Wishlists?

Years ago my husband went to work on a Suzuki 500, a red one. Everyone knew him by his bike. There have been lots of tourists around on bikes these past weeks, and this is the bike he would love to own if he could.

More on Halloween

Today on a reunion site I posted if anyone has memories about scary things. The site is about our town and a period of our lives. The scary theme I thought up, well because it is Halloween. This caused a post on a friend's fb about how they dislike Halloween, and a comment on the reunion site about how they didn't do that. Do what? Have scary memories?

So, in essence middle aged people have lots to say about Halloween!

At our house though, my daughter was with her friend today, they had a sleep over last night. I didn't see them until I went to pick her up, and they had a costume on. It was very scary, I didn't want to pick her up! Her friend's Dad just bought them home, and she has a bag, like a dilly bag with some nice chocolate in it. Apparently they knocked on their teacher's door, she invited them in, (they looked fantastic) and she told them about another teacher who was very generous with their treats. It is fun being in a small town seeing the kids that we know go around.

My son who is an adult did a pumpkin, added tealights and put it out the front. Last night he went to two Halloween parties. The sad part is that the weather has still been cold, we have our heater on, but tomorrow I will have to take down my pumpkin lights.

Back To Basics Challenge

From October 9

Sowing seed or Planting
still looking after the Asian vegies, pac choy, though I think we need more snail bait. We don't use it often, we actually have lizards that live in our yard part of the year. Observing that our silverbeet from last year is still producing, and our jerusalem artichokes are very thick in the bed, they must have bred up.

Planning for The Future

I bought some smoked paprika and have been able to work it into our meals as well.

Beef Stroganoff
Chicken & Capsicum Hotpot

have found some more:
Spicy Chorizo, White Bean & Tomato Soup
Roasted Tomato & Chilli Pasta with Parsley Salad
Chorizo & Chickpea Pan-fry
Sweet Potato, Rocket and Bacon Frittata
Vegetable Slice with Asparagus Salad

which now form the base of my menu

Working for the Future

Our lights from Ikea & ebay are all finally up. The house has a full set of light fittings now. Not sure if it had more than one in the bedroom and the lounge before.

Building Community

I have been helping out in a facebook group in preparation for a reunion

Learn a new Skill

Being an admin in a group like that is a skill, very hard work.

This meme comes from Belinda's blog.

Justin Bieber - Somebody To Love Remix ft. Usher

I'm sorry, but I have to post this. I have enjoyed dance concerts where the jazz kids dance in the same concert as the ballet ones, which my girls were involved with. I also went to the competitions and same some there.

I was playing this in high definition and my middle daughter's friend came over. It was great as she told me about three Justin Bieber songs I didn't know about, Common Denominator, Down To Earth and the first one she wanted to show me I don't remember now which is a shame.

Justin Bieber - One Time (FULL ACOUSTIC LIVE!)

Joy.

Country Music Pic

I came across this song while looking at my request song early this morning on Australia Only. This lady sang on McLeods Daughters, though I wouldn't know because I don't watch it. Love the sheds, I don't know exactly what the lyrics are saying because I haven't studied it, but enjoyed the song.

Another one popped up with it, I think I will have to check out some more of Bec's songs.

Halloween

My son has rung me twice to tell me what he sees regarding Halloween this year. I guess with phones these days you can also have a picture.

My daughter and I have been looking at the Woolworths catalogue daydreaming as Aldi, Coles and Woolworths are far away from here. However, my son did get me some things that I want kept for my Christmas present. The pumpkin muffin pans though, what I really wanted were so last week.

Simple Womans Daybook

FOR TODAY Tuesday...

Outside my window... a sunny day, my tulips are nearly finished and the lawn is very lush

I am thinking... and singing to Justin Beiber's new video U Smile

I am thankful for... people who make me smile!

