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| This bike is suspended in midair, being 'ridden' by Jarrod (12) |
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| And I think Bryce (3) is pulling this rope, causing the bike in the above pic to swing. |
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| Princess Danielle (8), Princess Monique (10), and Princess Diana (5) |
Saturday, December 31, 2011
When Mum's not there to supervise....
One afternoon in July, my birthday as it happens!, Mum was out (I forget why). Uncle Pete was home and took the following photos of my siblings:
Science by Design Conference Part 2
I got up promptly at 6 o'clock the next morning when my alarm went off, and, since I was suddenly wide awake, I wondered for a minute whether I had seriously just woken up, or whether I had been lying half awake for a while?
After I had done everything I needed to do, I sat down to await my ride; while it was a little difficult not to fall asleep, it was nice to have a few minutes to relax! =)
Then Mrs Aiken did arrive to pick me up, and we went directly to MCBC (Manukau City Baptist Church), where we helped set up for another day of the conference. The timetable sheets that were supposed to be placed in various places around the church had disappeared entirely, so a few of us (Mrs Aiken, Mrs Stephanie Brown, Joel and me are the ones who come to mind) wrote out new sheets (Maybe I should work on my printing more often lol!), and then blu-tacked them, along with other signs and arrows, on doors, walls...et cetera...
When the first talk for the day began -“Recent News in Creation Science"- we were still busy with signs and whatever! Some of the signs needed cutting down (they were on like A3 paper, and there was a lot printed on it that we didn't actually want) so Mrs Aiken and I did that while listening!
Next was morning tea and resource viewing (there were HEAPS of vendors there!!). There was also heaps of food (yum!) which I helped hand out.
Then at 11am was keynote address #4: "Ask the Beasts."
To quote from http://www.learnex.co.nz/Editable/conference/FirelightJayWile2011Auckland.shtml:
"In this seminar, Dr. Wile will talk about Job 12:7-10, which begins by commanding the reader to “Ask the beasts.” In his view, this Scripture is telling us that we must study nature to fully understand God. While God’s divine revelation (the Bible) is clearly more detailed and precise than His natural revelation (creation), both are necessary to have a full and complete understanding of God. He will give a bit of history to show you that this was the motivation for many of the great scientists of the past, and some great scientists of the present. He then draws from fields such as astronomy, microbiology, zoology, and botany to share at least a bit of what science tells us about God."
12:30 was lunch and resource viewing. Or should I say, catch up with your friends and eat something?!? lol! I stuck around at the church although it would seem I could have had Subway instead..hmm which would have been the better choice...oh well I guess my bank account would have liked the one I made *grin*!
After lunch were the breakout sessions:
a) "Where are they now?" with Dr Wile, discussing the difference that homeschool graduates are making in the real world.
b) "Getting off to a Good Start" with Dorinda Duthie, which included applying for an exemption.
c) "Goodbye Chaos, Hello Peace" with Cynthia Hancox.
d) "Hands on Learning" with Rachel Larkin.
e) "Tackling the "isms": Worldview Overview" with Joe Fleener. Also from the above link:
"This workshop covers a basic overview of the main "isms" with some comparisons and specific examples. Attendees will leave with a basic understanding of worldview, able to recognise particular worldviews and being made aware of some resources available for further investigation."
I chose session e, and managed to talk a couple of friends into joining me. Only one of us had remembered a pen, and all three of us had stuff we wanted to write down, so that was kind of interesting! =)
I found the talk interesting, although I'm afraid it was so long ago that I'm not gonna be able to write about it!
Afternoon tea followed, at 3 o'clock.
Last of all was a talk by Dr Wile entitled "The Earth: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made."
Did you know that ozone is a poisonous gas, but is imperitive if life on earth is to survive? This discussion was very interesting (as were the others!), however it had been a long day, and I could have gone to sleep! I noticed several other people looked quite tired too...! =)
It was then about 5pm, and we helped tidy up a bit before the Aikens dropped me home, during the short drive to my place, we each shared what we had found interesting, and other memorable moments from throughout the day.
I don't remember whether I noted this previously or not, but in case I havn't, I should just mention that there were talks by other people running during every main session. However the main breakout sessions was the only time I listened to anyone other than Dr. Wile.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make such an awesome day possible!
