29 February 2008
Autumn Cleaning
Now that Summer is ending I thought it was time for some Autumn Blog Cleaning. You may have noticed the change to the layout and also an updated Logo. The old one was pre Martin! This photo was taken last week on our working holiday and Rose was too curious to see what I was doing fiddling with the camera to face the glorious view, so we told her to keep looking at the camera.
25 February 2008
Now that is a tree
Another bonus of the farmhouse was this really old tree. It was a great climbing tree and before we had unpacked James and Peter were already exploring its upper reaches.
The trip was split into two days of around 6 hours driving each day. We listened to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Alice in Wonderland, Mort by Terry Pratchett and The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The trip was split into two days of around 6 hours driving each day. We listened to The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Alice in Wonderland, Mort by Terry Pratchett and The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
The trip went very smoothly, even with Martin who we thought would get a little stir crazy. He certainly did enjoy running (!) around once we stopped but he didn't complain too much.
On the way we stopped at various farmer's fruit stalls and purchased fresh fruit. The bananas we bought were especially yummy and Martin happily chomped his way through a few.
On the return trip Eric read out the Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit questions and we all competed to get the most answers. It was close but Lana narrowly beat Ariel and James.
On the way we stopped at various farmer's fruit stalls and purchased fresh fruit. The bananas we bought were especially yummy and Martin happily chomped his way through a few.
On the return trip Eric read out the Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit questions and we all competed to get the most answers. It was close but Lana narrowly beat Ariel and James.
Mine! Mine! Mine!
On Day Two, Lana and the children went to the beach while I visited a client near Palm Beach in Queensland. There had been many storms and floods in the area recently and much of the beach had been washed away.
But this didn't stop the children enjoying themselves at the beach. Martin enjoyed watching the seagulls and then chasing one. I don't know what he would do if he actually caught one.
But this didn't stop the children enjoying themselves at the beach. Martin enjoyed watching the seagulls and then chasing one. I don't know what he would do if he actually caught one.
(Click the photo for full details)
Ariel gathered a great collection of sea shells and the boys dug holes and ran into and out of the water's edge.
Ariel gathered a great collection of sea shells and the boys dug holes and ran into and out of the water's edge.
A house with a view
Sometimes it's worth taking a trek a little out of the way. This is the view we had from near the back porch of the farmhouse we rented last week. (Click the photo for more details)
There was a river and creek nearby which Lana and the children visited on day one while I visited one of my clients that day.
The house was a much better idea than our earlier attempts to find accommodation at a hotel/motel/caravan park. Instead of being squeezed into one or two little boxes we were able to enjoy the room of a house with plenty of space. The cost actually worked out better than the silly motels/caravan parks.
In Australia most motel type accommodation charge a base rate and then an amount per person. They only allow 3 or 4 people per room and then cheekily say "children are free". Ah, but you will need an extra room because "fire regulations" limit us to only 3/4/5 people per room. Bah!
There was a river and creek nearby which Lana and the children visited on day one while I visited one of my clients that day.
The house was a much better idea than our earlier attempts to find accommodation at a hotel/motel/caravan park. Instead of being squeezed into one or two little boxes we were able to enjoy the room of a house with plenty of space. The cost actually worked out better than the silly motels/caravan parks.
In Australia most motel type accommodation charge a base rate and then an amount per person. They only allow 3 or 4 people per room and then cheekily say "children are free". Ah, but you will need an extra room because "fire regulations" limit us to only 3/4/5 people per room. Bah!
Trust but Verify
We have just returned from a working holiday up North. The main location in which we stayed was a holiday house on a farm about 30 minutes south of Beaudesert, Queensland. It was a very isolated spot out of Internet and mobile phone coverage. Also, being so well placed in the bush, the GPS needs to be monitored carefully.With directions to get to the accommodation from the North, we used the GPS to get there from the South. The two photos in this post indicate two of the roads we were suggested to take.
The fence line on the second photo is called "Strong Road" according to the GPS. Hmmm, I think I would need a strong car to attempt it.
The GPS is still pretty good. It allows us the confidence to try alternate routes even though we know there is the risk the road may not actually exist. We can always back track and try an alternate route.
It also lets us find places like Wonglepong!
It also lets us find places like Wonglepong!
10 February 2008
The Family Rosary
We have been reliably informed that one can gain great graces by saying family prayers together and that the family Rosary is very effective and worthy.