I am wearing... new My Size lilac t-shirt, new jeans, windcheater as it is cold inside today

I am remembering... to take some more photos for the blog

I am going... it is all a total blank, endless days stretching out lol. Obviously lots will come up by themselves. The girls have three invitations that we have to organise

I am reading... maybe the library will bring me something today, but maybe I have to put some more books on my list, it will take awhile though I have read lots already

I am hoping... that the end of the school year will slow down a little! Is it just me or did it go by quickly, or is that because we have had a really long spring weatherwise

On my mind... a had a telemarketer today who had the giggles who tried to cover it with a cough, the new things you can see even when you are my age!

Noticing that... a few days ago our neighbour still had his window boarded up. Maybe it is because of our location. And other things related to the recent flooding here which saw the neighbours tree through his bedroom window is that my Mum said that the floods in other parts of north victoria have seen trees fall on two people. I am so glad we have that wood, so my husband doesn't have to go out amongst any trees. Our fire was off this morning, but very cold, I have just warmed up at 2pm, it will be nice outside though

Pondering these words... just more song lyrics

From the kitchen... hopefully we remembered to soak an old half bag of chickpeas (garbanzos). Yep, they have all swelled? up nicely. Pumpkin & Chickpea Casserole

Around the house... my daughter's lovely stitching, with beautiful words

One of my favourite things... looking at stitching and crochet

From my picture journal... Murray River in flood



Please visit Peggy to learn more about daybooks.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:

	Minimum	Maximum	Rainfall
Mon Oct 25	11.2°C	-	0.0mm
Sun Oct 24	7.3°C	22.1°C	5.6mm
Sat Oct 23	13.0°C	18.3°C	3.4mm
Fri Oct 22	6.4°C	25.8°C	0.0mm
Thu Oct 21	5.9°C	24.0°C	0.0mm

Things that make me happy:
music that I am familiar with, if I play it I feel more like myself and at home, more relaxed

Book I am reading:
still nothing

What I am enjoying on TV:
just ten minutes or so of the end of a few programs on Austar

On the menu for dinner:
Low-fat Beef Stroganoff

On my To Do list:
Nothing that I can think of

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Cauliflower, Bacon & Split Pea Soup

In the craft basket:
no craft, though my daughter is going to the craft shop where people sell their crafts to get a lucky dip for $1

Looking forward to this week:
listening to Journey to the Centre of the Earth, the original, maybe I won't like it

Tips and tricks:
didn't have to go to the regional centre for shorts for my daughter, she got shoes to go with her dress instead

My favourite blog post this week:
31 Things About Renata

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
no new blogs

No words needed: more from our most recent flood, there were two weeks apart, the second worse than the first, which was a 50 year flood, was so surprised to see a picture by a creek of three windrows of trees left on the road



Lesson learned the past few days:
being an admin is always hard work

On my mind:
how I am being teased for not drinking

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
my husband taught me a saying drown them in honey

This meme is from Sandra's blog.

A blast from my past

This video is beautiful (except for the two pics of Cat Stevens as the singer is John Paul Young).

Country Music Pic

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Tuesday...

Outside my window... someone shredding trees. I think it was related to the heavy rain we had. It turns out our neighbour had the plum tree through his window from the wind. Yesterday afternoon they must have opened up a road as the people came back into town, today the tourists are back and it is a nice day

I am thinking... about the song forever young and my age group

I am thankful for... the wood that I grumbled about spending so much collecting that could have been spent on the house, trees would be still falling down from the rain and wet ground where we usually get our wood from and we are still burning it for heat

I am wearing... my good clothes, but not the good top, but maybe I will put it back on

I am remembering... my hometown. Lots of talk about it, sort of takes the gloss of it a bit actually

I am going... I can't decide. I can shop to save my husband having to do anything, even though I cut it down so it isn't a big shop. I will have to go to the regional centre though, then I will see the lake with a large volume of water in it, haven't seen that since I was little, but we'll see, maybe it is the same as three or four years ago

I am reading... I have nothing exciting in my library list so they can't send me anything