After I had done everything I needed to do, I sat down to await my ride; while it was a little difficult not to fall asleep, it was nice to have a few minutes to relax! =)
Then Mrs Aiken did arrive to pick me up, and we went directly to MCBC (Manukau City Baptist Church), where we helped set up for another day of the conference. The timetable sheets that were supposed to be placed in various places around the church had disappeared entirely, so a few of us (Mrs Aiken, Mrs Stephanie Brown, Joel and me are the ones who come to mind) wrote out new sheets (Maybe I should work on my printing more often lol!), and then blu-tacked them, along with other signs and arrows, on doors, walls...et cetera...
When the first talk for the day began -“Recent News in Creation Science"- we were still busy with signs and whatever! Some of the signs needed cutting down (they were on like A3 paper, and there was a lot printed on it that we didn't actually want) so Mrs Aiken and I did that while listening!
Next was morning tea and resource viewing (there were HEAPS of vendors there!!). There was also heaps of food (yum!) which I helped hand out.
Then at 11am was keynote address #4: "Ask the Beasts."
To quote from http://www.learnex.co.nz/Editable/conference/FirelightJayWile2011Auckland.shtml:
"In this seminar, Dr. Wile will talk about Job 12:7-10, which begins by commanding the reader to “Ask the beasts.” In his view, this Scripture is telling us that we must study nature to fully understand God. While God’s divine revelation (the Bible) is clearly more detailed and precise than His natural revelation (creation), both are necessary to have a full and complete understanding of God. He will give a bit of history to show you that this was the motivation for many of the great scientists of the past, and some great scientists of the present. He then draws from fields such as astronomy, microbiology, zoology, and botany to share at least a bit of what science tells us about God."
12:30 was lunch and resource viewing. Or should I say, catch up with your friends and eat something?!? lol! I stuck around at the church although it would seem I could have had Subway instead..hmm which would have been the better choice...oh well I guess my bank account would have liked the one I made *grin*!
After lunch were the breakout sessions:
a) "Where are they now?" with Dr Wile, discussing the difference that homeschool graduates are making in the real world.
b) "Getting off to a Good Start" with Dorinda Duthie, which included applying for an exemption.
c) "Goodbye Chaos, Hello Peace" with Cynthia Hancox.
d) "Hands on Learning" with Rachel Larkin.
e) "Tackling the "isms": Worldview Overview" with Joe Fleener. Also from the above link:
"This workshop covers a basic overview of the main "isms" with some comparisons and specific examples. Attendees will leave with a basic understanding of worldview, able to recognise particular worldviews and being made aware of some resources available for further investigation."
I chose session e, and managed to talk a couple of friends into joining me. Only one of us had remembered a pen, and all three of us had stuff we wanted to write down, so that was kind of interesting! =)
I found the talk interesting, although I'm afraid it was so long ago that I'm not gonna be able to write about it!
Afternoon tea followed, at 3 o'clock.
Last of all was a talk by Dr Wile entitled "The Earth: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made."
Did you know that ozone is a poisonous gas, but is imperitive if life on earth is to survive? This discussion was very interesting (as were the others!), however it had been a long day, and I could have gone to sleep! I noticed several other people looked quite tired too...! =)
It was then about 5pm, and we helped tidy up a bit before the Aikens dropped me home, during the short drive to my place, we each shared what we had found interesting, and other memorable moments from throughout the day.
I don't remember whether I noted this previously or not, but in case I havn't, I should just mention that there were talks by other people running during every main session. However the main breakout sessions was the only time I listened to anyone other than Dr. Wile.
Thanks to everyone who helped to make such an awesome day possible!
Science by Design Conference Part 1
Then came keynote address #1: “Creation versus Evolution: Religion versus Science or Religion versus Religion." Here Dr Wile discussed how attempts to fit the Genesis account of Creation with evolution fail, and how the facts point to the Genesis account. He also mentioned that evolution requires faith, just as Christianity does.
Next on the schedule was a light supper, also a great time to say hi to everyone you know!
The second and last keynote address for the night was entitled “The Bible: A Great Source of Modern Science." With facts such as many of the rules and regulations set out in the Old Testament being in perfect agreement with modern science, Dr Wile shows in this lecture that the Bible clearly was not authored by men.