I am sure that it is not because of the deep meditations one may ponder or spiritual feelings one may experience. I think the benefits accrue from sheer perseverance in the face of all the distractions little ones cause.
This is a quick snap of Martin doing his best to distract us from our determination to say our prayers. He looks like he is bowing to his appreciative audience.
It takes a great amount of perseverance to concentrate of the part of Jesus' life and meditate on that area on which we are praying.
We have read that being distracted during prayers is a very common thing as we are human after all. It is the returning to prayer and not abandoning the effort which is the good thing.
(Note that Martin has now learned to climb onto the Treasure Table, but as he hasn't actually climbed ladders or chairs onto tables, we are still hovering at Defcon 3.5)
I am sure that it is not because of the deep meditations one may ponder or spiritual feelings one may experience. I think the benefits accrue from sheer perseverance in the face of all the distractions little ones cause.
This is a quick snap of Martin doing his best to distract us from our determination to say our prayers. He looks like he is bowing to his appreciative audience.
It takes a great amount of perseverance to concentrate of the part of Jesus' life and meditate on that area on which we are praying.
We have read that being distracted during prayers is a very common thing as we are human after all. It is the returning to prayer and not abandoning the effort which is the good thing.
(Note that Martin has now learned to climb onto the Treasure Table, but as he hasn't actually climbed ladders or chairs onto tables, we are still hovering at Defcon 3.5)
8 February 2008
Snap Happy Children
We're getting ready for the annual Robertson Show. The children are making lots of craft items to display and they have planned a massive cooking day just before the show.
All the children (except Martin) have been going around with digital cameras taking photos. After the first round or two, I showed them the results and explained important concepts such as standing still when taking a photo, lining up the subject with the little cross in the middle of the screen, waiting for the camera to focus and so on. Since then the results haven't been too bad. And being digital, there is no cost of developing or delays to seeing the photographs.
This photo is by Clare, capturing Rose taking a photo of the flower. Quite by accident it is a really nice photo. (Click for greater detail)
All the children (except Martin) have been going around with digital cameras taking photos. After the first round or two, I showed them the results and explained important concepts such as standing still when taking a photo, lining up the subject with the little cross in the middle of the screen, waiting for the camera to focus and so on. Since then the results haven't been too bad. And being digital, there is no cost of developing or delays to seeing the photographs.
This photo is by Clare, capturing Rose taking a photo of the flower. Quite by accident it is a really nice photo. (Click for greater detail)
Defcon 3.5 - The Relocator!
Martin is excelling at his new job. He is a Relocator.
It is important that you pronounce this is in an announcer's deep voice, as in
"... and here is THE RELOCATOR!"
Anything left on the floor has a good chance of being elsewhere when you return.
It is important that you pronounce this is in an announcer's deep voice, as in
"... and here is THE RELOCATOR!"
Anything left on the floor has a good chance of being elsewhere when you return.
4 February 2008
Guardian Angels on Duty
We have often said, "The fact you have survived childhood seems to be a proof for Guardian Angels."
The boys had setup a rather dangerous arrangement around the trampoline. I explained to them all the dangers and suggested they should dismantle or re-arrange the lot to make it safer.
"We've had it this way for months," replied James, "Nothing's going to go wrong."
Famous last words.
Peter bounced too far and hit his head against a plastic pipe and narrowly missed damaging his eye. As it was he received a rather nasty cut and a lovely black eye. He also received great experience that should help him be more careful in the future.
And to be thankful for Guardian Angels.
The boys had setup a rather dangerous arrangement around the trampoline. I explained to them all the dangers and suggested they should dismantle or re-arrange the lot to make it safer.
"We've had it this way for months," replied James, "Nothing's going to go wrong."
Famous last words.
Peter bounced too far and hit his head against a plastic pipe and narrowly missed damaging his eye. As it was he received a rather nasty cut and a lovely black eye. He also received great experience that should help him be more careful in the future.
And to be thankful for Guardian Angels.
2 February 2008
Family Socialisation
We recently had a fun time at a local park which has just refurbished their playground. There were ducks to feed, tadpoles to watch, things to climb and spinning things to, well, spin on.