I am hoping... I have enough things to say to post a Back To Basics post

On my mind... taking my daughter to buy school uniform, it means a whole day off school again as the teacher suggested a shop in the regional centre, I don't want to go on Saturday though, we live a long way from the shops. Really it is a nightmare, but better than waiting until the Christmas shopping starts I guess, and the heat! Yes it is ridiculous. My daughter was near that shop the other day, but she says she did look, hope so

Noticing that... bluegum (a type of eucalyptus) is a great wood for this time of year because it doesn't go out. Someone can come along and stir up the coals and we have the fire in the wood heater going again in no time. Though October, this morning was cool inside

Pondering these words... nothing except the forever young thing

From the kitchen... Bacon, Tomato & Rocket Spaghetti (arugula)

Around the house... everyone has homework to catch up on, but they seem more determined to do it, so that is good, I was very concerned

One of my favourite things... catalogues in the mail. Yesterday I got the Chrisco gift catalogue and found an idea for tiles in my other house. Fits in with the wall colour and the painting scheme that was suggested to me for selling the house

From my picture journal...



Please visit Peggy to learn more about daybooks.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Not as cold as the past two days. I had cold hands yesterday. Usually if I am on my bed in winter I get the wheat teddy and put it under the top blanket to get some warm air, couldn't find it

Things that make me happy:
happy vibes from facebook, catching up

Book I am reading:
nothing

What I am enjoying on TV:
can you believe I watched Hotter Than My Mother/Daughter? yesterday? It wasn't too bad

On the menu for dinner:
have no idea, this could be tricky. Will have to go over what I have again and find a recipe from the Taste site. I bought ingredients for my menu, but ended up using them in different ways

On my To Do list:
write a new shopping list

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
nothing yet

In the craft basket:
my daughter made me a necklace with letters for Mum on it

Looking forward to this week:
enjoying the peace, the town is like a ghost town today, just goes to show us townies are a small number, which I guess we know as it is quiet sometimes on the weekend. Has been lots of floods and bridge damage

Tips and tricks:
if you want to buy some new ornaments and want something that shows a little of the spirit of Christmas try Myer. The kids and I, me especially loved all the decorations in a collection that has joy and peace and other matching decorations that look homemade, well a little, they have buttons on some of them

My favourite blog post this week:
How Rich am I?
Then Sings My Soul ~ No Matter What
I will be content

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Homemaking Link-Up! @ Raising Homemakers
Keeping It Simple

No words needed: Sunday, flooded Murray River



Lesson learned the past few days:
How lovely people are. My teenage daughter was invited to do some sewing with a friend on the weekend

On my mind:
Lipids and cholesterol, have three people in my family who need ideas, I must research about which breads to buy etc. anyone have some clues?

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
none, just listening to the video I posted

This meme is from Sandra's blog.

Looking back to 1981

My friend posted this on Facebook, its meaning is his idea so I won't post it. But it is special to me. What were you doing in 1981?

Lyrics:

Well, I came a long way to be here today (think me going on my dentist trips ~ Linda)
And I left you so long on this avenue
And here I stand in the strangest land
Not knowing what to say or do
As I gaze around at these strangers in town
I guess the only stranger is me
And I wonder (yes, I wonder)
Yes, I wonder (oh, I wonder)
Is this the way life's meant to be?

Although it's only a day since I was taken away
And left standing here looking in wonder
(It's your life, it's your life)
Ah, the ground at my feet, maybe it's just the old street
But everything that I know lies under
(It's your life, it's your life)
And when I see what they've done
To this place that was home
Shame is all that I feel
Oh, and I wonder (oh, I wonder)
Yes, I wonder (wonder, wonder, wonder, wonder)
Is this the way life's meant to be?

Too late, too late to cry
The people say
Too late for you, too late for me
You've come so far, now you know everything my friend
Look and see the wonders of our world...

And I wonder (oh, I wonder)
Yes, I wonder (yes, I wonder)
Is this the way life's meant to be?

