tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-128913452011-11-27T15:49:50.271+11:00A taste of life with an Australian homeschooling family (who have tasted life in Southern USA)DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.comBlogger12441100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-78948762174950450012011-07-06T20:38:00.000+10:002011-07-06T20:38:16.394+10:00

You shall not pass! We finally have power! Today was a busy day of organising generators, power cords, working out what the shop could and couldn't provide and all of us wearing lots of clothes.  Brrr! I went for a short drive and examined the tree which had caused our power issues.  It was quite a large pine trtee and when it came down it pulled down about 500 metres of power line.  You can

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-34122374213785483812011-07-05T20:35:00.000+10:002011-07-05T20:35:27.548+10:00

On Tuesday to Thursday we attended talks held by Mons O'Rielly and a different guest speaker every day. On Friday we went to a prayer vigil outside the abortion clinic for 2 hours then wandered home the long way. The time after dinner turned into an impromptu hymn singing session with R, T and some of the girls. G played the violin then M taught some of us the Pride of Erin dance. All of a sudden

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-47201555887232062082011-07-05T20:30:00.001+10:002011-07-05T20:36:46.020+10:00

A passing Statue of Liberty On Monday we went on a UN tour. Because we are such a big group the first tour had about 10-15 and the second tour had 20, so we had a guide all to ourselves. There were lots of debates, jokes and questions by the Marionites and K and D mostly, but most of us had a say. Some were a bit embarrassed by the vigorous discussion but I thought it was funny. The first

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-52294132739696487412011-07-05T20:11:00.000+10:002011-07-05T20:11:33.370+10:00

Flying Trampolines, Batman! The morning started with a "lazy" wind - that is, one which goes straight through all your clothes rather than bothering to blow around you.  By 9:00am the wind picked up and blew a gale. At Midday we had some power flickers, then at 1:45pm the power went out.  (It is still out now (8:00pm) as I write this using laptop power and mobile internet). Trees have fallen

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-75651183746560958432011-07-02T16:47:00.000+10:002011-07-02T16:47:30.421+10:00

Peter Monkeying Around  After many years, we have finally saved enough money to upgrade the old army barracks in which we started our home owning experience.  It needed upgrading - we will show some before and after shots in a later post. Part of the plan for the upgraded barracks is for the three older boys to move into one of the rooms, leaving their room for the two younger boys.  Just

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-43074926649156408072011-07-02T16:33:00.000+10:002011-07-02T16:33:11.974+10:00

Statue of Miss Liberty As part of Ariel's preparations for her New York trip, one of our customers gave her this priceless memory of their trip to New York - a foam Statue of Liberty tiara. Today Rose thought it would be fun to wear it as we pondered the strangeness of not having Ariel around. I asked Rose, "What did the Statue of Liberty look like?" and she showed me.  So we went outside to

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-43250017512438992122011-06-28T19:02:00.000+10:002011-06-28T19:02:06.997+10:00

Ariel's a bit taller now. [Ariel sent her first email update.  She provided no photo I have added one here from when I went to the US with her in 2002. My comments are in italics] I got here safely and just borrowed some internet. We got here safely, late and went to bed at about 2 am local time.  We then had to get up at 6 am. It was harsh and here I was thinking it would be a holiday! The

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-7079492570649821862011-06-27T20:31:00.001+10:002011-06-28T18:38:24.095+10:00

It's so fluffy! Lana and I were doing some shopping last night and Lana spotted this very cute pillow.  It folds up and is shaped life a stuffed Pink and white unicorn. When she saw it, Lana looked at me and said in an excited little girl voice, "It's soooo fluffy!" How could I resist? Naturally I had to take a photo.  Eric was seated nearby when I took the photo and he just grinned. "It's not

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-63751816776444618512011-06-27T20:27:00.000+10:002011-06-27T20:27:29.855+10:00

Ariel (with Peter along for the drive) Ariel is in New York. A few weeks ago Lana and I suggested that Ariel take a holiday.  Ariel lamented how she would never be able to leave the shop and she had no where to go anyway. The next day I was visiting a business associate and it dawned on me that the event he was organising was perfect for Ariel.  A trip to New York to take part in a Pro life

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-6738316514932011012011-03-28T22:51:00.000+11:002011-03-28T22:51:30.378+11:00

Mud - the only way out We had a great time at this year's Robertson Show. Once again we put many entries into the pavilion winning first prizes for our muffins, scones and biscuits (cookies), prizes and champion ribbons for cross stitch and other craft projects and generally doing rather well. We support the show at the shop by handing out plenty of brochures and they all know how to spell our

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-91489487994897144112011-03-28T22:27:00.000+11:002011-03-28T22:27:52.918+11:00

A Wheel Dog explained I was sitting in my chair at the dinner table when Martin came up to me with a creation he had made with Lego.  It was two wheel sets stuck together so they formed a sort of cross. 'What's that, Martin?" I asked. "A Wheel Dog." he answered proudly. "A real dog?" I asked, as he sometimes doesn't get his letters correct. "No," he answered firmly, "A wheel dog." Then he

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-57443347093313358162011-02-24T21:06:00.000+11:002011-02-24T21:06:30.898+11:00