After the conference had finished for the evening I remembered/realised that I needed to get some stuff for lunch the next day, so I convinced Uncle Pete to take me to Countdown (actually it wasn't that hard!)...then at home I, of course, had to prepare what I had bought and pack it so it was ready to grab first thing the next morning..so much for my early night! lol
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
40 Hour Famine
I did the 40 hour famine again this year. Here's what I was doing (to Monique-10yrs):
I used the small rubber bands I had left over from using with my braces rather than normal-sized hairbands.
And this is what it looked like when it was eventually taken out!:
And this is what it looked like when it was eventually taken out!:
Monday, December 12, 2011
Athletics Prizegiving
Just quickly, here are some pics from Athletics prizegiving, for the season of 2010-2011.
I helped with lining up children and taking them around to the back door, and on to the stage when it was their turn. That is sooo difficult when no one listens to you..oh well, I was rescued when that happened so anyway shouldn't complain I spose.. ok and then after they've been presented with their awards you have to help them (mostly the younger ones) go out the right door and have their photo taken.
After all of this had finished we all lined up for free food...yumm!!! =D
We've all had a good laugh about this: it was the first prize-giving we were able to attend, Danielle and I had won one trophy each from past years, and Mum thought the irony of it all would be the one year we attended prize-giving we wouldn't win anything...we came home with six (I think) trophies in all...lol!
I helped with lining up children and taking them around to the back door, and on to the stage when it was their turn. That is sooo difficult when no one listens to you..oh well, I was rescued when that happened so anyway shouldn't complain I spose.. ok and then after they've been presented with their awards you have to help them (mostly the younger ones) go out the right door and have their photo taken.
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| Diana being presented with her certificate and trophies. Can you see that everyone just thinks she's the cutest?!? lol ok maybe I am a bit biased.. =D |
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| Diana tries to balance all her trophies! ( She recieved three; one of which was the 'Champion of Champions') |
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| Middy and me with our certificates et cetera (I was the only one in my age group, hence all the trophies...lol!) |
We've all had a good laugh about this: it was the first prize-giving we were able to attend, Danielle and I had won one trophy each from past years, and Mum thought the irony of it all would be the one year we attended prize-giving we wouldn't win anything...we came home with six (I think) trophies in all...lol!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Last Dargaville Holiday Post
On Thursday, 27th April we visited our friends the Orchards who live in Kaiwaka.
Danielle writes in her diary:
"..We went and rode Donkey and the horses I mean two horses. The donkey's name is Poppy and the small horse's name is Beau and the big horses name is Socks and Natalia rides Beau but I'm too big for it. It's such a shame Natalia can ride bare back [I think its a shame that Danielle can't], it's so cool and nobody needs to hold her!"
Friday 29th. Home time - my favourite day of the entire holiday lol!
We eventually left Dargaville to late for my liking, after stops at various shops!
We had lunch at Bee Jays, yeah, um, did you know I had a cafe??? haha!
After too long driving and I can't remember what else, we finally got home in time for dinner, and to unpack a little bit before watching the Royal Wedding...
Our holiday was over, and I was glad to be home!
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| Chantelle on Socks, Monique on Poppy |
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| Diana on Beau, being led by Natalia |
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| Mrs Orchard leadind Danielle on Poppy |
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| Monique on Socks, led by Chantelle and Diana |
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| Danielle with Poppy |
"..We went and rode Donkey and the horses I mean two horses. The donkey's name is Poppy and the small horse's name is Beau and the big horses name is Socks and Natalia rides Beau but I'm too big for it. It's such a shame Natalia can ride bare back [I think its a shame that Danielle can't], it's so cool and nobody needs to hold her!"
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| They have this hanging up in their dining room, I just had to photograph it! |
Friday 29th. Home time - my favourite day of the entire holiday lol!
We eventually left Dargaville to late for my liking, after stops at various shops!
We had lunch at Bee Jays, yeah, um, did you know I had a cafe??? haha!
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| cool sign, aye? |
Our holiday was over, and I was glad to be home!
Second-to-Last Dargaville Holiday Post
Ok well its now about 7 months since our holiday in Dargaville (wow!) and, frankly, I don't remember very many interesting details. So, I'm simply going to do TWO posts and summarise what we got up to, and show you a few pics! =)
Monday 25th, we went to Dargaville Museum. First off, we watched a 15-minute(?) video about gumdigging and stuff, then we walked through to see everything on display....Mum and Dad thought it was amazing, so ask them what was there! lol everything's blurring with the following day in my head!
