Groundworks begin!

Work is beginning as we get set up for the arrival of the pygmy goats. This is split into two main projects, fencing and preparing the shed. The first phase for the fencing is to remove the picket fencing from around the garage as this is going to be the goats area. Our garage has a cutting around it which will make a natural climbing area for the goats as they are mountain animals. We will need to erect post and wire fencing so the picket fencing will be used to surround vegetable beds which will be in a later phase. The children are very motivated by this project so we have had great teamwork. 

The evenings are drawing in quickly now so we only manage to get out for about an hour after dinner before the light fades.

Pygmy Goats

The children have been asking for about the last year or so if we can get pygmy goats. Initially we defaulted to the automated response, 'no, they eat everything, are always escaping and besides we have more  than enough to do already'. However a few times over that period Justin and I have had the odd 'what if ' conversation and the idea has insidiously become more plausible over time. We love the way the children care for the dogs, chickens and gerbils and the sense of responsibility they have towards them. Anna, Beth and even Caitlin will go out whatever the weather to see to the chickens and leave whatever it is they are in the middle of if there is an issue with any of the animals. We love the work ethic it instills in them too. However much work the animals are, and there have been many times with a new puppy when we have wondered what we've taken on, the pay back is huge. Caring for animals has taught the children so much and the animals themselves give so much back, especially the dogs. Therefore we were in a more responsive frame of mind when the next request came. Anna had entered a photo of Amber into a photo calendar competition with James Wellbeloved in the uk. Amber's photo was one of the 12 chosen and as a prize we are to receive 12 months supply of dog food. The children then reasoned that they had 'created' a resource to set up pygmy goats, all that would be required on our part would be a donation of Justin's tool shed as their home ('we do have the garage for tools Daddy') and some fencing. Anna and Beth then did a power point presentation outlining all the benefits of pygmy goats and how well they would fit in with our family.

We therefore found ourselves last Wednesday visiting a farm in Carlow where they breed pygmy goats. After having had a couple of in-depth discussions with goat breeders we had agreed that we would look at taking on 1 female and 2 wethers ( neutered males), with each to be 'owned' by two children. The children paired up and decided that the goats would be called Harry, Ron and Hermione as Harry Potter is a popular theme in our house at the minute. Having spent a little whille with the goats, who were all very sweet, Hermione and Harry were picked out. Ron was more tricky though as both Caitlin and Eoin felt they had found him. When it was pointed out to Eoin that the goat Caitlin was holding looked more like a 'Ron' as he had ginger hair Eoin explained that the goat he was holding was more like Ron in character! After a little negotiation it was therefore decided that Caitlin would share Ron with Daddy and Eoin's would be Neville who he would share with me!  

This is Harry, to be shared between Beth and Tiarnan.

'Ron', 

Neville

Hermione

As the three boys are only 4 weeks old they will remain with their mothers for another 4 weeks and then we can bring them home. This gives us 4 weeks to set up home for them!

A Day at the Beach

Saturday was a lovely day as we often get here in Ireland in September.We were visiting my parents who live on the south coast and spent the afternoon on the beach. The children brought a couple of body boards that my brother had left at Mum and Dad's house. It's also the best place to run the dog's. 

Skye is a Flat Coat Retriever and so absolutely adores water. 

Amber exploring rock pool's with Anna and Tiarnan

Caitlin waiting for a wave, but they were very small Saturday.

Orla and Tiarnan  in a shallow rock pool

We decided today was going to be the day we started back to having some dedicated study time each day. We have no fixed schedule and our only timetable is Justin's work. That being said we like to have some structure to our working week, albeit fairly loose. After breakfast clear up and morning chores we gather in our learning room and here are a few of the things we got up to today.

We had a few new resources, particularly some aimed at the younger ones which also frees me up to get stuck into some things with the older girls. One of the trickiest things with six children is trying to meet all their needs, especially when they all want you at the same minute. I try as best I can to encourage them to be self directional , setting their own goals and being self starters whilst also trying to be available for them as much as I can. Some days it works, others we struggle a bit more!

Eoin and Orla liked the letter threading buttons.  Although I don't 'teach reading', preferring instead to encourage a love of books which will naturally lead to self-taught reading, we play lots of letter and word games which they enjoy.

Anna printing some pictures from our
summer to stick up on the wall.

Tiarnan is very good at
getting stuck in with things
and doesn't like to be
treated as the baby!

 The girls doing experiments trying to make erupting mixtures. I only had baking powder instead of pure bicarbonate of soda but they still got a half decent result.

Eoin and Orla enjoying a strategy game but
Tiarnan was getting tired by the end!

Beth writing up her experiment. 

All in all a good day. The children are very keen to try new things and have lots of ideas. As it was Friday, which is our 'movie night', we watched' We Bought a Zoo' this evening and as animal lovers was enjoyed by everyone!

Today we are sprucing up our learning space before beginning the new academic year. Over the summer we have no fixed structure at all and are completely free form. Come September though we like to have that 'new start' feeling to help set goals and get in the frame of mind for a little more structured learning. It's also an opportunity for me to have a clear out and organise our space in a way that works best for us. Last summer we completely revamped the room and the children did some painting on the walls but there was plenty of space left for them each to have room to add a new painting. 

Anna isn't so keen on painting
but did a couple  of small butterflies.

Tiarnan said his picture was lego city and Hogwarts.

Beth chooses cherry blossom.

Eoin spent a long time getting his
background just the right shade..

Caitlin balances on a ladder painting a flower fairy under her blossom branch.

Skye tries to join in the painting!

Orla beginning her creation.

Beth's  finished tree and her butterflies from last year around the clock.

Caitlin's finished work above the window.

Orla's wall, with a little help from Beth.

We now have a bright and jolly learning space in which to spend our time. We love encouraging the children to be creative and let their imaginations free. We also like to give them ownership in helping to create our home and the environment within it. We've also found that the children will respect better a space they have worked to help create, even the little ones who find writing on any surface irresistible sometimes!

Tiarnan ended up with a total of 3 baths in between painting
sessions as he got as much over himself as the wall.