As I wander around this wreck of a town
Where people never speak aloud
With its ivory towers and its plastic flowers
I wish I was back in 1981
Just to see your face instead of this place
Now I know what you mean to me
And I wonder (oh, I wonder)
Yes, I wonder (yes, I wonder)
Is this the way life's meant to be?

And I wonder (oh, I wonder)
Yes, I wonder, wonder, wonder, wonder
Is this the way life's meant to be?
Ooohh, I wonder
Oh, I wonder, wonder, wonder
Is this the way life's meant to be?
Oh, is this the way life's meant to be?
Mmmmm, is this the way life's meant to be?
I wanna know now
Is this the way life's meant to be?

I thought the floods were last month!

My husband rang not long ago from the other house. He had been allowed to pass and go into the village because he had a four wheel drive. But he called because he had an emergency call while there that the river was rising. We our so out of touch living here on a hill with floods after living in a flood area for a quarter of a century, not that our house was in a flood zone or anything. I did live near a creek that flooded when I was a child though.

I am not sure why I didn't think of the river rising. He really wanted to visit the house and see how it is going. He has taken some pictures on the phone. Will know shortly how he got on, hopefully there are SES giving advice, and if it is too high he can stay at the other house until the water receeds.

He has been hearing stories, like for example this morning when he visited a store to buy straw. There was a bridge wash out not far out of town. Apparently you have to drive about 50 minutes along the river before there is a bridge high enough to cross. Tumut, Cootamundra and other places have been affected by it.

Update: Hubby got home OK. He said it was down, but I guess there was more water coming. The photos are of the Murray River. Looks like a lake atm doesn't it?

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Friday...

Outside my window... it would be very wet, water running down the street, and windy. Our power was out this morning. My husband boiled water on the gas BBQ a little one on a stand

I am thinking... about Facebook reunions. As you know I went to one in July, now another similar one is being organised

I am thankful for... the fact that I didn't hit a person on a motorbike coming down my lane the wrong way yesterday afternoon, perhaps he was American. There are lots of bikes in town, but can't hear any today

I am wearing... a good long sleeved top, an old windcheater over it which I will take off eventually and my good jeans

I am remembering... that my son has a chemistry mid-semester test at uni today

I am going... I may go to my other house, but the girls usually somehow require me to stay home, maybe my organisational skills need improving

I am reading... only cookbooks, have a short attention span for those though

I am hoping... I find out if the church camp is cancelled. Forecast was for snow there, now we have flooding up the river, which is not where the camp site is though

On my mind... VCE (school stuff), and heart disease

Noticing that... it has been foggy again sometimes, a little memory of winter, very pretty in some ways

Pondering these words... I really wish I was pondering some nice words. Will have to visit some inspiring blogs soon to have something to ponder

From the kitchen... Chicken & Lentil Soup we overbought chicken which is not a bad thing

Around the house... lots and lots of clothes drying, and the wood heater back on

One of my favourite things... the purple top I am wearing with pintucks, love pintucks

From my picture journal... my tulips, before the rain



Please visit Peggy to learn more about daybooks.

That's My World Tuesday

I have some photos from mid September onwards that I haven't posted yet, so thought I could put some in That's My World Tuesday.

By the lake coming home from the regional centre one day.

Same day, isn't coming home wonderful?

On the way to our other house to work on it

This is the largest mountain in Australia

Visiting a newly opened shop, coming home with our goodies

The Best of David Cassidy & The Partridge Family

Partridge Family Pics

I should have made a note of them last night because now I can't find my favourites, but I will have a go. Then I should be able to find them any time I like.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
Beautiful sunny day, not too hot, though you can feel summer coming, just

Things that make me happy:
listening to the Partridge Family on Youtube. It is like the 70s version of Justin Beiber lyrics, way too grown up for little kids to be singing perhaps

Book I am reading:
still nothing

What I am enjoying on TV:
nothing, though I know there are some great shows on Austar if I can remember to look for them

On the menu for dinner:
Asparagus, Rocket & Ham Omelette (I got some baby rocket (arugula), we haven't had that type of rocket before)

