Friday
Today was a no-library day!!! We stayed home and got the house back in order. The younger ones played Lego and the older two read and wrote until it was time to go to the airport and pick Peter up. He has been in Indonesia. We had a few hours with him before he had to take off to the local cattle yards for his next job.
The afternoon was set-aside for Sewing Lessons for Nomi and her friend Kelly. Today they learnt the feel of material under the foot (previously only used paper) then they practiced on double thickness to replicate seams. We then looked at the back of a pattern packet and that was scary! We took one section at a time. First we looked at different types of material that was used to make up all the different clothes we had on. We then tried to find the closest to what was recommended on our pattern packet. The girls then measured each other to find their chest, waist, hip and back measurements. This was a great math exercise as they learnt to use the right end of a tape measure and to measure a 3 dimensional shape rather than a straight line, they learnt to read centimetres even though inches were also on the tape, and they learnt to write it down properly. Later on, after their data was collected they needed to read a chart to match the closest pattern size to their own measurements. Then the fun bit choosing material! Because of the distance to any material shops I had printed off an online catalogue, reduced their choices to a few selections and they then chose first and second preferences for me to order. Hopefully in future projects we will be able to ask the shop to send us samples before we have to actually order.
We were to have a family dinner so as we waited we sat down to read our read aloud, I am David. It got later and later and we got closer and closer to the end. I had hoped to finish it after dinner but my eyes were seeing double so we let it go and we will finish it tomorrow.
Saturday
Today is the last Netball session for Nomi and Jessica though they are trying to work on indoor netball for the wet season. Jessica got one of four most improved commendations.
After Netball the girls and I went to a friends to pick up an old very old mini moke, which has been acting like a sandpit for the last few years. It was a surprise for Daniel and I am hoping this will encourage some outdoor play. It was very interesting watching my friend use a forklift and bucket to lift it into my trailer and then to watch Pete and some work colleagues to get it out!
Over dinner we finished I am David which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Before the kids went to bed Josh and Jess filled in a survey that is being passed around for a Church Review we are in the process of for church. This was quite tricky for them to state an opinion about the direction and function of the church. It was very encouraging and rewarding as a parent to listen to them reason through and come to a conclusion/answer for many of the questions. The one thing I was happy to answer them is their question What does the Bible say about that? and it was from this perspective they were making their answers.
Sunday
There are a couple of young boys coming to church without their parents. I think their primary contact has been RE at school. They have connected with Josh and often choose to sit with our family. Early in the year Josh decided he wasn't going up for the kids talk any more but he has been sitting down there on the floor when these other young kids are there 'cause they won't go unless he does. It is great to see him have an opportunity to lead a group of boys.
After church today we were invited to a friends Still in my 40ies party. The kids had a ball with other kids though I think the highlight was being thrown into the pool clothes and all.
