape Science Centre Giveaway

2012-01-27T00:33:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Cape Science Centre Giveaway goes to ..... drumroll!!!!

Trys (Trixi) WoW, what an amazing center. Pity we're not closer, Misha would have loved the LEGO activities & Jesse would have enjoyed the Robotics training. I will definitely have to schedule the centre into our next trip to Cape Town which at this stage is planned for March/April.

Yes, the Cape Science Centre is offering a giveaway of a family package of 4 valued at R132 rand! This competition is only open to those of you that can make use of the tickets. However if you are not local, you can still enter if you can bless someone you know in the Cape Town area!

How to enter:

Visit their site at http://www.ctsc.org.za and come back and leave a comment giving me the name of any one of their December/ January holiday activities.

(Remember that if you don't have a blog, leave your email address when you comment, so that I can contact you, otherwise you might not get your prize and you don't want to lose out on this one!)

Anyone can enter our Giveaway AND you can enter even if you have won one of the Giveaways before. Its open to anyone whether you live across the ocean or next door.

The Winner will be announced on Friday 27th January 2012.

Don't forget you still have time to also enter our Reading Eggs Giveaway

SA Carnival of Homeschooling: Learning Spaces and Places

2012-01-26T22:33:00.000-08:00

So it's my turn to host the South African Carnival of Homeschool Blogs at the beginning of the year. New Year, new ideas and new mom to host, and I am always up for a challenge. And then I almost blew it and published this 3 days early, leaving out half the bloggers. Talk about missing the connections in my rather challenged brain! For those of you that watch NCIS, imagine a rather disapproving Gibbs smacking me on the back of the head like he does with Tony:)

OK too much info...

Firstly I have to say that I love the creativity of these mothers. I appreciate the fact that not one of them has homeschooling rooms that look like the other because each one of them has a unique style with their own child combinations. There is no right way or wrong way for that matter. We need to do what works for us. I love the freedom of homeschooling - the freedom to do what works best: Structured or unstructured - curriculum choice - how we manage our day - no two families are the same.

Here are some mothers, doing it their way. And their intention and focus is to ensure the best environment for their children.

Visit Nadene from Practical Pages , wow is this lady organised, with some lovely ideas for homeschooling like using a white tile for Spelling and Maths. She'll let you peep into her homeschooling room. And all of this in the Karoo!! I am impressed.

Karen takes homeschooling outdoors, indoors and even on a trampoline at Karen's Clan. And if you visit her blog for long enough you will discover a lady of many talents who runs Wonder Workshops with other homeschooling families - and if you're lucky their might be space for some more.

Donette at The Journey is revamping her school room, murals and bean bags, and some of those lovely old desks we used to use as kids. I still love them.

Taryn at Hayes Happenings has a diverse home school room … on the couch, in the playroom, at the dining table, at the kitchen counter, in the garden, on the bed, next to the fire place, outside at the park… and even in the car.

Wendy from Loving Learning is a homeschooling mom who has been homeschooling for 13 years with two teens and a preteen! This beautiful veteran homeschooling mom has seen how the age of her children has changed how and where she has homeschooled. A reminder that homeschooling is organic and remains transitional. We don't start with a plan and stick to it with gritted teeth and force our children into our own plans. As Wendy will tell you, children change and we need to allow them the freedom to do be themselves and make space for them to grow in an environment that bests suits their age and personality

Trixi from Trixi'x HomeEd Academy has one, two, three posts on her homeschooling room. An interesting journey of moving from the more structured environment to an environment that the children have chosen. Moving into a space of freedom and liberation. All of us had to do this. We had to find what works. Keep the good and throw out the rest or adjust it to make it work for our children. Doesn't this photo just say it all - the joy of learning.

And to have a peek into our home school room pop over to Our Little Ol' Homeschooling Room in South Africa.

If you're still deciding what you want to do with your homeschooling room look at these inspirational ideas in Homeschooling Room of Dreams

And to see some other decor adventures go to Your Homeschool Rooms

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And before you head off, don't forget our great giveaway to win family tickets to the Cape Science Centre, head over there now and enter.

Nutcracker on Ice and Homeschooling

2012-01-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

So you heard about our wonderful experience when we were invited to the World Premier of The Nutcracker on Ice, and of course like the good homeschooling mother that I am, I am VERY good and telling everyone else how to do things. So I am going to tell you how you can take an experience like this and turn into an educational moment. Of course the whole experience in itself is educational in nature but if you want to take it a step further here are some ideas.

* A composer study of Tchaikovsky

* You could even create a mini book on Tchaikovsky.

* Read the different versions of the story of the Nutcracker to your children which you can get from the library.

* Printable lesson plan for the Nutcracker which includes turning a pine cone into a Xmas Tree

* Make some Nutcracker puppets

* Mapwork: Russia and surrounds, take out some books on Russia

* A quick quiz

* Listen to the music

* Crafts: Make a Nutcracker from a toilet roll

Winners of Reading Eggs Giveaway Back by Popular Demand

2012-01-26T00:38:00.000-08:00

The Winners
We had 83 entries to this competition which is wonderful! Thank you for all entering! So the winners were supposed to be announced last night but I wasn't anywhere near a computer, so here they are this morning.

The two winners are:
Lynette Bantjes
Nor Fyadzillah Mohd Taha

Well done to both of you and trust that you will enjoy reading eggs as much as we do!

I hope some of you signed up for this program after the last giveaway for a trial run and discovered like I did, what a phenomenal program this is. And so Reading Eggs has decided to sponsor another two subscriptions for a year!

This reading program is suitable for children from 3 years to 12. The youngest children start in a playroom, and then as they progress they build on what they have learnt. The older children start on a rotating island which they explore and compete to win various golden eggs.

The whole program is colourful and fun with lots and lots of games (which are all learning activities but FUN ones.) The children earn golden eggs for completing various games and they can go shopping with it.

My children beg me to use this program daily! I have never found it so easy to motivate them to read. In fact in the older section there are over 600 e-books to read with very familiar titles. They not only have to read the books but they have to answer comprehension and vocabulary questions to earn their golden eggs and there are lots of fun rewards which motivate the children to want to read even more.

Reading Eggs would benefit

* reluctant readers

* beginner readers

* children who love reading

* children with special needs

And so after using this program and loving it, I asked them for a prize and we have 2 X 1 year subscriptions valued at AU$79.95 or £39.95 for 2 lucky readers! ( Each subscription is for one child) So go ahead and enter!

This is How to Enter the Giveaway

You can do any of the following and you will be entered:

* Follow this blog through Networked Blogs (found on the right hand column)
OR
* Leave a comment
OR
* Subscribe to updates by entering your email address ( also found in the right hand column )
OR
* Follow with Google Friend connect (right hand column - sounding a little repetitive I know)
Of course if you want to do all 4, because you REALLY want to win this amazing subscription - you will increase your chances!

(Remember that if you don't have a blog, leave your email address when you comment, so that I can contact you, otherwise you might not get your prize and you don't want to lose out on this one!)

Anyone can enter our Giveaway AND you can enter even if you have won one of the Giveaways before. Its open to anyone whether you live across the ocean or next door.

The Winner will be announced on Wednesday 25th January 2012.

Whether or not you win this giveaway, why not sign up for a free trial of 14 days. It's just worth every day!

Friendships of Gold

2012-01-23T19:33:00.000-08:00

Source

Friendship is a priceless gift

That cannot be bought or sold,

But its value is far greater

Than a mountain made of gold.

For gold is cold and lifeless,

It can neither see nor hear,

And in the time of trouble

It is powerless to cheer.

It has no ears to listen,

No heart to understand,

It cannot bring you comfort

Or reach out a helping hand.

So when you ask God for a gift

Be thankful if He sends

Not diamonds,pearls or riches,

But the love of real true friends

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Source: Pinterest

Someone needs your smile today

Your hug, your listening ear:

Someone needs encouragement

And gentle words of cheer.

Someone needs your helping hand,

A letter - or what's more,

Someone needs your cheerfulness

To make their spirits soar.

Someone needs affection

When they are feeling blue.

Listen, someone's calling-

For a special friend like you.

- Jacqueline Schiff

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Source: Pinterest

This morning when I wakened

And saw the sun above,

I softly said,

"Good morning, Lord -

Bless everyone I love."

Right away I thought of you

and said a loving prayer

That He would bless you specially

And keep you free from care.

I thought of all the happiness

A day could hold in store,

I wished it all for you because

No one deserves it more.

I felt so warm and good inside

My heart was all aglow,

I know God heard my prayers for you,

He hears them all, you know

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Friendship is like a garden,

Of flowers fine and rare,

It cannot reach perfection,

Except through loving care.