Tuesday 26th, was a trip to the Kauri Museum which we really enjoyed. They had all sorts of things..a cow in the process of being milked (not real!), the first Caterpillar(?), operating models of various machines, and a life-size boardinghouse, complete with model people, performing various tasks, etc.. - examining a patient, having a tooth pulled(!), and so on. .................
Wednesday 27th saw as take do the Trounson Kauri Walk:
This became a bit of a photoshoot (to get my mind off being bored...lol):
Later on we had Thai takeaways for dinner; I still like Indian better!
Monday 25th, we went to Dargaville Museum. First off, we watched a 15-minute(?) video about gumdigging and stuff, then we walked through to see everything on display....Mum and Dad thought it was amazing, so ask them what was there! lol everything's blurring with the following day in my head!
Tuesday 26th, was a trip to the Kauri Museum which we really enjoyed. They had all sorts of things..a cow in the process of being milked (not real!), the first Caterpillar(?), operating models of various machines, and a life-size boardinghouse, complete with model people, performing various tasks, etc.. - examining a patient, having a tooth pulled(!), and so on. .................
Wednesday 27th saw as take do the Trounson Kauri Walk:
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| Danielle and Diana...Diana is soooo nice to photograph!! lol =D |
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| Funny photo I think! |
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| Diana, Danielle, Bryce |
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| The boys |
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| Girls shot (minus Maria) |
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| Does this pic in anyway remind you of the Duggars or Bateses? |
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Dargaville - Sunday 24th April
Hi again everyone...=)
Mum played a sermon (on a cassette tape) around midday, then we had lunch (er, brunch for me!) and started our chocolate bunnies (Yes I know they're supposed to be for young children..but I still like them!).
Later on we went for a REALLY long walk. Actually most of us weren't so excited about that idea...so (random, I know!) We started picking flowers and putting them in the girls hair (not mine! haha). Here are a couple, er, few pics:
Mum played a sermon (on a cassette tape) around midday, then we had lunch (er, brunch for me!) and started our chocolate bunnies (Yes I know they're supposed to be for young children..but I still like them!).
Later on we went for a REALLY long walk. Actually most of us weren't so excited about that idea...so (random, I know!) We started picking flowers and putting them in the girls hair (not mine! haha). Here are a couple, er, few pics:
The girls were calling themselces 'flower girls,' and wanted to know when the wedding is, Uncle Pete? lol! =D
The End...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
...
Ok I need to do some serious blogging, but for now I'll just give you a quick update on what I've been up to, before I go to bed.
On Thursday night (about 11:30) my sister Monique (10yrs) had some kind of seizure, which lasted about five minutes. She went to Kidz First (Middlemore Hospital) by ambulance not long after. On Friday morning (in hospital) she had another, worse, seizure. She was admitted for the weekend, and as she had to have someone 16yrs + stay with her 24/7 Mum and Dad took turns staying with her, and they organised a few other people to spend a few hours with her. So Friday and Saturday I made dinner, looked after my siblings and basically kept the house running (actually either Mum or Dad was around most of Saturday to help).
On Monday she and Dad went to Starship (Auckland Hospital) for an EEG (some kind of test). We found out yesterday the likely diagnosis is Beneign Rolandic Epilepsy. They arrived home Monday afternoon.
I also baked on Monday - for Tuesday.
Tuesday I had a flute lesson, and we sat our tramp(olining) badge. I passed Level 2.
Straight after tramp the Aikens' came to our place for afternoon tea, and I did the Chapter 2 Test in my French book with Mrs Aiken (yay passed that really well too!) =)
Just after Dad arrived home from work his cousin, Marie, popped in to say hi (wow the last time I saw her must have been when Maria was born?!?).
And Tuesday, Wednesday and tonight I have been for a driving lesson...Dad keeps teasing me that all the cops start patrolling the roads when I go for a lesson!
This afternoon the rest of my family went out for music lessons, so I had a lovely couple of hours on my own. Then my family, and my cousins arrived.
Now its past bed time, so I think I better go to bed so I can do school work, and bake for the supper after the induction of our minister at church tomorrow night.
