28 April 2013

A few weeks since the last post; and once again busy weeks have been and busy weeks ahead.  Visits to Dr for vaccinations, school and assignment deadlines, homework and outings with parents, friend engagements and housework seem to fill up the time.

The weather has been wonderful here over the last few weeks, too.  Sunny Autumn days and chilly nights have set in; with a toll on health and well-being.  The change just creeped in and took us off guard for a day or two.  Diabetes levels are now back on track... it is hard to ask a teenager to get rugged up, put on socks and slippers in the house to protect against cold wooden floors; however a trip to St Vincent de Paul did help as a used leather jacket was acquired.  It looks very good; vintage and warm.  A pleasing purchase.

This term an English novel is being read - a classic - The Outsiders by SE Hinton.  Great story for boys.  Pony-boy, my favourite character I hope will enlighten the reader in this instance to plights that challenge the young at heart to follow their heart.  The assignment, which is still on its way, will engage conversation at home I hope.  I look forward to literary conversation with my children and have commenced with the daughter - who at the moment is reading (the play) "Hating Alison Ashley" - another "classic" by "Robin Klein".  I also remember reading this book (for fun in my day; now it is studied!)

Although school marks were on par with what was being rewarded last year, at the recent interviews with teachers, and as a mother, I was a little upset.  More attention in the future will be given to the presentation of assignment work, to boost communication marks and scores.  The sight of the previous mathematics assignment was not pretty, and yes, understandably a "C" standard... so the obvious response to our question "How can we transfer the grades to an "A" standard" included:  writing neatly, crossing out errors as shown in class, present in a nice folder, readable working and markings that look like breakfast was spilled on the submission need not be present.   Reprint the task sheet and rewrite your work if necessary.  I was pleased to learn that manners are in check and homework is being done.

On a more personal note I feel bad - music is the highlight and the world at the moment; and one that I should embrace... I think I may have to invest in singing lessons.  I won't say anymore.  Guitar playing is exceptional; and improving out of sight.  Music classes are being rewarded with the A's.

Not quite military; but the bedroom is tidier each morning the threat of cleaning charge has worked!!! OK the bed is roughly made and things are in their place.... I am able to organise a vacuum if necessary.  Organisation and preparation for the next day is on the agenda over the next few weeks.  Although there is no excuse in timing, it is just a matter of checking...

1440 x 16 days = 23.040

best moment: "Thanks Mum" after acquiring gorgeous leather jacket from St Vinnies

aha moment:  Mum, I could write songs instead of play them ...
teaching time:  Song writing would be a wonderful job; look into it and see who has been successful.  The Voice has brought many conversations like this into our home over the last two weeks.  Thank you. 

1, 951 200  - 23, 040 = 1 928 160 minutes.

12 April 2013

What a month - finishing off assignments, studying for tests and exams, and we are now at the end of the two week holiday break.  A nice beginning to the study ahead for next term.

School is out - holidays begin and what to do.  The first few days relaxing - BNE weather was not really kind for outdoor kids; so it was screen viewing (iCarly mainly) - which is not only entertaining, but I guess it provides both the children with some laughs and humour.  I don't mind in between house jobs walking past and seeing the antics of iCarly's brother, Spencer; who, when asking the children at dinner one night I learned was their favourite character, too.

Ukulele and Guitar practice of all kinds, acoustic, electric, electric acoustic and bass has been occurring.  Reading music pages from the newspaper has been occurring and so has watching a bit of MTV.  The Voice - Australia's talent show has begun too; and thank goodness we are able to tape it and this can be the viewing on weekends during the term.

Not alot of movie choices these school holidays - and there has been a movie date with Dad - which is nice to see and hear about.  GI Joe?

The school reports came home too over the holidays and we are all pleased with efforts this term.  There has not been any slipping down; and yes, there is annoyance from the teenager that I am intending to speak with the Maths and English teachers.  Well.... he wants an "A" and is getting B+'s.  What does he need to do to reach the A Level?  That is my only question; and it is important that all stakeholders hear the response of the teacher.

We have a special birthday this weekend - a toddler little sister who is 2.  Our little miracle and wonderful companion on this journey.  Someone to remind us all what life is all about.  Wishing a wonderful weekend on us all; and the coming term to be just as eventful and full of surprise; and expectations.

