tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21554299466881887862024-03-13T16:52:00.705+11:00The Drew PatchSherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.comBlogger840125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-55227030455799412792016-11-09T05:27:00.000+11:002017-02-24T05:21:05.885+11:00Drews' News Edition #9<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hello friends and family,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We celebrated our ninth wedding
anniversary this year with a trip to Cape Point, from which one can
see the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, and another one up
Table Mountain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemol_MVhLr9Pm669_wB6XYDiza1GSdSJ_D6xZ-nAfMGdk1Em0rY23gLmIL4iacZHo0E-cptKJXBlaDogU5ABKdWn339q5bE7i1Y2ckaP2OtWX_sHT5s-b_Or6pmX7bnJYuAW62bZ7P8o/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemol_MVhLr9Pm669_wB6XYDiza1GSdSJ_D6xZ-nAfMGdk1Em0rY23gLmIL4iacZHo0E-cptKJXBlaDogU5ABKdWn339q5bE7i1Y2ckaP2OtWX_sHT5s-b_Or6pmX7bnJYuAW62bZ7P8o/s320/IMG_1787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After more than a year in Cape Town it was a
privilege to get to these beautiful places. The past year has been
busier than ever as we adjust to life as a family after an
international move. There are the small things . . . paying
electricity before it runs out, securing the letter box, finding out
where to buy coriander seedlings. Then there are the big things . . .
passports, making friends, the birth of our fourth child, visits to
home affairs for birth certificates and citizenship, getting better
security for our house, buying necessary furniture, finding a church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mdd6Q7ZgKhqgkxzc6LsQcFHK2VvslDz1fDDinF3Xt8rUZr3Fm_PZ6pnrvnj6LuV6TcWYM8MjFgVpO2AV2KiQ3eQSUC6hFjG-WAOVoQsq0Owxi4-H_pBeh6pGA4BeoEZgd0XhwTRXPaQ/s1600/IMG_2005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mdd6Q7ZgKhqgkxzc6LsQcFHK2VvslDz1fDDinF3Xt8rUZr3Fm_PZ6pnrvnj6LuV6TcWYM8MjFgVpO2AV2KiQ3eQSUC6hFjG-WAOVoQsq0Owxi4-H_pBeh6pGA4BeoEZgd0XhwTRXPaQ/s320/IMG_2005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are the delightful aspects of our move . . . making new
friends, being invited over to people's homes, having extra household
help, finding out about encouraging things other Christians are doing
to serve others, diverse people, and seeing the children enjoy their
grandparents. We have discovered new favourite places like Helderberg
mountain reserve near our home, Boulders Beach where we swam with the
penguins, and Blue Jay Farm where we buy fruit from the growers at
low prices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5-9gmywZJmFqRdtdKGgbPQckGrzWBFuX_Ba5olMhLqroAD-GhnAGFjhJbE6GNbc72F9jl9BMRP0znn_FxePOgWI5s4LBT5QJakW7UHU2V_A9tgoeyFPSkGHbDyYD-STjzpqftC2TqEc/s1600/Mercy+boulders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix5-9gmywZJmFqRdtdKGgbPQckGrzWBFuX_Ba5olMhLqroAD-GhnAGFjhJbE6GNbc72F9jl9BMRP0znn_FxePOgWI5s4LBT5QJakW7UHU2V_A9tgoeyFPSkGHbDyYD-STjzpqftC2TqEc/s320/Mercy+boulders.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then there are the hard parts . . . extra paper work
fitting in somehow around Dave's full time work and Sherrin home
schooling, new shops, making currency mistakes, missing Tassie
family, our practice of having the children in church with us being
more controversial here, and being burgled (albeit in a completely
non-traumatic way).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsMHbiS_Yk89jMMQMVGc8k7h1E9-ruJpoaCJAm5Bc0XLV8fRK5pf2pI0-C4ra0D28fSnXTv4etn8GjminJtiJvJUQHxQEaskMrrwDWlM8LypymtoHHR78-FZuOBB_10d0hEGtVkCX5H4/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsMHbiS_Yk89jMMQMVGc8k7h1E9-ruJpoaCJAm5Bc0XLV8fRK5pf2pI0-C4ra0D28fSnXTv4etn8GjminJtiJvJUQHxQEaskMrrwDWlM8LypymtoHHR78-FZuOBB_10d0hEGtVkCX5H4/s320/IMG_0465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We are thankful that Dave's work has
been a good fit for him so far, although very demanding. It is
diverse and stimulating. The whole family had a chance to experience
one aspect of Dave's work when he took us with him on a work trip 8
hours drive east in the Tsitsikamma forest. The students were doing
practical work there. They were great with our children, playing hide
and seek and chatting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatv2MeFkVVT9aHhR0BgfroN4GzZ8b6tk9iS_QTaDIez5BjRwvxDkgT8EZlHx-8m4B3iE58gfHWRSFMSWoiRo0iA1Jheds4q0-ReSLbnR-BSHteyytBWarh-SyHP_Qs5iRbTniIvGezy8/s1600/IMG_1920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatv2MeFkVVT9aHhR0BgfroN4GzZ8b6tk9iS_QTaDIez5BjRwvxDkgT8EZlHx-8m4B3iE58gfHWRSFMSWoiRo0iA1Jheds4q0-ReSLbnR-BSHteyytBWarh-SyHP_Qs5iRbTniIvGezy8/s320/IMG_1920.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We also enjoyed the beauty of that part of the
world, including taking Nate to see his favourite animal the tiger at
a wildlife sanctuary. Our lives have felt more divergent here.
Sherrin finds it a challenge to develop relationships with people
outside of our social strata and race group. In contrast, Dave is in
the midst of the Stellenbosch university campus engaging with
students from every cultural, economic and racial background. So it
is good to find ways, like our Tsitsikamma trip, to combine our
lives. A big part of our year has been trying to make church
decisions, in part due to looking for diversity. We are currently
going to the Stellenbosch Baptist Church where Dave went as a
student. We love the diverse congregation and worship. Lets be honest
that the couch at the back is also a draw card. It's perfect for
sitting with a toddler and a baby!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Our new wonderful blessing, Liberty
Anne Drew, was born on April 20<sup>th</sup>. We took an
opportunity to have a “baby-moon” a few weeks before her birth,
and enjoyed a weekend away in a little piece of paradise (a small
self-contained cottage) on a vineyard in the spectacular Franschhoek
valley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUOr_b9DI__zRbrnWae6mVgER09Rj5ul57CU-maHls95k96HKMwailumcG3G7DRPkQlM9XvDnT-a4nNMRaaKnDKLRR7p2jUrsyEJe1iuvHVkanrivCUK4M6nLtgGL9GYB2XN79VVitoQ/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUOr_b9DI__zRbrnWae6mVgER09Rj5ul57CU-maHls95k96HKMwailumcG3G7DRPkQlM9XvDnT-a4nNMRaaKnDKLRR7p2jUrsyEJe1iuvHVkanrivCUK4M6nLtgGL9GYB2XN79VVitoQ/s320/IMG_0411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Libby was born (rapidly) at home; thankfully Dave had the
sense to ring our midwife, Natasha, while Sherrin was still wondering
if she was in established labour. It is a good thing that Natasha
lives only a few minutes drive up the road, as Libby was born in the
birth pool only minutes after her arrival! This is just one example
of the way God has provided for us, with the best home birth midwife
in our area living so close to us. The pregnancy was challenging,
especially due to the combination of physical weakness and a new
country, but as soon as Libby was born she brought an incredible
peace with her.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aId3_KfrUBCwohU7qh-R5c2HxJ8xckxGAucgXpK34tRVmVyZehNe0P3cgCqG-Jq-5UEeYSai39OlPWmJIme2hDdhVt3KVZFzwkmGUK2YF4l0OLktNGRX_V8V97GpulecWMjZ_j56n-0/s1600/LIbby_in_Cot+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aId3_KfrUBCwohU7qh-R5c2HxJ8xckxGAucgXpK34tRVmVyZehNe0P3cgCqG-Jq-5UEeYSai39OlPWmJIme2hDdhVt3KVZFzwkmGUK2YF4l0OLktNGRX_V8V97GpulecWMjZ_j56n-0/s320/LIbby_in_Cot+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Libby is friendly, radiates joy, and sleeps well. It
is precious to watch the older children interact with her. Mercy is
happy to have a sister and loves to kiss the soft part of Libby's
head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oEcvAlgvgbFkFHzRmpq_yvUWc392_-HGr-Dc6rUMAUfTbb_89AmNx3sTuDjquXcjins0xPcqzF8kHFMYGiJWgOkJtIU43Z_mxy_7AmiGZ3PETK-SePAIdUtAglQPrNi5InDBsMtReHg/s1600/IMG_0754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oEcvAlgvgbFkFHzRmpq_yvUWc392_-HGr-Dc6rUMAUfTbb_89AmNx3sTuDjquXcjins0xPcqzF8kHFMYGiJWgOkJtIU43Z_mxy_7AmiGZ3PETK-SePAIdUtAglQPrNi5InDBsMtReHg/s320/IMG_0754.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sherrin's recovery has been a challenge, but in this case it
seems like the greater the cost the greater the reward! It is lovely
for Dave's Mum and Dad to be able to experience a newborn baby with
us as all their other 7 grandchildren were born overseas.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4HDyipMgkfjhR4KqvwyYOKWO3HBjjFoLrGHaGG7SFQuPS5mE1cvQ6kjPZTnQ4pG2MS_k4eAiazqacy48W7xRsFn7SQWpdtmX2E8t3mrTfrbTUxQpSau2pcnWRjmBQ_os63zGrpYkiSY/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4HDyipMgkfjhR4KqvwyYOKWO3HBjjFoLrGHaGG7SFQuPS5mE1cvQ6kjPZTnQ4pG2MS_k4eAiazqacy48W7xRsFn7SQWpdtmX2E8t3mrTfrbTUxQpSau2pcnWRjmBQ_os63zGrpYkiSY/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Our older three children are also
thriving. Nate and Mercy have made great progress in reading,
writing, maths, and understanding of relationship with Jesus this
year. We have also done more painting, music and computing. Our
larger living area with room for “stations” makes this easier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsmaXyFmc2V8s2VBONqtP8f9jvM4WjRBSmRuZ3yYHmlGLhSBYV-bf-ASQ1VfC4om_48wxvV1BBYx5xQ6Lo4B6nhaCN-gCJQOOhyphenhyphenwwx4sEht2EkZ9DCp6SXcVje9TFhVbMJc-cjdUV1GQ/s1600/IMG_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLsmaXyFmc2V8s2VBONqtP8f9jvM4WjRBSmRuZ3yYHmlGLhSBYV-bf-ASQ1VfC4om_48wxvV1BBYx5xQ6Lo4B6nhaCN-gCJQOOhyphenhyphenwwx4sEht2EkZ9DCp6SXcVje9TFhVbMJc-cjdUV1GQ/s320/IMG_0304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They love swimming and ball lessons. Mercy has also taken ballet,
which has also been delightful for music appreciation. William has a
great life observing and joining in with the play of his older
siblings. Our curriculum based on Mummy reading aloud continues to
bring sanity to days when children, health and emotions get
challenging to manage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU4NheAAzko5MG4oCL2LuAC1Mw4QXqeCMrKrEccj3c4z_VOfMIQwLkB3dfDh1d7jPkEj5aDIh3w0KMsAVJ4X4Y21ECF9yL0ZpvxVGL9TRMVOTLfovGOJw9Nhwvlx2yTHKltGSL7ZxA7s/s1600/3+best+friends.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU4NheAAzko5MG4oCL2LuAC1Mw4QXqeCMrKrEccj3c4z_VOfMIQwLkB3dfDh1d7jPkEj5aDIh3w0KMsAVJ4X4Y21ECF9yL0ZpvxVGL9TRMVOTLfovGOJw9Nhwvlx2yTHKltGSL7ZxA7s/s320/3+best+friends.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This move has exposed our weakness and
need more than ever, and we feel like we have “grown up” without
Sherrin's family, friendship networks, and the Aussie
government to rely upon. So to God is all the glory for any
achievements!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Thanks for reading!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Love Dave, Sherrin, Nate, Mercy, Bill
and Libby.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Where can I go from your Spirit?</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Where can I flee from your presence?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">
</span><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-NIVUK-16248" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-NIVUK-16248" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">If I go up to the heavens, you are there;</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-NIVUK-16248" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-9" id="en-NIVUK-16249" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">if I settle on the far side of the sea,</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-10" id="en-NIVUK-16250" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
even there your hand will guide me,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-10" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">your right hand will hold me fast.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-11" id="en-NIVUK-16251" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and the light become night around me,’</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-139-12" id="en-NIVUK-16252" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span><div style="text-align: center;">
even the darkness will not be dark to you;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">the night will shine like the day,</span></div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for darkness is as light to you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-139-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Psalm 139: 7 - 11</span></div>
</span></span></div>
Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-12526443096053322352016-01-19T06:21:00.002+11:002021-07-25T04:50:03.371+10:00Home Education South Africa Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are grateful to have more space to spread out our home learning area here in South Africa. Much of my week between Christmas and New Year was spent organising education materials while Dave helped occupy the children.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKTEc4VWOYwoIZSNdXawNsBpsioXlmDW_B_DSKXICD73_EBszhcZh40Foff8Efz1sQms2ZzQqiUCLyVHvfQyEGOgpoXlV_Zi_QIXkArYG33hkv8QEMdQWeNKDxzGmqhZReJcDn8UmpT0/s1600/P1010023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiKTEc4VWOYwoIZSNdXawNsBpsioXlmDW_B_DSKXICD73_EBszhcZh40Foff8Efz1sQms2ZzQqiUCLyVHvfQyEGOgpoXlV_Zi_QIXkArYG33hkv8QEMdQWeNKDxzGmqhZReJcDn8UmpT0/s320/P1010023.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We now have a large open plan living area where we can have more distinct areas for our learning materials, play and our sitting area. There is lots of wall space for displays. Below is my desk with an education materials shelf next to it, then some lovely new daily and monthly calendars, and a little blackboard. We also have our music spot with the piano and our music players. Mercy has begun to take an interest in learning the piano and I am attempting to include lessons.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-02nZ-jSLp1_6SthbXHWVopEkjk0z9vXpzQkDXPTw7dhUyjBJt_dJWNqwCtoUJytUf4lCcXnqKWzWiu5r8nwyUHGRAcUwdhX0qYtpO-qFCFxzstOJPtl4pyOjC8SuNq4WVp5jLwIuvA/s1600/P1010025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-02nZ-jSLp1_6SthbXHWVopEkjk0z9vXpzQkDXPTw7dhUyjBJt_dJWNqwCtoUJytUf4lCcXnqKWzWiu5r8nwyUHGRAcUwdhX0qYtpO-qFCFxzstOJPtl4pyOjC8SuNq4WVp5jLwIuvA/s320/P1010025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These pictures were taken after our domestic worker comes on Tuesdays, things are not normally quite so neat. God has been good to us in blessing us with a good helper. It has also been a huge step forward to finally purchase my lockable toy and puzzle cupboard! You can see it here next to the play mat. This really helps to keep the craziness under control. This cupboard was purchased second hand and has four levels and even smells nice inside . . . all in all it is a great blessing and help (yes, almost as good as having another adult in the house, as I once read).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmICQ_shj-Ct6rF2ak8mnGD3d6s_snj9r86xlqqe8i2Ghyphenhyphen10BEexx_tifInDwqT4LFISVhigE-oAUvC35zKYDtrnafE4do_OIYeaYPF03IuWoC7CSR4JKrAkpEUXI6cXj9Dng-k3lldw/s1600/P1010026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmICQ_shj-Ct6rF2ak8mnGD3d6s_snj9r86xlqqe8i2Ghyphenhyphen10BEexx_tifInDwqT4LFISVhigE-oAUvC35zKYDtrnafE4do_OIYeaYPF03IuWoC7CSR4JKrAkpEUXI6cXj9Dng-k3lldw/s320/P1010026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Near the door to the garage there is a sweet little nook that we are shaping into an art and craft and science area. We are keeping some materials out all the time and Nate spends a lot of time there. I put up some drying lines on the wall for paintings. I found a bucket caddy for pencils, sticky tape, watercolour paints, and glue that can be used on a daily basis. This has the added bonus of temporarily housing the random pieces of paper with possibly precious creations that are always around this table. God is good to give us the space to have a little table like this that can stay a mess. Later on I hope to get a small lockable cupboard to house craft materials and paint that become unmanageable if the children are allowed to access them at any time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DmgdVw5oMzkOwSGvM7wTGPJ0_AxbS4eliaVgrjAaOGHohg_rAoFoJKuj4_G5tR_kj-E9k7NKlzrpMCRzhoS9Ccdv3Tl5LBnbdLgtlkLlMSsCyzxQ1MlgPHv-j3jaRNv_gZDpeT2bkdc/s1600/P1010030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DmgdVw5oMzkOwSGvM7wTGPJ0_AxbS4eliaVgrjAaOGHohg_rAoFoJKuj4_G5tR_kj-E9k7NKlzrpMCRzhoS9Ccdv3Tl5LBnbdLgtlkLlMSsCyzxQ1MlgPHv-j3jaRNv_gZDpeT2bkdc/s320/P1010030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We are keeping some nature finds on the top shelf. I read the idea of a nature discovery table but realised this would not work in our house if kept out at all times . . . think pieces of coral in beds. So I decided to display the items out of reach and bring them down for specific nature discovery times. The other day Nate painted a watercolour of some of his finds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7DM2X1TpQmKs8SPPgO4NQ7Tb155vPgBxDKuyCnREh9e1satT0FURSPsFiajvcE4rRcLCcz7YAy31T7a_fKsUtcTkKSDoolCMcV_Wp5Mdn0secvAI5TA_CjQL4pQdFbeOdhNCqqEnEGY/s1600/P1010032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7DM2X1TpQmKs8SPPgO4NQ7Tb155vPgBxDKuyCnREh9e1satT0FURSPsFiajvcE4rRcLCcz7YAy31T7a_fKsUtcTkKSDoolCMcV_Wp5Mdn0secvAI5TA_CjQL4pQdFbeOdhNCqqEnEGY/s320/P1010032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Opposite the wall with the piano, bookshelf, etc. is this green wall. We hope to put up a big display board there when we find the right one to finally use some of our posters and create craft displays. Meanwhile the easel is getting more use as there is space to keep it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAaFcj2iQ1uXGhDrZCtsaZgBPdsgzIkRKg4vPIHVnTl3gbMUGiy4WJBJeborYtsEW6gb4XaBeg8L6IyyGxt0YiS_Ygp9ZuSstMsCSbS3IK3OEq_5C9bAtPc5JX_uE3b_qVq4SHqBeTiE/s1600/P1010033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAaFcj2iQ1uXGhDrZCtsaZgBPdsgzIkRKg4vPIHVnTl3gbMUGiy4WJBJeborYtsEW6gb4XaBeg8L6IyyGxt0YiS_Ygp9ZuSstMsCSbS3IK3OEq_5C9bAtPc5JX_uE3b_qVq4SHqBeTiE/s320/P1010033.