Two Quotes

that Brandon and I have been mulling over.

"Believers should acknowledge and wrestle with doubts—not only their own but their friends’ and neighbors’. It is no longer sufficient to hold beliefs just because you inherited them. Only if you struggle long and hard with objections to your faith will you be able to provide grounds for your beliefs to skeptics, including yourself, that are plausible rather than ridiculous or offensive. And, just as important for our current situation, such a process will lead you, even after you come to a position of strong faith, to respect and understand those who doubt."

Timothy Keller - The Reason for God

“When it comes to the origin of life, we have only two possibilities as to how life arose. One is spontaneous generation arising to evolution, the other is a supernatural creative act of God. Spontaneous generation was scientifically disproved 100 years ago by Louise Pasteur, Spallanzani, Redi and others. That leads us scientifically to only one possible conclusion, that life arose from a supernatural creative act of God. I will not except that philosophically, because I do not want to believe in God. Therefore I choose to believe in that which I know is scientifically impossible, spontaneous generation leading to evolution.”

George Wald (Nobel prize for Medicine in 1967) -"Frontiers of Modern Biology on Theories of Origin of Life" (New York, Houghton Mifflin, 1972), p. 187.

Conversations with a toddler and preschooler cont.

Adele : "Grandma, it says here in the Bible, that you are silly"

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Adele : "Jolene, are you my best friend?"

Jolene : "Yes"

Adele : "Jolene, are you my best friend?"

Jolene : "I already said yes!"

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Jolene : "Mom, would you imagine if a house was pink and everything inside was pink!"

Mom : "That would be a lot of pink!"

Jolene : giggles "yeah"

---

Adele : "I do not like spider crabs"

School

I suppose you could say we officially dove into school this week. Brandon and I like the Charlotte Mason and Classical approaches. I don't know how we will combine them in the end. Time will tell. We will be following the Oz school year. Which means there are four terms in a year. After the first three terms we get a two week break. After the fourth term comes summer holidays which is 8-10 weeks long.

So what does our school week look like? We do most of it when Gids takes his morning nap and then a little more in the afternoon if we have time. On average we are working for about an 1.5 - 2 hours.

Everyday :
Morning devotions - Verse memorization, devotional, Bible story. We do the verse review every day and the others once or twice a week.

Mon, Wed, Fri :
1. Copywork - Write a short sentence or paragraph.
2. Reading
A) Veritas Press workbook
B) Reading out loud
C) Listening and then narration - Basically I just read a chapter of something (Little House series, Nature Readers, etc.) and then ask them to tell me what they remember.

Tues & Thurs:
1. Maths (Plural in Oz land) We are using Math-U-See. Jolene loves it. So we are doing as much as we can. MUS is just a basic program that uses cuisenaire rods.
2. Spanish - I just add a few new vocab words in each day. A couple phrases as well. We decided to go with Spanish for a couple of reasons.
A) It's an easy language to start with - keeps the kids from getting too frustrated
B) I took it in highschool and uni
C) The second language for the US

After Gids wakes up we take a walk, go to the backyard, or another activity until lunch time. I try to get them outside for at least 2-3 hours a day. When winter comes that will change. I don't want to be outside when it is rainy and 12 C.

I have a couple of books on nature studies. I try to work those in after we have come in from being outside. For example, while outside the other day we saw a bee gathering pollen from a flower. Once inside I read them nature study on bees and how they make honey from pollen. I have found reading during lunch to be fun. They are all sitting still for at least fifteen minutes. Before they get up we have a little discussion about what we just read. We are going through the Little House books and a Raggedy Ann one too. Adele grows tired of Farmer Boy quickly. I am hoping the next one will be more interesting for her.

I am trying to work in a few books on ancient Egypt during our reading times as well. In the classical curriculum you go through the ancient period first, then medieval - early Renaissance, late-Renaissance-early modern, and finally modern. You repeat each period of history four times throughout the child's schooling, increasing in detail each time you revisit that period.

The book on classical education that I found to be very helpful is called The Well-Trained Mind, by Susan Wise Brown and Jessie Wise.