On my To Do list:
I suppose to straighten up my bills that I didn't pay this week and perhaps should have

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Broad Bean & Silverbeet Soup which translates to Fava Bean & Chard Soup

In the craft basket:
my little girl has been sewing again, she made a fabric bow and attached it to something

Looking forward to this week:
there is not much on the calendar for once

Tips and tricks:
I don't know, but has anyone ever repair front opening bras or did you throw them out. My daughter only had them 3 days at the most

My favourite blog post this week:
Through the eyes of my inner child


Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
Well I found this in response to Herby saying living in a town of 1,000 is tiny. So I googled it! "what is it like to live in a town of 1000" (as if I don't know lol). Then jumped from that blog to another. You will like them I'm sure.

Simple Life in France
Little House on the Southern Prairie

No words needed: this was taken on Saturday, the snow is melting



Lesson learned the past few days:
that the dashboard on blogger now has as well as a list on blogs you are following on the left, it also has the recent posts of everyone now so you see them when you are on the dashboard

On my mind:
I read up on social disorders, only to come across a phrase called Emotionally Intelligent Communication. So if you feel you are emotionally intelligent, then sometimes suspect you are socially inept in some way, perhaps not

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
nothing that I can remember

This meme is from Sandra's blog.

Country Music Pic

Sorry there is not the beautiful video that goes with this. I loved this song when I first saw it.

Sunday Stealing

OK, after a second look I think I can handle these questions.

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
thankfully nothing much

2. How much cash do you have on you?
None.

3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR?
Poor, very funny.

4. Favorite planet?
Earth of course.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
I don't check so I wouldn't know.

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
The one I am using.

7. What shirt are you wearing?
I prefer not to wear shirts. I have a red t-shirt on.

8. Do you label yourself?
No, I would have about three, and they are conflicting as far as labels go.

9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing?
Oasics

10. Bright or Dark Room?
I love orange and red paint.

11. Did you do anything to celebrate John Lennon's 70th yesterday?
No, but I did hear about it, which is good, I think...

12. What does your watch look like?
white, large with sparklies around the edge. Have I worn it much, no

13. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Probably annoying people

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
I don't know

15. Where is your nearest 7-11?
Have no idea? Melbourne?

16. What’s a word that you say a lot?
Something Australian I'm sure.

17. Who told you he/she loved you last?
My husband

18. Last furry thing you touched?
New guinea pig?

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days?
Panadol, maybe twice. Not something I usually need to do, take paracetamol

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed?
Maybe one

21. Favorite age you have been so far?
maybe 29, I think being 46 is pretty cool though

22. Your worst enemy?
whoever it is I'm glad I don't remember

23. What is your current desktop picture (extra points if you post it.)?
magnolias

24. What was the last thing you said to someone?
they asked me if I had any money and you know the answer to that one, really I could have but I doubt it

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
A million bucks

Back To Basics Challenge

From September 24

Sowing seed or Planting
we actually have some pac choy to plant out. We have never grown asian vegetables before. We caught a snail on them this morning, but no harm done

Planning for The Future

After ordering some books from the library from some authors I found at Belinda's blog, and receiving them half at a time basically, I found one in my bag that I had actually wanted to read maybe a couple of years ago. It is called Apples For Jam by Tessa Kiros. It was lovely to read and I hope we get to try out a few things like Pumpkin Pizza, Semolina Soup, and that Italian cake my Mum gave me half of last Christmas made into a colourful birthday cake, with a new cake of course. I especially like the recipes with a small amount of sausages mixed with other legumes and vegetables.

Tried out a black lentil recipe called Curried Beluga Lentils, so have an Australian adaption. My husband served it with roast pumpkin.

Our planning of having an extra bed that we bought at the op-shop seems to be working well. Our son has been home for mid semester break and he has been using it, and my little girl has been sleeping in her old bed as a bunk in her sister's room.