Then, new and lovely blossoms

With each new day appear,

For friendship, like a garden

Grows in beauty year by year.

Why not forward one of this poems in an email to a special friend today and tell them how much they mean to you? Maybe your husband is your best friend - he probably needs to hear these special words too.

Out and About Cape Town: The Nutcracker on Ice

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

With my handsome date (that would be my sexy husband - though mind you, don't you call him sexy, only I am allowed to call him that), a star babysitter for the children and an excited buzz we headed to The World Premier of The Nutcracker on Ice presented by Pieter Toerien and performed at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town by the Imperial Ice Stars.

To say that this was a remarkable show would not only be a sad understatement but it would in no way give a true reflection of this magical, fantastical, thrilling, acrobatic and awe inspiring production it truly was!

So what's the story? Maria is a young girl who because of her love brings her Nutcracker to life - and not just any Nutcracker but a magical one which was given to her by her godfather for Christmas. And the Nutcracker is not the only fantastical character that we meet- there is a Mouse King, a Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Chocolat, dancers from Spain, a Chinese couple in silk pajamas who perform the Tea dance and La Cafe from Arabia who perform a stunning dance in the air.

Will your husband like it?
This is a strong production. Even though at times it feels like you are watching ballet on ice, because the cast truly are so talented and they seem to just glide effortlessly from one side of the stage to the other- there are lots of strong men who perform the most amazing stunts on ice. And in one scene, as you can see from the photo below, some of the stars who hung from the ceiling by ropes, upside down over solid ice.

My dad is one of those macho types - nothing in tights kind of man- but I know that this will be a production that he will not easily forget.

What about the children?
I spent the entire time thinking - "oh wow, the children would love this scene" and "I wish Declan were here to see the magic", or "I bet Chad would be asking me questions the whole way through" and "Ruthie will probably want to go the ice skating rink right after watching this". The Nutcracker on Ice is definitely something your children would love. My suggestion though would be to brief them on the storyline before they get there as you don't want them piping up in the middle of the production asking who that funny mouse looking creature was and why he was wearing pink tights? Could be slightly embarrassing.

Budget?
The cost of seats range from R100 to R380. Even the cheaper seats offer are comfortably close to the stage as the theatre is not that big. ( I base my opinion on the lower level)

Of course there are some of you that are professional theatre goers - so just for you I'll add some information that might interest you too:)

Maria Orlova, Olga Sharentenko and Vadim Yarkov, who are part of this exciting and energetic cast were all competitive skaters in a former life and were part of the Russian National Ice Skating team with about 100 competition medals to show for it. So your question - Is it any good? With that type of experience you can be guaranteed to see lots of lifts, jumps and spins. Apparently they do jumps and lifts that have never been attempted before in a competition or on stage and that are so complex they haven't even been named yet!

Here's a short video preview

For further reading visit the Imperial Ice Stars website
And to book your tickets visit the Artscape website

This production will only be in Cape Town until the 12th of February and then it's leaving the sunny shores of Cape Town to perform in London at the Royal Albert Hall. In fact the Imperial Ice Stars have performed to nearly 3 million people across 5 continents.

I would love to hear about your experience when you go. Come back and tell me. I hope to take my children to see it too.

Out and About in Cape Town: The Cape Science Centre

2012-01-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

It used to be known as the MTN Science Centre at Century City. And when it closed, mothers in the Western Cape lamented over the loss of such an educational gem. Well it's back! And its better!

Thanks to some complementary tickets for a tight budgeted family, we were able to head off to the Cape Science Centre to see what it was like, what there was to do and of course with a hidden agenda - for the children to have an authentic learning experience. (we never tell them that though - the emphasis for them is always how much fun it will be...... while secretly we are planning and scheming on what exactly they can learn. Its all about being intentional without letting them in on the secret)

The first item you see when you walk through the door is a magnificent model train which kept running the entire time we were there. I personally must have stood there 3 or 4 times just watching it go round and round. And then round and round some more. You can see I didn't have capacity to do anything really brainy first thing in the morning, especially since I had only had one cup of coffee that morning - not my usual litre. (just kidding ..... OK, well actually not:)

There was a battle of the sexes, brain activity competition. Those funny looking bands were to measure our brain activity and then we had to "think" the ball forward. Let's just say I won twice. And I won't mention anything about men being less capable, or having less brain cells or less brain activity - I trust you will come to your own conclusions on that one:))) And after all it would probably just be plain rude.

There was Lego room - Paradise for some of my children.

There was some constructing

A fantastic science show which included foam jumping out of test tubes, rocket science and some colour changing chemicals that had parents and children catching flies! They apparently run various science workshops, so if you want to be informed of when that takes, add your name to their email list. I know I have, because we don't have the equipment or the chemicals for a lot of the more advanced science experiments.

- and just to say there were LOTS and LOTS of parents(including yours truly who got very involved with some of the demonstrations). I even got the chance to see all my curves, bumps and bulges from every angle possible - frightening stuff! I have had a rude awakening to reality - may need counselling or just another coffee would probably do the trick!

Some tummy turning, upside downing and inside outing activities

The new centre is breezy and bright with lots of natural light which makes it much nicer than the one at Century City, I felt far more relaxed and while sitting in the coffee shop I could see most of the hall. Also the coffee shop gives you a view of the entrance as well as the toilets, so no children disappearing without you being aware of it. I found this venue far less stressful as mom than the last one. I was able to enjoy my time there and in fact we were there for about 6 hours.

And while your older children are busy, the venue is also really suitable for toddlers as they have a lovely play area, videos and hands on activities that are strong and hardy for clumsy fingers. You don't feel the need to say "don't touch" all the time.

It is still under construction but there is just so much potential for growth! I look forward to going back in a few months time to see all the proposed changes.

There is food and coffee on sale at the coffee shop. We took our own food which we ate in the parking lot (yes I know we are very civilised but the reality is that with a family of 6 - it keeps excursions affordable). We did enjoy some good coffee at their in house coffee shop when we took a break while the children continued to play.

Go and experience the Cape Science Centre yourself! Its another amazing activity for your children to do in the Western Cape. And in fact if you follow the link you may be able to win some tickets for you and your family to experience it firsthand.

And Here's the Giveaway

And then there was silence....

2012-01-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

As I wake up early before the rest of the family gets up, the only sound I hear is the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks.

As my children sit engrossed in a specific task or section of work there is a brief moment thick with concentration, where I can breath and enjoy a moment of silence.

As I wonder through the house, checking on my sleeping children - the only sound I hear is their breathing.

As Sean heads out the door on the way to the beach and the door closes ....... silence.

Those precious moments are rare with 4 children- but I have realised that I need to find these moments.

Search for them.

Moments that I need every day.

Within my day, I can find a moment, a few minutes and if I am lucky - an hour - to enjoy the silence.

A man is known by the silence he keeps.
Oliver Herford

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.
Helen Keller

Silence is more musical than any song

Christina Rossetti

Where do you find that moment?

How to get your child to read - Part 2

2012-01-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

Previously I posted about how to get your children reading and hopefully you have had the opportunity to put some things in place. For those of you with short term memories like me: Some of the ideas included

* Putting Books Everywhere

* Getting a Variety
* Reading to them A LOT

* Dress Up when you read to your children

* Go to the library often- and not just for books

* Choose books for them

So now for part 2, yes you thought you had all the tools - but there are more.

Reading is such a vital part of a child's life! When they can read they can do Maths, Geography, Science or any other subject because there is comprehension and understanding.

So here are a few more thoughts on how to help your child read and enjoy it!

1. Creative spaces for reading

Beauty is inspirational. Beauty can make a moment - a memory moment where reading can take place.

I found some amazing spaces on Pinterest (yes I am seriously addicted), so many beautiful ideas to pin.

Fairy lights just make this reading corner so special, fairy lights make everything special. I love fairy lights! This is truly whimsical! Never mind for the children, I want a space like this.


Reading Tents, easy to make! I know my boys would love this

And if you don't have a budget to buy material and wood, why not just throw a sheet over an area where your children can simply read and read?

Budget reading tent

And for some more beautiful ideas (or more boyish ones - because I know the girl in me loves all the pretty stuff that boys don't always enjoy) for shelving and decor for a reading space, you can check out on my Get them Reading Board

2. E- Books

OK so what's the difference you ask?

Well isn't it funny that the moment it becomes electronic their interest increases. Get yourself a Kindle/ Nook or iPad - if you can afford one. (I am still holding my breath for Father Xmas who still hasn't arrived with mine and may be barred from ever entering my house again if he doesn't arrive soon).
But never fear, now you can get an app for your computer, so that even if you don't have the equipment, you can still use your computer in a similar way.

3. Computer programs

I have posted before about Reading Eggs which has just been one my best finds ever! But there are so many others. Some of them are free, some of them cost a packet. Ask around, find out what others are using. If your children are like mine, anything on a computer is a winner. Even Ruthie who is only 3 is already fascinated with the computer.( I will post about reading sites a later post- notice the lack of dates, I have so many posts and these chubby fingers can only type so fast)

4. Mom and Dad, Siblings and Grandparents - well actually just about anybody

Grab anyone who is available to read. I don't always have capacity or time to read to all my children all the time, so find someone who will. And if they are especially patient individuals let them have their younger sibling read to them.

Please note: this works sometimes and other times there have been enormous arguments because the one sibling is telling the other sibling what to do:) or maybe it just happens in our house....

5. "How to do" books

If it's Lego its Declan

if it's J-Boarding or fishing it's Ethan,

if its baking its Chad

and if it has anything to do with princesses - then its definitely Ruthie

(that does go without saying - but thought I needed to say that anyway)

My children each have their own interests but if I happen to take a book out on how to build, make or catch something - or in the case of the only daughter in the house - how to make herself look like a princess, I find I have 4 very avid readers.

Give it a try. You would be amazed. Of course you may be expected to buy ingredients, take your child fishing and help him put that slimy worm on his hook, or endure endless changes of clothing - but you will have them hooked. (couldn't resist)

6. Movies with subtitles

@£$%%££%&_(**(^^%%$*&&_*+(+*^$_+>?

Which means: This will work if your child is interested in movies and wants to know what is going on.

So there you have it, in brief - 6 good ways to help your child to read. And in fact not just read but love reading.

And one last thing, I hope you remembered to enter the Reading Eggs Giveaway! There's still time!

I would love to hear from you as to what works for you? How do you encourage your child to read?
Bribery? Dedicated reading times? Lots and lots of books?

Gardening this week? Looking for inspiration?

2012-01-16T13:41:00.000-08:00

I love gardening, I never seem to have enough time in my day or week to do everything that I would like to and if I had an endless budget I would probably spend chunks of my hard earned cash on surrounding myself with the most glorious plants.

Gardens are a place of refuge, new growth, pruning - and as the gardener you get to choose the direction you want to take - creativity at its best.

I love the landscaping ideas found in any Garden and Home magazines, or photographs of gardens in exotic locations, botanical gardens with their indigenous plants and of course garden furniture that creates a haven of solitude and beauty.

But then, here I am in a house with no garden so to speak and a budget that couldn't buy even one container advertised in any those lovely books we all like to page through. So I am always on the hunt for unusual ideas for gardening. Recycled, refurbished, budget ideas. And here are some of my favourites.

Recycled soda bottles, mason jars and tins. Anyone can do this!

Herbs in shoe holders

A birdhouse and feeder from an old teapot.

Recycling Kitchenware for the Garden

This is just the cutest idea, especially for when they outgrow their Wellingtons

Who would have thought a succulent and a stiletto could be such a good combination?

I think my children would love this idea

Happy Gardening!

How to Journal: Get Ready

2012-01-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

One thing my children love doing is journaling. Yes my 3 boys love journaling, it's not just for girls! There is often a misconception that only girls like to journal or write in their diaries. But even the most resistant writers will love journalling if approached in the right way.

What is a Journal?

A diary, day book, memoirs, a biography. It's a collection of writing or a daily record of events (Wikipedia), and in this case it is private in nature.

Why Journal ?

* Writing in a journal improves a child's reading and writing skills, spelling is put into practice and explored.

* Children learn to observe their environment and express it in a way that is most meaningful to them whether in words or pictures or both.

* It inspires creativity if approached in the right way.

* Journaling can be therapeutic as children are given the chance to work through emotions, thoughts, struggles and important events.

* As they work through these issues, they develop problem solving skills thereby enabling them to cope with life's pressures.

* Self discovery and exploration - as children write they will begin a journey of discovering of who they are, what they like and what they believe.

* A keepsake for your child or for you. I love reading through their older journals. You can see how much they have grown up and how their thought processes have changed.

How Important is the Choice of Journal?

Does it really matter what a journal looks like?

You need to do what you can afford. Buy a pretty diary, buy a notebook and let them decorate it themselves. Make one. Let them be creative. Sew a cover in material or stick soccer stickers all over the cover. Whatever will inspire them.

The more input they have about the way their journal looks, the more chance that they will take ownership. I gave my children the option of putting one of their photos of themselves on the cover and each one chose that option. Children seem to be fascinated with photos of themselves especially younger children.

Get Funky Stationary or Even Make Your Own

My children love new stationary. If its new they want to use it. The fact that it comes in a different package just seems to automatically place the new stationary on the most wanted list.

Get some special journal writing stationary that only comes out during journaling time. Multiple colour pens, new felt tip pens, stickers, sticky paper, pencils with fuzzy creatures dangling from the top. Whatever will make them just want to use their new writing tools in their new journal.

And if you budget is tight/ or even if its not. Buy regular stationary like pens and pencils and get them to decorate them or you could surprise them with your own designs. Again its all about ownership.

How Long Should They Journal For?

Keep it short, especially for the little ones. I would aim for about 15 minutes for the younger children and anything from 30 minutes to 45 minutes for the older ones. Don't let journaling become a chore. If you see that they are loving it then let them carry on for longer, believe me there will be days where they might only manage 5 minutes. No day has to be the same.

When Should My Children Journal?

My children normally journal in the morning but sometimes its good to let them journal just before supper, especially after an eventful day when the day is still fresh in their minds. Of course this is if you journal at home.Our children have even journalled while we have travelled a long distance in the car making notes of what they saw along the way.

Don't feel compelled to do it every day. After all, there are some days that my life is so boring I kind of wonder why I even bothered getting out of bed.

Teenagers and Journaling

Teenagers don't like you to read their diaries. My suggestion is to give them the liberty of 2 journals. Let them keep one for their own use which is not used for assessment purposes. The other alternative is to let them use one but leave them to initiate sharing what they have written and only read an entry by invitation.

So this should get you started. I will be running a weekly post on journal writing, how to journal and how to prepare your child for journalling. So get started! Your enthusiasm will be contagious. If you are excited about it, they will be too. And while you at it, why not prepare your own journal? Children always learn best by example!

Feel free to post any comments, questions or ideas on journaling. And as you prepare your journals why not submit photos of your children's (or your own) journals and I will include them in next week's post.

Cake Recipe: Chocolate Wacky Cake

2012-01-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

This is a great recipe! A great chocolate cake recipe! Kids birthday cakes, cupcakes, in fact any jolly cake that you like. How you decorate it, will be the deciding factor - you can downgrade or upgrade your version. Since I rediscovered this recipe, I have made about 4 in the last week.

Why?

* I only have to use one bowl (minimal washing up!)

* Ingredients are so simple, no rushing out to find the margarine because I didn't realise that I didn't have enough.

* No eggs and milk- for those of you that can't have or don't want the animal products in your cakes.

* It takes 5 minutes to make, if you're Chad(that would be my 8 year old) maybe 20 minutes - but it was so simple, I hardly had to supervise him.

* Chocolate - yummy!

Ingredients

1 and1/2 half cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/3 cup oil
1 cup water or milk

Put all the dry ingredients into the bowl, no sifting required. I do sift my bicarbonate of soda because it can get lumpy and then not dissolve. If you want to spoil a cake, take a bite with a piece of bicarb that hasn't dissolved. Disgusting! Which by the way is not in the picture because I accidentally put baking powder in the picture and then 2 cocoa's and no vinegar. I couldn't tell you what I was thinking when I was doing this.

Once all the dry ingredients have been added, grab a fork and mix it until it looks beautifully brown like mine:)

Make 3 holes in the dry ingredients. In the one put vinegar, the next the vanilla essence and then lastly the oil in the third.

Pour your one cup water or milk over the lot and mix with a fork until its all mixed in. Can you believe it can be so simple? Of course I have to always test everything I make and so a couple of finger dipping moments are required though I would never confess to that in public. Just look for the tell tale sign of chocolate around my mouth.

Stick it in the oven for about 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius or until its done. Normally I prod it with a kebab stick (without the meat on of course) and check that there is no sticky goo stuck to it. And then you know its done.

And then? These are some of the things you can do with this recipe, just so you can see how versatile this cake is!

The English Kitchen

Food Loves Writing

Bankrupt Vegan

Now how can you not love this !?

For those of you who love a little bit of history: Apparently this cake is also known as the Depression Cake, because it was a cake made during that time, when money was tight and cakes were a luxury that few could afford. I love the fact that someone came up with a recipe like this to help during those tough times. We all have them at one time or another.