The children really enjoy spending time together and we enjoy spending time with them. This seems to be such a counter cultural experience. When I announce we are going to have a "Family Day" all the children's eyes light up and they look forward to whatever we are hoping to do - read out loud, go to a park, picnic, watch a movie, play cards, walk in the bush, whatever.
So often we are told that we are risking our children's isolation and stunting their "socialisation" - whatever that is meant to mean. Yet, if socialisation is helping the children form an important part of society, I can't think of a better way than raising healthy, well adjusted adults who actually enjoy their parents and siblings. All the concerns about "socialisation" seem to be based on mythical cases and theoretical situations as the reality is that healthy families - homeschooled or institutional schooled - are much better prepared for the realities of the adult world in which we live. One day all children need to shake off the artificial boundaries of school aged years and confront the world around us. Some can do it younger, others delay the reckoning till their 20's, 30's or even 40's.
We either pay now or pay later in all things we do. We have found that "paying" now in terms of time spent with the family is providing solid returns as the years move on.
Hooray for family life!
The children really enjoy spending time together and we enjoy spending time with them. This seems to be such a counter cultural experience. When I announce we are going to have a "Family Day" all the children's eyes light up and they look forward to whatever we are hoping to do - read out loud, go to a park, picnic, watch a movie, play cards, walk in the bush, whatever.
So often we are told that we are risking our children's isolation and stunting their "socialisation" - whatever that is meant to mean. Yet, if socialisation is helping the children form an important part of society, I can't think of a better way than raising healthy, well adjusted adults who actually enjoy their parents and siblings. All the concerns about "socialisation" seem to be based on mythical cases and theoretical situations as the reality is that healthy families - homeschooled or institutional schooled - are much better prepared for the realities of the adult world in which we live. One day all children need to shake off the artificial boundaries of school aged years and confront the world around us. Some can do it younger, others delay the reckoning till their 20's, 30's or even 40's.
We either pay now or pay later in all things we do. We have found that "paying" now in terms of time spent with the family is providing solid returns as the years move on.
Hooray for family life!
Lana's Day In
On Saturday we gave Lana a special treat. I took all the children with me for a trip to the nearby town. This meant Lana had about 4 hours of very quiet time at home. She was able to do some cross stitch and watch a movie without any interruptions.
The notable thing was being able to put down a thread or needle and not have to put it away as she knew it would be there when she returned!
After a little shopping we went to the park and played around. I deliberately didn't call Lana so she could have uninterrupted time alone, but she called me instead, wondering how we - and in particular Martin - was surviving.
As you can see from the picture he was doing quite well. I left with seven children and returned with the same number. No worries.
The notable thing was being able to put down a thread or needle and not have to put it away as she knew it would be there when she returned!
After a little shopping we went to the park and played around. I deliberately didn't call Lana so she could have uninterrupted time alone, but she called me instead, wondering how we - and in particular Martin - was surviving.
As you can see from the picture he was doing quite well. I left with seven children and returned with the same number. No worries.
31 January 2008
Life's a game
Last weekend we did our annual boys day out and went to Cancon, the games convention in Canberra. I was able to once again see many people I have met over the years and see new trends in gaming. The boys were able to play in the demonstration games and we had a fine time - Dad and the three boys. (Martin is still too young)
One of the games was set during the time of the Crusades. One of their props was a helmet made from a waste basket painted silver with some modifications. Peter was very impressed. As we were there on the last day the guys running the game asked if Peter wanted the helmet.
Peter's eyes brightened.
"Yeees" he said in amazement, "Thanks"
He immediately went and put it on.
Once we arrived home he quickly made a shield from cardboard and tape and Clare joined him as a princess.
One of the games was set during the time of the Crusades. One of their props was a helmet made from a waste basket painted silver with some modifications. Peter was very impressed. As we were there on the last day the guys running the game asked if Peter wanted the helmet.
Peter's eyes brightened.
"Yeees" he said in amazement, "Thanks"
He immediately went and put it on.
Once we arrived home he quickly made a shield from cardboard and tape and Clare joined him as a princess.
13 January 2008
It's all child's play
It has been said that Macs make computers child's play, but we were still surprised at Rose's abilities.
When she is allowed to use the computer, she will press a key on the keyboard. If Lana has been using the Mac, it will ask for Lana's Password.
So Rose clicks the button which goes to the list of users.
Every member of the family (except Martin) has an account. This way we can control Internet and application access and track usage via the parental controls features.