I have been executing plans made after a visit from a real estate agent last week. I think it is a good plan. One of the plants was to fill out a garden bed, we also put hollihocks in there, which should match it to the other bed as they are the same colour as the roses. I feel I have a new direction, when it settles in my mind, a more modern look for inside in particular. We have been working hard on our other house for three years, but when asked I am worried I didn't provide enough details. So many tiny fiddly things we have done. But thankfully the outside looks nice. It has a nice garden atmosphere at the moment. I am still very lucky my ils helped out with painting the fence.

Working for the Future

I was really impressed with the plants from Bunnings called Paintbox. They enabled me to figure out placement in the garden because of the paint like colours on the side of the tag. One matched the neighbours side, one matched our side fence. Well done Bunnings.

My husband saw some fill at the tip that was $18 for a trailer load to help fill a drain that we have to fill up to sell our other house. That is out of the trailer now, and we are part of the way to fill up the drain.

Building Community

I had two people randomly call me who usually don't so much, the day before that day we had during the week, I hope it wasn't related. In Australia we had a day where people had to basically buck people up.

I found even talking to the real estate agent gave me a new perspective. I asked how people live in their houses, and I suppose it all helps live in the present not so much the past.

Learn a new Skill

My children were asking me questions about plants while we were in Bunnings. I also taught my middle daughter how to fill in a deposit slip at the bank to deposit her cheque for coaching.



Some of the wood we have been bringing home for next winter.

This meme comes from Belinda's blog.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Friday...

Outside my window... tulips

I am thinking... about confidence

I am thankful for... my kids good health

I am wearing... t-shirt, jeans, shoes. Though we did relight the wood heater last night

I am remembering... how I was blessed by:

Bee Gees
Saw A New Morning

I am going... maybe to the other house, I have a new silver? buddleia, like the yellow ones, and a white salvia, those ones like velvet, like the purple one only white from Bunnings, and may tell my husband where I want it planted

I am reading... nothing still

I am hoping... the paint that Bunnings mixed for me, supposedly in the Taubmans bases I wanted are OK. They didn't have two of the bases. One had to be mixed in Dulux paint. It was a long way to drive for that

On my mind... music. Corb Lund. I just can't help it.

Noticing that... Bunnings plays bird sounds in the garden section, it was strange for me with a bird ringtone and coming from a place with lots of bird sounds

Pondering these words...
..."Anyway, when are you going to realize you're both bright and competent?"

"At the rate I'm going, about three years after I'm dead."...

From: Every Secret Thing by Ann Tatlock p54

On Ann Tatlock's site about another novel, it says: ..."Tatlock delivers an intelligent mix of domestic insight and Christian philosophy." I really enjoyed Every Secret Thing. Except a little too graphic on an accident one of the characters has

From the kitchen... beautiful sounding Portugese Chicken Burgers, I bought the paprika especially, luckily Coles had it, unlike the frozen broad beans, but I won't go into that

Around the house... my son bought a Dalek t-shirt from Target

One of my favourite things... my new flowers

From my picture journal... from the end of September



Please visit Peggy to learn more about daybooks.

Country Music Pic

Youtube yesterday told me I would like David Cassidy, they were so right. Had so much fun. Luckily I have a much better internet plan now. I had only 12MB with no plan, no I have 50 for $20 less because it is for 2 years or so. I had just been slowed down (no youtube) just after the school holidays, what a coincidence (not).

My brother at the moment has been at the Deni Ute Muster. At our house I have been talking about utes, they think I am going to buy one. I mentioned this to online friends. To explain I looked up Jayne Denham's Chick Ute Kind of Thing, and Youtube found me this video!



It is really interesting what I have said about utes on this blog before. Boy, have I changed my tune. I mean "hello". I had a Monaro, I have a trucker radio and an aerial and sports decals, who am I kidding really? Oh, don't forget the proper bullbar. Oops, and my car is red. And... I never would own a 4 cylinder sedan, and my husband's car has a good note to it. Yes, I chose it.

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather in my neck of the woods:
23°!