G'night =)
Luv Bee
On Thursday night (about 11:30) my sister Monique (10yrs) had some kind of seizure, which lasted about five minutes. She went to Kidz First (Middlemore Hospital) by ambulance not long after. On Friday morning (in hospital) she had another, worse, seizure. She was admitted for the weekend, and as she had to have someone 16yrs + stay with her 24/7 Mum and Dad took turns staying with her, and they organised a few other people to spend a few hours with her. So Friday and Saturday I made dinner, looked after my siblings and basically kept the house running (actually either Mum or Dad was around most of Saturday to help).
On Monday she and Dad went to Starship (Auckland Hospital) for an EEG (some kind of test). We found out yesterday the likely diagnosis is Beneign Rolandic Epilepsy. They arrived home Monday afternoon.
I also baked on Monday - for Tuesday.
Tuesday I had a flute lesson, and we sat our tramp(olining) badge. I passed Level 2.
Straight after tramp the Aikens' came to our place for afternoon tea, and I did the Chapter 2 Test in my French book with Mrs Aiken (yay passed that really well too!) =)
Just after Dad arrived home from work his cousin, Marie, popped in to say hi (wow the last time I saw her must have been when Maria was born?!?).
And Tuesday, Wednesday and tonight I have been for a driving lesson...Dad keeps teasing me that all the cops start patrolling the roads when I go for a lesson!
This afternoon the rest of my family went out for music lessons, so I had a lovely couple of hours on my own. Then my family, and my cousins arrived.
Now its past bed time, so I think I better go to bed so I can do school work, and bake for the supper after the induction of our minister at church tomorrow night.
G'night =)
Luv Bee
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Dargaville Holiday Post #6: The Kumara Box!
On Saturday we got up late...
And went to The Kumara Box:
When we got there, we met the couple who owned the place, Mr & Mrs Suckling, although Mr Suckling has his photo on billboards everywhere with the name 'Ernie,' and is usually known by that name now!
Then we chose seats on the 'train' and went for a ride to see where the kumara is growing, etc..
After the train ride we were shown through the sheds that the kumaras are stored in - not so great for Mum's clostaphobia! (if that's how you spell it..!) Then into the theatre(?) for a talk about various things to do with kumara. Unfortunately I can't remember much of what he said 'cause it was so long ago, but we were shocked at how many kumara growers are in a small area up there! We also watched and listened to Hayley Westenra singing some Moari song, she has an amazing voice!!! =D
After a long talk (everyone was having a well-behaved day and sitting very quietly, and Ernie was enjoying speaking to us so he just carried on!), we talk some photos:
And then... we got invited for drinks and a snack - homemade slice, etc.. and hot cross buns! So we stayed to chat and stuff for ages!! And no we'd never met them before! Oh I just remembered, a couple of ladies (one's the editor of the Health Ideas or something magazine!).
I know it's unlikely, but if you are ever up that way, this would be a great place to visit! check out there website: http://kumarabox.co.nz/
Well, kumara still isn't my favourite food, but we had an awesome day!
Bee
PS: Sorry this post is so long!
And went to The Kumara Box:
Then we chose seats on the 'train' and went for a ride to see where the kumara is growing, etc..
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| This was homemade from 40-gallon drums! |
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| Each drum had a place name on it |
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| You ride between a couple of paddocks, where there's various 'things' - this pig, |
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| There are 2 pews inside and they actually hold services in here sometimes! |
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| There are murals on either side in this tunnel, which were 'rescued' from a shop that was closing(?), and the artist who painted them years ago is going over the top of them as they were really faded! |
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| I think these below under ground...Don't you?! |
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| Ernie is making this kiwi himself! from flax. |
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| This tractor doesn't need anyone in it to drive it, it can be programmed from a computer, and then run by sattelite! |
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| The harvester. In the middle is the conveyer belt, which the kumaras come up on then people stand around and sort them, some go on the shelf above the belt, others into the buckets hanging off the sides. |
After a long talk (everyone was having a well-behaved day and sitting very quietly, and Ernie was enjoying speaking to us so he just carried on!), we talk some photos:
And then... we got invited for drinks and a snack - homemade slice, etc.. and hot cross buns! So we stayed to chat and stuff for ages!! And no we'd never met them before! Oh I just remembered, a couple of ladies (one's the editor of the Health Ideas or something magazine!).
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| These are their customers |
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| Big kumara!! |
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| This is on the kumara in the above pic. |
Well, kumara still isn't my favourite food, but we had an awesome day!
Bee
PS: Sorry this post is so long!