Karate Kids

This morning J and K had a great opportunity to take part in a karate demonstration at a nearby cinema. Today is the release of the new Karate Kid movie.

It was loads of fun and one of J's friends broke 2 planks by kicking them, then hit one that J was holding and lastly he ran up a human pyramid and did a flying kick to break a fourth plank! The crowd seemed to enjoy the demo and this afternoon we are looking forward to going to see the movie.

Mom and daughter time

K and I spent a lovely time together this evening. J had a friend sleeping over and Z and hubby were enjoying some time together. The two of us chatted, laughed and just enjoyed being creative together. We took out all our card making goodies and had great fun!

My creations above and below:

(I loved her green cupcake and copied it)

Her creations above and below:

our week

The weeks just keep rolling by and the term is almost coming to an end. We have resumed our Zoology after a break. We have learned some new words like "conchology"...I just love that word- it means the study of shells. Today we learned how starfish eat and the children found it "gross" as well as fascinating. (They push their stomachs out of their mouths to engulf their pray, begin digesting it and then pull the stomach back into their mouths.) The children have also enjoyed making the creatures that we learn about for their ocean boxes and some hands on experiments.

We have spent much of our learning time outside as the weather has been warm. I just love the fact that we can learn where ever we are....cuddled under blankets on the couch, on the patio in the shade of the umbrella, on the steps soaking up the suns rays, the kitchen table, the dining room or even in bed when someone is not feeling on top of the world.

The younger children and I finished the Afrikaans book we have been working through and J had his first lesson with his tutor, the same sweet lady that teaches piano to the younger children. Today was the last meeting for the Afrikaans group he has been going to weekly.

Z has continued to enjoy his weekly horse riding lessons. J has not been able to train for karate for 2 weeks now and is beginning to really miss it. He should be able to return next week but I will have to keep my eye on his ankle as it was really sore and swollen after his ballroom lesson tonight. K has been to karate but it seems she may have to take it easy too. We saw the doctor today as she has a painful infection of her big toe that requires antibiotics.

Tomorrow the younger two return to their drama lessons after a break of two weeks. I have enjoyed having a free Friday afternoon but I also enjoy the lovely scenic drive over the mountain to their drama lessons. Until next time.

PS: For some reason the photos would not load.

A surprise!

Last night I came home from a fun evening out at the night market with some old school friends and the kiddies. Hubby was out but had been home and there was a gift for me on the kitchen counter!

I was thrilled as I have been wanting a juicer for some time. This morning I rushed out to buy some fresh fruit so I could make some juice. I made an orange, paw paw, apple and carrot juice. It was delicious! I cant wait to try out all the different recipes!

Even the little man enjoyed the juice, carrots and all!

Keeping my hands busy

I am one of those people who cannot just sit in front of the tv doing nothing. My husband and I have regular programmes that we enjoy watching together and while we watch, my hands are kept busy with some or other knitting project.

I have completed the sweet cable look beanie to add to a baby shower gift and then the cutest stripy cat ear beanie. It doesn't look like much when lying flat , but when its on, its oh so cute!

Just look at those little ears! I cant wait to make one for my new niece or nephew!

Yesterday, my dear friend helped me to work out the start of the pattern for my new project. I cant elaborate as it is intended for a gift. I am so enjoying using the beautiful sock wool that I bought on our recent outing to Philadelphia.

And no, its not going to be a pair of socks.....

More on Monet

Yes, we are taking our time over this journey into Monet's world and Impressionism. Just this week I was thrilled to receive a freebie from CurrClick to compliment our studies. Hip2Homeschool's Unit Studies were giving this away. Needless to say, I downloaded the unit immediately. It explores the life and times of Monet, the Impressionist Movement and the wonders and beauty of France. We look forward to adding this to our study. Here is the link to the free download: http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?products_id=41534&it=1&SRC=Newsletter

This week we explored colour and did some paintings using the three primary colours and then mixing our own colours.

I just loved K's flowers, all the colours mixed from the three primary colours.

This morning we read more about Impressionism from a wonderful D.K. book I had found at the library this week. We all gained a better understanding of what Impressionism is.

We also spent some time exploring depth and tone. Our guests were eager to join in with our painting when they arrived.

We experimented by painting a landscape using different tones and shades of colour. The lighter colours being at the most distant points, and darker shades used in the foreground. The illusion of depth unfolded as we had fun experimenting with our paintings.

Spring has sprung

Wednesday was spring day and I was stuck in bed recovering from a nasty cold. My sweet daughter made sure I stayed put and the children brought their books to my bed. She even cooked the dinner for us that evening. It was a rainy day, more like winter than spring. Thankfully that day seemed do the trick and I am feeling much stronger.

I have been noticing the signs of spring as we are out about. Tiny green leaves are bursting forth from the trees and pretty pink blossoms are making their appearance. My neglected veggie garden is getting more sun and it will be time to do some serious weeding and enriching of the soil. I am hoping to have a better yield this summer by planting sooner rather than later.

Today we had a glorious spring day and a friend came to join us for lunch. The children could not resist the warmer weather and had their first spring swim in our pool. We can look forward to longer days outdoors enjoying the warmer weather.