Things that make me happy:
Justin Bieber, seriously

Book I am reading:
Nothing atm. I do have a cookbook called Piri Piri Starfish from an author I read on Belinda's blog. It is a cookbook that reminds of my friend's Spanish Mum in the 60s

What I am enjoying on TV:
Selling Houses Australia

On the menu for dinner:
Sausages and Lentils with Polenta

On my To Do list:
to buy paint

New Recipe I tried or want to try soon:
Salmon & Bean Salad, it was nice and fresh

In the craft basket:
The same curtains that have to be split

Looking forward to this week:
I don't know, I am just happy it is not the school holidays anymore and my son is here for his mid semester break. I would like my car back, that would be more fun

Tips and tricks:
nothing I can remember

My favourite blog post this week:
The Lord Says Women of Zion are Haughty

Blog Hopping (a new discovered blog you would like to share with the readers):
no new blogs

No words needed:
my bromeliad at the other house, I really enjoy it



Lesson learned the past few days:
things can be better than you think

On my mind:
paint colours and plans for the next few months

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
I can't remember what it is

This meme is from Sandra's blog.

Early Childhood Education – Acquiring Sign Language

Very recently I have been very excited by two offers of guest posts on my blog. My very first. Today my first one came in the inbox, I hope you enjoy it. My personal experience with early childhood education and sign language was when my nineteen year old was experiencing a delay in his language as a very little boy. My girls have learnt sign language at different times at school and enjoy it. My own boy used to have lots of frustration, I remember clearly how he wanted a choice in what we call cordial in Australia and got upset.

A guest post by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Early Childhood Education – Acquiring Sign Language

One of the keys to surviving in a tilted economic system in which opportunities to achieve a decent standard of living will be limited is versatility – and the ability to communicate articulately in a variety of ways with the widest possible audience. This includes bilingual ability as well as the ability to communicate in non-verbal ways for the benefit of the disabled – primarily the deaf.

At the same time, a growing shortage of qualified interpreters fluent in American Sign Language has led to more career opportunities – and if current trends continue, it's likely that skilled ASL interpreters will have little problem securing lucrative employment in a society where such a commodity is destined to be in short supply.

Signing Before They Can Speak

A great deal of research has clearly demonstrated that the early years – ages 2 to five – are the best time to educate children in different modes of communication and language. This goes beyond the spoken word (though it is an optimal time for children to learn a second language); many young children have an aptitude for signing as well.

This is not as odd as you may think. As you know, many indigenous peoples around the world, including American Indian nations, have used sign language for centuries to facilitate communication with other tribes with whom they do not share a language. Some paleontologists and anthropologists theorize that Neanderthals – who apparently lacked the vocal mechanism to produce many spoken words – depended a great deal upon hand gestures to communicate.

In fact, recent research suggests that sign language is innate. An article published in the Boulder Daily Camera in 2003 presented strong evidence that babies as young as six months old communicate with their hands:

"...by 6 to 7 months, babies can remember a sign. At eight months, children can begin to imitate gestures and sign single words. By 24 months, children can sign compound words and full sentences. They say sign language reduces frustration in young children by giving them a means to express themselves before they know how to talk." (Glarion, 2003)

The author also cites study funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development demonstrating that young children who are taught sign language at an early age actually develop better verbal skills as they get older. The ability to sign has also helped parents in communicating with autistic children; one parent reports that "using sign language allowed her to communicate with her [autistic] son and minimized his frustration...[he now] has an advanced vocabulary and excels in math, spelling and music" (Glarion, 2003).

The Best Time To Start

Not only does early childhood education in signing give pre-verbal youngsters a way to communicate, it can also strengthen the parent-child bond – in addition to giving children a solid foundation for learning a skill that will serve them well in the future. The evidence suggests that the best time to start learning ASL is before a child can even walk – and the implications for facilitating the parent-child relationship are amazing.

Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas

Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the Zionsville child care facility, a member of the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose Schools (located in 16 states throughout the U.S.) and part of the network of Indiana child care preschools delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum.