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Here are a couple of pictures of our gorgeous little Tara
Tara and Matthew
Tara and Rachel |
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We have had various events at our place this year. The most memorable was the Angels and Saints party (an alternative to Halloween), which Rachel organised by herself. We had about 30 people here for it and everyone had a great time.
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Yesterday we welcomed Tara into our family. At this stage we are not sure how long she will be with us. She is a darling 7 week old little girl. Both children have been really lovely with her. I have put her on a routine and so far so good. |
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Five years ago today I stopped my nursing career to home school my children. Today someone asked me do I regret giving up my career. The answer is a resounding no. I know that what is going to matter in the long run is not that my children went on big overseas holidays as children, or they had the latest computer game. What is going to matter is that they are secure in who they are, that they are a blessing to others, that they know and love God and to them our family is the best family in the world. I am reminded of the Poem below. The first time I read it I was at work after kissing my 3yo and 1yo goodbye in the name of pursuit of my career. I remember after reading it I went to the toilets and cried. Even though at the time I was only working one or two days a week it made me think, it still though took me a few more years to give up my career. Today my 10 year old son thanked me for taking him on excursions and teaching him and told me I am the best mum in the world. My 12yo daughter who made me lunch for the excursion put a note in my lunch box telling me how much she loves me and what a great teacher I am. Do I regret giving up my career for that. No way!! The last verse of the poem puts it well. The rest of the poem follows: May I know that NO OTHER CAREER IS SO PRECIOUS; no other work is so rewarding, no other task so urgent. May I not defer it nor neglect it, but by Thy Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by They grace realize that THE TIME IS SHORT and MY TIME IS NOW, for CHILDREN WON’T WAIT. "Children Won't Wait" by Cathlyn Cartier There is a time to anticipate the baby’s coming; a time to consult a doctor; a time to plan and diet and exercise’ a time to gather a layette. There is a time to wonder at the ways of God, knowing that this is the destiny for which I was crafted; a time to pray that God will teach me how to train this child which I bear; a time to prepare myself that I might nurture his soul-- But soon there comes the time for birth, FOR BABIES WON’T WAIT. There is a time for night feedings, and colic and formulas; There is a time for rocking and a time for walking the floor; a time for patience and self-sacrifice; a time to show him that his new world is a world of love and goodness and dependability. There is a time to ponder what he is -- not a pet nor a toy, but a person, an individual a soul made in God’s image. There is a time to consider my stewardship-- I cannot possess him; he is not mine’ I have been chosen to care for him, to love him, to enjoy him, to nurture him, and to answer to God. I resolve to do my best for him FOR BABIES WON’T WAIT. There is a time to hold him close and tell him “The Sweetest Story Ever Told”; a time to show him God in earth and sky and flower; to teach him wonder and reverence. There is a time to leave the dishes in the sink and swing him in the park; to run a race; to draw a picture; to read a story; to look at God’s handiwork in the beautiful sunsets and to give the song of the raindrops on the roof; and to give him happy comradeship. There is a time to point the way; to teach his infant lips to pray; to teach his infant lips to pray; to love God’s Day, FOR CHILDREN WON’T WAIT. There is a time to sing instead of grumble, to smile instead of frown; to kiss away the tears and laugh at broken dishes and fingerprints on the wall -- a time to share with him my best in attitudes; a love of life, a love for God, a love for family. There is a time to answer -- ALL his questions -- because there may come a time when he will not want my answers. There is a time to teach him to obey -- to put his toys away. There is a time to teach him the beauty of duty, the habit of Bible study, the joy of worship at home, the peace of prayer -- FOR CHILDREN WON’T WAIT. There is a time to watch him bravely go to school, to miss him under foot, and to know that other minds have his attention, but that I will be there to answer his call when he comes home and eagerly tells me the story of his day. There is a time to teach him independence, responsibility, self-reliance; to be firm but friendly, to discipline him with love, for soon -- SO SOON -- there will be a time to untie the apron strings and let him go -- FOR CHILDREN WON’T WAIT. There will be a time when there will be no slamming of doors, no toys on the floor, no fingerprints on the wallpaper. THEN may I look back with joy and not regret. There will be a time to concentrate on service OUTSIDE my home... ... on visiting the sick, the bereaved, the discouraged, the untaught, and to give myself “to the least of these”. There will be a time to look back and to know that these years of motherhood were NOT wasted. I pray there will be a time to see him an upright and honest man, loving God and serving all. God, give me wisdom to see TODAY as MY day with my children, knowing that there is no unimportant moment in their lives. May I know that NO OTHER CAREER IS SO PRECIOUS; no other work is so rewarding, no other task so urgent. May I not defer it nor neglect it, but by Thy Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by They grace realize that THE TIME IS SHORT and MY TIME IS NOW, for CHILDREN WON’T WAIT. ~Gladys Ada Fink, 1948 |
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On Friday the 13th my mum was hit by a 4wd. She fractured her pelvis in several places with two main breaks in the front and back of the pelvis. As a result of the accident she sustained regular fitting episodes. The internal bleeding has settled down. She is in the Royal Adelaide hospital in the Intensive care unit. Today her oxygen requirements had been weaned down which was good considering yesterday morning they were thinking of putting her into an induced coma and ventilating her. She is now on CPAP alternating with the hudson mask. Please pray for her. I am taking my 90 year old grandmother (her mum) in daily to visit her. This has obviously been very hard for my grandmother as well. Please pray for her to. Thankyou and God Bless
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One thing I have come to really appreciate about homeschooling is all the amazing people you meet. The other thing I really appreciate is just how well home schooled kids are able to interact together with all different ages. Tonight we had our friends the Luptons and new friends the Frycs for tea who are both over in Australia for a time with the American military. The Frycs have seven children and the Luptons three. It got pretty cold pretty quickly so the kids didn't last in the pool long. They all played "stomp" afterwards which I can't quite understand the logic of the game but it always seems popular with kids. The idea is to stand in a circle and try and stomp on other peoples feet. Children are such a wonderful blessing from God and I feel very grateful that I have been able to home school mine. |
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Our Bearded Dragon lizards names are Leonardo and Lucille. Arn't they cute |
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On the 27th of February my Nana turned 90 so we had a party for her at the Fullarton Lutheran Home on the 25th of Feb. 120 people came to help her celebrate this milestone. The home said it was the biggest event they have ever had for a resident. People came from all over Australia for the event. I felt very proud of my Nana. |
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We had a picnic with some of our Adelaide friends on the 24th February. It is always great catching up with our Adelaide friends they will always have a special place in our hearts. Jenny,Paul Helen and Cathryn and others Narelle, Rosanne and little Ashleigh The Girls The Boys John, Michael and Paul Erin, Rachel and Phoebe
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We went camping at Wairo beach with our friends the Clarks for five days. Matthew caught his first fish. It was a very relaxing few days Here are some photos The Clark family Below are photos from Shallow Crossing |
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After Christmas we went to Mel and Andy's (MIchael's Brother) where Rachel rode their horse which she loved. After that we went to Lakes Entrance for two nights We went to Wilsons Promontary after that We then went on to Lakes Entrance We then went on to Lakes Entrance and hired a boat there which was really fun |
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Christmas Day was with the Easthams (my brother's family) in Melbourne and Nana and mum came over as well.
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It was Michael's 40th on the 9th of October and all his family came over from Adelaide and Melbourne to celebrate.     |