So go on, get the cake in the oven, make a good strong pot of coffee and invite some friends over!

Your Homeschool Rooms

2012-01-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

So I showed you my Homeschool Room of Dreams , then I showed you Our little ol' homeschooling room in South Africa, And now its time for your submissions of what your learning space looks like.

And we had two delightful submissions. The first one is from Trixi's HomeEd Academy

I love all the poster.

Books and more books!

And this one from Elize van der Merwe

"Our room has changed a little bit, with a "picture timeline" of the Bible - old to new testament right at the top of two walls. I have also been able to use an old baby changing station with drawers for storing all our crayons, paints, paper, magazines, etc. so it looks a bit neater. This is now in the place of the little table underneath the shelves.

School happens either at our dining room table or on the stoep in front. But we need to renovate this space, and put a permanent roof on, as it only has shade netting at the moment. Then it would be ideal for everything we want to do, from painting to building blocks, etc.

I also bought blackboard paint and made one huge blackboard that we put either on the floor or on top of a table, and another more manageable one that can go with when we visit granny (10hrs away). It is big enough for the two boys to draw simultaneously, so no fighting about whose turn it is - I just draw a line down the middle."

Thank you to both of you for sending in your lovely photos! As for the rest of you, there is still time to submit your photo's

Desperate and Hungry

2012-01-08T02:43:00.000-08:00

Today as I spent time with my family, I was surrounded by a challenge - the challenge of my heart.

A beautiful sister in the Lord stood up to share about a new ministry and I was filled with envy - wishing that it was me.

I stood to worship with the team and felt insecure and unworthy. Standing next to a worshipper with a glorious voice, I felt so untalented.

My youngest came to me hurt and close to tears and there was anger. I marched off and told the offenders off with no grace or mercy.

And when I got home I cried..... realising again how incapable I am of being anything by myself. How incapable I am of love, patience, kindness, mercy, gentleness or any good thing without God who is the source of all of this.

I realised how desperate I am for Him, how much I need Him, how I hunger after His presence - and how totally lost I am without Him.

I needed to be reminded of this today.

So that I can cling to Him.

So that I can remain in Him.

I have been distracted recently. I have been busy doing - and not being .......with Him.

The lover of my soul.

The one who knit me together in my mother's womb.

The King who calls me His daughter.

Our little ol' homeschooling room in South Africa

2012-01-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

So I posted yesterday about Homeschool Dream rooms - but today I am posting about a regular ol' homeschooling room in Kalk Bay, South Africa. A room with no decorating budget beyond the stationary and books (which by the way makes excellent decor - I love the way a room feels with LOTS of books and clean, crisp stationary.)

This is Ruthie's desk and my chair, I keep her things separate from the boys and near me because when she does "school" (colouring in, cutting, gluing or making) she can be fairly disruptive. I like to keep her busy with me and then she hops off her chair and comes to sit on my lap so I can read her stories.

Ruthie spends most of the time she running around outside, playing on the floor or chasing the cat (poor cat). It just gives her a sense of belonging without disturbing the older boys. I am busy painting flowers on her desk, so that its a special place for her. You can see I've done one (experimental), and hopefully I will finish the rest today.

This is where the boys work. I took an old toolbox and painted it pink (much to their disgust - probably should paint it blue!) and we put all their stationary in there for everyone to use. We tried having different boxes, and different desks but then they waste time asking each other for things and walking around - and I don't want to buy 4 of everything every year, lots of it just gets recycled.

The two older boys keep their books on the shelf in the left (yes on top of the fireplace - I might need to revisit that idea in winter as they might decide to 'accidentally drop a book in there!). Seriously though we don't use the fireplace as it makes the room far too smokey. I also have a little white board on top of the fireplace which I use to write some things down for the children. This is normally a date, a heading, maybe some keywords or maybe just a thought for the day.

The other two children store their books here and all my books are here too. My read alouds, portfolios, files - anything I may need for the day.

This half of the room is the place where the kids can just enjoy some time if they finish part of their work quickly(this really helps them and keeps them motivated). On the left we have our old computer which we mostly use for some of our history, maths and geography CD learning games. Pillows to sit and read or lie on. We normally have a laptop on the other table (as one computer between 4 children is very challenging) and this is often for further subject research, projects, Mandarin lessons with Rosetta Stone or those lovely Usborne Internet Linked books.

The table in the front has a selection of puzzles or activities which I rotate every day. Also the table has been painted with chalk board paint so the children can scribble and art all over the table. Every day the children leave me a different picture, word or message. This is also a great place for Ruthie to be in the same room and enjoy playing her own games. I have a CD player which generally plays either worship or classical music in the background.

So now you've seen mine! It may not be picture perfect like those mentioned yesterday but we love it, its comfortable and it works for our family.

Again just to say again - this is just our base. I think its vital not to spend all day here but it does help with focused core subjects. The rest of our learning takes place everywhere else - even on the beach on hot summer days:)

So I would still love too see where you learning space! Why not send me a photo. Whether its your dining room table, your garage, the garden or any place that you do "school" or learning, submit your photo.

Homeschooling Room of Dreams

2012-01-05T14:01:00.000-08:00

I have been preparing for our new school year which starts on Monday which has included painting old book shelves, selling old homeschooling books, browsing CurrClick for any interesting down loadable products for this years homeschool curriculum. And who could resist looking at all of those ( I-could-never-afford-but-would-so-love-a-room-like-this) homeschool rooms.

Be warned - do not be intimidated. Most homeschooling rooms truly do not look like this and if they did, they are far too perfect to want to use for children. Imagine the grubby hands, the insects found in the garden, the crusty half-dry play dough, the mouldy science experiments in any of these rooms? Absolutely not. But they are still inspirational. I can't get the look but sometimes its just the idea of a shelf - or an arrangement - or a box. Each one gives me something to think about.

My key test is what the children think of their home school room. If they thinks its great, then that's all I need to know. And I DON'T show them these photos. I only drool over these at night when they are not around:)

There was a time that we homeschooled through the house and in fact we still do - in the kitchen, in their rooms, on the patio, on the dining room table - but I still like to have a room where all there things are. We use it as a base but we choose where we want to do our learning every day. Also because we run a business from home and sometimes Sean has clients at the house, it helps to be in a room where some of the noise (though not all of it) can be contained.

Photo credit

Photo Credit


Photo Credit Photo Credit Have you been preparing a room? Why not send me a photo. I would love to see the space where you learn. Whether its your dining room table, your garage, the garden or any place that you do "school" or learning, submit your photo.

Only Him and No One Else

2012-01-04T03:27:00.000-08:00

Everyone has an opinion on how you should do things. I remember when we had baby no 3, how everyone saw fit to tell me (in that asking-telling kind of way) - that it was time to stop. Or when you decide to home school your children and there are those that will tell you not to. Or even worse, other homeschooling mothers who tell you that you shouldn't use your own curriculum, you should use theirs because theirs is so much better. Go to the east, come back in love with China and listen to all the reasons you shouldn't go.

So many reasons from seemingly well intentioned people. But at the end of the day, its all about God and what He wants. We need to be careful that we shape our lives around His perspective and not everybody else.

I love this article by blogger Sally of I Take Joy, Do not be conformed but be transformed which speaks about this very thing. Why not head over there now and be encouraged to choose God's will.

Friendship: A Precious Jewel

2012-01-02T13:54:00.001-08:00

I know that in my life I fulfill a noble task as mother, wife and daughter.

I do these with all I have in me, sometimes to the point of absolute exhaustion.

And then I forget to leave time for friendships.

Photo Credit

Today I sat at a surprise birthday party of a very special friend,surrounded by women of calibre, women with depth and integrity. Women who made me feel like one of the family - laughing, crying, and sharing tender moments. And I wondered to myself why I don't do more of this.

Because I have so much to do

Maybe tomorrow

Maybe next week.

And the seasons change and still you wait for the perfect moment

And then its too late,

Its time to say goodbye,

and a moment has been missed - a divine appointment for hearts to connect, to encourage, to share is lost forever.

That precious gem

the one God gifted you with when you needed a shoulder to cry on

the one who was the only one brave enough to tell the you truth

the treasure of special moments shared in those open hearted moments where all is bared

the one who loved you for who you are - even when you couldn't love yourself

it's gone

in a moment

because

life was too busy

but there is hope

a new face or an old face you never took the time to know comes along

a chance for new friendships

second chances

Among life's precious jewels,
Genuine and rare,
The one that we call friendship
Has worth beyond compare.

- Author Unknown -

My successes and failures of 2011

2011-12-31T00:11:00.000-08:00

How was your 2011? For some of you reading this, its already 2012, but in Sunny South Africa, we are still waiting in anticipation. As always, I like to consider where I have been so that I can look ahead of me and decide where I am going and how I want to do things differently. Looking at my successes and failures for the year is always a good place to start.