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In the garden we had the delightful surprise of being given a chicken house. Eventually we hope to turn this corner into a chicken run. We are not quite ready to resume having hens yet though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqIDoI4h94tJFoEPDbB1LMEGK9z0BeMJLkOYMKClQ25GVGy2NbE32Bvztz1f29seuL51T5qyfN637-tixbnIzvnMcX-oC1hQEEye4AeXV1ELAD9aH2IejWiJCOKWD6Mw2tT1ZqjrO6Rs/s1600/P1010034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqIDoI4h94tJFoEPDbB1LMEGK9z0BeMJLkOYMKClQ25GVGy2NbE32Bvztz1f29seuL51T5qyfN637-tixbnIzvnMcX-oC1hQEEye4AeXV1ELAD9aH2IejWiJCOKWD6Mw2tT1ZqjrO6Rs/s320/P1010034.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xVLubl3lQMsEqhM8oslLxbX5cA92JIBABjO4OscjL8aX8D6H0IrbsZGV5eHQaf8HqyHnSOpD6o8bn6jjNH7vx-t8SrhwxrVXoCUYNi2PTi2mzB4HT4QKa_A4M3JYRil0GOb5deWs8OQ/s1600/P1010035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xVLubl3lQMsEqhM8oslLxbX5cA92JIBABjO4OscjL8aX8D6H0IrbsZGV5eHQaf8HqyHnSOpD6o8bn6jjNH7vx-t8SrhwxrVXoCUYNi2PTi2mzB4HT4QKa_A4M3JYRil0GOb5deWs8OQ/s320/P1010035.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally we went to a birthday party with new friends on Sunday. We joked that the children were having "sensory play" in the mud at the Helderberg Nature Reserve. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQV2CLFWon6ubB-gU_50Cb0BtLPxllc_V97Mbewc226tChVTAcZ0QSCrj_0Afd513jQwbtY0-RFmsS9zIkbcTUMLEPKIZgwWBgje3w1r_YipxQGOi8JVGLjEEiO640i4_WzT845OAyJo/s1600/P1010038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQV2CLFWon6ubB-gU_50Cb0BtLPxllc_V97Mbewc226tChVTAcZ0QSCrj_0Afd513jQwbtY0-RFmsS9zIkbcTUMLEPKIZgwWBgje3w1r_YipxQGOi8JVGLjEEiO640i4_WzT845OAyJo/s320/P1010038.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Who needs sensory tables when you can have the joy of painting red clay on banks and trees in nature's playground?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWRQ76_ajezgsQKQkBu4nS8x4V4d_QMkLTKkOtZUTmhCbhVzz739siFhIc6hx5Ny0uqBZxQwRCcQEVEbWGJ5xAa-4cpOw_viaXI8RnJ7SfmVRaG924ZmSMqPTmKs5ckoJL7QAb80G6jA/s1600/P1010036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyWRQ76_ajezgsQKQkBu4nS8x4V4d_QMkLTKkOtZUTmhCbhVzz739siFhIc6hx5Ny0uqBZxQwRCcQEVEbWGJ5xAa-4cpOw_viaXI8RnJ7SfmVRaG924ZmSMqPTmKs5ckoJL7QAb80G6jA/s320/P1010036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-46383378443853985392015-11-09T05:10:00.001+11:002015-11-09T05:10:28.282+11:00Visiting Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrnW-hra7zc5fzAgc0ODDihCp2_eNh4z03X1VPw_fRfnn95UK-eqKpsf97_FY5Vhq4MdNQeIPqvafwn2X7L3kInyzMfcpaq2W7RK9IhslAWYfpafcjzf3TVlnYjzNKIZFLnczPaALgQg/s1600/P1010045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJrnW-hra7zc5fzAgc0ODDihCp2_eNh4z03X1VPw_fRfnn95UK-eqKpsf97_FY5Vhq4MdNQeIPqvafwn2X7L3kInyzMfcpaq2W7RK9IhslAWYfpafcjzf3TVlnYjzNKIZFLnczPaALgQg/s320/P1010045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We loved visiting Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town back in September. The children played for a long time in this little stream which conveniently had a seat near it where we could watch them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNF3vBCZcSamRP8hT8-l9ykprhyphenhyphenzORFCiHChqlyqqIYjScwKl-IJZl2YFKw8liFwIVvasGTuconnOnJXml2JrH69GA_cq_8FRHY6D-pts0TNw1oQOLUqkYcNKV9ZmCriRVcC-f3i4Bb0/s1600/P1010047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNF3vBCZcSamRP8hT8-l9ykprhyphenhyphenzORFCiHChqlyqqIYjScwKl-IJZl2YFKw8liFwIVvasGTuconnOnJXml2JrH69GA_cq_8FRHY6D-pts0TNw1oQOLUqkYcNKV9ZmCriRVcC-f3i4Bb0/s320/P1010047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy loved the "teddy bear" peak.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44yvQazrtf7R9RZgNCzy5yGNeG4XBO2HlNSUrPU_hbHeT7PEiBmnUFWpN0EBla2bvA20Pqi7wCaCJCeGpN9Ma7LYTeJngc2yAwoB-x3C_ESop01fdoMF9Eh7iA9zI7X2v2vQtFYjcFT8/s1600/P1010048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44yvQazrtf7R9RZgNCzy5yGNeG4XBO2HlNSUrPU_hbHeT7PEiBmnUFWpN0EBla2bvA20Pqi7wCaCJCeGpN9Ma7LYTeJngc2yAwoB-x3C_ESop01fdoMF9Eh7iA9zI7X2v2vQtFYjcFT8/s320/P1010048.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
September is a great time to delight in the spring flowers. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UuKHrMp2HN-ldyCmkOCLkiESwwB0Hkr5jKB0KkeGQvry5A_c-sCy-e0boeicoGkIO7DifiDrVHdwVyee3hap90mVXiJnu0ev6avaaS0NZRHHmTqKlgl_JwdTeSZhplSlgbI22Ltl5UY/s1600/P1010050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UuKHrMp2HN-ldyCmkOCLkiESwwB0Hkr5jKB0KkeGQvry5A_c-sCy-e0boeicoGkIO7DifiDrVHdwVyee3hap90mVXiJnu0ev6avaaS0NZRHHmTqKlgl_JwdTeSZhplSlgbI22Ltl5UY/s320/P1010050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
View down to Cape Town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSdF-NPespgZVTYDVcYndtKTcaSP2i9AH6SBUvtz4wA43J1HXYcjtMIm3IClZWPouQ2R84BeOKbvVk9MzbKjsNf_Y5XKSBGkmHyGmoK7cOt8ktdFhId7gtXnqo1Z6KmxmK10H5aK-ixQ/s1600/P1010051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirSdF-NPespgZVTYDVcYndtKTcaSP2i9AH6SBUvtz4wA43J1HXYcjtMIm3IClZWPouQ2R84BeOKbvVk9MzbKjsNf_Y5XKSBGkmHyGmoK7cOt8ktdFhId7gtXnqo1Z6KmxmK10H5aK-ixQ/s320/P1010051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgQ8YprwPxcQHD1s4x3cbGoLCCSZn2wMhVe6T1wiuaETfXc01o2ysa7i0PXLvzZKcEykTRH9PqfFo-NrkHFBtNFrjSBGdlq58V5pR6QSCKjOtIIgqF-3GYh8Zgtd_l44B1JKjzMYj1kA/s1600/P1010057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgQ8YprwPxcQHD1s4x3cbGoLCCSZn2wMhVe6T1wiuaETfXc01o2ysa7i0PXLvzZKcEykTRH9PqfFo-NrkHFBtNFrjSBGdlq58V5pR6QSCKjOtIIgqF-3GYh8Zgtd_l44B1JKjzMYj1kA/s320/P1010057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV_V611hw14nOJRroi01v85DlJhDWJKPCnVl0Sdya2jURgmMjSvNtDUJUKY6rUJix_y5HvIaGS8wGt-e5QX1_wQkjxzwdhGckyV1Kiuy9xU3K7XcVpju7EgoOFk5AKUP1Z4QO2wcy2sc/s1600/P1010058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV_V611hw14nOJRroi01v85DlJhDWJKPCnVl0Sdya2jURgmMjSvNtDUJUKY6rUJix_y5HvIaGS8wGt-e5QX1_wQkjxzwdhGckyV1Kiuy9xU3K7XcVpju7EgoOFk5AKUP1Z4QO2wcy2sc/s320/P1010058.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill really doesn't need a pram anymore but its useful for carrying bags on the handles!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4KIipK4VVwtYz6ui0m2VZ9j9IYIOylzImN67N00PPQaAyZ8dLrTg2O_rtK1nJXaosEyZC6jYx_AfdNohwlNCS9Kcdi89i2hveDROqKHWsIARGs6aFHjhQgck8wIaAjGqsMaV8BItH7I/s1600/P1010059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy4KIipK4VVwtYz6ui0m2VZ9j9IYIOylzImN67N00PPQaAyZ8dLrTg2O_rtK1nJXaosEyZC6jYx_AfdNohwlNCS9Kcdi89i2hveDROqKHWsIARGs6aFHjhQgck8wIaAjGqsMaV8BItH7I/s320/P1010059.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18z6j_8RkjCgc77_avXKl6ITzp0UjzahaHNPle3NH1vz5eJHTW9rT40z63BqY8fRfwftI8mFNYwaBGui7Fn9mdeZboBwF5Uu-LprMhuaet55VnUeZfY6yN8sdDeDEbyYU1x3E8AH6IsI/s1600/P1010052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18z6j_8RkjCgc77_avXKl6ITzp0UjzahaHNPle3NH1vz5eJHTW9rT40z63BqY8fRfwftI8mFNYwaBGui7Fn9mdeZboBwF5Uu-LprMhuaet55VnUeZfY6yN8sdDeDEbyYU1x3E8AH6IsI/s320/P1010052.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQk6H1fhL8GNXmcDWk3kCdRG4pM0ED-to9wx1Mj2WMo_P3bMlaagr4cDywzASCfsGfP1AruY1VqLfOMz1mUogopkUPPDIUXHhplghyphenhyphenUOmjwfa2G_y-7EPz_oYwzitZBw4Z37D3YrdDn4/s1600/P1010054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQk6H1fhL8GNXmcDWk3kCdRG4pM0ED-to9wx1Mj2WMo_P3bMlaagr4cDywzASCfsGfP1AruY1VqLfOMz1mUogopkUPPDIUXHhplghyphenhyphenUOmjwfa2G_y-7EPz_oYwzitZBw4Z37D3YrdDn4/s320/P1010054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R3rePa31YE83tbSaTSGQHwTfvIfU8cvyfar1LydQSurHOQGPlP3F7FwDbow58Xm_KRxk_dQUEWFb8yY02IC1VZadnJvc5YsS4qSYUwpDdzSd6pgrvhJgvbZj1303O_X4V-b4Ei9WApY/s1600/P1010042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R3rePa31YE83tbSaTSGQHwTfvIfU8cvyfar1LydQSurHOQGPlP3F7FwDbow58Xm_KRxk_dQUEWFb8yY02IC1VZadnJvc5YsS4qSYUwpDdzSd6pgrvhJgvbZj1303O_X4V-b4Ei9WApY/s320/P1010042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Since then we've been on several more outings, tamed some of the chaos of moving house, completed many weeks of our curriculum, navigated our new suburb, found places to love in our new garden, shared the news that we are expecting our fourth baby in April, and seen Dave complete his first semester of lecturing. I can hardly believe it is November already. These are productive, busy, exhausting days.Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-19908322825846837312015-08-24T04:26:00.001+10:002015-08-24T15:58:05.849+10:00iSonto #70<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">This is our last Sunday living here in the town of Stellenbosch in furnished accommodation. We found it too expensive to buy here so we are moving to a home in a nearby town a bit less than 18 km from Dave's work at the University of Stellenbosch. Our moving day is this Tuesday! It is going to be great to have our own yard and space again with our furniture and possessions. The town we are moving to is also lovely. It is called Somerset West and is close to both the beaches and the mountains. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Here are some pictures we have taken on a few recent weekend outings. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCKVXkCCRc0bSo8MakJTeE0l6PgZGuEo11Yb08xTjDJ2mVSXYnaBtIHLSOSczrs1VdpoweyD5mAF9htNELUGqvzeYVxdTACXxb-oQQePnU111Li-V87EBKA0L2yuoDTOBk_4rN-GhbB4/s1600/P1010162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCKVXkCCRc0bSo8MakJTeE0l6PgZGuEo11Yb08xTjDJ2mVSXYnaBtIHLSOSczrs1VdpoweyD5mAF9htNELUGqvzeYVxdTACXxb-oQQePnU111Li-V87EBKA0L2yuoDTOBk_4rN-GhbB4/s320/P1010162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Here we are in Franschhoek, a sweet town about 37 km from Stellenbosch. We had a delightful afternoon here looking at the river, having a picnic, walking around the museums, and learning more about the Huguenot Christians who fled persecution and founded the town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4DefTIkcOBzrjWiNq2qGmFXHz_n0PLBFRd5dSYETKy0_n-XF1VMd73NEbqrl7JuVuFrvcAWGMUZGTFcJl16omeQVN4Jo6HOm3RHBirQiwg13XdmvEusaeYMfOuED2VS1vcQPMaIahMg/s1600/P1010163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4DefTIkcOBzrjWiNq2qGmFXHz_n0PLBFRd5dSYETKy0_n-XF1VMd73NEbqrl7JuVuFrvcAWGMUZGTFcJl16omeQVN4Jo6HOm3RHBirQiwg13XdmvEusaeYMfOuED2VS1vcQPMaIahMg/s320/P1010163.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We loved the Huguenot memorial which expresses the trinity in the three arches and the sun and cross emblem of the Huguenots on the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbcQh7zJOeqO1McYEkqSGwp3tevEqljWGzi79agezsYAVO_dU26w3h2Lyj9ke4wUJT7k9G30iah6jm9-WvJGgiSHLtmqVk0dEvCSmRjPyiDmgvmAcVhBuT7wh-Y8uwJSCPktNjsrXG8Q/s1600/P1010168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCbcQh7zJOeqO1McYEkqSGwp3tevEqljWGzi79agezsYAVO_dU26w3h2Lyj9ke4wUJT7k9G30iah6jm9-WvJGgiSHLtmqVk0dEvCSmRjPyiDmgvmAcVhBuT7wh-Y8uwJSCPktNjsrXG8Q/s320/P1010168.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Another week we went to the beautiful Paarl Mountain Reserve. We happened upon this by accident and it quickly became a favourite. One little boy loved paddling in the stream . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkpG24MtL1qA3lFxaB3mJFumTUeo6bcThNsyPpq0eWyLbszC_Ei7fsTvT-F9Kf4x98E_aULoPsUWCvrEPk8lROZoy3a4ry-Bq-nc-Kj3tJSxfkxzQDAuKJz5ZYxUBDzaD4TuIAUvY9Hg/s1600/P1010177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkpG24MtL1qA3lFxaB3mJFumTUeo6bcThNsyPpq0eWyLbszC_Ei7fsTvT-F9Kf4x98E_aULoPsUWCvrEPk8lROZoy3a4ry-Bq-nc-Kj3tJSxfkxzQDAuKJz5ZYxUBDzaD4TuIAUvY9Hg/s320/P1010177.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It is free and has spectacular views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFXn6rQzS1vehaUbtu_ONBKFUoMYKaKn9yrwgJbWT-nhb02B0HHig1eM_Cyrf3gkUCadsDsQPNaY_4B8d8QoNNxOaIcRauISRajM72JDq1bmechsh2W4Shp3LpfRz44hJW_xfIe5TP8A/s1600/P1010169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFXn6rQzS1vehaUbtu_ONBKFUoMYKaKn9yrwgJbWT-nhb02B0HHig1eM_Cyrf3gkUCadsDsQPNaY_4B8d8QoNNxOaIcRauISRajM72JDq1bmechsh2W4Shp3LpfRz44hJW_xfIe5TP8A/s320/P1010169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The children were very excited to learn that this mountain once had a lava flow coming from it. Dave told them it was now an extinct volcano. Nate responded to this with disbelief because he wanted there to be a chance it was dormant and would erupt! Mercy also responded with disbelief but for the opposite reason. She thought it was dormant and was terrified that it would erupt! Mercy wanted to go home after hearing that it used to be a volcano.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxv5-iwJ59x9aC9XUp8pFRpsPfHLl_jkzw3mtWQJEGY9b9QNwNVfb24K7vBi9uU9CffPqULAvgJ9zT3JQB_CeLoSOvC2RAcEXuKcPp1FjoNmi2OWs6Y5LxrM7m6MvOHb3nWJk3yzorfA/s1600/P1010171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxv5-iwJ59x9aC9XUp8pFRpsPfHLl_jkzw3mtWQJEGY9b9QNwNVfb24K7vBi9uU9CffPqULAvgJ9zT3JQB_CeLoSOvC2RAcEXuKcPp1FjoNmi2OWs6Y5LxrM7m6MvOHb3nWJk3yzorfA/s320/P1010171.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another fun outing (on a colder and windier day) was to the Giraffe House. We saw lots of fun animals. My favourites were the cats. Mercy loved the flamingos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Omg0MUvXsKzzaxmNJv277BMR8miygxRNGGikXsXgr-YjbJYEO6VQKYKe7Z6gqMC16wvQ1GetGflPvsoNVhLIHGt6kgKC748CpCUBhQHVf9BXRhn54WPyX4b7bOGKkeMOzPGeF8wjmp0/s1600/P1010185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Omg0MUvXsKzzaxmNJv277BMR8miygxRNGGikXsXgr-YjbJYEO6VQKYKe7Z6gqMC16wvQ1GetGflPvsoNVhLIHGt6kgKC748CpCUBhQHVf9BXRhn54WPyX4b7bOGKkeMOzPGeF8wjmp0/s320/P1010185.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is the serval cat in the background, a truly spectacular animal with both spots and stripes. There were also caracals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3vQYjYvarpMXKYku7K6zS1Y8sHjJi_Y1XrzOXIgeBjvJ0llVI2S3TxSWMuK4bWRgjK7Vz5aYRDBNur1S3shQJN0WAqAOYcYYF3sjO4GdrUtyVoSMC6OpZrN2po2v5lFJ9N4KJCjAbzU/s1600/P1010186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3vQYjYvarpMXKYku7K6zS1Y8sHjJi_Y1XrzOXIgeBjvJ0llVI2S3TxSWMuK4bWRgjK7Vz5aYRDBNur1S3shQJN0WAqAOYcYYF3sjO4GdrUtyVoSMC6OpZrN2po2v5lFJ9N4KJCjAbzU/s320/P1010186.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mercy loved feeding the goats and spent a lot of time doing that.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hUeVTgR0zqFTNkNrYUVNHYLjtf2WEAENDvv9IZ_-w_jRAEUqZfjooC6QIneu4TYOpitNVwGLf1LXl1xv42AxUVr45XrjKAEyeLi6NYMEGr80Yue-UYfWSP8mF_krpjqUWA8k-jgOxMw/s1600/P1010193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hUeVTgR0zqFTNkNrYUVNHYLjtf2WEAENDvv9IZ_-w_jRAEUqZfjooC6QIneu4TYOpitNVwGLf1LXl1xv42AxUVr45XrjKAEyeLi6NYMEGr80Yue-UYfWSP8mF_krpjqUWA8k-jgOxMw/s320/P1010193.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This trip was for our "family celebration" where we celebrate our wedding anniversary with the children. Here we are opening small gifts on that morning. We celebrated with them on the 15th of August.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_jd96rrV5NywIXUUc5NviDquM2Gt5hTSpDd5m9Z7YlhDC_2cqVxbsaKaEYyv9rxNZnepj_uH-OgoFLDLsZWxrtFtjoPYVdNJqVHR-DuMuYMwSLVgLHmV32tyNZAdn6M8dGGTIV4bQ84/s1600/P1010184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_jd96rrV5NywIXUUc5NviDquM2Gt5hTSpDd5m9Z7YlhDC_2cqVxbsaKaEYyv9rxNZnepj_uH-OgoFLDLsZWxrtFtjoPYVdNJqVHR-DuMuYMwSLVgLHmV32tyNZAdn6M8dGGTIV4bQ84/s320/P1010184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dave and I also went out alone on the 18th, our anniversary, for a lovely dinner.<br />
<br />
Moving overseas with a family is in some ways easier than alone because you have some of your best friends moving with you!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-39215656052532834662015-07-27T05:17:00.001+10:002015-07-27T05:17:42.798+10:00iSonto #69<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA3H-ce0DFq87RQmDXJq1e58jtz7flaho1sPJK0sB0bhOLasWklVSKze4XdKhX01Js2CBt22hkwAvxhpij6NdLSGIeJ0u6gBwJp0VXwHivrE0zEpswQdE1V0vgVvT0if7-8VkeTf0eSM/s1600/P1010076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA3H-ce0DFq87RQmDXJq1e58jtz7flaho1sPJK0sB0bhOLasWklVSKze4XdKhX01Js2CBt22hkwAvxhpij6NdLSGIeJ0u6gBwJp0VXwHivrE0zEpswQdE1V0vgVvT0if7-8VkeTf0eSM/s200/P1010076.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
