just another morning here

Joe and I spent a while on pentominoes this morning, Josiah had obviously been inspired by activities while he was away last week … we printed some out to play with but they were deemed ‘not as good as Gaffer’s wooden ones’, so then we downloaded this Polyominoes program and played on that for a while. Then came violin practice and some more Romans bits and bobs before lunch, interspersed with a few games of Scrabulous on Facebook – really enjoying that at the moment even if I am fairly rubbish at it.

After lunch we went into school for more momo-making … the third week out of five, so we’re over half way. One day I will get round to making some at home too, including the sweet version!

Abbie’s class are apparently going to see one of the free films for schools next week. This has left me wondering what the point is, really. They’ve chosen ‘Night at the Museum’, which has been out on DVD for ages and my kids have already seen it twice. They sent home a letter all excited about the free film then asked for contributions of £2.30 towards a coach. Call me Mrs Silly, but wouldn’t it have been cheaper and easier to rent the DVD and show it in the hall on the school projector? Honestly, I don’t think going to the cinema with the class is that much of an educational experience; I only ever did it as a HEor because it was free – and this time round Joe and I aren’t going to see any of them as they’re all films we’ve seen before anyway! The educational activities that follow may well be based on the film but don’t need the cinema experience as well, really – the class will just annoy the HEors there, watch out anyone local who’s going to see that film! Don’t know why I’m getting uppity as £2.30 isn’t that much and I’m sure they’ll all have lots of fun but it just seems a bit daft, all things considered.

Anyway, other stuff happened – cello lesson for Anna, while she was there we went and bought a new washing machine as on further investigation ours is well and truly broken, dinner, then I went over to do washing at a friend’s while having a church small group mtg. Now more scrabulous … and some sleep …

LOVEFiLM, that is. If anyone out there is thinking of signing up to a postal DVD rental service soon, we can recommend Lovefilm. Please use this lovely link and if/when you subscribe we’ll get some freebie or other.

Right, now that’s out of the way. It’s been busy here as usual over the last few days. On Wednesday and Thursday we spent some time looking around the two secondary schools we were considering, so that was interesting. Thankfully Anna and I agreed on which one we preferred, so our first choice on the routine application form is decided. Home education again may yet be an option but we’re all unsure at the moment so we’re applying for a high school place and we’ll make a final decision about taking it up or not nearer the time.

On Wednesday Josiah and I went to home ed group; Joe played with a bunch of boys which was good. Thursday saw us back in school making more momos with another group of children from a different class as the school didn’t get enough volunteer helpers. On Friday we had a trip to Creative Stitches with some friends, who then came back for lunch/chatting/playing, so that was a lovely day. The boys especially enjoyed the sugarcraft penguin they made – Josiah ate his before we even got out of the exhibition hall!

Today has been Orchestra for Anna (can see why she likes it, looked like loads of fun, I was jealous!), a trip into town for the rest of us, Kids’ Club film at the Picture House for Abbie, and a Happy Meal for Joe (compensation for my mistake in thinking over 5s could stay at the Picture House, then finding out it was only over 8s). Got home to do the uusal Saturday chores which aren’t finished yet so I must get back to them.

… that have appeared in various places today

I’ve had a nice day, the girls gave me home made cards and presents this morning before school, Joe (practically by himself) made me a lovely marble cake yesterday, and Steve gave me a Jack Johnson CD which I’ve wanted ever since we saw Curious George and fell in love with the soundtrack – and some birthday money which was much appreciated. I’ve spent some of it on this, which has kept me happy for the rest of the day.

Yes, it does mean that I am now cheating at my favourite game, but it’s not as if I haven’t played it properly for the last 15 months, and I’ve wasted sooo many hours on it – I’ve now got to the point where I just want to finish it so that I can get on with … another game! Haven’t had nearly enough time to play Zelda

Anyway, plans for this evening include a nice bottle of rose (present from the inlaws, started it already and I can’t type straight as a result!), roast dinner, and Little Miss Sunshine later on

Back to education another day

Has anyone seen the new Charlotte’s Web film yet? I used to love the animated version when I was little, and I don’t want to spoil it!

Our library was running a competition all about it so Joe and I spent a while looking at these activities from Film Education, and entering the competition.

Today Josiah was over the moon to get a letter in the post. He won the competition! So he’s now the proud owner of a pair of Odeon tickets, and even though it was me who helped him with the competition, for some reason he’s treating Steve to a cinema trip sometime next week!