Rose scrolls down to her name and clicks it. She then types her password "rose" and presses enter. This gets her in. Then she clicks Firefox and selects her favourite "Starfall".
She then begins to play her games which are all involved in helping children read.
That isn't too bad for a child how is just over 3.5 years old. Perhaps it was the early exposure she had as shown in an earlier posting.
When she is allowed to use the computer, she will press a key on the keyboard. If Lana has been using the Mac, it will ask for Lana's Password.
So Rose clicks the button which goes to the list of users.
Every member of the family (except Martin) has an account. This way we can control Internet and application access and track usage via the parental controls features.
Rose scrolls down to her name and clicks it. She then types her password "rose" and presses enter. This gets her in. Then she clicks Firefox and selects her favourite "Starfall".
She then begins to play her games which are all involved in helping children read.
That isn't too bad for a child how is just over 3.5 years old. Perhaps it was the early exposure she had as shown in an earlier posting.
11 January 2008
12 days of a Large Family Christmas
I must say that those that comment Bruggie Tales area clever lot. Our latest commenter Therese has this marvellous YouTube clip on her blog of a family singing (badly) a custom made 12 Days of Christmas.
The words are all based on comments they receive when they go out as a family from strangers. It all sounds very familiar!
The words are all based on comments they receive when they go out as a family from strangers. It all sounds very familiar!
We are at Defcon 3.0!
Not only has Martin fought off his illness (and a lovely peace was heard throughout the night) but he has started to walk unaided. At 8.5 months he stands up from a sitting position and wanders towards his target.
We are at Defcon 3.0 (see here for the scale).
Lego and other creations are no longer safe at their old heights. Life at the Bruggies has notched into another level of interesting.
(As you can see here, Martin is certainly enjoying his new found skills.)
We are at Defcon 3.0 (see here for the scale).
Lego and other creations are no longer safe at their old heights. Life at the Bruggies has notched into another level of interesting.
(As you can see here, Martin is certainly enjoying his new found skills.)
9 January 2008
Miserable Martin
This is Martin. He is miserable. Croup is such a draining virus.
We had a great time in Melbourne, catching up with family and friends, but we unfortunately returned with an unwanted gift. Croup. There is little that sounds more pathetic and sad than an 8 month old child crying and wheezing, trying to catch his breath, and when he does breathe it hurts, and so tired and unwell that he can't sleep.
This led to two nights of minimal sleep for Lana and I. Everyone in the family has contracted this bug, one at a time of course.
Thankfully, Martin has now recovered and is his normal happy self. He has even begun taking his first tentative steps. We'll have more on that story on the weekend.
Meanwhile, this photo tells another story. Namely the great way in which the whole family comes together when in need. Each of the children assist in taking care of each other, and keeping quiet when needed. When Lana and I finally got Martin to sleep late in the morning, the children moved the breakfast gear into the spare room so that they wouldn't disturb us. It was their idea! And they cleaned it all up later too.
We had a great time in Melbourne, catching up with family and friends, but we unfortunately returned with an unwanted gift. Croup. There is little that sounds more pathetic and sad than an 8 month old child crying and wheezing, trying to catch his breath, and when he does breathe it hurts, and so tired and unwell that he can't sleep.
This led to two nights of minimal sleep for Lana and I. Everyone in the family has contracted this bug, one at a time of course.
Thankfully, Martin has now recovered and is his normal happy self. He has even begun taking his first tentative steps. We'll have more on that story on the weekend.
Meanwhile, this photo tells another story. Namely the great way in which the whole family comes together when in need. Each of the children assist in taking care of each other, and keeping quiet when needed. When Lana and I finally got Martin to sleep late in the morning, the children moved the breakfast gear into the spare room so that they wouldn't disturb us. It was their idea! And they cleaned it all up later too.
6 January 2008
A toothbrush robot
How to make a toothbrush robot:
Isn't the Internet amazing? You can find all the really important stuff a mouse click away.
Courtesy of the Evil Mad Scientist.
Isn't the Internet amazing? You can find all the really important stuff a mouse click away.
Courtesy of the Evil Mad Scientist.
31 December 2007
Explaining Christmas to our children
The stomach bug which swept through our family on the day before Christmas meant we missed the Vigil Mass. So we spent some time together and went through why Christmas is such an important celebration and why it is the most important event in human history.
