Monday – Josh, Jess, Nomi went Mango picking while Daniel and I were supposed to do the housework together.  I got stuck on some business reading so Daniel sat in the office next to me and drew a picture as a cover for his next story.  He came to me and asked me how to spell certain words he needed and confirmed with me the beginning spot for reading/writing these words.  I was very excited to see these things come out in his conversation as this is exactly “where he is at” in any formal education assessment for Reading/Writing.  Even though we aren’t getting to our formal lessons he is learning and establishing those pre-reading skills.

Once he was done with his drawing he wanted to do his chores.  His heart has changed over the last month or so towards chores – there is not only an acceptance that they have to be done but a willingness to do his best. 

Then we started to work on the mangoes together – bagging them for the freezer.  This was a great time just to help him organise a system, and encourage him in his diligence and hard work.   It was a great morning for him (and me!)

Once the kids got back they were all hot and bothered so we just chilled for a while and they caught up on their regular early morning routine.  Then the older three got into story writing.  They continued on their stories on and off throughout the day.  I had to put my foot down and say “no computers” after dinner.

Josh worked on his Science experiments – and learnt that you shouldn’t swallow chewing gum!  Thanks to Jay Wile and his Apologia course we bought chewing gum into the house (for a science experiment you see, Mum!)   Having never had chewing gum before he swallowed it!

I headed into town – to deliver mangoes and do other bits and pieces.  I had a last minute thought to drop something off at the library and there was my friend and her family waiting for her plane which had been delayed for over 5 hours.  So we confirmed when the plane was arriving/leaving and rescued them from hours of waiting at the library.  So our afternoon was spent “being available” to our friends.  (Availability is the character trait we are studying this month so it was a great opportunity)