I had to laugh today, while loading up Eyewitness :Nature on to my new super large hard drive… “Nature has never been this accessible… or this exciting!” Hmm.. except um.. by going outside???? I’ve just added to my amusement at this by opening a tub of Apple Puree that says “please tear here” on the seal – since when did a pot of baby food have to ask politely??? 😀
Anyway, started the day by meeting Hannah at our mutual allotment which is in a great spot and feels like a really friendly place, REALLY looking forward to spending time up there this year, its ideally situated for an hours quick fresh air for me Ammi and Josie during Rainbows too which will be perfect. Hannah came back for a (slightly noisy ;)) cuppa afterwards leaving me feeling (even more) deeply broody at the sight of her bump. Sigh, what i needed was the perfect birth and a hellish baby this time – the reverse is not doing my natural urges any good at all *rolls eyes*
Fran has spent LOADS more time on Chess today; she’s been playing full games on about 30% difficulty and managing either stalemate or Checkmate without much help – not bad for 2 days. Maddy is desperate to learn too so i MUST make time for that tomorrow. We are so starting to need more computers: i think i am going to have to consider getting a laptop to use for business, which would at least free up my downstairs one more; Max is upgrading his tomorrow too so that should help. Fran and Maddy fought for pc time all day today and Ammi is just not getting a look-in – its not perfect but good software does provide learning time for some while others get personal attention but only one PC is not cutting it. (BTW Alison, if you don’t already have similar, its a recommendation for “more grown up” software for your girls, definitely).
Anyway, both big girls also got “normals” time today – i started a Peter and Jane book with Maddy as i thought it might suit her better and she seemed to like that. Fran did some lovely reading and writing but her maths was everywhere so i left it. Funny how only 2 out 3 of those ever seem to be together at once with her! Maddy’s sums were excellent though, although we spent ages on one sum – a “machine” that adds or takes away – she was fine till it involved zeros and then it all went belly up. We ended up making the machine with my cheque book (complete with drawn on start button!) and some maths rods and eventually it all became clear. Funny how often zero throws things.
Ought to blog, in honour of things autonomous, that Fran has now completely sussed time telling, without really ever being “taught” aside from daily life discussions about it. She really only has 24 hour clock to suss now and she can work that out too, with a bit of thoughht. Very proud of her for that.
Maddy and Ammi retired to the patio with Happy Street at that point so Fran and i made her “Australian Animals” poster – started it anyway and then began a hunt for animal info. I’m aiming for 5 posters – animals, physical geography, including natural landmarks, people geography (why can’t i think of the word for that?) including manmade landmarks, art and um…. climate… but i’m slightly devoid of ideas so if anyone can think of anything – i need that history project book but for geography i think… :~/ Finished off with the afore mentioned cd-rom plus “Amazing Animals” too.
Then legged it to Rainbows, legged it to Staples for emergency Bubble Wrap supplies, dashed home and wrapped 10 parcels, legged it to the Post Office with a slightly grumpy Josie in tow.
And then we had dinner 😀