Photo Credit

Successes for this year:

1. My marriage - you could be asking yourself why? Maybe you should re-read my post Never Quit. The fact that our marriage is now sitting on the 12 year mark is a miracle. No its not 50 yet but I believe marriage is a miracle that only be sustained by the grace and power of God!

2. Only one broken bone this entire year - those of you that know my boys, will agree on this.

3. Going to China - a dream come true. Planning another trip this year, this time without all the hard work of volunteering but hopefully just to see more of the people there and meet others who have moved there because of the love they have for this nation.

4. Homeschooling my children - like marriage, this takes a miracle combined with commitment, a good support group and amazing friends. I have these and so I am looking forward to a new year of the same.

5. My blog - yes its up and running and I love writing. I don't feel pressurized to be everything for everyone and I am enjoying the opportunity to minister and mentor others in the roads I have travelled.

6. My church family - as we moved down from KZN a year and a half ago, we left a very special group of friends in Empangeni which we have been part of for the last 10 year. But now we are feeling at home in our new family.

7. Friends - I have fallen in love with the people of the Cape. I love all the new friends I have, I am blessed to have people in my life who truly have made a remarkable difference to me.

Failures of this year:

1. Gym - bah humbug, my husband loves my love handles (or at least that's what he tells me even though we went to gym yesterday and are planning to go on NEW YEARS EVE! - have you ever heard of such sad individuals?)

2. Weight - to lose it of course! oh yes every year no 1 and no 2 are on the top of my list and they never make it into the successes. Lord save me from myself please!

3. Me time - always struggle with this. One of the challenges of a homeschooling mom and always self inflicted. I have a choice and I definitely don't always choose the right option.

4. Finances to travel- I thought I would have saved up enough money by now to travel the world! My dream! Oh well, will keep praying:)

5. Putting my husband first - I have to fight this fight everyday. So often by the time Sean has finished work, I am finished. Need to keep the best of me for him more often.

6. Mother Matters Webinars- I really enjoyed having our chat sessions but realized that it was premature. Plus all the technological challenges that go with trying to host a webinar. I will definitely need to consider television, though I might need to get no 1 and no 2 right first before attempting to go that route, which is unlikely.

So there you have my list of successes and failures of the year. I would love to know what yours were. Why not leave a comment and tell me what really worked this year - and if you are brave enough - what didn't.

26 Words that changed my life forever

2011-12-22T07:38:00.000-08:00

We all have a moment in our lives which changes the direction forever. A moment where we will never be the same, never turn back or never forget.I have been through so much in my life, as have many of you and yet even those things seem to fade in comparison. There was a moment, the moment I heard 26 words and they were without a doubt, the most important words I ever heard. I moment where I chose life, instead of death.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16"

What road have you chosen?

Why I blog?

2011-12-22T06:44:00.000-08:00

It all started with a Kindle. Yes purely materialistic (who would have thought).I had heard of bloggers who were able to buy a Kindle by selling things through their blog and I thought it was the way to go.

I have a wish list of things that I would like to buy and a Kindle, Nook or iPad would definitely be on the top. All I want to do is be able to read lots and lots of books! So I decided that I would start a blog so I could also buy a Kindle.

That was almost a year ago and guess what? I haven't made a cent..... yet:) I know pathetic isn't it? But my reasons have changed too. What has happened instead is that more and more I have realised that my greatest desire is to to honor and to encourage women who embrace the calling of marriage, motherhood, and home management.. Women are the heart of the home, they determine the atmosphere and they are raising the leaders of tomorrow.

So if I make money - great! And if I get to buy a e-reader, even better - but really it doesn't matter anymore. I just want to make a difference and touch lives.

Christmas: A time of gladness or sadness?

2011-12-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

I know everyone is looking forward to the holidays, if you are not already lying in the sun absorbing the rays (that would be for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere of course) or putting on layers and layers of clothing before heading out to build snowmen (romanticized view of snow countries:).

This year more than most I am reminded of how many families or individuals are not in that space. The holiday cheer, the joy and the celebrations. Again I was reminded yesterday of how there are those who are in a vulnerable place needing lots of support. I was in that place 4 years ago. I had just lost my daughter. Many of you know Ruthie, but I had another daughter before her - only for 9 months but she was mine.

At that time I wrote an article in the Christmas of 2007. A story of loss and comfort. A story of tears and of hope. I would like to share this story with you now and trust that if you are going through something that you feel you cannot cope with - there is someone who understands something (not everything) of how you feel during this season. And our God who will love you through it.

My Precious Daughter

Today is the day of gifts and presents, a day of blessings and surprises. Yet I wonder to myself why I feel the urge to write with my family outside. Children running around, laughing – the smell of food cooking and conversations drifting in through the door. My mind is drawn back to gifts I have received over the years and yet there is one gift that I will never forget, and one which brings both a sadness, joy and longing rushing in. My precious little gift from our Father – my daughter, Savannah.

I was told by the gynecologist that he was concerned that she was small and that she was growing too slowly but I never even suspected that there was a problem. I had three robust, healthy boys. I was expecting my first daughter, which in itself was a wonderful surprise as we had never really expected to have a little girl. As the thought of having a daughter grew, I became aware of other little girls, thinking – she'll be a little like her, and she'll probably have eyes like that little girl, and oh I would love to buy her a little dress just like that one.

When the day of delivery came, I gave birth yet before I had even seen her, a paediatrician came to see me and told me that she had Trisomy 18, a fatal chromosomal disorder. Everything that could be wrong was wrong with her. Her insides were a mess, her heart was weak and had a hole, she had Pneumonia and the doctor said she would probably not live more than 48 hours. I sat in shock and asked him to bring her to me, as they had still not shown me my daughter, before they transferred her to a neighbouring government hospital for intensive care as we had no medical aid.

They brought her in, wrapped up tight in this little blanket from which a tiny face peeked out, with little eyes that looked back at me so trustingly. I couldn't see what was wrong; my mind and heart could not make sense of what had happened nor what was wrong with her. They took her away and I was left at the hospital. My mind surged. I felt close to hysteria. I wanted to shout to the heavens .....WWWWWHHHHHHHHYYYYYY??????????

Friends of ours arrived and brought a word of encouragement, I heard words like “faith” “fight for her because no one else can” , “don't give up hope” but they were all a blur. I remember looking at them thinking – How can you say that? Do you know? Do you understand? I had visitors, all loving family from the church reassuring me, bringing gifts and I remember thinking - how can they be so calm? My world had fallen apart, and my thoughts were anything but loving and Christian. This couldn't be a gift from God. You hear all the time that God doesn't make mistakes but how could he have allowed this to happen knowing that she was going to die prematurely?

The next 4 weeks were a blur. Parents came down, friends supported us. I lived at the hospital and lived in a place of never knowing whether I would arrive to another exhausting day or to be told she was gone. The fact that she lived past 48 hours in itself was a miracle. People came from everywhere and prayed for her. Old pastors, friends and family phoned from overseas and everyone was crying with us. In my mind I kept thinking “God what did I do wrong? Why are you punishing me and why are you punishing this little body with tubes? How could a loving Father allow this? How could He watch His little girl Savannah suffer like this as they stuck needle after needle into her little body? Had I been disobedient, had I done something so bad to be punished like this?

After 24 arduous days we took her home when it became clear that hospitalization was pointless, though the staff did not think it was a good idea. The boys had not been allowed to see her and they were overjoyed. They held her lovingly and vied to hold her. Everyone wanted to hold little “vannah”. They saw nothing wrong but loved her fully. They didn't see the physical abnormalities but loved her whole heartedly from her first day home. As she grew they tickled her and even made her laugh, they had long conversations with her as she listened intently, they held her and stroked her hand, they told her all the time how much they loved her and bragged endlessly to their friends about their sister Savannah.

What happened over time in my heart could only have come from God. Initially my heart was torn and broken but slowly my heart started to warm to her and I didn't look at her critically anymore - I remember one momentous occasion during worship at our church. I felt like I needed to thank God for his gift, who, though broken in my sight, she was perfect in his sight – so I took her to the front of the church, took two flags and waved and worshipped above her and thanked God for this wonderful gift he had given me. I remember the tears falling down my face as my heart was exposed before him, broken and sore. As I did this, the Holy Spirit poured down onto me. I wept openly not caring who saw but knowing that this was so important. I had to forgive God, had to forgive myself for all my thoughts and feelings and had to show Savannah that I loved her just as Christ loved me with all my blemishes, imperfections and brokenness.