After communion last Sunday I was kneeling next to Martin "negotiating" some prayers. I noticed him looking at the priest so I asked, "Would you want to be a priest?" "No." Martin promptly replied. "What do you want to be?" I asked, surprised by the firmness of his answer. "4." (He will be 4 years old soon.) Once I had recovered and whispered this delightful response to Lana, I tried again. "What

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-53724716331049689012011-02-06T20:12:00.000+11:002011-02-06T20:12:09.669+11:00

Children are starting earlier and earlier these days! Here is Zach using Eric's iPod Touch before Mass last week.  Well, if you can define "using" as playing with the thing in his hands.  But the photo does make it look like he is quite competent with those chubby fingers. Not too surprisingly we are quite a high tech household. As I upgrade computers for my work I keep the older machine for the

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-84244293679013073072011-02-03T21:48:00.001+11:002011-02-05T07:12:36.806+11:00

We have a stomach virus going through the family. :-( For a change Zach and I had it first and it is slowly making its way through each member of the household. Martin noticed that his sick siblings, Peter and Rose, received special treatment such as flat lemonade (soda/pop) and being allowed to lie around in the loungeroom watching movies. This sounded pretty good so when he noticed the lemonade

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-32064414345564755722011-01-22T20:25:00.000+11:002011-01-22T20:25:33.697+11:00

One of the ladies in our online homeschooling list was gathering input regarding the homeschooling effects on sibling rivalry.  I referred the group to our previous posts (here here and here) but this led to discussions at home as well. Eric likes sitting next to Zach in the van.  He reckons there are some great advantages, along with a few disadvantages, but overall he prefers that seat.  Eric

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-62753515918912808452011-01-18T18:30:00.000+11:002011-01-18T18:30:38.743+11:00

One would think the children would sleep soundly once night falls.  After all they have had full days, the nights here are dark with a sky full of stars and the world is filled with the silence of the country. Last night at around 2am James awoke and realised there was a lot of talking going on. The night was dark and everyone was asleep but they were all talking. Ariel as muttering something

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-87853607017579563892011-01-14T10:29:00.000+11:002011-01-14T10:29:40.312+11:00

It has begun. Crawling was fun and despite knees rubbed raw it was a very effective means of transport. But this new "walking" thing! Zach is enjoying his first steps as we all quickly raise the breakable things another level higher. This means we are approaching Defcon 3 in the baby danger scale.

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-51302105833957409382010-12-17T23:12:00.000+11:002010-12-17T23:12:44.095+11:00

Rose enjoys running around and being a very busy little girl.  She doesn't have time for niceties like sitting still for grooming or sorting out her hair. But sometimes she has to stop and get in order.  Here she is thoroughly happy to have Lana sort out her hair before going in to Mass.

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-85616754352641480822010-12-17T23:01:00.000+11:002010-12-17T23:01:56.383+11:00

We have had a lot of rain recently which is really really good.  Our water supply is wholly dependent on rain - it hits the roof, runs into the water tank and we get to use it for all our water needs.  It's a great system but it does take some getting used to, especially when we first lived here after being used to water on demand in the city. Anyway, our new attitude of "rain is always a good

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-7080627630488240912010-11-15T22:24:00.000+11:002010-11-15T22:24:42.819+11:00

I have just finished listening/reading to "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte. This is considered a classic book and I felt it was part of my continuing cultural education to read it. The story is set in an old house built beside the moors where winds "wuther" or blow a lot.  Just like in the excellent book "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Unlike The Secret Garden, Wuthering

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-75733233587838691102010-11-10T19:41:00.000+11:002010-11-10T19:41:09.690+11:00

We are in the midst of Cicada season.  Every 7 years or so the cicadas make their way above ground, climb whatever they can, shed their skins and settle somewhere else.  They sing to each other during the day attracting their mates and after about two or three weeks they go back underground for another 7 years. Some cicada facts from the Australian Museum: Only male cicadas sing. They do this in

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-58864513678051653752010-11-03T20:41:00.000+11:002010-11-03T20:41:10.768+11:00

James has been saving his money from working at the shop for some time and finally bought a huge Lego kit.  This was bought online and we had email notification it would arrive today.  So James awoke early, did his schoolwork and counted down the minutes until he knew the mail would arrive at the shop. He returned with this lovely large box and quickly took out his kit and with the willing

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-92143801210370580412010-07-25T21:51:00.000+10:002010-07-25T21:51:45.092+10:00

Winter mornings here are reasonably chilly.  Typically the evenings get to around 0 (32F) and low negatives (26F to 30F) but the days are mostly sunny. On weekdays Ariel and Eric need to get up around 6:30am to be ready to be at the shop at 7:00am to open at 7:30am. On the weekends we open half an hour later and I am at the shop with them. It is only a short walk down the lane and across the park

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-23155092689664956902010-07-25T21:45:00.000+10:002010-07-25T21:45:05.984+10:00

Owning the local Post Office has its advantages.  The postage scale is a very precise instrument and all manner of items are weighed to determine correct postage. We have a handy little ready reckoner on a laminated pink sheet.  You just check the destination postcode with the weight and "Voila!" you get the correct postage. But wait! First you need to check the list of approved items for

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-90047270972594773152010-03-29T07:42:00.000+11:002010-03-29T07:42:42.100+11:00

Martin has been paying very close attention to Lana and Zach. He has a great time playing with his older sisters, but he has decided that he needs a younger brother with whom he can get into more boy-like mischief. So, he has figured it is never too late to start the training regime. Here he is showing Zach the approved method for holding a toy gun. Considering that Zach is still at the stage of

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-31350421767677642502010-03-29T07:36:00.000+11:002010-03-29T07:36:09.938+11:00

It's been about 4 weeks since Zach arrived and all is well. At this stage of the game his job is to: 1. eat, 2. sleep and 3. get fatter. So far, he has earned 3 out of 3. Here he is doing his practical exam of task 2. The area he needs to work on is burping.  When he gets older we will tell him "Excuse me" when he passes wind or burps, but at the moment it is cheers all round!