1440 x 35 days = 50,400

best moment:  Relaxing at home after a long, hard working term

aha moment:  Reading the newspaper and it is really interesting
teaching time:  OK - a messy teenage boy room is not nice to see; until I mentioned that I will be charging $20 per hour to clean - now it is GREAT!  

2,001,600  - 50,400 = 1 951 200 minutes.

8 March 2013

Ok - this is now getting ridiculous - a month of blogging time has gone .... that is 44, 640 minutes and I could not find ten each night, or week, to post a number of things regarding this project.  I am going to have to work a little harder at finding this time so that there are more meaningful posts and reflections.

I can say, however, that I am investing in guiding the children with their studies.  We have had a pretty busy month settling into learning environments (all of us) - Baby in Kindy, sister commencing Year 8, father figure into University as a tutor and student, mother in middle management in High School and yes, Morgan into his environment.  There are ups and downs, use of technology to get us through, communication gaps and links, times when the weather has tested our patience.  Overall, though - a fabulous month.

We are into week 6 of Term One; a very busy time for the middle school year children at home - assignments to prepare, tests to study for.  Watching Television is now a luxury during the week that one cannot afford.  Time is invested (sometimes wisely) on ensuring that all homework and study is completed so that assignment work can commence.   Morgan is progressing through nicely - "Mum, I just handed in my Science Assignment but.... now I have a Maths one."  What do you say?  "Welcome to the world of being a student - it is going to be like this for the next ten or so years of your life!"

Music has been a focal point and an escape.  A new instrument purchase this month (a Ukulele - an electric acoustic of course) with birthday monies.  Taking it into school and recording has been a challenge (especially with guitar, PE gear, laptop, school bag and packed lunch all on one day sometimes).  Remember the times when in primary school we would say, leave the ... at home.  Try saying that to a teenager who has "so much on" and your head is bitten off.

Anyway, the ukulele is a wonderful instrument and produces a wonderful sound.  I am so proud that Morgan has invested a lot of time practicing his guitar playing technique; and I am so proud of myself not to bring into the house computer games that would have robbed him of this time.

Everything is a choice - yesterday was a trigger for me to blog.  It was the first time Morgan experienced a Retreat time at his school.  The boys were bussed out to the local mountain and engaged with each other in survival activities.  He soon learned who was lazy and that he was able to speak up and give direction, guidance (he helped cook the lunch by starting the fire etc).  He also learned that many young men his age take credit where it is not due; and that life for some has been a smooth road.  He also learned that if he did not speak up, no-one would listen.  Hard lessons, but meaningful - which is why the school does what it does.

A few weeks ago the friends he had made were not very nice (maybe I blogged previously about this).  I have been thinking about how to bring more life into Business classes at school.  I came across the book in my bookshelf at home "Who moved my Cheese?" and decided to read it to my baby out loud - hoping the teenagers would hear ... and they did.  Oh my - you could have knocked me over with a feather when Morgan came home on Tuesday and said "Mum - I found new cheese ... in the music department.   I have been invited to join a band!"  Three of his classmates from various classes have musical talent and invest their lunch times in the music rooms jamming.  Wonderful!!!

Who Moved My Cheese - fabulous book for young and old.  I have purchased a copy for our school library.

This month has been a time where music has filled the car stereo.  "Impossible" is the favourite hit of the month - and one that we constantly hear been sung by the teenagers in the house.  Nice words, great message and the artist who is promoting it at the moment - fabulous story.

1440 minutes per day for 31 days = 44,640  minutes have passed.  Many lessons have been learned; opportunity seeds planted and rest received.  Some of these moments are highlighted below:

best moment:  Morgan's ukulele purchase and how proud he was when he came home and showed the family.

song of the day: Impossible (sung by the teenagers in the house - in an out of tune; and in the car whenever it is on) - and "Wonky Donkey" (we often hear that on the ukulele; a great toddler tune)
aha moment:  Mum..... I'm in a Band! (New Cheese moment)
teaching time:  Showing the teenagers how to use OneNote to work with assignments, research and study.  A great program that places everything into one space and place on their laptops.  (My Masters in Education (ICT) is coming in handy at home, too.

2,046,240  - 44,640 = 2,001,600.

5 February 2013

Well, it seems that my initial plan of blogging each morning is not going so well.  There have been mornings where the children have things on - and it is the beginning of the year and we are all getting into our routines.  it is now 8pm on Tuesday 5 February; where, as I am writing this, the teenagers are completing their homework.  Maths, Humanities, Science, English, Music, Art and Religion.  Wonderful subjects and diaries full of homework for each class.  This is a great way to end any day.

Maths is one of Morgan's strong subjects - and I guess there are days when homework does not feel like being done.  There are many new things being learned; surds, square root symbols around numbers and other foreign mathematical "sentences"... I am pretty good at reading textbooks and thank you to the Textbook writers for making it really easy for Mum's to point out to their children how to complete mathematical problems.

What has happened in school?  I am not sure as Morgan rarely debriefs his day - he did mention that he did not know his friend's first name - and when asked today he did tell me.  That made me smile.  He either observed the friendship group or asked the question - this I will never know.

The morning rituals that occur each morning in the house consist of Morgan having breakfast, Morgan getting ready for school, Morgan helping his little sister to the car (there is a steep driveway to walk down, stuff to put into the car, rubbish to put into the bins and a car to pack), dropping off little sister to kindy and then commuting with step-dad to school.  Last week, I did take him one day - way too early and so uncool... until Morgan found that almost half the school is being dropped off early - there was a commute to the drop-off area!

The best part about the week just passed is that we all packed a bag and went to an Ecolodge for a night - OK - there was a party that I attended up the coast; and I thought it would be a wonderful way to get out of the house, get back to nature, see some friends and enjoy each other's company without a screen or noise.  I wish we had two nights there.  Seeing friends and being back "home" was a great feeling and one that all of us will be happy to revisit another day.  It was also a great way to unwind the busy week and debrief on how we are feeling in adapting to the new life we are embarking.  It was nice to see Matilda interact with us all, walk around the orchard and show her pretty flowers and fruits on the trees; and watch her chase the birds.  Having a run around on grass was great too.  Morgan stayed at a friend's place overnight; nice to see some reward for the hard work moving, packing and unpacking, working with the family and adjusting to a new school.

Morgan has his first music lesson this week; his first rugby try-outs, created friendship bonds that will be there for life and attended his first Mass/Liturgy/House celebration; the blessing of new student badges.  Last Tuesday night, the question "What is the Mary Prayer Mum - all the boys are saying it and I have no idea?" question and statement was a little embarrassing to hear.  Being an educator in the Catholic school system provided me with the knowledge that most school's publish their prayers in the school diary - and yes, the "Hail Mary" was there - Morgan has a great memory and a few night readings; he will be praying with the rest of them!  Four years ago the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation were received; and I am slightly guilty of not pursuing the prayerful time that we were practicing those many years ago.

1440 minutes per day for 8 days = 11,520 minutes have passed.  Many lessons have been learned; opportunity seeds planted and rest received.  Some of these moments are highlighted below:

best moment:  Morgan playing guitar almost every night - he is getting really good.
song of the day: WilliAm and Brittany - "In the Club" or something like that (Morgan's sister and I sang it while driving in the car coming home today)
aha moment:  A good time can be had in the country with friends, family and food
teaching time:  Mum ... how do I do this Maths problem - well the textbook will always provide a guide (Thank you!)

2,057,760 - 11,520 = 2,046,240.

29 January 2013

Hello everyone - a perfect day to post!  Here in Queensland the storms have subsided but many are losing their homes, livelihood and some have lost their lives to widespread flooding.  Two years ago, we were also affected in many ways - and yes, the Government subsidies etc do provide some financial relief; as does insurance; however - resilience is paramount in these times.  Working with others and assisting a mate - a great Australian way of doing things is embedded into our DNA and we will get through it.

Twitter has a #mudarmy - and I think we will give it a go in the coming weeks.  Students and future friends will be a part of the groups that are affected.  I would love to assist in some way; and have the children work with me - so we will be keeping an eye on this feed.

Over the last few weeks there have again been many learning opportunities.  One this week past was in regards to Morgan's health and his diabetes.  He had a massive low; and with all the distractions around us at present - I did not even think to give him the hypo needle.  My husband walked past his bedroom and heard him moaning.  Anyway, I called the ambulance and they also attended.  He was coming to when they arrived four minutes later.  Very scary indeed.

Our hospital visit was informative and insightful.  There is a lot of research going into this chronic illness and I have faith that Morgan's lifetime will see a cure.  I was so proud of Morgan's sister (Josie) who contributed to the research efforts - there were other children doing the same.  Her blood will be tested for antibodies to see if she is susceptible to Diabetes Type I.  If she is, the choice to participate in the research will be entirely hers.  The head of the research is a resident Dr at the hospital and Morgan will most likely have him on his team of health professionals when an adult.

Pump therapy is wonderful; however needs careful monitoring.   Emails to educators, downloading data and analysis of this is now a part of our weekly routine.  It is amazing - the technology; and using it is wonderful.  I am hoping that this will assist us in management.

School shoe purchasing was another adventure - thank you to my husband for taking the journey.  Morgan wanted special pointy shoes; but ended up with the normal school lace ups.  A pair of new sandshoes completed the purchase.  Retail are doing it tough - four pairs (one ended up being free) from the shoe store.  This was unheard of a few years ago.

Today is a big day - an orientation at the new school.  It is still a little rainy so the weather won't be pleasant - however kids hardly notice that.  The new school will be wonderful; and I wish Morgan a wonderful day.  He is going in completely cold (on our interview there was no tour) and he has only driven into the driveway for this purpose; a visit to the Uniform shop (courtesy of hubby again) and to collect his laptop computer.  The essentials I guess.  Now it will be up to him.  We had dinner with friends whose boys attend the same school.  All schools have their concerns and this is no exception.  Being a part of the music program, a little sport, his studies and his mission work should keep things busy enough for no distractions.  I do not want to have my head in the clouds; but provide opportunity and support if ever needed.  The friends gave my husband and I some wonderful advice, company and friendship - which I will value and treasure.

A birthday celebration was had by three of the family members, including Morgan.  He has grown into a wonderful young man.  His visit to his father brought back more stuff; and there were disagreements on where to place it.  I am pleased that I do not fall for the retail therapy and buy buy buy.  I am hoping that the children see this for what it is.

The time passed from 15 January to now - a little calculation:  (I am still posting at 5am each morning).

1440 minutes per day for 14 days = 20,160.

best moment:  Morgan having breakfast (a bowl of cereal) with his baby sister
song of the day: Gangham Style (dancing and singing this song with baby sister)
aha moment:  Always keep plugged in to the health needs re Diabetes (all of us)
teaching time:  Shoes - may look good but not for every occasion (purchasing of school shoes)

2,077,920 - 20,160 = 2,057,760.

15 January 2013

Another day or two over and the school year is drawing near.  These past two days were like chalk and cheese in regards to the weather - yesterday (14 January) was the first day we didn't melt and we opened windows and doors to let the breeze in.  Wonderful!

Morgan, I should mention is also a Diabetic Type 1 - he was diagnosed on January 14, 2009 at the age of nine (going into his tenth birthday).  We have come a long way since that day and his health management team has had a change.  While in Regional Queensland, we worked with the private system - an approach that was recommended by the chosen local GP at the time.  The ladies were wonderful; and the educator is a friend of mine on Facebook, speed-dial on mobile and yes, I think I will add her to my Christmas Card list.  Wonderful lady and more importantly; Morgan liked her and listened.  Asked the right questions and followed her advice.  I am hoping with the change he will continue to do this.  

Anyway, yesterday was a visit to the new GP (we are choosing the same surgery that we were patients of before we left the city).  She was happy to see us again while we all down a trip to memory lane of when the children were babies.  How time flies!  She told Morgan stories about students who love the new school he will be attending and the culture of its inclusiveness and school tie connectivity.

It was also wonderful to hear that there will be connections at the public system that we have been recommended (by Morgan's health team in Regional Queensland).  Our doctor's husband is a part of the research team at the hospital; and she seems to be a receiver of his work - telling us about new research and ways to work with Diabetes.  She also informed Morgan that these are the formative years and his management now will be instilled in him for the rest of his life.  

We have had a great start - no chocolate, soft-drink or lollies in the house and if he craves them; we pay full retail price.  I have instilled this so that the children know the expense and that it is a luxury, a sometimes treat and not something that will be readily available.  I have also, in the past, educated them on the business cycle of chocolate and sugar; with the farmer or primary producer not seeing the return deserved and how hard both raw materials are to grow.  You Tube now is a fabulous teaching tool in this way but when they were little, I invested in pay TV (we did not go out to many movies, nor did we borrow DVD's - we didn't even have a player).  That way the children were entertained, educated and I could enjoy some shows too.  Ten years ago, Disney Channel had no retail advertisements (only their own products) - now there is an abundance of advertising even on this channel; or Disney has diversified in its product range.

Paperwork from the Doctor was received (it is a mine field out there) and connections made.  Morgan has his check-up with all the health team next week and I just wanted to be assured that this was all covered.  Next time, Morgan will be doing this on his own.  I am going to take him, sit outside and wait in the waiting room.  We chatted about this on the way home, after he made the comment (I did not have to be there).  Well, he will be the only one there in the future.  I guess I did dominate the conversation and I apologised. 

Morgan receives pump therapy - he commenced this in June last year after he emailed his Doctor with the positives and negatives of being on needles and how being on pump therapy will improve his health and his capacity to enjoy life.  She listened and at the next appointment arranged for pump therapy.  It has been the best thing for him.  The first week of being on the pump I can still remember Morgan saying "Mum, I have not felt this good in years."  

Yesterday we received a call from the pump manufacturer offering a new testing machine. We happily accepted their offer and will use it as a machine on stand-by.  The consumables are a little fiddly for a teenage boy at school (and at home and anywhere) and cost wise could be more expensive than what we are doing.

So the last day was about health.  The children are off to their Dad's this morning until Sunday 21 January - a little under six days (8640 minutes).  This will be the last time in a big batch of time before school starts.  They should have a nice time.

best moment:  coming home from a morning's work seeing Morgan and his sister playing Monopoly
song of the day:  I got the Money Money Money ....
aha moment:  Morgan can learn to manage his own health (go into Doctor's on his own from June).
teaching time:  Time management - time does tick away if you are not watching, and prepared.

2,080,800 - 2,880 = 2,077,920.

13 January 2013

Well, four days have passed.  The time has been quiet and reflective.  We are getting television connected next week so I guess then the children will want to watch and catch up on all that lost viewing time.  It is a Sunday morning, pretty hazy in the city and still.  Bush fires are everywhere here in Australia at the moment - I don't think from last night's news any state or corner is immune.  It is very hot - my parent's property recorded 50 degrees Celsius on their verandah out at a property near Roma.  No rain in sight - lots of clouds that travel to the south-east.

Watching the news on Free to Air is something that we do; and the children watched a movie last night called  "The Waterhorse" which starred the little boy from "Millions" - one of my favourite contemporary children's movie and story.  We were on our own yesterday as hubby went along to see the crowds and study the crowds at the Magic Millions event held annually at the Gold Coast.  He was home by 5pm which was nice.

We have had visitors at the house - the children's grandparents came for the afternoon of 8 January.  They were happy to see the children and all of us.  A Thai takeaway dinner was shared and lots of stories about Christmas and moving and future were also entertaining.  Walking up heaps of steps to get to the house was challenging and it was nice to see both the children help their grandparents down the steps at dusk.

Playing on (Exploring) the new Mac Book Pro seems to be dominating the time for each day to date.  Finding a place in the house where this can be done safely ergonomically and out of the viewing range of a toddler is challenging; however we are getting there.  I have to ask about a dozen times to get off the machine while the toddler is around - The teenager's, I think will need desks of some sort in their rooms in the future to ensure that this is the case.  Funding this is challenging; however when school and University starts and an income is generated - we will be fine.

The holiday stretch is nearly over - the children will be with their father from 15 January to 21 January - not sure what they are doing as he planned to go camping (the children reminded him about bush fires in the region); so I guess that they will be at home.  Their sister is staying with them too.

Uniforms will be purchased; school books collected and shoes fitted are on the agenda this week ready to commence on 29 January.  A little daunting still; but an excited young man has emerged.  Morgan asked for his subject selection form to check on his subjects yesterday and get his computer organised for this purpose.

best moment:  helping Grandma down the steps and into the car; watching a movie made on the Mac Book Pro by Morgan, starring Morgan and featuring Morgan.  It is a wonderful tool and I pleased we chose this devise as his learning computer for school.
song of the day:  Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi  (Morgan follows him on Facebook - a surprise from me)
aha moment:  kicking a ball in the backyard will ultimately mean it will land in the neighbour's yard
teaching time:  The complexities of family relationships and values

2,086,560 - 5,760 = 2,080,800.