From that point I started to see her beauty. Its amazing how God opens our eyes to the beauty of others when we love them. Instead of seeing her mis-shapen ears, I saw how she turned her head when she heard my voice. Instead of noticing her squint I heard her giggles as we tickled her. I wanted to hold her, I wanted to take her everywhere I went. I put her in little dresses that I had kept for her, I held her to me and loved her knowing that I had to treasure every precious moment with my little treasure.

I would love to write the words “and they lived happily every after” but that would not be true.

She got sick and though I fought in faith, once again my heart was broken. This time I had to watch helplessly while she slipped away. What I remember at the end was how God was with me and held on to me so tightly, though I didn't understand why this had all happened. Just before she passed away I got a phone call from a close friend who shared that he saw how at prayer meeting that as they were praying for her, it was as if they were there lifting her up into the Father's arms. It was at that very moment that he shared that word with us, she left us. I know that God wanted us to know where she was, who she was with and that she was treasured. When my heart longs for her I am often reminded of that word of encouragement and I see this picture time and time again of her dancing in heaven while our Father looks on in joy. She has a pink little dress that swirls and she turns and turns, laughing and giggling. When she's tired she falls down on His lap and leans against His chest while she holds onto Him with both her arms around His neck.

Is it over? No, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this today. But my feelings are ones of longing mixed with joy. I have realised through this that she has been a blessing in our lives. The whole church adopted her, she became theirs as much as ours. Even now I have friends telling me how often they think of her and miss her and they become tearful and it brings such a sense of wonder that God could use such a little waif of a girl to impact hundreds of people's lives and give us such an awesome privilege to love not just our daughter but his.

His precious little girl, the apple of his eye, the wonder of his heart, the expression of his love. Thank you Lord for those precious moments, thank you for your heart of grace. Thank you for your precious gift to us – Savannah. My precious daughter.

A friend of ours wrote this beautiful poem for us:

Precious little one

How our hearts ache now you’re gone

There’s a longing inside

And when the last tears have dried

Still we’ll miss you

Little one.

Precious baby girl

Fragile little pearl

Your days here were few

And deep down we knew

God would come for you

Little one.

Precious little rose

As time comes and goes

Your memory will stay

And we’ll meet again one day

Forever in our hearts

Little one.

kindly written by Melissa Knott

If you would like to read more about our journey, my husband wrote a small blog during this time which can be found here.

Birthday Celebrations: Chaddy Chatterbox

2011-12-19T04:14:00.001-08:00

My youngest son, turned 8 yesterday! Chadwick - which means warrior - is a light of laughter and fun in our house. He loves everyone! My precioius son who comes in for cuddles and hugs and tickles all day. I love you Chad and pray God's richest blessings on every part of your day.

Thank you Lord, for this blessing!

Beaty in Unexpected Places

2011-12-17T13:05:00.000-08:00

I was walking past a construction zone along the Main Road in Kalk Bay last weekend. Huge areas of construction have been going on for a while and I see no end in the near future.

I can only describe it as

busy messy noisy dirty

And yet in the midst of all of this

BEAUTY

Winners of the Reading Eggs Giveaway

2011-12-16T13:27:00.000-08:00

So its Friday and that means it's time to announce our winners of the Reading Eggs Giveaway.

And the winners are:

Michelle and her comment was......

Hi, we are a home educating family. My son is 12 and my daughter 9yrs old. She loves reading and will read anything that grabs her attention. At this stage she loves anything about horses. My son on the other hand, detests reading for some or other bizarre reason as he grew up with lots of stories and books. He just does the necessary for his English program and reads his Bible for Afrikaans and sometimes he'll page through a book on Star Wars or something similar. I'd love to get him motivated to read some more. One of our favorite activities is family reading. The books we've really enjoyed reading together are Roald Dahl's books-I'm sure we have read most of them!; the whole Narnia series and Frances Hodgen Burnett's A little Princess and The Secret Garden....all but to name a few. A mouthful comment...!

AND

Carla and her comment was......

Wow, what a wonderful prize. A great means to distract a little one into a love for reading whilst completing maths with another! I love all your ideas...thanks! My kids both love Dr Seuss and never tire of reciting whilst I read...great for a laugh after a tough day. Luke, 7, loves books on vikings, Romans and knights, ancient armour etc...we currently have about 7!! Zach loves poetry and humour....most of the Sonlight books are a hit so far

Well done ladies, I am sure you will really enjoy have a year's subscription to Reading Eggs. Please contact me with your email address so that I can send you the details of your subscription.

Could it be you?

2011-12-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

She sits alone in a crowded room. Others laugh and celebrate. She watches, she yearns. She turns away to look out into the dark shadows of the night.

Who is she? What is her story?

Could it be you?

.....you had lost someone dear to you, someone too precious for words. Someone who made you smile, who touched your heart and you touched theirs

.... you were abandoned by the one you loved. The one who swore he would love you forever but forever was too long for him.

..... you had waited for a man, a Godly man, to find you and marry you. He never arrived and now you just wait........ and ........wait or you decided not to wait and know that who you are settling for is second best.

...... you feel rejected by your friends, judged for your differences and feel like you will never fit in.

..... your children have let you down. Have no respect for you and treat you like you are worthless, meaningless, just an irritation.

Could it be you?

OR

Could it be your friend?

Could it be that what she is having to deal with is too much for her to bear? Burdens that weigh her down and leave her feeling alone and rejected?

While we enjoy this season of holidays, family time, festivities and friends - do we remember that not everyone is able to see the joy and light of this season because of the darknesss that envelopes them?

Today I cried, today I prayed ...... for my friends.

Will you?

Christmas on a Budget: Nativity Scene

2011-12-14T08:41:00.001-08:00

I have always wanted to do a Christmas nativity scene with my children but to buy them is normally very expensive. I wasn't really inclined to do it in clay, to make clothes and all the rest. Yes, call me lazy - I confess!

But then I found a lovely printable nativity scene. What really works is to print it off in colour cardboard. Especially for the younger ones. There are a lot of little characters and the colouring in does take a long time. This way if they can't finish, they can still have something really bright and colourful.

And of course with 3 fairly competitive children there was no way that only one would be chosen so we have 3 nativity plays! And they are beautiful. A bit of tumbleweed and the same stars we made with our magazine christmas trees.

To print this nativity scene, follow this link.

Happy Crafting!

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And don't forget about our Reading Egg Giveaway!

Tomorrow is your last chance to get your comments in!

How to Get your Children Reading and a Great Giveaway

2011-12-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

OK so I know that everyone is in holiday mode! And I know that you are not thinking about next year! Of course you are! If you are not - let me know how you switch off. I might not speak about it but my mind is running with ideas for next year. Excursions, books to read, arts and crafts - the list is endless.

Whether your children go to school, or you home school - a big concern for most parents are Maths and English. Could be wrong - but I know its almost always the centre of the universe for education.

I love the fact that my children love books. Mind you, some of them just like to page through books, others read so fast I can't get to the library quickly enough EVER! and some need lots of help. But they love books! There have been a few ways that I have helped to encourage my children to read....and read .... and read!

My eldest son has always loved reading - so he was easy. "You get books, I read". My middle son was not as keen, he would rather be playing outside than reading, but some of these have really been key strategies for him learning to love reading. Most of these strategies relate to the difficult readers!

Books Everywhere

When a child is wondering around the house with nothing to do, they will see the books and pick one off the shelf. Make sure that you arrange them so that the covers catch their attention. Don't just put them in a pile. Spread them out on a table in the lounge. Put one or two on their side tables.

Don't be disappointed if they only page through the book. When they see something they like or catches their attention, they will want to find out what it says and if they can't read yet, they will ask you to read.

These books are in our dining room.

There are some lovely ideas on how to put up shelves using a gutter which allows you to put books everywhere.

You can find a simple tutorial on Raising Olives. As a mother of 10 she has learnt how to ensure that all her children have lots to read everywhere!

Get a Variety

Get books on topics your children like. Don't force them to read a specific type of book. If your son likes fishing then load those shelves with fishing books. My son loves anything he can make with some cellotape and a stapler. ( Did I mention that he thinks the world is held together by these two pieces of stationary? If he sees something is broken he brings out the cellotape. We go through a roll every 2 weeks.) The point is, I get lots of crafty books. Also skateboarding, surfing, J-boarding - these would be top of his "Like" list.

Read to them A LOT

Make this part of their daily routine. I find reading to the children at bed time becomes a wonderful bonding time. Children of all ages still enjoy this, especially if it's a family moment. They might read at school or you might do some reading while you are homeschooling but their appetite for reading is huge! Keep feeding that hunger because they will eventually want to read by themselves - the frustration of waiting until the evening to find out what happened will motivate them to read.
If you are too tired, then let your older children do the reading and you listen with the other children. I have loved those moments of cuddling up next to one of the younger children while the eldest gets a chance to read.