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-68674627664711269132010-03-29T07:30:00.000+11:002010-03-29T07:30:09.631+11:00

Clare has just celebrated her 9th birthday recently.  All she really wanted to celebrate her birthday was to work in the shop, "... so I can wash the dishes and collect the plates from the customers.  That will be fun!" So we let her have her birthday wish.  Clare did a very good job and enjoyed being a useful part of the operations on a busy Saturday morning. *** At the recent country show, Eric

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-65064680170653436762010-03-24T20:27:00.000+11:002010-03-24T20:27:24.482+11:00

The latest Carnival of Homeschooling is up with lots of interesting links to posts. Our post regarding the DIY Business College is included. Enjoy!

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-88162171934033277382010-03-18T22:50:00.001+11:002010-03-29T07:30:36.407+11:00

When we purchased the Shop we wanted to make it more than just a quiet little job. One of our aims was to provide the young people working there with valuable training and experience. Part of this is ensuring all the staff are familiar with the many aspects of the shop from Coffee, Cooking, Post Office, Newsagency, DVD rentals, Groceries and more. I wanted them to have something on their resume

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-74742718649613955272010-03-18T22:40:00.000+11:002010-03-18T22:40:46.074+11:00

Zach is now part of a much broader family than just ours.  On Sunday he was baptised during the Mass we regularly attend in our parish.  If you have a closer look at the photo Lana's Dad helpfully captured, you will see many smiling faces.  My Dad is grinning, as is Lana's Mum and then all the congregation in view are also grinning. That was a pretty amazing capture of the joy we all felt on this

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-88074095862868611562010-03-08T23:28:00.000+11:002010-03-08T23:28:16.833+11:00

Lana has had to stay in hospital for another night.  *Sigh* This makes it an 8 night stay. The doctors are just making sure Lana is spot on so neither Lana or Zach will have to return.  The stitches are out and Zach is in fine form. So tonight we visited and brought our protest signs. I told Lana we were performing some corporal works of mercy - visiting the sick and prisoners. We are told that

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-64747124631742046422010-03-05T21:16:00.000+11:002010-03-05T21:16:33.489+11:00

I visited Lana in hospital today with the 5 youngest children.  Naturally they all wanted to have a hold of Zach in their own hands. Here you can see Zach giving a big yawn before he is handed across.  You may also note Martin's hands already in position. Other than our visit, today was the day we prepared the bedroom for Zach's cot, and the car for the child seat. The cot is placed next to

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-78437818760676278742010-03-04T19:00:00.002+11:002010-03-04T19:23:50.713+11:00

Zach has decided to have a good start on a try for a Cute Baby award.  Here is his first attempt on Day 1 and he is not even trying. Naturally, I am an unbiased, impartial judge. *** I have been visiting Lana with various sub sets of the children over the last few days.  During the day I take the younger ones and in the evening the older ones after the shop closes. Yesterday I was visiting Lana

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-40213366331712992412010-03-02T14:59:00.000+11:002010-03-02T14:59:39.189+11:00

I visited Lana and Zach this morning with the four younger children.  (Tonight I will go with the older ones) The doctor visited the room while we were there and excitedly showed the children how the baby came out. The children were very interested. They had already seen the photos I had taken of the delivery room which helped to give them some background.  These photos showed what happened but

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-15228039617237663442010-03-02T10:00:00.000+11:002010-03-02T10:00:31.247+11:00

Here is Zach Henri. The latest in a series. While Lana was recovering, I was minding Zach, watching over him getting weighed (3.955kg or 8pd 11.5 oz).  When Martin was born he had been pretty stressed by the whole thing so was crying most of the 2 hours we waited. Zach, on the other hand, hadn't been stressed much at all so was quite calm for the time which made it all a lot easier.  It is not as

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-2511439815839097782010-03-02T09:47:00.001+11:002010-03-02T10:01:37.447+11:00

It is amazing how many people are involved in a Caesarian operation, all gathered together on very short notice.  Let's count the people that were assembled within 15 minutes to ensure Lana and the baby's safe delivery. Primary Surgeon (our doctor), assisting doctor, trainee doctor, theatre nurse, theatre nurse assistant, Anaesthetist, Anaesthetist assistant nurse, Paediatrician, ward nurse, and

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-16241973278053338952010-03-02T09:27:00.002+11:002010-03-02T14:15:18.934+11:00

The night was stormy.  Power was down.  Lana was resigned to being due a week late. So, naturally Lana's waters broke at 4am. That was something new.  So by the light of an iPhone torch we gathered some towels and plastic bags and went to the hospital after telling Ariel what was happening.  The car had been packed for a week or two already so departure was relatively simple.  Lana prayed quite a

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-22929434010777771022010-02-26T15:25:00.000+11:002010-02-26T15:25:03.068+11:00

