What my child is reading: November 16-24

From November 16th to 25th we are reading books about Thanksgiving.Here are some of the boys' favorite picks this week:My first Thanksgiving (board book) by Tomie dePaola.Our Summary:This book explains to young children about Thanksgiving and a brief history about the holiday. It explains how families celebrate their Thanksgiving day and the food they eat on this day of thanks.Our review: My sons

TENNESSEE.....Blue Grass Country.....True Friendships.

Tennessee is a special place to me and a special place to be. When I first arrived I wondered if I were in Heaven. People were patients and kind, friendly and helpful.

Having to learn to drive on the opposite side of the road, caused me confusion but no-one else. They just sat patiently and waited, until I was back on the right side of the road once more. Then with a cheery wave they saw me on my way. How I appreciated the courtesy and kindness.

I soon discovered nothing was too much trouble and even last final wishes of a friend were not to be discounted,  but respected and honoured.

It took some time for my credentialing to come through and Boards to be passed. So while waiting I worked as a volunteer Counsellor at "The Sheppard Center" and my church. Here I met wonderful aquaintances who became second family  to me. We still communicate and I have been back to re-connect a couple of times.

One day a story published in the local newspaper brought a woman in to visit. I learned she was a fellow countryman originally from a suburb in Victoria where my elder sister had once practiced. So just in conversation I told her this. 
"What's her name," she asked. I told her not thinking it would matter, only to be told. 
"I know her, she went outback to work with the flying doctors didn't she?"  Shocked I couldn't believe I'd come right across the world to meet someone who knew my sister. ..... There is no place like home and now I have two........ Tennessee and Queensland.

Week in Review for November 16-21 (Thanksgiving)

WEEK 12 in reviewOur unit study this week was on Thanksgiving. My family and I will be celebrating it on November 26th. This week we spent our time learning about the First Thanksgiving between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Indians. We also included in our unit study, some fun crafts, books about Thanksgiving celebrations, turkeys, and games.Early in the week, we visited my parents. My mom had her

Talking about Thanksgiving with young children

I wanted to share with you my ideas for talking about Thanksgiving with young children.Thanksgiving is a time to share family stores and traditions. Create lasting memories the children will remember fondly and share with their young ones to come. Traditions are part of every families' heritage and create special bonds between the members of that family. The tradition doesn't have to be expensive

First Thanksgiving Homes (Thanksgiving craft)

This week we are doing a unit study on the Thanksgiving. As part of our study, I wanted to teach my children about the first Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims and Wamponaog people. We read books about Pilgrim and Wanpanoag life in the 1600s.

The books we read were:
Tapenum's Day: A Wampanoag Indian Boy in Pilgrim Times by Kate Waters
Giving Thanks: The 1621 Harvest by Kate Waters

We read that the

Holiday Craft Blog MEME coming soon!

Our family started making Holiday decorations and ornaments from recycled items about three years ago. As a family on one income, every penny counts. We have had so much fun doing it that we considered it a family tradition of making them. Now that my sons are into arts and crafts, they will be making their own recycled crafts to hang in our home for the Holidays.Join us for a month long blog

FLY the COOP

When your children fly the coop you're left with the empty nest bewildered and wondering, was that only a dream? Yes, they grow up and leave too quickly. Suddenly gone are the dashes to soccer and athletics training with games and competitions on weekends.
Racing a child to school in the car because they missed the bus. Hoping it doesn't breakdown because you are still dressed in your nighty. You'll die with embarrassment if anyone see's you and realises. Then a policeman gets you for speeding and you are asked to produce your licence. Fumbling apologetically you tell him it's at home in your purse, while your child looks on intently noting every word for "Show and tell."
Yes, I was a busy mum. I kept a huge house clean and cared for four children while also working in a family business. Life was hectic yet so rewarding.
Then suddenly one day, they began to leave. The hardest was the first one, and I cried on and off for six months. Of course she visited, but that's never the same. Then joy of joys, suddenly I was a grandmother. I had to contain myself not to take over reminding myself I wasn't the mother. The precious bundle was mine only to cherish for a short while and then I had to give her back.

Now what has caused me to reminisce today? I know, I can hear new life chirping in the trees around our house.
Parent birds are busy gathering food, sheltering from the weather and meeting the demands of their young. Tender wings will slowly strengthen as the parents protectively watch the first feeble attempts to fly. All to soon the fledgling will be ready for flight. Then without a backward glance and uncaring of their watchful nurturer, gleefully they will soar.....and begin their own saga.