In life we meet times where things remain the same for weeks on end, and other times where life is in tumult of newness. Four weeks into our adventure of living in South Africa, we are definitely in a tumult stage! The children are loving the dog, Amber, where we are staying in central Stellenbosch. We are upstairs in a furnished flat and need to open two gates to get to the yard pictured above. Amber is the sweetest and most child-friendly dog you can imagine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuWxFtWKeLbZBAYWK1KbRS9fYBjlJ5iiWU1W99xvgwIcn-4-HeTCcUInyPTLMhphwcSDP88PzcfakbRSo1eCiF6XgUZS4zPdP77Cs7Bv0lbZh-B15IhY7xRMvoLEvSoP332bLtiWv1Ug/s1600/P1010061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuWxFtWKeLbZBAYWK1KbRS9fYBjlJ5iiWU1W99xvgwIcn-4-HeTCcUInyPTLMhphwcSDP88PzcfakbRSo1eCiF6XgUZS4zPdP77Cs7Bv0lbZh-B15IhY7xRMvoLEvSoP332bLtiWv1Ug/s320/P1010061.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We're also very grateful for the parks within walking distance of our "home".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsfYlWhEhf6Z1w4C7fWC42PKJtwVOMAwxyJNTy3ZB15aCpKYLbfbbZvIh1Tn5oxFK8r1oiEclS_XVLxvBD-oPbw8OJdyHMlxN3ydVBYZs0S8Toi4Pc0WhPYNFZ9DQnUTvda5_WJ3AEvQ/s1600/P1010114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsfYlWhEhf6Z1w4C7fWC42PKJtwVOMAwxyJNTy3ZB15aCpKYLbfbbZvIh1Tn5oxFK8r1oiEclS_XVLxvBD-oPbw8OJdyHMlxN3ydVBYZs0S8Toi4Pc0WhPYNFZ9DQnUTvda5_WJ3AEvQ/s320/P1010114.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We have had some incredibly summery weather as well as some cold days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2Di6a0pIbTnmJFeawVKhB22vgEeU0gXbc3xx_1vsAQ-pcGDsMHP0KpnWUPmO0yBWjc7yW8fc2E4lwP9149lIqYRlvV2Vkg3Eanngg87zHX2EKiypFXWXB6J09Kn4rYFEVpK-nRwK-ck/s1600/P1010095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2Di6a0pIbTnmJFeawVKhB22vgEeU0gXbc3xx_1vsAQ-pcGDsMHP0KpnWUPmO0yBWjc7yW8fc2E4lwP9149lIqYRlvV2Vkg3Eanngg87zHX2EKiypFXWXB6J09Kn4rYFEVpK-nRwK-ck/s320/P1010095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All three children like to climb trees at the river park . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxAIzzCc2-sUgGph1JbVuRpJqfjH0mQ0nhrn_n8Phsx3iNx5ZfnAe3WIjp7U9lI3AEBlyJrTwqloZZxxhX2KfGgbtv7j1Aqt90aL2Dq0mVcqoHYEsVjHbAkAkDUvUE41vxEIinh4cBc4/s1600/P1010099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxAIzzCc2-sUgGph1JbVuRpJqfjH0mQ0nhrn_n8Phsx3iNx5ZfnAe3WIjp7U9lI3AEBlyJrTwqloZZxxhX2KfGgbtv7j1Aqt90aL2Dq0mVcqoHYEsVjHbAkAkDUvUE41vxEIinh4cBc4/s320/P1010099.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Ride choo choo . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPefazpvpEqn3fZ10Bvl47hBU1ioLmedyi65M_UdQWwWeG6YVz4arCdBaz2kZHelJEmAKBj8mqdsaTkDg38JpoRvuQA41uQn_wSJxnqk0xmuiY5DgVpavZU9oGfUTeEqJMcLz0Eoyf3o/s1600/P1010087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPefazpvpEqn3fZ10Bvl47hBU1ioLmedyi65M_UdQWwWeG6YVz4arCdBaz2kZHelJEmAKBj8mqdsaTkDg38JpoRvuQA41uQn_wSJxnqk0xmuiY5DgVpavZU9oGfUTeEqJMcLz0Eoyf3o/s320/P1010087.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8hnp5eT05jw-Xt_yKWB9S0VHzh77tBbisRDS-sVE8zCxWvDddSzNCHL_UcmsCBIV32W7DZDdc3i4nBDA76X_M75YnIurAJKrX5mVrp4HCQRoq92N9X4Ue-xjoTK0dsOLFZeQE8pcj7o/s1600/P1010088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8hnp5eT05jw-Xt_yKWB9S0VHzh77tBbisRDS-sVE8zCxWvDddSzNCHL_UcmsCBIV32W7DZDdc3i4nBDA76X_M75YnIurAJKrX5mVrp4HCQRoq92N9X4Ue-xjoTK0dsOLFZeQE8pcj7o/s320/P1010088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Watch the river . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8HP_Tg-hNBl4XBvHkHha7o9H03GZD3O_tMEVzlv-WPB01N_WO-_-Fz7QCmCQEdeAzk_5MpnhSkw4Xgh6bw3QhXHmtf2C2as1YicddBCEuLl1ASQo5Kc7BcxMesa1eaXWttbYLrU-2Fg/s1600/P1010093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8HP_Tg-hNBl4XBvHkHha7o9H03GZD3O_tMEVzlv-WPB01N_WO-_-Fz7QCmCQEdeAzk_5MpnhSkw4Xgh6bw3QhXHmtf2C2as1YicddBCEuLl1ASQo5Kc7BcxMesa1eaXWttbYLrU-2Fg/s320/P1010093.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1uzI7IIE27BXxouJTR4zD2tvGIHRXsMZ7Urw1QCM7U4r_qWJ04Z4rY-uBl0k8xbnZCVED1_skouqjZbWgQ0YaBllascp67B1HlYVIG6I2D1-_3RJyHm1qlaMiI5v2Wt9cCVmeq37NCg/s1600/P1010136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN1uzI7IIE27BXxouJTR4zD2tvGIHRXsMZ7Urw1QCM7U4r_qWJ04Z4rY-uBl0k8xbnZCVED1_skouqjZbWgQ0YaBllascp67B1HlYVIG6I2D1-_3RJyHm1qlaMiI5v2Wt9cCVmeq37NCg/s320/P1010136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For the first three weeks I was solely walking with them during the day, going for two trips a day to local parks. We were grateful that when Dave was home on evenings and weekends we could travel in the hire car his work provided. Now we have bought the great car pictured above. It was great that it cost less than we had planned to spend, because the house we've bought is going to cost more than we were planning to spend :)! Our new car has room for grandparents or other children, with seven seats. It is a nine year old Volvo. I am taking the children to homeschool activities in it now term has started, and we are currently within walking distance of Dave's work. When we buy our house and move further away, Dave will car pool some days so I can use it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K2fMzwoMv36ovLdhwQaaPdYI_74aENRzLDBFMQ_uJUTWBiYjB6B88MLpFdJwRo_ncZ7Dk93JshpGvd7kc2WAoV11nQudt2l50M4u8nxE6c4Pk1Uyv4OfycbZ8NDOsR020Evd3SQ3CgM/s1600/P1010117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8K2fMzwoMv36ovLdhwQaaPdYI_74aENRzLDBFMQ_uJUTWBiYjB6B88MLpFdJwRo_ncZ7Dk93JshpGvd7kc2WAoV11nQudt2l50M4u8nxE6c4Pk1Uyv4OfycbZ8NDOsR020Evd3SQ3CgM/s320/P1010117.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dr David Drew is pictured here outside his giant office. Its a good thing he has some space to be quiet there, because it sure is busy when he gets home! Work is also very busy though as he tries to get used to lecturing students as well as continuing research.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4w5K8NLxJNG5DMmbp4kUEykBW5c7ik3VnAze9gbxDXn7ozc7QMV5sDsljjeJsFC8ZTeFfXV6iGLdX8qn0sTJ8qz9qEHdreQIjUJi0ANYFyeiVIqYHZaNXiYee5mRAvwiveWCTBoalAc/s1600/P1010121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4w5K8NLxJNG5DMmbp4kUEykBW5c7ik3VnAze9gbxDXn7ozc7QMV5sDsljjeJsFC8ZTeFfXV6iGLdX8qn0sTJ8qz9qEHdreQIjUJi0ANYFyeiVIqYHZaNXiYee5mRAvwiveWCTBoalAc/s320/P1010121.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Education continues apace and we had a week of child-led volcano obession. It culminated in buying a volcano making kit at the homeschool entrepeneur day. The river park was the location of the explosion, made up of food colouring, bicarb soda and spirit vinegar.<br />
<br />
We've seen so many blessings in these first weeks, but also a lot of strain as we've had to get over jet lag, parent disorientated children, navigate new places & shops & laws, deal with homesickness, and make huge decisions, all at the same time. Dave was working on scientific projects up until the week we left, and started his new work only a few days after we arrived.<br />
<br />
We've found plugging into church life immediately invaluable. Besides being a child of God, nothing beats being part or the family of God and having that familiar shared focus with Christians all over the world. Going to church even when we felt dreadful has had big benefits for us. Its also been great to meet up with relatives here, and have dinner with work collegues.<br />
<br />
As always, being thankful helps so here's a little thank you list from our day today:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Still awake when Mercy had a night terror so didn't get wrenched out of bed</li>
<li>Mercy loving to throw a ball to Max, Dave's uncle's dog.</li>
<li>A big green space with children's climbing frame within walking distance of the house we are buying</li>
<li>Tumble drier keeps our few clothes rotating nicely! </li>
<li>Meeting a lady at church who had great faith in the face her child being born ill and passing away at the age of one</li>
<li>Mercy throwing a ball with some people we met at church</li>
<li>William laughing at the dogs</li>
<li>Nate getting dressed without being asked</li>
<li>William saying "thank you Jesus" when he picked up a piece of apple</li>
</ul>
<div>
Thanks for all those who are keeping in touch with us and my goal is to reply to every one of you! It may just take some time as we still have lots of papers to sort out and more. God bless. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-63602938037864355802015-06-14T21:20:00.000+10:002015-06-14T21:20:09.103+10:00iSonto #68 Way back in late April we went on a wonderful autumn ramble to the Salmon Ponds! Here are the pictures. We had a rare take away lunch of pies from "The Cheeky Little Place" in New Norfolk which has lovely quality food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5RU7Br9EORd8Xtl5IfLKNn_nBLg-LZvqZNRnCTRAdEvEG0a_vLC6wTULo2d7SN8ndcvue2UAtiXEY0DBx3UohRVhvhgh7pSuacRwfrdKn3u8ofhgsi-Vy5Fxs5RrHzT6K0GmhN8lgjA/s1600/P4220202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5RU7Br9EORd8Xtl5IfLKNn_nBLg-LZvqZNRnCTRAdEvEG0a_vLC6wTULo2d7SN8ndcvue2UAtiXEY0DBx3UohRVhvhgh7pSuacRwfrdKn3u8ofhgsi-Vy5Fxs5RrHzT6K0GmhN8lgjA/s320/P4220202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A huge highlight of our visit to the Salmon Ponds was the appearance of a platypus who delighted in swimming up and down by the side of one of the ponds. Incredible! My best ever platypus sighting and we stood and looked at him/her for a long time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wipwcFD1zLM0HgHtxn7FkDl9yqk03SOcrF_LVclZJMSJRGqUzyTFssXteKgbejNEP2gwTmfRDqODk4YVkMjMMhSJR0nMW8xCqSof53nXTrmJ_nEmEbTMe25SuP8r8BHH6Z6RPgbZO34/s1600/P4220206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wipwcFD1zLM0HgHtxn7FkDl9yqk03SOcrF_LVclZJMSJRGqUzyTFssXteKgbejNEP2gwTmfRDqODk4YVkMjMMhSJR0nMW8xCqSof53nXTrmJ_nEmEbTMe25SuP8r8BHH6Z6RPgbZO34/s320/P4220206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the day before negotiations finished on Dave's job offer at the University of Stellenbosch. This was a challenging time for us with lots of decisions to make, so it was a great time to take a few hours off and get some perspective.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkwun4p5MObvWQhKTzldxxdpN_bcud9Ib3hPoAxq2jcYRxSZFj6oQVgJLjpy8HIhaOubCHwxis_05MITB3g7rWL0aAdtCpGOJaA3NXOh1UvHP-OsVHLq9ZpDJVvwZLZ5AsOErOkdJpzg/s1600/P4220212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkwun4p5MObvWQhKTzldxxdpN_bcud9Ib3hPoAxq2jcYRxSZFj6oQVgJLjpy8HIhaOubCHwxis_05MITB3g7rWL0aAdtCpGOJaA3NXOh1UvHP-OsVHLq9ZpDJVvwZLZ5AsOErOkdJpzg/s320/P4220212.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Dave emded up getting an appropriate offer so we are now off to Stellenbosch in South Africa next week, only nine weeks after accepting the offer! Its been a super quick move to organise. This will be my last iSonto from our little house in Southern Tasmania. Our removals occur this week and then we fly out the following week. Interspersed with the following photos are thanksgivings I've jotted down over the past month and more. We have heaps to praise God for as we've already overcome so many hurdles, including visas, air flights, removals date, the sale of our car, and home maintenace.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqGlYcM69HUog36a5ELdZidaKUZlPw2Nn8AL_M03Ol5cZ2tlbrl8t3Fq7VDyZcZS0UMnTy22yF3n3zODkVC7-CrHFm7FGpxf9qlq_mbov_ePMar911YBJ-PD5s7hMfBOHRatsdfH16iA/s1600/P4220244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLqGlYcM69HUog36a5ELdZidaKUZlPw2Nn8AL_M03Ol5cZ2tlbrl8t3Fq7VDyZcZS0UMnTy22yF3n3zODkVC7-CrHFm7FGpxf9qlq_mbov_ePMar911YBJ-PD5s7hMfBOHRatsdfH16iA/s320/P4220244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Pausing longer to look at insects due to my fascinated company!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Lying in sun on our bed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Autumn sunny house bliss</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Mercy curled up listening to Curious George on headphones</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Perfect way to remember our Kingston home</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Weeding sunny garden beds</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Raised garden beds</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Ability to read</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Picking fresh lettuce</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Panadol!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Nate compliance with school work today</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
60 percent of our family have South African citizenship therefore no immigration issues for them!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Dave vacuums for me</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Walking the beach at sunrise</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
A beach driving distance of where we are moving</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Relaxing "date" evening with Dave and no interruptions</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uX8I9vtbSF66v7bJV4B1qfd8Ad7hxfILKma9GfK-eBw_l2Ig22TqZ8vKskHXEM0xfy9v-FqL5fxCb48cgIDXp0sE3CC1L6AhF_zADI19-9rMzd1WW2SzNt04iG3H3k27Pzisqim1kzg/s1600/P4220234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uX8I9vtbSF66v7bJV4B1qfd8Ad7hxfILKma9GfK-eBw_l2Ig22TqZ8vKskHXEM0xfy9v-FqL5fxCb48cgIDXp0sE3CC1L6AhF_zADI19-9rMzd1WW2SzNt04iG3H3k27Pzisqim1kzg/s320/P4220234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Mercy and Nate making their own friends</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Able to read a long story without sore throat</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Old silicon removed from bath tub</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Time to do this</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Driving amongst autumn colour in sandy bay</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Shopping in quiet on my own</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Children behaved while I got moving quotes plus helped someone catch our chickens</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Happy new home for chickens</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVJ4CslDJRMyGgo90pxeMC81KqDa1wxPYQHcC2fqQ5UmIQnQvLbrTaW_G5p0GHtn8H29HxTDvMzbQr6kDu-SiPxAZm7vnhLp_8YSV80cbq1KCxcSPNAH4IDrNSoecWepSUfuSCkJoywo/s1600/P4220238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVJ4CslDJRMyGgo90pxeMC81KqDa1wxPYQHcC2fqQ5UmIQnQvLbrTaW_G5p0GHtn8H29HxTDvMzbQr6kDu-SiPxAZm7vnhLp_8YSV80cbq1KCxcSPNAH4IDrNSoecWepSUfuSCkJoywo/s320/P4220238.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Nate adjusting well to gym</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Good physio session despite being in lots of pain beforehand</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Watching sunrise</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Have medical certificates</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Money for Canberra flight</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
iPod to listen to Anne of the island</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Gym sooooo much easier than last year!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Mercy playing confidently a whole gym distance away</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnE223fpXCTrPa3iAA8R3uoSt5YO3Q4zgtOiieh2C2IFLgwhyphenhyphen5ADcArImJW6pWhb8EqIwmYRUvWzuLDb0_GslXFUlGLUMsenaQgdx0Vu2ta2TBpBvHLdOQYQhJ-poJTqNukKom5s6C5M/s1600/P4220223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnE223fpXCTrPa3iAA8R3uoSt5YO3Q4zgtOiieh2C2IFLgwhyphenhyphen5ADcArImJW6pWhb8EqIwmYRUvWzuLDb0_GslXFUlGLUMsenaQgdx0Vu2ta2TBpBvHLdOQYQhJ-poJTqNukKom5s6C5M/s320/P4220223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Moments to calm down</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Waves crashing on shore</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Positive party for Nate</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Managed to shop, prepare cake, wrap pass the parcel, make pin tail on dog game, tidy house </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Dave helped prepare food</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Cherished last cousin party before we go</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Mercy said children aren't trouble they are a joy they give cuddles and they play, when told robbers didn't want children as they thought they would be trouble!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3UTdhjde60LWGFDti3YYQyVJHhA0UcwKlhNHdKnuyZzhPtl3J907ci_DRhX6415OLMuMMR1MsZ8i7N8ZGjh3aVOGi5NBWOveRwYbA_YHhNwgHyo0lwQeCDm_0IINYQAs1R0PSFBwn84/s1600/P4220249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3UTdhjde60LWGFDti3YYQyVJHhA0UcwKlhNHdKnuyZzhPtl3J907ci_DRhX6415OLMuMMR1MsZ8i7N8ZGjh3aVOGi5NBWOveRwYbA_YHhNwgHyo0lwQeCDm_0IINYQAs1R0PSFBwn84/s320/P4220249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Greek salad to see me through paper work</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Warm restaurant to work in</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Slept all night 9/05</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Home made muesli</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Friends and family to celebrate with and who carefully select gifts</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Nate delighted with remote control car</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Broom to clean floor!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_It2tOvcZAhyHKxLAxpTa1uC0fSB0NVVxrCKtU7wXyRr0e8tqrIUIv0WIx9vQ4rNmbv7z5OQRNEmwJ4SNBZBMa9vd2sW_9esmPqpOi4sg44HULQDXsp5yRJ466qb6w_U3QEXErlVQF4/s1600/P4220252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_It2tOvcZAhyHKxLAxpTa1uC0fSB0NVVxrCKtU7wXyRr0e8tqrIUIv0WIx9vQ4rNmbv7z5OQRNEmwJ4SNBZBMa9vd2sW_9esmPqpOi4sg44HULQDXsp5yRJ466qb6w_U3QEXErlVQF4/s320/P4220252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Dave cooked beautiful curry dinner </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
New perfectly working lock on front door</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Warm car to drive in</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Early morning cuddles in front of heat pump. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Mercy recounting our faith stories: You cried out to God for a husband and children and he gave them, I will pray for children when I am a lady</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Mild day for party</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Hot bath</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2uuxl5apaeIpdiDttbFNVBjLrXjBjbRG9f84J4MvS7Djai-Xa66Pi8a-mH7lQth-8kefgNEj_6ceOV8JM6R6hH2LyyWgz2Tlwn4g7vODlgnDeSOE-utVWAl5N12Foy1xqnoN66SPW3k/s1600/P4220211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin2uuxl5apaeIpdiDttbFNVBjLrXjBjbRG9f84J4MvS7Djai-Xa66Pi8a-mH7lQth-8kefgNEj_6ceOV8JM6R6hH2LyyWgz2Tlwn4g7vODlgnDeSOE-utVWAl5N12Foy1xqnoN66SPW3k/s320/P4220211.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9fnBtZok23SX7OEYBr9DqJs4ER5voWys9PGUgWfHewf2zRozwF23USwm5fzLcMtTxqschhB9iSu8QOO2JpaomOMnYzk-czKLhtObr2MvB3fYvSgSSnZVt_Ur1_LAdWM0DVkWuWl3Up4/s1600/P4220253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9fnBtZok23SX7OEYBr9DqJs4ER5voWys9PGUgWfHewf2zRozwF23USwm5fzLcMtTxqschhB9iSu8QOO2JpaomOMnYzk-czKLhtObr2MvB3fYvSgSSnZVt_Ur1_LAdWM0DVkWuWl3Up4/s320/P4220253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Children played happily outside for hours!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Sunshine on washing</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Nate learning addition from iPod game</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Made lunch peacefully</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Did washing peacefully</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Played balloon ball with both m and e</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Seeing war memorial from taxi at least!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Packed my own delicious lunch</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Cloakrooms for back pack</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Being on parliament roof and seeing Canberra layout</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Privilege of exploring old and new Parliament House </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Looking at books, shops and exhibits in my own time!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Wandering to my own pace!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Found Perfect picture books for children as we move</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Stack of certified documents and finance documents for visa applications equals incredible privilege</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Able to share nibbles for after church</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Dave made hommus</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Children played well with others after church</div>
Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-17498605823759787762015-04-26T20:14:00.000+10:002015-04-26T20:14:01.115+10:00iSonto #67<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few pictures of things we have done during April. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpingCGjSUWYtfrudWor4d0DF8xbt2svt6r1Ba6jlw3N8Umc3dUL314hBNLWKi6ZfK1Yt4gN_ayl2D_ww5aCQMhWnv71qJmmsjoigQYMHXezuP0WycsrIHqN-kIIIoMRI1gHrUhmUIc/s1600/P4160192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkpingCGjSUWYtfrudWor4d0DF8xbt2svt6r1Ba6jlw3N8Umc3dUL314hBNLWKi6ZfK1Yt4gN_ayl2D_ww5aCQMhWnv71qJmmsjoigQYMHXezuP0WycsrIHqN-kIIIoMRI1gHrUhmUIc/s1600/P4160192.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate spontaneously began to make letters out of leaves!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA6xWbHpOOXgtQV0sXXIMtJfp91x-44ZYofwhxcaMBJJbuK4jZFEnwFKwod8PtQ1sTwpfr34aPDDJaUHOOXuXQald6roXcUjwL6R3QwHGi0QrPxRenIcNrWtVHkqGjQhGtH_KPRkwHQM/s1600/P3310146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGA6xWbHpOOXgtQV0sXXIMtJfp91x-44ZYofwhxcaMBJJbuK4jZFEnwFKwod8PtQ1sTwpfr34aPDDJaUHOOXuXQald6roXcUjwL6R3QwHGi0QrPxRenIcNrWtVHkqGjQhGtH_KPRkwHQM/s1600/P3310146.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We made salt dough creations. Mercy is painting a dinosaur and Nate a mound that we used at Easter to represent Jesus death and resurrection. The mound has a hole in the side of it for the tomb and place for a cross to stand up at the top. We use a little pipe cleaner person to represent Jesus' death and resurrection. The pipe cleaner person remains in the grave from Friday to Sunday but on Sunday morning the grave is empty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia16O7kMvaMTWkzDUGS1gBi2mvy-36RCeFTCM2R7-aRBQyJ9iIQ5rZUMmHQj6aI93B5KtJdZA3YgdyQdfOuYkGh-OtEWUBWXNwqGa3FnFCftXeCD0WJVwvyi0ugwpJXFmpIuEX1f4vo9o/s1600/P4060149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia16O7kMvaMTWkzDUGS1gBi2mvy-36RCeFTCM2R7-aRBQyJ9iIQ5rZUMmHQj6aI93B5KtJdZA3YgdyQdfOuYkGh-OtEWUBWXNwqGa3FnFCftXeCD0WJVwvyi0ugwpJXFmpIuEX1f4vo9o/s1600/P4060149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We enjoyed cousin time during the school holidays. One activity we did was alligators with a special paint technique using bubble wrap to make spots. Meanwhile Bill covered himself with paint!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIajP33misx2thuoifW-fcxWtFkE7rCcry_4GoxkVLPTHL-zQRnNoBFI5Xr578OweOeScjfRVqb1kNYJhyphenhyphenSY4cy7N2uPuhFkcS9OLLlNT8IvcMxJz1R1E1QEp1QqPWWJATgjKNoVodek/s1600/P4060150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIajP33misx2thuoifW-fcxWtFkE7rCcry_4GoxkVLPTHL-zQRnNoBFI5Xr578OweOeScjfRVqb1kNYJhyphenhyphenSY4cy7N2uPuhFkcS9OLLlNT8IvcMxJz1R1E1QEp1QqPWWJATgjKNoVodek/s1600/P4060150.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He gave himself a green eye :).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwuOel9XYEU_F2n30dE8O4DhysmTax_MyIvrndQh9tq5NFS5HYWdGYqxRyowkE7y9Rp8X-cVGpVQREMI4X0aef7WM4QDNPKpEsunleKeXCIIOb40JmFaMo67DKgxPAQWY76rd30652Bc/s1600/P4060151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwuOel9XYEU_F2n30dE8O4DhysmTax_MyIvrndQh9tq5NFS5HYWdGYqxRyowkE7y9Rp8X-cVGpVQREMI4X0aef7WM4QDNPKpEsunleKeXCIIOb40JmFaMo67DKgxPAQWY76rd30652Bc/s1600/P4060151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One day I was happy to discover that Nate had made a 0 -5 block creation. He had found the correct numbers and lined up block creations to demonstrate the numbers. This is what I imagined him doing with the blocks when I bough them a couple of years ago!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWTIP6kYL-nf_f6dzkLyV7tvsrxpfgtHzyd7ZxZWacpGJRLUbEe6ovNtiJmt1N0U80521UxgFLvdo19dGqq7o3dAgITf5Grs38ZF6GK6i9PqMUnuqm8gXeSpj4qfNFjRD-QbcJx8k1Co/s1600/P4040148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWTIP6kYL-nf_f6dzkLyV7tvsrxpfgtHzyd7ZxZWacpGJRLUbEe6ovNtiJmt1N0U80521UxgFLvdo19dGqq7o3dAgITf5Grs38ZF6GK6i9PqMUnuqm8gXeSpj4qfNFjRD-QbcJx8k1Co/s1600/P4040148.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Some thankful thoughts I jotted into my ipod this week:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Praying in rain misted car</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Seeing sunrise</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Warm bed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Promises of God</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Knowing my Heavenly Father</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Warm shower </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Family Autumn ramble to anticipate! </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Flexibility to do this.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Courteous driver let me in</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
More courteous drivers!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Glorious sight of a platypus amongst the autumn leaves in the water</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Joyful sight of an old neighbor we hadn't seen for years</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Reliable car</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Tissues and napkins</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Perfect opportunity to collect leaves and make notes on their names </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Nate helped up into nooks of Monterey Cypress by Dave</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Dave climbing up himself</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Clean toilets out and about</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Nate wanting to stay at Salmon Ponds as he loves it too much to leave!</div>
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-44855207461765861542015-04-19T21:13:00.000+10:002015-04-19T21:13:19.258+10:00iSonto #66<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF09ZIkvlL9DjDfpBcL8B1PG9KUCktrqOeR_W-LXQnzYDiDD_ZngB_VBphqGYgVTUpPnBlQ2yrH_-NmTdpliUk1pq6meKApQNcCfA-B23VKVx4obTHlZm_MErvgupgAMs9STDY9-r9N8/s1600/P3290137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF09ZIkvlL9DjDfpBcL8B1PG9KUCktrqOeR_W-LXQnzYDiDD_ZngB_VBphqGYgVTUpPnBlQ2yrH_-NmTdpliUk1pq6meKApQNcCfA-B23VKVx4obTHlZm_MErvgupgAMs9STDY9-r9N8/s1600/P3290137.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Such happy autumn days! We have had two weeks of school holidays which has been a refreshing change. We visited Grandma and Grandad where the children sat on pumpkins and picked plums. Their garden is glorious and they recently hosted garden tours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIV2RqNejmNrANl3i9JebbcwzjFPYH0fS2-FLEscf2dK811obogA_XVnTiMJ2YPcY2ml8-dc7ij3sfM6_mWa4I69UcHHtcQ1lkeoofsYQgYFSYTjwp04dbz3JwCj15LG2JXPHVIGTSow/s1600/P3290138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIV2RqNejmNrANl3i9JebbcwzjFPYH0fS2-FLEscf2dK811obogA_XVnTiMJ2YPcY2ml8-dc7ij3sfM6_mWa4I69UcHHtcQ1lkeoofsYQgYFSYTjwp04dbz3JwCj15LG2JXPHVIGTSow/s1600/P3290138.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tc_WsMNTYavnRt0VUCqYM48YFZIJ5DZr1HcytbdLC1gis4qt2wAFkjM-kphfr0SaHHhTCt3QsvemsBrEf4Hpj4cWC576Fn75XjrTRR1jEicz9jaW1pD9Zdtgsi9WNtKNyycvQDLmTYs/s1600/P3290139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tc_WsMNTYavnRt0VUCqYM48YFZIJ5DZr1HcytbdLC1gis4qt2wAFkjM-kphfr0SaHHhTCt3QsvemsBrEf4Hpj4cWC576Fn75XjrTRR1jEicz9jaW1pD9Zdtgsi9WNtKNyycvQDLmTYs/s1600/P3290139.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTVfs04HjOt3CdpDu3RCLP3TsJsi2W2J8jSinbfRwiDw0BQgjm0zHhVBnJT4FCmPUgH5qF_kVKaAovYsB_2hM-gUjMdICJDVm1CxsPTytehqfTp_NCjRaDwD9WnMuE99Plg2TJ1rN7Ww/s1600/P3290141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTVfs04HjOt3CdpDu3RCLP3TsJsi2W2J8jSinbfRwiDw0BQgjm0zHhVBnJT4FCmPUgH5qF_kVKaAovYsB_2hM-gUjMdICJDVm1CxsPTytehqfTp_NCjRaDwD9WnMuE99Plg2TJ1rN7Ww/s1600/P3290141.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCTyaqTTw4qeD_jByCUydjc5R3B-MuGpGszsKNP3zqgw4J7yqsdkOLI-0ZLC8Cyi_yewfo11YX0scWwGAF7ArHXkxAVObqJRW_PoHBvhjrbT5vhtjq_pb3U1vdJ-lcqkk2TsyzIuJq_Y/s1600/P3290142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCTyaqTTw4qeD_jByCUydjc5R3B-MuGpGszsKNP3zqgw4J7yqsdkOLI-0ZLC8Cyi_yewfo11YX0scWwGAF7ArHXkxAVObqJRW_PoHBvhjrbT5vhtjq_pb3U1vdJ-lcqkk2TsyzIuJq_Y/s1600/P3290142.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
In our own autumn garden we have more apples. We have found espaliers to be highly productive as well as space-saving.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbaG0dpunq36Ot5fkv1RwUYvRZJM9cs-QxEv3Csy3tkjE5egJdGBEfqynKerL1ciQOChyZvuD4NSownUa_5vrg1FxizblbnSTEtummY6Cj-woz3fOKWvhRyE1AN_8Sp98DYWm-FDnctw/s1600/P4090157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRbaG0dpunq36Ot5fkv1RwUYvRZJM9cs-QxEv3Csy3tkjE5egJdGBEfqynKerL1ciQOChyZvuD4NSownUa_5vrg1FxizblbnSTEtummY6Cj-woz3fOKWvhRyE1AN_8Sp98DYWm-FDnctw/s1600/P4090157.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Bill likes to creep under the net to get an apple or two!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdC0O0boJSi4St8K5ZG5mbV2XRgIz9HyPycCE_PBKJ620cqLLkisPBGf7LFspjhM2ykODkh_Jn4HEncHMYCgRVQntkLWv470AMAFPgsVXYdtSGD-VfFoYeD8MnMsadGNd8FdgBy3CvUQ/s1600/P4090162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdC0O0boJSi4St8K5ZG5mbV2XRgIz9HyPycCE_PBKJ620cqLLkisPBGf7LFspjhM2ykODkh_Jn4HEncHMYCgRVQntkLWv470AMAFPgsVXYdtSGD-VfFoYeD8MnMsadGNd8FdgBy3CvUQ/s1600/P4090162.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So cute and pleased with himself!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_nTXp6aOYqQ7YQg2MidFJeJ_FH_68G-MjgzmOAzIeQG9ngjlm5hltDTOhuHOGmOsWrpyZokNAMMokKBnOYbdQQHY5y6LVN6KMVivyy2DaAI_DzBqYYzWcvjb0LpHvdiLKAqTm58IRrw/s1600/P4090164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_nTXp6aOYqQ7YQg2MidFJeJ_FH_68G-MjgzmOAzIeQG9ngjlm5hltDTOhuHOGmOsWrpyZokNAMMokKBnOYbdQQHY5y6LVN6KMVivyy2DaAI_DzBqYYzWcvjb0LpHvdiLKAqTm58IRrw/s1600/P4090164.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqN_Z5llpuQpf-jfQlv_zl-5BwqzlfnmbOqJkqo_4IVxWg93Yc29bJyuR6902uBLtof2d-aKh_f3fsnqoJQupLb68eP_kKunjNym7a6y8lWU7yc2M2Kiwh8tYxCCPWaykcMVYSHf7uPk/s1600/P4090165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqN_Z5llpuQpf-jfQlv_zl-5BwqzlfnmbOqJkqo_4IVxWg93Yc29bJyuR6902uBLtof2d-aKh_f3fsnqoJQupLb68eP_kKunjNym7a6y8lWU7yc2M2Kiwh8tYxCCPWaykcMVYSHf7uPk/s1600/P4090165.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
More thankful things:<br />
<br />
Dave home safely after a week away, field work completed<br />
Warm days<br />
"School" starts again tomorrow<br />
Bill's love of puzzles<br />
Happy visits with friends<br />
Re-reading "Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges and getting even more out of it this time<br />
Craft materials being used spontaneously and creativelySherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-71467480934356848772015-03-29T21:07:00.000+11:002015-03-29T21:07:02.095+11:00iSonto #65<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3F6-1Nw4eMUR17pYxGXoL1hWNP6CX-YMfBSI3wccM9eytWDhtDE4-MzKIukZmbLXxhEWvxY_-y8bTarOaYoJ6lZBpuYPAs7vlDVRyOC-fOnRxkfjCDMcsAx7e2alDr6PzQP8KYEblpY/s1600/P1010117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq3F6-1Nw4eMUR17pYxGXoL1hWNP6CX-YMfBSI3wccM9eytWDhtDE4-MzKIukZmbLXxhEWvxY_-y8bTarOaYoJ6lZBpuYPAs7vlDVRyOC-fOnRxkfjCDMcsAx7e2alDr6PzQP8KYEblpY/s1600/P1010117.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hello from the Drew Patch! Bill was very pleased when he got to have a go with kid-safe scissiors.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhFDaaILVmLIfmC8m1nFMQIC9zRNbPku7uGeqam2NrOGwYMeJmyWszWduh6dYr7Wijq8H7UV4__NIsh-fbr47QEmk8AccwgtOlql50VBMEIfq2T3eGcgSZLlXelirFhbVzipN11ojHFo/s1600/P1010136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhFDaaILVmLIfmC8m1nFMQIC9zRNbPku7uGeqam2NrOGwYMeJmyWszWduh6dYr7Wijq8H7UV4__NIsh-fbr47QEmk8AccwgtOlql50VBMEIfq2T3eGcgSZLlXelirFhbVzipN11ojHFo/s1600/P1010136.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had a train play time with chairs lined up as the train, thanks to our Sonlight P 3/4 Richard Scarry reading. This was the suggested accompanying activity! Mercy is joining in with Nate's Sonlight Core A studies but I am also incorporating some of the preschool fun she may have been too young for when I did it with Nate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXp1cPxqLHCeV9G-7NPRqkq91m-JiliGxGUBnGLBeXM6xRowzSPBJg_tEEmh2C5Ha4KCMAuW_otSdx8mH8tDYWOsm4facTwp80nH1LPjPHmVOKkHD3WguNgQZ9W6IbYF4GOAZOmdeuTs/s1600/P1010119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXp1cPxqLHCeV9G-7NPRqkq91m-JiliGxGUBnGLBeXM6xRowzSPBJg_tEEmh2C5Ha4KCMAuW_otSdx8mH8tDYWOsm4facTwp80nH1LPjPHmVOKkHD3WguNgQZ9W6IbYF4GOAZOmdeuTs/s1600/P1010119.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We are also pressing repeat on some crafts, at their request. We did this one last a couple of years ago now. I love my "Crafty Ideas A-Z" book so I'm happy to do it as many times as everyone is happy! This time we not only made the ants but also an ant hill. We<i> painted</i> the ant hill and ants this time, which appeased my home school mummy guilt about not painting as much as might be good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHMt9Qh1328-QNA3ESSU2-52H3oZpD_ZA2lRpCTYLzFGC33OG_KfldVfcbzrmJ8Lg-Wzs1vufRKIa6efUvyh_ruvhux_04ZSwqGX8HEuInN-6jsIZiIUDDFxEHokaDbI2jSMi8ELrwqU/s1600/P1010124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHMt9Qh1328-QNA3ESSU2-52H3oZpD_ZA2lRpCTYLzFGC33OG_KfldVfcbzrmJ8Lg-Wzs1vufRKIa6efUvyh_ruvhux_04ZSwqGX8HEuInN-6jsIZiIUDDFxEHokaDbI2jSMi8ELrwqU/s1600/P1010124.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy is "reading" our Curious George story book to their monkey. He was formerly called Luca, but is now George for obvious reasons!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVhYZjw95MbFNMvdIFvF2efSgTkTqFfpiWke9L9_3fppQbKDdjkqFjCFS53mvPuDSPJ6BNcHzhRefusJq38nrc33q8QtAiUuKHH7yPAAQiuk1I1jmG1qKL773GvJ3_Kc0EWZH_kxpqx4/s1600/P1010129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVhYZjw95MbFNMvdIFvF2efSgTkTqFfpiWke9L9_3fppQbKDdjkqFjCFS53mvPuDSPJ6BNcHzhRefusJq38nrc33q8QtAiUuKHH7yPAAQiuk1I1jmG1qKL773GvJ3_Kc0EWZH_kxpqx4/s1600/P1010129.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate is showing the number book we are putting together. The rice in the dish in the backgrond was an attempt at tactile help for letters like lower case a and h which are difficult to write correctly when you first start. The idea is that you form the letter with your finger in the rice, and therefore feel the way it is formed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kh17oj9yWUzG1IzBKy9nLKVMJ6So9WMWQQoEJC6hdb7K_sBcDOAEWWbeP6Uju3CMXVubwOWW3FAtXg7mZLKCDsHibqsVb0m0qg4htV10IhA18U5nYylhkJKbmvJAQwsofbs_-l_fwbM/s1600/P1010131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kh17oj9yWUzG1IzBKy9nLKVMJ6So9WMWQQoEJC6hdb7K_sBcDOAEWWbeP6Uju3CMXVubwOWW3FAtXg7mZLKCDsHibqsVb0m0qg4htV10IhA18U5nYylhkJKbmvJAQwsofbs_-l_fwbM/s1600/P1010131.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our biggest achievement though was our terrarium! It has taken me some weeks to get all the materials together. A jar from the reject shop, appropriate ferns from a garden centre, potting mix and peat moss from Grandad, charcoal and pebbles from our garden.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYBRb_E-KwER6mO9IdNaF2u-CTKJxhLb2aY9Xis0tEUQX8zVJWaBd546td90WmCOu81eOe61fTqigoEdCRH7usAhoMy4CIeBDV000PICiqRrypfUhEym-2YykjMo_OUzLkNts42BNw6s/s1600/P1010132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYBRb_E-KwER6mO9IdNaF2u-CTKJxhLb2aY9Xis0tEUQX8zVJWaBd546td90WmCOu81eOe61fTqigoEdCRH7usAhoMy4CIeBDV000PICiqRrypfUhEym-2YykjMo_OUzLkNts42BNw6s/s1600/P1010132.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These are they types of things that seem oh so daunting when I read about them in the curriculum. Where am I going to get the time to organise all those extra bits and pieces I think to myself??? Yet when it is eventually done we learn a lot, have a lot of joy, and it is all worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_C54sFVHIfx5J-UgSZUtcgjORKn06mr8ll1Wj0HRKFbAYOAOaTvcc0f61_RnMKNfuq0wzF7Tcfj9QWOyRt85dGHmlAYlClTuz3Xn9_fCHxPNtkZ8BvQSEdzAEBu3zo8sjOeni9OYnfw/s1600/P1010134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_C54sFVHIfx5J-UgSZUtcgjORKn06mr8ll1Wj0HRKFbAYOAOaTvcc0f61_RnMKNfuq0wzF7Tcfj9QWOyRt85dGHmlAYlClTuz3Xn9_fCHxPNtkZ8BvQSEdzAEBu3zo8sjOeni9OYnfw/s1600/P1010134.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-41819003815053940602015-03-08T20:50:00.002+11:002015-03-08T20:50:25.585+11:00iSonto #64<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTP9tQDY5EK6ZCnM7BRkceVPS7nDZtrC6m3hzFL3wQ4s7yt_NwmP8jsnaoBfuJbImtz-0NSSK1GQAEP92pxC3HXwwDJvK3_xtphHmVL8AbX7mE89shGq0C5gVyLkhnP8HhiyKRNnYuoQ/s1600/P1010061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTP9tQDY5EK6ZCnM7BRkceVPS7nDZtrC6m3hzFL3wQ4s7yt_NwmP8jsnaoBfuJbImtz-0NSSK1GQAEP92pxC3HXwwDJvK3_xtphHmVL8AbX7mE89shGq0C5gVyLkhnP8HhiyKRNnYuoQ/s1600/P1010061.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We have had lots of good times with the "I See Sam" books available for free download from http://marriottmd.com/sam/index.html<br />