In a mix of narration and question & answer format we went through salvation history.
First God made a deal (covenant - a binding agreement between family members) with Adam on behalf of Adam and his wife - the first Couple. Then he tried with Noah - a family. Then Abraham - a tribe, and Moses - a people, and David - a kingdom. Each deal was with a larger group of people but each time the human side of the bargain fell through. It was very obvious that unaided Man could not keep his side of the bargain. But the covenant had to be between Man and God and Man had broken the original deal.
So Jesus - fully God and fully Man - stepped in and took on the human side of the deal on behalf of all men and paid the price that was necessary to be paid for us to share in the salvation promised by God.
(That is the summarised version without all of the interruptions and side-trackings questions and answers lead to.)
At the mention of Adam and Eve, Clare asked a question.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, Clare?"
"You know about Adam and Eve?"
"Yes ..."
"They were nudie pudie." [That is, they wore no clothes.]
Ah well, the discussion is always aimed at many levels depending on where the child is at.
(The photo is just a cute one of Martin's first Christmas)
In a mix of narration and question & answer format we went through salvation history.
First God made a deal (covenant - a binding agreement between family members) with Adam on behalf of Adam and his wife - the first Couple. Then he tried with Noah - a family. Then Abraham - a tribe, and Moses - a people, and David - a kingdom. Each deal was with a larger group of people but each time the human side of the bargain fell through. It was very obvious that unaided Man could not keep his side of the bargain. But the covenant had to be between Man and God and Man had broken the original deal.
So Jesus - fully God and fully Man - stepped in and took on the human side of the deal on behalf of all men and paid the price that was necessary to be paid for us to share in the salvation promised by God.
(That is the summarised version without all of the interruptions and side-trackings questions and answers lead to.)
At the mention of Adam and Eve, Clare asked a question.
"Daddy?"
"Yes, Clare?"
"You know about Adam and Eve?"
"Yes ..."
"They were nudie pudie." [That is, they wore no clothes.]
Ah well, the discussion is always aimed at many levels depending on where the child is at.
(The photo is just a cute one of Martin's first Christmas)
30 December 2007
A White Christmas?
Who would have thought? There we were, listening to Christmas Carols filled with imagery of white Christmases and snow while driving in very hot mid 30C temperatures, when we saw white stuff on the ground! About an hour or so before we reached this spot there had been a huge hail storm. We quickly parked on the side of the road (joining a number of other cars) and hopped out to take a photo.
This pile of hail is between pea and marble size and had not yet melted about 3 hours after it all fell. We can just imagine what a mess it was during the storm. On one of the side roads the shredded leaves on the road looked like grass clippings. A number of locals all commented on how green the sky was during the storm.
This pile of hail is between pea and marble size and had not yet melted about 3 hours after it all fell. We can just imagine what a mess it was during the storm. On one of the side roads the shredded leaves on the road looked like grass clippings. A number of locals all commented on how green the sky was during the storm.
25 December 2007
An unplanned restful day
We had planned lots of things with our cousins. But one thing we didn't plan on - a stomach bug. Eric and Ariel were struck down with a sore stomach which meant we stayed home yesterday - and even missed Christmas vigil Mass.
This meant also cancelling a planned fancy dinner with my parents and a very quiet day yesterday. This photo (click for more details) shows how Lana enjoyed the day.
Luckily it seems to be a 24 hour thing so we were able to get to Mass today and visit my parents. But fancy meals were a problem. We hadn't planned on needing anything and today all the shops are closed. So instead of a fancy three course Christmas meal, we had sausages on bread with my parents.
My sister's husband came down with the same thing so while he is resting we are getting together with my sister and her remaining unsick members and having a scratch meal. It's all good Christmas fun either way.
This meant also cancelling a planned fancy dinner with my parents and a very quiet day yesterday. This photo (click for more details) shows how Lana enjoyed the day.
Luckily it seems to be a 24 hour thing so we were able to get to Mass today and visit my parents. But fancy meals were a problem. We hadn't planned on needing anything and today all the shops are closed. So instead of a fancy three course Christmas meal, we had sausages on bread with my parents.
My sister's husband came down with the same thing so while he is resting we are getting together with my sister and her remaining unsick members and having a scratch meal. It's all good Christmas fun either way.
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