Two websites on the Charlotte Mason method that I have found helpful are:
1. simplycharlottemason.com
2. amblesideonline.org

We will see how it goes, the novelty wears off pretty quickly. Next Monday we might just skip school all together and have a "field trip" to the beach :-) I do like the beach and it will only be this warm for so much longer.

Buying a house...somewhere

As you may now know the house we live in is being sold by our landlords.

We have two options.

1. Buy this house
2. Move
a. rent again
b. buy another house


Reasons for buying instead of renting

1. Renting is catching up with the house prices. In a years time it will no longer be cheaper to rent.

2. It is becoming a nightmare to find a rental property. Not much supply and a huge demand. This is because of the lack of available land on which people can build new homes. I would have to do all the hunting. Now days when you show up to look at a rental there are at least 20 other renters there as well. If you show up with kids you go straight to the bottom of the list. If you had the choice to choose, would you choose a career couple or a family of five? Yes, that is what they choose too.

3. Housing prices are supposed to go up another 30-40% in the next 5-10 years. If we don't buy now will we ever be able to afford it?


Reasons for buying this house

1. We don't have to move again, again, again, and again.
2. It has character
3. Good location
a. within walking distance to three parks
b. within walking distance to two libraries
c. within walking distance to two shopping centres
d. two blocks from Princes Highway
e. two minutes from the Ring Road
f. 5 minute drive from church
g. 15 minute bike ride to train station

As we all know, location, location, location is the most important selling factor for a house.

4. Quiet suburb
5. In demand suburb, should be able to sell in a few years for a profit without doing any major repairs to house.
6. Happy to stay here for a very long time. We have room to add on if needed.
7. We can buy from landlords without using a realtor. Saves money.

Reasons for not buying this house
1. Could find a cheaper one but in a less desirable location
2. Needs a new garage
3. Dining room is very small and we are always having lots of people over for dinner.
4. Needs to be painted...but Brandon and I can do that


So we have decided to buy, hopefully this house. If not this one then somewhere else in Geelong.

Start the clock. When you gather a deposit you have to let it sit in the bank for 3-6 months (thank you US housing collapse) in order for most lenders to approve your loan. Our three months ends at the beginning of May.

We are on a saving spree. The last three weeks I tried to not buy anything, excluding food. Will be trying to continue this trend for the next few months. We have also cut our grocery budget by 30%. The fact that we can cut that much out means we were spending too much to begin with. Every dollar helps.

Back to regular life, work, moving?, soccer, and the garden.

We got home, although not without some "fun" on the way back. Probably the most stressful trip we have ever had.

Brandon went back to work on Monday (we got back Saturday afternoon).

Monday morning we found out that the house we are living in is going to be put up for sale.

Went back to soccer last night. Played for two hours while being sick. Not a good idea. Was very sick by the time I got back. Brandon has to stay home from work today.

The weather is great. We have already been to the beach.

My garden is still somewhat alive. I have harvested the potatoes and some Roma tomatoes. I think I got about 1.5 kilos in potatoes and a small bucket of toms. Yum.

I realized I didn't do very well in keeping a journal of our travels. I need to hire an assistant to write down my thoughts.

I have begun to read "Signature in the Cell." A book on intelligent design. The author Stephen C. Meyer is someone you might have heard of. He was mentioned in the documentary called "Expelled." I will let you know how it goes. Need to get back to bed, fading fast.

Day 25

Wednesday -

It is cold but snowing. The wind is howling, supposed to reach 60 mph.



Today is a sad day, for many different reasons.


On another note, I am excited about tomorrow. Brandon and I are flying (if the weather cooperates) to Wyoming for five days. The kids are staying with his parents. We are heading west to visit friends and to go snowboarding. I am a little nervous of the snowboarding, I haven't been in three years. Pregnancy has always occurred during the wrong season. I'm sure it is like riding a bike, right?

Day 24

Tuesday -

Today is the long anticipated day for my girls. We are putting up the Christmas tree, decorating it, and the decorating the house. Christmas is coming!

Turn on the Christmas music. Greenery, ornaments, nativities, lights, etc. etc. The girls are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Gideon has his eye on the tree. Must remember to watch him....

Gids is so close to walking. We catch him every now and then taking a step when he isn't thinking. Bribes have not worked so far.

I spend the day making meat pies for our dinner. We are having company come over so I am making Aussie meat pies with a red wine/onion/mushroom sauce, roasted veggies, and a spinach/tomato/mozzarella salad. Yum.

The pies are great. The veggies are a little on the soggy side due to staying in the oven a bit too long.

Conversation was great. We talked about Australia a bit. Our struggles, where we are going in the future, etc.

Day 23

Monday -

It has snowed. I don't know how but the girls knew at 5am that it was snowing and decided to come tell us. They were very "sited." (excited, but in Jolene speak)

We had breakfast and then bundled up for the traditional chopping down of the Christmas tree. Drove to the tree farm only to discover it would not open until 1pm. Not to fear, the morning was not wasted. We decided to go sledding instead. I was not feeling well so I did not participate. From all accounts the girls loved it, Gids was taking a nap at home. Adele would flip over from time to time. She didn't mind, in fact she was giggling and asking for another ride before she back to the top. Jolene, the always adventurous, had a blast.

They made snow angels too. Another item checked off from our list.

After lunch we headed back to the tree farm to find that perfect tress. After wandering around the fields for a while we finally found one. Everyone had a turn at the hacksaw.

Tomorrow we decorate!

Day 22

Sunday -

Brandon is here worshiping with us. It is nice having the entire family together for Sunday worship.

There is a fellowship following. Always a good time for catching up with old friends and making new ones.

I have enjoyed meeting some of the newer members at our parent's churches. I can tell that if we were around longer we would, in the words of Anne of Green Gables, have a few new bosom friends.

Day 21

Saturday -

Brandon comes! but not until late.......................how long is this day anyway.

I go with Pam and some of the girls to Noblesville for some shopping. Goodwill is having 50% in all of their stores. I also find a "few" things at TJ Maxx. To be honest I haven't bought much at the main shops. Most of my purchases have been from eBay, Amazon, or Goodwill. We try to buy used if possible, it is much easier to do over here. A population of over 10x greater than the one you are used to will do that for you.

After shopping I head to Indy for my sister's bachelorette party. There is a scavenger hunt in a massive three story mall, dining at a fun Italian restaurant, and lots of talking. I had a great time.

After the party I drive to the airport with my warp speed at maximum. The highways here are so vast and empty (at this time of night). They are begging for you to smash your foot on the accelerator. I sadly decline.

I get to the airport early but meet Brandon coming down the stairs to the baggage claim area. Kind of anti-climatic. Oh well, at least he is here safe and sound.

Day 20

Friday -

Another exciting day for the girls. Brandon's parents, my parents, I, and my girls are going to see the Nutcracker ballet at Butler University. The girls can hardly wait for the evening to roll around. They get to wear their Christmas outfits to the ballet. This day is going to be hard to beat.

The ballet is lovely, we really should go more often. The girls try to dance in front of their seats but there just isn't enough room. Poor Jolene, she was trying so hard to be still. Every now and then I caught her toes pointing and moving. Adele had to release herself and lift her hands above her head in one of those "lift hands above head" ballet moves.

During the intermission I tell them to go dance in the hallway. They do until the lights call us back to our seats.

They loved the ballet and so did we.

Day 16

will fill in later

Day 19

will fill in later

Day 18

will fill in later

Day 17

will fill in later

Day 15

Sunday -

Today we are worshiping with the Kokomo RP church. The sermon was on Psalm 67, the Missionary Psalm.

Main point: The primary goal of a church should be worship not missions.

Day 14

Saturday -

A week from today Brandon will be joining us. Can't wait.

Saw the new Fisher home. They had moved since we were here 2.5 years ago. We began to settle in to our new home of three weeks.

That evening we drove around Kokomo and looked at some of the biggest light displays I have ever seen. There is one house known for its display. They now do it as a fund raiser. As you drive or walk through you can give donations to the 'We Care' group.

Day 13

Friday -

Big day today. Second Thanksgiving dinner and then downtown Indy for the Circle of Lights. The Circle of Lights festival is the beginning of the countdown to Christmas. Head to downtown Indy and you will find yourself at a round-about. In the middle of this round-about is a high, pointy memorial which every year is turned into a Christmas tree. At the festival there is a countdown for the lighting of the tree. The tree lights up and then we all head home to warm up. The girls enjoyed it, Gideon was not as impressed.

It was cold that night but we survived.

After the tree was lit I and the kids headed to Kokomo, due North.

An hour and a half later we were there. Lots of smiling faces awaited.

Day 12

Thursday -

Can't remember what we did this day. If I can I will insert text later.

*update*

Ummm, major brain lapse. So on this day we were in Hobart, IN to visit my grandparents for Thanksgiving. My aunt and uncle were there as well. We all had a great time talking and hanging out. I enjoyed watching my cousins play with the kids. They and my brothers were big helpers.

It is sad to see people age. Minds begin to slow, bodies do not move as they once did. All the more reason to look forward to Heaven.

Day 11

Wednesday -

Got together with old friends from church. I have known these two girls since the day I was born. It is such a joy to catch up with old friends and see where God is directing there lives.

They both both have a child and are both expecting their second.

We were able to walk to my friends house from my parent's house. We decided to walk down the train tracks part of the way. Jolene thought this was especially cool. We did it on the way back too.

Day 10

Today I played soccer with my brother's team. Fun. I am having a really good time hanging out with my brothers. This has been missing in my life for the past 7 years.

Mainly hung around my parent's house. I am writing this two weeks later and this is all the stands out in the blur of activity.

Day 9

Saturday -

Jolene is always asking if the uncles have to go to school today. Today is her special day, they get to stay home.

Today is also my sister Eleni's bridal shower at the SSRP church. I leave Gids with the uncles and grandpa. My girls come along to the shower.

It was so nice to be able to go to the shower. We don't get to participate in many family events. iI'm glad I was able to go to this special one. Oh, and the wedding :-)

The rest of the day was spent relaxing. Did we go to the park too? I can't remember, I think we did because Charlotte went with us and she left on Sunday. So yes, we did go to the park. It was a very nice afternoon. The park had a cycle cross race going on. Cycle cross is kind of like a steeplechase for bikes. Interesting to watch. We don't do much in the biking area of sport. Always good to see something new.

The leaves have all turned color and are now lying sadly on the ground. Just waiting there until the bugs turn them into compost. The leaves make lovely crunching noise when stomping through them. My girls enjoyed the stomping and the throwing.

Day 8

Friday -

Today is library book sale day. I am excited. It might get a bit hairy taking all the kids with me, but I don't really have any other option. So, they are coming no matter how bad it gets.

Awesome.
hardbacks are $0.50
paperbacks are $0.25

I buy 18 books. Maybe I should have checked to see if they will all fit. Oh well.

The girls behaved well. They grabbed some books and camped out on the floor while I browsed. Gideon was not very excited about the prospect of sitting in the pram the entire time. Too bad, here is an apple. Gids decided that throwing the apple was much more exciting.

Day 7

Thursday -

The Fishers came and visited today. They held out as long as they could :-) It would be hard seeing your grandkids at the airport and then having to leave and not see them for another two weeks.

My parents and brothers are all at school during the day. It works out well to go and come during the day and then be home in the afternoon when everyone else come back from school.

Jolene told me today that she doesn't want to go back to Australia. At this point I don't either. Adele has already said a few times that she wants to go home. Gideon could care less.

Day 6

Wednesday -

Went and visited my college friend Melissa. She has a little boy now named Noah. He is very cute and smiley. It is always nice to catch up with old friends and see what directions their lives are heading in.

At this point all the kids are sleeping through the night, hooray.

Driving hasn't been as confusing as I thought. The only warning signals my brain fired off were when I was driving around a round-a-bout in the opposite direction. We would go around one in the clockwise position where here is it counter-clockwise. Feels very strange.