Dress Up

You don't have to go mad (unless you really want to) but use a piece of clothing or an accessory that sets the scene. Wear an eye patch when reading about pirates. Face paint an animal character. Put on a pretty dress when reading stories of a princess or a tiara.Use your imagination.

Go to the library - and not just for books

Go for books. Go for the fun holiday programs. Go for DVDs or the music selection. The more positive the experience, the more your children will see books in a positive light. Don't always rush in and rush out but give them a chance to browse and page.

Choose books for them

I let my children choose most of their own books. I do scan them quickly to see if there is content that I don't think they should be reading. While they are choosing their books, get some books that you think they might like. I will often select unusual books or authors that they have never read. I don't make a big fuss about it, I simply put it on the shelf. At some point they will get to them. This ensures that they read widely and that you expose them to both fiction and non fiction books. It also helps children move away from a specific type of book and explore a variety.

Reading is such a vital component of life. I trust that some of these handles will help you encourage your children to become avid readers and love books!

And now for the Giveaway!

I was recently given 3 months access to a wonderful program Reading Eggs to review. And was I glad to do that!

Reading Eggs would benefit

* reluctant readers

* beginner readers

* children who love reading

* children with special needs

This is How to Enter the Giveaway

Simply leave a comment and tell me what books your children love the most. Do your children love Roald Dahl? Do they love comics? Or do they devour Kids National Geographic magazines?

Anyone can enter our Giveaway AND you can enter even if you have won one of the Giveaways before. Its open to anyone whether you live across the ocean or next door.

The Winner will be announced on Friday.

Whether or not you win this giveaway, why not sign up for a free trial of 14 days. It's just worth every day!

Christmas on a Budget: Decorations

2011-12-10T12:59:00.000-08:00

After our snowflakes and gifts, we decided to start with some trees for decorations. With a tight budget, its easier to work with materials you already have in your home of with materials that others might have in abundance. I am sure that all of you have magazines or know someone with lots of magazines.

Magazine Christmas Trees Tutorial

This is simply one of my favourite crafts, because I always have loads of magazines and though we craft all the time, I defnitely don't use them all up.

Step 1

One magazine. Sorry Pick 'n Pay - I love your magazine but today you are being used for craft! You don't need to get this specific magazine, any glossy one will do. Just watch out for those Popular Mechanics because I know that I wasn't very popular when I suggested using them arts and crafts. My hubby definitely did not see the humour in that suggestion at all.

Step 2:

Open to the first page. (keeping the step simple:)

Step 3

I could probably do this wordlessly but I have a friend who blogs who really detests lots of pictures, so the only way I can keep her motivated to keep scrolling down is to let her think that I might have something interesting to say. Plus I was reminded this week on more than one occassion that the fact that I haven't blogged for a week is ...... let's just say .... unacceptable! Well that will teach me, can't start a blog and though go MIA (yes missing in action!)

So fold to the centre.

Step 4

Fold again. It looks almost like the beginning of a paper plane.

Step 5

Move it over to the left.

Step 6

And now you start from the beginning and repeat.

Step 7

Cut the bottom points off. You're doing this otherwise the tree won't stand up straight but topple over.

Step 8

Pull off the magazine cover. Don't worry if a page comes off with it. Some of the covers come off that way. This is what it will look like from the back after cutting and removing the cover.

And if you put it against the wall, it looks fabulous.

And if you make lots of them, which we did because we have lots of children.... just in case you didn't know (4 and counting:)

And if you want to add the stars on a stick like we did, you can find a template here

We didn't try this, but I am sure you could make an amazing centrepiece, simply by sticking two of them together with glue and adding the star.

Happy Crafting!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T11:04:00.001-08:00

Christmas on a Budget: Decorations

2011-12-05T03:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas Decorations

How is it going with getting your Christmas Gifts ready? So far we have looked at Christmas Gifts on a Budget and then those Intangible Gifts . While you are busy with getting those gifts ready for Christmas, decorate your house with some lovely crafts that you and your children can do which allows you to decorate your home simply and beautifully without spending a whole lot of money. Your children will love it too.

Its funny, I love my children crafting but I always liked the shop bought tinsel and decorations. But I find the children's enjoyment of festivities is directly proportional to how involved they are. This year I decided to let them do everything! We might not get everything done but I want them to take ownership of this and I know its special for them to see all their decorations up for everyone to see.

So the first decorations we made were Paper Snowflakes.

Paper Snowflakes Tutorial (finally Lesley:)

We had a look at a couple of templates but really they didn't make much sense to me. Maybe because I have some flu and my brain seems to be rather thick or maybe its because the creative side in me, refuses to copy other peoples designs. I eventually ventured into the frightening world of Paper Snowflakes all by myself. (dramatic I know but I always love a bit of drama in my day)

So here we go, excuse the amateur photos!

First you can start with an A4 piece of paper. I have scrap white paper (recycled) but you can do this with colour paper, old newspapers or even tracing paper - really anything goes.

Fold a square

Cut the extra bit off

Fold the triangle over

Fold the triangle again.

I have drawn a design in a black marker but this is only so that you can see clearly what I have done. If you want to draw a design on the paper, rather use pencil. You will find that to design a snowflake the first couple of times, you will want to draw a design, but eventually you will be able to do it freehand!

The black bits are the ones you want to cut out. The point at the bottom is the centre of the snowflake.

This is what it will look like once its been cut out. You can see that I still need some lessons in cutting along the lines, but doing this at 12 o'clock at night when I should be in bed and not wearing my reading glasses may have aggravated the situation.. Once it's cut out, unfold it very gently so as not to break this delicate creation.

Beautiful even if I have to say so myself:)

Easy peasy.

So here are some others that I just did to give you a few more ideas- but once you get the hang of it, you'll really let your creativity flow.

Here's something a little more symmetrical.

And a paper snowflake that is very simple.

You can see that I am getting tired of colouring in but hopefully can see what I am doing.

And the finished product?

This was the finished product in our front window. Aren't they beautiful? I only made 2, the rest were cut by my children without any pattern. Once they worked out how to do it, they just went crazy and just wanted to cut more and more.

The look lovely by the window and if there is a slight breeze they twirl beautifully. I just used a regular punch and made a hole at the top and the bottom of the snowflake. Then I connected them with fishing line, but I think any kind of string would probably work.

Happy Crafting!

Our next Christmas Decoration will be making Christmas trees out of magazines.

Health Care for Homeschooling Moms

2011-12-04T13:33:00.001-08:00

I have been really sick this week. I am a real toughie and don't get sick frequently but I think this year has been a long one with life being really busy. As usual, what I do in life and experience becomes part of what I write about.

I realised as I lay on my bed and then the couch this week, that getting sick can be a challenge for any mom. And especially a homeschooling mother, as you aren't given the daily reprieve of sending your children to school.

How do you cope?

Here are some of the strategies I use to cope when I get sick. They are not fail proof, but they have worked well in our family.

Give Your Children Responsibilities

They are quite capable. Don't feel bad. I know as mom's we often feel guilty lying or sitting still but if we plan on getting better, let them do it. You are always serving your family - it's good for them to serve you too. (including your husband)

Lower Your Expectations with Food

My boys are being taught to cook,which they love but they are by no means experts. So what if you have to eat simple meals like fried eggs on toast, baked beans on toast or mince and mash? Just make sure everyone is eating lots of raw vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, baby tomatoes - the ones they like:) and fresh fruit during the day.

When Friends Offer to Help - say YES!

Don't be shy! We all love to help our friends, so let them do something in return. They wouldn't offer if they didn't want to.

Rest

I know that sleep is nature's best way of healing the body. Drink lots of fluids but REST. Take vitamins but still you need to REST. We often take all the meds and then continue to run around because we start to feel better. Don't let the meds lie to you, you still need to REST.

Let Your Children Pray for You

We read to our children about how Jesus healed the sick. Let them lay hands on you and pray. I believe that children have the faith we often lack. You would be amazed at the difference my children's prayers have made in my life.

Homeschool the easy way

Homeschooling can still happen even if you are sick. I personally don't like the children to stop just because I am sick. I find that it can get more challenging if they don't, because they get up to mischief and they start having a go at each other.

This is what I do:

* Read aloud time is extended - I read if I can, otherwise I get the children to have turns.

* Computer work: I have a few really great computer programs which we use for History, English, Anatomy and Mandarin. So any of these can have them learning with the least amount of supervision.

* For little ones, bring toys into the room you are resting in and CLOSE THE DOOR. Let them play in the room with you.