Lana's dad came in with a present for the girls.  Some disposable ear plugs! "Woohoo!" the girls explained. Then the next moment they asked, "What are they?" He explained what they were for and so they immediately tried them out.  While they were out of earshot, I asked Dad, "Shouldn't they be for us?" *** We are still waiting.  * sigh*. On Sunday evening Lana had a pretty busy day quilting and

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-53461733676436010182010-02-17T19:58:00.000+11:002010-02-17T19:58:55.235+11:00

Lana is very close to giving birth to the latest Bruggie Baby.  The due date is next week some time and based on past experience Lana is always late.  We figured it would be safe for me to do some client support away this week.  One client is about 3 hours away and the other is in Victoria about 8 hours away. Last night I stayed half way between Client 1 and Client 2 about 5 hours away from home.

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-57431387780195400932010-02-16T21:24:00.001+11:002010-02-16T21:26:41.611+11:00

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday we had just over 100mm (4 inches) of rain.  This is good steady rain, the type that fills dams, water tanks and soaks into the ground.  Grass and trees are rejoicing, farmers are smiling again and gum boot sellers are liking the look of muddy ground. But there are always those who find the grey lining to every silver cloud.  Martin wanted to play in the rain but we

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-60831360302172852682010-02-13T07:31:00.001+11:002010-02-13T16:25:45.552+11:00

We have worked hard over the years to emphasise with the children that "There is no such thing as a free lunch" and working well can bring rewards. As we mentioned earlier, Eric and I were up in Northern NSW helping set up business systems for friends of ours.  This was pretty full on, flying up on New Year's Day and then working 5 full days including a stock take (counting all the stock in the

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-29960995090906733612010-02-07T13:16:00.002+11:002010-03-29T07:30:51.971+11:00

We have been informed by radical feminists that marriage is just a male plot to keep women barefoot, pregnant and in the dreaded kitchen.  Apparently the only way to be truly free is to go work outside the home where you are told by strangers when, where and how to work doing stuff that almost anyone else can do. Only those poor enslaved women are stuck at home doing what they want for ones they

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-80357820145405197732010-02-03T20:15:00.000+11:002010-02-03T20:15:56.123+11:00

We have lost count of the number of times friends, acquaintances and complete strangers have asked us, "So, is this the last one?" in relation to the impending arrival of the next Bruggie Baby. Lana has perfected the best response. "Yes," she replies, waiting while the questioner gives a sigh of approval or "understanding", and then completes her sentence, "But then, this is my fourth last one."

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-53730431303732379862010-01-31T21:14:00.000+11:002010-01-31T21:14:36.068+11:00

Clare came up to Lana and asked, "What does 'Ka Zoom Tite' mean?" "Ka Zoom Tite? Asked Lana. "Yeah, you know when people sneeze and some people say 'Ka zoom tite'!" **** While we were at church waiting for Mass to start, Martin was doing a little climbing around and I asked him, "We are going to have another boy soon.  Who are the boys?" I then asked, "Is Eric a Boy or Girl?" "Doy!" And then I

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-8368596593894723182010-01-31T20:59:00.001+11:002010-02-03T20:28:05.290+11:00

We had a guest the other night joining us for dinner.  After the meal when the children were cleaning up and washing dishes, our guest asked, "Don't your children fight?" Lana and I looked at each other and pondered. "Not really," we replied, "They have occasional disagreements but these get sorted out pretty quickly." "Don't they yell or scream at each other?" our guest asked in amazement. "

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-85639690332970224702010-01-26T13:13:00.000+11:002010-01-26T13:13:12.121+11:00

There has been much talk recently about the environmental impact of large families and it is pretty much all a load of rubbish. Large families are much more efficient than a 4 person family and even more efficient than many of the broken family and family like structures around us.  Let us look at the numbers. Housing:  Our house looks big when compared to a typical 3 bedroom house as we have 4

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-50190449486556385842010-01-25T18:17:00.000+11:002010-01-25T18:17:23.605+11:00

I have just created a ringtone for my iPhone of Martin's laugh.  How did we do it? Lana held the iPhone running Voice Recorder whilst I had fun tickling Martin. Then I uploaded the recorded file to iTunes, saved it as a MP3, edited it in Audacity and exported it out as a MP3 file.  Then we converted the file to AAC format in iTunes. We dragged the file to the desktop and renamed the extension

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-18478262318762007692010-01-25T11:26:00.000+11:002010-01-25T11:26:54.120+11:00

Clare came into the study and asked us, "Can you get Martin out?" We turned around, perplexed, and saw Martin inside Clare's skirt. "So, how did he get there?  Were you just standing idly there and then he just appeared?" "Ummm," Clare replied, with a trace of a grin. "Get onto the back deck so I can take a picture, then go and play!" There you go.  "Problem" solved!

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-49305727906461652512010-01-25T08:05:00.001+11:002010-01-25T08:05:23.363+11:00

Every year we try to attend Cancon, a games convention held in Canberra.  This is the same convention at which I met Lana 23 years ago! The tradition has developed in the family whereby I take the boys out to the convention and Lana and the girls have a tea party at home. (Past posts about this day are here, here and here.) This year there was a magnificent game of "The Alamo". Peter was able

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-79575738947381928692010-01-18T21:04:00.000+11:002010-01-18T21:04:49.105+11:00

Yesterday we were able to give Martin a great treat.  One of the ladies with whom Lana and her mum attend Quilting classes has a farm with miniature horses.  Horses that are Martin's size! We don't know where Martin's fascination with horses come from - perhaps it is genetic.  But we can't work out what triggered off his love considering we have nothing to do with horses in our little village.

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-27671664349053563682010-01-14T21:09:00.001+11:002010-01-14T21:10:51.465+11:00

I thought it was time to give you some idea of what we have been doing over the last 11 months. We are in charge of the local Post Office.  It is a very small office, with full post office services, but all procedures are manual.  Some of the daily paperwork is in triplicate with multiple duplicate subsidiary forms with plenty of totals and subtotals all over the forms.  These are a result of

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-78350501635172917652010-01-11T21:49:00.004+11:002010-01-11T21:57:00.177+11:00

We have been attending a great little station church that is in one corner of our large country parish on Sunday afternoons. It is in a lovely area and right behind the typical white board church is the cemetery.On one of our first visits, Rose asked us, "Can we visit the dead people?"So we regularly visit - and pray for - the "dead people". The tomb stones the children are peeking around in

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-72760509955585225172010-01-10T15:58:00.000+11:002010-01-10T15:59:03.482+11:00

Whilst we have be on a blogging hiatus, we have neglected to mention some important news. We should see another Bruggie baby arrive in about 7 to 9 week's time.Martin points at Lana's stomach and mentions the baby is in there. Soon he will have a little brother to play with. And so will all the rest of the family.(In this photo Ariel is enjoying herself chasing after Martin - round and round

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-73795838310911548262010-01-09T19:58:00.003+11:002010-01-09T20:00:44.864+11:00

Lana and I were in the hospital recently getting some tests done (more details in the next post) when we noticed this directions board.Those looking for "Stress Testing" would not be helped.(Stress Testing was actually in the other direction.)

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-90489034058016995242010-01-09T19:52:00.003+11:002010-01-09T19:57:58.336+11:00

Even though the shop has taken quite a bit of our time, the boys still take care of a number of the villager's lawns.Typically Eric uses the ride-on mower doing the bulk of the lawn while James uses the weed trimmer to clear around the edges.Here is James showing his fine work outfit.Hat for sun protection.Boots for feet protection.Sunglasses for eye protection (and general cool factor)Strap to

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-42387834335176704902010-01-09T19:47:00.002+11:002010-01-09T19:50:28.829+11:00

Martin has a great black cape, fine camouflage gumboots and an old ski pole to use as a horse. What else would one need to go on an adventure?

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-20749562868966075022010-01-09T19:23:00.005+11:002010-01-09T19:47:51.422+11:00

Last week Eric and I were up in country Northern New South Wales helping friends of ours set up the systems for a new business.On the way home one afternoon our friend was driving along the country road and suddenly slammed on the brakes."Ooh! A snake!" she said.I quickly grabbed the camera as she backed the car to a more safe distance. The snake was a large carpet snake lazily resting right

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-28089773422829649472010-01-09T19:12:00.005+11:002010-01-09T19:21:30.145+11:00

Rose visited Grandma and explained her recent doings, "Clare, Martin and me went outside ..."Grandma tried to do her bit for better grammar in the world and interrupted, "Clare Martin and I" Rose paused and continued, "Clare, Martin and me ...""Clare, Martin and I," tried Grandma once more.Rose looked at Grandma seriously, "You weren't there, Grandma. It was Clare, Martin and Me!"Ah well.

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-50777271495648617742009-06-05T07:34:00.002+10:002009-06-05T07:42:40.955+10:00

Last week I had a cancelled appointment which meant I had a free day.  This fit in perfectly with Lana so we could visit nearby shops similar to ours.  Nearby for us means within 50km/30 miles.  It also meant a good chance to test drive the new VW Bug.A local VW enthusiast heard we had a 1968 bug and volunteered to have a look at the engine. He came out and spent about 90 minutes fixing this,

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-7533609299289757532009-06-05T07:25:00.003+10:002009-06-05T22:10:06.339+10:00

One of our locals owns a number of horses and was looking for someone to help care for them during the week.  He came in on a recent weekend asking to put an advertisement on the notice board to ask for help.  I quickly asked him how old he wanted this person to be and suggested Eric.  15 was quite OK, especially once he saw that Eric was quite a tall, physically capable lad and obviously

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-6754349654415092162009-05-27T12:04:00.002+10:002009-05-27T12:10:31.774+10:00

It's raining again - which is always a joyous event in a place dependent on rainwater for all our water needs.It is also joyous for little boys who love puddles and dirt and mud.  Martin just came into my home office grunting in his communicative way and showing his hands covered in wet dirt.Eric looked at him and said, "I told you NOT to play in the rain."Lana and I both looked at Eric and

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-90515715886256153012009-05-24T18:11:00.002+10:002009-05-24T18:23:14.883+10:00

There is a saying to describe a situation where someone is in a very desirous position: "Like a kid in a lolly shop."We provide a traditional service of bulk lollies served individually.  Customers can select a bag of lollies by choosing exactly which lolly and how many they want.  It is great seeing the children squat down and look at all the containers arrayed under the counter behind the glass

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-29358274811963144472009-05-23T16:56:00.004+10:002009-05-23T17:51:44.707+10:00

Yesterday was my day of shopping for the shop.  This meant Eric and I leaving home at 5:30am and travelling 2 hours to the wholesaler in Sydney.  We have been listening to a number of audiobooks together which makes the time rather enjoyable.After the wholesaler we stop in at the Serendipity ice cream warehouse and purchase very yummy gourmet ice cream for the shop.  This time they packaged all

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-4764898359279358542009-05-21T21:56:00.004+10:002009-05-21T22:07:47.244+10:00

Today I was able to get a part day off so I could spend some time with my parents who were visiting. They visit twice a year even though they live about 800 km (500 miles) away. The first day is always very tiring for them as the children rush to get in all their "Look at this Grandma" and "Grandpa, see this". By day 2 everyone is able to have a more enjoyable, relaxing visit with the older

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-35806576502928275382009-05-19T22:07:00.004+10:002009-05-19T22:27:37.419+10:00

It has been 3 months since we last updated Bruggietales and many have wondered where we have gone. We have not gone anywhere and in fact are pretty much rooted to home base as we run our little Village Store.While I get to apply all my business experience and advice to a real business - putting my money where my mouth is - the children are also getting a practical real life training in business,

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-9512408858461743002009-02-12T07:23:00.002+11:002009-02-12T07:28:04.145+11:00

Do you ever get sick and tired of cleaning up the house?  After all it will only get messy in minutes or hours anyway.Well, a new study reported in The Economist shows that disorder leads to more disorder and crime.AHI reports on the story and it is fascinating.When the researchers had graffiti on the nearby wall, petty crime and littering increased dramatically.  I suspect this study can also be

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-70820877488658177912009-01-29T22:30:00.003+11:002009-01-29T22:41:35.600+11:00

We now have two kittens. The Ginger one is called "Coffee" and the patchy one is called "Tea".We had resisted any animals for a long time, but have finally succumbed. Before Christmas a dog - some type of Jack Russell cross - adopted us. His real owners had moved out of town and left him behind. They supposedly wanted the dog, but weeks went by with one failed attempt (the dog went walkabout

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-68040473239596334982009-01-26T15:17:00.004+11:002010-03-29T07:31:11.217+11:00

Many have asked us where have we been.  It has been a month since our last post and we have a pretty good excuse.  We have purchased a General Store and Post Office.  That was our Christmas present! I have been very busy liaising with existing and new suppliers, ensuring existing and new staff will be properly trained, and lots of new plans are being worked out. The shop also has an active coffee

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-2028588914776121492008-12-25T08:27:00.005+11:002008-12-25T09:04:01.802+11:00

It all began slowly on Sunday Evening.We noticed that the water in our toilet bowl was higher than normal and was taking some time to drop to normal levels. Then Dad came in and asked if we had noticed the issue as he had the same problem. We checked the other two toilets and we knew we "had a problem".Next morning, Lana did a marathon ring around to find a plumber that could visit us and clean

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-63174947640861218332008-12-15T22:43:00.004+11:002008-12-15T22:46:35.746+11:00

The children have been enjoying our large tree, climbing and swinging on many limbs.  I noticed Rose hanging on a branch with her feet about 6 feet off the ground."What are you doing?" I asked as I moved in to assist."This!" she replied happily swinging on the branch.Ask a dumb question ...So I just stayed close to catch her if she fell, but she reached across to the ladder and got down quite

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-52468349537339648022008-12-15T22:32:00.003+11:002008-12-15T22:43:18.797+11:00

In our State there is quite a procedure for a person to gain a driver's license. First they pass a written test to obtain a learner's permit. They then have a minimum of one year and up to three years to gain 120 hours of driving experience, covering a number of key learning areas including at least 20 hours of night driving.That is a lot of driving!Ariel passed her written test first go. She

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-866736345622010972008-12-15T22:27:00.002+11:002008-12-15T22:31:24.612+11:00

Ariel likes to have her hair "just so" and Lana has been assisting her for many years. On Saturday Ariel decided that twin platts joined together would be the correct style for the day.I only had a small improvement. A little Lego lady could sit quite comfortably in the join, swinging delicately while holding on to some strands of hair.But Ariel didn't approve.Spoilsport.

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-23934390995738865372008-12-12T09:37:00.003+11:002008-12-12T09:42:51.648+11:00

Lana's Dad ("Opa") was working in the workshop/garage and Martin was doing his usual thing - tagging along and providing valuable assistance.While Opa was busy and being noisy, Martin found the ear protectors and put them on. Of course, he began talking louder because he couldn't hear himself properly.  Then Martin found a hammer and centre punch and started copying how he had seen Opa work with

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-11868487634784101952008-12-06T19:20:00.000+11:002008-12-06T19:20:09.300+11:00

The next playground stage is "The Fort". This has the main building and then a bridge to a tower.Attached to the tower is an old swing set friends had which was partly broken - now fixed and back in action.  Underneath the tower will be a sandpit and some netting to climb upon.This playground is getting bigger all the time.  Speed of growth depends on funding and sourcing of second hand

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-66796198678787033202008-12-05T12:15:00.000+11:002008-12-05T12:17:32.615+11:00

In line with our financial training for the children, the older boys Eric (15) and James(12.5) wanted some more funds for the things they wanted. This meant finding a way of earning money from people other than Dad and Mum.One of the local village residents only comes down every couple of weeks and found the maintenance portion very draining to their enjoyment of village life. So they pay the

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-70166836804220113862008-12-01T14:18:00.004+11:002008-12-01T14:26:13.194+11:00

Matt Harding is a funny guy. He has been able to turn a funny idea of dancing a jig in front of a video camera for family and friends into a business! He details his travels at his website: Where the Hell is Matt? and the Sydney Morning Herald has an interesting story on him too.In these days of media telling us the world is ending, Matt is a good example of how opportunities are everywhere to

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-9087872769848676762008-11-23T19:57:00.006+11:002008-11-23T20:23:16.691+11:00

Today Clare made her first Holy Communion.We have been working up to this for the last few months. I have been part of the parish team who taught all the children wishing to have their first Confession and Communion. Clare has joined me in all the lessons, which was some special "time with Dad" time.The parish has a great programme whereby the children attend the classes with at least one of

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-69677752745995987992008-11-08T18:19:00.004+11:002008-11-08T18:48:05.573+11:00

The administrators of DMC have announced that they will extend the deathwatch by 4 months.  The other two parts of DMC have been dismantled and sold off.  The time for potential buyers to put in their bids has been extended to 21 November, and the final decision is deferred to 5 March 2009.Basically the levels of debt prior to this period of administration has compromised the chances of DMC

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-46562199508247295672008-11-03T17:09:00.001+11:002008-11-03T19:13:31.440+11:00

I received a phone call from a lady in our Parish when I was working away from home a few weeks ago. This lady began to explain to me how she was organising a fundraiser to provide funds for maintenance of the parish church. She thought a Fashion show would be a good idea and spent about 20 minutes building up to the question, "Will you be one of the models?"I could see this coming and said, "

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-41873796107654115102008-10-23T16:29:00.004+11:002008-10-23T16:39:55.746+11:00

Some time ago we were able to get hold of some old playground equipment. It had originally belonged to a Fast Food restaurant which had upgraded, then it was sold to someone else and sold again. Each time it had not been assembled as it probably looked like a good idea at the time of purchase, but it was just too big for a typical suburban back yard and too much for the one or two child

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-79330395626898296362008-10-19T20:41:00.002+11:002008-10-19T20:47:12.174+11:00

Martin is free! His leg cast came off 10 days ago and he is really having fun running around everywhere!When Lana entered the surgery, Martin realised where he was and began crying. He had been here before and was pointing to his escape path straight out those front doors. The X Ray showed great healing and leg bones fully restored. Once the cast was off and Lana exited the building he was on

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-6552331599361972532008-10-18T17:14:00.002+11:002008-10-18T17:30:38.227+11:00

The playground has begun to grow again after a Winter hiatus. The girl's shop has 4 walls, floor and roof. Although it still has a few more refinements remaining, it is enough for the girls to start playing shops.We asked Clare what she would name her shop. She thought long and hard before arriving at her answer: "The Shop"So "The Shop" it is. We will put up a sign with "Est. 2008" declaring

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-71751890525682255772008-10-08T20:47:00.003+11:002008-10-08T21:09:36.358+11:00

The Carnival Of Homeschooling is up at Corn and Oil, celebrating the National 4H week.We experienced 4H when we lived in Georgia, when Ariel and Eric joined in the BB gun competitions.  They didn't get through the try-outs but did pretty well for beginners.  (See how young Eric looks in the second link!)Personal Highlights of the carnival:Video killed the Book - we have found that movies rarely

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-34920966693400728552008-10-06T20:39:00.003+11:002008-10-06T21:31:11.130+11:00

I have been speaking to many people about the unfolding financial mess and there is widespread confusion about what it's all about.  Also, many Australians do not realise how different the financial and government situation is in the US, so I thought it was time for a primer on the situation.Differences in Financial Structures1. There are LOTS of banks in the US, some so small they only have

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-39216506309159815872008-10-05T14:17:00.004+11:002008-10-05T14:32:58.466+11:00

Last weekend we attended a fundraising for a local public primary (elementary) school. They were desperately trying to raise the funds to keep the school open. I don't know how raising funds would help determine the ability to remain open for a public school, but I stopped by the Parents and Friends stall and asked how many students were attending the school."Three." The lady answered"Three?" I

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-57432609900761648422008-09-28T19:54:00.006+10:002008-09-29T20:48:52.385+10:00

We have just had a combined foursome birthday party.  Naturally, this was a Costume party and was organised some time in advance. The local Hall was booked as it has a kitchen, dance floor, plenty of parking and a playground for the children and was quite inexpensive. Combining the birthdays of four children was a great excuse to get together.By way of background this is how a typical

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-75957030032306794652008-09-28T19:30:00.004+10:002008-09-28T21:16:10.505+10:00

The whole family worked very hard over the last few weeks getting ready for the big birthday costume party bash. Four homeschooling children turned 18 in the last few months so they combined together to have one big birthday at the local hall. And it was a COSTUME party. Woo hoo!The boys wanted to go as Jedi - but good ones. You know, the sort of Jedi that don't steal children and leave their

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-21271456018060340522008-09-26T06:41:00.002+10:002008-09-26T06:55:34.516+10:00

I have been keeping tabs on what is happening in the US Financial markets as it does affect us here in far away Australia. The US economy affects China and India which purchase a lot of Australian resources. In our global economy, the financial chaos in the US affects every country.The bailout is just the latest in a long series of government moves to become bigger and more involved in

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-37347634612180931162008-09-20T19:03:00.003+10:002008-09-20T19:09:25.157+10:00

Even with 9 birthdays plus Grandma and Opa there is still a drought of birthday parties between July and October.  The solution?Celebrate someone else's!My sister is turning 40 around now so we have celebrated her birthday.Happy Birthday to my sister from the Bruggies up North!Note: The term "Claytons" is an Australian term meaning "The [Insert thing here] you have when you're not having a [

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-17355400262191790632008-09-07T20:15:00.002+10:002008-09-07T20:19:56.453+10:00

Clare went to Grandma to help her relieve the pain of a bee sting.  Grandma applied the appropriate ointment and TLC and they went in to see Lana."Oh no!" said Lana, "How did the bee sting you?""I was trying to catch it for a pet." Clare replied."Did you catch it?""Yes.  I had it in my hands when it stung me.""So, would a bee make a good pet?"Clare thought carefully, "No, I don't think so."This

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-68379934494347923872008-09-07T20:02:00.003+10:002008-09-07T20:14:36.949+10:00

Yesterday Rose was "helping" Grandma cut up strawberries.  This help involves chatting away incessantly while occasionally test whether the strawberries are OK by eating one or two.As Grandma was telling Rose various bits of news, Rose would reply, "I know that." every time."Are you 4?" Grandma finally asked."Yes I Am!" Rose replied.Anyone with a four year old understands this is the age when

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-53457527760328823022008-08-29T14:03:00.004+10:002008-08-29T14:27:42.624+10:00

We reckon it must be pretty hard for people with only two children.  I mean with only two children the parents are still playing one-on-one.  With three or more you are into zone defense!While Martin was doing his latest adventure at the hospital, I was with the rest of the children at a nearby park and doing a little shopping.  As I am not able to hover over one or two children - being so

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-2520904766106054662008-08-29T13:45:00.003+10:002008-08-29T14:02:09.046+10:00

Before Lana and her Dad returned home with Martin from the hospital on Sunday, Lana's Mum had already made a pair of pants which would fit over his cast.  By Tuesday, she had made two more pants for Martin.Also by Tuesday, Lana's Dad had made a special wheeled trolley with cushion for Martin to push himself around on.You can see both the cushion and one of the pants in this picture of Martin

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-78988077721586611012008-08-24T18:50:00.003+10:002008-08-24T19:10:25.834+10:00

Here is Martin. He has a broken leg.Yesterday we had a great day planned. Lana, Ariel, her Mum, sister and friend all were going to the Sydney Stitches and Craft show. This was a good opportunity for us to visit friends nearby so we all went up, dropped the rest of the children at the friend's place, picked up Mrs Friend and two of her daughters, dropped the giggle of girls off at the show and

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-81812481959918430882008-08-10T21:36:00.002+10:002008-08-10T21:48:40.447+10:00

Today it was very cold. So cold we had this white stuff known as "snow" falling!So we quickly rushed out to see this wonder. The children and our guests all went outside to experience the snow. We also saw our neighbours doing a little happy dance showing their appreciation  that snow was falling.If you click the photo you can see James giving the snow "two thumbs up" award while trying to

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-89460309590341209472008-08-07T19:43:00.003+10:002008-08-07T19:49:17.390+10:00

The latest Carnival of Homeschooling is up at The Homeschool Cafe.Our post on not finishing text books is included.

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-25182600527563379572008-07-31T16:19:00.004+10:002008-07-31T16:49:43.400+10:00

While Lana and I were loitering around hospital with Martin, we spent time with other patients and their parents in the children's ward.  One such lad who was recovering from a tonsillectomy was enjoyable company.  His mother wanted to make sure he didn't miss any of his schooling so had arranged to pick up his school books and find out to what page he was required to finish.She was told that the

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-75256629951727906652008-07-30T16:29:00.003+10:002008-07-30T16:51:48.211+10:00

We have escaped the hospital. Martin will have to go back on Friday for a checkup but all should be well. The abscess was about the size of a marble and very painful, but the hole is already starting to heal and Martin is much happier.Whenever any of the nursing staff or doctors approached Martin he gave them a very severe look. When he was placed on the bed so they could inspect his progress

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-56631140060386987032008-07-29T10:26:00.003+10:002008-07-29T10:48:24.345+10:00

Yesterday Martin was not happy. When we changed his nappy we noticed a really big sore. Lana called me and we decided Lana should take Martin to the doctor.At 4:00pm Lana was brought in to the assistant doctor. She took one look and called in the main doctor. Lana was sent to the hospital to check with the pediatrician and surgeon.I left Sydney and met Lana at 5:30 pm and we waited around

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12891345.post-64116809628463437462008-07-21T11:09:00.003+10:002008-07-21T11:33:59.535+10:00

Now that we are home and have had a really good sleep, we are taking time to reflect on yesterday. We are very glad we took the trouble to be part of World Youth Day. The next WYD has been announced for 2011 in Madrid, Spain. Ariel will be 20 and Eric 17 so I think we will try to be there with me as a chaperone.We saw that attending a WYD can be a good or bad experience depending on the group

DavidofOzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02136344116351504419noreply@blogger.com5