<br />
You can print them out and colour them in and most importantly, read them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhvzeLRCx0Z7npzI48h2EYobSyO9G1xWuDZPAg2PdejMtnI_W9WdqF6NZe-I-iUGXGx748f2tIGqDL7nudy_LxhBHcRvHP2NoFtuZHjWlySPwBvW9UNVi_rL-ThePhvgw-gdDiizsaRo/s1600/P1010062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhvzeLRCx0Z7npzI48h2EYobSyO9G1xWuDZPAg2PdejMtnI_W9WdqF6NZe-I-iUGXGx748f2tIGqDL7nudy_LxhBHcRvHP2NoFtuZHjWlySPwBvW9UNVi_rL-ThePhvgw-gdDiizsaRo/s1600/P1010062.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We are really pleased with Nate's reading progress so far this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0HHHLxOvJrTOWVJ6nEirvOhGdik2_XcBA63weK6NyYNElL-_urv6NrsuHGZ7Uqr-aLcPu0087YSFuAUePEJaopNNUsYaIL7OW2YeAQQO2bMqCUfMdoCyuFSWe4eDMonXB2F4-F6vn2Q/s1600/P1010089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig0HHHLxOvJrTOWVJ6nEirvOhGdik2_XcBA63weK6NyYNElL-_urv6NrsuHGZ7Uqr-aLcPu0087YSFuAUePEJaopNNUsYaIL7OW2YeAQQO2bMqCUfMdoCyuFSWe4eDMonXB2F4-F6vn2Q/s1600/P1010089.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Our schooling was a bit more challenging to get to when road works visited our cul-de-sac for nearly an entire week! "Dozy" (Bill's word for the digger), and compacter that jumped up and down on the soil, and the vibrator to smooth the soil were all much more interesting than the school books!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWZmruzvAt53RKQEV-KmTps_Hwb6-cO4vAHhHhRfraYlDsPyuFHpJcceEYDdonCibWLPOvifOI9P4_otGx6QZEloiwGRmfy0Mvn2hH03xPiK4M7UUO8BqN5HKl8aTSxZLzqGQQkg2ykg/s1600/P1010091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWZmruzvAt53RKQEV-KmTps_Hwb6-cO4vAHhHhRfraYlDsPyuFHpJcceEYDdonCibWLPOvifOI9P4_otGx6QZEloiwGRmfy0Mvn2hH03xPiK4M7UUO8BqN5HKl8aTSxZLzqGQQkg2ykg/s1600/P1010091.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill has begun to use chalks. So sweet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd7RhKl2UHlxN64UBLonZ2Dpjb9mGuiCBHp0pvv9CO0PfFT8iCKd5FZsG-MUN7BeyLw49KzqOMpEETJLAWUmez-eOwBM7Whd-ikz-iFZ8l1zBXTn28mAKGwabMQyMZagzP84vRX2REuA/s1600/P1010094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLd7RhKl2UHlxN64UBLonZ2Dpjb9mGuiCBHp0pvv9CO0PfFT8iCKd5FZsG-MUN7BeyLw49KzqOMpEETJLAWUmez-eOwBM7Whd-ikz-iFZ8l1zBXTn28mAKGwabMQyMZagzP84vRX2REuA/s1600/P1010094.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a fun family apple harvesting time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Fy57r8GcNWHXdGFxMi2UXOR6U1nuJ66WEKUennQxnaXXq4tYz7ymV9dWh98MnSKhrk13MBfHoFElHIafFWba4ajXoT7G-rUIjpD2QE5oZDa_l6lZaVw9lvZIYNTmayZv5ETrP_IPQ0/s1600/P1010099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0Fy57r8GcNWHXdGFxMi2UXOR6U1nuJ66WEKUennQxnaXXq4tYz7ymV9dWh98MnSKhrk13MBfHoFElHIafFWba4ajXoT7G-rUIjpD2QE5oZDa_l6lZaVw9lvZIYNTmayZv5ETrP_IPQ0/s1600/P1010099.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGnDSonYnrBVKZTkFZaNg_jt2ftWFrd_nZs11LQ40s8zQathB_SsAGucUWoEbfc1RmW93OO5mdWE9ea7MYc5BmadW0ir-QtROduvVyV5M8gi8ibKec0ZvkuQI3fnF9nOaZXR4bLbxAh8/s1600/P1010100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGnDSonYnrBVKZTkFZaNg_jt2ftWFrd_nZs11LQ40s8zQathB_SsAGucUWoEbfc1RmW93OO5mdWE9ea7MYc5BmadW0ir-QtROduvVyV5M8gi8ibKec0ZvkuQI3fnF9nOaZXR4bLbxAh8/s1600/P1010100.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It is surprising how much fruit our little tress can give. We have dwarf and espailier trees. There are lots of apples still ripening on the other trees!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAYeBuyB_pKyWgFUwxzOk4uepUEqO1CZmrVldjHmF4OsMg2hURM7vikeyqZ9dMRdMglfbDaEjoD246Ype03fcXr-x33CXkjmIFTmIp5I4kAlqa9ro1b_AAqnck93oAYifyYSxwU77c4M/s1600/P1010107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAYeBuyB_pKyWgFUwxzOk4uepUEqO1CZmrVldjHmF4OsMg2hURM7vikeyqZ9dMRdMglfbDaEjoD246Ype03fcXr-x33CXkjmIFTmIp5I4kAlqa9ro1b_AAqnck93oAYifyYSxwU77c4M/s1600/P1010107.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dave took the two older children on a road trip to see the steam fest at Sheffield.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHn13pGaQbs22MRfdW7V3XVms6UL3UyizZGi0iSfxkKL_nTm8IxEIaeYUXIpk0vZDzhk32sro6B9NOsNfj7IAtqU-tueWD9uroVlhTCG9vTPGKYEyQlXG85sZKqsc85U-d5SwMCakbMY/s1600/P1010109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHn13pGaQbs22MRfdW7V3XVms6UL3UyizZGi0iSfxkKL_nTm8IxEIaeYUXIpk0vZDzhk32sro6B9NOsNfj7IAtqU-tueWD9uroVlhTCG9vTPGKYEyQlXG85sZKqsc85U-d5SwMCakbMY/s1600/P1010109.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCi2yzX-tnJiukqJ3HlKsfg6NyqpgBkNcW5y59UCyvb78_LNbkSrKB9jSECD5SSjKZnSZdY75xGEr639wHDbJlK7Hxp8l_nfPDI_7fmVCQTDZufkgIPvNYLmZF6vZ8cVojnHO-S76oH8/s1600/P1010112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCi2yzX-tnJiukqJ3HlKsfg6NyqpgBkNcW5y59UCyvb78_LNbkSrKB9jSECD5SSjKZnSZdY75xGEr639wHDbJlK7Hxp8l_nfPDI_7fmVCQTDZufkgIPvNYLmZF6vZ8cVojnHO-S76oH8/s1600/P1010112.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
More thankful moments:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cuddling with Bill as he excitedly and loudly names words in picture books. </li>
<li>His satisfied nuzzle when I acknowledge his contributions!</li>
<li>Reading books to all three children together</li>
<li>A chance to tidy the garden on a warm afternoon under the expanse of the sky</li>
<li>Reading <i>50 Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die</i> for Easter</li>
<li>Reading <i>The Wilderness Family</i> aloud with Dave</li>
<li>Phone to keep in touch </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-51562410122703986242015-02-15T21:30:00.001+11:002015-02-15T21:31:51.137+11:00iSonto #63<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This week we had some pyjama schooling! Dave is in charge of science experiments and they are done as "family play" after dinner. This week we were learning about hot air rising.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWjcCag8FwcZL31pGX4goMGcenDBg00460uOvzJYLMXe9RV1oFzauqNif-opEZSpU0SzuewsHiYPik5qjpT0OUdaoQVCBqkuXUluwK2u1yyugtD1r0zq2VOSyYTe1MURC7RV1xL5T5aE/s1600/P1010018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWjcCag8FwcZL31pGX4goMGcenDBg00460uOvzJYLMXe9RV1oFzauqNif-opEZSpU0SzuewsHiYPik5qjpT0OUdaoQVCBqkuXUluwK2u1yyugtD1r0zq2VOSyYTe1MURC7RV1xL5T5aE/s1600/P1010018.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was delightful to see this experiment. The children cut out snakes from a spiral drawn in a circle. When the "snake" was hung from a thread and placed over warm air rising from the heater, it would twirl. This experiment is part of our Sonlight Science A curricula. I was initially concerned about adding science to our list of subjects so early, but it is turning out really well. Nate has a great interest in sientific subjects, perhaps inherited form his Daddy. Mercy is enjoying the experiments as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb_jtjIrgHdIDHJI00sazMMGphS519vLQajG-C9-SDRsetG02c7RnmzKcIFw58cuz2odpBTJhoa__4kT_LTu9YYpdkYxE-Q-yhxuWTsU1PrQx2HYQOkzZ4PDInvEfvgzaXESid6Y_MUU/s1600/P1010016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb_jtjIrgHdIDHJI00sazMMGphS519vLQajG-C9-SDRsetG02c7RnmzKcIFw58cuz2odpBTJhoa__4kT_LTu9YYpdkYxE-Q-yhxuWTsU1PrQx2HYQOkzZ4PDInvEfvgzaXESid6Y_MUU/s1600/P1010016.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill is looking more and more like a little boy instead of a baby! He loves to say cheese to the camera. We are having "tot school" as part of our school day where we do puzzles or other activities appropriate for Bill. He has also begun to enjoy playdough and painting. His favourite thing at the moment is to tackle his siblings to the ground and climb on them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymM0Z8_kLQ3A2tT_hRhcuz7QmVgsQ34FBMxktL9hmyxBJ387nwYCntMC8TXDYkceACcb_7CxJpWTBSMZBOqOHy_M8uDGWjbZPqE0k4cjDXvF9fMUOVnWXFhvq8X0_WzsGxkaoHFQ0F_M/s1600/P1010027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymM0Z8_kLQ3A2tT_hRhcuz7QmVgsQ34FBMxktL9hmyxBJ387nwYCntMC8TXDYkceACcb_7CxJpWTBSMZBOqOHy_M8uDGWjbZPqE0k4cjDXvF9fMUOVnWXFhvq8X0_WzsGxkaoHFQ0F_M/s1600/P1010027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill is enjoying longer stories now, so all there can enjoy listening together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm0ScFZru7Qz7zXoP66rc-e4_4b_4yj35mYeNJ0gAQ7H3Gg3jogSjm3l0XwPpXFhPNMR52JN8xcGZ_WdERYwQNq8LpgbQ2sitNVM4037u6x7wQw-2I3QgmU5p7wg1Aco9TFPr3iYCzsQ/s1600/P1010025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDm0ScFZru7Qz7zXoP66rc-e4_4b_4yj35mYeNJ0gAQ7H3Gg3jogSjm3l0XwPpXFhPNMR52JN8xcGZ_WdERYwQNq8LpgbQ2sitNVM4037u6x7wQw-2I3QgmU5p7wg1Aco9TFPr3iYCzsQ/s1600/P1010025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We also have a lot of new stories for the older two that are part of their Sonlight Core A. I am reading a lot of them after dinner now, instead of in our morning "school" time, because Elnathan is in Prep now and needs to be doing more reading, writing and maths in the mornings. This is a big change for us and we are still getting used to it.<br />
<br />
More things to be thankful about . . .<br />
<ul>
<li>A new pastor at church</li>
<li>Dave whipping up beautiful food in the kitchen and loving to do so! </li>
<li>Time out at a cafe on Saturday morning looking at ideas on Pinterest! </li>
<li>Mum making amazing seasonal paintings with the children, just what I wanted them to do.</li>
<li>Making playdough wells and remembering the story of Isaac and the wells. </li>
<li>Sonlight instructor's guides which offer good questions and vocabulary explanations for the books we are reading together. </li>
<li>Nate's question: at what time did the knights wear slavery? which made us laugh</li>
<li>A string of sunny days</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-54238470503871259202014-11-26T21:01:00.001+11:002014-11-26T21:01:40.567+11:00iSonto #62<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb5GZ0i-XbNv_qsJbPrmO6QPJ6laDlYRuGcjBS5wkujPMnmiLi77n0rBhGVAqS-2tdB3ilV4UhQpSx2k89b9VnCnnG8yuLdrt4iAYDZeFtIHud5LYuqWJVhHS0DvF1rZ7cMkx1LVspig/s1600/P1010039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQb5GZ0i-XbNv_qsJbPrmO6QPJ6laDlYRuGcjBS5wkujPMnmiLi77n0rBhGVAqS-2tdB3ilV4UhQpSx2k89b9VnCnnG8yuLdrt4iAYDZeFtIHud5LYuqWJVhHS0DvF1rZ7cMkx1LVspig/s1600/P1010039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mercy opening her presents on her birthday morning last Friday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqk-DsF6N6HM5Y-y9r6LVNpYsSnOiZf7YzuwqxeTMyV0kwIHSjhVAviQyvs4UpqD_DcafvyZMsoVkOwfniCQQgm1alVLAqCdyZYCJicusm7eztMhWrZDczKhSHXagABv_HdRdUCBdveI/s1600/P1010040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqk-DsF6N6HM5Y-y9r6LVNpYsSnOiZf7YzuwqxeTMyV0kwIHSjhVAviQyvs4UpqD_DcafvyZMsoVkOwfniCQQgm1alVLAqCdyZYCJicusm7eztMhWrZDczKhSHXagABv_HdRdUCBdveI/s1600/P1010040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy's pancake birthday stack.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqZVOOkYibtyEEmOUZ7QZsI-mwNmlftBmi-k2ePrQ8Zbvr4a1v6ExDZlqAB2OYUZr8Q9Zmj3Ky6rwGAij-7fuwfFRFfSE9GFsGu2MYbGaFTvKtgQ22AI8k1Z8uhKkBKixE99bo8wNALM/s1600/P1010034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqZVOOkYibtyEEmOUZ7QZsI-mwNmlftBmi-k2ePrQ8Zbvr4a1v6ExDZlqAB2OYUZr8Q9Zmj3Ky6rwGAij-7fuwfFRFfSE9GFsGu2MYbGaFTvKtgQ22AI8k1Z8uhKkBKixE99bo8wNALM/s1600/P1010034.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Fun building with Daddy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX8X-3pB6k-yeUgFL2WagpFP9vLGH6Eh1nnyt7n9-0hUetY22BPMrjkrUZY3lWIPX4jBLQMlW2ygZLtsdaVze2y-xu6Q7odzVLPXAsFZ8qVSZacvg2PYXrpRcgppeKrKgHI7YDF6dnWg/s1600/P1010042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBX8X-3pB6k-yeUgFL2WagpFP9vLGH6Eh1nnyt7n9-0hUetY22BPMrjkrUZY3lWIPX4jBLQMlW2ygZLtsdaVze2y-xu6Q7odzVLPXAsFZ8qVSZacvg2PYXrpRcgppeKrKgHI7YDF6dnWg/s1600/P1010042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy's birthday party. Esther gave her a music box and Nate is dancing in the background.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjAK5id7OQ1Cw8OWZjuMNU8wPD6Yv8E97TI_5xPqFeBESHL9hxH-NzFIpfhysteXN1sXovwo9v6WP_kMJVuQnEBSbBok6kwVmGVipc8opJEZAAKCFucxk6Yhk16QrA-1ZhtJditk2q40/s1600/P1010052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjAK5id7OQ1Cw8OWZjuMNU8wPD6Yv8E97TI_5xPqFeBESHL9hxH-NzFIpfhysteXN1sXovwo9v6WP_kMJVuQnEBSbBok6kwVmGVipc8opJEZAAKCFucxk6Yhk16QrA-1ZhtJditk2q40/s1600/P1010052.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mercy's birthday cake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95HXadpL1VRlINknmCm9ZA91znNiNYszTaVj1lqx5HlOoHTE-2uk7zTQMCXkqXzEq-rypardkw-C-lJKjjPx_7NJuTS4xqyFHOCGIQsSJHPu1H_hYjEvi1bak1zTH6gZ2LnM9PlPvRUw/s1600/P1010059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi95HXadpL1VRlINknmCm9ZA91znNiNYszTaVj1lqx5HlOoHTE-2uk7zTQMCXkqXzEq-rypardkw-C-lJKjjPx_7NJuTS4xqyFHOCGIQsSJHPu1H_hYjEvi1bak1zTH6gZ2LnM9PlPvRUw/s1600/P1010059.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day we enjoyed decorating our little Christmas tree.<br />
<br />
More happy happenings:<br />
<br />
Mercy and bill laughing and chasing each other<br />
Making sock puppets<br />
Mercy and Nate sitting side by side at swimming class, smiling<br />
Mercy singing "Make me Wise"<br />
Nate making a collage for Mercy's birthday<br />
Nate wanting to use stick on letters and numbers<br />
Cloths to clean up spilled milk :)<br />
Music to fill our home<br />
Mercy saying "thank you Mum" for her birthday presents<br />
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-46261723695083185542014-11-13T20:40:00.003+11:002014-11-13T20:40:55.221+11:00iSonto #61<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekdf2lFCjvcfpnXcycn5HZSo-OWILiIXLWn8ihQPGoGQXpigwOuDhE74I7id_MB1oypcWxK9aHsKXci9MnsszCfL6Aqt6ItSPIcPy-byXff86VuhiwfKX-0j4sA0UKDrWv1Ahdy8Qf1s/s1600/P1010017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekdf2lFCjvcfpnXcycn5HZSo-OWILiIXLWn8ihQPGoGQXpigwOuDhE74I7id_MB1oypcWxK9aHsKXci9MnsszCfL6Aqt6ItSPIcPy-byXff86VuhiwfKX-0j4sA0UKDrWv1Ahdy8Qf1s/s320/P1010017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We went on a walk to a waterfall. This little person insisted on having her photo taken with her flowers and her shoes!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvU-GHCqTd8DNIM3o0UmV5P4cDakKPScGrnmD-cx-Qneko12ETa3oreISxiah7a7tS8HEOvcZeiVUqylVJrpZ07yiWK1xZjDVHhWvKc117U4_4IumSfx-fuXzbn-2qvPjLo9Os0933ys/s1600/P1010016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvU-GHCqTd8DNIM3o0UmV5P4cDakKPScGrnmD-cx-Qneko12ETa3oreISxiah7a7tS8HEOvcZeiVUqylVJrpZ07yiWK1xZjDVHhWvKc117U4_4IumSfx-fuXzbn-2qvPjLo9Os0933ys/s320/P1010016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Family pic!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXbr0Klir8vZ-v0n-pNSxSP56nj05GAWgqCkM3FwADJNxkB8LlYCe5OIJqBJ7egTIVeNLYuuvB7-6d0M21UNMirZhHI3ljZ3YCYHJJil3CkKt0TkoFjKhLdEM4KAwwXixJsm28SfqbtM/s1600/P1010019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXbr0Klir8vZ-v0n-pNSxSP56nj05GAWgqCkM3FwADJNxkB8LlYCe5OIJqBJ7egTIVeNLYuuvB7-6d0M21UNMirZhHI3ljZ3YCYHJJil3CkKt0TkoFjKhLdEM4KAwwXixJsm28SfqbtM/s320/P1010019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I continue to love to do the ABC crafts from the book Crafty Ideas A-Z. Mercy loves to colour and cut out, and of course her van is pink! There are only four more weeks until the end of term and the end of our Preschool curriculum.<br />
<br />
More thankful moments:<br />
Sweet scent of masses if violas floating in water, picked by eager small boy<br />
Fishing line strung across living room, high, child paintings hung to dry, colour full of enthusiasm and excitement and memories of child-days<br />
Sweet long stem roses from our bush<br />
Dave taking care of children for evening while I sew<br />
Dave explaining natural disasters to Nate<br />
Taking Nate alone to cricket skills session<br />
Mum taking younger children to library<br />
Flowering trees<br />
Block ships built to sail over living room rug<br />
Quiet, still evening<br />
Miracle of expanding dough<br />
Smell of fresh made bread dough<br />
Children eagerly picking and eating tiny, shiny red radishes<br />
Family outing waterfall walk on warm day<br />
Nate loving to paddle in a strem<br />
Able to visit Iraqi family with my three children, welcoming strangers<br />
Nate: "Mum, when you die I want to always remember you and love you."<br />
Nate, of a torn skirt: "Mum, I'm sorry you won't be wearing that skirt anymore because you looked so beautiful and so fair in it"Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-56087154568515060352014-10-29T19:55:00.001+11:002014-10-29T19:55:58.315+11:00iSonto #60<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2Z0SCCElHYDDaE6OyE8I3N6hBPsn0zHWrMVCHnz4hs4ML471oQaQc6wnvEN3YAyrRwVB0dcHdJz1yMHX4wUfF_gUK06aFvQeT7gpmBMBdme1W8h261GdXu4DhZZjmsTUAM8OaaDVffA/s1600/P1010013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2Z0SCCElHYDDaE6OyE8I3N6hBPsn0zHWrMVCHnz4hs4ML471oQaQc6wnvEN3YAyrRwVB0dcHdJz1yMHX4wUfF_gUK06aFvQeT7gpmBMBdme1W8h261GdXu4DhZZjmsTUAM8OaaDVffA/s1600/P1010013.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill is excited about participating in play. He loves Duplo. He is also imitating the instruction "go away" which he sadly hears from older siblings who are afraid he will break their creations!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KywEtXJD0tntVAdMQ3bkUOgFpXBDBeRhNfy1-h_4qlBIBRp9brtPEaTTty6siZHQ0UDIshYpg-Zdd6fhelklWyrE8O1gmGz_vXMDe6WefV19i9YsRaKQIB_xDnSX6Whg9Ts6WQyP62s/s1600/P1010011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KywEtXJD0tntVAdMQ3bkUOgFpXBDBeRhNfy1-h_4qlBIBRp9brtPEaTTty6siZHQ0UDIshYpg-Zdd6fhelklWyrE8O1gmGz_vXMDe6WefV19i9YsRaKQIB_xDnSX6Whg9Ts6WQyP62s/s1600/P1010011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill is 20 months old.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9pJjF99zyGqMEgRZsyKXM2uUNjSHrOffIp-uKYv-agtQnV23IpssWnD1356pPlhzz0oSXLM2nxHWu1NI7M-lZsjT4QHj7XxZKRtXbdzNYuVUATiz5LDgljRX0n0Tw_t538h_M9d32iM/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9pJjF99zyGqMEgRZsyKXM2uUNjSHrOffIp-uKYv-agtQnV23IpssWnD1356pPlhzz0oSXLM2nxHWu1NI7M-lZsjT4QHj7XxZKRtXbdzNYuVUATiz5LDgljRX0n0Tw_t538h_M9d32iM/s1600/P1010001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I put up this beautiful rainbow painting, which my sister gave me, over Bill's cot. A beautiful reminder of God's promises.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxClOUiIsrTlJnwGR47eCy95jPKkSrL5l2QoVsiR9cJqYvQaRzjF-hTVoYn1Ek4ZH3SdrBaNFlXzlMm7ZMnIrg55mPd8xgCgq14NhSzuz2qLumhedZ7Dkvan2U5PhehNNLJOTyCu4uPo/s1600/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxClOUiIsrTlJnwGR47eCy95jPKkSrL5l2QoVsiR9cJqYvQaRzjF-hTVoYn1Ek4ZH3SdrBaNFlXzlMm7ZMnIrg55mPd8xgCgq14NhSzuz2qLumhedZ7Dkvan2U5PhehNNLJOTyCu4uPo/s1600/P1010003.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Elnathan is learning to write his name better. My blackboard wall is not working very well, with it being very hard to remove chalk and paint coming off, so I'm going to need to repaint it and hope it works better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb6emg9MEy-tnGX9AbhkXcZdyC8Vsrp67n9rsHVzzRkvo0eqYfsYfXYzU3PIbSp_e2E7dnGMNIp8WLJCg2KBkO-GI01NT0W2ZPyE7C0CXeH126a-kUAm9dD0iMJ2goRyLUgWa-bq76Rk/s1600/P1010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXb6emg9MEy-tnGX9AbhkXcZdyC8Vsrp67n9rsHVzzRkvo0eqYfsYfXYzU3PIbSp_e2E7dnGMNIp8WLJCg2KBkO-GI01NT0W2ZPyE7C0CXeH126a-kUAm9dD0iMJ2goRyLUgWa-bq76Rk/s1600/P1010007.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy is loving to collect eggs. It is one of the first things she thinks of each morning. Often we have two a day. Look at that glowing face!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxBWIOHG0BFvDFEgO-5jWDYfzu-X4S_eaDp6SfCtwXYtBaxk77YlXqMxMdpBMU70vIiJdtJRIL2SFnzONIiDB8g5VF0hMyKi_Ju7uScH9KGc23EbDmqy22Py8uXslfQq8o_IqmqLeg1Y/s1600/P1010009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxBWIOHG0BFvDFEgO-5jWDYfzu-X4S_eaDp6SfCtwXYtBaxk77YlXqMxMdpBMU70vIiJdtJRIL2SFnzONIiDB8g5VF0hMyKi_Ju7uScH9KGc23EbDmqy22Py8uXslfQq8o_IqmqLeg1Y/s1600/P1010009.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We had our first science experiment at the kitchen table. Dave is demonstrating the way acidic water erodes rock. Nate is interested in how caves and underground rivers form.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva0zYJ2xp_YlUtOYLCxuwmeUx2Nb4JEsm4Vhfc9_uMKMWCY2VKMoTLmsou3pnwaUejcCS9IUuX1YDaK6J-62PDGjcE_AHiPh0HsOU0Crg1ICJCW18gGZ7QTNVWU2W5cUmwISkabA8kfI/s1600/P1010010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgva0zYJ2xp_YlUtOYLCxuwmeUx2Nb4JEsm4Vhfc9_uMKMWCY2VKMoTLmsou3pnwaUejcCS9IUuX1YDaK6J-62PDGjcE_AHiPh0HsOU0Crg1ICJCW18gGZ7QTNVWU2W5cUmwISkabA8kfI/s1600/P1010010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are a few answers to prayer I jotted down from this month:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Good physio appointment 8/10</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Peace in early morning as reminder came: love never fails</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Made it to visit tony twice</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Able to purchase new toner that works well and copy without trouble</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dave got some work done while looking after bill with me at the pool</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Positive responses to mums group idea</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Self control at church and with children 12/10</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Dave coped well with redundancy news</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Learning room improvements</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Time in shed</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
No negative emotions toward _____!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Moved books</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Time to sit with Dave </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Children playing well week of 15th </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
No extra pain after physio class</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Completed all errands put off due to Dave's sickness </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Mums group advert ready</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Nate toileting reliably</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Friends accepted dinner invites</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Saw friends at park</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Social times/opportunities <span class="il" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 204);">answers</span>!</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Sermon on glory of god helps my doubts</div>
Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-2352777320157820362014-10-09T20:41:00.002+11:002014-10-09T20:41:30.512+11:00South Africa 2014We have been back two weeks now from our amazing, blessed trip to South Africa! We were in South Africa for five weeks but away from home five and a half weeks due to travel time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW5XqQfPy7SDLvUma7R5L43kfW6lO-h1H_k3PoFhwQhOLrRuekwEDzqCD7_W01uPSFgR7Zc61CkkPt161FxZtsZKQ26P3sV0Rh91XBaBq7JV_g_nHnqvo9e78K1UMsYrtSC3W8CO-FMs/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwW5XqQfPy7SDLvUma7R5L43kfW6lO-h1H_k3PoFhwQhOLrRuekwEDzqCD7_W01uPSFgR7Zc61CkkPt161FxZtsZKQ26P3sV0Rh91XBaBq7JV_g_nHnqvo9e78K1UMsYrtSC3W8CO-FMs/s1600/P1010001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This is what our luggage looked like when all the planning and packing tables were competed! Two large suit cases and one small as check in luggage, two kiddie carry on suit cases, three car seats,<br />
a nappy bag, a lap top bag and that is about it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NLKy_3Pr60zazfOp_NIcxVkSSuIr1oSQ2aHNHEETHRyVjYG6P8bM-JuxqakmURfWR2lAUJEO2Z-px_nr6lkPJ2ayVxR1p83ZGrsAWLD22vKUekfCy5rOGXRZiaRjSGW3q3_Jd3YW8Bc/s1600/P1010006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NLKy_3Pr60zazfOp_NIcxVkSSuIr1oSQ2aHNHEETHRyVjYG6P8bM-JuxqakmURfWR2lAUJEO2Z-px_nr6lkPJ2ayVxR1p83ZGrsAWLD22vKUekfCy5rOGXRZiaRjSGW3q3_Jd3YW8Bc/s1600/P1010006.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy and Nate each pulled a suit case containing all of their clothing, activities, and a single toy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6q0f0Q9hLumGtNPg6Uv5184LnVrFGQ1YShh_5-4Zlu9qIKepDUlsTYZDD8DEwQxqaiIjwqOf6vPyNlXiplqi7IbtA_y8zE8bnec8x2AXb-HQrqtCqF2nD6qW9iKxwr7WzLMCK4pEHgI/s1600/P1010025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6q0f0Q9hLumGtNPg6Uv5184LnVrFGQ1YShh_5-4Zlu9qIKepDUlsTYZDD8DEwQxqaiIjwqOf6vPyNlXiplqi7IbtA_y8zE8bnec8x2AXb-HQrqtCqF2nD6qW9iKxwr7WzLMCK4pEHgI/s1600/P1010025.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We stayed first at Ballito where Dave played as a child in these same rock pools! Delightful for little ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLdB3Pe9NWA-bVvA9z8Mh_kZlRZlZWbHFz5hpimvhwNlhtk60R4wxBi45pys5E8iND5XP0boES9enWw8G2247mYal88ORBWDnZbH_oS0Hv3A4Puu5T6z0kyN5fstsRfANj-ePUBRP_PQ/s1600/P1010024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLdB3Pe9NWA-bVvA9z8Mh_kZlRZlZWbHFz5hpimvhwNlhtk60R4wxBi45pys5E8iND5XP0boES9enWw8G2247mYal88ORBWDnZbH_oS0Hv3A4Puu5T6z0kyN5fstsRfANj-ePUBRP_PQ/s1600/P1010024.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We were delighted to be reunited with Gramps and Gran and had great times with them. They brought a seventh wedding anniversary cake up to Ballito to celebrate with us and also provided us with lots of other meals and baked goodies while we were in South Africa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32v4ObtJrSu5sGmQ9_OUMwdpDdJ6WFrW1aRtw7Z8B95jF4xFZMo8ZdtY1i183TlpTmz-O3pzN82MQeD7GU3P6ftwxqL8LXHAMe_ZkkiRhwAv_01pt8u1zY-3mMEZzzL_3FnWh2n0mXSo/s1600/P1010084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32v4ObtJrSu5sGmQ9_OUMwdpDdJ6WFrW1aRtw7Z8B95jF4xFZMo8ZdtY1i183TlpTmz-O3pzN82MQeD7GU3P6ftwxqL8LXHAMe_ZkkiRhwAv_01pt8u1zY-3mMEZzzL_3FnWh2n0mXSo/s1600/P1010084.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next stop was Howick where we stayed beside a lovely man made dam where we enjoyed a bit of water sport!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41twWCPefE6xDATrT9H0s1773jMRBnDJxDmVLtvIsTcFUhQgZVmT8nllxojjdsmUhARN7J5hU9mHBLPQi_rbzmrhbFt0F_3qAq2VAFA9X6a-YWtyKLcminJiiUbYBe6jj0Wih4AnfN1w/s1600/P1010087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41twWCPefE6xDATrT9H0s1773jMRBnDJxDmVLtvIsTcFUhQgZVmT8nllxojjdsmUhARN7J5hU9mHBLPQi_rbzmrhbFt0F_3qAq2VAFA9X6a-YWtyKLcminJiiUbYBe6jj0Wih4AnfN1w/s1600/P1010087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We love the beaded wares on sale. We took lots of day trips with Gramps and Gran Gran.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh053h9ZsCgteaIonjMnF0RwKWRM2ULyO9A3EymPswntnTUcbRwuJVbhRQ2Fprvq-Vo3S8qdz3XinNRwwm0b572h9jmA3DwD6ljlHzb7jiSkXGQDbRNLxyErxQoMIQblushKSm61NzPFzY/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh053h9ZsCgteaIonjMnF0RwKWRM2ULyO9A3EymPswntnTUcbRwuJVbhRQ2Fprvq-Vo3S8qdz3XinNRwwm0b572h9jmA3DwD6ljlHzb7jiSkXGQDbRNLxyErxQoMIQblushKSm61NzPFzY/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we went to Johannesburg then to Kruger park. We stayed in lots of different huts and saw many animals, including this rhino Mum and babe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5q57Z1xM-h7uuOJMxBVvQxuu_n-pZX6sMoFQ38VChOyNTkyra9kWdX9JyOXib7RA8AQqxV0xkhNwFJACxdijezT0C59cSQabZQNP1AxNtVf6TSOHvyH48EAapRiEQMbMZV7-JguEDQc/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5q57Z1xM-h7uuOJMxBVvQxuu_n-pZX6sMoFQ38VChOyNTkyra9kWdX9JyOXib7RA8AQqxV0xkhNwFJACxdijezT0C59cSQabZQNP1AxNtVf6TSOHvyH48EAapRiEQMbMZV7-JguEDQc/s1600/IMG_2916.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Another highlight of our trip was seeing old friends. This pic was taken at lunch in Joburg with friends and we also had many lovely social times in Kwa-Zulu Natal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarJct6fkiJyRTMU8Ed0c5QzdEYoDriP9zLuX1KUByJ18kBPYwOjhh3mfS38u0Kak21cbVegc0MaZMGftJkQM05dzAkHwidSfkh8cQtU6wSItmQPU77N3C37MwBoeMD5AHTMtEKLcb2TI/s1600/IMG_3973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarJct6fkiJyRTMU8Ed0c5QzdEYoDriP9zLuX1KUByJ18kBPYwOjhh3mfS38u0Kak21cbVegc0MaZMGftJkQM05dzAkHwidSfkh8cQtU6wSItmQPU77N3C37MwBoeMD5AHTMtEKLcb2TI/s1600/IMG_3973.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another highlight was visiting ministries that care for orphans and growing in love for them. There is no place like one's own bed though! Nothing like getting home and seeing all our familiar things and places. We arrived home to catch the beauty of spring blossoms and bulbs.</div>
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-65510122657416076062014-08-15T19:18:00.002+10:002014-08-15T19:18:41.734+10:00iSonto #59<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B7y8gu51h2EMnb9SPBCrCHu7GDNZmbGfaow3j6w2aSuEsaOGtQ6SrOvySTunb0mE-aGESBFB2HMk6KDTjL7ijnMK_W2cQupR-J2KO2lby-A1JnE06zfxy9WYSZiOEKN9buzu8a3UvjA/s1600/P1010144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B7y8gu51h2EMnb9SPBCrCHu7GDNZmbGfaow3j6w2aSuEsaOGtQ6SrOvySTunb0mE-aGESBFB2HMk6KDTjL7ijnMK_W2cQupR-J2KO2lby-A1JnE06zfxy9WYSZiOEKN9buzu8a3UvjA/s1600/P1010144.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm sitting down for a rest in the midst of last preparations for our trip to South Africa, starting tomorrow. Above is one of Nate's happy snaps of his bed. Below are pictures of the cousins visit when the came to say goodbye before our trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zg7pfiKybftFVRJP1hjqCgQQYeMoyRD2XJAJHYcwEyXdGf3yqNJsCBnKxjY8IZoa3y8BI73wssRIMDS-loYivUVS9cqQrZfF9Rtfmk5KlPzTA7hwjkMPy6fjiH4eDfn4C53aI1Kf8bg/s1600/P1010120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Zg7pfiKybftFVRJP1hjqCgQQYeMoyRD2XJAJHYcwEyXdGf3yqNJsCBnKxjY8IZoa3y8BI73wssRIMDS-loYivUVS9cqQrZfF9Rtfmk5KlPzTA7hwjkMPy6fjiH4eDfn4C53aI1Kf8bg/s1600/P1010120.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7ZrMG3vT430eCc14vbhyphenhyphenpLQo966En1nhyphenhyphen9Hor3ZLC5tBbAPLQ7yvGZZjzhGdd-7SHVnfcQEqf-uM-0sOQ_sqXfZhThHoAnV5N3h7z7p2b5og4m6jAraeVnCwZgGIY5ADcSzOAx5wUnc/s1600/P1010122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc7ZrMG3vT430eCc14vbhyphenhyphenpLQo966En1nhyphenhyphen9Hor3ZLC5tBbAPLQ7yvGZZjzhGdd-7SHVnfcQEqf-uM-0sOQ_sqXfZhThHoAnV5N3h7z7p2b5og4m6jAraeVnCwZgGIY5ADcSzOAx5wUnc/s1600/P1010122.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBmWA_PXf4pc8XKcIEFDuZDj1blgt-vO9TiI4eWNbTAKbSn9PHWY7DqJB3Y5GhdGW0cR1fMYJAI1JgWr0TBZp3sendUfLTE2eimiANNJVuFTwZLBuD20dAT4GhrAigq2-hKRqhrJWzPg/s1600/P1010121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBmWA_PXf4pc8XKcIEFDuZDj1blgt-vO9TiI4eWNbTAKbSn9PHWY7DqJB3Y5GhdGW0cR1fMYJAI1JgWr0TBZp3sendUfLTE2eimiANNJVuFTwZLBuD20dAT4GhrAigq2-hKRqhrJWzPg/s1600/P1010121.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
More to be thankful for . . .<br />
<br />
Fun dancing with mercy at ballet<br />
Chicken dinner with children for family celebration<br />
Watching wedding DVD and remembering happy day<br />
Long dinner date with Dave for our anniversary<br />
Water rushing through our taps<br />
Freedom to worship<br />
Money to give to persecuted Christians<br />
Dolls house propped onto blocks for a pretend flood!<br />
Time to pack wisely and consider<br />
Mercy lady bird<br />
Dave likes to cook<br />
Soaking up sunset glorySherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-15439236625426511642014-08-06T21:06:00.002+10:002014-08-06T21:06:58.832+10:00iSonto #58We have set aside one bedroom as the "learning room" again, which is also where Bill sleeps at night in his cot. We have put lots of children's pictures on the wall so Nate has declared it our very own art gallery. We have created hand print flamingo and ostrich, and airplane pictures after reading "Why Can't I Fly?" by Ken Brown.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8Kj6OVd5zh8U2wPqxbHzm07cVCo5pall7dk9HSORc7KiA1ZBEpBIe_TJhwHqu8LA_1oe1zriyhHBgcwWhFbuyiRlcx-h4eRubXk7j7f_I9dXVMIgNfwJ07qdlWxJWAJxd9l0b1pp6gM/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8Kj6OVd5zh8U2wPqxbHzm07cVCo5pall7dk9HSORc7KiA1ZBEpBIe_TJhwHqu8LA_1oe1zriyhHBgcwWhFbuyiRlcx-h4eRubXk7j7f_I9dXVMIgNfwJ07qdlWxJWAJxd9l0b1pp6gM/s1600/P1010001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u1HEEp5sozIFGgY8AsRN2NLjCHCBb__mJFzx9Q-6MwZ_i5HFuPHAL3umjHjqtkj_zFjcr-ETpvyC-GEmCHxvNqT48E5ohcrCLNLCChJQftssYan8tVgkF9ykvWDCKJCbV5kw8lv5QXI/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8u1HEEp5sozIFGgY8AsRN2NLjCHCBb__mJFzx9Q-6MwZ_i5HFuPHAL3umjHjqtkj_zFjcr-ETpvyC-GEmCHxvNqT48E5ohcrCLNLCChJQftssYan8tVgkF9ykvWDCKJCbV5kw8lv5QXI/s1600/P1010002.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
We also experimented with making a painting with just pink, white and purple paint as one of the illustrations in our book had only these colours. This is Nate's effort to create a scene with flamingo and ostrich (the tall one). This is all part of our South African "Little Footprints" curriculum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJk6JDqGVRagyY-JaE2i122R1hMK-NRuBu_ZuGNk_-efFRdgLIFkD1CPFPIFsW5H_PTQedYUm9eBIHrv8hLuQ9QBu3W9cCPp53LLpj9UHyb5pbmiQ9IVZsgsk6aguN1wOVO0jJn_fvbw/s1600/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyJk6JDqGVRagyY-JaE2i122R1hMK-NRuBu_ZuGNk_-efFRdgLIFkD1CPFPIFsW5H_PTQedYUm9eBIHrv8hLuQ9QBu3W9cCPp53LLpj9UHyb5pbmiQ9IVZsgsk6aguN1wOVO0jJn_fvbw/s1600/P1010003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill loved snuggles with Dad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwv85KiD-AUwWltVwS7MbtdRtvL2ZSOSfUd2_qy2i7h5ey8j7QJoq8c3PTcKFrgl42U90n4prIfZhkEatqz9UO2KZPnVwrwsSIU_T_PUSbhng77_7PRYc9mWp0yF7n1StotaRLmFZa_g/s1600/P1010005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwv85KiD-AUwWltVwS7MbtdRtvL2ZSOSfUd2_qy2i7h5ey8j7QJoq8c3PTcKFrgl42U90n4prIfZhkEatqz9UO2KZPnVwrwsSIU_T_PUSbhng77_7PRYc9mWp0yF7n1StotaRLmFZa_g/s1600/P1010005.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
He fed himself wheat bix.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EPnAQCluuFwoG5LhU0eHAjUk94w6V7DsQUeL-5_a93ZFQHvJh5IJ6WASjStRuwnm8BHobM5VzmiNXQWEYekHKs3ofFc3lasPPXPA0EC_oF7aUTWVfaUeReER0S6U4PGdSfOMGCOSuOY/s1600/P1010007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EPnAQCluuFwoG5LhU0eHAjUk94w6V7DsQUeL-5_a93ZFQHvJh5IJ6WASjStRuwnm8BHobM5VzmiNXQWEYekHKs3ofFc3lasPPXPA0EC_oF7aUTWVfaUeReER0S6U4PGdSfOMGCOSuOY/s1600/P1010007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate practiced taking photos and this was one result. Bill finds glasses, tiaras and bead necklaces fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSScqT3NvsXG-TWvwXV0cqTp52mlnPQpCkl8rZWj38fSpx12mBX5YElHZnhoSqYM9tPcau6XSDacY6iXvn_soHRutHn3jpg0x8O-RwcdMzeBsx9TP0jyu_kuT-X8uTrBFMrq4cQEF3vo/s1600/P1010053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSScqT3NvsXG-TWvwXV0cqTp52mlnPQpCkl8rZWj38fSpx12mBX5YElHZnhoSqYM9tPcau6XSDacY6iXvn_soHRutHn3jpg0x8O-RwcdMzeBsx9TP0jyu_kuT-X8uTrBFMrq4cQEF3vo/s1600/P1010053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, it was fun to have our first child-written sign about the house! Nate is just starting to write letters more often although we are not doing structured writing practice yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWkHhJeV3j5HlhTe3tQ8nG97ALAQbxfieup1b2b75rIQ9UCIGDZeayfgvZ8Av4BdcFSnIanHePhiH-ndyTN_g0kxjcYwZsQo5T1cTbYrMneMs2dPoXDzHLIHikc-PwRDzSgNQAzkFmoU/s1600/P1010056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSWkHhJeV3j5HlhTe3tQ8nG97ALAQbxfieup1b2b75rIQ9UCIGDZeayfgvZ8Av4BdcFSnIanHePhiH-ndyTN_g0kxjcYwZsQo5T1cTbYrMneMs2dPoXDzHLIHikc-PwRDzSgNQAzkFmoU/s1600/P1010056.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
More happy thoughts:<br />
Daffodils in blue pottery vase on kitchen bench<br />
Candle flickering in burgandy holder<br />
Verbal correction guidelines that help keep me on track<br />
Watching my 3 play at a park in the sun<br />
Bill smiling and saying "hello goggy"<br />
iPod pre-literacy games for Nate<br />
Zulu dictionary for iPod!<br />
Every bit of Zulu study seemed worth it when imbali was so excited and emotional about Dave closing our call in Zulu.<br />
Strength to be hospitable this week as well<br />
Joy of being able to serve<br />
Beautiful view from our living room of freshly snow covered mountain and hills<br />
A bath full of children<br />
Able to sit comfortably at several places at our table, thanks to our new chairs<br />
Able to quickly mix two quiche to bake for church lunch<br />
Children threading African beadsSherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-16193520131891519952014-07-23T20:59:00.000+10:002014-07-23T20:59:40.932+10:00iSonto #57<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gLHR8RXFdulJ5_Ql10bvA4noi85SYb_ufN8w3F0Wb0pk0bUpsl7o1bjLXCOoP9EzpX9Dlh22xaXNvrU1shRhsyZR4G-C9iEBAIegQ96EeWCp7pSAKZxA0V_4cNBc8hkg-mFuWbOZYos/s1600/P1010134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gLHR8RXFdulJ5_Ql10bvA4noi85SYb_ufN8w3F0Wb0pk0bUpsl7o1bjLXCOoP9EzpX9Dlh22xaXNvrU1shRhsyZR4G-C9iEBAIegQ96EeWCp7pSAKZxA0V_4cNBc8hkg-mFuWbOZYos/s1600/P1010134.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This week brings some happy memories of our special school holiday outing with cousins to Zoo Doo. Above the oldest and youngest Tassie cousins both have striped beanies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe6gqK0GHqx5ELzhjMx3f5gf8crsDgesX1ubme6doRSt7WzonQREeC1G66anqIFRIK5zDNRPTR7SNUdxvNhrhiOwqrO0J4ZhdCwD_TGDJ0Ikfu-4ycL0awFmNTnn0RNtBP5TD6EsJm-8/s1600/P1010136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqe6gqK0GHqx5ELzhjMx3f5gf8crsDgesX1ubme6doRSt7WzonQREeC1G66anqIFRIK5zDNRPTR7SNUdxvNhrhiOwqrO0J4ZhdCwD_TGDJ0Ikfu-4ycL0awFmNTnn0RNtBP5TD6EsJm-8/s1600/P1010136.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate's favourites were the bunnies and the lambs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAjvoCGe3FLv_-dvcN4y-rf3GzFelz8omyPmzLUbYYV3vf11JKXXCDDtEPaiYvfCLE9NHiPLD1cnOK9NKOJ3_WyUJhSu536CD-_nq1_8kMTwXJSGv3Lbe6onsCWchPg6R5p7bdCEZ9qg/s1600/P1010141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAjvoCGe3FLv_-dvcN4y-rf3GzFelz8omyPmzLUbYYV3vf11JKXXCDDtEPaiYvfCLE9NHiPLD1cnOK9NKOJ3_WyUJhSu536CD-_nq1_8kMTwXJSGv3Lbe6onsCWchPg6R5p7bdCEZ9qg/s1600/P1010141.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiMNC0UR3Nnxtw4sj9Ny5iplwdebHHUhPUm5fn3goNB1n3YIhMDN0axjy2djAP6ne2SX5zta54Hi-DZWBzknKG_DUB3Ljebd9uDHfr_xFf-qX2vkrDrl2l2xhWzzlsjIb2TR0mbVYQb8/s1600/P1010142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiMNC0UR3Nnxtw4sj9Ny5iplwdebHHUhPUm5fn3goNB1n3YIhMDN0axjy2djAP6ne2SX5zta54Hi-DZWBzknKG_DUB3Ljebd9uDHfr_xFf-qX2vkrDrl2l2xhWzzlsjIb2TR0mbVYQb8/s1600/P1010142.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was also great fun to race around the paddocks with the wallabies.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglEd7y6wsdTCl1qysetWXBhza6MTNMnIDIIlztG1I3H8-_MXJrygXhOLYwm4q7T9l0uf59AGMs78ihCk4wvbtHvm21FF-fSaTkF3vmE-SmieEz0WJ7mO3KXnLoCWdZcL4NU0wr445uu0/s1600/P1010151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglEd7y6wsdTCl1qysetWXBhza6MTNMnIDIIlztG1I3H8-_MXJrygXhOLYwm4q7T9l0uf59AGMs78ihCk4wvbtHvm21FF-fSaTkF3vmE-SmieEz0WJ7mO3KXnLoCWdZcL4NU0wr445uu0/s1600/P1010151.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill held his own, kicking animals that came near his feet!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mBU06HRQaXuF9jgayp3X8pL-sI8VaUte1bURrPjZ9IONr7XmfFiOBxfgv42xF3zDcZsh2R6p4KwOXB4gb-I-eWWQImeYS89YGzV2NRJd9wyKVf8sIQOU5VObWUCJXHSDodATjuQSG-g/s1600/P1010158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mBU06HRQaXuF9jgayp3X8pL-sI8VaUte1bURrPjZ9IONr7XmfFiOBxfgv42xF3zDcZsh2R6p4KwOXB4gb-I-eWWQImeYS89YGzV2NRJd9wyKVf8sIQOU5VObWUCJXHSDodATjuQSG-g/s1600/P1010158.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All the children did a great job on the crazy bus ride with camels and ostrich sticking their heads through to eat the food in the cups. No one got too scared!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_Tcd4F8eD-5m4SE2jj4QU-p3ViMPRjoqWZYkxCQJcMjaLr1N6ceja0tuf2Nzcl5ArwY6i9yXozZbKToBFNQI3GbKuBYZ9RVy9c152EW7fw8Nx5h4dF6TwafRuboOv-l-6AOhEYRF5cc/s1600/P1010113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_Tcd4F8eD-5m4SE2jj4QU-p3ViMPRjoqWZYkxCQJcMjaLr1N6ceja0tuf2Nzcl5ArwY6i9yXozZbKToBFNQI3GbKuBYZ9RVy9c152EW7fw8Nx5h4dF6TwafRuboOv-l-6AOhEYRF5cc/s1600/P1010113.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That is just a sample of the exciting day which also held lions, merkats (my favourite), monkeys, and emus. We have been reading about ostrich in the lead up to our South Africa trip so this was a good opportunity to talk about and observe the differences between them and the Australian emu. Hopefully the lessons will be remembered!<br />
<br />
Plus some more things to be thankful for:<br />
<br />
The 3 playing happily in the cubby in the rain<br />
Reading a chapter of "Fit to Burst" while eating fresh hummus<br />
Plump cushions with clean covers<br />
Grandma and William walking hand in hand<br />
Feeling calm<br />
Giant howden cauliflower<br />
Bill feeding himself porridge<br />
Cousins to enjoy a holiday outing with<br />
Children delighted with farm animals<br />
Having guests again<br />
Spare sewing machine needles<br />
Patched trousers!<br />
Mercy's response to being told we would have guests on Sunday: "great, I love them, what are their names?"<br />
Mercy and Nate playing outside together happily for more than an hour<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-1409433430577919972014-07-16T21:11:00.002+10:002014-07-16T21:11:49.234+10:00iSonto #56<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyHhU1dmKiRXkNWza6fAtaBTf-iWQZxsicbdIaDFT6Mnl8EA_qQCiRDj1Owum1s2rRVVDFP73BWfPQNSn-n6f626AkYgVZE0buPtbIGvEmU4Y5Q1kdkh4tSmtgbC2i5Yt6GkRG3SjTdU/s1600/P1010097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyHhU1dmKiRXkNWza6fAtaBTf-iWQZxsicbdIaDFT6Mnl8EA_qQCiRDj1Owum1s2rRVVDFP73BWfPQNSn-n6f626AkYgVZE0buPtbIGvEmU4Y5Q1kdkh4tSmtgbC2i5Yt6GkRG3SjTdU/s1600/P1010097.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This week we have a tea party for cars (and funny faces for the camera).<br />
<br />
We have had heaps of fun with cousins in the holidays. Yesterday it was lovely to have them occupied for an hour making booklets about "God's Good News".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AHjm7W5AeTBz3K4bvlK3CoHXHmDnC47y-u9tCkdBSG28Jo0txHEBOBaBe-2zx6otxaWdYYg0b3-NYs4lbx0BwgiJLlDOrwYhj1tBtAeqyttfkMSa6Ox-7MJ-PZFLa3a8Xm9G5kg3QKk/s1600/P1010100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AHjm7W5AeTBz3K4bvlK3CoHXHmDnC47y-u9tCkdBSG28Jo0txHEBOBaBe-2zx6otxaWdYYg0b3-NYs4lbx0BwgiJLlDOrwYhj1tBtAeqyttfkMSa6Ox-7MJ-PZFLa3a8Xm9G5kg3QKk/s1600/P1010100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cousin Jeriah helped Elnathan a lot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrMMkEju5wWsD5cLaCBTEaQZLlTJMkA_PGF_kF7yby_NSaCAYei88JImtgL23fSI2VeiFy2_AAmBL3Vap0CbeY0_0QWUcFxIv8fxoTMSlP2NkMSLrm1wh0hvsd8XH27uPUq94EspiHbQ/s1600/P1010102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrMMkEju5wWsD5cLaCBTEaQZLlTJMkA_PGF_kF7yby_NSaCAYei88JImtgL23fSI2VeiFy2_AAmBL3Vap0CbeY0_0QWUcFxIv8fxoTMSlP2NkMSLrm1wh0hvsd8XH27uPUq94EspiHbQ/s1600/P1010102.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are the thanksgiving points I popped into my ipod blog draft this week:<br />
<br />
Bill's huge smile as we sing Ho Ho<br />
Bill trying to say Jesus<br />
Nate's glowing eyes when I tell him I am looking forward to seeing his creation<br />
Fun bible sticker and activity sheets<br />
Reading Acts to mercy and Nate<br />
Cousin Esther happy sleepover<br />
Nate and Bill exchanging smiles and horrays<br />
Perfect pink down jacket<br />
Strong enough to get out paints for children<br />
Nate gaining new painting skills<br />
Nate asking: "mummy do I smell like a daffodil?"<br />
Mercy learning to recognize the written word God in a bible story<br />
Nate loving his vehicle coloring book<br />
Mercy drawing with much more detail including people, and explaining her pictures<br />
Dave encouraging children to praise God<br />
Cousins liked the craft I provided<br />
Mercy and Nate delighted eyes when I was excited about them being good when out with dad.<br />
Mercy telling me I look lovely in my passport photo!!<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-32600980958988043312014-07-09T20:35:00.004+10:002014-07-09T20:36:03.848+10:00iSonto #55<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWI58W87ruM/U70X3GcQeHI/AAAAAAAADeo/m3uRSHrlVI4/s1600/P1010084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BWI58W87ruM/U70X3GcQeHI/AAAAAAAADeo/m3uRSHrlVI4/s1600/P1010084.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
It is good to be well enough to blog this week. Above you can see Bill getting up to mischief with the little chair again.<br />
<br />
We got a play pen for the first time at our third toddler! This new pen with a gate means the older children can also build without interruption. In fact, Nate thinks of it as his play pen. One funny moment was when he said "Help. Bill is trying to get into my playpen!" Believe me, I am grateful when my active five year old wants to shut himself up in there for a while :).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg43zVbiJnM/U70X6fzrZII/AAAAAAAADfA/w8PbWThX1rA/s1600/P1010087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg43zVbiJnM/U70X6fzrZII/AAAAAAAADfA/w8PbWThX1rA/s1600/P1010087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAyImZnq_YU/U70X7wcPYoI/AAAAAAAADfI/WsOMGNjPxuY/s1600/P1010088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAyImZnq_YU/U70X7wcPYoI/AAAAAAAADfI/WsOMGNjPxuY/s1600/P1010088.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate's fabric picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCQxZIy5tKI/U70X9FPlxKI/AAAAAAAADfQ/badwGtTg-rs/s1600/P1010089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCQxZIy5tKI/U70X9FPlxKI/AAAAAAAADfQ/badwGtTg-rs/s1600/P1010089.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dave and the children made a cake. The excuse was that in July six years ago God provided for us in many ways: this house, Dave's job, and Dave's working visa, as well as a trip booked to South Africa. It is always good to talk about God's goodness . . . and who needs an excuse to bake cakes and ice them blue anyway!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pE2tibj-hS0/U70YAJjtYiI/AAAAAAAADfo/i85nEr3t_lk/s1600/P1010092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pE2tibj-hS0/U70YAJjtYiI/AAAAAAAADfo/i85nEr3t_lk/s1600/P1010092.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Mercy and I made a paper pizza in response to the story "Pete's Pizza". Mercy added arms and a legs for her talking pizza :). This was good for her cutting skills.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7cCioWksOY/U70YBFuscZI/AAAAAAAADfw/5b_vavbi35k/s1600/P1010093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W7cCioWksOY/U70YBFuscZI/AAAAAAAADfw/5b_vavbi35k/s1600/P1010093.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQaxc5sZoSU/U70YCOEwmUI/AAAAAAAADf0/Ww7pjJMfZNs/s1600/P1010094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VQaxc5sZoSU/U70YCOEwmUI/AAAAAAAADf0/Ww7pjJMfZNs/s1600/P1010094.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The round African houses Dave made with the children as one of the activities in our new South African curriculum we are starting before we go over next month. This curriculum is a wonderful opportunity to take the children on an adventure there before we even set foot on the ground :).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwR8YhDxJX5A4aJ7kNmODjjF4P6IrDHjKuhqOs3qp7AkL4V-ilE67VMo1wCJPwjQG9OVcaDQltcat8Sbtzu2l9vn8kXUHk8ndD4XMCMgvsfP8B6c7zyoVFgEW56p1hTjET6VDMJ7oby8/s1600/P1010095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwR8YhDxJX5A4aJ7kNmODjjF4P6IrDHjKuhqOs3qp7AkL4V-ilE67VMo1wCJPwjQG9OVcaDQltcat8Sbtzu2l9vn8kXUHk8ndD4XMCMgvsfP8B6c7zyoVFgEW56p1hTjET6VDMJ7oby8/s1600/P1010095.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is two weeks worth of my thanks list:<br />
Mercy rejoicing in her pink shoes with bows<br />
Lying on my bed in the sunlight in a quiet house!<br />
Dave taking the children to the beach for a walk.<br />
A new denim dress bought on sale for Mercy, just what I imagined getting for her before she was born.<br />
Early morning reading in the car at the beach.<br />
Christ-centered marriage book "What Did You Expect" by Paul David Tripp<br />
Heating in the car!<br />
New coat and jacket on order.<br />
Receiving teaching on contentment from Revive Our Hearts podcasts.<br />
Midyear sales.<br />
Heart to pray for my extended family.<br />
Mercy bright eyed reciting John 15:14<br />
Tissues!<br />
Joy buying clothes for orphans<br />
Laughing at my passport photo in which I look (and was) very sick!<br />
Able to pay for expensive passport.<br />
White sky and bare brown branches above red mohair blanket<br />
Able to cough without sharp, pounding sinus pain in ears and head<br />
Friends offering help and prayer<br />
Antibiotics<br />
Dave's carer leave<br />
Able to laugh, cough and sit up without severe pain.<br />
Bill spinning and dancing to music in room time.<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-32725602014739452632014-06-25T20:26:00.000+10:002014-06-25T20:26:19.204+10:00iSonto #54<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChspjclBxywyZM2Lr_Et29w_JsUrANUYRJv4ibxIOQ-55XsxdDl42e-XOTQHZEIgXH1IZkQoWtpx3vwMcWQ88DJZLKhngptbuqrUWVUmGzN5iNmwxpGfAOXNJPW8_JD5k8Jl8kfrYMWE/s1600/P1010082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChspjclBxywyZM2Lr_Et29w_JsUrANUYRJv4ibxIOQ-55XsxdDl42e-XOTQHZEIgXH1IZkQoWtpx3vwMcWQ88DJZLKhngptbuqrUWVUmGzN5iNmwxpGfAOXNJPW8_JD5k8Jl8kfrYMWE/s1600/P1010082.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy "taking Bill for a walk". Mercy feels very blessed that we have a baby, even such a big one who is becoming more little boy than baby. Last week Nate said "We birthed Bill <i>ages</i> ago"!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOK9sUJBLx-YkIGfb8kOjkW3BAN-W8gQIeg_ewDo6ZFuyFjwW-pRva-O9v69RMt9E_pFaCfd1iK0JQmwUuIL-9IT8rgJc508z27TiUp5HcdaRcMjW70o-t3BO6NG3DoY_R7GDA0EfXHfU/s1600/P1010073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOK9sUJBLx-YkIGfb8kOjkW3BAN-W8gQIeg_ewDo6ZFuyFjwW-pRva-O9v69RMt9E_pFaCfd1iK0JQmwUuIL-9IT8rgJc508z27TiUp5HcdaRcMjW70o-t3BO6NG3DoY_R7GDA0EfXHfU/s1600/P1010073.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy and Nate have been earning dress ups when they accumulate seven clean and dry days (yes, they <i>still</i> need toilet training). Here they are as king and queen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx-BSZxDTeTlhD3XMGfTCLRMCg0wR3LI1przu8w6eWitvFnlOsC_r-pQwIGITqAICqnmh6mAFebkFx8HOK90YX_g-GlAhD9MlXlI7bPSU7c9MbMGfVFY2MEY5GGnIySyalS2rvq2KoD0/s1600/P1010076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDx-BSZxDTeTlhD3XMGfTCLRMCg0wR3LI1przu8w6eWitvFnlOsC_r-pQwIGITqAICqnmh6mAFebkFx8HOK90YX_g-GlAhD9MlXlI7bPSU7c9MbMGfVFY2MEY5GGnIySyalS2rvq2KoD0/s1600/P1010076.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We have a great book called "The Big Book of Bible Story Art Activities". For this one we made playdough and used it to create gardens with pasta shapes. It occupied the little ones for about an hour. You can see below that Bill is a climber. At sixteen months he pushes a seat up to the bar stools and climbs onto them. I like to describe his increasing skills as "bracing" . . . for me, that is!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdbUn6wvcRTqTv2JAr7wRtmjJjuC8g2Z3hgNVx6So8lxbgM_V7t8JnrTLdY9Bl9hp-NBvtZq6y65OvQZHyhWpGKVlvJK8g1UCvWwRXh5a6WZ_wvd9u9Lx-x7fgm3pE6a9z0vk0e1Yssg/s1600/P1010077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdbUn6wvcRTqTv2JAr7wRtmjJjuC8g2Z3hgNVx6So8lxbgM_V7t8JnrTLdY9Bl9hp-NBvtZq6y65OvQZHyhWpGKVlvJK8g1UCvWwRXh5a6WZ_wvd9u9Lx-x7fgm3pE6a9z0vk0e1Yssg/s1600/P1010077.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQw6vxLbH1iwveWgWBcd3hP-PSXaWZJcvSdKBNoM736Vcvl-9G4g69OgzNiWUlPLiQ-ywssDRyEPf6eDcZrf3Ty0G4oPI5tMEf_zpGzm0a6FwV2LwVkkRnq-Sc7GOpeRXMuOJfqQuMRQ/s1600/P1010078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqQw6vxLbH1iwveWgWBcd3hP-PSXaWZJcvSdKBNoM736Vcvl-9G4g69OgzNiWUlPLiQ-ywssDRyEPf6eDcZrf3Ty0G4oPI5tMEf_zpGzm0a6FwV2LwVkkRnq-Sc7GOpeRXMuOJfqQuMRQ/s1600/P1010078.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate has decided he needs a "desk". He likes to look at photos on the computer. Behind you can see the pink case we picked up for Mercy at a garage sale for our trip. We also got Nate one and they are old enough to begin anticipating our trip and running around with their cases pretending to go on an airplane.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids6M53Xs9b8beTos8ysfKYaPWfzPFCWFH_gBPNfbavs8uGrJDtEoKSmciIRbnZTqKCwhuNWNXjiH_3IbATBjOQNq2GgLmlbAso_s6uA8bxVuQemFAhftsqsGx4Qyo86s3M1VW5MnRzM4/s1600/P1010080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEids6M53Xs9b8beTos8ysfKYaPWfzPFCWFH_gBPNfbavs8uGrJDtEoKSmciIRbnZTqKCwhuNWNXjiH_3IbATBjOQNq2GgLmlbAso_s6uA8bxVuQemFAhftsqsGx4Qyo86s3M1VW5MnRzM4/s1600/P1010080.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are some more things to be thankful for I jotted down over the past two weeks:<br />
<br />
Nate saying he would come home and make me vegetable soup to cheer me up!<br />
Nate being polite at grandmas birthday party.<br />
Bill learning to love books and sitting with me for 25 minutes listening while I read to him!<br />
Bill loves being outdoors.<br />
Mercy loudly singing to a praise CD, and dancing.<br />
Nate matching letter blocks. I tried this about two years ago, and every few months since then, with no interest until now so it is lovely to have it happening now!<br />
Nate telling me he wants to live with me forever because he loves me so much! (This is sweet because I trust he will feel differently when he grows up . . . not about the love, but about his living situation).<br />
Dancing with Mercy to the praise CD.<br />
Dave bringing me home flowers.<br />
Nate building sand castles.<br />
Nate creating lots of stencil pictures with colorix crayons.<br />
Mercy creating a train family.<br />
Happy children eating garden carrots and "camping".<br />
Scent of jasmine<br />
Mild winter day<br />
A little girl walking up to me at kinder gym holding mercy's hand saying "I have a new friend", both looking starry eyed!<br />
Renewed appreciation for breathing through my nose after having a cold.<br />
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-4531627730332694852014-06-11T20:32:00.001+10:002014-06-11T20:32:28.886+10:00iSonto #53<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mischief Billy was into sister's jewelry box. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kpbkqpc_7Q77W4KdNRvRMb0w1cH0ZH8BED-uUqenhyphenhyphenK67sftiVSi6CTwwXbxDxoKnMCGWK04Tn3KW_T01sztzgYmq5wgZ6GC1pmqX5mE30MDuGms-pKxgKkyPtQulmDEJ857mCYpqAc/s1600/P1010051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Kpbkqpc_7Q77W4KdNRvRMb0w1cH0ZH8BED-uUqenhyphenhyphenK67sftiVSi6CTwwXbxDxoKnMCGWK04Tn3KW_T01sztzgYmq5wgZ6GC1pmqX5mE30MDuGms-pKxgKkyPtQulmDEJ857mCYpqAc/s1600/P1010051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Elnathan was excited to create an E shape from blocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLBZsCbLqsM/U5gr0FUF2HI/AAAAAAAADZc/oG3nMoec5KA/s1600/P1010071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OLBZsCbLqsM/U5gr0FUF2HI/AAAAAAAADZc/oG3nMoec5KA/s1600/P1010071.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Bill gained an interest in puzzles and continued with his interest in climbing onto chairs and then onto the table. The latter is an interest we are aiming to redirect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6wKL1L_W5GNEbfJouioSchfsRUVH128flX6Zv3VJSx2b3ftgVb0886VkU-P9oSuHYcYuUnMjdpZwvjAn_rDvnaqLf4XCXoBTfgbgFTWsVST9x9vY28T2w_JC_QUjYTPbaKsY7ICqIv8/s1600/P1010059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6wKL1L_W5GNEbfJouioSchfsRUVH128flX6Zv3VJSx2b3ftgVb0886VkU-P9oSuHYcYuUnMjdpZwvjAn_rDvnaqLf4XCXoBTfgbgFTWsVST9x9vY28T2w_JC_QUjYTPbaKsY7ICqIv8/s1600/P1010059.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The children decided some plants needed moving . . . our winter garden belongs to them and the chooks! We are still getting some kale leaves from under the net at the back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdzfri9CMen6mAA0wwC2aNSa-RUyX4cHYaI6v5mNrrOshlleWcf1PwdAvZ750_o7wwFero7HgUtYMCfQn1RK-38t5lXTRyDV3IIfQBoFR6O_Zub7uX4g6HOJUkRnVKGsmGPvCeb0bCNE/s1600/P1010056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdzfri9CMen6mAA0wwC2aNSa-RUyX4cHYaI6v5mNrrOshlleWcf1PwdAvZ750_o7wwFero7HgUtYMCfQn1RK-38t5lXTRyDV3IIfQBoFR6O_Zub7uX4g6HOJUkRnVKGsmGPvCeb0bCNE/s1600/P1010056.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love the blackboard we stuck onto our wall like contact where we are now displaying a verse to learn each week. This one is longer and is taking a couple of weeks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw5ObVC71ed1DqZYdO3c19gUWo8DaJMXe3xMJhk8OFUbA9kl2slkinL84mDJbDfstjls_abra5ZT45djSF_DBxgxw-BPqutNUhqcrejhegmuCQ2WcG-4so0FH6A86J4nFwvU1ad80rgc/s1600/P1010060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw5ObVC71ed1DqZYdO3c19gUWo8DaJMXe3xMJhk8OFUbA9kl2slkinL84mDJbDfstjls_abra5ZT45djSF_DBxgxw-BPqutNUhqcrejhegmuCQ2WcG-4so0FH6A86J4nFwvU1ad80rgc/s1600/P1010060.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, here are some gratitude points I popped in as they came up over the course of the week.<br />
<br />
Dark and stressful days remind me of the kind of mother I would be without the benefits of being a child of God. Truly all the good in us is only from Him.<br />
Children pretending bean bags are platypus.<br />
Ribbon bow in mercy's hair.<br />
Mercy asking for it again the next day.<br />
Mercy is quiet most of the time when I brush her hair now<br />
Watching Bill focused and content playing with the same wooden block train that was Nate's first toy.<br />
Heaping encouragement on the person who reminds me of mini-Nate, a chance to try again and experience "all things new".<br />
Keeping the good and adding to it as we go on in parenting.<br />
Our flights Sydney to Hobart on the way back from South Africa will cost us nothing thanks to credit card points (it pays to keep it in the positive)!<br />
Able to photocopy pages from parenting books here at home.<br />
Friends serving us a yummy chicken curry at their home for dinner and our children happily gobbling it up, I was grateful not to have rudeness issues with them!<br />
Children able to undo buttons and put on shoes.<br />
Nate able to do up buttons.<br />
After years of effort Nate is quite reliable at sitting through church.<br />
Going to <a href="http://www.crossroadshobart.org/" target="_blank">Crossroads</a> feels like going back to a spiritual home.<br />
Seeing old friends.<br />
<a href="https://www.reviveourhearts.com/resource-library/30-day-challenges/30-day-mom/" target="_blank">Revive our hearts 30 day mom challenge</a> and stress jar idea from one of the emails.<br />
Mercy concentrating as I showed her the numbers on our alphabet blocks. Then she wanted me to spell her name Lorraine.<br />
Extra grateful for every day of life after sudden death of child whose family we know.Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-2553687111863731082014-06-04T20:44:00.003+10:002014-06-04T20:44:39.730+10:00iSonto #52Nate had a renewed interest in Duplo, resulting in this fun creation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNumE9JTsU2FhJyKY2QltQCXUbCDp9h94hQM4HvkzPJGmX2GNPA1uS6_sBzjfauTr3vdNJeQxgR3tzycTeQcmf8Eol0xPUCdmKLllzPko1iBOeJwthE6hGTo7NACzobfCu8kRYOU007m0/s1600/P1010044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNumE9JTsU2FhJyKY2QltQCXUbCDp9h94hQM4HvkzPJGmX2GNPA1uS6_sBzjfauTr3vdNJeQxgR3tzycTeQcmf8Eol0xPUCdmKLllzPko1iBOeJwthE6hGTo7NACzobfCu8kRYOU007m0/s1600/P1010044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMJCSaUpOBjSeVgY_wL0gGwrhYNGmM__GIzDWdgFn_jw_a2OcFcU5ImJA6cKSKEcXMbAYb9gekGxnVPIsM4q-6p64Z-CiqOp_87NEgsUR6QioFmhnijqSArUcuNTpdPuGTI-hv8cSoU0/s1600/P1010045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMJCSaUpOBjSeVgY_wL0gGwrhYNGmM__GIzDWdgFn_jw_a2OcFcU5ImJA6cKSKEcXMbAYb9gekGxnVPIsM4q-6p64Z-CiqOp_87NEgsUR6QioFmhnijqSArUcuNTpdPuGTI-hv8cSoU0/s1600/P1010045.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Mercy made a boat for her "friends" Morgan (the one in the red shirt with the black hair) and co.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wQh45RaXi85oPb-DdWLLLpUnccql6GBxZwnIR77CJoJ7EIPY_Q4nN8OR5BM32Pj_di684ztR6ZJNXI4tPcvd0g0rjKh9XllE4ukEHArfItx8Wl9jKF4QeGkZEeOzlUbe6R7jzW5sUw0/s1600/P1010046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wQh45RaXi85oPb-DdWLLLpUnccql6GBxZwnIR77CJoJ7EIPY_Q4nN8OR5BM32Pj_di684ztR6ZJNXI4tPcvd0g0rjKh9XllE4ukEHArfItx8Wl9jKF4QeGkZEeOzlUbe6R7jzW5sUw0/s1600/P1010046.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate was also into the lego.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcv6bR5WCG9dfd05T2AXRu8-XWn49uqWve0JWSzTT9W08KnRJPhilbr6276rNUscsmvtZYmbnXyj89z0BUJ22P5u3cJr5XjunukE-3Esgi9Ckvl7WYIQ_7qqqOA20wSoDJvGBSd8i7Po/s1600/P1010047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcv6bR5WCG9dfd05T2AXRu8-XWn49uqWve0JWSzTT9W08KnRJPhilbr6276rNUscsmvtZYmbnXyj89z0BUJ22P5u3cJr5XjunukE-3Esgi9Ckvl7WYIQ_7qqqOA20wSoDJvGBSd8i7Po/s1600/P1010047.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
More things to be thankful for . . .<br />
<br />
Bill slept well after dinner with cousins<br />
I love our house!<br />
A chance to sit and look at scrapbooks and rejoice in god's kindness.<br />
Janelle invited us for dinner.<br />
Nate made a love collage with duplo and it occupied him for half an hour.<br />
Dave found a scripture about provocation to help us teach about this, Proverbs 27:3.<br />
Nate made a frog garden on an outdoor window sill with bricks, weeds, branches and a pond.<br />
Put away washing and finished online food shopping without interruption!<br />
Sticking cloves in oranges occupied children for half an hour. This was one of the suggested activities for the letter "O" in their Sonlight curriculum. They can be used as scented ornaments hung from ribbons.<br />
Mercy told us that our family is rich because we have plenty of food :). Grandma is very rich though because "she has a farm".Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-58726512986436718442014-05-28T19:58:00.000+10:002014-05-28T19:58:30.729+10:00iSonto #51There are many more things to be thankful for this week.<br />
<br />
Another Botanical Gardens trip, this time with Dad, uncle, and cousins! There was a great leaf monster.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xC4U8GWWUaZnSxQdY_MxvbeaxQoBJ2jcY97eO0jk03Oy3qrTCX2shB4lfIpQeBt-sOTIOVJHJCq20CmMA68dsQZNK7swcCvqs8JQyHiEakQbkCKUnY-TsOCu_n4OKxhsMDK1Aq4YitE/s1600/P1010014-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xC4U8GWWUaZnSxQdY_MxvbeaxQoBJ2jcY97eO0jk03Oy3qrTCX2shB4lfIpQeBt-sOTIOVJHJCq20CmMA68dsQZNK7swcCvqs8JQyHiEakQbkCKUnY-TsOCu_n4OKxhsMDK1Aq4YitE/s1600/P1010014-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatHWgw4AwmKye99gxYyZlq3JeHSSH3SpV30kkJ7HJooyrnf_OdUknEAaIclUPqQ1WPCHk9Ea0tFPOwcJx0wDk7gw4HjXAzZz2FvowShywHFdAEUm75GIMI87RY8-7M_jjSGD-ilyXt8Q/s1600/P1010018-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatHWgw4AwmKye99gxYyZlq3JeHSSH3SpV30kkJ7HJooyrnf_OdUknEAaIclUPqQ1WPCHk9Ea0tFPOwcJx0wDk7gw4HjXAzZz2FvowShywHFdAEUm75GIMI87RY8-7M_jjSGD-ilyXt8Q/s1600/P1010018-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/indeX.aspX?base=20170" target="_blank">Silvereye</a> finches flitting through dead corn stalks.<br />
<br />
Nate comforting Bill.<br />
<br />
Bill toddling in rain in outdoor suit, rain coat and gum boots.<br />
<br />
Brown Winter Cole pears from Geeveston in a yellow fruit bowl.<br />
<br />
Gratitude that comes whenever I did into a box of hand me downs and realise how much money and trouble they have saved us.<br />
<br />
Nate old enough for autumn leaf rubbings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOwwgNvAQEU/U4B1qemJK0I/AAAAAAAADMM/aeir0KzZFBw/s1600/P1010005-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOwwgNvAQEU/U4B1qemJK0I/AAAAAAAADMM/aeir0KzZFBw/s1600/P1010005-001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Chance to purchase glitter and messy fun had with it creating shapes and sea scene.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmNMs3bj64s/U4WsdNeDjTI/AAAAAAAADSM/z6sho34rM40/s1600/P1010042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GmNMs3bj64s/U4WsdNeDjTI/AAAAAAAADSM/z6sho34rM40/s1600/P1010042.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Sunset clouds shining through yellow birch leaves.<br />
<br />
Watching a flock of birds alight over Browns river.<br />
<br />
Public parks.<br />
<br />
Sharing the observation of new birds with the children.<br />
<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2155429946688188786.post-33515689080190856522014-05-21T20:53:00.000+10:002014-05-21T20:56:13.148+10:00iSonto #50<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRPfYu1l_KY/U3yA-PwYCBI/AAAAAAAADIo/9nmDZerBbpE/s1600/P1010181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oRPfYu1l_KY/U3yA-PwYCBI/AAAAAAAADIo/9nmDZerBbpE/s1600/P1010181.JPG" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
The brothers had a photo taken together on a trip to the Botanical Gardens. Nate was excited about these photos, asking for one of him with Billy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8whdDjH3pw/U3yBZ5qE0mI/AAAAAAAADKw/CZOsXON7y4g/s1600/P1010198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q8whdDjH3pw/U3yBZ5qE0mI/AAAAAAAADKw/CZOsXON7y4g/s1600/P1010198.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It is fun to have elaborate box constructions like this one on the play mat in the living room. Great to see what a small boy can turn blocks into, isn't it? This construction is "Jack the taxi" from the library book.<br />
<br />
I'll finish with some more pictures of our trip yesterday to the Botanical Gardens. This trip was an answer-to-prayer gift that was just what we needed to refresh us and help us out of some temptations we were facing. You know the kind of temptations to anger, provoking one another, etc. that can be helped in some fresh air in a beautiful place!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBa0YmW2vkw/U3yArL1rGMI/AAAAAAAADHY/qPBHI_qcOVA/s1600/P1010170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBa0YmW2vkw/U3yArL1rGMI/AAAAAAAADHY/qPBHI_qcOVA/s1600/P1010170.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBCIYFvke10/U3yAmqZLVWI/AAAAAAAADHI/2R0LAuxxlAQ/s1600/P1010168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iBCIYFvke10/U3yAmqZLVWI/AAAAAAAADHI/2R0LAuxxlAQ/s1600/P1010168.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xUMQFi_k_A/U3yAot9OL_I/AAAAAAAADHQ/wZmieo4iW9U/s1600/P1010169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8xUMQFi_k_A/U3yAot9OL_I/AAAAAAAADHQ/wZmieo4iW9U/s1600/P1010169.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTEaFW_xGNw/U3yA4WGj2xI/AAAAAAAADIQ/PRITHIi39T4/s1600/P1010178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTEaFW_xGNw/U3yA4WGj2xI/AAAAAAAADIQ/PRITHIi39T4/s1600/P1010178.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8G6eAr9ELnw/U3yAyFlclXI/AAAAAAAADH4/FuI1vYyz99A/s1600/P1010175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8G6eAr9ELnw/U3yAyFlclXI/AAAAAAAADH4/FuI1vYyz99A/s1600/P1010175.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Watching Bill run around remains a cute and fun novelty. He makes us laugh and rejoice! Bill was 15 months on Monday.<br />
<br />
In an attempt to revitalise some relaxing pursuits, I am aiming to return to iSonto in a simplified form. It will be focused on things to be thankful for from the previous week. So expect another one in your inbox one Wednesday :).<br />
<br />Sherrinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16762088276758854686noreply@blogger.com2