* For the more easily distracted children, let them work on the bed next to you. Nothing motivates a child more than knowing someone is watching. (at least in our house it works that way)

* Don't stop extra curricular activities if you can help it, as they need to get out. Ask someone in your group to help. Give them a call! You might not be up to it, but believe me your children are - and hopefully they will use up some of that energy before they come home.

* Get your husband to get some good quality educational videos or audio books. I have had my children watch some amazing nature videos - different learning medium and they loved it. Audio books are an excellent resource for keeping play quiet. They are usually so enthralled by the story, they don't want to miss a word. The result? Quiet play. Lego is great for this.

* Focus on your core subjects - don't try and do everything.

* Home school when you can. I often sleep late when I am sick. Have a chat to your children the day before and let them know what you expect of them. Let the children spend the first part of their morning doing chores and some quiet free play in their rooms where they won't disturb you.

Encourage and Thank Your Family Frequently

Tell them how much they mean to you for what they are doing. I know the cynical might say, "well I do this every day and no one says anything to me". But this is your opportunity for positive reinforcement. Your children need to know that they are helping you. Most children get quite concerned when mommy is sick because "mommy never gets sick". Reassure them and encourage them.

Your husband will be stretched and will need you to tell him what a great job he is doing. From grocery shopping or even the fact that he made it through the day in one piece:) Let him know his value. You will be building him up and your appreciation will motivate him even more!

I would love to hear from you.

How do you cope when you are sick?

Do you have a special strategy that helps you cope?

Why not leave a comment and share some of the lessons you have learnt through these times.

The Winner of the Psalms and a Box of Blessings Giveaway

2011-11-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

So its Wednesday and I know that you are all eager to know who won the Psalm Box of Blessings kindly supplied by Christian Book Discounters and of course the CD by Rhema Marvanne.

And the Winner is Number 5 entry ........is Brigitte and her comment was:

Ps 121 has been a huge encouragement to me, and I just have to look out the window at the mountain to remember that "my help comes from the Lord".

Well done Brigitte!

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Psalms is possibly one of my favourite books in the Bible. I feel like somehow it speaks into every situation I am faced with.

I love the fact that these writers wrestled with God, praised Him in their circumstances, questioned Him, doubted, or expressed their frustrations at the unfairness of life. Real people with real struggles. No matter who we are, we are faced with daily challenges - family, finances, children, work - so many. But within the pages of the book of Psalms, there is a place where we can be refreshed. Where we can drink deeply and have our peace and joy restored.

Part of that is as a result of thanksgiving. When we stop focusing on what we don't have but what we do have- our perspective changes. Some of you may remember 1000 Gifts - a List of Thankfulness by Children for Children, an activity I did with the children to remind them of how fortunate they truly are.

Because our American friends are celebrating Thanksgiving and we want to celebrate with them, even though they are on the other side of the world, there is a lovely Giveaway up for grabs.

Thanks to Christian Book Discounters, who have generously supplied our Giveaway for this super prize of 101 Promises from Psalms. One lucky reader will receive these 51 special inspiration and blessings from the Psalms. Each glossy card features a verse from Psalms and its packaged in a little sturdy storage box. They are delightful and would make a perfect gift for someone special over Christmas.

And because I am feeling really generous and kind - because it's Friday and because I am really a generous and kind type of person (when I want to be), I thought I would add another delightful gift to the winner of this giveaway.

This young singer, Rhema Marvanne is only 8 years old and has an inspiring testimony of how she came to sing. This is her story. (She has a website where you can find out so much more about her and her mother who passed away after suffering from ovarian cancer.)

And so as part of this Giveaway, I will be giving away her CD "Believe" with tracks which include: * Just as I am *Over the rainbow * I thank God *Hallelujah * Just as I am * Hurt * No more night

Her voice and her story are touching. I marvel at how someone so small can be so talented! But all for God's glory! Again I am reminded of how we should never underestimate what God can do through our children.

This is How to Enter the Giveaway

Simply leave a comment and tell me what you favourite Psalm or verse in Psalms is.

Anyone can enter our Giveaway AND you can enter even if you have won one of the Giveaways before. Its open to anyone whether you live across the ocean or next door.

The Winner will be announced on Wednesday.

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And for those of you that love Giveaways and if you want to enter another Giveaway, why not head over to Jenni C's who has a pair of children's Green Cross shoes to give to one lucky reader.

Have a super weekend and special times with family and friends

Christmas on a Budget: Christmas Gifts Part 2

2011-11-30T04:20:00.000-08:00

GIFT BOXES

These are great for families. When you buy a gift for the whole family it also reduces the cost of trying to buy individual gift. These can usually be packed in a recycled shoe box which you could get at most shoe stores if you haven't got any at home.

Movie Box

Popcorn, Chocolate, Crisps and a DVD voucher

Ice-Cream Gift Box

Cones, Sprinkles, M&M's/ Smarties, 100's and 1000's individual wrapped

( I know this one has been doing the rounds - I don't know where it originated from - but don't let that stop you )

Garden Lovers Gift Box

Use seeds that you have collected out of vegetables you have cooked with. Tomato, Green pepper, Beans, Sunflower Seeds, Chillies. Wrap them individually in homemade envelopes. You can even use a magazine picture on the outside. A seedling tray (recycled egg box tray), a small bag of soil or compost (from your garden) and some lolly sticks with the names of the vegetables you have planted. And if you are a crafty person you could even sew some gloves from some scrap material at home. Any person who loves gardening will love this!

FILL A MUG/ GLASS

These can be bought at a second hand store or from one of your cheaper outlet stores. The more obscure the shape the better.

Fill the mug with:

* fudge

* chocolate

* a little bag of special tea, coffee and sugar

* teddy bear
* plant (which you can get from a cutting)

RECYCLED SCRABBLE

Second hand stores often sell scrabble because the previous owners have lost pieces (and then its really dirt cheap because no one can really use them then. . You can make so many things with scrabble - magnetic scrabble for the fridge, scrabble decorations for the tree and even scrabble coasters.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF CHOCOLATE!

I remember the one year where one of my boys got lots of little toys for his birthday but I added an extra large slab (the double size) as part of his gift pack. To say that all the other gifts faded to obscurity would be an understatement! He was so thrilled that he had this chocolate all to himself and he wasn't even interested in the rest!

If you have a post on how you keep to a budget over Christmas time, why not pop me an email and I would love to host your article as a guest post.

Otherwise as always, leave a comment. What are you doing to keep Christmas simple?

Intangible Giving by Brynne Mack

2011-11-28T12:04:00.001-08:00

‘Tis the season of trees and lights. ‘Tis the season of toys and clothes. ‘Tis the season of the 3D HD TV and the latest gaming system. Ornaments and gift cards. You have to wonder…what does any of this have to do with Christ?

The tradition of giving gifts to our family and friends as the wise men gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Jesus isn’t just hard on our wallets, it’s hard on our souls. We become so obsessed with material giving (and, unfortunately, in some case receiving,) that we forget the biggest gift of all that was given that day: our Savior.

Here is a way to teach our families about the Lord and give priceless gifts without spending a penny.

Gather your family. Discuss the gifts that Christ gave us throughout his time on earth. In our household we spend a lot of time talking about the wisdom and learning that Jesus brought. We value this greatly because without it we would not know the way to salvation. But Christ gave us so much that you can talk about whatever your family thinks is most important. The important thing is emphasizing how the gifts Christ gave us weren’t tangible.

Now have everyone commit to giving an intangible gift this year. It can be to a friend. It can be to a family member. It could be to Jesus himself. You can either share your gift ideas or keep them private. For younger children, the ideas can be more simple and will probably need to be more fully discussed. For example, hugs as a gift could be appropriate. As children get older, you can discuss things a little more fully. “I’m going to give commitment to my football coach this year.”

“Okay. And how are you going to give that commitment?”

“I’m going to show up to every practice. I’m going to show up on time.”

“That’s great. And maybe while you’re there you could make sure you’re always playing your hardest, too. That’s an important part of commitment.”

One gift that I, personally, could give this year is the gift of music to my mother. Despite the fact that I get embarrassed every time I play the piano (as my fingers stumble across keys attempting to play tunes they knew long, long ago,) my mother absolutely loves it when I play. Somehow she is deaf to all my faults. I could even practice so that when I did play for her there wouldn’t be so many errors that she would have to overlook.

Other ideas for intangible gifts include giving respect to one’s parents, love to ones neighbor, empathy to anyone around us that is going through a hard time we can relate to, prayers and praise to God, and quality time to our children.

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Brynne Mack is a 20-something student, mother, and Pittsburgh native. She has always valued savings and spirituality, but got really serious about it with the start of her young family. You can check out ways to save on things to do, things to cook, and things you have to do anyways on her blog, Femme Frugality.